New Pentagon chief in surprise Afghan visit weeks before US withdrawal

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan Sunday just weeks before Washington is due to withdraw the last of its troops under a deal struck with the Taliban last year. New US President Joe Biden said last week the May 1 deadline agreed by predecessor Donald Trump would be "tough" to meet - prompting outrage from the insurgents, who warned that Washington would be "responsible for the consequences".

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