US Commander Praises Afghan Forces’ Efforts Amid Current Challenges

US four-star general who recently visited Afghanistan says US efforts for Afghanistan were effective; citing Afghan security forces are better now in fighting against terrorism.

“Thanks to investments over the past 15 years by the United States and coalition partners, the Afghans are in the lead and are taking the fight to the enemy through a sustainable security strategy while dealing with tough challenges in places like Helmand province,” said US Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel said.

The general stressed the need for a long-term, capabilities-based U.S. presence in Afghanistan and said American security aid to the nation is rightly concentrated on the counterterrorism and the “train, advise and assist” missions.

“Coalition train, advise and assist and counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan also are proving effective, including efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant affiliate in Afghanistan, known as ISIL-Khorasan,” the general said.

Votel emphasized on capabilities of Afghan forces in the current security situation in Afghanistan.

“The Afghan forces continue to demonstrate resiliency and are proving capable of defending their sovereign spaces,” Votel noted.

“During a recent visit to Afghanistan I spent time with our train, advise and assist teams, and with the corps commanders leading the Afghan forces,” Votel added. “Across the board, I was extremely impressed by their skill, their determination and their extraordinarily high level of resiliency.” 

US general expressed optimism about the future of Afghan forces and their great achievements.

“With President Barack Obama’s decision to keep 8,400 U.S. troops in country through 2017, and with the additional authorities that have allowed us to target ISIL-Khorasan and to accompanying Afghan forces, I’m confident that we will see the Afghans continue to build on the momentum achieved to date,” General said.