Security deteriorates in Afghanistan

KABUL: President Ashraf Ghani yesterday blamed Afghanistan’s fast-deteriorating security situation on a “sudden” decision by the US to withdraw its troops, but said his government had a plan to bring conditions under control within six months.

Taliban insurgents have made rapid advances since Washington said it planned a complete withdrawal of troops by next month.

“The situation is due to the withdrawal of the international troops,” Ghani told the Afghan parliament.

The Taliban would not move towards peace unless the worsening security situation was curbed, he said.