NBC Network has announced that President Trump is set to announce the withdrawal of more than 4,000 troops from the state early next week • Objective: Negotiate talks with Taliban

• President Trump on his visit to Afghanistan at Thanksgiving // Photo: IP

Reports in the United States: Trump will announce the removal of more than 4,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan as early as next week, three government officials and former representatives told NBC Network (Sunday). The retreat will leave Afghanistan with 8,000 to 9,000 soldiers.

Afghanistan currently has between 12,000 and 13,000 American troops. The officials did not specify when the retreat would begin, but they said it would take several months. Probably some of the soldiers will be repositioned elsewhere, and some will not be replaced when they return to the United States at the end of the round.

A spokesman for the US forces in Afghanistan said they had not been instructed to reduce the amount of soldiers on the ground. "We continue to be fully committed to our mission here and to our Afghan partners, and will continue our mission: to ensure that Afghanistan is never a safe haven for terrorists who threaten the United States, its allies, and American interests."

President Trump recently pushed for a withdrawal from Afghanistan, including his visit to the country on Thanksgiving. Defense Secretary Mark Asper said last week: "We feel we can reduce the number of troops without jeopardizing our ability to ensure Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorism."

Withdrawal will be phased, Trump in Afghanistan // Photo: Reuters

A defense ministry official said it was "part of the attempt to resume talks with the Taliban. This leaves us with the minimum required for protection, and leaves room for negotiations."

President Trump mentioned the issue already in his 2016 election campaign, saying he would try to reduce wars like this one in Afghanistan, and reduce the number of U.S. troops deployed overseas. Trump made it clear to his advisers earlier this year that he wants to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan before the November election next year.