US defence secretary makes surprise visit to war-weary Kabul

E-Paper | June 14, 2026

United States Defence Secretary James Mattis on Friday arrived in the Afghan capital Kabul on a surprise visit to the war-weary country.

The US command in Afghanistan confirmed Friday's visit but offered no details. Mattis was expected to meet with Afghan, US and Nato military commanders as well as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Mattis' arrival comes just days after a suicide bomber killed 21 people and amid a fresh round of insider attacks that claimed the life of one American service member and eight local police earlier this week.

Washington would seem to be ramping up efforts for a negotiated end to Afghanistan's war.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced this week the appointment of Zalmay Khalilzad as Washington's new point man for Afghan reconciliation. Khalilzad, a controversial figure in the region, is a former envoy to Afghanistan.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

World

Zalmay Khalilzad: the blunt veteran US diplomat leading peace efforts in Afghanistan

US commando takes helm of forces in Afghanistan

Pompeo, Mattis talk bolstering Indian ties despite tensions

Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Sep 07, 2018 12:59pm

The US defence secretary's sudden visit to Afghanistan is probably made to discuss last minutes changes in their strategy after recent Taliban's attacks. In my opinion, both US and NATO are in deep waters and looking for an escape route without a stigma of another defeat!

Recommend 0

Ali R.

Sep 07, 2018 01:00pm

Ghani won't survive the peace.

Recommend 0

M. Saeed

Sep 07, 2018 01:00pm

A traitor Zalmay appointed operative of the US in Afghanistan.

Recommend 0

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Sep 07, 2018 01:05pm

Yet another " thief of Kabul" and Butcher of the helpless, weak, vulnerable and hapless people of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has landed unannounced on it's soil under darkness. What a cruel joke?

Recommend 0

Ahmed

Sep 07, 2018 01:10pm

Not a single Afghan was involved in the 9/11 incident. Why are they being made to pay such a heavy price for it?

Recommend 0

Ejaz

Sep 07, 2018 01:16pm

James Mattis has not come to Afghanistan, because weather is nicer. Khalilzad is a bad choice for US. His past record in Afghanistan and Iraq was ‘no success’. He is not respected anywhere neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan.

Recommend 0

NWA

Sep 07, 2018 02:33pm

China is their problem.

Recommend 0

GHALIBJEEE

Sep 07, 2018 03:00pm

This surprise visits are no longer a surprise, they want keep their arrival hidden for security issue.

Recommend 0

Sep 07, 2018 03:28pm

They are always well planned and shared with concerned also. Surprise only comes coz they don't open details due threat to their lives

Recommend 0

lafanga

Sep 07, 2018 04:45pm

Why surprise visit?

Recommend 0

Ahsan Gul

Sep 07, 2018 05:07pm

Mattis is a useless person just hanging for his monthly pay.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Why SQD-Mini LED is the display breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?

The display industry is entering a new phase, where reducing trade-offs is as important as pushing performance limits.

The Palms at Silk Gardens introduces a new family address in Karachi

The Palms places families at the heart of its vision, offering thoughtfully planned 2 and 3-bedroom units in a secure, peaceful and community-led environment.