Top intelligence officials have confirmed that Russia has offered money to Taliban-linked militants to kill American troops in Afghanistan. These assassinations are reportedly aimed at upsetting ongoing peace talks in the war-torn region.
Military officials explain that targeting American and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops show increased Russian support for the Taliban. However, this is the first time the Russian spy unit is involved in plotting attacks against American forces in Afghanistan.
Russia’s moves escalate its hybrid-war against the United States. The death of American troops in Taliban hands adds to their long list of atrocities which include cyberattacks, spreading fake news, covert and deniable military operations, as well as other destabilization plots.
While Taliban and CIA officials refused to comment on the newfound information, the Kremlin is open to answering the accusations — if anyone dares to make them openly. Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin had not been made aware of the accusations. “If someone makes them, we’ll respond,” he said.
On the other hand, US officials have confirmed knowledge of these activities months ago. The Russian unit had covertly offered rewards or bounty to both Islamist militants and armed criminal elements.
In 2019, 20 Americans were killed in Afghanistan but intelligence officials cannot pin their deaths on the Russian group.
President Trump was briefed on the intel along with the White House’s National Security Council as early as March. However, the White House has not authorized any course of action.
President Trump is seeking re-election in November, and it is predicted that he would choose to remain diplomatic about the situation. Trump wants to broker peace with the Taliban and finally put an end to the war in Afghanistan.