(MENAFN- Khaama Press)
In this June 6, 2019, CNN file photo, US soldiers look out over a hillside at the Afghan National Army checkpoint in Nerkh district of Wardak province, Afghanistan.
American Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq will be reduced to 2,500 in each of the countries in mid-January of 2021, the U.S acting secretary of defense announced on Tuesday.
By January 15 in both countries, the size of the troops will be reduced to 2,500, according to Miller.
"with the blessings of providence in the coming year, we will finish this generational war and bring our men and women home," Miller said.
In a phone call with President Ashraf Ghani, The American acting Defense Secretary talked about the Afghan peace process and discussed the decision in regards to troops reduction.
According to Presidential Palace, 'Both sides talked about the peace process, strengthening mutual relations, and continued meaningful U.S. military support to the Afghan Security and Defense Forces'.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley is also said to have been available during the telephonic meeting.
This comes as the Afghan Defense ministry iterated yesterday, that he does not believe in a full withdrawal by the American forces, adding that the Afghan government is prepared to defend the country at all costs.
On the other hand, General Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, said 'the price for leaving too soon or in an uncoordinated way could be very high' and warned a hasty withdrawal could be very risky.
Nato secretary-general also indicated that NATO is committed to support train and mentor Afghan security forces until 2024.
Some countries including Russia have demanded a responsible withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell - usually a staunch defender of Trump - called the plan "a mistake", BBC reports.
He warned "any earthshaking changes in regards to defense and foreign policy" before leaving the White House.
The hill reports, according to a Pentagon Watchdog, Taliban have conducted a small number of attacks on coalition forces inside Afghanistan.
This comes as Doha talks are stalled based on ground rules in Qatar.
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