MONITORING (SW) – The Taliban have warned against keeping troops of any country in Afghanistan for the proposed security of Kabul airport after withdrawal of the international forces.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group declared that the presence of any foreign forces is ‘unacceptable’.
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“Every inch of Afghan soil, its airports and security of foreign embassies and diplomatic officers is the responsibility of the Afghans, consequently no one should hold out hope of keeping military or security presence in our country, nor should steps be taken that could strain relations between people and countries”, it said.
The Taliban have warned that anyone behind such moves for extending foreign military presence in Afghanistan would be seen as ‘occupiers’.
Earlier this month, Turkish officials said Ankara made the proposal to run Kabul airport at a NATO meeting in May when the US and its partners agreed a plan to withdraw troops by September 11 after 20 years of war trying to defeat Taliban forces, the TRT reported.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Monday that Ankara’s offer was contingent on backup from its allies, political and financial. “Following the United States’ decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, Turkey has made an offer to ensure the security of Kabul airport. In this framework, there are talks underway with NATO and the United States,” the Turkish official said.
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