(CNN) -- The U.S. is sending troops to Afghanistan to protect forces as they withdraw.
Several defense officials say the Pentagon is assembling about 650 troops in the coming days.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved the deployment last week. It's part of a package of military assets being sent to Afghanistan to facilitate the U.S. withdrawal.
President Biden announced earlier this month the
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The withdrawal is set to begin May 1 and be completed by September 11.
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