Turkey Determined to Run Kabul Airport, Officials Say
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Despite Taliban advances, Turkey is still intent to “run and guard” Kabul airport after other foreign troops withdraw.
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Turkey shrugs off Taliban warning over Kabul airport
Two Turkish officials confirmed that Turkey is still keen on "running and guarding Kabul airport” after other foreign troops leave Afghanistan, but is “keeping an eye on the situation following rapid advances by Taliban movement”.
Reuters reported a senior Turkish official stating that "for now nothing has changed regarding the Turkish Armed Forces taking control of Kabul Airport. The talks and the process are continuing.”
"Work is continuing on the basis that the transfer will happen, but of course the situation in Afghanistan is being followed closely," he added.
Furthermore, a Turkish security official said Turkey was proceeding to assess developments in Afghanistan.
"There is no change in view concerning taking control of Kabul Airport. But the situation in Afghanistan is changing from day to day," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan disclosed to foreign media in Islamabad on Wednesday that efforts would be made to facilitate talks between "Taliban" and Ankara following talks with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.
"The best thing is for Turkey and the Taliban to have a face-to-face dialog, so both can talk about the reasons why Kabul airport has to be secured," Khan added.
Taliban fighters took control of another city in northern Afghanistan, becoming the eighth provincial capital to fall in six days as US-led foreign forces withdraw.
Turkey has offered to station troops at Kabul International Airport after NATO withdrawal and has been conducting talks with the US for several weeks. President Tayyip Erdogan has requested that it meet financial, logistical, and diplomatic requirements. On their end, the Taliban warned Turkey of severe consequences if its military remains in Afghanistan when other foreign forces pull out.
