Taliban Defense Minister Yaqub Mujahid Urges Members to Forget Past, Avoid Revenge

Taliban Defense Minister Yaqub Mujahid urged Taliban members at a conference in Kabul to 'forget the past' and refrain from disputes based on past political affiliations. He emphasized avoiding thoughts of revenge to prevent internal wars in Afghanistan.

Yaqub Mujahid said: 'Forget the past. Think about the future. Don't think that this one was connected to this faction and that to another... Don't think of revenge... If thoughts of revenge exist, this blessing won't last.'

These remarks come as the UNAMA reported in its latest report that dozens of security forces and former government officials were detained and tortured in the last three months of last year.

In his 28-minute speech at the event marking the 37th anniversary of the Soviet Red Army's withdrawal from Afghanistan, Yaqub Mujahid also stated that Afghanistan under the current administration poses no threat to any country and that nations should not seek excuses. He stressed that they will not accept directives from any country.

Addressing neighbors and regional countries, he said: 'We assure you that Afghanistan is not a threat to you... The current Afghan system has no ill will toward you... The doors of interaction are open to them.'

The Soviet Red Army invaded Afghanistan on December 27, 1979 (6 Jadi 1358 solar calendar), after the Babrak Karmal government came to power, and remained for 10 years amid bloody conflicts and heavy civilian casualties. The forces withdrew 37 years ago via the Hairatan border bridge into Uzbekistan, after which Afghanistan entered a civil war.

Taliban declared a holiday for the occasion and held the event in Kabul. War victims shared stories, including Abdulkarim, who lost both eyes and a leg at age 20, and Ahssamuddin, who fought Soviets in Shahrak district of Ghor province and now faces hardship.