The Taliban has strongly rejected claims made by the United States regarding the recovery of American weapons from Afghanistan. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed these remarks and warned that any attempt to seize weapons would be met with resistance.
In an interview with IRAF, Mujahid stressed that no one can take the Taliban’s weapons. He added that the group would defend both Afghanistan and itself if such efforts were made. He accused the U.S. of misleading the world and said the Taliban would never surrender its arms.
The Taliban response to US weapons claims comes after former President Donald Trump repeatedly vowed to retrieve American military equipment left behind during the withdrawal. Trump also claimed that China now controls the Bagram airbase. Mujahid flatly denied this, saying no foreign troops are stationed in Afghanistan. He stated that Trump was mixing politics and economics for his own agenda.
Mujahid reiterated that pressure tactics and threats have failed before and will fail again. He pointed to the 20-year-long war as proof that force does not work in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has backed Washington’s statements. The Pakistani Defence Minister said that modern U.S. arms left behind are now in the hands of militants. But the Taliban response to US weapons claims remained firm, dismissing any suggestion of surrendering arms.
Mujahid also addressed other regional concerns. He accused ISIS of taking refuge in Pakistan after facing defeat in Afghanistan. He claimed that the Taliban has already crushed ISIS inside the country. He said the group’s presence in Afghanistan is minimal and exaggerated by some countries for propaganda purposes.
On ties with Iran, Mujahid called Iran a valuable neighbour. He said Taliban-Iran relations are strong and based on mutual interests. He rejected any comparison between Iran and the United States, calling the U.S. an occupying force. He said the recent visit of Iran’s Foreign Minister to Kabul highlights these warm ties.
During the visit, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Taliban leaders. They discussed border issues, water rights, economic ties, drug smuggling, counter-terrorism, and mutual concerns. Araghchi said a new era in Iran-Taliban relations had begun.
Mujahid also spoke about Pakistan’s concerns over cross-border attacks. He said Pakistan must secure its own border areas. He added that blaming Afghanistan was not a solution.
When asked about the Durand Line dispute, Mujahid stated that the issue should be settled by the people living on both sides. He said the people, not politicians, must decide when the time comes. He blamed British colonial powers for dividing the people along the border.
The Taliban response to US weapons claims remains defiant. The group has made it clear it will not bow to outside pressure and will protect its arms and sovereignty at all costs.
