US withdrawal strengthens ISIS in Afghanistan: Former CENTCOM Chief
The former commander of US Central Command warned of ISIS’s “strong desire” to attack the United States and other foreign powers.
Kenneth F. McKenzie, on Sunday, March 31st, in an interview with NBC News, attributed the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan to the expansion of ISIS-Khorasan Province in Afghanistan and cautioned against the increased global threats posed by this group.
McKenzie believes that instead of a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, the United States should have kept some of its forces in Afghanistan. He referred to President Biden’s statements regarding the ability to monitor Afghanistan remotely, saying, “In Afghanistan, we have almost no ability to monitor the country.”
The general regarded the absence of US forces in Afghanistan as a boon for ISIS and other militant groups, adding, “Unfortunately, we’re no longer putting pressure on them, so they’re free to gain power, plan, and coordinate.”
Former CENTCOM commander also referred to ISIS’s infiltration methods, which involve online methods or recruiting and training fighters for extremist actions.
US officials have repeatedly warned about the widespread presence and activities of ISIS-Khorasan Province in Afghanistan. Earlier this month, a senior Republican senator called for an attack on the positions of this group in Afghanistan.
Previously, Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti, reported, citing its sources, that the attackers who stormed the Crocus City Hall in Moscow were recruited through the “Voice of Khorasan” channel, affiliated with ISIS-Khorasan, on Telegram.
Mr. McKenzie, referring to the ISIS-Khorasan attack in Moscow, in which at least 140 people were killed in three attacks, said it was one of the dangers of extremists who could organize significant operations.
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