The top Taliban leader on Saturday slammed President Trump’s travel ban on Afghans, calling the United States an oppressor, as Afghanistan’s rulers seek greater engagement with the international community.

The comments from Hibatullah Akhundzada marked the first public reaction from the Taliban since the Trump administration in recent days moved to bar citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the U.S.

Trump’s executive order largely applies to Afghans hoping to resettle in the U.S. permanently, as well as those hoping to go to America temporarily, including for university studies.

Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures, including banning women from public places and education for women and girls beyond the sixth g

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