US pullout reports spurned as media speculation

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): The Afghan embassy in Washington says it has not yet received a formal statement from the Trump administration regarding a troop pullout from the war-hit country.

Asked about President Trump’s reported order for a troop withdrawal from, a senior embassy official said: “We still don’t have any official statement -- from the White House or any other source.”

“We have repeatedly been assured by the US administration and international allies, including Gen. Scott Miller, of continued support to Afghan forces even if they get a drawdown order.

“We are extremely grateful for this support. We also assure our allies that a 350,000-strong Afghan defense and security force will continue to be at the forefront of the global war on terror.”

On January 3, President Ashraf Ghani’s said a possible US troop drawdown from Afghanistan would not have any impact because Afghan forces had been in charge of the country’s security over the past four years. The Presidential Palace also lauded the bravery and commitment of the Afghan forces.

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