US Pentagon Chief visits Afghanistan to asses security situation

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter lands in Afghanistan on Friday in on an unannounced visit to assess the fragile security situation.

It is Mr. Carter’s second visit to Afghanistan since he became secretary of defense in February, and his first there since President Obama amended his troop withdrawal plan, to keep 9,800 troops in the country through almost all of 2016. After that, the number of American troops is to be reduced to 5,500.

Carter’s visit comes as Afghanistan faces serious security setbacks, with the Taliban staging more attacks and inflicting more casualties on Afghan forces in the last year compared to previously.

During his visit, which for security reasons was not announced in advance, Mr. Carter will confer with Gen. John F. Campbell, the top American commander in Afghanistan, and with other senior United States military officials. He will also meet with Afghanistan’s minister of defense.

U.S. President Barack Obama said in October he will prolong the U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan by maintaining a force of 9,800 troops there through most of 2016.