The Taliban in Afghanistan has firmly refused to return the military equipment left behind by the US military during its withdrawal from the country in 2021.
According to Bloomberg, the group insists on the need for more arms, ammunition, and advanced weapons to combat ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan).
A source, speaking anonymously to the media, confirmed that the Taliban emphasized the necessity of these weapons for their fight against ISIS-K, dismissing the demand for their return.
This response followed remarks by former US President Donald Trump at a rally, where he threatened to halt financial assistance to Afghanistan unless the country returned US aircraft, air-to-ground munitions, vehicles, and communication equipment.
“If we’re going to pay billions of dollars a year, tell them we’re not going to give them the money unless they give back our military equipment,” Trump declared.
The Taliban spokesperson has not commented on Trump’s statements.
The US military left Afghanistan after a two-decade-long presence, abandoning $7 billion worth of weapons and equipment. The Taliban subsequently regained control of the country.
Despite rejecting Trump’s demand, the Taliban has expressed interest in a fresh start with the US under its new administration. They aim to access nearly $9 billion in frozen foreign exchange reserves and secure international recognition for their government, which is currently facing widespread condemnation for human rights abuses.
READ ALSO: Trump Officially Withdraws US from World Health Organization
According to reports, the Taliban views these funds as critical to supporting the country’s drained economy, which has also lost international aid.
On Tuesday, the Taliban announced a prisoner exchange with the US, trading an American for an Afghan held in a US prison.
Although countries like China, Pakistan, and Russia have welcomed Taliban diplomats, they have not officially recognized the Taliban-led government. Last year, China became the first nation to grant the Taliban diplomatic credentials.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
