The Pentagon says US troop levels in Afghanistan are at around 14,000 but adds the number can fluctuate. Diplomatic sources believe the efficiency push, which has been raising eyebrows in Kabul, was already driving down US troop levels. Miller’s spokesperson, Army Colonel Dave Butler, declined to speculate on future troop levels. US officials have told Reuters the military is planning for what a withdrawal of about half of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan would look like. Beyond US troops in Afghanistan, the Pentagon relies on thousands of private contractors.

Source: The Express Tribune February 15, 2019 15:45 UTC