LONDON, England: Afghanistan’s embassy in London closed on Friday following the Taliban’s decision to sever ties with diplomatic missions established by the previous Afghan government. The embassy, which had continued to operate under officials loyal to the former foreign-backed administration, shut its doors with a notice posted outside stating the closure. Despite this, Afghanistan’s flag remained flying.
Afghan ambassador Zalmai Rassoul announced the closure earlier in September, stating that it was at the request of the host country. However, the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) denied any involvement, explaining that the decision came from Afghanistan itself. The UK does not recognize the Taliban as a legitimate government but engages with Afghanistan pragmatically, in line with the U.S. and European Union.
The UK mission to Afghanistan has been operating out of Doha since the Taliban took power in August 2021. The closure of the London embassy follows a broader Taliban directive, which cut ties with embassies in several countries including France, Canada, and Germany. The Taliban has directed Afghans abroad to engage with missions linked to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, though the regime remains unrecognized internationally.
Diplomats from the London embassy have reportedly been advised to either leave the UK or seek asylum.
