Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Top U.S. Commander In Afghanistan: 'Taliban 'Talking And Fighting'

U.S. Army General John Nicholson, commander of Resolute Support forces and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, walks with Afghan officials during an official visit in Farah province, Afghanistan May 19, 2018. Picture taken May 19, 2018. REUTERS/James Mackenzie

Reuters: Taliban 'talking and fighting,' says U.S. commander in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan played down a spate of recent Taliban attacks on Wednesday, saying violence levels were still lower than average as some insurgents talked peace - a situation he described as “talking and fighting.”

“You see mid-level, senior-level Taliban leaders engaging with Afghans,” said Army General John Nicholson, adding that a lot of the diplomatic activity was taking place “off the stage.”

Nicholson’s remarks came the same day that gunmen armed with assault rifles and grenade launchers attempted to penetrate the heavily fortified headquarters of the Afghan interior ministry, battling security forces for more than two hours in the latest attack on the capital Kabul.

The attack was a reminder of the challenges facing U.S.-backed Afghan forces even after 16 years of war, including in the capital Kabul. Last month, two explosions in Kabul killed at least 26 people, including nine journalists.

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More News On General John Nicholson's Remarks On Afghanistan

South Asia Strategy in Afghanistan Shows Results, Nicholson Says -- US Department of Defense
US general says some Taliban interested in peace. -- AP
Taliban, Afghan officials in ceasefire talks: US general -- AFP
U.S. Commander In Afghanistan Says Some Taliban Interested In Peace Talks -- RFE

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