We will relaunch attacks if the Taliban harbours terrorists, warns NATO chief

Brussels: – Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary-General of NATO, issued a stern warning, ‘The onus is on those in power to keep international terrorists out of Afghanistan. NATO member states and their allies have the capability, readiness and planning to launch a direct attack on these terrorists if they fail to do so.’ The Taliban is claimed to be in contact with Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organisations. Against this backdrop, NATO chiefs have issued this warning.

Taliban militants have taken control of the capital, Kabul, four days ago and are trying to convince that their image has changed. But the Afghan people, international leaders and analysts are accusing that there is hardly any change in the Taliban. The United Nations said in a report published a few days ago that the Taliban was still linked to Al-Qaeda’s leadership, which has been wreaking havoc around the world.

There was also evidence of Taliban cooperation with terrorist organisations in Pakistan. A few days ago, the Taliban released hundreds of terrorists from a prison at Bagram Airfield. Against this backdrop, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has warned the Taliban. Stoltenberg warned that the Taliban and related terrorist organisations would be targeted if they were found to be planning attacks on NATO member states and allies.

Meanwhile, US leaders have expressed concern that the Taliban‘s takeover of Afghanistan has increased the threat of Al-Qaeda attacks on the United States. Britain’s intelligence agencies have also warned that Al-Qaeda and IS could become stronger in Afghanistan.