Zakharova commented on the pace of US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan

03 June 2021


The accelerated pace of withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan may indicate that they will leave the country before September, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, whose words were published on the diplomatic mission's website on Wednesday, said.


"First of all, the US has not officially confirmed the information on reducing the date of withdrawal of troops. September 11 is still being used as a reference point. What draws attention is the increased pace of the drawdown of the American military presence in Afghanistan (up to half of the personnel and equipment has been withdrawn), which may point to earlier completion of the process," she said.


"As to whether the accelerated process of withdrawal of the foreign troops meets the interests of stability and security of the IRA, we think that this question should be addressed first of all to the authorities of the Islamic Republic, - added the diplomat. - "For our part, we are sure that the termination of the foreign military presence and the implementation of an inclusive process of national reconciliation are the necessary conditions for the stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan and the establishment of long-lasting peace in this country".


On April 14, US President Joe Biden announced the decision to end the operation in Afghanistan, which was the longest foreign military campaign in American history (it began in October 2001). The withdrawal of some units and equipment began late last month. American servicemen are expected to leave the country by September 11. From 2010 to 2013, the number of US troops and their allies in Afghanistan exceeded 150,000. In late May, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that the withdrawal of US troops was slightly ahead of schedule.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Press Service of the Russian Foreign Ministry / TASS

Based on materials from TASS