June 15, 2021
2 mins read

Will keep pressure on IS, Al Qaeda in Afghanistan: US General

The top US official’s remarks come as the Taliban have intensified attacks since the official withdrawal of US troops….reports Asian Lite News

Kenneth McKenzie, Commander of the US Central Command, has said that Washington will seek to “keep pressure” on the Islamic State (IS) and Al Qaeda terror groups in Afghanistan, a media report said on Monday.

“We will still do everything we can to keep pressure on the IS and Al Qaeda, from our over-the-horizon locations,” TOLO News quoted quoted McKenzie as saying in an interview with Military Times.

“That is a task I’ve been given. Those are plans I’m in discussion with now with the Secretary of Defense. How we will do that, I’ve said before, that will be a very difficult thing to do,” he added.

Regarding a recent UN report warning that the Taliban appeared poised to take back control of Afghanistan, McKenzie said: “We still intend to support the Afghan military from just over the horizon. We’re still going to support them with funding.

“We’re going to try very hard to support the Afghan air force over the horizon; some things will come out of the country to be worked on.

“I don’t want to minimise this, because I think they’re going to be tested, but we will continue to support them, just not in the way we are supporting them now.”

ALSO READ: The way forward for Afghanistan

Asked if the US would provide any combat support to Afghan forces if major cities such as Kabul were at risk of being overrun, McKenzie said: “Those are actually policy decisions, not military decisions. Right now what we’re planning to do after we withdraw is keep pressure on Al Qaeda and IS, and that would be what we’d be doing, going back into Afghanistan.”

The top US official’s remarks come as the Taliban have intensified attacks on provincial capitals, districts, bases and checkpoints since the official withdrawal of the US and other NATO troops in Afghanistan on May 1.

At least 15 districts have fallen to the Taliban since May 1, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of Afghans.

According to a UN report, the Taliban were able to capture five districts in the past year, four of which were recaptured by the government within several days.

The withdrawal of international troops is due to be completed by September 11 at the latest.

ALSO READ: Blackout in Afghanistan as power pylon destroyed in blast

Previous Story

Top court stops demolition of Hindu dharamshala in Karachi

Next Story

Afghan forces capture key Taliban commander

Latest from -Top News

ASEAN lauds India’s firm stance on terrorism

The ASEAN Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s resolve to deepen collaboration with India—a comprehensive strategic partner—in security and counter-terrorism efforts. The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha,

Ex-SEBI chief cleared by Lokpal

The anti-corruption ombudsman ruled that the complaints lacked credible evidence and were based largely on assumptions, speculation, and unverifiable claims. The Lokpal of India has dismissed all complaints against former Securities and

Iran pressed over 3 missing Indians

The embassy stated that it is maintaining close contact with the families and keeping them regularly updated about the steps being taken….reports Asian Lite News The Indian government has urged Iranian authorities

India-US eye June trade deal

The trade discussions come at a crucial time, with the United States’ 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods—imposed on April 2—currently suspended until July 9….reports Asian Lite News India and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US designates neo-Nazi Nordic group as global terrorists

Its activities have not been confined to Sweden, with the

EU, US monitoring situation after Imran’s arrest

Because of potential traffic disruptions and restrictions, the US Embassy