Rosalind Evans
US Defense Secretary James Mattis landed in Afghanistan, holding discussions with President Ashraf Ghani and other top officials.
During a press briefing, Mattis highlighted his visit’s aim: to guide his advice regarding the US’s future strategy in Afghanistan. However, he remained tight-lipped about his forthcoming recommendations. Emphasizing the ongoing challenges, Mattis remarked, “2017 poses more hardships for the brave Afghan forces and their international allies, who stand united in their fight against terrorism.”
Mattis initiated his trip at the Operation Resolute Support hub, a NATO-led initiative training Afghan security units.
His Kabul visit came in the aftermath of a brutal assault on a northern military base, with over 100 Afghan soldiers reported dead or injured. The Taliban asserted responsibility for the Camp Shaheen attack, alleging retaliation for the killing of two regional officials.
Describing the attack on the unsuspecting soldiers, Mattis labelled the Taliban a “savage foe,” emphasizing, “Their actions reveal they lack true religious conviction. This shows why our solidarity with the Afghan people against such vile deeds is essential.”
A high-ranking US military source speculated that the notorious Haqqani network, a Taliban offshoot, might have orchestrated the raid. Given the attack’s intricacy, it’s believed to have required months of planning, hinting at Haqqani’s involvement. The US has consistently implored Pakistan to take action against the Haqqani group, which reportedly finds refuge there.
Coinciding with Mattis’s arrival, President Ghani announced the resignation of his defence minister and army chief. An informed military source indicated these departures were anticipated, especially following an ISIS-led assault on a military hospital earlier in the year.
Mattis’s recent engagements included stops in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and Djibouti. His tour’s objective, as stated by the Defense Department, was to fortify pivotal US military partnerships, engage strategic allies, and deepen counter-terrorism collaboration.
The US military has been embroiled in Afghanistan for close to 16 years, confronting the tenacious Taliban and other extremist factions, including ISIS.
While the US celebrated the recent elimination of Taliban leader Quari Tayib, it was quickly overshadowed by the subsequent Camp Sheehan onslaught. Resolute Support’s commander, Gen. John Nicholson, reconfirmed the coalition’s commitment to supporting Afghan troops.
Highlighting the volatile situation, Nicholson previously described Afghanistan’s security condition as “at a standstill,” referencing multiple factors, from governmental stability to foreign influences.
Currently, there are approximately 8,400 US and 6,000 NATO and allied forces stationed in Afghanistan. Nicholson believes several thousand additional troops are required to alter the current impasse.
Recent reports suggest the Afghan national security forces faced significant losses last year, while international troops experienced reduced casualties after the NATO-led operation transitioned its role in 2014. Current analyses indicate a deteriorating security situation in the country.
In a complex and evolving landscape, Afghanistan remains a pivotal front in the global war on terrorism. With numerous international stakeholders and a resilient insurgent threat, the nation’s path to peace and stability is challenging. The recent events underscore the necessity for informed strategies, enduring partnerships, and a commitment to a brighter future for the Afghan people.
