KABUL (TCA) — Following reports of a Russian delegation’s visit to northern Waziristan in Pakistan, a senior Afghan police commander claimed the Russian delegation along with Pakistani military had also visited a number of Taliban training centers in the remote region across the Durand Line, Afghanistan’s TOLOnews agency reports.
“They [the Russian delegation] have been seen at Taliban training centers along with the Pakistani military,” said General Assadullah Sherzad, commander of 303 Police Zone, overseeing the entire police force in eastern Afghan provinces.
“People who have come from there [other side of the Durand Line] have said they have seen the delegation with the Taliban. But there is no information on whether the delegation promised to help the Taliban or give them weapons,” said Nadir Khan Katawazi, an Afghan MP from Paktika.
The Russian embassy in Kabul and Pakistani government have not reacted to the claims. Moscow has previously confirmed that they are in ‘contact’ with the Taliban.
Meanwhile, Nahid Farid, an Afghan MP, said on April 5 that the recent activities of Russia in Afghanistan could threaten Afghanistan’s security in the future if not managed properly.
She said Russia is on the verge of entering a proxy war in Afghanistan.
“Russia unfortunately enters into a proxy war in Afghanistan – a proxy war which Afghanistan has been a victim of for many years. We have been victims of a proxy war for four decades and this war is among regional intelligence agencies. This is a conspiracy which now Pakistan is trying to bring Russia into,” she added.
“Both Pakistan and Russia are trying to support the Taliban with one way or another. These visits and efforts will not help peace and stability in Afghanistan,” said Mohammad Natiqi, an international affairs analyst.
In the meantime, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Alexander Mantytskiy told TOLOnews on March 31 that Afghanistan’s problem cannot be solved through military solutions. He said that representatives of 12 regional countries will encourage the Afghan government and Taliban to hold face-to-face talks at an upcoming conference in Moscow later this month.
Taliban has not been invited to the Moscow meeting.
