Bush pays surprise visit to Afghanistan

Bush made a detour from a trip to India for a 5-hour visit here that was not announced officially.

US President George W Bush made a surprise visit to Afghanistan on Wednesday, flying here secretly to support its fledging government in the face of rising violence from al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.

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Bush made a detour from a trip to India for a five-hour visit here that was not announced officially until Air Force One landed at this sprawling military base north of Kabul.

The White House wanted to conceal Bush's presence to reduce the risk of any attempt on his life. But word of his visit leaked shortly before he landed.