Taliban ‘A Criminal Organization’, Says Nicholson

AVA- Gen. John Nicholson, the commander of US Forces and NATO in Afghanistan, addressed a press in Kabul on Thursday and said the Taliban has become a criminal organization that is “more interested in profits from drugs, kidnapping and murder for hire.”
 
He called on the group to lay down their arms and end the war.
 
“Taliban have a simple choice: Stop fighting against your countrymen. Stop killing innocent civilians. Stop bringing hardship and misery,” he said.
 
He also said; “We will not fail in Afghanistan. Our national security depends on that as well.”
 
Nicholson made it clear that the US and NATO stand by the Afghan security forces against terrorists and enemies of Afghanistan and said that the Taliban cannot win on the battlefield. “It’s time for them to join the peace process.”
 
“Afghan people want peace and the international community are with you in that journey - it's a shared vision we can all work towards,” he said.
 
Nicholson said that the US forces and NATO Resolute Support Mission will increase train, advise, assist efforts in Afghanistan and more advisors from the US and NATO means enhancing training at military schools and growing the Afghan Air Force and Special Forces.
 
The “Afghan Air Force (is) growing in size, strength. We know the enemy fears air power. They have good reason to,” he said.
 
He also stated that the US deeply appreciates and respects the sacrifices and strength of the Afghan people and the security forces.
 
On Daesh, he said the group was being crushed in Nangarhar and we will pursue them wherever else they choose to make their stand.
 
He said that the US’s new strategy is guided by conditions on the ground, and not by “arbitrary timelines”. He would also not disclose the number of additional troops expected to be sent to Afghanistan.
 
In conclusion he said that Afghan people reject terror.
 
“90 percent of the people of Afghanistan believe a return to Taliban rule would be bad for the country. We agree,” he said.
 
“Let me say to the brave people of Afghanistan who only wish to live in peaceful country: US, your NATO allies and partners are with you. This policy announcement by (President) Donald Trump is proof of our continued commitment.”