Rejects Trump's Demand to Return $7 Billion (X/@leslibless)
World News: The Taliban has firmly rejected calls from former U.S. President Donald Trump to return military equipment left behind by U.S. forces during their withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Instead, they insist on acquiring more advanced weaponry to combat the growing threat from ISIS-K.
The Taliban remains adamant about not returning the military equipment valued at approximately $7 billion that was abandoned by U.S. troops during their exit. A source close to the Taliban stated that they require additional arms and ammunition to effectively fight the Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), rather than complying with Trump's demands.
At a recent rally, Trump threatened to cut off financial assistance to Afghanistan unless the Taliban returned U.S. military assets, including aircraft and munitions. He stated, “If we’re going to pay billions of dollars a year, tell them we’re not going to give them the money unless they give back our military equipment.”
Despite rejecting Trump's ultimatum, the Taliban is eager to establish peaceful relations with the U.S. and gain access to nearly $9 billion in frozen foreign reserves. This financial support is crucial for a country struggling with economic hardship after losing international aid.
The Taliban's desire for recognition has seen some success, with China becoming the first nation to grant them diplomatic credentials last year. As they navigate their international standing, the Taliban aims to secure support while combating internal threats like ISIS-K. The ongoing tension over military equipment highlights the complexities of U.S.-Taliban relations post-withdrawal. As both sides grapple with their positions, the future of Afghanistan remains uncertain amid calls for cooperation and recognition on the global stage.
(Except for the headline, nothing has been changed by Top Indian News in the PTI copy).
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