"US Discusses Using Russian Bases for Major Counterterrorism Operations in Afghanistan"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] It has been reported that the United States has discussed with Russia the possibility of using Russian military bases in Central Asia for counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan. Although this plan is very efficient geopolitically and militarily, it is expected that the discussions will not be easy due to many unresolved issues between the US and Russia, who have had conflicts in the past.

On the 27th (local time), the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing senior US officials, reported that General Mark Milley, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed the use of Russian military bases for counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan during a meeting with Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff, held on the 22nd in Helsinki, Finland.

Previously, the idea of the US using Russian military bases to address the Afghanistan issue was proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to President Joe Biden at the US-Russia summit held in Geneva, Switzerland, in June, WSJ reported. However, it is unclear whether President Putin seriously proposed this or if it was merely an idea for consideration.

Subsequently, a National Security Council (NSC) official from the White House requested Chairman Milley to obtain a clear response from the Russian side during the meeting on the 22nd, prompting Milley to raise the issue. Gerasimov reportedly showed an ambiguous attitude, according to WSJ citing officials.

Currently, instead of maintaining US military bases in Afghanistan, the US operates an "over-the-horizon" operation by launching drones and fighter jets from US airbases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), allies in the Middle East, to respond to terrorist threats in Afghanistan. However, these bases are far from Afghanistan, limiting the duration drones and fighter jets can be deployed. Therefore, the US has been seeking military bases in Central Asia, closer to Afghanistan.

However, WSJ forecasts that the idea of cooperating with Russia in counterterrorism operations will face many political obstacles. Since the US and Russia are clashing over various issues, including the Ukraine crisis, the US political sphere is cautious about military cooperation with Russia. WSJ also reported that Chairman Milley is expected to be questioned by senators about this issue at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing scheduled for the 28th.