Pentagon downsizes its troops in Afghanistan, Iraq to 2,500

Acting US Defense Secretary Christopher Miller said that US troop levels in Afghanistan have now reached 2,500 soldiers.

Last November, Miller announced the Pentagon's plan to withdraw thousands of additional US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq by January 15, just days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

"The United States is closer than ever to ending nearly two decades of war and welcoming an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process to achieve a political settlement and a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire," Miller said.

In a separate statement, Miller confirmed that the number of US forces in Iraq has also decreased to 2,500.

There were nearly 4,500 US troops in Afghanistan and 3,000 in Iraq, when Miller announced in November the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.

"The governments of Baghdad and Washington agree that ISIS remains a threat, and that the presence of the United States and the coalition remains vital," Miller added.

Miller, in his statement, touched upon the current troop levels in Iraq, and said: "We can continue to provide this support to our Iraqi partners at the reduced US troop level."

The drawdown of US forces specifically in Afghanistan sparked opposition initially in both Congress and within the Pentagon, due to concerns that a further drawdown of forces there may be premature for the Taliban to follow through on their commitments to reduce violence in Afghanistan.

US officials say the Taliban have increased their attacks on Afghan government forces since the deal was signed with the United States last year.

T/S

ANHA