The Afghan President blamed the deterioration of the security situation in Afghanistan on the U.S. decision to withdraw troops before August 31.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani blamed the deterioration of the country’s security on the “sudden” decision to withdraw troops from the United States.

When Ghani submitted his security plan to Parliament on Monday, he said that the situation in the war-torn country would be “controlled within six months,” adding that the United States had pledged its full support.

“The reason for our current situation is that the decision was made suddenly,” he told Parliament, adding that he had warned Washington that withdrawing would have “consequences.”

The president added that “protecting the people” is his duty.

After his speech, the two houses of parliament issued a joint statement expressing their full support for Ghani’s security plan.

In a statement, the legislator declared that he “resolutely” supports human rights and women’s rights and freedom of speech, and stated that they stand with the Afghan National Army who “sacrificed their lives for the country.”

“His time is over, and God will”

In response, the Taliban issued a statement to the media, calling Ghani’s remarks “nonsense” and saying that “his era is over.”

“He tried to control his own bad [mental] Status and errors,” the statement said.

“The state has decided to prosecute national traitors and bring them to justice. Declaring war, accusing them and providing false information cannot prolong Gani’s life,” it said.

“His time is over, God bless.”

A source in Helmand province said that since Monday morning, there have been fierce clashes in the first district of Rashkaga city. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/CPJbGrzfhG

— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) August 2, 2021

Over the past few months, the Taliban quickly gained territory in the final stages of the U.S. withdrawal, mainly in sparsely populated rural areas.

But in recent weeks, it has put increasing pressure on provincial capitals and occupied key border crossings.

Occupying any major urban center will take their current offensive to the next level and heighten fears that the army will not be able to resist Taliban attacks.

The government has repeatedly denied that the group’s steady growth in the summer lacks strategic value, but has largely failed to reverse their momentum on the battlefield.

The Taliban have occupied Afghan cities in the past, but only retained them briefly.

Ali M Latifi contributed to this report in Kabul, Afghanistan