Trump Decides to Reduce Troops Stationed in Afghanistan Just Before Biden Administration Inauguration (Update)

Sequential Announcements from the Ministry of National Defense and the White House

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. government has decided to withdraw a significant number of U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq just before President Donald Trump's departure from office.

On the 17th (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense and the White House announced plans to reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq to approximately 2,500 each.

Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller and White House National Security Council (NSC) Advisor Robert O'Brien each announced this decision.

The current U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan is about 4,500, and in Iraq about 3,000. This means a reduction of 2,000 troops in Afghanistan and 500 in Iraq before Trump's departure.

Acting Secretary Miller stated regarding this, "Today’s decision marks an important step under President Trump's leadership to end the war."

Advisor O'Brien met with reporters at the White House and said, "We expect these troops to safely return home by May next year," adding, "President Trump will keep his promise to end the war."

He also said, "The troops who were stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq will be assigned to guard U.S. diplomatic missions in each country. Each country will carry out its respective mission."

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