November 15, 2020
2 mins read

New Pentagon chief to withdraw US troops

The acting Pentagon chief also said that the US remains committed to ending the war against Al Qaeda since 2001 and is “on the verge of defeating” the terrorist group….reports Asian Lite News

Newly appointed US Acting Secretary of Defence Christopher Miller told the military that all wars must end and it is time to come home, according to a memorandum issued by the Pentagon.

“All wars must end. Ending wars requires compromise and partnership. We met the challenge: we gave it our all. Now, it’s time to come home,” Xinhua news agency quoted Miller as saying on Saturday in his first message to all employees of the Department of Defence.

The acting Pentagon chief also said that the US remains committed to ending the war against Al Qaeda since 2001 and is “on the verge of defeating” the terrorist group.

“This fight has been long, our sacrifices have been enormous, and many are weary of war – I’m one for them,” he said.

“But this is the critical phase in which we transition our efforts from a leadership to supporting role.”

The war in Afghanistan, which has caused about 2,400 US military fatalities, is the longest one in American history.

Miller, a US special forces veteran who fought in this war, was appointed by President Donald Trump on November 9 as Acting secretary of Defence to replace former Pentagon chief Mark Esper.



The message indicated that he might accelerate the pace to pull US troops out of Afghanistan.

Currently, there are around 4,500 US troops in the country.

Trump has long sought a full withdrawal from Afghanistan, but some of his senior aides from the military and the Pentagon suggested a condition-based withdrawal, a more cautious approach.

Trump previously tweeted that he wanted troops returning home by Christmas.

His National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien later noted that Trump’s tweet was only an expression of desire, saying US troops in Afghanistan would be reduced to 2,500 level by early 2021.

The US and Taliban signed an agreement in late February, which called for a full withdrawal of the American military forces from Afghanistan by May 2021 if the militant group meets the conditions of the deal, including severing ties with terrorist groups.

But Commander of US Central Command Kenneth McKenzie said that the Taliban “had not shown conclusively that they’re going to break with Al Qaeda”.

Also read:Trump Almost Admits Defeat

Previous Story

OBIT: Soumitra Chattopadhyay

Next Story

India’s Merchandise Exports Decline Over 5% in October

Latest from -Top News

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause

White House: Israel OKs Gaza Truce

Hamas said Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through the mediators and was studying it…reports Asian Lite News The White House said that Israel has

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports

BNP ramps up poll demand

Chief Adviser Yunus had earlier promised elections in December 2025, but the timeline has since been pushed back first to February 2026 and then to June 2026, fuelling suspicion and dissatisfaction among

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay
Go toTop