U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan visits Afghanistan, Talks with Top Afghan Commando

AFGHANISTAN

10.10.2018

Story by Master Sgt. Felix Figueroa 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan- The 54th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Honorable Paul Ryan and the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, William Thornberry, visited the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command’s School of Excellence, near Kabul, Afghanistan, Oct. 11, 2018. While at the school, Ryan and Thornberry toured the training facility, affording them an opportunity to see Afghan military equipment and capabilities.

The Speaker then called upon Lieutenant Gen. Bismillah Waziri, Afghan National Army Special Operations Command’s (ANASOC) commanding officer, to discuss the upcoming parliamentary elections, and the critical role Commandos play as a reliable and trusted partner in counterterrorism operations.

“This is not just a U.S. and Afghanistan problem. We have a shared responsibility with other countries throughout the region to stop the spread of terrorism, drug trafficking, and the killing of innocent people,” remarked Waziri during the discussion.

“On behalf of the American people, we are truly grateful for the sacrifices made on both sides. This gives us great comfort seeing your successes here,” said Ryan.

• Date Taken: 10.10.2018
• Date Posted: 10.14.2018 08:46
• Story ID: 296324
• Location: AF