The commander of the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan handed over command to his successor, who pledged to support the Kabul government at a time when the Taliban have seized large parts of Afghan territory,
General Austin ‘Scott’ Miller has led US forces since September 2018, a longer period than any of his predecessors, he details. The Washington Post. At a ceremony in Kabul on Monday, he handed over the responsibilities to General Kenneth McKenzie, who heads the US Central Command, and rated his mission as “the climax” of his military career. The people of Afghanistan “will be in my heart and mind for the rest of my life,” he said.
Upon taking office, General McKenzie acknowledged the current difficult situation in Afghanistan, promising that Washington will continue to provide financial and technical assistance to his government from afar.
“You can count on our support in the dangerous and difficult days ahead,” he declared.
The change of command is one of the last symbolic gestures prior to the final departure of US forces from Afghanistan. The withdrawal is advancing very quickly, with 90% of the troops already outside the Asian country, and should be completed before the end of August, as announced by President Joe Biden, thus ending the US military presence of almost 20 years in Afghan territory. .
The withdrawal of US and NATO troops was accompanied by a Taliban offensive that has taken control of important territories throughout the country, causing great concern in the Afghan government. Washington answered stating that its military will not officially leave until August 31 and that it will keep some 650 troops in Kabul to ensure the security of its embassy.
The SCO declares that “there is no alternative” to the peaceful resolution of the conflict
For its part, in a official statement Issued this Wednesday by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), made up of countries such as Russia, China and India, among others, the foreign ministers of the member states declared that “there is no alternative to resolving the conflict in Afghanistan through political dialogue and an inclusive peace process led by Afghans, “while condemning the violence and terrorist attacks that are taking place in the Asian country.
They also called for greater cooperation by all governments and international organizations, with a central role of the United Nations, to work on “stabilization and development” of Afghanistan, reaffirming the willingness of SCO members to cooperate. political, economic and humanitarian with the country.
