U.S. to Scale Back Presence in Afghanistan

The American presence in Afghanistan will shrink and take on a supporting role for Afghan forces, President Barack Obama announced at a Friday press conference.

The transition, which comes months after 33,000 troops who were added as part of a boost were withdrawn last fall, will involve having Afghan forces take over primary responsbility for the entire country's security, Obama said in a statement.

"And by the end of next year, 2014, the transition will be complete—Afghans will have full responsibility for their security, and this war will come to a responsible end," he said.

Obama made his remarks as part of a visit from Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who was on hand at the briefing, the White House announced.

American soldiers will continue to support Afghans, the president noted.

"Our troops will continue to fight alongside Afghans, when needed," he continued. "But let me say it as plainly as I can: Starting this spring, our troops will have a different mission—training, advising, assisting Afghan forces. It will be an historic moment and another step toward full Afghan sovereignty—something I know that President Karzai cares deeply about, as do the Afghan people."

A security agreement for America's post-2014 role in Afghanistan is still being discussed, Obama said.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D — NY), applauded the President's remarks today. She said, in a statement, "President Obama's announcement today regarding his policy winding down the war in Afghanistan was a step forward. A faster transition to Afghan led operations will shift U.S. troops from a combat to support role by the middle of this year. I urge the President to use this momentum to speed up and increase the drawdown of U.S. combat troops. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I stand ready to work with the President and the Department of Defense on solutions to continuing U.S. security in South East Asia that does not involve the presence of U.S. combat troops in Afghanistan."

To read the full remarks from the president, and from Karzai, click here for a White House transcript.