US allies ready to increase troop numbers in Afghanistan

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that a number of US allies are ready to increase their troop numbers in conflict-torn Afghanistan as part of efforts to fight against local terrorists, the US-funded Radio Sawa reported. 

"I have directed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to make preparations to carry out the president’s strategy. I will be in consultation with the Secretary General of NATO and our allies—several of which have also committed to increasing their troop numbers. Together, we will assist the Afghan Security forces to destroy the terrorist hub," Mattis said in a statement on Monday.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump revealed a new strategy for Afghanistan that commits to maintaining US forces in the war-torn country while increases pressure on Pakistan to crack down on havens used by terrorists. 

A hasty withdrawal would create a vacuum that terrorists - including Daesh and al Qaeda - would instantly fill, just as happened before September 11, Trump said.

"We will not talk about numbers of troops or our plans for further military activities. Conditions on the ground, not arbitrary timetables, will guide our strategy," Trump said

Source: MENA