“We should have the small remaining number of our BRAVE Men and Women serving in Afghanistan home by Christmas!,” Trump said in a tweet.
In the summer of 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump gave the U.S. military decision-making authority to increase troop numbers for U.S. military operations in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan without first seeking formal agreement from the White House.
The U.S. signed an agreement with the Taliban on February 29 to withdraw troops in 14 months if the Taliban uphold the terms of the agreement.
As of February 2020, about 13,000 American troops were still in the country. The two sides agreed a gradual, conditions-based withdrawal over 14 months and the withdrawal agreement encompasses "all military forces of the United States, its allies, and Coalition partners, including all non-diplomatic civilian personnel, private security contractors, trainers, advisors, and supporting services personnel."
The United States and its NATO allies have agreed to withdraw all troops within 14 months if the Taliban uphold the deal.