Ash Carter Thanks Troops In Afghanistan Over Holidays

US Defence Secretary Ash Carter has arrived in Afghanistan to thank the country's troops for their service over the holidays.

In his meetings with senior Afghan officials, Mr Carter will discuss efforts to build Afghan combat capacity, including through aviation.

Mr Carter will also receive an update on NATO and American efforts to support Afghan security forces and meet with the nation's President Ashraf Ghani during his visit.

He's in the midst of a round-the-world trip to thank deployed US troops for their service over the holidays, along with discussing matters of diplomatic and political importance.

The trip already has included visits to Japan and to India, and is scheduled to include visits to Bahrain, Israel, Italy and Britain.

He will also receive an update on recent US counter-terrorism efforts against al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State in Afghanistan during his visit to the country.

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