We will take over Kabul by force if the negotiations fail

By attacking the guest house of Interior Minister General Bismillah Khan Muhammadi last Tuesday, the Taliban seemed to send a message that high-ranking Afghanistan officials could be killed if they didn't want to surrender.

But the Taliban spokesman in Afghanistan Zabihullah Mujahid declined to say the Taliban already had a list of top Afghan officials to be killed.

He warned the Kabul administration to surrender. "If the negotiations fail, yes, God willing, we intend to take over Kabul by force," said Zabihullah Mujahid in an exclusive interview in Arabic with Faisal Assegaf from Albalad.co via WhatsApp two days ago.

For security reasons, Zabihullah refused to send a photo of himself. He sent the emblem of the Islamic state of Afghanistan to be built by the Taliban.

Excerpts:

Was the series of attacks carried out last night in Kabul by the Taliban confirmed?

Yes, the attacks were from our side.

Why did the Taliban attack the guest house of Afghan Interior Minister Bismillah Khan Muhammadi?

Because he is the commander of the battle against the Taliban in all cities, including in Kandahar, herat, and Lashkargah. 

How many assailants carried out those attacks?

Three of our Mujahideen.

Were they all killed?

Yes, they were all martyred.

Was there a suicide bomber among them?

There were no suicide bomber. They are all martyrs. 

Will the Taliban launch similar attacks targeting the official residence of the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani?

Yes, God willing.

Does it mean that the Taliban already has a list of targets to kill senior Afghan officials and that list has already been approved by the Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundaza?

No, I didn't say we planned to attack Ashraf Ghani's house.

Does the Taliban really have a list of senior Afghan officials to be killed?

I can't say.

Does the Taliban realize by attacking a senior official that they can tarnish the image of the Taliban and that the Taliban are already classified as a terrorist organisation?

We are not a terrorist organisation and our attacks are for the freedom of our country.

Do you mean the Taliban will overtake Kabul by force?

If the negotiations fail, yes, God willing, we intend to take over Kabul by force.

Do you think the negotiations will fail?

If the veto on the part of the Americans continued, it would fail.

Is there any deadline set by the Taliban leader, Mullah Akhundaza, to reach an agreement with the Kabul administration?

No, not the specific date.

Do you think the Taliban will take over Afghanistan by the end of this year?

God willing.

How many countries have actually pledged to support the Taliban to take power in Afghanistan?

It will be clear later, but countries must recognize the right of Afghans to freedom and independence.

Do you think that Islamic countries will be the first to recognize the Islamic government run by the Taliban?

It cannot be said now that most countries fear the United States, and cannot make independent decisions.

How about Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran?

Everyone will know later, but we wish all good and brotherly relations.

Do you think that these four countries will be the first to recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan?

I can't say.

How important are Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran to the Taliban?

All Islamic countries are important to us, especially those countries.