Obama visits Afghanistan and pledges US combat role will come to an end at close of year

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – President Barack Obama is promising U.S. forces in Afghanistan that America’s longest war will come to a close at the end of the year.

The president made a surprise visit Sunday to Bagram Air Field to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday weekend with troops.

He says the war is at a pivotal moment, with Afghan forces taking over primary responsibility for the security of their country.

Obama says the U.S. combat mission will end at year’s end and the war will come to a responsible conclusion.

Obama heads back home later Sunday, stopping in Germany to visit hospitalized troops at Ramstein Air Base