US begins withdrawing troops from Afghanistan

The US military has begun departing from Afghanistan, sending additional troops and equipment to the region for security purposes, said the First Deputy Spokeswoman of the White House Karine Jean-Pierre.

"Removal of troops continues. Last week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed the Central Command's call for temporary additional forces and equipment to support the safe exit of US troops from Afghanistan.

"B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers are deployed in the Central Command area to protect the US and coalition forces during the withdrawal," noted a White House official.