Taliban militants fighting foreign troops in Afghanistan taunted the U.S. on Wednesday over the recent government shutdown, reported Agence France-Presse.

The fighters accused U.S. politicians of “sucking the blood of their own people.”

A statement issued by the Islamist militants described how U.S. institutions have been “paralyzed” by the shutdown.

U.S. federal agencies were ordered to shut down by the White House budget director last week, after Congress missed a deadline to pass a budget.

The government shutdown over Republican efforts to halt President Barack Obama’s healthcare reforms as last minute maneuvers failed to resolve deep differences between Democrats and Republicans.

The statement issued by the Taliban condemned the acts of U.S. politicians.

“The American people should realize that their politicians play with their destinies as well as the destinies of other oppressed nations for the sake of their personal vested interests,” it stated.

The insurgents blamed “selfish and empty-minded American leaders” and claimed they were guilty of taking U.S. citizens' money "earned with great difficulty" and then “lavishly spending the same money in shedding the blood of the innocent and oppressed people.”



“Instead of sucking the blood of their own people... this money should be utilized for the sake of peace,” they added.

The Taliban, who were ousted from power in a U.S.-led offensive in 2001, have been known to use their website to issue verbal attacks on Washington and the Kabul government in the past.

(With AFP)

Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:40 - GMT 06:40