據美國媒體6月7日報道，美國國防部長蓋茨日前表示，他們將對阿富汗境內的塔利班進行“決定性的一擊”。

今年67歲的蓋茨將在本月30日正式退休，結束4年半的國防部長生涯。前幾日，蓋茨前往阿富汗最邊遠、最危險的戰事前線，看望駐扎在那里的士兵和海軍陸戰隊員，向他們告別并表達的感謝之情。

面對官兵蓋茨表示，雖然本·拉登已死，但阿富汗戰事不能松懈下來，在塔利班覺得有必要講和之前，還要對他們施加更多的軍事壓力。

（來源：中國日報網 梁杉 編輯：）

In a last farewell to US and international forces in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says they are on track to deliver a decisive blow against the Taliban.

He was wrapping up a four-day tour of the war front highlighted by visits to US troop bases in remote parts of southern and eastern Afghanistan.

Just days from retirement, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates was bidding a final farewell on Monday to front-line U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

He flew from the Afghan capital, Kabul, to a troop base in one of the more remote and dangerous parts of the country, in Paktika province, which borders Pakistan.

On Sunday, he visited two troop bases in southern Afghanistan to say goodbye and thank soldiers and Marines for their service in the fight against the Taliban.

Gates, 67, is retiring June 30, ending a 4 1/2 year tenure as Pentagon chief. One of his last major issues will be to recommend to President Barack Obama how to begin and carry out a U.S. troop withdrawal starting in July.

In a session with soldiers of the 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Gates said that despite eliminating Osama bin Laden, it was still too soon to wind down the Afghan war. He said more military pressure must be applied to the Taliban before they are likely to feel it necessary to talk peace.