The Taliban movement congratulated Afghanistan on its victory after the withdrawal of the last American soldier and said it wanted good relations with the United States and that Washington would use its presence and capabilities in Qatar to manage its diplomacy in Afghanistan. The next stage.
In a statement issued on Tuesday from the runway of Kabul airport, Taliban spokesman Jabihullah Mujahid said, “We congratulate Afghanistan on our victory.”
“American defeat is a great lesson for other occupiers,” he added, adding that the movement wants good relations with the United States and the world, and welcomes good diplomatic relations with all of them.
Mujahid added – in a statement to Al Jazeera from inside Kabul International Airport – that the movement is now busy defending and operating the airport, noting that it is in talks with Qatar and Turkey over the operation of the facility, which was under US control. Forces.
Mujahid had earlier – in a tweet on Twitter – said that the last US soldier had left Kabul airport, as he had said, and that Afghanistan had gained full independence. For his part, Taliban political office spokesman Mohammad Naim said the movement was entering a new phase after the US withdrawal.
Naim added that – in contact with Al Jazeera – the next stage will be difficult and its responsibility will be on the people, the international community and all spectrum of regional countries.
Celebrations in Afghanistan
Last night, Afghanistan witnessed widespread celebrations after the last American soldier withdrew from its territory.
Videos circulating on social media showed fireworks and gunfire in the skies of Afghanistan.
It also showed videos of Taliban militants roaming the courtyard of Hamid Karzai Airport in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
The Taliban has stationed its special forces inside the “Badri 313” airport, which movement officials visited this morning.
The last soldier resigned
Last night, Kenneth McKenzie, commander of the US Federal Command, announced the withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan and the end of military service in the country, which lasted nearly 20 years.
During a press conference, McKenzie noted that the last US plane had taken off from Afghanistan, hoping to maintain contacts with the Taliban movement in his country and the rest of the world, and that evacuation efforts would now take place through diplomatic channels.
He confirmed the end of the military phase of the evacuation operation in Afghanistan, noting that the next phase of efforts would be led by the Foreign Ministry.
The U.S. Federal Commander said the withdrawal of his country’s troops would not mean the loss of the opportunity for the Americans and Afghanistan to leave Afghanistan, and that the Taliban did not know when US troops would leave. Kabul Airport.
McKenzie pointed out that the United States had chosen to keep its withdrawal time to a minimum.
The Pentagon has released a photo of the last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan, according to Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue, commander of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Air Force.
It was withdrawn after more than two weeks of intense deportations, although hundreds of Western citizens have yet to be evacuated by the United States and its allies.
Department of Diplomacy
In the wake of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Anthony Blingen said in his speech that the US would use its presence and capabilities in Qatar to manage its diplomacy in Afghanistan as the next step.
Blingen thanked both Qatar and Turkey for keeping the Kabul airport open.
With regard to the future of the US relationship with the Taliban-led government, Blinken said it depends primarily on the national interest of the United States and the behavior of the Taliban at the next stage.
At the same time, the White House said there was no deadline for Americans in Afghanistan to leave.
In a tweet on White House Twitter – Secretary of State Anthony Blingen will lead coordination efforts with international partners to expel Americans, foreigners or cooperating Afghans.
US President Joe Biden has called on his Secretary of State to lead a series of coordination with international partners to ensure the safe departure of Americans, Afghans or foreigners wishing to leave Afghanistan.
In a statement issued by the White House, Biden said that completing the military operation would be the best way to save the lives of soldiers and civilians who wish to leave Afghanistan in the coming weeks and months.
He emphasized that the Taliban were doing their duty in a safe way and that the world was committed to fulfilling their responsibilities.
He spoke in support of the US Alliance, but said that maintaining some independence was not the answer.
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