The top US general has issued a warning about presence of ISIS in Afghanistan
Key Takeaways:
- US Central Command (Centcom) chief Gen Kenneth McKenzie expressed concern over the Islamic State's (ISIS) presence in Afghanistan on Thursday.
- Meanwhile, accusations that foreign soldiers are present in Afghanistan have been refuted by the Taliban Defense Ministry.
On Thursday, US Central Command (Centcom) head Gen Kenneth McKenzie voiced alarm over the Islamic State's (ISIS) foothold in Afghanistan.
According to Tolo News, McKenzie stated in an interview broadcast on Facebook by the US Central Command - Dari/Pashto that America is still "sorting out what will happen" after the Taliban took power.
"ISIS... worries us in Afghanistan," McKenzie said, adding, "We know that the Taliban are no friends, particularly of ISIS, and in fact, they have periodically conducted operations against ISIS over a previous couple of years."
"I believe that what we are seeing growth in Afghanistan are ungoverned and under-governed zones, which have historically been hotbeds for ISIS, and... We know that ISIS desires to carry out external attacks—attacks against the United States—the homeland of the United States, as well as attacks against the homelands of our European neighbors... and other locations. I believe there is a risk. As a result, I am worried about the situation in Afghanistan, "he stated.
According to Tolo News, the Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Stanislav Zas, has warned that the reemergence of international terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS poses a threat to not only Afghanistan but the whole region.
"We give special attention to our southern boundaries in our efforts. Given the country's increasing socioeconomic and humanitarian calamity and the terrorist threat, and the possibility of drug trafficking, Afghanistan remains a long-term source of danger. All of this is getting worse, "he stated
Meanwhile, the Taliban Defense Ministry has disputed claims that foreign forces are present in Afghanistan.
"These allegations are false. We guarantee that the Islamic Emirate's security forces are ready to battle terrorists. In Afghanistan, there are no terrorists, "According to Inayatullah Khwarazami, the ministry's spokesperson.