Pentagon Plan Would Reduce Troops, Focus On Counterterrorism In Afghanistan

The U.S. Defense Dept. has proposed a plan that would see all foreign troops leave Afghanistan within five years as part of peace talks with the Taliban, reports the New York Times. 

The proposal would halve the 14,0000-strong U.S. force currently in Afghanistan in the coming months and refocus the remaining troops on counterterrorism operations, according to accounts from U.S. and European officials. 

The 8,600 international partner forces in Afghanistan would assume full responsibility for training Afghan forces. 

The plan has been met with broad acceptance by U.S. and NATO officials, although President Trump could upend the plan at any time, said U.S. officials. 

U.S. forces are likely to shift focus to counterterrorism missions regardless of the outcome of the talks, the officials said.

The Pentagon said that discussions are ongoing and no decisions have been made.