UK Defense Secretary pledges support on trip to Afghanistan
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Britain's secretary of state for defense has pledged continued support to Afghanistan during a surprise visit to the country's capital, Kabul.
Michael Fallon said during a one-day visit Thursday that security in Afghanistan is a global issue and Britain's presence will help defeat terrorism.
Fallon met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Britain has 352 troops in Afghanistan as part of the NATO Resolute Support mission, which has a mandate to train and advise Afghan forces.
At the height of the war, Britain played a significant role in the southern province of Helmand, losing more than 450 troops.
Most British troops pulled out when the international combat mission drew down in 2014.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fallon called on the Taliban to participate in a peace process with Afghanistan's government.