White House has asked the Pentagon to draw up plans for Afghan troop withdrawal - NBCNews.com

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Dec. 20, 2018 / 10:40 PM GMT

By Courtney Kube, Carol E. Lee and Josh Lederman

The White House has ordered the Pentagon to draw up plans for a troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, two defense officials and a person briefed on the matter told NBC News.

The plans are due shortly after the new year, according to the officials. They cautioned that no decision has been made, but President Trump wants to see options.

The White House has asked the Pentagon to look into multiple options, including one for a complete withdrawal, the officials said

An Afghan official told NBC News that Trump is considering a substantial drawdown of U.S. troops in the country.

The officials described the plans a day after the Trump administration said it was pulling all U.S. troops out of Syria.

The U.S. has approximately 14,000 troops in Afghanistan. Trump has repeatedly expressed his impatience with the 17-year-old war.

NBC News reported in July that Trump's stance prompted U.S. diplomats and commanders to gamble on a bid to kick-start peace negotiations, including holding direct talks with the Taliban.

Courtney Kube

Courtney Kube is a national security and military reporter for NBC News, covering the Pentagon, U.S. military operations all over the world, and intelligence and national security issues.

Carol E. Lee

Carol E. Lee is a national political reporter for NBC News.

Josh Lederman

Josh Lederman is a national political reporter for NBC News.

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