British Prime Minister David Cameron says British troops may begin withdrawing from Afghanistan as early as next year.
Mr. Cameron made the remarks during an unannounced visit to Afghanistan's Helmand province, where most British troops are deployed.
The prime minister and Britain's top military official, General David Richards, said recent security improvements may allow Britain to start drawing down troops in 2011. Mr. Cameron added the goal is to withdraw all British forces by 2015.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates also is in Afghanistan where he met Tuesday with U.S. commanders and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
“Well obviously, visiting these places and seeing these troops revives me. Gives me a little new energy. It's particularly here they've taken some serious losses. This is the place six of our soldiers were killed by a turncoat [traitor]. And I met with the other members of their platoon, and then just had the opportunity to shake hands with all these soldiers and thank them for all they're doing".
The White House is preparing to release a progress report on the war in coming days.
NATO members agreed last month to hand over military control to Afghan forces in 2014. VOANews
