The US State Department has once again highlighted the responsibility of the Afghan Taliban in ensuring that Afghanistan is not used as a launching pad for terrorist activities.
The statement came in the wake of accusations by Pakistan that Afghanistan is providing shelter to hardline elements of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In a press briefing, the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the Taliban’s role in countering terrorism.
Security Concerns Raised by Pakistan
The announcement by the US followed revelations from top commanders of the Pakistan Army that terrorist groups like the banned TTP are finding safe havens in Afghanistan, which is seriously compromising Islamabad’s security.
In the 258th Corps Commanders Conference (CCC), presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, it was reported that the TTP has access to advanced weaponry due to their secure hideouts in Afghanistan.
The end of the TTP’s truce agreement with Islamabad in November of the previous year has led to an upswing in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, necessitating a stepped-up military response.
The Pakistan Army voiced serious concerns last week about militants finding safe havens in neighbouring countries, following which it lost 12 of its soldiers in two different attacks.
Since the Afghan Taliban resumed power in August 2021, Pakistan has experienced increased terrorist attacks. It has implored the interim Afghan authorities to take decisive action against the terrorists, including the TTP, who are blamed for cross-border incursions. Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) show a 79% increase in terrorist activities in Pakistan in the first half of 2023.
The Taliban’s response to concerns raised by Pakistan has added to the prevailing tensions. In an interview with BBC Pashto, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that they had not signed the peace agreement with Islamabad, countering Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s assertion that Afghanistan is not honouring its obligations under the Doha agreement.
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