Published 15:51 IST, May 25th 2021
Australia to close Kabul embassy over 'security fears' ahead of troop withdrawal
“The government has been advised that security arrangements could not be provided to support our ongoing diplomatic presence,” Australia PM Morrison said.
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Australia on Tuesday anunced that it will close its embassy in Afghanistan "in light of imminent international military withdrawal", federal government said in an official joint statement. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said embassy building will be shut down on Friday this week over an “increasingly uncertain security environment” in Kabul as US troops and armed forces from or countries begin to pull out from conflict-ridden region.
"DFAT officials will visit Afghanistan regularly from a residential post elsewhere in region," statement read.
Morrison stressed that embassy will be n-operational as an “interim measure” on May 28. His decision comes as Afghan forces and elected government remain fragile in ir fight against hardline Islamist faction Taliban that captured 40 kilometers (24 miles) to west of city to launch deadly terror attacks. As United States forces are expected to end 20-year long mission and head for door by September 11, 20th anniversary of Al-Qaeda’s terror attack on US twin towers and US-led invasion of Afghanistan, Australia military contingent [backed by US forces] also begin to pull out.
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“ government has been advised that security arrangements could t be provided to support our ongoing diplomatic presence,” Australian PM Morrison said as Australian military personnel prepared to exit.
Furr in statement, he said, ”It is Australia's expectation that this measure will be temporary and that we will resume a permanent presence in Kabul once circumstances permit.” Morrison stressed that Australia remains committed to bilateral relationship with Afghanistan, and will continue to support stability and development in region. Australia did t disclose where it plans to relocate diplomats. Australian troops will join United States armed forces for safe withdrawal from Afghanistan.
[Credit: AP]
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"Commanders have said y will monitor threats from over horizon, to ensure that terrorists cant again use Afghanistan as a base to launch attacks against US. risk is high," Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of US Central Command had told reporters from Associated Press and ABC News, traveling with him to Middle East.
US Army General issues 'warning' to Taliban
As Afghan capital was on "high alert,” US Army General Scott Miller warned of any untoward actions on part of Taliban on exiting troops. "Make mistake, we have military means to respond forcefully to any type of attacks against coalition and military means to support [Afghan] security forces," Miller said at a presser. warnings by commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan came after Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted that US foregoing May 1 deadline as promised by former President Trump would mean that "this violation in principle has opened way for [Taliban fighters] to take every counter-action it deems appropriate against foreign occupying forces".
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15:51 IST, May 25th 2021