US soldiers deployed in Afghanistan
Photo: BAZ RATNER / REUTERSThe US has informed allies about a further troop reduction in NATO's "Resolute Support" operation in Afghanistan. A representative of the US government announced that "the US will reduce its troops in Afghanistan to just under 5,000 soldiers by the end of November 2020," the Department of Defense and the Foreign Office informed the responsible officers in the Bundestag.
This had already been announced unofficially to the NATO allies in June 2020. The information was available to the German Press Agency. According to the Department of Defense, the US had already reduced its troop strength to 8,600 men by mid-June.
The troop reduction remains dependent on the "situation in the country", said the Pentagon. It will also take place after consultations with the US Congress and in "direct coordination" with the NATO partners.
Bundeswehr is sticking to "Resolute Support"
"The critical capabilities of the USA, so-called enablers, are still available," said the briefing. From the perspective of the federal government, the Bundeswehr could thus continue its engagement in the north of the country without any significant restrictions. It remains necessary to discuss all steps for the future of Resolute Support in a joint decision-making process in NATO.
"The federal government is sticking to the fact that any further troop reduction should depend on substantial progress in the peace process," said the ministries. "This also includes the Taliban reducing violence, opposing international terrorism and entering into peace talks with the Afghan government."
The radical Islamic Taliban had previously confirmed their readiness for peace talks after a prisoner exchange had been concluded. A Taliban spokesman said that once the Afghan government's release of prisoners was completed, the Taliban would be ready for intra-Afghan peace talks "within a week".
At the weekend, an Afghan tribal assembly decided on the controversial release of 400 Taliban fighters who were considered particularly dangerous. President Ashraf Ghani then signed a decree on Monday ordering these releases, the head of state's office announced.
Icon: The mirrormfh / dpa