The Taliban Is Getting More Aggressive, Turkey Still Wants To Guard Kabul Airport To Replace The US And NATO

JAKARTA - The rapid progress made by the Taliban militants, who succeeded in capturing eight provincial capitals from the Afghan military in six days, did not dampen Turkey's intention to run and maintain Kabul Airport, after the US-led foreign military coalition left.

Two Turkish officials familiar with this said Turkey remained in its original intention, as discussed with the United States, to deploy its troops to maintain and operate Kabul Airport.

In exchange for the mission previously carried out by NATO forces, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it was related to diplomatic, logistical and financial deals.

"For now nothing has changed regarding the TAF (Turkish Armed Forces) taking over Kabul Airport. The talks and the process are continuing," a senior Turkish official told Reuters, as quoted Thursday 12 July.

"Work continues on the basis that an agreement will take place, but of course the situation in Afghanistan is being followed closely," the official continued.

In a televised interview with broadcaster CNN Turk on Wednesday, President Erdogan said he could meet with the Taliban as part of efforts to end fighting in Afghanistan.

"Our related institutions are making efforts that can expand some of the meetings with the Taliban, I can even meet with people who will be in their leadership positions," President Erdogan said.

Separately, in comments to foreign media in Islamabad on Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said, after talks with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, efforts would be made to facilitate talks between the Taliban and Ankara.

"The best thing is, Turkey and the Taliban have face-to-face dialogue. So the two can talk about the reasons why Kabul airport should be secured," said Prime Minister Khan.

"So we will talk to the Taliban, use our influence on them, to talk directly to Turkey," he said of the dialogue efforts being carried out.

Meanwhile, a Turkish security official said his country's government was continuing to assess developments in Afghanistan.

"There is no change in views about the control of Kabul Airport. But the situation in Afghanistan is changing day by day," he said.

Earlier, the Taliban warned Turkey against possible plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan, to run and guard Kabul's main airport, following the withdrawal of US-led foreign coalition forces.

The Taliban firmly called the Turkish plan a despicable act, as well as warned of the consequences that would result from it. This offer came after Turkey held talks with the United States (US) some time ago.

"The Emirate of Afghanistan condemns this despicable decision. If Turkish officials fail to reconsider their decision and continue the occupation of our country, we will take a stand against them," the Taliban said in a statement last July.

In that case, he added, responsibility for the consequences would fall on the shoulders of those who interfered. This threat is part of the Taliban's struggle, as the international coalition troops began to lift their feet, by sieging and seizing cities in Afghanistan.