Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Taliban declare war on Afghanistan was over after the group occupied the presidential palace in Kabul on Sunday (15/8).
“Today is a big day for the Afghan people and the mujahideen (Taliban). They are witnessing the fruits of their 20 years of efforts and sacrifices,” the spokesman for the Taliban’s Political Office, Mohammad Naeem, told AFP. Al-Jazeera, which is quoted Reuters, Monday (16/8).
It then said, “Thank you, God. The war in this country is over.”
Naeem later said that the Taliban would set up a new form of government in Afghanistan once they came to power. He said the Taliban wanted to build international relations and did not live in isolation.
“We have achieved what we are looking for, which is the freedom of our country, and the independence of our people,” Naeem said.
“We won’t allow anyone to use our land to target anyone, and we don’t want to hurt anyone else.”
Naeem also said the Taliban would adopt a two-way international policy of non-intervention.
“We think that foreign troops will repeat their failed experience in Afghanistan once again.”
One of the Taliban leaders also said they had gathered in various provinces and were waiting for foreign troops to come out of Afghanistan.
In addition, the Taliban ordered its members to allow Afghans to go about their daily activities and not to do anything to frighten civilians.
“Normal life will continue in a much better way. That’s all I can say for now,” he told Reuters.
Conditions in Afghanistan, especially in Kabul, are reported to be chaotic. Many residents were overcome with extreme fear and panic.
Hundreds of residents reportedly stormed Kabul airport. They were hauling luggage and jostling for a place on one of the country’s last commercial flights.
But then, the United States took over control of the airport. They deployed 6,000 personnel to help evacuate diplomats and Afghan citizens on special visas from the country.
“How can they control the airport and dictate terms and conditions for Afghanistan,” said Rakhshanda Jilali, one of the human rights activists trying to reach Pakistan.
“This is our airport, but we saw diplomats evacuated, while we waited in uncertainty.”
Meanwhile, 66 countries urged that everyone who will leave the country be guaranteed safety.
“Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. We in the international community stand ready to help them,” the joint statement said.
Afghans choose to leave their country so that they no longer feel the government under the control of the Taliban. They fear past practices, such as the application of sharia, are applied in a very harsh way.
However, the Taliban is trying to portray itself with a new, more moderate face.
“We are ready for dialogue with all Afghan figures and will guarantee the necessary protection,” Naeem said.
The Taliban succeeded in occupying Kabul and the Presidential Palace yesterday, Sunday (15/8).
Meanwhile, the President of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani, chose to flee to avoid bloodshed. Some netizens considered the act cowardly because they ran away when the chaos was going on.
(isa/has)
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