The US embassy in Kabul has confirmed that Ryan Crocker, the US ambassador to Afghanistan will step down from his post.

Cameron Munter, US ambassador to neighbouring Pakistan had announced the end of his diplomatic tour just weeks prior.

Crocker, who had also served as ambassador to Pakistan for three years starting in 2004 and to Syria from 1998 to 2001, oversaw the the re-opening of the US embassy in Kabul in 2002, which had been closed during Taliban rule.