KABUL (Pajhwok): Some Afghan and American sources say the US will hand over the responsibility of counterterrorism war to the Afghan government.
Counterterrorism war has been headed by the US in Afghanistan, but after US-Taliban deal in 2020, all foreign forces should leave Afghanistan and they would not conduct any operations in the country in the future.
There were reports earlier that the US had sought military bases in one of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, but Pakistan denied to host any foreign bases.
A government official, who wished to go unnamed, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the Afghan president during his visit to the US had met with the CIA director.
The source said that both sides had talked about sharing intelligence information and some other mutual issues during their meeting.
The Afghan government has opposed the idea that the US will conduct attacks against terrorists from foreign countries in Afghanistan, the official added.
After the government’s position on the matter, the US has decided to hand over counterterrorism war to the Afghan government which would be headed by special intelligence forces, the source said.
On the other hand, US State Department also confirmed that Afghan president had met with the CIA director.
A State Department official said: “It happened and was an important part of the visit. America has substantial interests in counter-terrorism cooperation and cooperation with NDS and other institutions of the Afghan government.”
However, the official did not provide further details on the regard.
A military affairs expert and former defense ministry spokesman, DawlatWaziri said that Afghan forces were the best in fighting against terrorism and they would continue their job.
Afghan special forces in particular are more powerful, courageous and strong who have no matching in the region, he said.
He said that insurgent groups including Al Qaeda, Daesh and others were a threat to the security of Afghanistan and the world and for that reason, the international community should equip and finance Afghan forces.
Waziri said the expenses of a US soldier in Afghanistan were about a million US dollars annually, but the same money could help provide the costs of 80 Afghan soldiers.
Mds/ma
