Abdul Qahar Balkhi stated that the military equipment left by the US in Afghanistan will not be returned under any circumstances.

The spokesperson of the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, responded to recent comments by US President Donald Trump regarding military equipment left behind in Afghanistan. Balkhi stated that the remaining US weapons in Afghanistan now belong to the Taliban and will not be returned. He also emphasized that the Taliban would be open to American companies investing in Afghanistan’s mineral wealth.

Balkhi suggested that for improved relations, the US could invest in Afghanistan’s untapped mineral resources. He reiterated that the country’s rich natural wealth is open to American investment. This statement comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the US military’s withdrawal and the equipment left behind.

President Trump, in a meeting on March 28, criticized President Biden for allocating billions of dollars worth of military equipment to Afghanistan. He also expressed anger over seeing the Taliban’s military parade using US weapons. Trump hinted that the US may demand the return of these military assets, though stated that the equipment may be outdated.

The Taliban, on the other hand, views the leftover US military equipment as war spoils and insists that they will not return them.

US concerns over Taliban access to US-made weapons have led to regional security fears, especially about the potential use of these weapons by groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Despite these concerns, Taliban officials have stated that they do not need US cooperation to fight ISIS, further complicating the relationship between the two sides.

The Taliban’s stance on US military equipment and their willingness to engage in economic cooperation over Afghanistan’s mineral wealth represents a shift in their approach to foreign relations.

Meanwhile, the US remains focused on security concerns, the Taliban’s offer to engage economically could provide a new avenue for future dialogue. This developing situation underscores the complex and evolving nature of US-Taliban relations.

Over 170 Afghan citizens, including women and children, were transferred from Islamabad to Germany on a special flight for resettlement.

A total of 174 Afghan citizens, particularly those at high risk, have been transferred to Germany in a flight that landed in Hanover Airport on March 28. These individuals had previously received resettlement promises from Germany.

The group of 174 Afghan citizens comprises 82 women and 92 men, with 74 individuals under the age of 18. Additionally, nine children under the age of two were also part of the group, highlighting the vulnerable nature of those resettled.

A spokesperson for Germany’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed that all individuals were thoroughly vetted for security concerns before their flight. The spokesperson emphasized that security was the highest priority in the selection process to ensure the safety of the resettled individuals.

The German resettlement program is designed for Afghan citizens who had worked for the Afghan military or German organizations before the Taliban’s rise to power. These individuals were given priority due to their association with German interests during the previous Afghan government.

In addition to this recent transfer, Germany had previously resettled 132 Afghan refugees from Pakistan on March 5. The ongoing resettlement efforts are part of Germany’s broader initiative to support Afghan citizens facing persecution.

Germany’s resettlement program continues to prioritize the safety of Afghan citizens who were at high risk due to their work with foreign entities. The careful security checks and attention to vulnerable groups, such as women and children, reflect Germany’s commitment to humanitarian aid.

The efforts also highlight the continuing global responsibility to support refugees, especially in light of the instability and risks Afghan citizens face under Taliban rule. As countries like Germany take action, international cooperation remains crucial for ensuring the safety and dignity of displaced individuals.

Karoline Leavitt, White House spokesperson, criticized the Biden administration for its failure to hold officials accountable for the “disastrous” U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it “outrageous.”

Leavitt responded to reporters’ questions about the disclosure of chat group information involving senior U.S. security officials, stating that the Trump administration ignored national security concerns raised by Democrats and mainstream media about the chaotic withdrawal.

The White House spokesperson emphasized that due to the incompetence of the previous U.S. administration, 13 U.S. soldiers lost their lives during the evacuation from Afghanistan.

Leavitt highlighted that no one in the previous administration was held accountable for the “disastrous” withdrawal, even as President Biden described the operation as “excellent.”

She added that such behavior was “outrageous” and “unacceptable” in the view of both the current U.S. President and Secretary of Defense.

Meanwhile, Leavitt explained that Mike Walz, the White House National Security Advisor, took full responsibility for the inadvertent addition of a journalist to the chat group of senior U.S. officials. She assured that the administration takes the security, safety, and well-being of its forces worldwide with the utmost seriousness.

Leavitt also addressed concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive information regarding U.S. military operations, stressing the importance of safeguarding national security and maintaining the integrity of communication within the government.