Latest news with #Akhundzada
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Taliban leader slams Trump's travel ban on Afghans and calls the US an 'oppressor'
The top Taliban leader on Saturday slammed President Donald Trump's travel ban on Afghans, calling the United States an oppressor, as Afghanistan's rulers seek greater engagement with the international community. The comments from Hibatullah Akhundzada marked the first public reaction from the Taliban since the Trump administration moved to bar citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the US. Trump's executive order largely applies to Afghans hoping to resettle in the US permanently, as well as those hoping to go to America temporarily, including for university studies. Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures, banned women from public places and education for women and girls beyond the sixth grade. And though they have so far failed to gain recognition as the country's official government, the Taliban have diplomatic relations with several countries, including China and Russia. Akhundzada released his message on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," from the southern city of Kandahar, where he has set up base but is rarely seen in public. In a 45-minute audio recording shared by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X, Akhundzada denounced the Trump administration for imposing "restrictions on people." "Citizens from 12 countries are barred from entering their land — and Afghans are not allowed either," he said. "Why? Because they claim the Afghan government has no control over its people and that people are leaving the country. So, oppressor! Is this what you call friendship with humanity?" He blamed the US for the deaths of Palestinian women and children in Gaza, linking this allegation to the travel ban. "You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance," he added. The Trump administration says the measure is meant to protect US citizens from "aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes." It argues that Afghanistan lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and lacks appropriate screening and vetting measures. It also says Afghans who visit the US have a high visa overstay rate. Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the US and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. Also on Saturday, the Taliban prime minister said that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would be safe. "Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland," Mohammad Hassan Akhund said. "Nobody will harm them." "Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace," the Taliban prime minister said in a message on X and instructed officials to ensure returning refugees were given shelter and support. He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were "false judgements" about Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and their policies. "We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished," he said. "The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant." The Taliban swept into the capital of Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the US and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the US military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were also former government officials, journalists, activists, those who had helped the US during its campaign against the Taliban. Separately, Afghans in neighboring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion. (AP)
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
The Taliban Leader Slams Trump's Travel Ban on Afghans and Calls the US an ‘Oppressor'
The Associated Press A Taliban fighter stands guard near the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque as people attend the Eid al-Adha prayer in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, June 7, 2025. The top Taliban leader on Saturday slammed President Donald Trump's travel ban on Afghans, calling the United States an oppressor, as Afghanistan's rulers seek greater engagement with the international community. The comments from Hibatullah Akhundzada marked the first public reaction from the Taliban since the Trump administration this week moved to bar citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the U.S. Trump's executive order largely applies to Afghans hoping to resettle in the U.S. permanently, as well as those hoping to go to America temporarily, including for university studies. Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures, banned women from public places and education for women and girls beyond the sixth grade. And though they have so far failed to gain recognition as the country's official government, the Taliban have diplomatic relations with several countries, including China and Russia. A message from the leader Akhundzada released his message on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice,' from the southern city of Kandahar, where he has set up base but is rarely seen in public. In a 45-minute audio recording shared by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X, Akhundzada denounced the Trump administration for imposing 'restrictions on people.' 'Citizens from 12 countries are barred from entering their land — and Afghans are not allowed either,' he said. 'Why? Because they claim the Afghan government has no control over its people and that people are leaving the country. So, oppressor! Is this what you call friendship with humanity?' He blamed the U.S. for the deaths of Palestinian women and children in Gaza, linking this allegation to the travel ban. 'You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance,' he added. The Trump administration says the measure is meant to protect U.S. citizens from 'aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.' It argues that Afghanistan lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and lacks appropriate screening and vetting measures. It also says Afghans who visit the U.S. have a high visa overstay rate. Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the U.S. and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. The Taliban offer amnesty Also on Saturday, the Taliban prime minister said that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would be safe. 'Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland,' Mohammad Hassan Akhund said. 'Nobody will harm them.' 'Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace,' the Taliban prime minister said in a message on X and instructed officials to ensure returning refugees were given shelter and support. He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were 'false judgements' about Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and their policies. 'We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished,' he said. 'The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant.' The return of the Taliban rule The Taliban swept into the capital of Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the U.S. and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the U.S. military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were also former government officials, journalists, activists, those who had helped the U.S. during its campaign against the Taliban. Separately, Afghans in neighboring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Taliban leader slams Trump's travel ban on Afghans, calls U.S. an ‘oppressor'
The top Taliban leader on Saturday slammed President Trump's travel ban on Afghans, calling the United States an oppressor, as Afghanistan's rulers seek greater engagement with the international community. The comments from Hibatullah Akhundzada marked the first public reaction from the Taliban since the Trump administration in recent days moved to bar citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the U.S. Trump's executive order largely applies to Afghans hoping to resettle in the U.S. permanently, as well as those hoping to go to America temporarily, including for university studies. Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures, including banning women from public places and education for women and girls beyond the sixth grade. Although they have so far failed to gain recognition as the country's official government, the Taliban have diplomatic relations with several countries, including China and Russia. Akhundzada released his message on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice,' from the southern city of Kandahar, where he has set up base but is rarely seen in public. In a 45-minute audio recording shared by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X, Akhundzada denounced the Trump administration for imposing 'restrictions on people.' 'Citizens from 12 countries are barred from entering their land — and Afghans are not allowed either,' he said. 'Why? Because they claim the Afghan government has no control over its people and that people are leaving the country. So, oppressor! Is this what you call friendship with humanity?' He blamed the U.S. for the deaths of Palestinian women and children in Gaza, linking this allegation to the travel ban. 'You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance,' he added. The Trump administration says the measure is meant to protect U.S. citizens from 'aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.' It argues that Afghanistan lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and lacks appropriate screening and vetting measures. It also says Afghans who visit the U.S. have a high visa overstay rate. Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the U.S. and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. Also on Saturday, the Taliban prime minister said that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would be safe. 'Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland,' Mohammad Hassan Akhund said. 'Nobody will harm them.' 'Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace,' the Taliban prime minister said in a message on X, instructing officials to ensure returning refugees were given shelter and support. He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were 'false judgments' about Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and their policies. 'We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished,' he said. 'The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant.' The Taliban swept into the capital of Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the U.S. and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the U.S. military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were former government officials, journalists, activists and those who had helped the U.S. during its campaign against the Taliban. Separately, Afghans in neighboring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion. Press writes for the Associated Press.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Oppressor!': Taliban slams US over travel ban; cites hypocrisy over its actions in Gaza
The Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, condemned US President Donald Trump's decision to bar Afghans from entering the United States, calling the country an 'oppressor. ' In his first public response to the Trump administration's latest travel restrictions, Akhundzada questioned the decision. "Why? Because they claim the Afghan government has no control over its people and that people are leaving the country. So, oppressor! Is this what you call friendship with humanity?' His remarks come as the Taliban leadership continues its bid for legitimacy and global engagement, nearly four years after reclaiming control over Afghanistan. 'Citizens from 12 countries are barred from entering their land — and Afghans are not allowed either,' Akhundzada said in a 45-minute Eid al-Adha message released from Kandahar, the Taliban's power base. The US administration, in its justification, cited Afghanistan's lack of a reliable central authority and weak security screening processes, saying such shortcomings pose a potential threat to American national security. It also points to the high rate of visa overstays among Afghan travellers. But Akhundzada linked the ban to broader US foreign policy, accusing Washington of hypocrisy over its actions in Gaza. 'You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance,' he said, referring to the killing of civilians in the ongoing conflict. Trump's executive order, signed earlier this week, suspended visa access for citizens of several nations, including Afghanistan. It also gave a blow to Afghan refugees, especially those who had assisted American forces during the 20-year war and are now stranded in limbo after Trump's earlier move to suspend key refugee resettlement schemes. The policy applies to Afghans hoping to settle in the US permanently and also to those looking to stay temporarily, for studies. In a separate address on Saturday, Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund called on Afghans living abroad to return to their homeland, promising safety and support. 'Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland,' he said in a statement posted to X. 'Nobody will harm them.' 'Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace.' The prime minister also criticised international media for what he described as biased portrayals of the Taliban government. 'The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimise the accomplishments of the system,' he said. 'While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant.' Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban have enforced severe restrictions, including banning women from education beyond the sixth grade and from most public spaces, while seeking recognition from the international community. So far, no country has formally recognised the Taliban government, though it maintains diplomatic ties with China, Russia and several regional players. Meanwhile, Afghan refugees in Pakistan face growing pressure as Islamabad continues its deportation campaign. Nearly a million Afghans have fled Pakistan since October 2023 amid fears of arrest and forced expulsion, further complicating the humanitarian situation for those still seeking safe passage to the West.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
The Taliban leader slams Trump's travel ban on Afghans and calls the US an 'oppressor'
The top Taliban leader on Saturday slammed President Donald Trump's travel ban on Afghans, calling the United States an oppressor, as Afghanistan 's rulers seek greater engagement with the international community. The comments from Hibatullah Akhundzada marked the first public reaction from the Taliban since the Trump administration this week moved to bar citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the U.S. Trump's executive order largely applies to Afghans hoping to resettle in the U.S. permanently, as well as those hoping to go to America temporarily, including for university studies. 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Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Utilice el servicio de élite para la aplicación de la Green Card Green Card Lottery Experts Solicita ahora Undo Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures, banned women from public places and education for women and girls beyond the sixth grade. And though they have so far failed to gain recognition as the country's official government, the Taliban have diplomatic relations with several countries, including China and Russia. A message from the leader Akhundzada released his message on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha , also known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," from the southern city of Kandahar, where he has set up base but is rarely seen in public. Live Events In a 45-minute audio recording shared by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X, Akhundzada denounced the Trump administration for imposing "restrictions on people." "Citizens from 12 countries are barred from entering their land - and Afghans are not allowed either," he said. "Why? Because they claim the Afghan government has no control over its people and that people are leaving the country. So, oppressor! Is this what you call friendship with humanity?" He blamed the U.S. for the deaths of Palestinian women and children in Gaza, linking this allegation to the travel ban. "You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance," he added. The Trump administration says the measure is meant to protect U.S. citizens from "aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes." It argues that Afghanistan lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and lacks appropriate screening and vetting measures. It also says Afghans who visit the U.S. have a high visa overstay rate. Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the U.S. and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. The Taliban offer amnesty Also on Saturday, the Taliban prime minister said that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would be safe. "Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland," Mohammad Hassan Akhund said. "Nobody will harm them." "Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace," the Taliban prime minister said in a message on X and instructed officials to ensure returning refugees were given shelter and support. He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were "false judgements" about Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and their policies. "We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished," he said. "The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant." The return of the Taliban rule The Taliban swept into the capital of Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the U.S. and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the U.S. military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were also former government officials, journalists, activists, those who had helped the U.S. during its campaign against the Taliban. Separately, Afghans in neighboring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion.
