US commander of international forces in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller, has called on the Taliban to lower their violence.
“The Afghan people want peace,” said Miller. “And it’s a requirement the Taliban lower their violence. We’ve talked with the Afghan security forces- all violence does is continue to create more violence. And so the Afghan security forces will continue to take care of the Afghan people. But at the same time, we’ll be prepared to pursue the right paths toward a peaceful settlement.”
He said this as he travelled to northern Afghanistan along with Afghan First Deputy Defense Minister Shah Mahmood Miakheil on Thursday.
“We came here with Gen. Miller to speak to the Corps commander and assess the security situation in the North and see what we can do [to assist],” said Mikhiel. “Fortunately, under the leadership of [Brig. Gen.] Alizai, the security situation over the past 5-6 months has really improved in the north. There are some [enemy] movements in some places, [but] our security and defense forces can confront and eliminate the existing threats.”
Mikhail said while security forces continue to push back enemy combatants, their goal is to end the fighting, gain the trust and respect of the people and enable peace.
“War is not our goal; it’s a tool so we can provide a secure environment for our people to live in and create the possibility of education for their kids,” said Mikhail. “I hope that all people should be proud of their security and defense forces and assist them.”
