Arms to Taliban

The general in charge of US forces in Afghanistan appeared to confirm yesterday that Russia is sending weapons to the Taliban, an intervention that will likely further complicate the 15-year-old war and the Kremlin’s relations with the United States. When asked by reporters, General John Nicholson did not refute claims that the Taliban are receiving weapons and other supplies from the Russians. “We continue to get reports of this assistance,” Nicholson said speaking to reporters alongside Defence Secretary Jim Mattis. “We support anyone who wants to help us advance the reconciliation process, but anyone who arms belligerents who perpetuate attacks like the one we saw two days ago in Mazar-i-Sharif is not the best way forward to a peaceful reconciliation.”