US may launch attacks in Afghanistan to counter Al Qaeda, claims US Defence Secretary

Washington: – US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that although the United States has withdrawn from Afghanistan, it has not turned its back on the country. If Al Qaeda raises its head in Afghanistan, the United States will undoubtedly launch airstrikes. This is the third warning issued by the United States regarding airstrikes in Afghanistan. But the US Senators and the Congressional committee itself raised doubts regarding the claims made by Secretary of State, Austin. Certain US Senators are pointing out the claims made by Secretary of Defence Austin appear fictitious as it is not possible to launch drone attacks from the military bases in the Gulf and even from the aircraft carriers.

The decisions taken by US President Joe Biden regarding the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan are being heavily criticised in the United States. US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin, Chief of Defence General Mark Milley and CENTCOM Chief General McKenzie tried very hard to defend the decisions of US President Biden in front of the Armed Services Committee of the US Senate. The US Senators asked, ‘What if Al Qaeda raises its head once again following the US military withdrawal?’

US Defence Secretary said that the option to launch airstrikes was still open while answering this question. Although it is a difficult option, it is still possible. Secretary Austin avoided answering the question ‘How will you launch the airstrikes after a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan?’ but US Senators, former military officials and military officials, heavily criticised the claims made by the Secretary of Defence.

Senator Mike Waltz has sharply criticised President Biden and Secretary of Defence Austin, claiming that airstrikes were possible are making fictitious stories. US drones will have to cross Iranian or Pakistani airspace to launch airstrikes in Afghanistan. That will consume nearly 70% to 80% of the drones’ fuel capacity, said Waltz, a retired Marines officer. Waltz pointed out that it was impossible to launch drone strikes in Afghanistan from military bases in the Gulf. The same happened for launching attacks from aircraft carriers in the Arabian Sea.

Retired naval officer and military analyst James Holmes noted that the United States does not have military bases in neighbouring Afghanistan to carry out airstrikes. Despite this, if the Secretary of Defence wants to carry out successful drone strikes, we wish him well, Holmes retorted.

After being trapped by senators and retired military officials, Defence Chief Milley said talks were underway with Russia for a military base in Central Asia. General Milley said he had met with the Russian defence chief regarding the matter. Earlier, President Biden reportedly discussed military bases in Central Asia with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But Russia had not confirmed the news.