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Afghanistan needs long-term U.S. commitment: General Campbell

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Last Updated on: October 25, 2022

9945D594-E7FA-4A99-AC26-D85C31E8436C_cx0_cy3_cw0_mw1024_mh1024_sThe United States must make a long-term commitment to Afghanistan to stop security there from worsening and prevent attacks on the West by militants based there, the outgoing commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan said on Tuesday.

General John Campbell testified before a congressional committee that while Afghan security forces had shown “uneven” performance and faced leadership problems, continued U.S. support for the Afghan government was needed to defeat militants including the Taliban, al Qaeda, and the Haqqani network.

“These are certainly not residual threats that would allow for a peaceful transition across Afghanistan,” Campbell said. “The threats Afghanistan faces require our sustained attention and forward presence.”

That includes financial support until the Afghan economy can support the population, which Campbell estimated would be “at least” 2024. The United States will this year require more of the Afghan government before it provides funding, in order to spur reforms, he said.

U.S. defense officials have warned of a nascent Islamic State presence in some Afghan provinces, and the White House has given the military broad authority to target Islamic State there.

The threat of attacks staged by militant groups based in Afghanistan and the surrounding region requires continued U.S. engagement, Campbell said.

“If we think we can just stop and it’s going to go away, or people are not going to continue to try to attack Europe or attack our homeland here, then we’re naive, we’re kidding ourselves,” he said. “We have to be able to continue to have a long-term commitment.”

Campbell has commanded U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan for the past 18 months and is expected to retire. President Barack Obama has chosen Lieutenant General John Nicholson to replace Campbell.

A Pentagon report released in December said the security situation in Afghanistan deteriorated in the second half of 2015, with the Taliban staging more attacks and inflicting more casualties on Afghan forces.

The outlook prompted Obama to announce in October that he would maintain a force of 9,800 troops in Afghanistan through most of 2016, instead of drawing down to an embassy-based presence by 2017.

Of 407 district centers in Afghanistan, 26 are under insurgent control or influence, Campbell said, with another 94 district centers viewed as at risk at any given time.

Written by: Reuters

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Around 15,000 cases of vulnerable Afghan children addressed over past year

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The Directorate of Child Protection at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced on Saturday that in the solar year 1404, through the implementation of extensive support programs and the handling of thousands of protective cases, it has achieved significant accomplishments in securing rights, raising awareness, and improving the situation of children across Afghanistan.

According to the directorate, the registered cases have been organized into 23 different categories, allowing for targeted and specialized handling of each type of case. In the area of awareness-raising, extensive programs have also been implemented to improve the general knowledge of children and their families, resulting in 404,207 children and family members being informed about child rights, explosive hazards, environmental protection, and other important topics.

To strengthen local structures and accelerate case management, the Directorate of Child Protection, within the framework of its 1404 work plan, established 20 new committees at the district level in provincial centers. These committees play a key role in coordinating between government offices, rapidly identifying cases, and providing support services. Currently, child protection committees are active in 204 districts and regularly review and resolve children’s issues.

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Severe rainfall and natural disasters cause heavy casualties across Afghanistan

At least 61 people have been confirmed dead, with 116 others injured. Four individuals remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations are underway.

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The Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed widespread devastation across the country following a series of natural disasters and heavy rainfall. The toll continues to rise as authorities assess the damage.

At least 61 people have been confirmed dead, with 116 others injured. Four individuals remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations are underway. The disaster has also led to the destruction of 2,448 homes, leaving thousands displaced, while 26,841 acres of agricultural land have been severely damaged. In addition, the storm claimed the lives of 1,045 livestock animals, further exacerbating the already dire situation for rural communities.

In a statement, Mujahid emphasized the ongoing relief efforts. The Islamic Emirate is mobilizing all available resources to assist the hardest-hit regions and ensure the swift recovery of affected communities. The focus remains on providing immediate aid, including shelter, medical supplies, and food, while also beginning the long-term process of reconstruction and recovery.

Authorities have urged citizens in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant as more rain is forecast, adding to the urgency of the ongoing relief operations.

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Afghan citizens reported among casualties in US, Israeli attacks, Iran says

As of now, authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have not issued an official response to the claims.

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Iran’s Embassy in Kabul, citing Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, has stated that a number of Afghan citizens were killed or injured during what Tehran described as a 35-day military campaign carried out by the United States and Israel.

According to the statement, the Afghan nationals were living in Iran at the time of the attacks. Baghaei referred to them as “honored guests” of the country, adding that some lost their lives while others sustained injuries during the reported strikes.

He did not provide specific figures regarding the number of Afghan casualties or further details about the incidents.

As of now, authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have not issued an official response to the claims.

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