The U.S. Intelligence Community concluded last week that the removal of the American military in Afganistan could have detrimental consequences in just an estimated six months after the withdrawal is complete.
Remaining U.S. troops in the country began formally withdrawing on the 1st of May this year, amid escalating violence. In June, tensions with the Taliban spiraled further when the organisation seized dozens of districts surrounding major cities.
Taliban forces were fighting government troops in the northern city of Kunduz after after taking control of the main border crossing with Tajikistan. Since tensions began, politicians and tribe elders have taken to negotiations and surrender agreements with government forces. These troops have left armored vehicles, weaponry and artillery in exchange for Taliban guarantees of safe passage.
The insurgent movement promised that Afghan troops who surrender would be sent home and those who chose to renounce the Kabul government would be allowed to live in liberated areas in peace.
More than half of the 3,500 U.S. troops and equipment have been pulled out of the country with the remaining due to leave by the 11th of September. However, should the situation amongst the insurgents further deteriorate, military planners may look towards an alternative and prepare operations to evacuate U.S. personnel should the need arise.
White House officials are also in the predicament of slowing down the pace of withdrawal, however there is no plan as such to go back on President Biden's decision to remove all troops by September.
The U.S withdrawal comes as a result of the February 2020 agreement that the Trump administration negotiated with the Taliban. As part of the agreement, the Taliban was supposed to engage in peace talks with the Afghan government. These supposed discussions, however, have reached a dead end and officials predict that that situation will remain volatile till the fighting season ends in October.
Published 15th July 2021 | 1:36 pm