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Withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan worsens situation — Russia’s envoy

"We see not only the strengthening of the Taliban movement, but, what is especially worrisome, the penetration of Islamic State into Afghanistan," the diplomat added

© AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini

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Russian General Staff calls SCO to pool efforts against threats from Afghanistan

MOSCOW, October 9. /TASS/. The hasty withdrawal of the international stabilization force has led to the landslide deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan, Russia’s Ambassador to NATO Alexander Grushko told a news conference on Friday.

"What has happened was what we had warned of for a long time. The hasty withdrawal of the international stabilization force has led to the landslide deterioration of the security situation," he said.

"We see not only the strengthening of the Taliban movement, but, what is especially worrisome, the penetration of Islamic State into Afghanistan," the diplomat added. "By all odds, about 4,000 Islamic State gunmen are already in Afghanistan, and their ranks grow."

"Kunduz became a cold shower for everyone, NATO headquarters makes no secret of this." "It did not take a very large force to capture the city, and the national security forces found themselves in a difficult situation. It’s clear that they are unable to cope with challenges without external assistance.".

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