(21 Mar 2015) Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in Kabul on Saturday he wanted US support to ensure regional and global security, but declined to comment on US troop numbers, ahead of his first visit to Washington as head of state.
He had signalled in talks ahead of the visit he wanted the US to maintain 10,000 troops in Afghanistan throughout the next decade, according to a European military official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Ghani needs the firm commitment of American military support in his fight against the Taliban and other insurgent groups, including an Islamic State affiliate, which he and US military leaders fear is finding a foothold in Afghanistan.
His visit, which starts on Sunday, comes as the Afghan army is waging its first-ever solo offensive against the Taliban in Helmand province, their southern heartland.
Ghani is expected to ask the US for enhanced backup in the offensive, including air support.
There are 13,000 foreign soldiers still in Afghanistan, about 9,800 American troops and 3,000 from NATO - down from a peak of 140,000 in 2009-2010.
Those still there are involved in training and supporting Afghan security forces, with battlefield backup only when necessary.
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