Thornberry: To disengage from Afghanistan now would be 'tragic mistake'

U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made a statement on Thursday to open the committee's hearing on Afghanistan.

"Fourteen years ago, America's longest war began," Thornberry said. "Now, the results of America's sacrifice and the future of Afghanistan hang on crucial decisions President Obama is poised to make about how many troops will stay in Afghanistan through 2016. The extent of the ongoing terrorist threat to our homeland is also tied to these choices."

Thornberry also spoke about the changes that have taken place in Afghanistan since the war began.

"The new unity government is coping with the fallout of a Pakistani offensive that pushed militants across the border, the consequences of a power struggle resulting from Taliban leader Mohammad Omar's death and the disturbing growth of ISIS," Thornberry said. "At the same time, international assistance has been cut and coalition forces withdrawn. Now Afghans face the prospect that no coalition troops will remain at the end of 2016."

During a recent visit to Afghanistan, Thornberry said he found Afghan security forces had "made enormous strides, but they are not yet ready to take on the national and international security challenges they face on their own. Essential functions such as intelligence and close air support need more time to develop, and they are anxious for sustained U.S. advisory help."

Thornberry said the plan was to "end any meaningful U.S. military presence in Afghanistan by December 2016."

"The prospect of this serious gap in security is deeply concerning," Thornberry said. "That is why I was encouraged to hear Gen. (John) Campbell's testimony earlier this week that he is recommending that the administration revise its plan to slash troop levels in Afghanistan at the end of next year."

Thornberry said to disengage from Afghanistan would be "a tragic mistake."

"We do not want to look back one day and wish we had chosen a different course," Thornberry said.