Gen Milley warns of potential civil war in Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): The US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman has warned of a possible civil war and return of Al Qaeda to Afghanistan after the pullout of foreign forces.

Gen Mark Milley, addressing the Sedona Forum on Wednesday, said: “In the worst-case analysis, you have a potential collapse of the government…”

The National, a UAE-based newspaper, quoted him as speaking of a potential collapse of the Afghan military, a humanitarian catastrophe and the possibility Al Qaeda’s return to the country.

About the possibility of a deal between the Afghan government and the Taliban, Gen Milley said such an outcome was not a forgone conclusion.

He promised continued US support for diplomatic efforts for a negotiated outcome between Kabul and the Taliban, saying such a deal would be in the best interest of the Afghans.

PAN Monitor/mud