US begins to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan

"Under the deal between the U.S. and Taliban, U.S. Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A) has begun its conditions-based reduction of forces to 8,600 over 135 days," said Col. Sonny Leggett, USFOR-A spokesman, in a statement.
10.03.2020 13:55:20 / English News

The US has to cut its troop presence in Afghanistan from about 12,000 currently to 8,600 within 135 days of the deal, closing five of its roughly 20 bases across the country.

The United States also committed to closing five military bases within the same period, and expressed its intent to end economic sanctions on the Taliban by August 27, 2020.

The deal calls for the withdrawal of foreign troops in 14 months if the Taliban uphold the terms of the agreement.

The deal also requires the Afghan government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners by the start of the talks, in a prisoner exchange for 1,000 government soldiers held by the Taliban. (ILKHA)