New Pentagon chief travels to Afghanistan

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter arrived in Afghanistan on Saturday on a surprise visit. 

It’s the new Pentagon chief’s first visit to a war zone, coming only days after he was sworn in to his post.

{mosads}Carter arrived in Kabul on Saturday and will hold meetings with military officers and local leaders.

“We’re looking for success in Afghanistan that is lasting, and the lasting accomplishment of our mission here,” Carter told reporters, according to Reuters.

“How to do that, what the best way to do that is, is precisely what I’m here to assess,” he added.

His visit comes as the U.S. draws down its presence in Afghanistan and prepares to hand over security responsibilities to local troops.

There are approximately 10,000 U.S troops in Afghanistan currently with the number slated to drop to 5,500 by year’s end. The U.S. plans to leave just 1,000 troops in Afghanistan by the end of 2016.

Those moves have faced strong opposition on Capitol Hill, where Republican lawmakers warn of a deteriorating security situation and resurgent Taliban.

Carter during his hearing before the Senate told lawmakers that he would call on President Obama to rethink the drawdown if he believed the situation was worsening. 

This story was updated at 11:11 p.m.