KABUL – NATO troops has started leaving Afghanistan following a decision byPresident Joe Biden to withdraw US forces, beginning the end of America’slongest war.

A NATO official said that the safety of the troops “will be a toppriority,” adding that withdrawal will not end group’s relationship withAfghanistan.

He hoped that the step will be the start of a new chapter.

The development comes after NATO members agreed this month to withdraw itsstrong mission comprising 9,600 from Afghanistan after Biden’s announcement.

Meanwhile, White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre toldreporters the U.S. military would deploy additional troops in Afghanistanand the region to ensure the protection of troops during the withdrawal.

“Elements of an Army Ranger Task Force will temporarily deploy toAfghanistan to assist with the force protection of forces on the ground aswe initiate withdrawal operations,” she highlighted.

She said that the US is committed to having all U.S. military personnel outof Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, a deadline announced by Biden.

Last week, the Pentagon announced that B-52 bombers and USS Dwight D.Eisenhower aircraft carrier will deploy to the region to protect US andcoalition forces during the withdrawal process.

On Tuesday, the US State Department ordered non-essential staff to leavethe US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.

US Charge d’Affaires to Afghanistan Ross Wilson tweeted that the greenlight for the withdrawal was given “in light of increasing violence &threat reports in Kabul.”

Biden previously announced that the withdrawal would be started from May 1,the deadline date agreed by former US president Donald Trump administrationand the Afghan Taliban in peace agreement signed in Qatar.