1,000 more US troops arrive in Afghan: Pentagon

Washington, Nov. 17: Approximately 3,000 additional American troops have now deployed to Afghanistan under President Donald Trump’s revised strategy for the war- torn country, the Pentagon said Thursday.

The Pentagon had previously put the number of US forces in Afghanistan at about 11,000 but Mr Trump in August authorised an increase requested by the commander on the ground, General John Nicholson.

“We’ve just completed a force flow into Afghanistan,” Joint Staff Director Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie Pentagon reporters.

“The new number for Afghanistan is now approximately 14,000. Might be a little above that, might be a little below that as we flex according to the mission.”

The extra troops will help train and advise Afghan security forces, who are struggling to beat back a resurgent Taliban.

New number for Afghanistan is now approximately 14,000. Might be a little above that, might be a little below that as we flex as per mission — Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie

Gen. Nicholson has said he needs nearly 16,000 troops overall in Afghanistan, and Nato nations have pledged to help make up the difference.

Aside from additional troops, Mr Trump’s plan also comprises an openended US troop presence in Afghanistan, where his predecessor Barack Obama had ordered a calendarbased draw- down of American forces.