Biden meets with Afghan leaders at the White House
US President Joe Biden met with visiting Afghan counterpart Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah at the White House amid the fragile security situation in the war-torn country. Biden said at the beginning of the meeting that our troops may be leaving, but support for Afghanistan is not ending.
“Afghans have to decide their future, the senseless violence must stop,” he said.
On his part, Ghani paid tribute to the 2,448 Americans who sacrificed in Afghanistan. Also applauded other soldiers.
He said Biden’s decision has been historic. They have forced everyone to recalculate and reconsider. We are here to respect and support it.
Ghani added, “We are entering a new chapter in our relationship where the partnership with the United States will broaden, not military, but our mutual interest, and we are very excited and satisfied that this partnership is taking place.”
Regarding the security situation, Ghani said that on Friday, Afghan defense and security forces have retaken six districts in both the south and north.
This is showing our determination.
The two Afghan leaders also met House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier.
According to the statement, Biden requested more than $3.3 billion in security assistance for the Afghan military next year, and other forms of financial assistance will continue.
Taliban militants have been continuing heavy fighting against government forces since the withdrawal of US troops on May 1.
According to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban have captured more than 70 districts in the past month.
In the latest developments, they captured Khash district of Badakhshan province on Wednesday.
Despite the dire situation on the ground, the Pentagon said earlier this week that it was still committed to the September deadline set by Biden.
Biden announced in April that all US troops would leave Afghanistan before September 11, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
The Associated reported that the core of the US military will complete its withdrawal in the next two weeks and about 650 soldiers are expected to remain in Afghanistan to provide security to diplomats.
