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At the same time, he said, Afghan security forces have taken over their own basic training. All of this means fewer NATO military trainers are required.

“We’re still working the numbers,” Day said, “but quite frankly, probably more than 1,000 (less).”

Defence Minister Peter MacKay had already hinted in February that fewer Canadians could be in Afghanistan if Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other NATO country leaders decide in Chicago next month that fewer Afghan soldiers are needed — or can be financially supported — after 2014.

Day would not comment on the expected results of the Chicago meeting, nor could he promise that the transferring of training responsibilities to Afghan authorities will mean fewer Canadian soldiers in Kabul in the coming months.

“When I work out the numbers with my NATO hat on, and I’ll have that done within the next month,” he said, “that will involve me reaching out to all of the contributing nations.”

The ability of the Afghan army and police to stand on their own and provide security across the country is key as the U.S., Canada and their allies prepare to depart in 2014.

They received a major test this past weekend when insurgents launched a co-ordinated, 18-hour attack on a number of sites in Kabul, including its heavily protected diplomatic district.

By the time it was over, 36 insurgents had been killed as well as 11 members of the Afghan security forces and four civilians. Seventy-four people were wounded.