The Taliban have reacted to statements made by U.S. officials, asserting that they have not detained any foreign citizens for the purpose of gaining political leverage.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement on Tuesday, 10 March, that it is regrettable that the U.S. State Department has described the group as a “supporter of illegal detentions.”
The Taliban have stated that while some foreign citizens were detained, they were released after completing “legal” procedures.
According to the Taliban, they released some American citizens as a gesture of goodwill last year.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, regarding American detainees, some discussions have taken place with mediation by the Qatari government, and some positive steps have also been taken.
The Taliban have offered no clarification regarding these actions.
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Taliban use terrorist methods to detain foreign citizens and exploit them for political purposes.
He emphasized that he designates the Taliban as a group that supports illegal detentions/actions.
