The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has strongly rejected recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump accusing Afghanistan of failing in the fight against narcotics, calling the statements uninformed and contrary to ground realities.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the IEA, said Trump’s claim reflects his “unawareness” of the situation in Afghanistan.

In an audio statement, Fitrat stressed that narcotics have been effectively eradicated from the country since the decree of the IEA’s Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada banning cultivation, production, and trafficking.

He said thousands of operations have been conducted across the country, and drug cultivation and production have been reduced to zero. Fitrat also stated that the Islamic Emirate has waged a “strong and serious” campaign against narcotics.

The response comes after Trump, in his annual report to Congress, placed Afghanistan on a list of countries Washington claims are failing to meet their international anti-narcotics obligations.

The White House alleged that stockpiles of drugs and methamphetamine production continue to feed global criminal networks and finance terrorism.

IEA officials dismissed these allegations, pointing instead to United Nations findings.

Earlier this year, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported a 95% reduction in opium cultivation since the IEA assumed power in 2021—an unprecedented drop in the country’s history.

Afghan authorities have also highlighted their broader strategy, which includes large-scale eradication drives and rehabilitation programs, with nearly 100,000 addicts treated since 2021.

The IEA says its achievements should be recognized as a global contribution to ending the narcotics trade and has called on international actors to acknowledge the effectiveness of its measures rather than issue politically motivated claims.

Kabul maintains that its campaign against narcotics—long considered one of the world’s most intractable challenges—demonstrates its seriousness about addressing international concerns. This comes as the government continues to press for formal recognition on the world stage.