US Needs 8,400 US Soldiers in Afghanistan for Anti-Terror, Other Operations

The United States must maintain troop strength at 8,400 in order to continue counterterror and other operations in that country, according to the Pentagon.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States must maintain troop strength at 8,400 in order to continue counterterror and other operations in that country, the US Department of Defense said in its Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan report.

"The force presence of 8,400 military personnel will allow United States Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) to continue to conduct two well defined and complementary missions," the report stated on Friday.

The missions include striking remnants of al-Qaeda and its associates as well as other terrorist groups such as the Islamic State-affiliate in the region.

Moreover, missions also include training, advising and assisting the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces the NATO-led mission Resolute Support, the report noted.

The Afghan force will require more time and assistance to develop into an effective, sustainable and affordable force that can protect the Afghan people and contribute to regional and international security, the report added.