The outlook is therefore much worse than in June, when the US military still assumed a period of at least six months. That’s because the Taliban fighters are gaining ground from the Afghan government forces faster than expected, now that the US military has left there. At least eight provincial capitals were captured by the Taliban in a week.
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Despite the bad news, US President Joe Biden reiterated yesterday that the decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan is not under discussion.
air raids
The withdrawal has already started and will be formalized on August 31. Then the limited US air strikes currently being used against the Taliban will also stop, and the Afghan government forces will largely be left to their own devices.
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Speaking at a press conference, Biden said: “The US will continue to live up to its commitments. We provide air support, ensure their air force is functioning and deployable, provide food and equipment for their troops, and pay all their salaries. But they have to want to fight. I think they are now starting to realize that they need to work together politically. We will continue to stick to the agreements, and I do not regret my decision.”
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