Taliban Seizes Kabul Airport... "We Want Good Relations with the US and the World"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Afghan armed group Taliban, after completing the withdrawal of U.S. troops, took control of Kabul Airport and held a press conference on the runway, expressing hopes for good diplomatic relations not only with the United States but also with the entire world.

On the 31st (local time), according to foreign media including AFP, Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesperson, stated at a press conference held on the runway of Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport, which the Taliban took over after the U.S. troop withdrawal, "We want good relations not only with the United States but also with countries around the world," adding, "Congratulations to the Afghan people. The victory belongs to all of us."

Earlier, the Taliban announced that immediately after the completion of the U.S. troop withdrawal, "The U.S. military has left Kabul Airport, and Afghanistan has gained complete independence," declaring their takeover of Kabul Airport. With Kabul Airport under Taliban control, airport operations have been temporarily suspended. Since the Taliban did not possess air force capabilities, it is reported that they have not secured air traffic control personnel necessary to resume airport operations.

The Taliban announced plans to soon deploy personnel to operate the airport and resume operations for international and domestic flights. Taliban spokesperson Mohammad Naeem said in an interview with Russia's Sputnik News, "Restarting the airport is one of our priorities," adding, "One of our goals is to begin communication not only throughout the country but also with the outside world."

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