Taliban Official Claims Afghan People Stand as ‘Taliban Army’ and Ready to Defend the Regime
Noorullah Noori, the Taliban administration’s Minister of Borders, Tribes, and Ethnicities, stated during a public gathering in Laghman province that the people of Afghanistan stand alongside the Taliban government like an “army,” and if necessary, even the elderly will take to the front lines.
Referring to Pakistan’s airstrikes on civilian targets inside Afghanistan, Noori added that if ordered, citizens would go to the front before security forces. He emphasized, “These people are our army, and this army is sufficient for the regime.” He also called on the country’s residents to stand against the Taliban administration’s opponents and maintain their unity.
These remarks come amid concerns about encouraging civilians to participate in combat, raising fears over the safety of non-combatants and the potential consequences. Given past experiences, many Afghan families have borne heavy costs from armed conflicts, and an expansion of the war could inflict further harm on the population.
Meanwhile, as talks between the Taliban administration and Pakistan continue in China, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, announced that the Afghan delegation is engaging in the discussions with a solution-oriented approach, believing in resolving issues through understanding and dialogue.
Muttaqi also stressed the “right to defend Afghanistan’s territorial integrity” during a meeting in Kabul. However, details of these negotiations have yet to be released.
On the other hand, several Pakistani political figures have emphasized prioritizing diplomacy to reduce existing tensions, which in recent months have challenged bilateral relations.
