U.S. to cut Afghanistan, Iraq troop levels
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The U.S. will reduce troop numbers in Iraq and Afghanistan to their lowest levels in nearly 20 years of war, in a move reflecting President Donald Trump’s pledge to end the country’s long conflicts abroad
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U.S. TROOP REDUCTIONS 

Planned Possible
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Syria: Roughly 500 troops based in northwest to assist in fight against so-called Islamic State (IS)

Afghanistan: U.S. to pull out 2,000 troops – leaving 2,500 to support NATO-led non- combat mission. 30-nation alliance relies heavily on U.S. for transport and protection

Iraq: More than 500 troops to withdraw by mid-January, leaving force of 2,500 to combat IS

Somalia: About 700 troops focused on helping local forces defeat al-Shabab insurgency

CHINA
IRAN
SAUDI ARABIA
INDIAN OCEAN

500km 300 miles
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U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL OVERSEAS, 2008-2020

Estimates as of Sep 30 each year (in 000s)*

Trump enters White House

400  300 200 100 0 

2008 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2020

370 352 339 336 272 251 232 213 198 215 172 174 168
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*Figures show active-duty personnel. They exclude U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, reserve and civilian personnel, as well as troops in U.S. and its territories
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Sources: AFP, AP, DMDC, Reuters Picture: Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS