Afghan soldiers conduct basic marksmanship training in 2009 Defense Department file photo
U.S. and Afghanistan Finalize Agreement Allowing Troop Presence Through 2024
Deal involves 8,000 to 12,000 troops, mostly American.
The United States and Afghanistan have finalized an agreement that would allow U.S. troops to remain in Afghanistan through 2024. Secretary of State John Kerry announced the deal on Wednesday, and it now has to be approved by the Afghan government before it can take effect.
According to The New York Times, "the security agreement defines a training and counterterrorism mission in Afghanistan lasting at least 10 more years and involving 8,000 to 12,000 troops, mostly American."
In exchange, American forces are shielded from possible Afghan prosecution while in the country, and are allowed to conduct counter-terrorism raids on private homes as well.