KABUL: The top U.S. General in Afghanistan has said that the U.S. troops will remain there for a "long time," likely far beyond a planned 2014 handover of security responsibilities.
There are 90,000 American troops in Afghanistan, and President Obama plans to withdraw about one-third by next summer.
Although a NATO conference in Lisbon had set 2014 as the deadline for the U.S. to hand over responsibility for security to the Afghan government, reports suggest that that might not be the end of it, CBS News reports.
On being asked about the plan, the new U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Marine General John Allen, said: "Well, the plan is to win. The plan is to be successful. And so, while some folks might hear that we're departing in 2014 as a result of the Lisbon Conference and the process of transition, we're actually going to be here for a long time."
The number of troops that will remain is yet to be determined, Allen said, adding that any remaining troops will have to come as part of an agreement with the Afghans.
"We're talking about forces that will provide an advisory capacity. And we may even have some form of counter-terrorist force here to continue the process of developing the Afghan's counter-terrorism capabilities, but, if necessary, respond ourselves," he added.
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