US applauds Pakistan for assisting evacuation, diplomatic efforts
The Embassy of United States in Islamabad, has stated on Twitter that the US appreciates the support and assistance from Pakistan considering the evacuation of its armed forces from Afghanistan and diplomatic engagement.
“The United States appreciates Pakistan’s support and assistance with both of these efforts,” said the embassy’s official twitter handle.
Following the August 31 deadline for US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the US troops have taken refuge in Pakistan and are staying at hotels in Islamabad.
Read: What’s reality behind American forces’ feasting at Panahgah?
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has clarified that the foreign troops will stay in the country for a temporary period of 21 to 30 days, rejecting the assertion that Pakistan is going to host US military bases again.
US withdrawal from Afghanistan
After 20 years of war and occupation, the US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan on Tuesday, leaving Taliban in power.
” They (Americans) could not achieve their goal through military operations [….] We do not have any doubt that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is a free and sovereign nation,” said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
The development came when the head of the US Central Command, Marine General Frank McKenzie announced the departure of last American troops sent to evacuate US citizens and Afghans.
Declaring war on terror, the US invaded Afghanistan in late 2001 after 9/11 attacks when the former Taliban regime refused to handover Al-Qaeda leadership–Osama bin Laden.
20 year later, after securing a deal with the US, the Taliban reclaimed its regime as they took over Kabul on August 15.
