Taliban asks Afghan civilians to hand over guns, declares no victory celebration

Taliban leaders asked members of this force not to celebrate the victory. Illustration photo: AP

The Taliban also asserted that their leadership would act openly, instead of remaining secretive as before.

Reuters news agency quoted a Taliban official as saying: "Gradually, the world will see our entire leadership, there will be no shadow of secrecy."

In addition, Taliban members have also been ordered not to celebrate recent victories across Afghanistan, including their establishment of control over the capital Kabul.

On August 15, Taliban gunmen entered Kabul without resistance, establishing full control of the Afghan capital in just a few hours. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced his resignation to avoid bloodshed and left the country. Western countries are now completing the process of evacuating their citizens and diplomatic staff in Afghanistan.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden. Photo: AP

In another development, US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have agreed to hold a virtual summit of G7 leaders to discuss the situation in Afghanistan next week. This information was given by the two leaders during a phone call on August 17, and was announced by the White House press department.

“They agreed to hold a virtual meeting of G7 leaders next week to discuss a common strategy and approach,” the White House statement said.

“They commended the courage and professionalism of their military and civilian personnel who are currently working side by side in Kabul to evacuate their citizens and Afghan nationals who have assisted in the fight,” the White House press service added. “They also discussed the need for continued close coordination among democratic allies and partners on Afghanistan policy going forward, including ways in which the global community can provide additional humanitarian assistance and support to displaced and other vulnerable Afghans.”