Washington (CNN) Trump administration officials are split over whether to expand the CIA's role in Afghanistan after the US reduces the number of troops in the country, according The New York Times.

Senior White House officials have proposed the move, which CIA and military officials say could strain American talks with the Taliban to end the war, the Times reported Tuesday.

Gina Haspel, CIA director, has also reportedly expressed concerns about the plan with other administration officials and said the agency depends heavily on the military for airstrikes, surveillance, medical support and bomb technicians, according to the report which cites interviews with several current and former officials who have been briefed on the discussions.

Those who support the plan believe it could address the key concern that a withdrawal of US forces would not prevent terrorist groups from once again using Afghanistan for terrorist operations, according to the paper.

The White House declined to comment on the record, and the CIA declined CNN's request for comment.

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