KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — French troops have handed over one of their bases near Kabul to the Afghan army as part of the pullout of 2,000 French combat soldiers by year's end.

President Francois Hollande announced the pullout in May. At the time, he said he would leave around 1,400 French soldiers behind to help with training Afghan army and logistics.

Tuesday's handover of the forward operating base in the restive Surobi district — about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from central Kabul — was marked by a ceremony. The French flag was lowered and the Afghan one hoisted in its place.

French military officials in Afghanistan say 200 French troops left in March and another 450, including some from the Surobi base, will be home by the end of August.