Canadian Brig. Gen. Guy Laroche, commander of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan, is being redeployed out of Afghanistan after a 10-month tour leading operations against militants in the south of the country. Laroche, who is being succeeded by Brig. Gen. Denis Thompson, says security in Kandahar is a far cry from the once Taliban-controlled region, Canadian National Defense reported.

"The security situation in Kandahar is improving," Laroche said in a statement. "Together with our Afghan partners, we have significantly expanded the Afghan Development Zone. Afghans are returning to areas that have been abandoned years ago and are making a new life for themselves and their families."

During the change-in-command ceremony, Thompson said the Canadian Task Force will continue to build on the progress that Laroche and his troops have made with security and local governance in the fight against militants in the region.

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