The Taliban in Afghanistan has reacted defiantly to a U.S. decision to delay the reduction of its forces in that country.
"Maintaining American troops in Afghanistan can in no way slow down the rapid progress of our jihad and struggle," said a written statement issued on October 16.
U.S. President Barack Obama earlier announced the United States will keep its nearly 10,000 troops in Afghanistan through next year and will keep 5,500 troops in the country in 2017.
Reuters quoted one Taliban commander as saying the decision "means they aren't sincere about a peaceful solution to the Afghan crisis."
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on October 16 that Italy will likely agree to a U.S. request that it extend the presence of some 750 Italian troops in Afghanistan into next year.
Related
Editors' Picks
Afghanistan/Pakistan Trending
1
Serbia Deepens Military Ties With China Through Drones, Air Defense Systems
2Several Protesters Reported Dead In Iran As Anger Builds Over Dismal Economy
3Why Are So Many Leaders Warning Of War With Russia?
4Scores Of Bodies Outside Morgue In Tehran Amid Deadly Iran Protests
5Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine Now Longer Than Soviet War Against Hitler
6Tanks On The Tree: Russian Military Ornaments Are Out In Force This Year
7Belarus Jailing Citizens For Supporting Ukraine's Fight Against Russia
8Costs Mount As Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade War Strands Thousands Of Trucks
9Why Israel Now Eyes Iran's Missiles Over Nukes Ahead Of Netanyahu-Trump Talks
10Shortcut To Zaporizhzhya: Russian Forces Creep Across Drained Reservoir After Dam Breach
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
