New York Times: U.S. General Seeks ‘a Few Thousand’ More Troops in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON — The commander of the American-led international military force in Afghanistan told Congress on Thursday that he needed a few thousand additional troops to more effectively train and advise Afghan soldiers.
“I have a shortfall of a few thousand,” Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr. said in a sober assessment of the United States’ longest-running war, during testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
President Trump has said little about Afghanistan, speaking mainly instead of the need to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The American-led international force that is helping the Afghans has about 13,300 troops today, 8,400 of which are American.
Afghan forces have taking heavy casualties over the last year as they have sought to hold off the Taliban and prevent them from capturing Afghanistan’s provincial capitals.
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WNU Editor: I have lost count over the years on how many times I have heard U.S. Generals requesting more soldiers for the war in Afghanistan. If over 100,000 soldiers were not capable of defeating the Taliban a few years ago .... I doubt that a few extra thousand soldiers now will make a difference. And of course this General is blaming the Russians .... Russia looking to undermine NATO, U.S. in Afghanistan - U.S. general (Reuters). More here .... Gen. John Nicholson: Russian involvement in Afghanistan becoming ‘more difficult’ (Washington Times).
Update: This is going to change very soon .... Afghanistan War Getting Little Notice From Trump White House (RCD).
More News On The Top U.S. General In Afghanistan Wants A Few Extra Thousand U.S. Soldiers To Break The Stalemate In The War
Top U.S. commander in Afghanistan opens door to a ‘few thousand’ more troops deploying there -- Washington Post
US commander in Afghanistan requests several thousand new troops -- The Guardian
Thousands more troops are needed in Afghanistan, top commander tells Congress -- Military Times
NATO has shortfall of troops in Afghanistan: US general -- AFP
Top US commander says he's short 'a few thousand' troops in Afghanistan -- The Hill
U.S. commander tells Congress: More troops needed in Afghanistan -- Politico
Thousands More Troops Needed To Break Afghanistan 'Stalemate,' General Warns -- NPR
U.S. Commander Says Fight Against Taliban In Afghanistan Is A Stalemate -- RFE
Top US General: Afghanistan War Still a 'Stalemate' -- VOA
Top US general: 'Shortfall of a few thousand' troops in Afghanistan -- CNN
