After 20 years (two decades) of war in Afghanistan, a peace deal has been signed.
The terms of the deal has the US committing to withdraw all military forces and support staff, and it's NATO allies, within about 14 months. US will withdraw troops to 8,600 in the first 135 days out of five bases.
The remaining forces, according to the agreement, will leave "within the remaining nine and a half months."
The Afghan government agrees to release up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for 1,000 Afghan security forces currently held by the Taliban.
"We owe a debt of gratitude to America's sons and daughters who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, and to the many thousands who served over the past nearly 19 years," Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said which comes after seven days after the "Reduction in Violence" agreement.
"The only responsible way to end the war in Afghanistan is through a negotiated political settlement. Today is a reflection of the hard work of our Nation's military, the U.S. Department of State, intelligence professionals, and our valued partners," he added. "The United States is committed to the Afghan people, and to ensuring that Afghanistan never becomes a safe haven for terrorists to threaten our homeland and our Allies."
