Obama Makes Unannounced Trip To Afghanistan

President Barack Obama arrived in Afghanistan Friday in an unannounced trip to the country.

The President will spend the entirety of his time in Afghanistan at Bagram Air Force Base, where he will deliver a speech to U.S. troops and award four Purple Hearts at the base’s hospital.

Ben Rhodes, the White House’s Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, told reporters that the primary intention of the trip is for the President to thank U.S. troops for their service during the Holiday season.

Obama was initially scheduled to travel to Kabul to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at his palace. However, due to weather concerns the President will now meet with Karzia via a teleconference.

“While it would have been nice to share a meal, I think President Karzai understood that the purpose of this was really for the President to spend time with the troops,” Rhodes said.

This marks the President’s second trip to the country since assuming office.