Taliban warns of attacks on US troops after withdrawal deadline under Trump deal passes

Source: The Hill | May 1, 2021 | Tal Axelrod

The Taliban warned of future attacks on U.S. troops after a withdrawal deadline that was negotiated under the Trump administration passed Saturday. 

“As withdrawal of foreign forces from #Afghanistan by agreed upon May 1st deadline has passed, this violation in principle has opened the way for [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan] Mujahidin to take every counteraction it deems appropriate against the occupying forces,” tweeted Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid. 

“The Mujahidin of IEA will now await what decision the leadership of Islamic Emirate takes in light of the sovereignty, values and higher interests of the country, and will then take action accordingly, Allah willing.”

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The warning comes on the May 1 deadline the Taliban and Trump administration agreed to for a full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. The Taliban warned that it would resume attacks on U.S. forces if the deadline is missed.

President Biden last month announced he would have all troops leave Afghanistan by Sept. 11 of this year, moving the deadline about four months back.

Under Biden’s plan, May 1 is the start of the U.S. military’s withdrawal from the country. The U.S. is sending additional troops to Afghanistan to protect retreating forces. 

The Taliban has largely refrained from attacks on the U.S. and coalition forces since the agreement was reached with the Trump administration, but violence against Afghan military personnel and civilians have continued. 

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