RASC News Agency: The leader of the Taliban’s Haqqani network, notorious for its suicide attacks, has called on Afghanistani pilots who are currently residing abroad to return to Afghanistan. According to reports, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Minister of Interior and leader of the Haqqani network, has urged Afghanistani pilots who fled to foreign countries to return and join the Taliban’s ranks.
This request comes amid widespread fear among Afghanistan’s youth, former government soldiers, and especially pilots, who fled the country fearing for their lives. These individuals do not view Taliban-controlled Afghanistan as a safe or suitable place to live and prefer to remain in exile rather than return under Taliban rule. In the past, the Taliban has tortured, detained, and executed many former soldiers of the previous government. Any such requests from the Taliban are often regarded as deceptive ploys.
During a graduation ceremony for three pilots from the Air Force and Air Defense Academy of the Ministry of Defense, Haqqani stated that Afghanistani pilots are welcome to return to their homeland and serve their people. However, the Taliban has a history of luring individuals back to Afghanistan only to imprison and torture them, sometimes leading to their deaths. Under various pretexts, this group has summoned numerous individuals, later arresting and torturing them under false accusations.
Haqqani also claimed that the Taliban’s air force is becoming increasingly self-sufficient in its operations. Nevertheless, the group lacks true independence in any sector, faces ongoing challenges, and remains reliant on external support. It is worth noting that following the collapse of the previous government in August 2021, a significant number of Afghanistani pilots sought asylum in foreign countries. Some pilots even escaped to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan by flying helicopters to those nations.
