U.S. President Barack Obama says the United States and its allies are meeting their goals in Afghanistan, and 33,000 American troops will be withdrawn in about one year.

In an address to the nation Wednesday, President Obama said the first 10,000 American troops will be withdrawn by the end of this year. He said the withdrawal will begin in July.

He said that by 2014, the process of transition will be complete, and the Afghan people will be responsible for their own security.

In 2009, Mr. Obama announced a surge of 30,000 American troops to Afghanistan. He described the surge as one of the most difficult decisions he has made as president.