President Donald Trump’s strategy for Afghanistan is expected to allow sending around 4,000 additional U.S. troops to the country, local media reported, citing officials.
On Sunday, the White House released a statement saying that Trump will address the U.S. troops and American people on Monday “to provide an update on the path forward for America’s engagement in Afghanistan and South Asia.”
Following the White House’s statement, officials expect Trump to announce the strategy that would meet the requests of commanders in the field and authorize the deployment of around 4,000 more US troops in Afghanistan, the CBS broadcaster reported.
On July 14, U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis said the Pentagon was close to completing its policy review for a new strategy in Afghanistan.
On Aug. 3, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said the United States could turn the tide of the war in Afghanistan with just 3,000-4,000 additional troops and boosted air capacity.
On Aug. 19, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump was considering his options in Afghanistan after an extensive meeting with his national security team.
The U.S. and its allies launched a military operation in Afghanistan in 2001, just after the 9/11 terror attacks.
The mission in Afghanistan ended in 2014.
On Jan. 1, 2015, NATO announced its new mission in the country, called Resolute Support, to train and assist the Afghan security forces.(Sputnik/NAN)
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