Senior American generals told the American media on Saturday that a civil war in Afghanistan “may” break out and warned that in this case, the country’s terrorist organization may make a comeback.
Senior American generals told the American media on Saturday that a civil war in Afghanistan “may” break out and warned that in this case, the country’s terrorist organization may make a comeback.
When the U.S. troops began to withdraw, the Taliban occupied Afghanistan in a blitzkrieg. Only the northern province of Panjshir insisted on opposing the hardline Islamists.
General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Fox News: “My military estimate… the conditions of the civil war may develop.”
He questioned whether the Taliban, who has not yet announced a government, can consolidate power and establish effective governance.
“I think there is at least a high probability that a wider civil war will occur, which in turn will lead to conditions that may actually lead to the reorganization of Al Qaeda or the growth of Islamic State or other… terrorist organizations,” Millie said.
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Emphasizing that he cannot predict what will happen next in Afghanistan, he still gives a bleak assessment.
“It’s very likely,” Milly told Fox News. “In 12, 24, 36 months, you might see a comeback of terrorism in the area.”
After Al Qaeda launched the 9/11 attacks, the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and overthrew the first Taliban regime, which had a shelter in the country.
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Western governments fear that Afghanistan may once again become a safe haven for extremists who are bent on attacking them.
The United States has stated that it will maintain “above-the-horizon” capabilities to combat any threats to its security in Afghanistan.
