US seeking bases in region to monitor Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok):  A senior US military commander says he will make recommendations to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in early June on combating terrorist groups after American forces exit the country.

The US Central Command chief said on Wednesday talks were ongoing with Afghanistan’s neighbours on overflight rights and troop basing.

The Associated Press (AP) quoted Gen. Frank McKenzie as saying the negotiations were “moving forward” but would take time.

If the talks succeed, the general said, the US would be able to monitor the terrorist threat and support the Afghan security personnel.

It would be a taxing time for the Afghan military and the risk was high, believed McKenzie, who refused to elaborate on the recommendations he would make to Austin.

He will also brief the defense secretary on cost appraisals for keeping surveillance aircraft over Afghanistan regularly to track terrorists after September 11.

Without any bases in neighbouring countries, McKenzie explained, more aircraft would be needed to keep an eye on Afghanistan because they will have to fly for four hours to six hours from other US military installations in the Middle East.

PAN Monitor/mud