Kabul (Web Desk): The Taliban have warned that there would be “consequences" if the United States and its allies extend the presence of troops in Afghanistan beyond Aug 31, saying that US had already violated its previous May 1 deadline to pull out troops.
“If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations — the answer is no. Or there would be consequences,” said Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen. Staying beyond the agreed deadline would be “extending occupation”, he added.
President Joe Biden had announced he wanted to end the US military presence and airlifts by August 31, but with the European Union and Britain saying it would be impossible to get everyone out by then, he is under pressure to extend the deadline.
Meanwhile, the Taliban sources confirmed that the group will not announce the makeup of its government until the United States completes its troop withdrawal.
“It has been decided that the formation of the government and cabinet will not be announced as long as a single US soldier is present in Afghanistan,” said a Taliban source.