This is how Afghanistan would change without US troops 4:12
(CNN) -
General Austin Scott Miller, commander of US forces in Afghanistan and NATO's Resolute Support Mission, confirmed Sunday that the United States has begun withdrawing its troops from the Asian country in local areas.
All our forces are preparing to retreat.
Officially, the notification date will be May 1, but, at the same time that we are starting to take local action, we have already started to do so, ”Miller told reporters when asked at a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, whether the US withdrawal from the bases had already begun.
This is how Afghanistan would change without US troops 4:12
CNN previously reported that the United States' military withdrawal from Afghanistan was underway, as they packed and unloaded equipment, according to three defense officials.
Afghanistan: America's longest war
President Joe Biden announced his decision to end America's longest war earlier this month, arguing that the decades-long conflict no longer fit American priorities.
The deadline that Biden has set for the withdrawal of troops is fixed, with no possibility of extension due to deteriorating conditions on the ground.
Several Republicans seek to keep troops in Afghanistan 0:53
Miller also said that US bases in Afghanistan will be handed over "mainly" to the Defense Ministry and other Afghan forces, as well as some equipment.
"There is certain equipment that we must bring to our countries, that is a requirement," he said.
"But as far as possible, if we don't have to, we seek to ensure that the Afghan security forces have the bases, the equipment, the parts that are necessary for the operation of the army."
advertising
The US will begin to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan from May 22:23
There are concerns that the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan could lead to the collapse of the Kabul government and the return to power of the Taliban.
General Frank McKenzie, commander of the US Central Command, which includes the Middle East and Afghanistan, said Thursday that military strategists are studying how to continue operations in the country after the withdrawal and, in the short term, contribute "Additional resources" to support a safe withdrawal of troops.
When asked if there was concern about Taliban violence, Miller stated: "If the Taliban attack, the US or any coalition force, we will have a strong response."
He also said the US will continue to monitor terrorism and act when "appropriate."
Miller mentioned that he has spoken to the Taliban Political Commission and told them that "a return to violence, an effort to force a military decision, would be a tragedy for Afghanistan and the Afghan people."
CNN's Barbara Starr contributed to this report.
