Pompeo makes surprise visit to Afghanistan, vows US support for Taliban peace talks

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made a surprise visit to Afghanistan, vowing support for President Ashraf Ghani’s bid to launch peace talks with the Taliban. He also reiterated that the US would be willing to take part in the discussions, Reuters reported. Pompeo noted that the strategy announced last year by US President Donald Trump – in which more troops were sent to the country to increase pressure on the group and push them towards negotiations – was working. He added that the US will support Afghans "as they continue fighting to liberate their country and their people." The Monday visit, Pompeo's first to Afghanistan since becoming secretary of state in April, comes at the end of a tour of Asian countries including North Korea.