Category: Afghanistan

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US to deploy forces in Afghanistan to cover troop pullout

US troops in Afghanistan.

Jean-Pierre also said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed that a carrier strike group would provide sustained additional force protection capabilities in the region throughout the withdrawal….reports Asian Lite News

The White House has said the US military will send additional forces to Afghanistan to protect US and coalition forces during the withdrawal.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One that “a drawdown is underway,” saying that the US military would deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan and the region to cover the withdrawal, Xinhua reported.

“Elements of an Army Ranger Task Force will temporarily deploy to Afghanistan to assist with the force protection of forces on the ground as we initiate withdrawal operations,” she noted.

Jean-Pierre also said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed that a carrier strike group would provide sustained additional force protection capabilities in the region throughout the withdrawal.

“While these actions will initially result in increased forces levels, we remain committed to having all US military personnel out of Afghanistan by September 11, 2021,” she added.

Also read:Afghan, Pak troops exchange fire at Kandahar

The Pentagon last week said that B-52 bombers and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier will deploy to the region to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they withdraw from Afghanistan.

Citing defense officials, CNN reported that fewer than 100 troops and military equipment had been pulled out of the country largely by aircraft to implement the withdrawal order announced by President Joe Biden earlier this month.

Afghan security force members take part in a military operation in Ghazni province, eastern Afghanistan

The US State Department on Tuesday ordered non-essential staff to leave the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. US Charge d’Affaires to Afghanistan Ross Wilson tweeted that the departure was approved “in light of increasing violence & threat reports in Kabul.”

Biden previously announced the withdrawal would begin on May 1, the deadline date for a full U.S. withdrawal under an agreement reached between the former Donald Trump administration and the Afghan Taliban.

The Taliban had warned of consequences if the Biden administration fails to follow through that deadline.

There are roughly 3,500 US troops in Afghanistan, and about 7,000 NATO troops in the country rely on US logistics and security support.

Also read:Pakistan desperate to extradite Farooqi from Afghanistan

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Pakistan desperate to extradite Farooqi from Afghanistan

Gurdwara-attack-mastermind-Aslam-Farooqi

On its part, Pakistan has apparently served Taliban an “enough is enough” ultimatum. In case they don’t re-join the peace process, the Talban were told, Islamabad would retaliate….reports Asian Lite News

Afghanistan has urged Pakistan to impose its will on Taliban so that it joins stalled peace talks.

On its part, Pakistan has apparently served Taliban an “enough is enough” ultimatum. In case they don’t re-join the peace process, the Talban were told, Islamabad would retaliate.

What has been the tipping point that has forced Islamabad’s hand? Apparently, Pakistan’s patience ran out when the Taliban refused to join the US-backed Afghan Peace Conference in Islamabad, which was slated for April 24 in Istanbul. The seminal conclave was to be co-hosted by Turkey, Qatar and the United Nations.

The Pakistani delegation led by special envoy Mohammad Sadiq was subsequently in Kabul for two days. According to the Afghan media, the Pakistani heavyweight team was on a ‘special’ mission.

Mohammad Sadiq meets Afghan National Security Adviser at the Presidential Palace in Kabul(Twitter)

Last year, the Afghans had arrested Aslam Farooqi, also known as Abdullah. He was the chief of the arch-terrorist Islamic State “Khorasan Province’ (KP) chapter. Since then, Pakistan has been trying to “extradite” Aslam Farooqi, because of his ‘close ‘ connection with Pakistan’s ISI. The Afghans have charged Farooqi with attacking in last March, in which 27 people were killed.

Also read:Taliban negotiators visit Pakistan to ‘consult leadership’

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case to look into the terror attack in Kabul. One Indian was among 27 Sikh worshippers who were killed in the attack led by Aslam Farooqi.

Pakistan’s ISI and the Pakistan army, the handlers of terror groups, has been concerned that Farooqi would share sensitive, credible and verifiable information with the National Directorate of Security (NDS) of Afghanistan, showing them in “poor light”, in case the information became public.

Ashraf-Ghani

It is because of these large-scale ramifications that Pakistan has been pressuring Afghanistan to hand over Farooqi to them. Pakistan is using the Taliban peace deal as a leverage to bring in the United States into the picture to pressurise Afghanistan to hand over Farooqi to them.

While Pakistani delegation was in Kabul last week, it is understood that Farooqi’s extradition was also discussed.

When asked by the media, Ahmad Zia Saraj, the head of Afghanistan’s intelligence agency—the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said: “We will think about it once Pakistan hands over some Taliban leaders to us who are in their jails.” The ball in now in Pakistan’s court to comply with the Afghan request, in case it wants to “recover” their intelligence asset.

Also read:Peaceful Bangladesh a boon for India and South Asia

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Afghan, Pak troops exchange fire at Kandahar

It confirmed that the Monday clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces occurred in the Loqman village of Spin Boldak…reports Asian Lite News

Afghans and Pakistan troops opened fire at each other on Monday at Kandahar.

According to Afghanistan times news, “Afghan and Pakistani troops opened fire at each other on Monday at a crossing point in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province in the south.”

Officials in Kandahar confirmed the Monday clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces, saying it occurred in the Loqman village of Spin Boldak and lasted for several hours, as reported by Afghanistan times.

Later, Gholam Yahya Alavi, spokesman of the 205 Atal army corps based in Kandahar, confirmed the attack and open fire among the countries. He told Afghanistan times that “the clash was over and Pakistani troops were pushed back.”

Alavi said that “one Afghan soldier was injured and a vehicle was damaged, but could not offer an exact number of Pakistan forces’ casualties,” reported Afghanistan Times.

The Afghan and Pakistani forces have confronted each other twice since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan which started on April 13, at the crossing points as Pakistani forces tried to cross the Durand Line and fence the crossing line, according to Afghan officials.

However, Pakistani officials did not comment on the incident so far, reported Afghanistan times. (ANI)

Also read:Taliban negotiators visit Pakistan to ‘consult leadership’

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NATO pledge commitment to support Afghan peace

Ashraf-Ghani

The alliance declared that member states were scheduled to begin an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan by May 1…reports Asian Lite News

The NATO alliance on Friday reiterated its pledge to support Afghanistan and the political resolution of hostilities in the country, Stefano Pontecorvo, NATO Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan, said on Friday.

On Thursday, the official met with Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation. According to Pontecorvo, they held fruitful discussions “on the new chapter in the relationship between Afghanistan and NATO.”

“We agreed on the importance of a political settlement and on the need for a united Republic front to act in the interest of peace and for the benefit of all Afghans,” the official was quoted as saying by the regional alliance office in a tweet.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani,

Last week, the alliance declared that member states were scheduled to begin an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan by May 1, planning to complete it within a few months. The US intends to complete the pullout by September 11.

Also read:‘Afghanistan ready for NATO pack up’

In the meantime, Afghanistan is still witnessing clashes between Taliban insurgents and the Afghan military despite the launch of peace talks between the movement and Kabul in Qatar’s Doha last September.

The Afghan military continues to regularly report on its special operations against the movement.

Stay out, Ghani tells Pakistan

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday urged Pakistan to stay out of his country and rein in the Taliban to ensure an orderly departure of NATO forces next month.

Speaking during a visit to the restive southern province of Kandahar, Ghani said that Afghanistan wanted to see NATO forces out with dignity.

He said that Pakistan, which Afghanistan and the United States blame for giving a safe haven to the radical insurgency, should use its leverage to force the Taliban back into peace talks.

NATO announced last week that member states will start an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan by May 1, planning to complete it within a few months. The US intends to complete the pullout by September 11. (ANI/Sputnik)

Also read:India, US team up for Afghan stability

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Taliban negotiators visit Pakistan to ‘consult leadership’

The Taliban’s delegation visited Pakistan to seek “guidance” from Pakistani intelligence agencies….reports Asian Lite News

Ahead of Turkey summit on Afghanistan’s peace, Taliban negotiators have left for Pakistan from Doha to consult and seek guidance from their “leadership”, Tolonews reports.

The Taliban’s delegation visited Pakistan to seek “guidance” from Pakistani intelligence agencies.

“Whenever there is a stalemate in the talks in Qatar, they (Taliban) say that we are going to consult our elders, in reality, ‘elders’ means that ‘we are going to seek suggestions from the ISI and the (Pakistani) army,'” said Afghanistan’s First Vice President Amrullah Saleh.

This comes as the Taliban blamed the extension of the US presence in Afghanistan as the main cause for their non-participation in the Turkey summit which has been postponed from April 24 to May 4.

Intra-Afghan talks in Doha.

Last week, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had said the announcement of the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan will require that Pakistan make a decision on its Afghan policy — whether to opt for cooperation or enmity with its neighbour.

Ghani said, “After two years, we are fully prepared for the day and we have a comprehensive plan for their withdrawal.” He added that “Today, it is a day of decision for Pakistan”.

Also read:Afghanistan ready for NATO pack up’

The US has announced that all its troops will be out of Afghanistan by September 11.

US President Joe Biden earlier this month had said that the United States will start its final withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan on May 1 and complete its pullout ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

US troops in Afghanistan.
‘Our troops capable of fighting Taliban’

Afghanistan’s military has the capacity to fight the Taliban unaided after the withdrawal of US-led foreign troops as it has demonstrated throughout last year, Afghan National Security Council spokesperson Rahmatullah Andar told Sputnik.

“Since last year, Afghan security and defense forces have been conducting 96 percent of operations on their own self. Afghan troops have no problem fighting with the Taliban,” Andar said, noting, however, that Afghanistan would continue receiving assistance from abroad after the pullout of foreign troops.

The official described the Afghan forces as being in “active defensive potion” and stated that the fighting was particularly intense in areas where the Taliban have access to the illicit economy and drug trade. Andar also accused the Taliban of having members of al-Qaeda (banned in Russia) and other terrorist groups in their ranks.

Also read:India, US team up for Afghan stability

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‘Afghanistan ready for NATO pack up’

Ghani added that the 350,000-member strong security forces were fully prepared to protect the country…reports Asian Lite News

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that the country has long been ready for the US and NATO-led coalition forces’ withdrawal.

Ghani made the remarks during a security personnel medal-awarding ceremony held here on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.

“After two years, we are fully prepared for the day and we have a comprehensive plan for their withdrawal,” he said.

The President added that the 350,000-member strong security forces were fully prepared to protect the country.

US troops in Afghanistan.
Also read:Australian troops to exit Afghanistan by September

Ghani also reiterated that the Afghan government is committed to the peace talks with the Taliban and that it is now up to the latter to act on it.

US President Joe Biden on April 14 announced the unconditional withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan by September which will end the 20-year old war.

Biden said that it has been 10 years since former Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden’s death, and it is time to end America’s war in the country and to bring US troops home.

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that achieving a peace deal after the withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan is one of the priorities of the group but added that it will select the military option if the efforts could not get the expected outcome, TOLO News reported.

Also read:EU urges constructive engagement in Afghan peace talks

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Ghani meets Blinken in Kabul

During the meeting held in the Afghan Presidential Palace on Thursday, Ghani stressed the common struggle of all countries against terrorism…reports Asian Lite News

A day after US President Joe Biden announced the unconditional withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by September which will end the 20-year old war, Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and visiting American Secretary of State Antony Blinken exchanged views on the decision and the war on terrorism.

During the meeting held in the Afghan Presidential Palace on Thursday, Ghani stressed the common struggle of all countries against terrorism, reports Xinhua news agency.

Ghani told Blinken that Afghanistan respects the US President’s decision, adding that the Kabul government will ensure a smooth transition.

The President said that the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) were capable enough to defend their country and ensure security.

Ghani, Blinken meet in Kabul(Twitter)

On his part, the top US diplomat said: “The withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan will not mean the weakening of strategic relations between the two countries. The US will honour its commitments to the government and people of Afghanistan.”

Blinken said his visit to Afghanistan was important because he wanted to convey in person America’s commitment to an enduring partnership with the country and its people, TOLO News reported.

Also read:9/11:Biden sets deadline for pullout

“We never intended to have a permanent military presence here. Threat from Al Qaeda in Afghanistan is significantly degraded.

“By our enduing to support to Afghanistan economically, diplomatically, politically, I do want to say that as we proceed, we will remember the extraordinary courage, strength and sacrifices our troops who served in Afghanistan in the past two decades.

“An now we are embarking on a new chapter in our partnership with the Afghan people,” he added.

The Secretary of State also warned the Taliban against attacking the US forces as they are withdrawing from Afghanistan, saying any attack by the Taliban will be met with forceful response.

“We will continue to support Afghan national security forces, but importantly we are doing everything we can now to advance diplomacy to bring in regional and international partners,” he added.

Also read:Ghani calls for ceasefire during Ramadan

Besides Ghani, Blinken also met Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation.

“We agreed that a negotiated political settlement remains the only way forward, and the US will continue to support it,” he said of his meeting with Abdullah.

President Joe Biden (www.instagram.comwhitehouse)

Biden on Wednesday announced the full withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, who have stayed in the country for 20 years.

Biden said that it has been 10 years since former Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden’s death, and it is time to end America’s war in the country and to bring US troops home.

“We will begin our withdrawal on May 1,” Biden said, adding that it will not be a “hasty rush to the exit”, and if the Taliban attacks, the US will defend itself and partners with “all the tools at our disposal”.

Also read:Australian troops to exit Afghanistan by September

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EU urges constructive engagement in Afghan peace talks

Refugees from Afghanistan arrive at Skala Sikaminias, on the island of Lesvos, Greece(Xinhua/Marios Lolos/IANS)

EU will continue to encourage “a politically negotiated settlement through continued direct talks between the parties” said EU spokeperson …reports Asian Lite News

The European Union (EU) has called for “firm commitment and constructive engagement by all parties” in the peace talks in Afghanistan, after the US and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced the pullout of their troops from the country.

European Commission spokesperson Nabila Massrali told a press briefing on Thursday that the EU will continue to encourage “a politically negotiated settlement through continued direct talks between the parties”, reports Xinhua news agency.

The bloc has also called for an end to the violence in the country, “which remains unacceptably high”, the spokesperson added.

NATO allies on Wednesday agreed to pull out all of their armed forces from Afghanistan after the US announced that all American troops would leave the country by September 11.

Also read:Australian troops to exit Afghanistan by September

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Australian troops to exit Afghanistan by September

Morrison said Australia would follow the US in ending its military presence in Afghanistan after 20 years…reports Asian Lite News

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Thursday that the country’s remaining troops in Afghanistan will leave in September.

Morrison said Australia would follow the US in ending its military presence in Afghanistan after 20 years, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Over the past two years we’ve been reducing our military presence in Afghanistan from a high of over 1,500 personnel to around 80 personnel currently,” he told reporters.

“In line with the US and our other allies and partners, the last remaining Australian troops will depart Afghanistan in September 2021.”

Australian Defence Force personnel arrived in Afghanistan in 2001.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison

More than 39,000 Australian troops had been deployed to Afghanistan, 41 of whom died in the country.

He acknowledged that the conflict has “exacted an enormous toll” on the Afghan people and said that Australia would continue to support peace talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban.

The Australian Defence Force last year released the findings of a four-year inquiry that found “credible evidence” of the special forces soldiers’ murdering of 39 Afghans, including children, in 23 incidents, and none of those killings occurred in “the heat of a battle”.

The killings have been described by many as war crime.

Also read:9/11:Biden sets deadline for pullout

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9/11:Biden sets deadline for pullout

US President-Elect Joe Biden

“The United States will begin our final withdrawal, begin it on May 1 of this year,” said Biden…reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden has announced that all US troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan before September 11, a move to end the longest war in American history.

“The United States will begin our final withdrawal, begin it on May 1 of this year,” Biden said on Wednesday in his remarks at the White House, Xinhua news agency reported.

“US troops, as well as forces deployed by our NATO allies and operational partners, will be out of Afghanistan before we mark the 20th anniversary of that heinous attack on September 11th.”

“It is time to end America’s longest war. It is time for American troops to come home,” he said, noting that the US has achieved counterterrorism objectives in Afghanistan.

US troops in Afghanistan.

In his remarks, Biden made clear that the withdrawal is not subject to any changes of conditions on the ground.

“We cannot continue the cycle of extending or expanding our military presence in Afghanistan hoping to create ideal conditions for the withdrawal and expecting a different result,” he said.

“I’m now the fourth United States president to preside over American troop presence in Afghanistan. Two Republicans, two Democrats. I will not pass this responsibility on to a fifth.”

Also read:Biden lauds Korean battery dispute settlement

The upcoming September 11 is the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that drew the United States into war in Afghanistan. Biden said that 2,488 US military personnel were killed, and 20,722 have been wounded in this longest war in American history.

Biden highlighted that the US would continue to support the Afghan government and provide assistance to the Afghan military after the withdrawal. “While we will not stay involved in Afghanistan militarily, our diplomatic and humanitarian work will continue.”

Afghan security force members take part in a military operation in Ghazni province, eastern Afghanistan

Meanwhile, he voiced US support for the peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban facilitated by the United Nations.

Biden spoke with Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani earlier in the day. The two leaders discussed continued commitment to a strong bilateral partnership following the departure of US troops from Afghanistan, according to a readout issued by the White House.

The latest decision extends the deadline negotiated between the previous administration and the Afghan Taliban last year to pull US troops out of the country on May 1.

The United States and the Taliban signed an agreement in late February 2020, which called for a full withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan by May 2021 if the Taliban meets the conditions of the deal, including severing ties with terrorist groups.

The Biden administration had concluded that the Taliban had not met its commitment under the US-Taliban deal.

The Pentagon said that there are roughly 2,500 US troops in Afghanistan, but US media recently said the number did not include 1,000 more US special forces in the country. Besides, about 7,000 NATO troops in Afghanistan rely on US logistics and security support.

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