Taliban warn against US military presence in neighborhood

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Taliban on Wednesday said the Afghan nation would not remain silent over establishment of a US military base across the Durand Line and those who made ‘this mistake’’ would be responsible for any consequences.

The reaction from Taliban comes as some sources recently said that the US has started establishing military bases across the Durand Line in Pakistan.

On the other hand, US officials say they had signed no any agreements about military establishments in any neighboring country of Afghanistan.

A day earlier, a report said that the US will use the air space and ground of Pakistan for continuing its fight against terrorism in Afghanistan after the country completes its troop withdrawal.

The Taliban reacted to a possible US military establishment in neighboring countries without naming Pakistan.

In a statement, the group said that there were recently reports in different media outlets that said the US was trying to relocate its troops in a neighboring country of Afghanistan to continue its operation in the war-torn country.

“Presence of foreign forces in the region is the main cause of insecurity and conflicts, it is a misery that all people witnessed over the last two decades, our impoverished nation suffered the most of this misery and they are still suffering. We ask neighboring countries not to give permission for such move to anyone,” the statement said.

“God forbid, if such a move is taken, it would be a historic mistake and shame…,” the Taliban added.

The statement said, “The Muslim and Mujahid nation of Afghanistan would not remain silent over such provocative and illegal acts; but they would discharge their historic and Islamic responsibility as they did so in the history…”

“We have repeatedly assured others that our soil would not be used against the security of anyone, we also want the same from others not to use their soil and air space against our country,” the source said.

The Taliban said if any of such moves were taken, those would be responsible for any consequences who made the ‘mistake.’

mds/ma