Digital News Report – President Obama announced troop reduction plans in Afghanistan over the next year, during last night’s address to the nation. By the end of the year, there will be 10,000 less American troops, and by the end of the summer in 2012, there will be another 33,000 American troops removed from Afghanistan, which will leave approximately 65,000 Americans serving in Afghanistan.
President Obama said from the White House, that “The tide of war is receding.”
Obama said almost 4,500 US military have died in the Iraq war, and over 1,500 have died fighting in Afghanistan. He reminded Americans that thousands of military personnel have been wounded or have lost limbs during battle, while some remain traumatized from battles fought in the wars.
The American troop removal will begin in July of 2011. As the American troops leave, the Afghan security forces will take over more of the responsibility. President Obama said by 2014, the US troops will no longer be responsible for securing Afghanistan, and the Afghan people will provide their own security.
By: Mark Williams
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