Taliban Claims Armed Forces Are Self-Sufficient and Ready to Respond to Threats

Taliban military officials claim that over the past four years, their armed forces have operated independently and are capable of responding to any threats against Afghanistan. These statements come amid ongoing security concerns and widespread skepticism about the nature and operations of the Taliban’s military forces.

Mohammad Faseehuddin Fitrat, Chief of Staff for the Taliban’s armed forces, speaking at a gathering attended by media representatives, political analysts, and Taliban officials, said the Taliban military has, in his words, responded to threats with “leadership and bravery.” He emphasized that this sends a clear message to neighboring countries: any kind of aggression will be met with a response.

According to a press release from the Taliban’s Ministry of Defense, Fitrat stressed during the meeting that nations which do not rely on internal capabilities cannot achieve real progress. He also praised the role of the media in supporting the Taliban’s security policies and called for greater cooperation in what he described as “nation-building.”

The military official claimed that the Taliban administration aims to build a modern army equipped with contemporary weapons in order to defend the country’s territorial integrity under any circumstances. However, critics argue that such declarations lack credibility as the Taliban’s forces remain without legal legitimacy, national oversight, and accountability structures. Observers also warn that the Taliban’s security policies raise serious concerns regarding human rights, power monopolization, and the prospects for long-term stability in the country.

The Taliban administration has repeatedly touted its military strength in the past. Nonetheless, experts believe the group’s reliance on military approaches, combined with the exclusion of genuine public participation and independent institutions, not only undermines sustainable security but could also plunge Afghanistan into a new cycle of crisis and instability.