Militant outfits are enjoying freedom and support in Pakistan, says Nicholson.
AB Wire
US Commander General John Nicholson who oversees the US military operations in Afghanistan said on Thursday that the US supports India’s efforts in Afghanistan to enhance the capacity of security forces in the country.
Press Trust of India reported that John Nicholson welcomed India’s initiative to support the Afghanistan army. Nicholson said that Afghanistan needed more military assistance to fight terrorism in the country.
“The US favors India’s military support to Afghanistan,” Nicholson said during his second visit to India.
Militant organizations like Haqqani network, Lashkar-e- Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad which have a strong presence across the country are a threat to the entire region including India, he said. India has already supplied four Mi-25 helicopters to Afghanistan army.
India is also providing training to the military personnel of Afghanistan to make them fit to encounter with the militants. However, the country has sought more assistance from India.
“I cannot speak for the Afghan government. But I know that they have requested more and would like more and I think there is an immediate need for more as these aircraft can immediately get into the fight,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson has met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Defense Secretary G Mohan Kumar on his second visit to India and discussed topics including terror threats to the region and the situation in Afghanistan.
The commander also mentioned that militant outfits are enjoying freedom and support in Pakistan and the US has asked the government to take strict action against terrorists.
“We consistently encourage Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups that operate from its territory and close down their safe havens,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson is the second US higher official referring to the connection between terrorists and Pakistan recently. Last week, US deputy spokesperson Mark Toner had said that Pakistan was selective in targeting terrorists. “Pakistan is selective in targeting terrorists and does not go after those threatening its neighbors. Pakistan should act against terror groups targeting its neighbors and not just the ones that pose a threat to it,” he said on Thursday.