WASHINGTON – The United States has reduced its troop presence in Afghanistan to 8,600, fulfilling its obligation as part of a February deal with the Taliban, the general who oversees American forces in that region said Thursday.Marine Gen.
Frank McKenzie gave no indication of when, or at what pace, U.S. forces would be further reduced. He noted that the February deal requires the U.S.
to fully withdraw its forces by next May, but he called that an “aspirational” commitment that would depend on certain actions by the Taliban.President Donald Trump has been eager for a full U.S.
withdrawal from Afghanistan, asserting that American forces are merely policing a civil conflict and should be brought home.