In a strange turn of events, the Taliban have given the United States ultimatum until August 31 to leave Afghanistan or suffer the consequences.
In a stark warning given to US President Joe Biden, the Taliban made it very clear that it will not tolerate the presence of US troops past August 31 as America struggles to evacuate its citizens and its Afghan allies.
Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen said, “It’s a red line. President Biden announced that on 31 August they would withdraw all their military forces. So if they extend it that means they are extending occupation while there is no need for that,”.
Shaheen further added, “If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations – the answer is no. Or there would be consequences,”.
“It will create mistrust between us. If they are intent on continuing the occupation it will provoke a reaction,” Shaheen said in remarks given to UK broadcaster Sky News.
On Sunday, Joe Biden admitted that the evacuation was going to be “hard and painful” and that “a lot could still go wrong” as he faces mounting criticism from the Republicans and members of his own party.
Meanwhile, Britain has urged the US to extend its evacuation effort in Kabul past the August 31 deadline as forces loyal to Ahmad Massoud, son of the lion of Panjshir Ahmad Shah Massoud have said that they will resist the Taliban to the end.
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