Turkey says it will not send more troops to Afghanistan for airport security: Reports
Turkey will not send additional troops to Afghanistan as part of a plan to run and secure Kabul’s airport following the US and NATO pull-out from the country, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar was cited as saying on Wednesday.
Turkey has offered to guard and run Hamid Karzai airport after NATO’s withdrawal and has been holding talks with allies, namely the United States, on logistic and financial support for the mission.
A US delegation will hold talks on the matter in Ankara on Thursday, Turkey’s defense ministry said.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
“We already have a presence there,” Akar was cited as saying by state broadcaster TRT Haber, referring to some 500 troops in Afghanistan as part of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission. “What is essential is the continuation of our presence at the airport,” he said, adding talks were still underway.
Read more:
Turkey should pull troops from Afghanistan under 2020 accord: Taliban spokesman
Turkey offers to ‘ensure security of Kabul airport’ after NATO withdrawal: Officials
Afghanistan’s Taliban rejects invite to peace summit in Turkey: Spokesman
-
NATO approaches Qatar to seek training base for Afghan forces after withdrawal
Security officials under NATO command have approached Qatar to secure a base that can be used to train Afghan special forces as part of a strategic ... Middle East -
US, NATO eye international effort to help secure Kabul airport after withdrawal
The United States and its NATO allies are exploring a possible international effort to help secure the airport in Afghanistan’s capital after ... World News -
Washington says diplomatic presence in Kabul requires ‘functioning, secure airport’
The United States believes keeping an international diplomatic presence in Kabul requires a “functioning, secure” airport, a State Department ... World News -
UN Afghanistan official warns over Taliban gains
The head of the United Nations Afghanistan aid operation expressed strong concerns Tuesday over military gains by the Taliban insurgents as US and ... World News -
Former president says US failed in Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s former president said Sunday the US came to his country to fight extremism and bring stability to his war-tortured nation and is leaving ... World News