The Afghan government and security forces are strong enough to stand on their feet alone in the absence of international troops support, said NATO Secretary-General Janes Stoltenberg. 

His remark came at a time when foreign troops are on their way out of Afghanistan and would end their presence-- after staying for almost 20 years--by September this year. He said ultimately it has to be Afghans who have to take full responsibility for the country’s security and stability. 

“Afghanistan has come a long way, both when it comes to building strong, capable security forces, but also when it comes to social and economic progress.” Stoltenberg was quoted as saying by TOLOnews. “At some stage, it has to be the Afghans that take full responsibility for peace and stability in their own country,” he added. 

“We have invested in blood and treasure in Afghanistan,” he said, adding, “I think that the Afghans, they also realize that we have been there now for 20 years.”  

The NATO secretary-general, however, assured that they will continue their funding to Afghan security forces and the government, and also assist Afghan ministries through civilian advisers. 

Since 1 May, the Taliban, the main Afghan insurgent group has stepped up its offensive against the government forces across the country. Experts are apprehensive about the ability of the Afghan government and its forces to withstand the Taliban offensive once all foreign troops go out of the country. 

In the past few weeks, the insurgent group has tried to capture at least three provincial capitals in Baghlan, Laghman, and Faryab. However, the Afghan special commando force pushed them back. 

Amid escalating war, both the Afghan forces and the Taliban are suffering heavy casualties daily. 
(SAM)