The last six Dutch soldiers serving with the police training mission in Kunduz in northern Afghanistan have returned to the Netherlands, the defence ministry has confirmed.

The six were involved in running the German military camp outside Kunduz city which was handed over to the Afghans at the beginning of this month.

The mission began in June 2011 and ended this July, a year earlier than planned after Germany pulled out early. Germany had provided protection to the Dutch police trainers.

Speed

The training of local police officers also proceeded more quickly than anticipated, news agency ANP quoted the ministry as saying.

The Netherlands agreed to send trainers to Afghanistan on condition they worked in the northern province to ensure they only undertook civilian tasks.

The police training programme started in 2011, following the withdrawal of the Dutch military mission. Dutch officials remain active elsewhere in the country, according to the defence ministry website.