Australia’s Prime Minister has announced it will shut its embassy in Afghanistan’s capital by the end of this week.

Australia’s embassy in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, is set to close as early as Friday.

This follows the ongoing withdrawal of international troops.

“The departure of the international forces and hence Australian forces from Afghanistan over the next few months brings with it an increasingly uncertain security environment where the Government has been advised that security arrangements could not be provided to support our ongoing diplomatic presence,” The Australian government said in a statement,

“It is Australia’s expectation that this measure will be temporary and that we will resume a permanent presence in Kabul once circumstances permit,

“This form of diplomatic representation is common practice around the world. It does not alter our commitment to Afghanistan or its people.”

Last month, US President Joe Biden said American troops would leave by 11 September, after 20 years of military involvement in Afghanistan.