Defense Secretary James Mattis stated unequivocally that “we are not winning in Afghanistan” in a Congressional hearing Tuesday.
Speaking to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mattis was under fire from Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) who questioned the former four-star general on why Trump’s administration has delayed in its roll-out of an Afghan war strategy, reports The Washington Times.Â
It is important that the DoD prepares a comprehensive strategy in consultation with NATO and U.S. commander, and that they weigh the challenges Afghanistan faces, said Mattis. Rushing to judgment could make the situation worse, he warned.
The White House is weighing sending an additional 3,000- to 5,000-troop troops into the fray, according to reports. There are currently 8,400 American service members serving and advising in Afghanistan.
DoD identified three U.S. soldiers killed by an Afghan soldier over the weekend yesterday.