Have orders to cut troop levels: Gen. Miller

KABUL (Pajhwok): The commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan has confirmed receiving orders to cut the American military presence to 2,500 by mid-January.

In an interview, Gen. Scott Miller said cutting American troop levels in Afghanistan was in line with the US-Taliban peace agreement.

The draw-down would be conditions-based, the US Army general told reporters on Sunday. The remaining troops will continue to support Afghan forces.

“I have been ordered to reduce the US military presence to 2,500. We downsize our troops in accordance with the conditions,” Miller added.

“Important for the Afghan people to understand is that we have discussed this with the Afghan security forces,” he said.

The Resolute Support mission commander said he had spoken to the Taliban in Doha about the high levels of violence in Afghanistan.

The general warned the historic opportunity for peace in the county would be lost if violence continued unabated.

As many as 4,500 American troops are presently stationed in Afghanistan in the framework of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission.

mud

Visits: 146