Afghan Taliban: "All Foreign Troops Must Withdraw by September 11"

Opposition to Reports of Over 1,000 US Troops Remaining
Afghan Government Forces Continue Pressure... Control Over 25% of National Territory

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The armed militia Taliban in Afghanistan is demanding that all foreign troops stationed in Afghanistan withdraw before the U.S. military’s withdrawal deadline of September 11, escalating military tensions within the country. The Taliban’s renewed emphasis on the withdrawal deadline is interpreted as a reaction to reports that some allied forces, including the U.S. military, might remain with about 1,000 personnel after September 11.

On the 4th (local time), Suhail Shahin, Taliban spokesperson, stated in an interview with the British BBC, "Any foreign troops that exceed the U.S. military’s scheduled withdrawal deadline in September risk being considered occupying forces," adding, "If forces remain contrary to the agreement made in Doha, Qatar regarding withdrawal, we will respond, and the final decision rests with our leadership."

This statement is understood as a response to earlier major foreign media reports that approximately 1,000 personnel, mainly U.S. troops, might stay after the September 11 withdrawal deadline to guard diplomatic missions and Kabul International Airport. The Taliban also reportedly hinted at the possibility of attacking Kabul if foreign troops remain in the city after the withdrawal deadline.

Separately, within Afghanistan, as the U.S. and NATO withdrawal nears completion, the Taliban’s influence is significantly expanding, raising concerns in the international community. According to CNN, more than a quarter of Afghanistan’s 421 districts are currently occupied by the Taliban, and fighting continues near the capital Kabul, putting the Afghan government forces on the defensive.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.