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Intelligence officials feared the consequences of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan

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On April 14, Director of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) William Burns warned that the ability of the United States to gather intelligence and fight against extreme threats will decrease after the US withdraws from Afghanistan. .

CIA director William Burns is concerned about losing intelligence when the US withdraws its troops from Afghanista. Photo: Reuters

According to Reuters (UK), at the hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mr. William Burns highlighted the important risk inherent in the decision of President Joe Biden, to withdraw all remaining forces. of the United States in Afghanistan, despite the existence of al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants.

“By the time US troops withdraw from Afghanistan, the US government’s ability to gather information and act on threats will decline. It’s the truth, ”said Burns, a veteran US deputy foreign minister, who took over as CIA director last month.

However, the head of the CIA also added that the US government is likely to keep some parts after the withdrawal, to help make intelligence predictions and resist efforts to restore the team. al-Qaeda terrorist organization.

Mr. Burns’ warning reflects the concerns of many experts that the withdrawal will significantly less secure US intelligence officers, limiting their ability to gather information in a timely manner.

“In the broader perspective, surveillance for US threats will be significantly reduced so that preventive measures can be taken. The Washington administration will no longer be able to cooperate directly with the Afghan security forces, ”said Lisa Curtis, a former White House top advisor to Afghanistan during the former Trump administration.

Ms. Curtis also questioned which US anti-terrorist forces would be relocated outside of Afghanistan, citing “historical hardship” that had placed American forces in “the most appropriate locations. “is Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

American soldiers step out of bases in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan. Photo: Reuters

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden said the US will still monitor terrorist threats, reorganize its counterterrorism forces and retain substantial assets in the region to respond to threats from Afghanistan after withdrawal.

Marc Polymeropoulos, a former top CIA officer who served in Afghanistan, said intelligence agencies often rely on the US military for critical assistance such as security and medical evacuation. He worries if US troops withdraw from here, how the intelligence community will stay.

Previously, President Joe Biden announced that he would withdraw the last 2,500 US troops from Afghanistan before 9/11, the 20th anniversary of al Qaeda’s terrorist attack on the US and usher in the country’s longest war.

President Biden’s decision shows that the US military presence is no longer decisive in achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan, a core assumption that the Pentagon uses as a foundation for military deployment. American team here.

A UN report in January said there are still up to 500 al Qaeda terrorist fighters in Afghanistan. At the same time, the Taliban are also maintaining a close relationship with this terrorist organization. However, the Taliban denied the allegation and claimed that no al-Qaeda members remained active in Afghanistan.

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