Turkey Wants To Guard Kabul Airport Instead Of US And NATO, Taliban Issue Threats

Illustration of a US helicopter at Kabul Airport, Afghanistan. (Wikimedia Commons/US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison)

JAKARTA - The Taliban warned Turkey on Tuesday against a possible plan to keep some troops in Afghanistan running and guarding Kabul's main airport, following the withdrawal of the 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 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 reported Reuters, Tuesday, July 13.

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.

Illustration of the Taliban Army. (Wikimedia Commons/isafmedia)

Clashes have continued in the southern province of Kandahar, said Attaullah Atta, a member of the provincial council, with the Taliban being pushed back after an attempt to break into the city's prison. Hundreds of families have fled the violence in the region.

By Tuesday morning, Afghan security forces had withdrawn from Alingar district in the eastern province of Laghman, a local government official said on condition of anonymity. A ceasefire pact with the Taliban in the district collapsed in May.

On Monday, the Taliban surrounded the central city of Ghazni and carried out an overnight attack in their latest assault on the provincial capital, a local security official said but were repelled by the Afghan military.

Last month, Turkey offered to keep Kabul airport up and running after the United States and other NATO forces withdrew from Afghanistan, under certain conditions.

Turkish and US officials have discussed possible requirements for the mission, some of which Washington has agreed to deal with, a Turkish official said.

"Following the United States' decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, Turkey has made an offer to ensure the security of Kabul airport. Within this framework, talks are ongoing with NATO and the United States", the Turkish official said.

Turkey's role in securing airports for international flights could help improve relations between Ankara and the West, which have been particularly strained by Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system and disputes with European countries over drilling rights in eastern Mediterranean waters.

Turkish Defense Minister, Hulusi Akar, said Ankara's offer hinged on the support of the ally.

"We intend to stay in Afghanistan depending on conditions. How are our conditions? Political, financial, and logistical support. If this is met, we can remain at Hamid Karzai International Airport", said the Ministry quoted from Halusi Akar.