Canadian military aircraft with more than 500 evacuees aboard flew out of Kabul

A Canadian military aircraft with more than 500 evacuees aboard flew out of Kabul on Wednesday.

It was one of a stream of military planes that took off as evacuees lined up on the tarmac.

Others desperate to get on a flight remain outside, some standing knee-deep in sewage and waving identity documents at Western soldiers in hopes of being allowed to go beyond the barbed wire fencing.

Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino says Canada is keeping boots on the ground and planes in the air for as long as possible.

But he says there are significant challenges since the Taliban controls checkpoints leading into the airport.

He stresses that Canada will continue to support Afghans wishing to resettle in this country even after the August 31st deadline passes for the withdrawal of coalition forces.