U.S. general mulling modest troop reductions
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. commanding general in Iraq is considering recommending a small reduction in troop levels, military sources told CNN.
Gen. George Casey is mulling a cut that would gradually reduce, at most, the equivalent of as many as two brigades -- an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 troops. The United States now has about 127,000 troops in Iraq.
Sources said it would be a gradual move, and could involve postponing or delaying troop rotations as opposed to a direct pullout. There would be a lot of options for Casey to make adjustments to the plan, depending on how he sees the security situation evolve.
Casey and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld briefed key lawmakers in closed-door breakfast meetings on Thursday.
