IEA urges Washington to stop flying drones over Afghanistan

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) on Wednesday warned of consequences if the United States did not stop flying drones over Afghan airspace.

The IEA said in a statement, that in flying drones over the country, the U.S is in violation of international rights and laws “as well as its commitments made to the IEA in Doha, Qatar” in February last year.

“We call on all countries, especially United States, to treat Afghanistan in light of international rights, laws and commitments … in order to prevent any negative consequences.”

Reuters reported the Pentagon was not immediately available for comment.

Since the IEA swept back to power, the US has generally pursued a policy of tentative engagement and cooperation, while not officially recognising the government.

However, US officials, concerned over the resurgence of al-Qaeda and the strengthening of ISIS-K (Daesh) affiliates in Afghanistan, have repeatedly said the US will maintain “over-the-horizon” capabilities in responding to threats in Afghanistan.

Both the US and the IEA consider Daesh an enemy, offering the possibility of some cooperation.

Daesh claimed responsibility for the August 26 attack at the Kabul airport and more recently bomb attacks in the eastern city of Jalalabad.

On August 29 however, a US drone strike in Kabul, that Washington later admitted was a mistake, killed 10 civilians, and not members of Daesh.