The head of the U.S. Central Command told Congress Thursday that he believes more troops will be needed to help Afghan forces break their stalemate with the Taliban after more than 15 years of fighting.
Gen. Joseph Votel, testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he and ground commander Lt. Gen. Mick Nicholson have sent private recommendations to President Trump, but under questioning admitted the U.S. mission to support the Afghan Nation Army will need more trainers and advisers.
“I do believe it will involve additional forces to make the advise-and-assist mission more effective,” Votel said.
While Votel did not specify the troops would be American, it’s not expected that other NATO nations will provide additional forces without a major U.S. contribution.
Votel, under questioning by Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said he agreed with Nicholson’s assessment that the war has fallen into a stalemate.
“Would you agree that we are in a stalemate in Afghanistan?” asked McCain.
“Mr. Chairman, I do,” replied Votel.
Votel testified that the U.S. strategy of working by, with and through indigenous forces, rather than putting U.S. troops on the front lines, takes longer but is proving effective.
