Top U.S. general in Afghanistan steps down as military mission nears end

General Scott Miller stepped down today as both the last and longest serving American commander in America's longest war. At a small ceremony at Resolute Support headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, Miller called the assignment "the highlight of my military career," saying the people of Afghanistan "will be in my heart and on my mind for the rest of my life."

His departure marks the symbolic end of the 20-year U.S. military mission in Afghanistan. And it comes amid a surge in violence from Taliban militants who have launched coordinated offensives across the country. Miller said he told Taliban representatives, "It's important that military sides set the conditions for a peaceful and political settlement in Afghanistan, but we know that with that violence, it would be very difficult to achieve a political settlement."