Taliban rejects US’ call to lay down arms

The Afghan Taliban on Sunday rejected a call by the United States to put down their weapons and start peace talks with the Afghan government.

The White House on Saturday urged the insurgent group to lay down its arms. The call was part of a condemnation of a Taliban attack on a Kabul restaurant which claimed the lives of 21 people, including two American professors.

“We call again on the Taliban to put down their arms and begin peace talks, which is the surest way to end the conflict in a peaceful manner,” the White House said.

“We strongly reject the American demand,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

“It is also stated that American invaders are supposedly working for a better future of Afghanistan!!?? While failing to mention anything regards its own recent savagery!!!” Mujahid said, referencing a recent incident in which US—led forces allegedly killed several Afghan civilians during a firefight.

“If America truly wants peace and stability for Afghanistan, then it should immediately withdraw all its forces from our land and leave the Afghans to their own wills and aspirations.” The group spokesman also warned that, if the US was adamant about “war and occupation,” then it “should wait for more deadly attacks.”