The United States says it has cut its troops level in Afghanistan and Iraq to 2,500 each, in the nearly two decades since the wars began.

Acting US Secretary of Defense Chris Miller in a statement said progress towards peace in both countries permitted the cuts without a decrease in security for Americans and their counterparts.

He said today, the United States is closer than ever to ending nearly two decades of war and welcoming in an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process to achieve a political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.

On Iraq, Miller said the US force reduction reflects the increased capabilities of the Iraqi security forces.

He said we will continue to have a counterterrorism platform in Iraq to support partner forces with airpower and intelligence.