Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban’s defense minister, warned during the Moscow security conference that some countries are attempting to push Afghanistan toward crisis and instability.
Without naming any specific country, Mujahid said: “Those who have made miscalculations will certainly not achieve their goals.”
Speaking on Wednesday, he stated that history has shown any “oppressive and arrogant” action against the Afghan people ultimately ends in failure.
The Taliban defense minister also claimed that after nearly five years, “bullying and coercion” have ended in Afghanistan.
He further asserted that the cultivation, production, and trafficking of narcotics in Afghanistan have been completely stopped.
Mujahid additionally claimed that ISIS has been “completely eliminated” and no longer poses any threat inside Afghanistan.
His remarks come despite recent reports by the United Nations and international organizations warning that ISIS continues recruitment activities and maintains an active presence in the region.
UN reports have also indicated that while poppy cultivation and opium production in Afghanistan have declined, the production of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine has increased.
On the sidelines of the conference, Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid also met with Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s Security Council.
Shoigu previously stated that the situation in Afghanistan remains difficult and warned that threats linked to drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and international terrorist groups continue.
He also expressed concern about the possible establishment of American military facilities in Afghanistan, a claim that has not been confirmed by either the Taliban or US officials.
