Afghanistan could face ‘bad possible outcomes’ as US withdraws, says top US general, but negotiated peace still possible
As the US began turning over military bases to the Afghan security forces Saturday, the top US general warned of the potential for “bad possible outcomes” in Afghanistan, while adding that “the intent of many of the parties is still to have a negotiated settlement.”
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley pointed to an Afghan military that numbers more than 300,000 and “has been leading the fight for quite a few years now” as a crucial element in determining the future of the country as the final US withdrawal officially commences.
By PHILLIP WALTER WELLMAN | STARS AND STRIPES Published: May 1, 2021 KABUL, Afghanistan U.S. and NATO forces officially began their final drawdown from Afghanistan on Saturday after nearly two decades of war and as violence continued to rage across the country. Tensions remained high throughout the day after the Taliban suggested they would launch attacks on coalition troops who remained in the country past the May 1 exit date outlined in a U.S.-Taliban deal signed last year. Militants fired at Kandahar Airfield in the afternoon, but the assault caused no injuries or damage to equipment, Col. Sonny Leggett, a spokesman for the U.S. military in Afghanistan said on Twitter.