The US plans in 2018 to focus on offensive operations in Afghanistan against the radical Taliban, instructing the Afghan military and changing the course of military operations in the country towards the coalition, the Associated Press reports with reference to the commander of CENTCOM (US Central Command), General Joseph Votel.
As the agency notes, “the US wants to focus on offensive operations.” “We will strive to make efforts to quickly intercept the initiative when the time comes for the next period of hostilities,” Votel said.
According to the general, the Afghan Armed Forces “should constantly increase the pressure.” This can help the arrival in the country of new military instructors from the United States, which will work together with the units of the Afghan Armed Forces and be close to the front line, the head of CENTCOM noted.
Votil said that when the coalition strengthens the air force of Afghanistan and educates the security forces, the Afghans will fight much better. “By the time they enter the next fight, they will be able to present a significant offensive potential,” the agency quoted the general as saying.
The situation in Afghanistan is complicated by the activities of the radical Taliban group, which took possession of a significant territory in the country’s rural areas and had previously launched an offensive against large cities. Also in the country, the influence of the IS has increased.
In August, US President Donald Trump announced a new American strategy for action in Afghanistan. He refused to talk about the military aspects of the strategy, but made it clear that there would be no quick withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.
By decision of the president, the American contingent in Afghanistan will be increased by more than 3,000 servicemen, their total number will exceed 14 thousand people.
