‘Consequences’ if US extends Afghanistan evacuation past August 31, Taliban warns

The rapid fall of the country to the hardliners, which culminated in the capture of Kabul on August 15, shocked Western nations just two weeks before an August 31 deadline for all troops to fully withdraw from Afghanistan.

Instead, thousands of soldiers have poured back in to manage the frantic airlifting of foreigners and Afghans – many who fear reprisals for working with Western nations – out of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

"If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations – the answer is no. Or there would be consequences," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Sky News on Monday.

Staying beyond the agreed deadline would be "extending occupation", he added.

SOURCE: AFP