KABUL – US forces could leave Afghanistan within five years under aPentagon plan being offered as part of a potential deal with the Taliban toend the nearly 18-year war, the New York Times has reported.
Negotiations are believed to be progressing after high-level talks lastmonth ended with a “draft framework” on potential US troop withdrawal and apact to prevent Afghanistan from harbouring terrorists.
The US has also pushed for a ceasefire and the opening of a dialoguebetween the Taliban and the Kabul government — demands that have beenrepeatedly rejected by the insurgents.
“All American troops would withdraw from Afghanistan over the next three tofive years under a new Pentagon plan being offered in peace negotiationsthat could lead to a government in Kabul that shares power with theTaliban,” read the report published Thursday.
The newspaper said more than half a dozen current and former American andEuropean officials had described aspects of the plan that could see UStroops levels cut by half in the coming months and “largely shift Americanoperations to counter terrorism strikes”.
There are approximately 14,000 US troops based in the country, providingtraining and air support to Afghan forces along with overseeingcounterterrorism operations.
Thousands of European and international troops also assist in the trainingmission.
The Taliban were quick to reject the New York Times claims, saying theywere unaware of any such proposals made during the months-long diplomaticpush.
Read Top Stories
The publication of the report comes as the US and Taliban have temporarilypaused peace talks in Doha, with negotiations set to resume over theweekend.
“No talks have been held in the meetings regarding an interim governmentand elections, nor has the US side proposed anything regarding staying inAfghanistan for four or five more years,” said the Taliban in a statementFriday.
Current talks had “solely revolved around withdrawal of foreign forces andthe nature of this pullout as well as nature of assurances regarding futureAfghanistan,” it added.
The Afghan government and civil society groups have voiced concerns that anabrupt US withdrawal could spark an even bloodier civil war or a return ofhardline Taliban rule.
Meanwhile violence has flared, with the Taliban claiming a pre-dawn strikeon a US-Afghan base in the southwestern province of Helmand.
At least four militants were killed, provincial and defence officials saidFriday, after insurgents gained access to the base sparking heavyfirefights with Afghan forces. – APP/AFP
