(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION)
With a ceremonial lowering of the tricolore flag, the handover of a giant key to Afghan forces, French soldiers packed up artillery and ammunition on Tuesday (November 20) in preparation for the long trip home and the end of France's combat operations in Afghanistan.
At the Nijrab forward operating base, soldiers began the complex logistical task of packing up their equipment, weaponry and items of everyday life.
In their place, the departing French soldiers will leave forces from the Afghan National Army (ANA) and police who will be charged with maintaining security and the rule of law in the troubled Kapisa Province.
French forces first came to the province in July 2008 as part of NATO's International Security and Assistance Force.
