U.S. President Donald Trump said a rapid exit from Afghanistan is unacceptable and would create a power "vacuum" that will benefit terrorists.
He added that the U.S. will continue to support the Afghan government and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists bent on attacking the U.S..
Trump made the remarks while detailing his view of the U.S. engagement and "the path forward" in Afghanistan and South Asia during his first major security address from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, on Monday night local time.