By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2011 – Thanks to the tremendous progress U.S., coalition and Afghan troops have made, the United States will draw down the number of troops in Afghanistan by 10,000 this year and 33,000 by the end of summer 2012, President Barack Obama said.
“The tide of war is receding,” the president said during an address to the nation from the White House. “Fewer of our sons and daughters are serving in harm’s way.”
U.S. troops will continue to drawdown as Afghan security forces take the lead for protecting their own country. As this continues, the U.S. mission will switch from combat to support. “By 2014, this process of transition will be complete, and the Afghan people will be responsible for their own security,” Obama said.
The United States ended its combat role in Iraq last year and there are now about 45,000 U.S. troops in Iraq providing training and support to Iraqi security forces. The reduction of 33,000 troops by the end of summer 2012 will mean about 65,000 Americans in Afghanistan.
“America, it is time to focus on nation building here at home,” he said.
Watch the President’s speech here.
Read his full address here.
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