Obama hints faster US pullout from Afghanistan

President Barack Obama has signalled a faster drawdown of US troops in Afghanistan with a changed role of training and advising Afghan forces as it moves to bring the decade-long war to a close by the end of 2014.

"Our troops will continue to fight alongside Afghans when needed, but let me say it as plainly as I can: Starting this spring, our troops will have a different mission - training, advising, assisting Afghan forces," Obama announced Friday after talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

"It will be a historic moment and another step toward full Afghan sovereignty, something I know that President Karzai cares deeply about, as do the Afghan people," he said.

Administration officials cited by ABC said Afghan forces were "exceeding initial expectations" in their capabilities. Afghan security forces are expected to lead 90 percent of security operations across the country in February.

"By the end of next year -- 2014 -- the transition will be complete," Obama said. "Afghans will have full responsibility for their security, and this war will come to a responsible end."

Obama said he was still reviewing recommendations from the Pentagon about the level of US troops after 2014 and will make an announcement in the coming weeks after penning an anticipated bilateral security agreement with Afghanistan. Karzai said the exact number would be up to the United States to decide.

Both leaders confirmed in a statement that the United States "does not seek permanent bases in Afghanistan."