650 U.S. Troops Will Remain In Afghanistan To Protect Diplomats After The Pentagon Completes Its Pullout

© Photo : The US Army / CHERIE A. THURLBY  

FOX News: US to leave 650 troops in Afghanistan to protect airport, embassy 

Several hundred U.S. military personnel will assist Turkish forces with security efforts at Kabul airport 

A contingent of roughly 650 U.S. troops will remain in Afghanistan to protect diplomats after the Pentagon completes its overall withdrawal of military forces from the country, a U.S. defense official confirmed to Fox News on Thursday. 

As part of the ongoing military presence, several hundred U.S. military personnel will assist Turkish forces with security efforts at Kabul airport. Those troops are expected to remain on site until as late September while Turkey prepares a permanent security presences at the crucial hub. 

A U.S. military presence at the airport was considered critical to protect remaining diplomatic staffers in Afghanistan. Some of the roughly 650 troops will defend the U.S. embassy.  

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Update #1: U.S. to keep about 650 troops in Afghanistan after withdrawal (Politico/AP)  

Update #2: About 650 Troops to Remain in Afghanistan After US Completes Pullout, AP Reports (Sputnik)  

WNU Editor: The Taliban have made it very clear that security for embassies and airports will be their responsibility .... Security of airports, embassies Afghan responsibility: Taliban (The Hindu/AFP).