Taliban Accuses US of Seeking Regional Bases Post-Withdrawal
Taliban in a new statement has accused the United States of seeking a military presence in the region, “especially in Pakistan,” as part of its efforts to maintain surveillance in Afghanistan, warning that it will lead to “more bloodshed” in the country if it takes place.
The statement published on Friday says that the Doha agreement has been “repeatedly” violated by the US and that it has led to the continuation of violence in Afghanistan. The US has rejected claims on violation of the Doha agreement.
Taliban says that some media reports have said that the US will keep its presence along the Durand Line for surveillance using Pakistan’s territory and airspace. This will mean that the US will maintain its presence in Bagram and Shindand bases in Afghanistan and that if this happens, the Taliban “will continue their jihad” as in the past, the statement says.
Pakistan May Host Meeting on Afghan Peace: Sources
Pakistan is likely to host a conference on Afghanistan’s peace, and efforts are being made to hold the event at a high level between the Afghan government and the Taliban, sources from the Presidential Palace and the High Council for National Reconciliation said.
The Taliban said they are not aware of any conference.
In Doha, two meetings have been held within the last two weeks between negotiators from both sides. It was agreed that the meetings must continue, negotiators told TOLOnews.
Palace and HCNR sources said that the potential Pakistan conference has not been finalized, but both sides have held discussions over it.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a news conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on Tuesday said that NATO remains committed to its partnership with Afghanistan.
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