Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, in his first appearance in the Pentagon press briefing room, today announced plans to draw down U.S. troops to 2,500 each in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I am formally announcing that we will implement President Trump’s orders to continue our repositioning of forces from those two countries,” he said. “This is consistent with our established plans and strategic objectives; supported by the American people; and does not equate to a change in U.S. policy or objectives.”
“Moreover, this decision by the President is based on continuous engagement with his national security Cabinet over the past several months, including ongoing discussions with me and my colleagues across the United States government,” Miller continued. “I have also spoken with our military commanders and we will execute this repositioning in a way that protects our fighting men and women, our partners in the Intelligence Community and diplomatic corps, and our superb allies that are critical to rebuilding Afghan and Iraqi security capabilities and civil society for a lasting peace in troubled lands.”
