Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

ANA Needs to be an Institution: Gen. Odierno

ANA Needs to be an  Institution: Gen. Odierno

WASHINGTON - Afghan security forces have shown signs that they are capable enough of securing the country, a top Pentagon general said on Tuesday, stressing the need to develop institutions in the war-torn country.

“Even though we're very cognizant of the fact that Afghanistan is very different culturally, very different security-wise, from Iraq, there are some parallels that are important. One is I think the Afghan army,” he said.

Afghan police were showing signs that they were successful in handling the security situation, Gen. Raymond Odierno told reporters during a luncheon at the National Press Club.

The security operation was almost completely turned over to Afghan forces in last April and they had gone through a significant fighting season with the Taliban, he said, adding they actually performed well.

Odierno explained NATO-led troops needed to help their Afghan counterparts in developing institutions because was about sustaining them for the long term.

The Bilateral Security Agreement would be signed and the ground paved for talks about the residual force to help develop the institution.

“What they've proven over the last 10 months is their ability to be aggressive, fight the enemy, to enlist -- continue to enlist soldiers, even though they've had casualties. We're seeing a broad success in their leadership at the tactical and operational level,” he maintained. (Pajhwok)