The U.S. is reportedly expected to sign a peace deal with the Taliban in Qatar on Wednesday.
A U.S. official and an Afghan official who were briefed on the negotiations say President Donald Trump "endorsed" a peace deal that would depend on the Taliban reducing violence in Afghanistan for seven to 10 days. But the deal hasn't been formally announced just yet.
If negotiators reach an agreement, the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan could drop. In mid-December, there were reportedly between 12,000 and 13,000 troops stationed there. Defense Secretary Mark Esper says less than 9,000 are needed now.
"We have said consistently based on the recommendations of the commanders in the field that we are comfortable going down to an 8,600 number because we are confident we can accomplish our tasks at that number."
President Trump cut off peace talks with the Taliban in September after the militant group claimed responsibility for killing a U.S. service member and Afghan civilians.
Contains footage fromCNN.
