KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — The Canadian Forces will review several contracts it has with private security companies in Kandahar following an order from President Hamid Karzai that the firms cease operations in Afghanistan.

Canada has nine contracts worth $9 million this fiscal year with four companies to provide security at its forward operating bases.

Forces spokesman Capt. Yves Desbiens says the private companies provide security and invaluable local knowledge to Canadians in Kandahar, and allow Canadian soldiers to focus their efforts on operations.

The Afghan president has ordered tens of thousands of security contractors currently working in Afghanistan to either join the Afghan police force or cease operations within four months.

Karzai says the private firms poach the best Afghan army and police personnel, and their activities too often go unchecked.

Desbiens says it's too soon to speculate on what impact Karzai's decree will have on Canadian military operations.