Taliban 'surging' in Afghanistan, US defence chief warns

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis today warned lawmakers that the Taliban is surging in Afghanistan, and said America is "not winning" in the country.

The "Taliban had a good year last year, they are trying to have a good one this year," Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee. "Right now I believe the enemy is surging."

He earlier told lawmakers: "We are not winning in Afghanistan right now. We will correct this as soon as possible.