The US Department of Defense on Thursday provided to the Congress the semiannual report, “Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan,” covering events during the period of June 1 to November 30, 2019.

The 89-page report, mainly focused on peace process, US counter-terrorism measures, Afghan forces capabilities, RS support missions, terrorist sanctuaries outside Afghanistan, IS-K and other key issues.

The report said that “terrorist and insurgent groups also continue to present a formidable challenge to Afghan, U.S., and coalition forces. ISIS-K, operationally limited to South and Central Asia, maintains the ability to conduct attacks and sought to retain territory in eastern Afghanistan despite pressure from U.S. forces, ANDSF and the Taliban.”

Touching on the Taliban-initiated attacks, Pentagon added: ” From June 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019, the total number of effective enemy-initiated attacks was 6,122 and the monthly average was 1,224. By comparison, the total number of effective enemy-initiated attacks during the same period last year (June 1, 2018 – November 01, 2018) was 5,145 and the monthly average was 1,029.”

“The United States continues to pursue a conditions-based strategy focused on increasing military pressure on Taliban commanders. This has helped set the conditions for Taliban leadership to hold talks with the United States government. United States strategy continues to focus on getting the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban to the negotiating table to reach a stable, inclusive political settlement,” it added.

If further said that the United States is encouraging more robust intelligence and operational cooperation among Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other regional partners in the effort to defeat ISIS.

Elsewhere it said:” The primary threat to Afghan stability is the Taliban, which receives sanctuary and support from external actors. The Taliban has been unable to fulfill its proclaimed fighting season campaign objectives, capture any provincial capitals, or gain any clear military advantage.”

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