RASC News Agency: Reports from Farah Province in western Afghanistan indicate that some Taliban commanders from ten districts of this province are traveling to Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates for specialized military training.
An informed source in Farah Province, speaking on condition of anonymity to RASC News Agency on Friday, March 15th, said that senior Taliban commanders have, over the past month, traveled to Pakistan, while others have gone to the United Arab Emirates. The source did not mention the names or roles of these Taliban commanders but noted that in recent years, hundreds of military commanders of the group have also undertaken secretive trips to countries sympathetic to the Taliban. Additionally, the source added that the Taliban leadership sends only a few trusted and close associates of theirs to some important countries sympathetic to the Taliban.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Khalili, a political affairs observer in Afghanistan, told RASC that the Taliban directly benefit from dealings with neighboring and Western countries in recent times. He added that the Taliban have now adopted a pragmatic approach, aligning their ideological system with anyone who serves their interests. He further stated that the Taliban have been a tool of foreign powers since their emergence and continue to operate as a project until today. He emphasized that one reason the Taliban have not been recognized by major world powers is their perception as a project rather than a formal regime. He expressed concern that the bright days the Taliban are following could turn into permanent darkness.
Akbar Parwizi, a civil activist in western Afghanistan, further confirms that the Taliban have been tools of foreign interests since their inception and continue to operate as such today. He asserts that one reason why the Taliban have not been formally recognized by major world powers is their perception as instruments rather than a legitimate regime. He expresses concern that the apparent enlightenment the Taliban are currently experiencing may transform into perpetual darkness.
Similarly, Rahman Gholami, a knowledgeable figure in the affairs of western Afghanistan, informed RASC that most Taliban commanders have undergone religious and military training in countries like Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. He adds that alongside religious matters, Taliban members have shown significant interest in military affairs. He emphasizes that as the Taliban lack clear objectives for their future, their actions align with the directives of their leaders. In this regard, we sought to obtain insights from Taliban officials in Farah Province, but they declined to comment.
