Russian Ambassador does not appreciate the effectiveness of NATO mission in Afghanistan
Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Alexander Mantytsky said that NATO's non-military "Powerful Support" mission does not respond to the creation of combat-ready armed forces in the Islamic Republic.
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| NATO military shipments to Afghanistan. Photo: AP |
He noted that the record high level of casualties in the Afghan National Armed Forces in 2018 was a reflection of poor training. In addition, he said, the army and police are losing strength 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 the 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-terror 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 end military assistance in 2014 a mistake.
