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US soldiers take a selfie with US President Trump in Iraq
Photo: SAUL LOEB / AFP
It is the lowest number since the conflict began in 2001: the US has reduced the number of its soldiers stationed in Afghanistan to 2,500.
With the troop reduction, the end of a war that has been going on for almost two decades for the USA is "closer than ever before," said the Pentagon.
In mid-November, the Pentagon announced that it would withdraw around 2,000 soldiers from Afghanistan and 500 soldiers from Iraq in the final weeks of President Donald Trump's office.
The troop strength in Afghanistan should be reduced from around 4,500 soldiers to 2,500.
The number of soldiers stationed in Iraq was also reduced to 2,500.
Peace process should enable a ceasefire
In view of the unstable situation in the civil war country, this aroused international concern about the resurgence of the radical Islamic Taliban, including among the US NATO partners.
The US Department of Defense said on Friday that a peace process led by the Afghans should enable a political solution to the conflict and a "permanent and comprehensive ceasefire".
The number of 2500 US soldiers is sufficient to ensure the security of "America, our citizens and our interests."
Together with its NATO allies, the USA would also continue to conduct anti-terrorism operations and train the Afghan security forces.
Germany relies on US support
Even after the US troop levels have been reduced in Afghanistan, the Federal Ministry of Defense continues to expect support for the Bundeswehr mission in the crisis state.
"The USA has repeatedly confirmed that the support of its partners within the framework of the Resolute Support mission will continue to be assured in an adapted manner," said a spokesman for the Department of Defense.
The Federal Armed Forces are being supported by the US Army on site "with air transport, reconnaissance and medical means," the spokesman said.
The consequences for the Afghanistan mission will be decided together with the NATO partners.
"We assume that NATO will discuss future adjustments together," said the spokesman.
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