02/07/2021
02/07/2021
WASHINGTON, July 2: The US has handed over Bagram Air Base to Afghanistan's military, the Pentagon said on Friday, ahead of its complete withdrawal of troops from the country at the end of August. "This change in leadership structure and the turnover today of Bagram Air Base to the Afghanistan National Afghan National Defense and Security Forces are key milestones in our drawdown process reflecting a smaller US force presence in Afghanistan," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
Reports quoting US officials said that between 650-1,000 soldiers will remain in the capital, Kabul, once the pullout is complete, tasked with the protection of the US embassy and commercial airport there. "That presence will remain focused on four things," according to Kirby. "One, protecting our diplomatic presence in the country. Two, supporting security requirements at Hamid Karzai International Airport. Three, continued advice and assistant to Afghan National Defense and security forces as appropriate. And four, supporting our counter terrorism efforts," he said. "We will continue to provide security assistance, humanitarian assistance, and be partners to the government of Afghanistan in the months ahead," added White House spokesperson Jane Psaki. (KUNA)