KABUL – US and NATO forces commander in Afghanistan Gen. John Nicholson onMonday accused Russia, Pakistan and Iran of continuing to supportthe Taliban insurgency.
Speaking at NATO’s train and advise headquarters here, Nicholson toldreporters on the eve of Nawroz, the first day of the new Afghan solar year,the NATO commander alleged Russia and Iran provided training, equipment andmoney to the Taliban.
He added Tehran and Moscow provided support to Taliban against Daesh butthey were indeed committing a huge mistake by doing so.
He said the US had launched a world link>-widecampaign against Daesh and had strong commitment to eliminate the terroristorganization.
“Those concerned about Daesh should share their views with us, so we couldlaunch a joint effort. They should refrain helping the Taliban.”
The US general made it clear that Russia and Iran supported the Taliban fortheir own interest not the Afghans’. He believed support to terrorists wasin the interest of no party.
Nicholson also lashed out at Pakistan link> forwhat he said not taking tangible steps against terrorist outfits and addedIslamabad’s positive steps could be seen while violence in Afghanistan hasnot declined.
He said 80 percent of Daesh fighters were former members of the PakistaniTaliban while the remaining 20 percent were remnants of the UzbekistanIslamic Movement (UIM).