Stick To Pullout Deadline, Taliban Warn Americans

If US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations... there would be consequences, say Taliban; Ardern appreciates UAE’s role in speeding up evacuation; no cabinet talk till last US soldier leaves Afghanistan: Taliban.

KABUL

The Taliban warned on Monday there would be “consequences” if the United States and its allies extend their presence in Afghanistan beyond next week, as chaos continued to overwhelm Kabul airport with tens of thousands of people still desperate to flee.

To oversee a chaotic airlift of foreigners and Afghans desperate to escape the return of the hardline regime, thousands of troops have poured back into Afghanistan and pressure is growing on Washington to extend an Aug.31 withdrawal deadline.

But the Taliban Monday showed no willingness to compromise, with spokesman Suhail Shaheen telling Sky News that staying beyond the agreed deadline would be “extending occupation”.

“If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations -- the answer is no... there would be consequences,” he said.

Two Taliban sources, meanwhile, told reporters that the group would not announce the makeup of its government or cabinet until the last US soldier has let the country.

US President Joe Biden has insisted he wants to end the US military presence and airlifts by the end of the month.