The Taliban rejected concerns from the United States and G7 countries about terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, insisting that all armed groups in the country have been dismantled.
Hamidullah Fitrat, a Taliban spokesperson, told state-run television on Thursday, 2 October, that with the group’s takeover, security had been restored and “all armed groups and opposition movements eliminated.” He dismissed claims of ongoing terrorist activity as “baseless,” adding that Afghanistan “is not a threat to any country.”
Fitrat also addressed worries over illegal migration and its alleged links to cross-border terrorism, calling it a global issue that requires international cooperation. He urged the international community to take responsibility in addressing the problem.
His remarks followed a London meeting of special envoys from 13 countries including the US, UK, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Norway, Turkiye and Denmark along with the European Union. The delegates expressed concern over security threats emanating from Afghanistan, rising cross-border migration and reiterated calls for an inclusive Afghan government.
Regional powers including China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan have also raised alarms over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. Most recently, Pakistan’s UN envoy said at least 20 militant organisations are active inside the country, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State (ISIS), al-Qaeda, Baloch separatists and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). A joint regional statement also cited concerns over Jaish al-Adl, an insurgent group opposed to Iran.
The Taliban, however, has repeatedly dismissed such warnings, maintaining that Afghanistan poses no threat beyond its borders. UN
