Taliban: US will Never Return to Afghanistan, ISIS No Longer Threat
DID Press: Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban government, said that no foreign troops will be allowed to operate on Afghanistan soil and that ISIS is no longer a threat to Afghanistan or the region.
Referring to two decades of NATO presence, Mujahid said the Taliban seeks balanced, economy-focused relations with all countries, including the United States, but stressed that respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and the will of its people is a prerequisite.
Responding to rumors of a US return to Bagram Airbase, he clarified: “The base is part of Afghan territory and under the control of our security forces. Neither Americans nor Chinese have entered. These rumors are intended to create public concern.”
Mujahid also criticized the continued freezing of Afghanistan reserves in the US, calling for their release through international forums despite the absence of an independent court to address the matter.
On security, he said: “ISIS existed before the Islamic Emirate came to power, but it has now been decisively suppressed. Our security forces maintain full control and prevent foreign or criminal elements from operating in Afghanistan.”
He highlighted the Taliban’s anti-narcotics efforts, claiming that opium cultivation has nearly ceased and trafficking is strictly controlled. He accused some foreign countries, including the UK, of previously encouraging poppy cultivation, and noted the involvement of former Afghan officials in narcotics trafficking.
Regarding regional issues, Mujahid stressed Afghanistan’s commitment to permanent ceasefires with Pakistan, denying that the Taliban allows Pakistani militants to operate from Afghan territory. He added that many attacks originate from Pakistan and should not be blamed on Afghanistan.
On international matters, Mujahid expressed support for Palestinians in Gaza and said that Afghanistan-Iranian relations, including cooperation on migration, narcotics, and water, are managed through dialogue and mutual understanding.