Taliban Reportedly Urges US to Withdraw From Afghanistan

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The terror group (banned in numerous countries, including Russia) issued a statement warning of persistent war and violence in the region, according to the Khaama news agency.

The Taliban also accused the US-led coalition forces of failing to ensure security and stability in Afghanistan.

The statement came a day after US President Donald Trump held a meeting with his national security team at Camp David. Earlier in the day, Trump wrote on Twitter that many decisions were made during the meeting, including on Afghanistan.

The United States launched an anti-terrorist military operation in Afghanistan in 2001, with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) contingent later deployed in the country after the UN Security Council authorized the move. The US-ISAF anti-terrorist coalition was engaged in fighting the Taliban and al-Qaeda extremist group (outlawed in Russia).

NATO withdrew its military contingent from Afghanistan in 2014, replacing it with a non-military Resolute Support mission. Its objective is to train, advise and assist Afghan National Defense and Security Forces in preserving peace and stability in the country. However, in 2015, the Daesh terrorist group (outlawed in numerous countries) expanded its presence in Afghanistan, further destabilizing the situation there.