US military under-reported number of soldiers fighting in Afghanistan by 30%

The US military did not report the number of temporary soldiers being used to counter a presidential limit on troop numbers.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

31 August, 2017

A US Blackhawk helicopter flies over a suicide attack explosion in Kandahar [AFP]

The United States military said on Thursday it had underreported the number of actively serving soldiers in Afghanistan by around 30 percent.

The Pentagon’s Joint Staff Director said a “comprehensive review” showed 11,000 US servicemen and women currently serving, as compared to the 8,400 last reported.

“This is not an attempt to bring more forces in, but it is an attempt to actually clarify a very confusing set of reporting rules," said Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie.

The lower figure was in line with the ceiling number allowed by presidential order, but commanders had brought in temporary troops to circumvent this number.

“No troops have started to flow... no deployment orders have been issued,” McKenzie said.

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The statement came ahead of a decision whether to raise the ceiling number of soldiers fighting in the US’ 16-year long conflict.

US President Donald Trump announced two weeks ago an increase in the number of troops to help bring the extended conflict to an end.

The 8,400 number was previously set as a ceiling number by previous US president, Barack Obama in June 2016.

An increase in troops will reportedly help provide for more advisers and tactical support to assist the Afghan army in fighting the Taliban.

The US military appears to have taken a stronger line on increased numbers abroad.

In Iraq the Pentagon has upped its support for the Iraqi army, with more military advisers and direct missile strikes against Islamic State positions.