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The Ministry of National Defense stated that the evacuation had begun, and the Taliban reportedly insisted that Ankara completely withdraw its troops by the end of August.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense stated that after the Taliban sought technical assistance from Ankara to operate the Kabul airport, the Turkish army had begun to withdraw from Afghanistan, but insisted on withdrawing the army by the end of August.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that although the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated for months that after the Taliban seizes control, it can be at Kabul Airport if requested. Continue to stay, but the Taliban insisted that Ankara completely withdraw its troops before the deadline at the end of August. Afghanistan.
Turkey is part of NATO’s mission in Afghanistan, and there are still hundreds of soldiers at Kabul Airport. It has also participated in the evacuation of the past two weeks.
“After various contacts and assessment of the current situation and conditions, the evacuated [Turkish Armed Forces] It has already started,” the ministry said.
It added: “The Turkish Armed Forces are returning to the land of our motherland with the pride of fulfilling the tasks assigned to it.”
A Turkish official told Reuters that negotiations with the Taliban are being held to provide technical support at the airport. If the Turkish military does not provide security there, it is not clear whether Turkey will agree to provide technical assistance.
Keeping the airport open after foreign troops transfer control is not only essential for Afghanistan to maintain contact with the world, but also for maintaining aid supplies and operations.
Turkey praised the Taliban’s moderate remarks since the occupation of Kabul on August 15 and stated that it is willing to engage with them once the new government is established.
Erdogan said in the eastern province of Bitlis on Wednesday: “We are currently cautiously optimistic in welcoming the Taliban leader’s message.”
“It is not the words of the Taliban, but its activities, actions and the steps it will take will determine how our process in Afghanistan will take shape,” he added.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense also reserved the possibility of playing a security role in Kabul.
“As long as the Afghan people are willing, Turkey will continue to be with them,” it said, noting that the army has been stationed at the airport for the past six years.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Tuesday that the organization seeks to establish good relations with Turkey.
“We hope to maintain good relations with Turkey, the Turkish government and the Muslim people of the Turkish nation,” he said.
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