Taliban Begins Discussions on New Government Formation... Issues Withdrawal Deadline Warning to US and UK (Comprehensive)

The Islamic militant group Taliban, which has taken control of Afghanistan, is patrolling the streets of Kabul, the capital, on the 19th (local time) in a vehicle flying the Taliban flag. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Islamic militant group Taliban, which has occupied Afghanistan, has begun discussions to form a new government.

According to local media Tolo News on the 23rd (local time), Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that they are currently discussing the formation of a new government with Afghan political leaders and will announce the results soon. He said, "We met in (the capital) Kabul and the discussions are progressing," adding, "We expect to declare the launch of the new government shortly."

The Taliban appointed Haji Mohammad Idris as the acting governor of the Central Bank of Afghanistan the day before. This appointment drew attention as it came amid concerns over economic turmoil, with banks closed and government offices suspended for over a week following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid explained in a statement that the acting governor would organize institutions and help resolve the economic issues faced by the people.

A statement from a senior Taliban leader also revealed that they have pardoned Ashraf Ghani, the Afghan president who evacuated abroad.

Khalil Alrahman Haqqani, a senior Taliban leader and head of the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, said in an exclusive interview with Pakistan's Geo News the day before, "We have pardoned Ashraf Ghani, First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, and National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib," and announced that they will allow President Ghani to return. President Ghani fled abroad to the United Arab Emirates after the Taliban marched into the capital Kabul.

Additionally, the Taliban warned that the United States and British forces must adhere to the scheduled withdrawal deadline at the end of this month and that there will be consequences if the deadline is not met. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen said in an interview with British Sky News, "U.S. President Joe Biden announced that all troops will withdraw by August 31, which is a 'red line,'" adding, "There is no need to extend the withdrawal deadline."

Shaheen warned, "There will be consequences if the deadline is not met," and "If they continue to stay, it will provoke backlash." This statement came amid reports that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to request President Biden to extend the U.S. military withdrawal deadline to evacuate more people.

Johnson, the UK Prime Minister and chair of this year's G7, announced on Twitter the day before that an emergency G7 summit would be convened on the 24th. Major foreign media reported, "The UK is expected to propose economic sanctions and suspension of aid to the Taliban at this meeting," and "The extension of the U.S. troop withdrawal deadline is also likely to be on the agenda."

Meanwhile, in the early hours of the day, a firefight broke out between Afghan security personnel and unidentified attackers at the north gate of Kabul airport, resulting in one security guard killed and three injured.

In some northern regions, anti-Taliban resistance forces have declared a determined fight, signaling signs of civil war. The resistance, composed of government troops and local militias, is reportedly establishing strongholds in three northern provinces: Panjshir, Parwan, and Baghlan.

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