TEHRAN: Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Sayeed Esmail Khatib, has acknowledged the cooperative efforts of the Taliban in counter-terrorism measures since they assumed control in Afghanistan. This revelation was reported by Iranian media, shedding light on the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region. Khatib emphasized that Daesh, also known as ISIS, has relocated from Syria and Turkey to the northern regions of Afghanistan.
He noted, “After the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, they cooperated well with us to combat terrorism. Perhaps this is a point that is being made for the first time. The Daesh organization was driven from Syria and Turkey into northern Afghanistan, where mountainous areas provide more concealment, and governments have less access.”
On the other hand, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the former defense minister of Pakistan, expressed concern about the infiltration of terrorists into Pakistan, potentially alongside Afghan patients. He urged the Islamic Emirate to assure Pakistan of its security.
Tahir Khan, a Pakistani journalist, highlighted that such claims from Pakistani authorities may impact the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of responsible statements from both sides.
However, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, refuted these claims about terrorists using patients to enter Pakistan and pledged that Afghanistan’s territory would not be used against any nation. He explained that their focus is on maintaining security and stability within Afghanistan.
Zalmay Khalilzad, a former US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, acknowledged the Taliban’s commitment to the Doha Agreement, especially in countering ISIS and preventing al-Qaida from using Afghan soil to threaten the security of the US and its allies. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance against terror threats.
David Ignatius, a columnist for the Washington Post, observed that the Taliban, since gaining power in Kabul, has controlled al-Qaeda, preventing foreign operations while combatting ISIS-K as a significant threat to their rule.
