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Taliban militant group gets support from ‘foreign terrorists,’ says Afghan top diplomat

In early July, the Taliban seized control of the areas in Afghanistan along the borders with five countries — Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China and Pakistan amid the withdrawal of the troops of the US-led Western coalition

Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/TASS

Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar

© Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/TASS

TEHRAN, August 3. /TASS/. The Taliban radical militant group (outlawed in Russia) enjoys the support of foreign terrorists, Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar said on Tuesday.

"The Taliban relies on the support of foreign terrorists and mainly aims to attack cities," the Afghan TV Channel Tolo News quoted Atmar as saying. "Afghanistan’s international allies hold the same opinion," he said.

"Two important encounters will take place in Doha (Qatar) in the coming days: one with our regional allies and the other with international allies in the format of the Extended Troika [Russia, the United States, China and Pakistan]. We are turning to the international community with a request to exert pressure on the Taliban so that this movement observes human rights. Up to now, the Taliban has been brutally assaulting civilians," he added.

The Doha negotiations are set to crown with success as they enjoy the support of Afghanis and the international community, and the sole obstacle for this is the Taliban that is striving for totalitarianism and war, Afghanistan’s top diplomat said.

In early July, the Taliban seized control of the areas in Afghanistan along the borders with five countries — Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China and Pakistan amid the withdrawal of the troops of the US-led Western coalition.

Afghanistan’s new Army Chief, General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai, has announced that the Army will prioritize protecting the country’s major cities, border passes and highways. As the general pointed out, the Taliban chieftains first intend to cut off the roads used for goods delivery and then launch an offensive on cities and their regions.

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