President Obama maintains 8,400 troops in Afghanistan

(Baonghean.vn) - On July 6, US President Barack Obama gave a speech about the war in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need to maintain 8,400 troops until he leaves office. This speech received a lot of public attention in the context that his presidential term will end next January.

US President Barack Obama and General Joseph Dunford. Photo: EPA.

In a speech from the White House, President Obama said he would maintain 8,400 troops until the end of his term, instead of the original target of 5,500. The current number of US troops in Afghanistan is 9,800.

President Obama cited the reason for the troop increase as the security situation in Afghanistan remains unstable. He believes that maintaining higher troop levels than expected is in the national security interest, giving our Afghan partners the best chance for success.

The change in troop size reflects the Obama administration's constant recalibration, as it struggles to achieve its goal of maintaining stability in a terrorist "safe haven" while fulfilling its commitment to ending the war there before the end of his term.

According to the US leader, troops in Afghanistan will continue their mission of training and advising local troops, as well as participating in counter-terrorism efforts.

Mr Obama said he decided to keep more troops in the South Asian country after receiving an updated assessment from the commander of US forces in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson.

Previously, Republican lawmakers opposed any further troop withdrawal. During a visit to Afghanistan on July 5, US Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain said 5,500 troops were “not enough to protect Afghanistan from the Taliban.”

Mr. Obama's speech was also attended by US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford./.

Lan Ha

(According to USAtoday)