The Biden administration has cut off communication with the anti-Taliban resistance group the National Resistance Front since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan nearly two weeks ago, according to a report.
Ali Nazary, the head of foreign relations for the group, told the Washington Examiner that while he “tried to reach out,” they haven’t received any response from the Biden administration.
“We don’t see an interest at the moment for the resistance,” he said, adding that the resistance’s hold in Panjshir, the northeastern province of Afghanistan, could have been used to keep those stuck in Kabul safe.
“They know I’m here. But we haven’t received any interest,” he said, revealing that the last time he spoke with the White House was several months ago.
“We haven’t received any invitation. We haven’t received any requests. It is surprising to us that this is the only resistance against the Taliban, the only force left against terrorism, the only force that providing safe haven for thousands … but they haven’t given this option any consideration.”
The lack of communication comes as the Biden administration grapples with completing the US troop withdrawal by Aug. 31 and evacuating as many Americans and Afghan allies as possible before then.
Evacuation efforts were paused on Thursday after a bombing attack near the Kabul airport killed almost 100 people, including 13 US service members. Evacuation flights resumed Friday morning.
President Biden blamed ISIS for the deadly bombings, vowing to respond with “force and precision.”
“We will not be deterred by terrorists. We will not let them stop our mission. We will continue the evacuation,” Biden said Thursday evening.
“To those who carried out this attack, as well as anyone who wishes America harm, know this: We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay … We will respond with force and precision at our time and the place we choose and the moment of our choosing.”
For those who cannot leave the country before the withdrawal deadline, Nazary suggested they be sent to Panjshir for safety.
“We believe the latest development with the suicide bombings makes our case stronger because we’ve been warning the current administration, we’ve been warning all our Western partners … that international terrorism is stronger compared to 2001,” he said. “It shouldn’t be ignored.”
As of Friday, the US has evacuated approximately 105,000 people, including Americans and Afghan allies, since Aug. 14, a White House official said. Around 1,500 Americans are expected to still be in the country, though an exact number has not been released as US citizens are not required to register with the government.
The White House did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
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August 28, 2021 at 01:06AM
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White House ditched talks with anti-Taliban resistance: report - New York Post
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