Afghanistan remains a dangerous place: Obama

U.S President Barack Obama at the first U.S. troops Memorial Day in 14 years without a major ground war in an annual ceremony of remembrance has said that Afghanistan remains a very dangerous place.

In remarks at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, Obama paid tribute to U.S. military personnel who served in conflicts such as World War Two as well as the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which he wound down as commander in chief.

“For many of us, this Memorial Day is especially meaningful. It is the first since our war in Afghanistan came to an end,” Obama said. “Today is the first Memorial Day in 14 years that the United States is not engaged in a major ground war.”

In March, the White House announced a delay in anticipated troop withdrawals, citing ongoing security concerns. According to the administration, US forces currently fill “non-combat” roles including coordinating drone strikes and counter-terrorism missions and training Afghan security forces. The residual force is about 10% of the peak force in 2011.

“It is a reflection of America itself,” he said, citing racial and religious diversity in the backgrounds of the men and woman who paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve “the ideals that bind us as one nation.”

In his remarks at Arlington National Cemetery, Obama said most of the remaining troops should be removed from Afghanistan by the end of 2016.

“Today, fewer than 10,000 troops remain on a mission to train and assist Afghan forces. We’ll continue to bring them home and reduce our forces further, down to an embassy presence by the end of next year,” Obama said.

“But Afghanistan remains a very dangerous place. And as so many families know, our troops continue to risk their lives for us.”

More than 2,200 Americans have died in the 14-year-old Afghanistan war. In a pre-recorded weekly address before his planned Arlington visit, Obama said he would use the occasion to tell the life stories of some of those killed, including “the first American to give his life in this new mission”.

“I see that their hearts are still broken, and yet still full of love,” he said. “They do not ask for awards or honors. They do not ask for special treatment. They are unfailingly humble. In the face of unspeakable loss, they represent the best of who we are.”

Obama also noted that US’s commitments for fighting against Daesh and Al-Qaeda in the world will continue.