Taliban say US did not share any proof of al-Qaeda chief's killing in Kabul

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) – The Afghan Taliban on Wednesday called on the US to refrain from violating Afghanistan's airspace, saying Washington has not provided any proof of the killing of al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri in their country.

Speaking at a news conference in the capital Kabul, acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said the US has not provided any evidence or documents to their government about the killing of al-Zawahiri in Kabul.

“We will share details with the nation once our investigation is complete,” Muttaqi said, urging the US not to violate Afghanistan's airspace anymore and to remain committed to the Doha agreement.

Muttaqi was referring to the last month’s US drone strike that, according to US President Joe Biden, killed al-Zawahiri in Kabul.

The Taliban condemned the attack and announced that they were unaware of al-Zawahiri's presence in Afghanistan and that US President Joe Biden's "allegation" was being investigated. The Taliban and the US accused each other of violating the Doha Agreement.

Muttaqi also sympathized with Russia over the killing of its two embassy staff members in a suicide bombing in Kabul on Monday.

At least six people were killed and 10 others wounded when a suicide bomber targeted a gathering near the Russian Embassy.

Questioning the way the international community treats their interim government, Muttaqi said despite several achievements, including bringing back peace in the war-torn country, the world is yet to recognize their government.

“If the previous administration of Kabul was all-inclusive, then today’s Cabinet of the Islamic Emirate is more inclusive with representatives from all ethnic groups and regions across the country,” he claimed.

The Taliban top diplomat claimed that within one year they had ensured peace across the country, adding that no one can now use the Afghan territory against any foreign state.

“We established peace across the country, and eliminated corruption, and foreign charities and civil institutions are working without any fear. These are our achievements but the world is still silent," he said.

He added that many foreign embassies reopened in Kabul and their embassies are properly operational in many countries as well.

“We want economic ties with everyone by strengthening our relations with neighbors and other countries in the world," Muttaqi said.

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan last year on Aug. 15 as the officials of the US-backed Kabul administration fled the country and foreign forces withdrew.