VOA: US Defense Chief Warns of al-Qaida, IS Rebound in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON - Top U.S. defense officials are sounding a dire warning about the danger Afghanistan’s top terror groups will pose to America once the last U.S. and coalition troops leave the country in the coming months.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers Thursday that it will take groups like al-Qaida or Islamic State “possibly about two years” to regenerate the capability to plan attacks against the United States and its Western allies.
The nation’s top-ranking military officer, Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, further warned that this timeline could be accelerated depending on the fate of the current Afghan government.
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WNU Editor: Al Qaeda is already in Afghanistan. It does not need 2 years to regenerate ... U.N. report cites new intelligence on Haqqanis’ close ties to al Qaeda (Long War Journal).
More News On U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Saying Al-Qaida Could Regroup In Afghanistan In 2 Years
Al-Qaida could regroup in Afghanistan in 2 years, says US defense secretary -- Military Times/AP
Militant groups could pose threat to U.S. in two years from Afghanistan -Pentagon leaders -- Reuters
Pentagon leaders see 'medium' risk of terrorists regrouping in Afghanistan -- The Hill
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin: Al Qaeda could regroup in Afghanistan in 2 years -- FOX News
Isis and Al Qaeda to regroup within two years of US withdrawing from Afghanistan, Pentagon says -- The Independent
