Taliban Official Warns U.S.: “We Will Kill You With Your Own Weapons”

Ataullah Zaid, spokesperson for the Taliban governor in Balkh province, has issued a strong warning to the United States following Washington’s decision to place Taliban-ruled Afghanistan on the list of “countries supporting wrongful detention.” On Tuesday, March 10, Zaid reposted a message by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the social media platform X (Twitter), and responded with harsh remarks directed at Washington. “You once brought us to our knees here,” Zaid wrote. “If you want to bring us to our knees again, we are ready once more and will deliver a crushing response.” The Taliban official also added: “Do not forget that we will kill you with your own weapons—the same weapons that we have obtained.” The remarks came after the United States Department of State on Monday placed Taliban-controlled Afghanistan on its list of countries supporting wrongful detention. After the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Taliban administration is the second authority to be included on the list. According to Washington, at least three American citizens are currently being held in Taliban prisons. The issue of detained U.S. citizens has been one of the key topics in recent months during discussions between U.S. officials and the Taliban. In late 2025, Adam Boehler traveled to Kabul together with Zalmay Khalilzad, where they held talks with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, regarding the release of the detained Americans.