By the summer of 2013, only 500 military advisors or medical staff will remain in country.

France is preparing to withdraw its soldiers from Afghanistan, a decision announced by Francois Hollande, the country’s president, last May.

France was the fifth largest contributor to ISAF forces. with 3,400 soldiers in the country. By the end of this year only 1,500 will remain and none will take part in combat missions.

According to the withdrawal timetable, by June 2013 France will only have 500 military advisors or medical staff left in the country.

Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Nijrab.