July 24, 2021
2 mins read

US reaffirms support for Afghanistan as fighting escalates

The call came amidst a sharp rise in violence as Taliban militants have continued to wage a war against Afghanistan government forces and gain ground since the drawdown began on May 1, reports Asian Lite News

During a phone call with his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed Washington’s support for Kabul as fighting has escalated in the war-torn country since the withdrawal of American forces began in May.

According to the White House, the two leaders on Friday discussed the present situation in Afghanistan and reaffirmed their commitment to an enduring bilateral partnership.

“President Biden emphasized continued US support, including development and humanitarian aid, for the Afghan people, including women, girls, and minorities,” it said.

Afghanistan
Afghan security force members take part in a military operation in Chahar Dara district of Kunduz province, Afghanistan. (Xinhua/Ajmal Kakar/IANS)

Biden and Ghani also agreed that the “Taliban’s current offensive is in direct contradiction to the movement’s claim to support a negotiated settlement of the conflict”, according to the White House.

The US leader also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to continue supporting the Afghan security forces to defend themselves.

The White House further said that the planned $3.3 billion of security assistance for Kabul in fiscal year 2022 would prioritise capabilities of the Afghan Air Force, key supplies, and salaries for Afghan troops.

In a tweet on Saturday morning, Ghani said: “President Biden reassured me that support for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) will continue. We have confidence that they will protect and defend Afghanistan.

Afghan national army soldiers take part in an operation against Taliban militants in Kunduz city, Afghanistan. (Photo by Ajmal Kakar_Xinhua_IANS)

“We stressed on the importance of the Afghans coming together for peace and security. And reiterated the enduring partnership, continued diplomatic and economic support for the Afghan government, security forces and the importance of preserving the gains of the last 20 years.”

The call came amidst a sharp rise in violence as Taliban militants have continued to wage a war against government forces and gain ground since the drawdown began on May 1.

Over 200 districts, including some key border towns, have fallen to the Taliban in the last two months.

But the government has assured to retake the districts, especially the border towns in Herat and Kandahar provinces.

Biden had ordered the US military to end its mission in Afghanistan by August 31, days ahead of his original September 11 deadline.

US Central Command said last week over 95 percent of the withdrawal had been completed.

ALSO READ – Growing Support For Afghan Taliban In Pakistan

Previous Story

Mirabai Chanu Wins India’s First Medal at Tokyo Olympics

Next Story

Curfew imposed in Afghanistan to stop Taliban

Latest from -Top News

GAZA KILLINGS: War Crime?

Mobile Phone Footage Casts Doubt on Israeli Account of Ambulance Attack in Gaza Newly surfaced mobile phone footage has raised serious questions about the Israeli military’s justification for opening fire on a

Namibia voices concern over US tariffs

AGOA is a non-reciprocal trade arrangement aimed at supporting development in African countries through preferential access to US markets The Namibian government has expressed concern over newly imposed US tariffs, warning that

Uganda, South Sudanese leaders hold talks

Museveni, who is among the guarantors of a 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war, held closed-door discussions with President Salva Kiir Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was expected to meet

Protests across US against Trump

The largest event was at the National Mall in DC, where demonstrators numbered in the tens of thousands People across the US took to the streets on Saturday to oppose what left-leaning

Namibia voices concern over US tariffs

AGOA is a non-reciprocal trade arrangement aimed at supporting development in African countries through preferential access to US markets The Namibian government has expressed concern over newly imposed US tariffs, warning that
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Biden’s science adviser, urges AI partnership with India

The US administration has roped in several IT giants like

Pak wants Afghanistan to break ties with India: Karzai

Karzai said that Pakistan must know that it cannot win