“Time to come home,” acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller said.
President Trump and his Administration are expected to cut the number of American troops in Afghanistan nearly in half to 2,500 by January 15. The Pentagon also expects to cut the number of troops in Iraq to 2,500. Presently, there are between 4,500-5,000 troops in Afghanistan and more than 3,000 in Iraq.
The president had hoped to have all troops withdrawn by the end of the year, but he faced opposition from military and diplomatic advisers. The announced cuts represent a compromise.
President Trump’s acting Defense Secretary, Christopher Miller, said, “we remain committed to finishing the war that Al Qaeda brought to our shores in 2001.” He warned that “we must avoid our past strategic error of failing to see the fight through to the finish.”
Acting Secretary Miller continued, “This fight has been long, our sacrifices have been enormous, and many are weary of war—I’m one of them. Ending wars requires compromise and partnership. We met the challenge; we gave it our all. Now, it’s time to come home.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For President Trump, his military and diplomatic advisers, and leaders in the Defense Department as they begin the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.
- For the members of America’s military who will soon be returning home, and for their families who will welcome them.
- That the Taliban and Afghan government would have integrity and hold to the agreement they made that will allow the U.S.-led coalition to safely leave that nation.
Sources: Reuters, Newsmax
