KABUL (SW) – The Islamic Emirate authorities have discarded allegations levelled by former top US generals about the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives summoned General Mark Milley, the former head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General Kenneth McKenzie, the former head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), on Tuesday to provide details about the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In this hearing, these former American generals claimed that the de-facto government of Afghanistan has given shelter to terrorist groups in this country and that these groups can be a threat to America in the future. They have also suggested that the strengthening of ISIS and Al-Qaeda groups in Afghanistan should be prevented.
However, officials of the Islamic Emirate considers the statements of these two former American officials to be incorrect, and says that no foreign group is present or active in Afghanistan. Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, told Salam Watandar: “These are the opinions of two former and persuasive American officials, which are not very important. But, it must be said that no foreign group is allowed to operate in Afghanistan and ISIS is in a state of destruction.”
Meanwhile, a number of experts criticize the United States of America’s view on the issue of terrorism in Afghanistan and the region. According to them, the lack of a common view of the world on this issue, as well as America’s attempt to use the issue of intimidation as a tool to achieve its goals, are among the reasons why the issue of intimidation and concerns about it remain.
Mohammad Zalmai Afghanyar Popal, the leader of the Solidarity Movement, said: “If America’s goal was to fight these groups, it was present in Afghanistan for 20 years and should have done so. Today, the roots of these are in Pakistan. The leadership of the Al-Qaeda group was killed in Abbotabad, Pakistan. Did they take action against Pakistan? But today, Pakistan is a strategic friend of America.”
Aziz Stanekzai, an expert on military issues, said: “The statements of American and Western generals about Afghanistan are contradictory. The Italian ambassador in Kabul said in a meeting with the officials of the current government that the threats have disappeared. On the other hand, America has a different opinion, England and Italy have a different opinion, and China, Russia and Iran have similar and different opinions.”
