Taliban Say They Will Continue To Wage War Against The Afghan Government Even After A U.S. Withdrawal

Reuters: U.S., Taliban deal will not stop attacks on Afghan forces, some Taliban say

KABUL/PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) - As U.S. and Taliban negotiators push to wrap up talks aimed at securing the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, disagreement remains about whether a pact will mean an end to the insurgents’ fight with the U.S.-backed Afghan government.

U.S. and Taliban officials have been negotiating in Qatar since last year on an agreement centered on the withdrawal of U.S. forces, and an end to their longest-ever war, in exchange for a Taliban guarantee that international militant groups will not plot from Afghan soil.

U.S. negotiators have been pressing the Taliban to agree to peace talks with the Kabul government and to a ceasefire, but a senior Taliban official said that would not happen.

“We will continue our fight against the Afghan government and seize power by force,” said the Taliban commander on condition of anonymity.

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Update: Taliban: Attacks on Afghan forces won't stop with US deal (The Hill).

WNU Editor: The U.S. envoy has responded to these Taliban statements .... U.S. to defend Afghan forces now and after any deal with Taliban: Khalilzad (Khaama Press).

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