US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has said that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that there should be a political settlement for lasting peace in the country.

“There is no ultimate military solution, there has to be a political settlement for lasting peace in Afghanistan,” Khalilzad said in an interview with Hindustan Times. “It has been made clear to the Taliban that not only ourselves, but many countries in the region and beyond will not recognize, will not assist the government that takes power by force.”

Khalilzad said that the United States will continue to support the Afghan government.

“We have said that while forces withdraw, yes, that is ongoing. But we will support the Afghan security forces where the [US] President’s budget has asked for $3.3 billion in assistance for the Afghan security forces. We will provide economic support. We will provide humanitarian support,” he added.

This comes as violence remains high in the country and many districts have remained contested between government forces and Taliban.