US ‘to extend Afghan military presence’

The United States is to extend its military presence in Afghanistan beyond 2016, administration officials say.

President Barack Obama will outline the plans later. They are expected to include keeping 5,500 troops in the country when he leaves office in 2017.

Originally all but a small embassy protection force were due to leave by the end of next year, reports the BBC.

But the US military says more troops will be needed to help Afghan forces counter a growing Taliban threat.

“All I need is the first goal to come and hopefully many others will follow.”