Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of the new US strategy on Afghanistan, saying that the decision unveils an enduring commitment by the US as a key partner of the Afghan government.
“I am grateful to President Trump and the American people for this affirmation of support for our efforts to achieve self-reliance and for our joint struggle to rid the region from the threat of terrorism,” Ghani said in a statement issued by Presidential Palace hours after Trump’s strategy announcement.
“The new strategy will increase the capacity in the Resolute Support mission,” Ghani said in the statement. “It will particularly emphasise on enhancing the Afghan air power, doubling the size of the Afghan Special Force and deepening NATO’s ability to train, advice and assist Afghan security forces.”
“Following this strategy towards stability allows the region to work together in achieving mutual goals of peace and prosperity, and provide a clear pathway for the regional countries to end support for non-state actors,” Ghani added.
He said US and Afghan partnering is stronger than ever in overcoming the threat of terrorism that threatens all.
“The strength of our security forces should show the Taliban and others cannot win a military victory. The objective of peace is paramount. Peace remains our priority,” he added.
Trump announced his strategy on Afghanistan on Tuesday morning. He said the United States must continue fighting in Afghanistan and that they can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s “safe havens” for terrorist organisations.
He also talked about giving more authority to the troops on the ground. “We will also expand authority for American armed forces to target the terrorists and criminal networks that sow violence and chaos throughout Afghanistan,” the US president said.
He added that their mission in Afghanistan will be to eliminate terrorists.
Hours after the announcement, Taliban reacted to the new US strategy, claiming that they will continue fighting as long as American troops remain in Afghanistan.