KABUL - NATO Resolute Support (RS) mission on Wednesday asked Afghanistan and Pakistan to reduce tension and work together as terrorism was a common regional enemy.
Brig. Gen. Charlie Cleveland, US-NATO spokesman, during an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News said RS mission commander Ge. Nicholson spoke to Pak Army chief General Bajwa and condemned the recent terrorist attacks.
“While the details of their discussion are private, General Nicholson provided his personal condolences to the innocent civilians who were victims of the recent terrorist attacks.  And, both generals agreed to work together to confront these terrorists.” He added.
In response to a question on US role in conflict type of situation between Afghanistan and Pakistan in the light of Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) Gen. Cleveland said that US embassy in Kabul was authorised to answer this question as the diplomatic mission handled the agreement.
The NATO-US spokesman also refused to provide information about escalation on the Durand line and referred to the government of Afghanistan for details.
“Overall, our very strong recommendation to all involved is to do all possible to de-escalate the tensions.  Terrorism is a regional problem and requires a regional solution.”
US-NATO spokesman said, all must work together towards the common cause of defeating these terrorists.
“Regarding our role, we continue to conduct our train, advise, and assist mission with our Afghan partners so that the ANDSF can defend themselves and also address any threats from terrorist organizations that reside in the region.” Gen. Charlie added.
There are no plans at all for Resolute Support to re-start a combat mission.  Resolute Support will continue its train, advise, and assist mission, and the US will also continue to conduct a counter-terrorist mission against ISIS and Alqaeda, he said.
“We do intend to thicken the advisory effort by adding to our Expeditionary Advisory Packages.  And, we will continue to send them out for temporary missions to train, advise, and assist at lower levels as we done previously in Farah, Lashkar Gah, and other locations as needed.”
In response to the ongoing battle against terrorism in Afghanistan he said, It was also incredibly important to highlight how successful the ANDSF and the US have been against ISIS.
He said, this time last year, there were over 2,000 ISIS members in southern Nangarhar spread out over eleven districts.  Today, one year later, there are approximately only 700 ISIS remaining in southern Nangarhar, confined to less three districts.
According to him, the 201st Corps is conducting very successful operations right now against ISIS in Deh Bala and Kot.  In addition, Afghan and US counter terrorism operations have killed the top 12 ISIS leaders and the ISIS terrorist responsible for the attack on last July's peaceful protest in Kabul.  
“We also killed the TGG leader who was responsible for the horrific attack against the school in Peshawar at the end of 2014.” He said
In response to a question regarding corruption  among Afghan security forces Gen. Charlie  said as President Ghani and other senior leaders have highlighted, corruption is a problem for Afghanistan and must be addressed by all people at all levels.
He added, If weapons and ammunition are being sold, then those involved are criminals and will be caught and prosecuted by the government.
The Anti-Corruption Justice Center was now prosecuting cases and working hard to punish those involved and responsible for corruption. He added. (Pajhwok)