Afghanistan’s military forces shrinking as ISIS flourishes, a US government watchdog reports
THE ranks of Afghanistan’s military forces have dramatically shrunk as the influence of the Taliban and Islamic State affiliates flourishes, a US government watchdog has found.
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THE ranks of Afghanistan’s military forces have dramatically shrunk as the influence of insurgent groups including the Taliban and Islamic State affiliates flourishes, a US government watchdog has found.
The finding comes as US President Donald Trump is reportedly again flirting with the idea of withdrawing from the embattled country that has tied up coalition forces including from Australia now for almost 17 years.
The latest report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has found over the past 12 months, the number of Afghan security forces had dropped by 10 per cent to just under 300,000 personnel.
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This came as the Taliban reportedly has now taken control of 14.5 per cent of the country’s 407 districts, the highest level in almost three years while the government only controls 56 per cent with others deemed “contested”.
“The overall trend for the insurgency is rising control over the population (from nine per cent in August 2016 to 12 per cent in January 2018),” the SIGAR report states.
In its announcement of the spring offensive last week, the Taliban declared it would be targeting foreign forces but also those helping them including local military and police.
The security forces have been losing about 5000 personnel a year through deaths from attacks while desertion levels have also risen.
Many local security forces wear a uniform during the working day but then change to civilian clothes before going home so as to not be seen in public by friends and neighbours as part of government national security.
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that Afghan forces were actually being bolstered in critical areas like Special Forces.
“The Afghan military is being made more capable,” he said.
“You’ll notice that more of the forces are Special Forces, advised and assisted, accompanied by NATO mentors and these are the most effective forces”.
Meanwhile President Trump has reportedly told influential senator Rand Paul who has long opposed the Afghanistan campaign, that the US engagement was coming to an end.
Mr Trump reportedly said he would stay true to his election campaign promise to withdraw troops reportedly adding: “In general, we’re getting the hell out of there.”
Senator Paul’s office said the remark was received very well since the senator believed the huge conflict expenditure could be spent on infrastructure projects in the US.