Afghanistan 2020

Two U.S. soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan.

The first casualties of 2020.

The group taking responsibility is the same one America engages in peace talks.

Important To Know

• 2019: Deadliest year for American soldiers in Afghanistan since 2014. 23 soldiers killed in action.
• Pres. Trump has publicly discussed wanting to withdraw from Afghanistan.
• Both the Trump & Obama admins. attempted “peace talks” with the Taliban as a way to negotiate an exit.
• The Taliban control more territory in Afghanistan than ever before during America’s longest war.

What Happened:

• The Taliban took responsibility for a roadside bomb Saturday in southern Afghanistan.
• 29-year-old Staff Sgt. Ian McLaughlin of Virginia and 21-year-old Pfc. Miguel Villalon of Illinois died in the attack. The incident remains under investigation.
• Both soldiers on their first combat deployment. McLaughlin survived by his wife and four children. Villalon survived by his parents.

Something To Consider

“The Taliban has publicly stated its goals of the so-called ‘peace talks’ is the complete withdrawal of US forces and the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the official name of the Taliban’s government.”

Bill Roggio, Long War Journal editor. Reports have indicated peace talks were set to resume between the U.S. & Taliban this week overseas.

Why This Matters

Although not designated a terrorist group by the U.S. gov’t (an area of great debate) the Taliban provide safe haven to terrorist groups that have attacked America, most notably the 9/11 attackers.

The Taliban and Al-Qaeda remain longtime allies. Concerns remain that Afghanistan, left to the Taliban, will once again become a breeding ground & launching pad for terror.

Pres. Trump cancelled talks with the Taliban in September after the group claimed to have killed a U.S. soldier. In November, during a Thanksgiving visit to Afghanistan’s Bagram Airfield, the President opened the door for restarting peace talks. The base was attacked by the Taliban weeks later.