Taliban's Warning: "US and UK Will Face Consequences if Withdrawal Deadline Is Not Met"

Taliban members in uniform marching in a parade in Kalat, Afghanistan
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Islamic militant group Taliban stated that the United States and British forces must strictly adhere to the withdrawal deadline scheduled for the end of this month in Afghanistan. They also warned that there would be consequences if the deadline is not met.

According to Sky News UK, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen said in an interview with the outlet on the 23rd (local time) in Doha, Qatar, "U.S. President Joe Biden announced that all troops will be withdrawn by August 31, and this is a 'red line,'" adding, "There is no need to extend the withdrawal deadline."

Shaheen stated, "If the U.S. or the UK continues to request additional time for evacuation, the answer is 'no,'" and "there will be consequences (for not meeting the deadline)." He further said, "(Extending the withdrawal deadline) will create distrust between us," emphasizing, "If they continue to stay, it will provoke backlash."

This statement came amid reports that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to request U.S. President Joe Biden to extend the U.S. military withdrawal deadline in order to evacuate more people.

Shaheen also dismissed concerns about some Afghans making desperate attempts to escape, saying, "It is not about worry or fear." He explained, "Afghanistan is a poor country, and since 70% of the population lives in poverty, everyone wants to settle in Western countries to live a prosperous life."

Regarding reports that the Taliban are threatening people and targeting former government officials, he refuted them as "fake news." He also addressed international concerns about women's rights being violated under Taliban rule, asserting, "If women wear hijabs, they will have the same rights you enjoy in your country," and claimed, "Nothing has changed."

Shaheen emphasized, "Everything was destroyed, and it became a bloodbath. But the past is the past, and now we want to focus on the future."

Sky News reported that at Kabul's international airport, Afghans are risking their lives in desperate efforts to escape Taliban rule, creating a tense and urgent situation.

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