US VICE-PRESIDENT Mike Pence claimed to discern initial progress yesterday for President Donald Trump’s Afghanistan policy at a secret meeting with Afghan leaders and US troops during a brief unannounced visit.

“I believe victory is closer than ever before,” he told hundreds of US troops at Bagram airbase.

The vice-president said that the new strategy was “already bearing fruit” across the country, citing dramatic increases in US air strikes and a partnership with the Afghan military that has “put the Taliban on the defensive.”

He added that the administration was pouring resources into the military to help prevent terror attacks on US soil.

“The road before you is promising but it’s perilous. And this commander-in-chief is clear-eyed about the threats you face and the challenges that lie ahead,” Mr Pence said.

“But today, let me assure you, President Trump has your back.”