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KABUL: The United States (US) military has started withdrawing its soldiers as part of the recent peace deal with the Taliban made on 29 February.
A spokesman for the US forces in Afghanistan, Colonel Sonny Leggett, said in a statement that US leadership is faithful to lessen its forces from over 12,000 to 8,600 within 135 days under the peace deal.
The spokesperson further said that regardless of this drawdown, the US military will continue to achieve its goals, including counterterrorism operations against Al-Qaeda and Daesh militants in Afghanistan.
Earlier, The United States and Taliban had signed a landmark peace agreement in Doha bringing an end to the nearly two decades old war in Afghanistan.
US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and representative of Taliban Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar signed the agreement.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Qatari Emir, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his counterparts from seven countries and representatives from fifty countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Leader of Taliban delegation Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar expressed full commitment to the agreement by his side. He said as a political force we want to maintain positive relations with all neighbors, regional countries and the international community who played a key role in this agreement.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said they want unity and prosperity of their country and called upon all factions to make this deal working. He thanked Pakistan for its assistance and support in making the deal successful.
He also appreciated the role of China, Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Norway, Indonesia and other countries in supporting the peace process.