Afghanistan: the Taliban threaten the United States and its allies with “consequences” if the latter delay – franceinfo

The tone is rising between the Taliban and Western countries. The first threatened Monday, August 23 the United States and its allies of “consequences” if they delay their departure from afghanistan, scheduled for August 31, to continue evacuations in Kabul. “It’s a red line” not to cross, Suhail Shaheen, a Taliban spokesman interviewed by Sky News television station, warned. “If the United States or the United Kingdom asks for more time to continue the evacuations, the answer is no”, did he declare.

The Taliban have brushed aside the possibility of such an arrangement with the United States. Two sources within the new regime told AFP that the Taliban would not announce the formation of a government as long as there were American soldiers in Afghanistan.

US President Joe Biden opened the door the day before to maintain US soldiers on site beyond the scheduled date of August 31 for a few days in order to finish evacuating people who want to leave this country at all costs. “There are ongoing discussions between us and the military about the extension,” referred to the US president.

Foreign nationals as well as thousands of Afghans are still waiting at Kabul International Airport for an evacuation, but the situation continues to deteriorate. UAn Afghan guard was killed on the spot and three people were injured on Monday morning, the German army said on Twitter. Exchanges of fire took place there in the morning between American and German soldiers on one side and unidentified assailants on the other.

Berlin and Paris also came out on Monday in favor of continued evacuation operations. a “extra time” military presence is “necessary” after August 31 to carry out the evacuations of people at risk, declared Monday August 23 Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In the process, his German counterpart declared that Germany was in discussions with the United States, Turkey and other partners to keep Kabul airport open for evacuations after August 31. “We will have to continue talking with the Taliban, because they will of course have a special role to play in the operation of the airport after the withdrawal of American troops”, said Heiko Maas during a press briefing.