Taliban declares end of foreign occupation of Afghanistan

The Taliban yesterday declared the end of the “20 years of  war” and “foreign forces’ occupation” of the country, as Afghan forces surrendered and President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

“We will soon reach a settlement through which an Islamic government will be established in the country,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a press conference, stressing that the security of foreign embassies is important to the Taliban and they will be completely protected.

Mujahid announced an amnesty for all Afghans, including former military personnel and those who worked with foreign forces and called on the international community to support the movement as well as consult and communicate its concerns about the next Islamic government in Afghanistan.

Mujahid described the thousands of civilian casualties during the past two decades of war as “collateral damage” who fell in the wake of the “invasion”.

He also announced women will be allowed to study and work in line with Islamic Sharia laws.

Referring to freedom of the press, he said that it will be guaranteed as long as media outlets do not conflict with Islamic values, broadcast anything that contradicts national interests and remain neutral.

Earlier today a senior official told Reuters that leaders of the Taliban will show themselves to the world, unlike during the past 20 years when its leaders have lived largely in secret.

“Slowly, gradually, the world will see all our leaders, there will be no shadow of secrecy,” the senior Taliban official, who declined to be identified, said.

The official said Taliban members had been ordered not to celebrate their recent sweep of the country, which brought them to the capital, Kabul, on Sunday, and added that civilians should hand over weapons and ammunition.

The Taliban took control of the capital Kabul and the presidential palace on Sunday after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. Many fear that their return to power after 20 years of the US-led occupation could see the end to women’s rights and a return to an oppressive society.

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