US to extend military in Afghanistan beyond 2016

Washington: The US President Barack Obama has confirmed plans to extend military presence in Afghanistan beyond 2016, in a shift in policy. Speaking at the White House, he said the US would keep 5,500 troops in the country when he leaves office in 2017. Originally all but a small embassy-based force were due to leave by the end of



next year. 

But the US military says more troops will be needed to help Afghan forces counter a growing Taliban threat. There are currently 9,800 US troops stationed in Afghanistan. The US forces will be stationed in four locations - Kabul, Bagram, Jalalabad and Kandahar.