The problem Trump will have with Afghanistan regards sending more troops, what kind of troops they are, and whether they have a combat or Special Forces’ role – given that the 15-year US effort hasn’t worked, former Pentagon official Michael Maloof says.
Three US soldiers were killed by an Afghan soldier and another serviceman was wounded in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday in an attack that was claimed by the Taliban, according to the Pentagon.
The Taliban said the attack was from a member of the group which had infiltrated the security forces. An incident of this nature has become known as a ‘green-on-blue’ attack, and has been an increasing threat for Washington’s coalition in Afghanistan.
In March, three American soldiers were wounded by an Afghan soldier at a base in Helmand Province.
RT: The Taliban claimed to have infiltrated the Afghan Army. Is this likely and how big a problem does it pose?
Michael Maloof: Yes, it is. It has been for quite some time now. It clearly demonstrates two things. Number one, the Taliban is on the rise and especially in this one area, it is very remote and we have forces out there for training and assisting and they are not backed up by combat troops. Secondly, it also shows that the vetting process that the US is using somehow failed.
There should have been something that was picked up on this Taliban commander’s background that could have kicked him out and denied him access to the Afghan Army. So, there appears to be a breakdown and I am sure the Pentagon is going to be investigating that. -RT