Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

US to have Enduring Presence in Afghanistan: Panetta

US to have  Enduring Presence in  Afghanistan: Panetta

WASHINGTON - US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Tuesday told terrorist outfits, including Al Qaeda and Taliban, not to be under any illusion that they could roam free after the 2014 withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

“We are not going anywhere; our commitment to Afghanistan is long-term; you cannot wait us out,” Panetta said in his address to the Center for New American Security (CNAS), an eminent Washington-based think-tank.
He said Al Qaeda, Taliban and associated forces -- under pressure in Pakistan -- continued to view the rugged terrain of Afghanistan, especially Kunar and Nuristan as a viable safe haven.

A relentless and effective counterterrorism effort conducted by US Special Operations Forces this year made clear they would not allow the insurgents to regain their sanctuary, the secretary added.

“Make no mistake; we remain determined to prevent Al Qaeda from ever again launching terrorist attacks on America from safe havens inside Afghanistan. Over the past two years, we have dealt the Taliban-led insurgency a heavy blow and made real progress in building an Afghanistan that can secure itself against this threat over the long-term,” he said.

Panetta said the US was on track for two key milestones: Afghans will be in the lead throughout the country for security in mid-2013 and they will take full responsibility for security at the end of 2014.

“After 2014, the United States has made clear through a Strategic Partnership Agreement that we will maintain an enduring presence and a long-term commitment to Afghanistan’s security. And NATO made a similar commitment at the Chicago summit last May,” he concluded. (Pajhwok)