Over 20,000 U.S. servicemen will leave Afghanistan by the end of summer, President Barack Obama said in an address to the nation from Afghanistan early on Wednesday.
“Last year, we removed 10,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Another 23,000 will leave by the end of the summer. After that, reductions will continue at a steady pace, with more of our troops coming home,” Obama said during a surprise visit to Afghanistan.
“And as our coalition agreed, by the end of 2014 the Afghans will be fully responsible for the security of their country,” he said in the address, dedicated to the first anniversary of a U.S. raid killing Osama bin Laden in neighboring Pakistan.
“International troops will continue to train, advise and assist the Afghans, and fight alongside them when needed. But we will shift into a support role as Afghans step forward,” Obama said.
