US and NATO Forces Begin Withdrawal from Afghanistan... "Preparing for Taliban Attacks During Pullout"

2,500 US Troops and 7,000 NATO Forces Begin Withdrawal... "Not a Danger Zone"
US Army Patrols, Aircraft Carriers, Bombers Deployed... "Protecting Withdrawn Forces"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the withdrawal of U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allied forces has officially begun, the U.S. military is reportedly deploying additional patrol units, bombers, and aircraft carrier strike groups in preparation for potential attacks by the Afghan armed group Taliban on withdrawing U.S. forces. According to the announcement by U.S. President Joe Biden, the plan is to complete the full withdrawal by September 11, marking the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

On the 29th (local time), foreign media including CNN reported that the withdrawal of 2,500 U.S. troops and 7,000 NATO allied forces stationed in Afghanistan has officially started. The U.S. military first ordered non-military personnel such as contractors and government employees to leave, and is currently gathering U.S. troops deployed throughout Afghanistan. General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated in a press release that "the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces from Afghanistan has begun, and it is a complex and risky operation," emphasizing that "troops are prepared to respond to Taliban attacks during the withdrawal."

Earlier, the U.S. military dispatched Army patrol units to protect withdrawing forces. Additionally, an aircraft carrier strike group has been deployed to the North Arabian Sea, and B-52 bombers have been separately stationed in the Gulf region, effectively surrounding the Afghanistan area. This deployment is interpreted as a strong warning to the Taliban against launching attacks on U.S. forces.

NATO forces also announced that their withdrawal officially began on the same day. AFP news agency quoted a NATO official saying, "The 30 NATO member countries decided on the 14th of this month that NATO forces would begin troop withdrawal starting May 1," adding, "The plan is to complete the withdrawal of all U.S. and NATO personnel supporting the Afghanistan mission within a few months." The official further emphasized, "We will respond firmly to any Taliban attacks during the withdrawal period."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.