Taliban Says They Are Not A Threat To The West As US Troops Leave Afghanistan

US troops have been in Afghanistan for nearly 20 years NOORULLAH SHIRZADA AFP/File

France 24: Taliban says no threat to West as US troops leave Afghanistan

The Taliban on Friday played down concerns that Afghanistan could be used as a launching ground for future attacks on the West, after the US said it had so far upheld its pledge to reduce its military presence in the country.

The top US commander for the region said it cut the number of troops to around 8,600 in line with a deal agreed with the insurgents in February, but warned conditions must be met for a full withdrawal by next year.

General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, said "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan".

Read more ....

WNU Editor: As long as the Taliban - Al Qaeda alliance continues, they are a threat .... Analysis: Taliban is caught in a lie by denying Al Qaeda’s presence in Afghanistan (Long War Journal).