(VOVworld) – NATO’s 13-year combat mission in Afghanistan ended with a ceremony in Kabul on Sunday.

US General John Campbell rolls the flag of the Nato-led Isaf force during a ceremony marking the end of the combat mission in Afghanistan. (Photo: Shah Marai/AFP/Getty Images)

Mission commander General John Campbell hailed his troops' achievements in the fight against the Taliban, saying NATO has made Afghanistan stronger and NATO countries safer. He expressed his belief in future victory although the road ahead remains challenging.

12,500 soldiers of the US-led International Security Assistance Force will stay in Afghanistan but will not be directly involved in fighting, but will instead focus on training, advising, and assisting the Afghan troop.