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The Pentagon has revealed its plan to reduce the number of its forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Acting US Defense Secretary Christopher Miller announced that President Donald Trump will reduce the number of US forces in Afghanistan from 4,500 to 2,500 before leaving office, to reverse the full withdrawal he threatened to implement by Christmas. .
“We will implement the orders of President Donald Trump to withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan,” Miller said during a press conference Tuesday from the Pentagon, also announcing the reduction of the number of soldiers in Iraq from 3,000 to 2,500.
He also explained: “By January 15, 2021, the size of our forces in Afghanistan will be 2,500 soldiers, and the size of our forces in Iraq will also be 2,500 by the same date,” adding: “This is online. with our strategic plans and objectives, which are supported by the American people, and does not mean a change in state policy. ” United or their goals ”.
For his part, White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien confirmed that Trump expects all US forces to return from Afghanistan and Iraq in May.
“By May, President Trump hopes everyone is safe at home,” O’Brien said in a statement to reporters Tuesday.
Republican Majority Leader Warns
On the other hand, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned Tuesday that the United States would make any quick changes in defense or foreign policy, including its policy toward Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It is very important here in the next two months not to make any major changes in terms of defense or policy,” McConnell told reporters, adding that “the big reduction (in the number of American forces) in Afghanistan or Iraq would be a error”.
End the “endless wars”
Notably, Trump, who had repeatedly vowed to end the “never-ending wars,” had previously confirmed his intention to reduce the number of US forces in Afghanistan to 2,500 troops by early 2021, and even spoke on one occasion of his desire to that all the soldiers returned from this country before Eid. Birth on December 25.
Notably, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper, prior to his dismissal last week, had underscored the need for at least 4,500 US troops to remain in Afghanistan until the Taliban on the ground demonstrate that they have slowed down. the violence.
The peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government are taking place under a historic agreement signed by Washington with the rebel movement, which provides for the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in mid-2021.
