The United States has been holding another round of peace talks with the Taliban - part of President Trump's efforts to end what is now America's longest war.

But despite those efforts, the death toll among Afghan civilians and military personnel continues to rise dramatically.

Over the last four years, 45,000 Afghan soldiers and police have been killed.

It raises questions as to what would happen to the country if US troops left, after 18 years of war.

Reporter: Jonathan Beale

Filmed by: Fred Scott

Produced by: Imogen Anderson

Edited by: Rachael Thorn

Defending Afghanistan can be seen on BBC World News at varying times during the week from Saturday 13 July 2019.