DoD: Troop drawdown by Jan. 15

The Defense Department formally announced Nov. 17 its plan to withdraw thousands of forces from Afghanistan and Iraq, just under two months before President Donald Trump is to leave office Jan. 20. The forces are expected to leave by Jan. 15. Acting Defense Secretary Christopher C. Miller, who has been on the job for eight day, announced the plan in remarks at the Pentagon. The plans is to withdraw about half of the forces from Afghanistan and 500 troops from Iraq. It is the “next phase of the campaign to defeat terrorists,” which has lasted almost 20 years, and is “consistent with our established plans and strategic objectives,” Miller said. DoD officials would did not provide details on the specific timeline or which forces would leave by Jan. 15. (Source: AF Magazine 11/17/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/its-official-thousands-of-troops-returning-from-afghanistan-iraq/