Afghans have to defend their country: Pentagon

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Pentagon has linked the volatile situation in Afghanistan to the presence of terrorist safe havens on the Durand Line.

Addressing a news briefing on Monday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby called the terrorist safe havens the source of instability and insecurity in the region.

The News quoted as asking the neighbours of Afghanistan to refrain from actions that imperiled regional security.

He said the US was in talks with Pakistan on the issue of safe havens. He added Pakistan had also been a victim of terrorism.

He promised the US would continue airstrikes in support of the Afghan Air Force, when and where needed.

With the Taliban having seized six provincial capitals, he acknowledged, the security situation in Afghanistan was not heading in the right direction.

In response to a query about the Taliban’s swift gains, the Pentagon spokesman said: “It’s their country to defend. This is their struggle.”

The United States was deeply concerned about the trend, he said, adding the Afghan forces had the capability to fight the insurgent group.

PAN Monitor/mud