US Secretary for Defense said Wednesday in Kabul that Washington would not leave Afghanistan alone despite reduction in its troops level in the post-Taliban country.

"Since the United States here has participated in developing Afghan security forces, led a group of coalition forces and took part in activities as a NATO member here, our reduction of forces will not influence the participation of the United States in rebuilding Afghanistan," Donald Rumsfeld told Xinhua after paying unannounced and his 10th visit to Afghan capital and meeting President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace.

He came days after Pentagon's decision to reduce the level of its troops from Afghanistan, and said, "We certainly remain committed to our long-term relationship and partnership with Afghanistan".

"The US decided to reduce its forces from three brigades to two brigades," Rumsfeld added.

However, he categorically stated that Washington was committed to support Afghanistan on long-term bases.

The reduction of troops is taking place in the wake of NATO's recent announcement to deploy more 6,000 troops and increase its strength by 15,000 next year.

Currently the Untied States has 19,500 troops in Afghanistan battling Taliban and al-Qaida insurgents mostly in the rugged terrain of southern and southeastern region along the border with Pakistan.

Military instructors from the United States and allies have been providing training to the fledgling Afghanistan National Army (ANA) and police over the past four years.

Expressing his confidence over Rumsfeld's assurance President Hamid Karzai, "We are confident that the United States would not abandon Afghanistan."

Source: Xinhua