The Afghan Taliban on May 26 warned nearby nations against allowing the United States to use their territory for operations in the country after they withdraw from Afghanistan.
Reuters says as foreign forces withdraw troops by President Joe Biden's announced deadline of September 11, experts and diplomats have speculated that Washington's future role in the region could include bases in nearby countries, especially Pakistan.
Anadolu Agency (AA) says a statement by the Taliban Movement comes after unconfirmed reports say Pakistan may allow US bases, which Islamabad denies
In a statement, Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reportedly said various media outlets have quoted well-known sources as saying that the US wants to be present in their neighborhood after withdrawing from Afghanistan to carry out operations in their country.
"We urge our neighboring countries not to allow anyone to take such a decision. If such step is taken, it will be a great and historic mistake and disgrace," Mujahid said in a statement written in the Pashto language and shared with Anadolu Agency.
"The Afghan Muslim and Mujahid nation will not remain silent against such heinous and provocative actions, but will fulfill its religious and historical responsibility as it has done in the past," he warned, adding that any country that allows the US to use their space and land against Afghanistan will bear the full responsibility.
He said they have already assured the neighboring countries that Afghan soil will not be used against anyone, and that they also expect their neighbors not to allow the US to use their land or airspace against Afghanistan.
According to Reuters, U.S. officials have privately said that they are exploring potential basing options in countries near Afghanistan, like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, but have so far not come to an agreement with any of them.
Fighting between the Taliban and Afghan forces has escalated sharply in Afghanistan since Washington announced its decision, a slower timeframe than envisaged in a deal former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration signed with the Taliban militants that said troops would withdraw by May subject to security guarantees.
Many analysts have warned that the country could descend into civil war as efforts to secure a peace deal through talks in Doha have largely stalled.
