Afghanistan Times
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KABUL — The Taliban-led interim government in Afghanistan on Friday strongly rejected allegations made by the US House of Representatives that foreign terrorist groups are operating from within Afghan territory, calling the claims unfounded and politically motivated.
In a post on social media platform X, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, “Afghanistan strongly rejects the claim made by the US House of Representatives suggesting that foreign groups are present in Afghanistan or that any threat emanates from its territory.”
The statement came in response to remarks by Congressman Bill Huizenga, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia. During a congressional hearing on Thursday, Huizenga said Afghanistan has “once again become a hotbed for terrorists looking for safe harbor as they grow their ranks and abilities to project attacks across the region and, frankly, the world.”
The comments sparked swift condemnation from Kabul. Mujahid emphasized that the Taliban maintains full authority over the country’s geography and will not allow its land to be used to threaten other states. “Afghanistan has a unified and strong government with full control over the entire geography of the country and does not allow anyone to use its territory against any party,” he said.
The exchange adds to growing diplomatic friction between the Taliban and Western governments, particularly the United States, as Afghanistan continues to suffer under sanctions and frozen foreign assets. Nearly $7 billion in Afghan central bank reserves remain blocked by the US and its allies following the withdrawal of foreign troops and the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
At a summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Istanbul last weekend, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi repeated Kabul’s calls for the release of the frozen assets. He urged Muslim countries to support Afghanistan in pressuring the West to release the funds, which he said are being “unlawfully withheld” and are urgently needed to address the country’s deepening humanitarian and economic crisis.
“The OIC must ensure the unconditional and immediate release of Afghanistan’s frozen central bank reserves,” Muttaqi said in his speech.
Although no country has formally recognized the Taliban-led government, several — including China — have engaged diplomatically. Beijing accepted a Taliban-appointed ambassador and sent its own envoy to Kabul in September 2023, signaling a growing regional shift toward pragmatic engagement despite the lack of formal recognition.
The Taliban continues to push for broader international legitimacy while asserting its sovereignty and security control amid persistent concerns from Western powers over terrorism and human rights.
