By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 21, 2012 –
The drawdown of U.S. surge forces in Afghanistan is complete as scheduled,
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced here today during a news conference
with New Zealand Defense Minister Dr. Jonathan Coleman.
Panetta said the return of 33,000 troops
President Barack Obama committed to the war in Afghanistan in 2009 is “an
important milestone.”
“As we reflect on this moment, it is an
opportunity to recognize that the surge accomplished its objectives of
reversing Taliban momentum on the battlefield and dramatically increased the
size and capability of the Afghan national security forces,” he said.
The surge of forces allowed the United
States and its coalition partners in NATO’s International Security Assistance
Force to begin transitioning to Afghan security lead, he said, noting that
Afghan forces soon will be responsible for leading their country’s defense in
areas of every province, and for more than 75 percent of the Afghan population.
“At the same time, we have struck
enormous blows against al-Qaida's leadership, consistent with our core goal of
disrupting, dismantling and defeating al-Qaida and denying it a safe haven,”
the secretary said.
The 68,000 U.S. service members who
remain in Afghanistan combine with other nation’s forces to make ISAF around
100,000 troops strong, Panetta said. Those forces will keep working to reduce
the level of violence in Afghanistan, ensure the Taliban do not regain any of
their previously held areas, and strengthen the Afghan army, he added.
Panetta said Marine Corps Gen. John R.
Allen, commander of U.S. and ISAF forces in Afghanistan, is confident he can accomplish
his campaign with the current force level.
“I have always had tremendous confidence
in General Allen’s ability to say to me, ‘This is what I need in order to
accomplish the mission,’” the secretary said. “Right now, he is saying the
force he has in place is sufficient to accomplish that mission.”
Panetta is in New Zealand for the final
stop on his third Asian tour, which also included visits to Japan and China.
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