Taliban issues warning to foreigners over embassies, airport plans

The Taliban on Saturday warned the international community against leaving foreign troops in the country to guard their embassies and the country’s key commercial airport in Kabul and said if this happens, the forces will be seen as “invaders”.

In a statement issued by the group, the Taliban said: “The presence of foreign forces under whatever name or by whichever country in our homeland is unacceptable for the Afghan people and the Islamic Emirate (Taliban).

“Every inch of Afghan soil, its airports and security of foreign embassies and diplomatic offices 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 peoples and countries, read the statement.

“If anyone does make such a mistake, the Afghan people and the Islamic Emirate shall view them as occupiers and shall take a stance against them as they have taken against invaders throughout history, the responsibility in which case shall also fall on their shoulders.”

The statement comes amid mounting concern over the safety of foreign embassies and the security of the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.

Already, the Australian Embassy in Kabul has closed its doors, amid the ongoing troop withdrawal process, and other foreign missions are considering the same.

The international community has also raised concerns over the safety and operational requirements needed to safeguard the airport.

In line with this, Turkey has offered to take control of the airport if certain conditions are met.

On Friday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg meanwhile said at a press briefing ahead of Monday’s NATO leaders summit that the issue of the airport will be discussed in detail.