KABU: The Afghan governemnt Friday welcomed the US decision to keep thousands of troops in Afghanistan past 2016, vowing to respond to a resurgent Taliban "with full force" even as the rebels promised to wage jihad until the last American soldier leaves.
President Barack Obama s decision Thursday to keep a 9,800-strong US force in Afghanistan through much of next year came as he admitted that Afghan forces were not ready to stand alone.
Afghanistan welcomed the decision, saying in a statement late Thursday it "will respond to fear and terror with full force", but adding that it will keep "ajar the door to peace".
President Ashraf Ghani also tweeted his support for the decision.
"Beside stability/development of AFG, we remain determined to strengthen the relations in the area of fighting terrorism now more than ever," he wrote.
Recent intense fighting has underscored the continued role of US troops in training the still fledgling Afghan forces and in vital counterterror operations.
Two weeks ago the Taliban scored their biggest military victory since the 2001 US-led invasion, capturing the city of Kunduz.
Only a swift response by Afghan security forces, backed by US and NATO troops, led to an eventual Taliban retreat.
The Taliban responded to the US announcement saying they would keep fighting until American troops finally pull out.
"They were the ones who decided to invade Afghanistan. But it will be us who decide when they leave," said Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid.– Agencies
