The announcement came as President Obama hosted NATO head Anders Fogh Rasmussen for talks on Afghanistan. Obama is weighing a new troop increase following a Pentagon review. Obama said he had received assurances NATO allies remain committed to the Afghan occupation.

President Obama: “We both agree that it is absolutely critical that we are successful in dismantling, disrupting, destroying the al-Qaeda network and that we are effectively working with the Afghan government to provide the security necessary for that country. This is not a American battle. This is a NATO mission, as well, and we are working actively and diligently to consult with NATO at every step of the way.”