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IN PHOTOS: Obama's surprise visit to Afghanistan to thank troops

May 26, 2014 11:08 IST

US President Barack Obama shakes hands with troops after delivering remarks at Bagram Air Base in Kabul.

United States President Barack Obama on Monday made a surprise visit to Afghanistan to thank American troops and civilians for their service ahead of the final pullout of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation troops from the war-torn country.

Obama's arrival at the Bagaram air force base is his first trip to Afghanistan in two years and the fourth in total and is, according to a presidential aide, to thank American troops and civilians for their service.

"It is an important moment in Afghanistan. This is a year of transition. The Afghan security forces have been fully in the lead for combat operations in Afghanistan, with our assistance and training," Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes told media persons travelling with Obama to Afghanistan.

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IN PHOTOS: Obama's surprise visit to Afghanistan to thank troops

May 26, 2014 11:08 IST

Obama greets US troops deployed in Afghanistan during an unannounced visit to Bagram Air Base in Kabul.

He said the election recently was successful as millions of Afghans turned out to vote and there are now two leading candidates in a run-off, and a prospect of the first democratic transition of power in Afghanistan's history.

"So even with all the challenges and the continued instances of violence in Afghanistan, there has been I think important progress made, both in terms of security forces, in terms of the election, and the prospect of an Afghanistan that is able to sustain the gains that have been made over the last decade," he said.

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IN PHOTOS: Obama's surprise visit to Afghanistan to thank troops

May 26, 2014 11:08 IST

A US service member takes a 'selfie' as Obama shakes hands with troops after delivering remarks at Bagram Air Base in Kabul.

During his trip, that is expected to last a few hours, Obama would meet his top general and diplomat in the country. Defending the decision of the US President to visit the country at this point of time, Rhodes said after the first round of the election went off well, they felt that there would be a good window to come on a troop-focused visit.

"We are mindful that it's a political season in Afghanistan, and I think that accounts for the fact that we're focusing our visit on Bagram. We don't want to get into the middle of election season meeting with candidates and that type of thing.

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IN PHOTOS: Obama's surprise visit to Afghanistan to thank troops

May 26, 2014 11:08 IST

Obama speaks to US troops deployed in Afghanistan during an unannounced visit to Bagram Air Base in Kabul.

"So, it's a good time for the troops to hear from the President, and also for the Afghan people to know that no matter what happens in the election, that we have an enduring commitment to the people of Afghanistan and that, frankly, both candidates who are in the run-off have spoken very positively about the US-Afghan partnership, as well as the prospects for a Bilateral Security Agreement," he said.

The surprise trip came as the US and NATO withdraw most of their forces ahead of a year-end deadline. Obama wants to keep a small number of US troops in Afghanistan after 2014 to train Afghan security forces. However, Afghan President Hamid Karzai has refused to authorise the BSA and has to be signed by Karzai's successor to become effective.