US to send 3,500 additional troops to Afghanistan
WASHINGTON - The United States will send about 3,500 additional US troops to Afghanistan, US officials said on Wednesday, a figure broadly in line with expectations as the United States boosts support for the Afghan military.
The disclosure by the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, comes as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine General Joseph Dunford hold closed door briefings with members of Congress about President Donald Trump's regional strategy.
The Pentagon said it would not comment on additional troop numbers until Mattis makes an announcement.
If confirmed, it would bring the total number of US troops in Afghanistan to about 14,500.
