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2021.08.31 18:48 GMT+8

Taliban hail victory after complete U.S. troop withdrawal, say will focus on economic development next

Updated 2021.09.01 08:06 GMT+8
CGTN

The Taliban hailed victory in a press conference following the last batch of U.S. troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan, signaling the end of a 20-year war in the war-torn country that took thousands of lives.

"Today, we owned our land, air and water," said Shahabuddin Dilawar, a senior member from the Taliban's Qatar political office, at the group's second briefing for the day at Afghanistan National TV Station.

"What we achieved, it is from Allah, not ours ... Our victory was not possible without Allah's support," he continued according to CGTN correspondent Parwiz Karokhail who was at the briefing. 

Click here for the live coverage: Taliban hold press conference after U.S. troops withdrawal

Kabul airport to resume operations soon: Taliban

The Taliban official also confirmed that the operations of the Kabul international airport, now back in their control, will resume soon after two weeks of chaotic Western evacuation operations.

Their Badri Special Forces have been deployed at the Kabul airport. The group has repeatedly said they would not accept any foreign military presence in the country after Tuesday.

In terms of ties with its neighboring countries, the Taliban official said they are looking for "good relationships" with their six neighbors. He said the Taliban will never interfere in the internal matters of its neighboring countries and looks for the same treatment from them.

He also praised diplomats who didn't leave the country over the past weeks and assured them further security and safety.

Data from Washington shows that more than 123,000 people, many of them Afghans, departed from the Kabul airport on evacuation flights.

Economic development the next focal point: Taliban

"Now that our country is liberated, the economy is our next priority," said Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.

Promising to ensure their safety, Mujahid called on former government officials, businessmen and scholars who had fled the country to return, saying, "Let's do it together."

Another Taliban official, who was also at the press conference, echoed the call.

"We need you. Your country and nation need you," said Mufti Inamullah Samangani, a member of the Taliban's information and culture commission.

"A united and stable Afghanistan is to the benefit of all and this region," he said.

The Taliban have promised peace and stability for the country on various occasions and said it would respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law, despite its brutal enforcement history between 1996 and 2001.

Measures to boost the economy will be carried out in the days to come, Mujahid said.

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