US Joint Chiefs Chairman: "Afghan Situation Uncertain Until Summer... Could Worsen"

Taliban Offensive Intensifies as US and NATO Troops Begin Withdrawal
Afghan Government Forces Avoid Answer on Solo Response Capability

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Mark Milley, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed concerns that there are too many variables regarding the future situation in Afghanistan, where U.S. and NATO allied forces are withdrawing, and that it is impossible to know what will happen until summer, warning that the situation could worsen. The U.S. government, while stating that the Afghan government's defense capability is sufficient, is reportedly worried about the overthrow of the Afghan government due to the Taliban's intensified offensive against the Afghan government forces.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 2nd (local time), Milley said at a press conference held during his return from a visit to Hawaii the previous day, "There are various scenarios about whether the Afghan military will remain a united force or disintegrate," adding, "There could be a really dramatic and bad outcome, or the Afghan military and government could continue to hold. Honestly, we do not yet know which scenario will unfold, and we need to observe the situation through this summer to find out."

In Afghanistan, where U.S. and NATO allied forces began withdrawing on May 1, fierce clashes are ongoing between the Taliban and Afghan government forces. In the southeastern Ghazni region of Afghanistan, the Taliban and Afghan government forces are reportedly engaged in bloody battles over military bases, repeatedly capturing and losing control.

When doubts were raised about the Afghan military's defensive capability, Milley emphasized, "The Afghan military and police are well-armed, well-trained, and have sufficient leadership," adding, "There remains a possibility that peace negotiations with the Taliban could succeed and prevent a large-scale civil war." However, Milley reportedly refrained from giving a definitive answer on whether the Afghan government forces are prepared to face the Taliban alone without direct international support.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.