Trump Orders Troop Drawdown in Iraq, Afghanistan by Jan. 15
- U.S. forces would fall to 2,500 in each nation, Miller says
- Trump’s deadline falls five days before Biden’s inauguration
Photographer: John Moore/Getty Images
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Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to accelerate a drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq to 2,500 in each nation, as the president works to deliver on his longtime pledge to exit from “endless wars” before he leaves office in January.
Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller announced the decision Tuesday at the Pentagon. The order would reduce troops from about 4,500 in Afghanistan and from about 3,000 in Iraq less than a week before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.