In this June 15, 2011 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks in Pensacola, Fla. Nearing a critical benchmark in the Afghanistan war, President Barack Obama is considering both how many U.S. troops to bring home next month and a broader withdrawal plan to give Afghans control of their security in 2014. Charles Dharapak, File /AP Photo
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will announce plans to start withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan on Wednesday.
Obama is expected to both outline a plan for starting to bring troops home in July, as well as a broader withdrawal blueprint aimed at giving Afghans control of their own security in 2014.
After the announcement, Obama will travel to Fort Drum in upstate New York on Thursday to meet with troops. The base is home to the 10th Mountain Division, one of the most frequently deployed divisions to Afghanistan and Iraq.