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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| US to keep most troops in Afghanistan, Obama says | US to keep most troops in Afghanistan, Obama says |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The number of US troops in Afghanistan is to be reduced to 8,400 from 9,800 by the end of 2016, President Barack Obama has announced. | The number of US troops in Afghanistan is to be reduced to 8,400 from 9,800 by the end of 2016, President Barack Obama has announced. |
| Under initial plans, all but 5,500 US troops were to be withdrawn from Afghanistan over the coming months. | Under initial plans, all but 5,500 US troops were to be withdrawn from Afghanistan over the coming months. |
| The US ended major combat operations in the country at the end of 2014. | The US ended major combat operations in the country at the end of 2014. |
| The mission of the remaining US troops is to train Afghan forces and support operations against al-Qaeda and other militant groups. | The mission of the remaining US troops is to train Afghan forces and support operations against al-Qaeda and other militant groups. |
| Mr Obama told reporters that the security situation in Afghanistan remained "precarious", with the Taliban still mounting suicide attacks in the capital Kabul and other cities. | |
| "Instead of going down to 5,500 troops by the end of this year, the United States will maintain approximately 8,400 troops in Afghanistan into next year through the end of my administration," Obama said. | |
| "It is in our national security interest, especially after all the blood and treasure we've invested over the years, that we give our partners in Afghan the best chance to succeed," he added. | |
| The US launched an operation in Afghanistan - then ruled by the Taliban - after the 9/11 attacks on the United States in 2001. | |
| More than 2,300 US soldiers have been killed in Afghan operations. | |
| Mr Obama reiterated his support for political settlement between the Afghan government and the Taliban. |