The Pentagon in a newly-released report has warned that a “robust” counter-terrorism capability must remain in Afghanistan against groups including al-Qaida, even if a peace deal with the Taliban is secured.

According to a Pentagon report, the Afghan government, the U.S. and coalition partners will continue to face risks from al-Qaida, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan Province, as well as from some in the Taliban.

This comes as the peace agreement is based on four central pillars, including a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

The Pentagon’s report was also published a day after Army Gen. Mark Milley has earlier warned against pulling U.S. troops from Afghanistan “prematurely”.

Arezo News Website – Humayun Salimi