United States (US) envoy to Afghanistan Thomas West stated to a delegation of the senior Afghan interim government officials in a meeting in the UAE that bringing stability and prosperity relies on respecting women’s rights, reports Khamma Press on December 8. “West took the opportunity to meet with the Taliban representative in the UAE to engage on the issues of paramount importance to the United States and the international community. These issues include the deteriorating humanitarian rights situation, restrictions on women and girls’ rights,” West said. West held talks with Mullah Mohammed Yaqoub Mujahid, the acting Defense Minister of Afghanistan during which they exchanged views on matters of security, stability, and respect for human rights. West also discussed security matters with the Taliban delegation, including counter-terrorism efforts against Islamic State (IS) and other terrorist groups. Washington will continue to take action against terrorist groups that threaten its interest and security.
On December 7, the United States (US) State Department expressed concerns that Afghanistan would once again become a haven for terrorists while simultaneously warning that it would intervene and take action if terrorists regrouped in Afghanistan, reports Khamma Press. During a press briefing, the US Department of State spokesperson, Ned Price, reiterated US President Joe Biden’s pledge to take action in the event of terrorists reassembling in Afghanistan. The statement was made in response to a question regarding the escalation in violence in Afghanistan and the government’s failure to stop offering “safe havens” to terrorist organizations, such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and others.