The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that US intelligence has warned that Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, could fall to the resurgent Taliban group within six months of the last US and international troops leaving. This was discussed ahead of a White House meeting on Friday between President Joe Biden and top Afghan leaders Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah.
The warning came amid growing international concern about Taliban gains since May 1, when US and allied troops began leaving Afghanistan in accordance with a timeline announced by Biden. The withdrawal expected to be completed by September 11 – the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that prompted the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
During a UN Security Council debate on Monday, India, a crucial partner in Afghanistan’s rebuilding, urged for an UN-led ceasefire in the country, citing a sharp upsurge in violence in the country since May 1.
According to the Wall Street Journal, US intelligence and military analysts have altered their estimates and now anticipate Kabul will fall six to twelve months after American forces leave, with officials in other western countries fearing the city will fall far sooner, potentially in three months.
With the exception of a small force to be kept behind for the protection of American diplomatic missions and officials, the US military plans to complete the pullout by July, reducing the 3,500 troops stationed there to zero.
With the exception of a small force to be kept behind for the protection of American diplomatic missions and officials, the US military plans to complete the pullout by July, reducing the 3,500 troops stationed there to zero.
“I will say that while, in general, we are seeing elevated attacks on ANDSF (Afghan National Defence and Security Forces) and Afghan government versus a year ago, we have not seen an increase in attacks on our military presence since February 2020,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in response to a question about the rapid military gains made by the Taliban.
Psaki further added, “We also assess that, had we not begun to draw down, violence would have increased against us as well after May 1, because that was what the Taliban were clearly conveying. So, the status quo, in our view, was not an option.”
At a congressional hearing on Wednesday, US senators expressed concern over the Taliban’s advancements and requested guarantees from US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley.
“Yes, we’re concerned, and we’re watching it,” Miley said, “but there’s a 300,000-plus military force in Afghanistan, and it’s their job to defend their country.” According to him, the Taliban currently hold 81 district centres across Afghanistan, but none of the province capitals.
Austin sought to allay lawmakers’ concerns about the US’ ability to prevent terrorists from regaining control of Afghanistan after troops leave, claiming that the US has a “very” effective over-the-horizon capability in keeping an eye on the country, currently from partner countries in the Gulf region and from platforms at sea. He did not name the countries, but Pakistan appears to be a front-runner, as seen by Prime Minister Imran Khan’s numerous public protests, in which he has stated that his country will not agree to grant the US bases on its soil.
Continue Reading on Spot Latest
