The Taliban have sent warnings to Afghanistan’s neighbors not to allow the United States to build bases on its territory, and if that happens they will not remain silent.
Washington has announced it will withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by 9/11 after a 20-year presence in the war-torn country, whose security situation remains fragile.
Reports leaked in recent days by Afghan media indicate that the US wants to have a base in the region, which will allow it to intervene in Afghanistan in the future, if necessary.
“We urge neighboring countries not to allow this to happen,” the Taliban said in a statement. “If such a decision is made, it will be a serious, historic mistake (…) and the Afghan mujahedeen will not remain silent in the face of this challenge,” they threatened.
“We have repeatedly stated that our territory will not be used to harm the security of other countries and we expect other countries not to allow their territory and airspace to be used against us,” they said.
Many of Afghanistan’s neighbors had allowed the US military to use its bases in Afghanistan in the early 2000s.
Today, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Quresi attacked the Senate in local press reports, according to which Islamabad signed a new military agreement with Washington. “This information has no basis. Pakistan under the government of (Prime Minister) Imran Khan will never allow the Americans to have a base in our territory, “ he said.
The United States and the Taliban signed a landmark agreement in Qatar in February 2020, which provides for the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. The United States will withdraw its 2,500 troops from Afghanistan by September 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
