WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US Secretary of Defense James Mattis said in a statement on Wednesday the core mission of the US-led forces in Afghanistan would remain the same.
"Our core mission will remain the same: to train, advise and assist Afghan forces. We are there to help defeat a common enemy and ensure Afghan forces can safeguard the future of their country," the statement said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mattis testified at a US Senate hearing and said senior officials were outlining a new US strategy for Afghanistan.
The defense secretary added that he would be able to brief Congress on the details of the new Afghanistan policy within weeks.
