Trump Meets Ghani Discusses Fight Against Terror

Afghan Voice Agency(AVA), U.S President Donald Trump held a meeting with President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Arab Islamic American Summit to discuss security and fight against terrorism in the country, the White House said in a statement Monday.

"President Donald J. Trump met briefly today with President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan on the margins of the Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. President Trump welcomed President Ghani's leadership in Afghanistan on fighting terrorism and implementing key reforms. He also commended the brave service of Afghan security forces as they fight to secure their country," according to the statement.

After the Taliban attack against the Afghan military base in northern Balkh province in April, which left over 150 soldiers dead, the U.S authorities have been considering sending additional troops to help prop up the Afghan security forces, media reported citing U.S top military officials.

There are currently 8,400 U.S troops and 5,000 NATO troops in Afghanistan, and 3,000 additional troops are considered for deployment in the country.

Afghanistan has been facing instability for years with government troops fighting against the Taliban in the country, as well as other “terrorist” groups, including Daesh.

U.S and NATO forces in the country are in a non-combat role and train, advise and assist local troops.

However it is expected that an announcement on a revised U.S policy on Afghanistan and an increase in troops could be made at the upcoming Brussels meeting on security which is scheduled for later this week.