U.S. looks to protect Afghan capital against Taliban bombings

“Kabul is our main effort. To harden Kabul, to protect the people of Kabul and the international community that are here,” U.S. General John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, told a group of reporters on Wednesday.

The remarks underscored the high degree of concern about the Taliban’s intent to stage high-profile attacks in Kabul, which are aimed at undermining the Afghan government and international resolve after 16 years of war.

They are also a reminder that while U.S. and Afghan officials speak with growing confidence about the prospects of peace talks with elements of the Taliban, the military is also making long-term preparations for an extended conflict, including in the capital.

Nicholson said Kabul’s exponential growth from about 500,000 people in 2001 to 5 million today had created a haphazard sprawl that was hard to secure. U.S. intelligence agencies were helping Afghanistan map the city so police and soldiers can better design barriers and checkpoints.

“I’ll just be very candid. We have a lot of work to do,” Nicholson said.

“This growth at that rate has meant that there’s a lot of sprawl. It’s easy to get in and out of the city.” - Read More

U.S. looks to protect Afghan capital against Taliban bombings

EU, China urge Taliban to seize offer for talks: EU ambassador