The Taliban on Wednesday hailed the United States decision to pull around 2,000 troops from Afghanistan as a “good step”, saying it will help put an end to the long-running conflict in the country. 

On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced it will curtail its military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq to their lowest levels in almost two decades as President Donald Trump vowed to end their foreign conflicts. 

Speaking to AFP, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said, “It is a good step and in the interest of people of both countries,” referring to the United States and Afghanistan. 

“The sooner the foreign forces leave, the more war will be prevented,” he said.

The sharp departure could embolden the Taliban and negate the gains made since 2001, critics of the US’ decision have warned.  

The latest move will see the US withdraw 2,000 troops from the war-torn nation by January 15, less than a week before President-elect Joe Biden takes office. 

The decision comes in line with Trump’s plan to completely end US military involvement in Afghanistan. In a deal signed on February 29, the Trump administration agreed to withdraw all foreign forces in the country by May 2021. 

The Taliban in turn promised to cease attacks on US forces and stop jihadist outfits such as Al Qaeda and the Islamic State from operating in the country. 

However, some in the capital city of Kabul have expressed qualms. 

Fatima Safari, a Kabul resident, said the withdrawal could reverse advances made in women rights. 

Between 1996 and 2001, women were forced to wear burqas and those accused of adultery were often executed. 

“Women might not be able to play a role that they are used to now,” she said. 

Germany, which has deployed hundreds of troops in the country, also said the withdrawal could adversely affect peace efforts.  

“We are particularly concerned over what the US announcement could mean for the continuation of peace talks in Afghanistan,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said. 

“We should not create additional hurdles — something that a hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan would most certainly lead to,” he added. 

The US-Taliban deal signed in Doha paved the way for peace talks to start between the Taliban and Afghan government on September 12.

In the months since, negotiators have made almost no tangible progress and talks now appeared stalled.

Afghan officials downplayed the US troop cut, which would leave about 2,500 American service members in Afghanistan after January 15.

“The Afghan security and defence forces are already conducting 96 percent of the operations independently and are prepared to continue to defend the country against our enemies,” Afghan National Security Council spokesman Rahmatullah Andar said.

Since the US-Taliban deal, the Pentagon has shut several military bases across Afghanistan and rotated thousands of soldiers out of the country.