The Taliban say they will step up their fight in Afghanistan, after pledges by the US and its allies to send large reinforcements to the country.
A Taliban spokesman said such moves would "provoke stronger resistance".
US President Barack Obama, announcing a long-awaited strategy on Tuesday, said another 30,000 American troops would be deployed quickly in Afghanistan.
Defence secretary Robert Gates told the US Congress that curbing the Taliban was essential for regional security.
Speaking to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mr Gates stressed that the US goal in Afghanistan and Pakistan was to defeat the al-Qaeda network - and to do that, the Taliban must be pushed back.
"Failure in Afghanistan would mean a Taliban takeover of much, if not most, of the country and likely a renewed civil war," he said.
"Taliban-ruled areas could in short order become, once again, a sanctuary for al-Qaeda as well as a staging area for resurgent militant groups on the offensive in Pakistan."
The US would ask its Nato allies for 5,000 to 7,000 additional troops, he told the committee on Wednesday.
Nato's secretary general has said non-US members will contribute at least 5,000 extra troops next year.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the Senate panel that the situation in Afghanistan was "serious and worsening" but the US - after years of limited focus - now had clear objectives there.
"Among a range of difficult choices, this is the best way to protect our nation now and in the future," she said.
Senator John McCain, the senior Republican on the committee, said he backed Mr Obama's decision to deploy more troops but not the announcement of an "arbitrary date" for their withdrawal, set to begin in July 2011.
'Devastating terrorism'
The Taliban expressed defiance in the face of Mr Obama's commitment to send additional forces.
"Obama will witness lots of coffins heading to America from Afghanistan," Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahamdi told AFP news agency.
Belarus manufacturers to storm Ghana next week after President's visit
Government to offer tax incentives for factories located outside Accra
White House World Cup chief defends visa ban for Somali referee, Iranians
Talensi DCE courts investors for revival of Pwalugu Tomato Factory
Manhyia South MP says free speech under threat, cites 17 arrests in 16 months un...
KATH doctors suspend strike after Otumfuo’s intervention
Mahama is losing control of his government — NPP Communicator
Health Minister’s suspension of KATH CEO technically right — Prof Beyuo
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital conducts Ebola emergency simulation to strengthen fro...
Abandoned newborn baby found near gutter at Agona Swedru Woaraba
