Russian Ambassador does not appreciate the effectiveness of NATO mission in Afghanistan
Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Alexander Mantytsky said that NATO's non-military "Strong Support" mission does not correspond to the creation of combat-ready armed forces in the Islamic Republic.
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| NATO military supplies arrive in Afghanistan. Photo: AP |
He noted that the record high casualties among the Afghan National Armed Forces in 2018 were indicative of poor training. In addition, he said, the army and police are shrinking in numbers due to desertions.
"We believe that NATO's 'Strong Support' mission does not meet its main task of creating combat-ready Afghan armed forces that can defend an independent country and ensure law and order in it," the ambassador said.
Since January 1, 2015, NATO's non-military "Strong Support" mission has been operating in Afghanistan, the main purpose of which is to train and advise representatives of the Afghan security forces.
It replaced the military campaign led by the US-led anti-terrorist coalition and the International Security Force (ISAF) under NATO command.
NATO has since repeatedly stated that it has no intention of returning to military operations in Afghanistan and does not consider the decision to suspend military assistance in 2014 a mistake.
