There will be 'consequences' if Biden delays withdrawal, warns Taliban spokesman

DOHA (Web Desk) – Taliban Spokesman Dr Suhail Shaheen has warned there will be 'consequences' if US President Joe Biden delays withdrawal of the US troops.

In an interview with Sky News, he said: "It is a red line. President Biden announced that on August 31 they would withdraw all their military forces. So if they extend it that means they are extending occupation while there is no need for that."

He added: "If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations – the answer is no. Or there would be consequences.

It comes as Boris Johnson is set to personally plead with Joe Biden to extend a deadline for US troops leaving Afghanistan to allow more people to flee the reign of terror of the Taliban.

The Taliban spokesman said: "I assure you it is not about being worried or scared. They want to reside in Western countries and that is a kind of economic migration because Afghanistan is a poor country and 70% of the people of Afghanistan live under the line of poverty so everyone wants to resettle in Western countries to have a prosperous life. It is not about [being] scared."

Responding to reports the Taliban going door to door threatening people and seeking former government workers, he said "All fake news. I can assure you there are many reports by our opponents claiming what is not based on realities."

Dr Shaheen said: "They will lose nothing. Only if they have no hijab, they will have a hijab… women are required to have the same rights as you have in your country but with a hijab."

When pressed on this issue that nothing will change, Dr Shaheen is insistent: "Now, women teachers have resumed work. Lost nothing. Female journalists they have resumed their work. Lost nothing."

About a question regarding fear that conditions in the country will deteriorate after international troops pull out, Dr Shaheen said: "They occupied our country. If we occupy your country. What you will say to me? What if I killed your people in your country what you will say? "I think all people suffered a lot. Bloodshed. Destruction. Everything. But we say the past is the past. Part of our past history. Now we want to focus on the future."