The Taliban has warned of “consequences” if Turkey runs Kabul airport, Reuters reports

KABUL (Reuters) – The Taliban warned Turkey on Tuesday that some troops were expected to run and guard Kabul’s main airport after foreign troops withdrew from Afghanistan, warning that the strategy is “reprehensible” and has “consequences”.

Ankara, which has offered to direct and oversee the capital’s airport since NATO’s withdrawal, has been in talks with allies, including the United States, about aspects of economic, political and logistical support.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemns this decision,” the militant group said in a statement.

“If Turkish officials do not reconsider the decision and continue with the occupation of our country, the Islamic Emirate … will take a stand against them.”

In that case, he added, the responsibility for the consequences will fall on the backs of those who interfere.

The Taliban, driven by the departure of foreign forces for a September target, are giving a new impetus to encircle cities and gain territory.

Clashes are still raging in southern Kandahar province, said Attaullah Atta, a member of the provincial council, who has pushed back the Taliban in an attempt to break into a city jail.

Hundreds of families have fled the violence, he added.

Mohammad Daoud Farhad, director of the Kandahar provincial hospital, said he had received eight dead and more than 30 people, most of them civilians, injured in the clashes in the past 24 hours.

Early Tuesday, Afghan security forces withdrew from the Alingar district in eastern Lagingman province, a local government official said on condition of anonymity.

A ceasefire agreement with the Taliban in the district ended in May.

On Monday, the Taliban surrounded the central city of Ghazni and carried out attacks in the latest attack in the provincial capital overnight, a local security official said, and was repulsed by Afghan forces.