'Taliban': We Control 90% of Afghan Borders

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The "Taliban" movement announced today, Thursday, that it controls close to 90% of Afghanistan's borders with neighboring countries.

In response to the Afghan and Tajikistan governments' denial of the movement's 80% control over the borders between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said, "The borders of Afghanistan with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran — about 90% of the borders are under our control … The border with Turkmenistan and the border with Iran are completely under our control. The borders of Pakistan (except for a few small sections) are also under our control."

The Taliban had published footage showing its control over the largest military base in Zabul county after it announced its control over Badghis district. 

Mujahid said, " We can negotiate with Turkey, and we refuse interference in our internal affairs."

He added that the Taliban would not allow any Turkish military forces in Afghanistan, demanding their withdrawal since Turkey is a NATO member.

The spokesperson found Turkey's plan to secure the Kabul airport after foreign forces withdraw unacceptable, adding that "there is no confirmation that Turkey will bring Syrian forces (or others) into Afghanistan because the presence of forces does not aid the status quo." 

He said that negotiations with Turkey, are important since Turkish delegates had come to Qatar before and held discussions with the movement in Doha. 

Mujahed added that the Taliban does not want to have animosity with other countries, especially with Turkey, with whom they have common grounds, stressing that no state is allowed to interfere in its affairs.

These developments come in the backdrop of the US military's announcement that it has completed 90% of its withdrawal from Afghanistan.