Leave Afghanistan by Aug 31: Taliban’s ultimatum to US

TIL Desk/World/Kabul/ Even as United States President Joe Biden hinted at extending the Afghanistan evacuation mission, the Taliban on Tuesday gave an ultimatum stating that American forces should exit the country by August 31, local media reported. “The US should leave the country by August 31st,” Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said during a press conference in Kabul.

Two days ago, Biden had informed that he is in discussions with his military officials regarding the extension of the evacuation mission in Afghanistan, beyond the August 31 deadline. Mujahid also blamed the US for encouraging the Afghan elite to leave the country.

In another recent development, the Central Investigation Agency chief on Tuesday held a secret meeting with Taliban’s deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul, according to reports. So far, this was the highest-level meeting between the Taliban and the Biden administration after Kabul was overtaken by the terror group over a week ago.