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UK Defence Secretary pledges support on trip to Afghanistan

KABUL – Britain’s secretary of state for defence 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.

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.

Fallon called on the Taliban to participate in a peace process with Afghanistan’s government.

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