From Christian Wenande, Copenhagen Post:  Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt (Socialdemokraterne) has revealed that the last Danish infantry soldier will leave Afghanistan by late summer this year, and not by the end of 2014 as was planned. . . .

The early withdrawal is being attributed to British troops being called home before time as well. Camp Price, where the Danish soldiers are stationed, is run by the British and will be closed down in August, prompting an early return for the Danish soldiers.

"Denmark is one of the countries that have carried the toughest load in Afghanistan, and Danish soldiers have been on the front line since 2002,” Thorning-Schmidt said today in her weekly press conference. “They have provided an invaluable service for our safety and they have been part of helping the Afghans take care of their own security.”

A number of Danish defence personnel will remain in the country in order to train the Afghan police force and to man special units and tanks. . . .

The original withdraw plan, revealed in January, stated that the last Danish unit wouldn’t be withdrawn until the end of 2014. According to that plan, the last Danish infantry soldier would be withdrawn by February 2014 at the latest, while the tank units would leave by the middle of the year and the last Danish battle unit would leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014. But the prime minister said that the Afghan security forces have prepared themselves quicker than expected to take over the reins from their Danish counterparts.

From AP:  Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said Tuesday that some 350 Danish soldiers will be pulled out, leaving 300 to train Afghan forces. Denmark’s force is mainly situated in the volatile Helmand province under British command.  (photo: Press TV/Iran)

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