26 Aug 2021; MEMO: Turkish presidential spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, suggested that Ankara could remain in Afghanistan to provide technical support to the Taliban to operate the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul after Turkish troops leave the country.
"After our troops withdraw, we could continue this operational task at the airport there. If it is agreed in the terms and an agreement is reached in this direction, we will continue to provide this service there," Kalin said.
Kalin explained that according to the Turkish Ministry of Defence's plan, all Turkish troops should be evacuated from the country within 24 to 36 hours.
Turkish, American and British troops are currently ensuring security at Kabul airport, which is being used to evacuate foreign citizens as well as Afghans who supported Western troops.
