US President Joe Biden on Tuesday ruled out any changes in the withdrawal of his troops from the South Asian country. He also said he does not regret his decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, as the Taliban continue to make advances. Mr Biden urged Afghanistan’s leaders to unite and “fight for their nation”.
Washington has spent more than $1 trillion over 20 years and lost thousands of troops, Biden noted, adding that the United States continues to provide significant air support, food, equipment and salaries to Afghan forces, according to Reuters. Afghans are beginning to realise they have got to come together politically at the top, he also said. “We are going to continue to keep our commitment. But I do not regret my decision.” Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Mr Biden said the US was keeping the commitments it had made to Afghanistan, such as providing close air support, paying military salaries and supplying Afghan forces with food and equipment. Violence has escalated across the country now that US-led forces have all but withdrawn following 20 years of military operations. The Taliban have taken at least eight of the country’s 34 provincial capitals, and are threatening more.
The full departure of US troops is expected to be completed by month’s end and the Pentagon has continued to state the process is more than 95 per cent complete.
