Canadas airlift mission from Kabul ends leavingthose in Afghanistan behind

Canada's effort to airlift those fleeing Taliban rule out of Afghanistan has come to an end, says the acting chief of the defence staff.

A notice sent out this morning from the Immigration Department says that evacuation operations are done and "at this time, no further evacuation flights are being planned."

"The government of Canada recognizes that there are a number of people in Afghanistan including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, their families, and applicants under programs for Afghans," said the notice sent to all on the government's list, a copy of which was obtained by CBC News.

"Until such a time that the security situation stabilizes, be mindful of the security environment and where possible, take the necessary steps to ensure your security and that of your family."

Gen. Wayne Eyre said most of the Canadian personnel still in the country left Hamid Karzai International Airport eight hours ago, although a small contingent has stayed behind to support allies.

He said in total Canada has helped evacuate more than 3,700 people from Kabul.

It's unclear how many Canadians and those who applied to come to Canada remain stranded. Officials briefing reporters Thursday morning said they received applications representing 8,000 people and that two-thirds of those applications have been processed.

But they said they don't have a tally of how many didn't make it out. They said not all of the people who have applied are necessarily still in Afghanistan and might have fled to neighbouring countries.

"Their pleas and the photos of the families in terrible situations that accompany many of them are heart wrenching," said Eyre.

"They tear at our souls."

U.S. withdrawing Tuesday

The evacuation comes as the U.S plans to withdraw from the country on Tuesday.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said Wednesday that Canada needed to get its crews and equipment out of the country before then.

"As the Americans draw down to meet their deadline, partner nations, including Canada, must draw down our troops, assets and aircraft ahead of the Americans," he said. "These moves are necessary for the U.S. to safely maintain control of the airport until they depart."

WATCH | Top general says Canadian air force flights from Kabul have ended

'There is virtually no way to get into the [Kabul] airport': Retired journalist on Afghan evacuations15 hours agoRetired journalist Kevin Newman, who is actively involved in the humanitarian effort to get eligible Afghans out of Afghanistan, told Power & Politics Wednesday that he doesn't have much hope that Canada will be able to move a significant number of Afghans out of the country in the next 24-28 hours. 7:15

Tens of thousands of Afghans fearing persecution under the Taliban, which swept to power in recent days, have rushed to Kabul's airport hoping to escape the country.

Advocacy groups, families and those on the ground have reported problems reaching officials and have criticized the government for not acting sooner.

The department advises those with an application in progress to contact them by email or call 1-613-321-4243.

The White House said Thursday that since Aug. 14, it has evacuated and helped in the evacuation of about 95,700 people. Britain said on Wednesday it has evacuated more than 11,000 people from Afghanistan.

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