The U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Political Affairs, Colin Cole expressed confidence that the U.S. military will be able to strike at terrorists in Afghanistan without the U.S. presence in the country.
The U.S. authorities are holding consultations with the authorities of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and other countries on providing facilities for the U.S. military to attack terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, said Colin Cole on Tuesday at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, TASS reported.
"We strive to build a stronger ecosystem for over-the-horizon attacks against terrorists, which will include regional players. We are consulting with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and other countries," Cole said. He underscored that he could provide additional information regarding these consultations and plans at closed hearings.