In a step that could unfold major implications on the situation in Afghanistan, President Donald Trump announced on Twitter that the US will maintain only a small number of troops in Afghanistan by Christmas this year. 

Soon after the statement, US National Security Advisor Robert O Brien said that they will have only 2500 personnel in Afghanistan by the end of this year. Soon after the Doha accord, the US reduced its troop levels from 14000 to 8400 troops in the landlocked country. 

Officials earlier also maintained that they would have around 4000-5000 personnel in Afghanistan by November. The tweet from President Trump, is nothing short of a shock to the already struggling Afghan government which has been under pressure from the Taliban’s assault. 

Earlier in June, US Marine Gen McKenzie said that the US shouldn’t fully withdraw from Afghanistan until Al Qaeda remains in the country. 

Source- https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-166885