Pulling of troops and weapons from Afghanistan begins

The withdrawal is under way,”, White House Deputy Press Secretary Karin Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard the presidential plane. The retreat marks the beginning of the end of America's longest war.

The spokeswoman said the withdrawal would be carried out in a safe and responsible manner that provides the protection of the forces.

She said that if the withdrawal is attacked by potential opponents, “we will protect ourselves and our partners, with all the means we have available. ”

But Thursday, an official NATO confirmed to Voice of America that part of 7,000 multinational troops in Afghanistan have left.

“We plan to complete the withdrawal within months,” said the official.

The confirmation of the withdrawal comes just a day after President Biden defended his decision in the speech he delivered ahead of a joint session of Congress.

Mr. Biden said that the war in Afghanistan, which began after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, was never supposed to last this long.

“We went to Afghanistan to eliminate terrorists who attacked us,” President Biden said, adding that justice was imposed. “After 20 years of bravery and bold sacrifice, it is time to return troops home”, he said.

But the White House also confirmed Thursday that the number of American forces in Afghanistan will have a temporary increase soon, due to additional security measures.

The US has also sent four long-range B-52 action bombers to Qatar to provide air cover for the withdrawal, while the striker group USS Dwight D. Eisenhower will stay in the region until July to provide additional protection.

The commander of American forces in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller, told reporters in Kabul that the withdrawal elements had begun and that American troops were in the process of passing equipment and weapons to Afghan security forces.

But the departure of 2,500 to 3,500 US troops still hold in Afghanistan comes as Afghan officials report their forces are engaged in fierce fighting against the Taliban rebels across the country.

Senior American military officials have expressed concern over the escalating violence and the ability of Afghan forces to withstand increased pressure.

“will be a difficult time for the Afghan Army,” General Kenneth “Frank” said on Thursday McKenzie for Alhurra Television. / VOA