U.S. Sen. Angus King of Maine has joined growing number of critics of President Donald Trump’s order to reduce U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.
King says the reduction in troops supporting the war on terrorism overseas to just 2,500 in Afghanistan and 2,500 in Iraq should only occur when conditions warrant such a move. He says military and intelligence leaders have made clear that continued violence by the Taliban should discourage a drawdown of troops.
“The results could be catastrophic for the people of Afghanistan and the people of this country if we create a safe haven for terrorists,” he says.
King says the drawdown could become a fiscal issue as Congress takes up the Defense Department budget after the current funding runs out Dec. 11. The House budget has language limiting troop reductions and King says the Senate may consider similar language.
