US soldiers will remain deployed in Afghanistan even after military withdrawal: US Senior official

Washington: – Taliban and its supporters from Pakistan started rejoicing; they believed that the United States was defeated in Afghanistan. Indications are that the United States will not be withdrawing its military entirely from Afghanistan. A senior US official clarified that more than 650 US soldiers would continue to be deployed in Afghanistan even after the withdrawal. The Taliban had demanded a complete military withdrawal from Afghanistan. But it is becoming clear that the Biden administration does not seem to be in a mood to oblige.

Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani, is visiting the United States. Besides, within the next few hours, he will be meeting US President Joe Biden. The United States released this information regarding its deployments just before the visit. President Biden had announced complete military withdrawal from Afghanistan before 11th September. But a US official informed an international news agency that the withdrawal would be complete within the next two weeks. But the official added that despite the retreat, more than 650 US soldiers would remain deployed in Afghanistan.

This deployment will be for the security of the diplomats of the United States and its allies. The official informed that a certain number of soldiers would also assist Turkey, who has taken the responsibility of security of the international airport in Kabul. US defence headquarters, Pentagon, has not reacted to this report. But US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, criticised that the Taliban is not abiding by the ceasefire terms.

The Taliban attacks have intensified in Afghanistan and the Taliban has gained control over 50 districts since 1st May. In the last 24 hours, fierce encounters have broken out in the Baghlan, Faryab, Kunduz, Balkh, Takhar, Zabul and Patkiya provinces. Two days ago, the Taliban gained control of a military post on the Afghan-Tajikistan border. More than 125 Afghan soldiers escaped from the post after fighting a short battle.

Reports are being received that the Afghan government is trying to arm locals to counter the Taliban activities. Nakibulla Fayek, the newly appointed deputy inside minister, made this announcement.

Fayek announced ‘The locals are supporting the military, countering the activities of the Taliban. The government will be responsible for supplying arms, foodstuff, vehicles and other material to the locals, who wish to contribute by defending their regions.’ But the international analysts warn about the possibility of civil war in Afghanistan in that scenario. Meanwhile, the US announcement comes as a major jolt for the Taliban and its supporters from Pakistan, who are rejoicing over the US military withdrawal.