Afghan president 'grateful' for Trump's new strategy

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Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday welcomed US President Donald Trump's new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, which would remove timelines for the withdrawal of remaining foreign troops.

"The decision by President Donald Trump shows an enduring commitment by Afghanistan's foundational partner in this global conflict," Ghani said.

"I am grateful to President Trump and the American people for this affirmation of support...for our joint struggle to rid the region from the threat of terrorism," he added.

A man watches US President Donald Trump's speech on TV in Kabul, Afghanistan, August 22, 2017. /Reuters Photo

On Monday evening, revealing his new Afghan strategy, Trump noted that a rapid exit of US troops from the country was "unacceptable" and his new Afghanistan strategy will shift from a time-based approach to one based on conditions on the ground.

Ghani said the new strategy would increase the capacity of the training mission for Afghan national security forces, including enhancing its fledgling air force and doubling the size of the Afghan special forces.

"The US-Afghan partnership is stronger than ever in overcoming the threat of terrorism that threatens us all. The strength of our security forces should show the Taliban and others that they cannot win a military victory. The objective of peace is paramount. Peace remains our priority," Ghani noted in his statement.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani speaks after paying his respects at the funeral service of Commander of the 207th Corps, General Mohayedin Ghori in Herat, Afghanistan, December 1, 2016. /AFP Photo

Taliban vows jihad will go on

A spokesman for the Afghan Taliban condemned Trump's announcement.

"Instead of continuing the war in Afghanistan, Americans should have thought about withdrawing their soldiers from Afghanistan," spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement issued hours after Trump's televised speech on US policy in Afghanistan and South Asia.

Mujahid said, "As long as there is even one American soldier in our country" the Islamist insurgents would "continue our jihad."

US Marine Lance Corporal Chris Sanderson shouts as he tries to protect an Afghan man and his child after Taliban fighters opened fire in the town of Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, February 13, 2010. /Reuters Photo

However, Russia does not believe that Trump's new strategy will lead to any significant positive changes in the country, the Interfax news agency said, citing an unnamed Foreign Ministry source.

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Source(s): Reuters ,Xinhua News Agency