Pence to Afghan president: US is 'here to see this through'

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence told Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on a secret visit to Afghanistan today the U.S. is "here to see this through" as they discussed a newly announced U.S. strategy to break the stalemate in America's longest war and consulted on upcoming parliamentary elections.

Pence's surprise pre-Christmas visit was the first to the war-torn country by either Trump or the vice president, and it came as the Trump administration charts a pathway for ending the 16-year war in Afghanistan.

"We're here to see this through," Pence told Ghani and Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah at the presidential palace in Kabul, arriving after a helicopter ride through smoky, dark skies surrounding Afghanistan's capital.

Later, at a rally-style event at Bagram Air Base, Pence told hundreds of U.S. troops: "I believe victory is closer than ever before."

"It's because of all of you that we're safe. It's because of you that we're free. It's because of you that freedom has a future in Afghanistan and America and all across the wider world," Pence said, his voice raspy from a cold.

Pence also received briefings from military leaders, including Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan.

The White House restricted cellphone and internet communications for a small group of journalists traveling with the vice president, citing security concerns in Afghanistan. Pence spent just under eight hours on the ground before they were allowed to report on his whereabouts and activities.

Pence's trip was focused on a strategy Trump announced in August to "fight to win" in Afghanistan by attacking enemies, routing al-Qaida and preventing terrorist attacks against Americans.