Regional
US Withdrawal A Potential Disaster: Afghan analysts
A number of Afghan political analysts warned that if American troops withdrawn Afghanistan earlier, the country will again turn into safe terrorist havens.
The Afghan political analysts are said to believe America will have a long-term presence in Afghanistan.
Simultaneously with appearing of Islamic State (IS) group in several parts of Afghanistan, most of analysts are said to consider the continuous presence of American troops in Afghanistan a serious need.
Some of warnings indicate that if American troops suddenly abandon Afghanistan, becoming Afghanistan a safe haven for terrorist groups is not far from imagination.
Nurolhaq Nasemi, international relations analysts in London said, “I hope Afghanistan demands American troops to stay in Afghanistan. Threats such as Daesh and Taliban are still serious dangers for Afghanistan.”
Senator Muhammad Faisal Samie said, “This is a serious need that America has a long-term presence in Afghanistan. Terrorist still is not defeated in Afghanistan.”
However, the White House is scheduled to decide about the presence of American troops before the leaders of national unity government visit Washington; sources near to the executive office said that President Ghani and the chief of executive officer, Abdullah will officially suggest Obama the withdrawal process of US troops to be extended.
Ahmad Saeedi, political analyst said, “We expect US to have long-term presence in Afghanistan and this presence extended up to 2024.”
“The important thing is this that the presence of America in Afghanistan causes peace.” One of other Afghan political analyst said.
Currently, America has 10,800 soldiers in Afghanistan and the figure is expected to decline to 5,500 soldiers by the end of the year.
The handover of primary responsibility for battling the Taliban represents the ultimate test for the 350,000 strong Afghan army. Critics have long questioned the local troops’ morale, discipline, and competence in the face of Taliban attacks. According to a United Nations report, 2014 was the deadliest year on record for non-combatants in Afghanistan, with at least 3,188 civilians killed in the intensifying war. By comparison, at least 4,600 members of the Afghan security forces were killed by fighting last year.
Reported By Nasrat Parsa
Regional
Iran claims it shot down US F-35 jet
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed on Friday that it shot down a US F-35 fighter jet in central parts of the country, Iranian media reported.
Due to the destruction of the aircraft, the fate of the pilot remains unknown, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported, citing a statement by the IRGC.
This marks the second time Iran claimed it shot down a US F-35 amid the ongoing escalation since Feb. 28.
The US has not responded to the report as yet.
Iran had previously announced on March 19 that it had shot down a US F-35, a claim rejected by Washington.
Tehran also claimed on Thursday to have downed an Israeli F-16 jet.
Tensions in the region have remained high following a wave of US and Israeli airstrikes launched on February 28. Iranian sources say the strikes have resulted in more than 1,300 deaths, including senior leadership figures.
In response, Iran has carried out drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf states hosting US military facilities. The ongoing exchanges have led to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to regional air traffic and global markets.
Regional
Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery hit by drones, fires break out
The Kuwaiti army earlier said air defenses were currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by drones early on Friday, setting off fires at operating units, according to the state news agency, but no injuries were reported.
The Kuwaiti army earlier said air defenses were currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation in a statement said they are monitoring and tracking air quality in the areas surrounding the refinery, and no negative environmental impacts have been recorded so far as a result of the attack.
Emergency and firefighting teams are working to contain the fires and prevent their spread, the company said. No injuries were reported in the attack.
Regional
Emirates airline says Iranian nationals barred from entering or transiting UAE
Dubai-based airline Emirates’ website said on Wednesday that Iranian nationals were not allowed to enter or transit the United Arab Emirates.
The website of another carrier, Flydubai, said Iranian nationals holding a UAE “Golden Visa” were exempt and permitted to enter and transit the country, Reuters reported.
The restrictions come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Gulf states.
-
Latest News5 days agoTAPI gas pipeline advances 25 km in Afghanistan
-
Latest News3 days agoBaradar approves 17 projects worth over one billion AFN
-
Business4 days agoRussia backs Uzbekistan–Afghanistan trade hub, praises regional economic cooperation
-
Sport4 days agoATN secures broadcast rights for inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League
-
Sport3 days agoATN to broadcast second season of Ariana Snooker Championship
-
Regional4 days agoGas pipeline blown up in southern Pakistan, says official
-
Sport4 days agoRajasthan Royals outclass Chennai Super Kings as IPL action continues
-
Latest News4 days agoIslamic Relief Worldwide urges Afghanistan–Pakistan de-escalation, calls for aid to displaced

