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KABUL – US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller in a press briefing on Monday expressed the United States’ ongoing concern about the potential for terrorist activities in Afghanistan. Emphasizing the need for the Taliban to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorism, Miller stated that the US maintains the capability for over-the-horizon anti-terrorism activities.
Responding to questions about President Joe Biden’s worries regarding terrorist activity in Afghanistan, Miller underscored the US commitment to addressing the issue. He remarked, “We continue to be very concerned about the potential for terrorist activities in Afghanistan. We’ve made it clear that we maintain the capability to conduct over-the-horizon anti-terrorism activities. And of course, we expect the Taliban to prevent Afghanistan from being a haven for terrorism, as it has been in the past.”
Recent reports from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) highlighted a surge in violence against the Shia and Hazara communities in the provinces of Kabul, Balkh, and Herat. In response to these developments, UNAMA called for support for individuals at risk, particularly following an attack on Shia Muslims in the Herat province.
Addressing concerns about the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan, Miller reiterated the US’s vigilance on the matter. Since the Taliban assumed power, women’s human rights have been systematically suppressed, with girls being denied access to secondary education and women to higher education.
On the issue of corruption, Miller mentioned that the US has taken action to designate former members of the Afghan parliament and their immediate family members due to their involvement in significant corruption. The Treasury Department has also designated these individuals under the Magnitsky sanctions program for their extensive role in transnational corruption. Miller affirmed the US commitment to combating corruption in Afghanistan and worldwide, stating, “We will continue to take action to combat corruption both in Afghanistan and around the world.”
