The United States will keep a further 1,000 additional soldiers in Afghanistan next year, the US defence secretary announced on Saturday.
Chuck Hagel said that additional forces were required to do unexpected delays in signing security pacts with Afghanistan.
“The recent wave of Taliban attacks has made it clear that the international community must not waver in its support for a stable, secure and prosperous Afghanistan,” said Hagel.
Overall US plans to reduce its involvement in Afghanistan have been met by criticism from the Republicans, who say gains against militants could be lost, and lead to a situation similar to Islamic State militants gains in Iraq, reports Reuters.
Chuck Hagel said that additional forces were required to do unexpected delays in signing security pacts with Afghanistan.
“The recent wave of Taliban attacks has made it clear that the international community must not waver in its support for a stable, secure and prosperous Afghanistan,” said Hagel.
Overall US plans to reduce its involvement in Afghanistan have been met by criticism from the Republicans, who say gains against militants could be lost, and lead to a situation similar to Islamic State militants gains in Iraq, reports Reuters.