US Defence Press Secretary acknowledges presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan

New Delhi: In a Press Briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said that the US maintains over-the-horizon capability "when it comes to counter-terrorism". In Afghanistan, we've known for a long time that there are terrorist organizations that exist within Afghanistan and throughout the region.

In reply to a question from a journalist that Pakistan is accusing Afghanistan of harbouring terrorists in their region, Pat Ryder replied, "Well, without getting into internal Pakistani politics, we've known for a long time that there are terrorist organizations that exist within Afghanistan and throughout the region, and that's certainly a surprise to no one.

"From a United States standpoint, as we've said before, we maintain an over-the-horizon capability when it comes to counter-terrorism, and so that is something that we will continue to maintain and sustain in defence of our own homeland.

When asked about the India -US defence relationship in 2023, Pat replied, "it's a very important relationship between the United States and India when it comes to security cooperation, defence cooperation."

Adding further, he said, "we look forward to continuing to engage with the Indian leadership. When we do have something to announce, certainly we will, but we already cooperate and engage on a variety of fronts, including through mechanisms like the Quad."

Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid reacting to the Statement of the US defence Press secretary, said that such remarks would not benefit anyone. "A phenomenon called Daesh was also active here while the Americans were here. They are being reduced now, except some sanctuaries in some major cities," he said.

Tolo news quoting Salim Paigir, a political analyst, said, "Any terrorist group which had been created or being established in Afghanistan, there has been support by neighbouring and powerful countries."

"Terrorist groups were active over the past 40 years in Afghanistan, and they are now active as well," said Sarwar Niazi, a political analyst.

"Unfortunately, we see that terrorist groups are present in Afghanistan and its victims are the people of Afghanistan," said Torek Farhadi, a political analyst.

The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues to deteriorate. There have been several blasts and killings in Pakistan by suspected TTP. Pakistan has recently banned the TTP. In addition, there have been clashes on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan where several soldiers were killed.

India has been saying on several multilateral platforms that Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to harbour terrorists.

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs last week declared The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba proscribed terror outfit and all its manifestations and front organizations as terrorist organizations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967.

The Ministry also designated Kashmir-born Ejaz Ahmad Ahangar, alias Abu Usman al-Kashmiri the chief of the terror organization Islamic State Jammu and Kashmir (ISJK), as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.

Ahangar has close links with Al-Qaeda and other global terrorist groups and currently resides in Afghanistan.