Gen. Dunford: US Must Keep Forces in Afghanistan

The United States will need to keep counterterrorism forces in Afghanistan until there is no insurgency left in the country, the top U.S. general said on Wednesday, suggesting a far longer military presence even after more than 17 years of war.

"I think we will need to maintain a counterterrorism presence as long as an insurgency continues in Afghanistan," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford said during a congressional hearing.

The United States is currently in talks with the Taliban to seek an end to the nearly 18-year-long conflict.