KABUL – The Afghan Taliban, on Saturday, categorically denied claims made by incumbent CIA Chief Mike Pompeo where he alleged that the US-Canadian couple was held in Pakistan throughout their years spent in captivity, official sources confirmed.
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said, “The Canadians were not on Pakistan’s soil but in Paktia in Afghanistan.” He further added that only in the few days before the rescue was the border area used to transfer the couple to Kunar province.
Meanwhile, Afghan Defence Ministry spokesperson General Dawlat Waziri told Tolo News that “Most of those who are kidnapped in Afghanistan, foreigners in particular, are held as hostages in the neighbouring country.”
In a separate statement released by the Taliban, the group stated that the numerous attacks taking place in Afghanistan were to avenge the “751 bombs dropped by the US forces” during their latest bombing spree.
Sending a warning to American forces, the Taliban vowed to continue attacks until the eradication of ‘foreign forces from Afghanistan’.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan, while condemning the horrific suicide attack at mosques in Kabul, declared that they “stand in solidarity with the Afghan government” and those who have suffered the ordeal.
“We convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and pray for the early recovery of the injured,” reads the statement. “Pakistan reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirms its commitment for unrelenting efforts for eliminating this menace.”