While countries evacuating their citizens from Kabul are expected to ask US to extend the August 31 deadline for withdrawal of troops, the Taliban says that a new government formation will not take place in Afghanistan until the last American soldier leaves the country.
As countries scramble to evacuate their citizens and allies from Kabul, the situation in Afghanistan remains tense a week after Taliban marched on the capital city, forcing President Ashraf Ghani to flee the country.
The G7 leaders’ meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, where the UK, France and Germany have hinted that they may ask US President Joe Biden to keep American troops on the ground beyond the August 31 deadline.
When asked about the possibility of such an extension of the deadline, a Taliban spokesperson said the August 31 deadline is a “red-line” and non-adherence to it could lead to “consequences”. The Taliban have also reportedly said that a new government formation will not take place in Afghanistan until the last American soldier leaves the country.
Also read: āWeāll See If They Mean It Or Notā: Joe Biden When Asked About Talibanās Promises
Back in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on a number of issues, including recent developments in Afghanistan.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said PM Modi has directed the MEA to brief floor leaders of all political parties on the situation in Afghanistan. The central government has also called an all-party meeting at 11 am on August 26 to discuss the issue.
Fighting continues in parts of the Afghanistan where local militias and personnel of disbanded Afghan defence forces have joined hands to challenge Taliban’s authority. A spokesperson of the insurgent group said Taliban fighters have surrounded Panjshir province where nearly 9,000 resistance fighters led by Ahmed Massoud have gathered to fight the Taliban.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
