WASHINGTON - Giving thanks to the U.S. troops and their families, the U.S. President Barack Obama has reiterated in his Christmas greetings that the war in Afghanistan was coming to a responsible end.

"Our war in Afghanistan is coming to a responsible end," Obama said in his weekly address on Christmas Eve. "Of course, the end of our combat mission in Afghanistan doesn't mean the end of challenges to our security."

Stressing the need for continued support of Afghanistan, Obama insisted that the United States would continue to work with the war-torn country until it becomes stable.

"We'll continue to work with Afghans to make sure their country is stable and secure and is never again used to launch attacks against America," Obama assured.

Praising the sacrifices made by the American Soldiers, Obama urged all Americans to "give thanks to all our men and women in uniform" who make the "blessing in our own lives" possible.

But a senior U.S. senator, who is in Kabul on Christmas Day, has warned of deteriorated security situation as the Taliban have increased their attacks with the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan.

The republican senator met with Afghan president Ashraf Ghani and the chief executive Abdullah Abdullah in separate meetings.

The vast majority of American and NATO combat troops will withdraw from Afghanistan on Dec. 31, leaving the security responsibilities of the entire country on Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). (Tolonews)