NATO studies US-led Afghan mission following polls

NATO defence ministers on Friday discussed the alliance's tricky mission in Afghanistan in the wake of elections there and the collapse of talks between the United States and the Taliban.

The focus on the 16,000-strong deployment in Afghanistan on the second day of the ministers' meeting in Brussels came against a backdrop of increased Taliban attacks and uncertainty over US strategy.

Washington has already unnerved allies by abruptly pulling US forces out of northern Syria this month, opening the way for NATO member Turkey to launch a disputed operation to crush the Kurdish militias it regards as "terrorists".

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg insisted at the start of Friday's ministerial meeting that the transatlantic alliance's commitment to Afghanistan remains "steadfast".

"We will continue to support the Afghan security forces as they fight international terrorism and create the conditions for peace," he said.

"But the Taliban have to make real concessions and show real willingness to reduce violence."