Taliban Responds to Russia Considering Removing Terror Classification

Reuters reported that Russia is considering removing the terrorist organization classification and ban on Afghanistan’s Taliban. Kremlin spokesman Dimitry Peskov stated, “We need to resolve pressing issues, this also requires dialogue, so in this regard we communicate with them like practically everyone else — they are the de facto authority in Afghanistan.”

One of the pressing issues Russia and Afghanistan are concerned with is the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), based in Afghanistan. ISIS-K claimed responsibility for two attacks last month — the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack that killed 144 people and injured over 500 in Moscow, Russia, on March 22, and a suicide bombing that killed three and injured 12 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on March 21.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid responded to the developments, telling The Times, “Removing the name of the Emirate of Islamia from the blacklist is a good move from Russia and we welcome this action.… We want diplomatic relations with all countries and co-operation in the economic sector. In terms of investment, Moscow’s move will provide opportunities for every country to come and invest here.”