Taliban warns: Leave by deadline or ‘there will be consequences’
The Taliban will not agree to an extension of the evacuation mission from Afghanistan, a spokesman for the militant Islamist organisation has told British news channel Sky News.
Suhail Shaheen, a member of the Taliban's negotiation team, has warned that there will be no extension of time for evacuees to leave Afghanistan (Photo: AAP)
“If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations – the answer is no. Or there would be consequences,” said Suhail Shaheen, a member of the Taliban delegation in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
“It’s a red line. President Biden announced that on August 31 they would withdraw all their military forces. So if they extend it that means they are extending occupation while there is no need for that.”
He added: “It will create mistrust between us. If they are intent on continuing the occupation it will provoke a reaction.”
Shaheen explained the large crowd at the airport in Kabul with the desire of many people to escape poverty in Afghanistan. Fears of oppression by the Taliban were being used as a pretext and were unfounded.
He described reports of retaliation by Taliban fighters on journalists, former government employees and other alleged collaborators as “all fake news.” Every incident would be investigated. Those who are guilty will be held accountable, he said.
