Washington to withdraw 2,000 troops from Afghanistan, 500 from Iraq

SANAA, Nov. 18 (YPA) – The Pentagon said on Tuesday that 2,000 troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan and 500 from Iraq before the end of current President Donald Trump’s term International media reported.

The number of US troops in Afghanistan is down from 4,500 to 2,500, while in Iraq they are down from 3,000 to 2,500.

US officials said Monday that the new leadership team set up by US President Donald Trump at the Pentagon has yet to be released, indicating an imminent “complete” withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.

They added that this reinforces speculation among US and allies that Trump may be content with a partial troop reduction before he leaves office.

In private conversations, some US military officials have warned Trump not to withdraw all troops at this point, based on US counterterrorism priorities in Afghanistan, and have expressed a desire to keep US troop numbers there at about 4,500 at the moment.

Critics of Trump’s move argue that the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan undermines the fragile security situation and harms ongoing peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

E.M