Defence Secretary Ash Carter is in Afghanistan to assess the fragile security situation, amid reports of increased violence and a growing campaign by Islamic State loyalists to gain a foothold in the eastern part of the country.
Carter’s visit comes as his top commander there, Gen John Campbell, voiced concerns that foreign fighters from Syria and Iraq are joining with Afghans who have declared loyalty to IS in the east, near the Pakistan border.
Officials have been warning for some time that while the presence of IS has been small, it is attracting disaffected members of the Taliban. Campbell in an Associated Press interview said supporters of IS are trying to establish a regional base in Jalalabad.