Hundreds of U.S. military personnel, who were here to provide relief to those affected by the April 25 and May 12 earthquakes that struck Nepal, are set to leave the country today.
Officials said 300 U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine personnel would start to leave Nepal on May 21, after completing their rescue and relief operation.
Lt. Gen. John Wissler of the U.S. Marines told reporters in Kathmandu on Wednesday that America's unique military capabilities were no longer needed, and therefore, a decision had been taken to go home.
Lt.Gen.Wissler further said he was truly overcome by the generous outpouring of support, appreciation and thoughts and prayers for the six American Marines who had died in a recent helicopter crash in Nepal.
A Nepal Army spokesman said the U.S. military had completed its work and was returning on schedule.
At least 8,624 people are presumed to have died in the earthquake, and the Himalayan nation received assistance from 22 nations, including the U.S., India and China.
The United States provided nearly 49 million dollars in humanitarian assistance and equipment to Nepal after the earthquakes.
