Veterans group ‘deeply concerned’ about missing former Canadian Forces officer in Afghanistan

A Canadian Armed Forces veteran, David Lavery, has gone missing in Afghanistan and is believed to have been detained by the Taliban government, according to a statement from the Veterans Transition Network. Known as ‘Canadian Dave’ to those he assisted, Lavery disappeared from the Kabul airport on Nov. 11, Remembrance Day.

Lavery had been actively involved in providing aid and assistance to eligible Afghan migrants even before the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. He frequently traveled to Afghanistan for humanitarian work and to pay respects at the Canadian monument in Kabul on Remembrance Day.

According to the Veterans Transition Network, Lavery always entered Afghanistan with proper documentation issued by the Afghan government, which was aware of his presence and his efforts in assisting migrants traveling to Canada over the past three years.

Having served in the Canadian Armed Forces since 1979 and rising through the ranks to join the counterterrorism unit Joint Task Force II, Lavery later worked for the United Nations. He currently operates a private security company called Raven Rae Consultancy.

In a recent interview with CBC Radio’s Now or Never, Lavery shared his experiences in Afghanistan, calling it his “home away from home.” He mentioned returning to Kabul in December 2021 to reclaim his house and business from the Taliban and rebuild his enterprise.

The Veterans Transition Network is in contact with Global Affairs Canada and trusts that the government is working towards ensuring Lavery’s safe return. Global Affairs Canada spokesperson, Brittany Fletcher, confirmed awareness of the incident involving a Canadian in Afghanistan and stated that consular assistance is being provided.

Lavery, along with his son Brant and wife Junping, was among the last Canadians helping Afghan families evacuate from Kabul after it fell to the Taliban in 2021. The situation remains delicate, and further speculation on Lavery’s whereabouts is deemed unhelpful at this time.

As the search for David Lavery continues, friends, family, and supporters remain hopeful for his safe return. The Veterans Transition Network urges the public to respect the privacy of the ongoing investigation and to stay updated on any developments through official channels.