1:26
- ABC News
- May 27, 2020
'It is time' for troops to exit Afghanistan: Trump
The U.S.-Taliban deal says a withdrawal below 8,600 troops is conditions-based.
1:26
His public statements on Afghanistan followed a New York Times report that senior military officials were preparing to brief Trump this week about options for pulling troops out of Afghanistan, including an option for a full withdrawal before the U.S. presidential election in November -- though the officials would not advocate for that option, the Times said.
Asked about a November target date for a withdrawal, Trump said on Tuesday, \"No, I have no target but as soon as reasonable.\"
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/Politics/white-house-rose-garden-01-ap-jc-200526_hpMain_4x3t_384.jpg\")
The aftermath of the U.S.-Taliban agreement got off to a rocky start with an escalation in violence by the Taliban against Afghan forces, domestic political squabbles, and an inability to agree on a prisoner exchanges. However, there has been positive momentum in the last couple weeks as the the Taliban and Afghan government work toward face-to-face peace talks of their own.
Over the weekend, the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire during the Eid holiday, and the Afghan government agreed to release 2,000 Taliban fighters it held in custody. Earlier this month, Afghan government leadership also committed to a power-sharing agreement.
Hoffman called these steps \"promising\" but refused to say whether current conditions on the ground would warrant a further draw down in U.S. troops. Meanwhile, senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, continue to call for a reduction in violence.
Eight American service members have died and 11 have been wounded serving in Afghanistan this year, according to Defense Department data.
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