US halts logistic support to some Afghan army, police units
Iran Press TV
Sun Dec 1, 2013 11:2PM GMT
The US military in Afghanistan has reportedly reduced its logistic military support to Afghan army and police forces amid Kabul's refusal to sign a security deal with Washington.
On Sunday, Afghan defense and interior ministry officials said some of the units of Afghan national army and police forces have not received support and supply services including fuel delivery therefore their routine operations have been halted.
Afghan President Hamed Karzai, in a statement, described the measure as a tool to pressure him into signing the bilateral security deal between the two countries.
"The cutting of fuel supplies and support services to the Afghan army and police is being used as a means of pressure to ensure Afghanistan ... signs the Bilateral Security Agreement,' according to a statement from his palace.
The statement added that the national security council of Afghanistan urges theUS military to observe its commitments towards Afghan forces after reviewing the reports released by interior and defense ministry officials over the issue.
The White House, however, has denied the accusation. American officials say the alleged disruption may be due to logistical problems in Pakistan.
Relations between Afghanistan and the United States have deteriorated in recent weeks due to Karzai's refusal to sign the security agreement.
The deal allows several thousands of American troops to remain in Afghanistan after a 2014 pullout deadline for foreign forces.
Karzai, who has expressed his concerns over US meddling in Afghanistan's internal affairs, has set several conditions to sign the pact which has been approved by the country's grand council, also known as Loya Jirga.
The conditions include a stop to all military operations against civilian homes among others.
DT/DT
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