In a significant development, the chief of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai met the Indian envoy to Qatar Deepak Mittal.

The official announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs. The meet happened at the request of Taliban side, it said.

During the meet, ambassador Mittal raised the issue of repatriation of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan.

“Discussions focused on safety, security and early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan &amp; travel of Afghan nationals, especially minorities, who wish to visit to India also came up,” the MEA said in its statement.

The meet between Stanekzai and Mittal is the first ever public acknowledgement by New Delhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/surrender-or-die-taliban-pin-chilling-letters-on-doors-says-report-409709">Surrender or die': Taliban pin chilling letters on doors, says report</a>

So far, India has evacuated 565 people, of which 175 are embassy personnel, 263 are other Indian nationals. The number of evacuees also include 112 Afghan nationals, including Hindus and Sikhs.

In the meeting, Ambassador Mittal also raised India’s concern that Afghanistan’s soil should not be used for anti-Indian activities and terrorism in any manner, the MEA said.

India has often expressed its concerns publically over Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed finding safe haven in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The statement by the MEA said the Taliban representative assured the Ambassador that these issues would be “positively addressed.”

&nbsp;

In a significant development, the chief of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai met the Indian envoy to Qatar Deepak Mittal. The official announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs.

In a significant development, the chief of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai met the Indian envoy to Qatar Deepak Mittal. The official announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs. The meet happened at the request of Taliban side, it said. During the meet, ambassador Mittal raised the issue of repatriation of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan. “Discussions focused on safety, security and early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan & travel of Afghan nationals, especially minorities, who wish to visit to India also came up,” the MEA said in its statement. The meet between Stanekzai and Mittal is the first ever public acknowledgement by New Delhi. Also read | Surrender or die': Taliban pin chilling letters on doors, says report So far, India has evacuated 565 people, of which 175 are embassy personnel, 263 are other Indian nationals. The number of evacuees also include 112 Afghan nationals, including Hindus and Sikhs. In the meeting, Ambassador Mittal also raised India’s concern that Afghanistan’s soil should not be used for anti-Indian activities and terrorism in any manner, the MEA said. India has often expressed its concerns publically over Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed finding safe haven in Afghanistan. The statement by the MEA said the Taliban representative assured the Ambassador that these issues would be “positively addressed.”

Indian envoy, Taliban leader meet in Doha, talks on evacuation, terrorism

In pics | America's longest war in Afghanistan comes to a close after 20 years

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi has made a glaring remark on Taliban's invasion in Afghanistan. The retired cricketer feels Afghanistan remains in good hands as Taliban have entered with a positive mindset.&nbsp;

After Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Afridi also voiced his opinion in favour of the Taliban terror outfit, which he believes has come with a 'positive mindset' to power. In a video clipping tweeted by Pakistani journalist Naila Inayat, Afridi addressed the reporters and told, "Taliban is allowing ladies to work. They are allowing them to participate in politics. They are supporting cricket. And I believe Taliban like cricket a lot."

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❝Taliban have come with a very positive mind. They're allowing ladies to work. And I believe Taliban like cricket a lot❞ Shahid Afridi. He should be Taliban's next PM. <a href="https://t.co/OTV8zDw1yu">pic.twitter.com/OTV8zDw1yu</a>
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Earlier, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had confirmed that the country's cricketing activities won't be hindered as they will be no interference from any quarters despite the unrest.

In July, when Taliban took over the Afghanistan government, PM Imran Khan had backed the troops and stated that Talibans are "not some military outfits but normal citizens".&nbsp;

Coming back to Afridi, his statement surely makes heads turn as it has come after a suicide bombing at Kabul airport killed at least 170 people, including 13 US security personnel. At a time when Afghans are fighting for their lives and are desperate to leave the country after the Taliban seized control, his comments are sure to evoke heavy criticism from many corners.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi has made a glaring remark on Taliban's invasion in Afghanistan. The retired cricketer feels Afghanistan remains in good hands as Taliban have entered with a positive mindset.

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi has made a glaring remark on Taliban's invasion in Afghanistan. The retired cricketer feels Afghanistan remains in good hands as Taliban have entered with a positive mindset. After Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Afridi also voiced his opinion in favour of the Taliban terror outfit, which he believes has come with a 'positive mindset' to power. In a video clipping tweeted by Pakistani journalist Naila Inayat, Afridi addressed the reporters and told, "Taliban is allowing ladies to work. They are allowing them to participate in politics. They are supporting cricket. And I believe Taliban like cricket a lot." ❝Taliban have come with a very positive mind. They're allowing ladies to work. And I believe Taliban like cricket a lot❞ Shahid Afridi. He should be Taliban's next PM. pic.twitter.com/OTV8zDw1yu — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) August 30, 2021 × Earlier, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had confirmed that the country's cricketing activities won't be hindered as they will be no interference from any quarters despite the unrest. In July, when Taliban took over the Afghanistan government, PM Imran Khan had backed the troops and stated that Talibans are "not some military outfits but normal citizens". Coming back to Afridi, his statement surely makes heads turn as it has come after a suicide bombing at Kabul airport killed at least 170 people, including 13 US security personnel. At a time when Afghans are fighting for their lives and are desperate to leave the country after the Taliban seized control, his comments are sure to evoke heavy criticism from many corners.

Shahid Afridi makes glaring remark, says Taliban outfit have entered Afghanistan with 'positive mindset'

A Taliban spokesperson has condemned the US for not informing them beforehand of the drone strike, claiming that the attack resulted in civilian casualties.

The US military had said that they carried out a “self-defensive” airstrike in Kabul against a suspected member of the Afghan branch of the Islamic State group in Nangarhar province who was driving an explosive-laden car intending to bomb Hamid Karzai International Airport.

While speaking to China's state television CGTN on Monday, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid clarified that seven people were killed in the drone attack, terming the US action on their soil as unlawful.

“If there was any potential threat in Afghanistan, it should have been reported to us, not an arbitrary attack that has resulted in civilian casualties,” Reuters quoted Mujahid’s written response to the CGTN.

However, a&nbsp;report from CNN, citing eyewitnesses on the ground,&nbsp;states that nine members of a family, including six children, were killed in the US drone strike.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/flights-take-off-from-kabul-airport-as-us-withdrawal-enters-final-stage-409389">&nbsp;Flights take off from Kabul airport as US withdrawal enters final stage</a>

Earlier in the day, Pentagon officials said the suicide car bomber had been preparing to attack the airport in Kabul, where the US army was in the final stages of a withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The US Central Command said it was investigating reports of civilian casualties from the drone strike.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hibatullah-akhundzada-talibans-reclusive-leader-set-to-play-key-role-in-afghanistan-409338">Hibatullah Akhundzada: Taliban's reclusive leader set to play key role in Afghanistan</a>

“We know that there were substantial and powerful subsequent explosions resulting from the destruction of the vehicle, indicating a large amount of explosive material inside that may have caused additional casualties," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Taliban spokesperson has condemned the US for not informing them beforehand of the drone strike, claiming that the attack resulted in civilian casualties. The US military had said that they carried out a “self-defensive” airstrike in Kabul against a suspected member of the Afghan branch of the Islamic State group in Nangarhar province who was driving an explosive-laden car intending to bomb Hamid Karzai International Airport.

A Taliban spokesperson has condemned the US for not informing them beforehand of the drone strike, claiming that the attack resulted in civilian casualties. The US military had said that they carried out a “self-defensive” airstrike in Kabul against a suspected member of the Afghan branch of the Islamic State group in Nangarhar province who was driving an explosive-laden car intending to bomb Hamid Karzai International Airport. While speaking to China's state television CGTN on Monday, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid clarified that seven people were killed in the drone attack, terming the US action on their soil as unlawful. “If there was any potential threat in Afghanistan, it should have been reported to us, not an arbitrary attack that has resulted in civilian casualties,” Reuters quoted Mujahid’s written response to the CGTN. However, a report from CNN, citing eyewitnesses on the ground, states that nine members of a family, including six children, were killed in the US drone strike. Also read | Flights take off from Kabul airport as US withdrawal enters final stage Earlier in the day, Pentagon officials said the suicide car bomber had been preparing to attack the airport in Kabul, where the US army was in the final stages of a withdrawal from Afghanistan. The US Central Command said it was investigating reports of civilian casualties from the drone strike. Also read | Hibatullah Akhundzada: Taliban's reclusive leader set to play key role in Afghanistan “We know that there were substantial and powerful subsequent explosions resulting from the destruction of the vehicle, indicating a large amount of explosive material inside that may have caused additional casualties," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Should have informed us’: Taliban condemn ‘arbitrary’ US drone strike, claim civilians killed

Turkey cannot take the burden of a new migrant wave from Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday after talks with his German counterpart, as concerns about a new migrant wave remain after the Taliban`s taking of power.

The events in Afghanistan have fuelled worries in the European Union of a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis, when nearly a million people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and beyond crossed to Greece from Turkey before travelling north to wealthier states.

To stem the flow of refugees, the EU reached an agreement with Turkey in 2016 for it to host Syrians fleeing the war in their country in return for billions of euros for refugee projects.

Cavusoglu said on Sunday that Europe, as well as regional countries, would also be affected if migration from Afghanistan turns into a crisis and that lessons should be learned from the Syrian refugee crisis.

"As Turkey, we have sufficiently carried out our moral and humanitarian responsibilities regarding migration," Cavusoglu said, speaking in a joint news conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

"It is out of the question for us to take an additional refugee burden," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey currently hosts 3.7 million Syrian refugees, the world`s largest refugee population, in addition to around 300,000 Afghans. It has been reinforcing measures along its eastern border to prevent crossings in anticipation of a new migrant wave from Afghanistan.

Maas said Germany was grateful to Turkey for its offer to continue to help run Kabul airport after NATO`s withdrawal and said Germany was ready to support that financially and technically.

"It is in our own interests to ensure that the collapse in Afghanistan does not destabilise the entire region," he said in a statement.

Maas is on a trip to Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Qatar to show Germany`s support for the countries most likely to suffer the fallout of the crisis in Afghanistan.

Turkey`s neighbour Greece has completed a 40-km fence and surveillance system to keep out migrants who still manage to enter Turkey and try to reach the European Union.

Turkey cannot take the burden of a new migrant wave from Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday after talks with his German counterpart, as concerns about a new migrant wave remain after the Taliban`s taking of power.

Turkey cannot take the burden of a new migrant wave from Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday after talks with his German counterpart, as concerns about a new migrant wave remain after the Taliban`s taking of power. The events in Afghanistan have fuelled worries in the European Union of a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis, when nearly a million people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and beyond crossed to Greece from Turkey before travelling north to wealthier states. To stem the flow of refugees, the EU reached an agreement with Turkey in 2016 for it to host Syrians fleeing the war in their country in return for billions of euros for refugee projects. Cavusoglu said on Sunday that Europe, as well as regional countries, would also be affected if migration from Afghanistan turns into a crisis and that lessons should be learned from the Syrian refugee crisis. "As Turkey, we have sufficiently carried out our moral and humanitarian responsibilities regarding migration," Cavusoglu said, speaking in a joint news conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. "It is out of the question for us to take an additional refugee burden," Cavusoglu said. Turkey currently hosts 3.7 million Syrian refugees, the world`s largest refugee population, in addition to around 300,000 Afghans. It has been reinforcing measures along its eastern border to prevent crossings in anticipation of a new migrant wave from Afghanistan. Maas said Germany was grateful to Turkey for its offer to continue to help run Kabul airport after NATO`s withdrawal and said Germany was ready to support that financially and technically. "It is in our own interests to ensure that the collapse in Afghanistan does not destabilise the entire region," he said in a statement. Maas is on a trip to Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Qatar to show Germany`s support for the countries most likely to suffer the fallout of the crisis in Afghanistan. Turkey`s neighbour Greece has completed a 40-km fence and surveillance system to keep out migrants who still manage to enter Turkey and try to reach the European Union.

Turkey cannot take new refugee burden, foreign minister says

A little after the US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan.

While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the&nbsp;Khwaja Bugra area in PD15.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-visits-us-air-base-to-pay-tribute-to-service-personnel-killed-in-kabul-409232">Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul</a>

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A US airstrike targeted a vehicle carrying “multiple suicide bombers” from Afghanistan’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IslamicState?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IslamicState</a> affiliate before they could target the ongoing American military evacuation at Kabul’s international airport<a href="https://twitter.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> talks to <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnasMallick</a> to bring you the details <a href="https://t.co/w2e4yh0YMT">pic.twitter.com/w2e4yh0YMT</a>
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US officials have claimed that the US&nbsp;targeted some ISIS-K members through a fresh military strike.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson,&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed in a text message to journalists that on Sunday the&nbsp;US&nbsp; targeted active suicide bombers of ISIS-K&nbsp;in a vehicle who was about to attack the Kabul airport. The vehicle was parked inside the house that was targeted by the US forces on Sunday evening.

The officials claim the vehicle was laden with explosions and now "a substantial amount of explosive material" has been destroyed.

"We are confident we successfully hit the target," a US official told CNN. No civilian casualty has been officially reported yet.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-military-airstrike-vehicle-was-to-be-used-by-isis-k-car-bomber-409254">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-military-airstrike-vehicle-was-to-be-used-by-isis-k-car-bomber-409254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Following the explosion, Taliban have increased security in the area.

This explosion happened a few hours after the US President Joe Biden warned that there is a possibility of another attack near the Kabul airport and the US embassy in Kabul had urged its citizens to stay away from the clear vicinity of the airport.

"The situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous, our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours," Biden had announced.

While Kabul is once again bleeding by terrorism,&nbsp;Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden arrived at the&nbsp;Dover Air Force Base&nbsp;in Delaware to pay respect to the 13 members of the US troops who were killed in the deadly Kabul airport attack that took place last week.

(This is a developing story)

A little after the US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan. While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15.

A little after the US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan. While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15. Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul A US airstrike targeted a vehicle carrying “multiple suicide bombers” from Afghanistan’s #IslamicState affiliate before they could target the ongoing American military evacuation at Kabul’s international airport@MollyGambhir talks to @AnasMallick to bring you the details pic.twitter.com/w2e4yh0YMT — WION (@WIONews) August 29, 2021 × US officials have claimed that the US targeted some ISIS-K members through a fresh military strike. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed in a text message to journalists that on Sunday the US targeted active suicide bombers of ISIS-K in a vehicle who was about to attack the Kabul airport. The vehicle was parked inside the house that was targeted by the US forces on Sunday evening. The officials claim the vehicle was laden with explosions and now "a substantial amount of explosive material" has been destroyed. "We are confident we successfully hit the target," a US official told CNN. No civilian casualty has been officially reported yet. WATCH | Following the explosion, Taliban have increased security in the area. This explosion happened a few hours after the US President Joe Biden warned that there is a possibility of another attack near the Kabul airport and the US embassy in Kabul had urged its citizens to stay away from the clear vicinity of the airport. "The situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous, our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours," Biden had announced. While Kabul is once again bleeding by terrorism, Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden arrived at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to pay respect to the 13 members of the US troops who were killed in the deadly Kabul airport attack that took place last week. (This is a developing story)

Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US targets active ISIS-K suicide bombers

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties.

In his 45-minute-long speech in Pashto, Stanikzai touched upon several subjects like the formation of an inclusive government and maintaining ties with regional countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

“India is a very important country in the subcontinent. We want to continue our economic and diplomatic relations with them. Our business is linked with India through Pakistan, and we want to keep that connectivity opened,” he said.

Outlining the Taliban’s plan for boosting trading ties with India, Stanikzai said the air freight corridor, which was established in 2017 to promote bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kabul bypassing Pakistan, would remain “open”.

“We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard. We want these relations to continue,” Stanikzai said.

The India-Afghanistan air corridor has borne fruits for the restive country as it opened the market for their products in India. It has been one of the most lucrative air corridors Afghanistan has had with any other country.

During his speech, he also mentioned about the role of Chabahar port in Iran and extended his support for it. He said the traders should use the port, adding “there will be no barriers towards for trading through the port”.

Chabahar port has been one of the key investments for India's westwards connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. &nbsp;India sees the port as the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.

Stanikzai also mentioned the TAPI project— a proposed pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—and said that the Taliban place high importance on this project.

Speaking on the government formation, the Taliban leader said consultations are on with different ethnic groups and the group is “committed to forming an Islamic government in which all people from different walks of life will be included.”

While several Taliban spokespersons—Zabiullah Mujahid and Suhail Shaheen—have mentioned&nbsp;about maintaining ties with India in the past, this is the first time that a top Taliban leader commander has come out in the open about forging relations with New Delhi.

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties.

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties. In his 45-minute-long speech in Pashto, Stanikzai touched upon several subjects like the formation of an inclusive government and maintaining ties with regional countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. “India is a very important country in the subcontinent. We want to continue our economic and diplomatic relations with them. Our business is linked with India through Pakistan, and we want to keep that connectivity opened,” he said. Outlining the Taliban’s plan for boosting trading ties with India, Stanikzai said the air freight corridor, which was established in 2017 to promote bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kabul bypassing Pakistan, would remain “open”. “We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard. We want these relations to continue,” Stanikzai said. The India-Afghanistan air corridor has borne fruits for the restive country as it opened the market for their products in India. It has been one of the most lucrative air corridors Afghanistan has had with any other country. During his speech, he also mentioned about the role of Chabahar port in Iran and extended his support for it. He said the traders should use the port, adding “there will be no barriers towards for trading through the port”. Chabahar port has been one of the key investments for India's westwards connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. India sees the port as the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. Stanikzai also mentioned the TAPI project— a proposed pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—and said that the Taliban place high importance on this project. Speaking on the government formation, the Taliban leader said consultations are on with different ethnic groups and the group is “committed to forming an Islamic government in which all people from different walks of life will be included.” While several Taliban spokespersons—Zabiullah Mujahid and Suhail Shaheen—have mentioned about maintaining ties with India in the past, this is the first time that a top Taliban leader commander has come out in the open about forging relations with New Delhi.

Taliban leader Stanikzai bats for good ties with India, extends support to Chabahar port

In a step towards forming a government in crisis-ridden Afghanistan, the Taliban on Saturday appointed Abdul Baqi Haqqani as the acting higher education minister and Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as the acting director of Afghanistan’s sports federation.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> have appointed Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as acting director of Afghanistan's Sports federation <a href="https://t.co/CnrW8aIzti">pic.twitter.com/CnrW8aIzti</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1431635711497670662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | Abdul Baqi Haqqani has been appointed as the Acting Higher Education Minister by Taliban <a href="https://t.co/lOj0czQZOQ">pic.twitter.com/lOj0czQZOQ</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1431635547156451333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The latest announcement comes days after the Taliban appointed Haji Mohammad Idris as the acting head of the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) —Afghanistan’s central bank.

According to local media reports in Afghanistan, apart from the above appointments, the Taliban have so far nominated&nbsp;seven senior leaders to key ministerial posts. They are:

1. Gul Agha named as the finance minister.

2. Sadr Ibrahim named as&nbsp;the acting interior minister.

3. Najibullah named as&nbsp; Afghanistan’s intelligence chief

4. Sakhaullah named as the acting head of education.

5. Mullah Shirin named as the new governor of Kabul.

6. Hamdullah Nomani named as the mayor of Kabul.

7. Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir named as the acting defence minister.

Gul Agha, also known as Gul Agha Ishakzai is the head of the Taliban's financial commission. He has been designated as a target of UN sanctions.

He was a childhood friend of late Taliban founder Mullah Omar, a U.N./Interpol sanctions notice said.

Zakir is a veteran Taliban battlefield commander and also a close associate of Omar. He was captured when US-led forces engaged in Afghanistan in 2001 and was incarcerated at the US&nbsp;military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba until 2007, according to media reports. He was released and handed over to the Afghan government

Sadr, the interior ministry appointee, is believed to be a powerful and trusted figure within the Taliban.

Haji Mohammad Idris, the acting head of the central bank, is from the northern province of Jawzjan. According to reports, he had long experience working on financial issues with the previous leader of the movement, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was killed in a drone strike in 2016.

While appointing loyalists to senior positions, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had told reporters in Kabul on Tuesday that it “was time for people to work for their country”.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a step towards forming a government in crisis-ridden Afghanistan, the Taliban on Saturday appointed Abdul Baqi Haqqani as the acting higher education minister and Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as the acting director of Afghanistan’s sports federation.

In a step towards forming a government in crisis-ridden Afghanistan, the Taliban on Saturday appointed Abdul Baqi Haqqani as the acting higher education minister and Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as the acting director of Afghanistan’s sports federation. #Taliban have appointed Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as acting director of Afghanistan's Sports federation pic.twitter.com/CnrW8aIzti — WION (@WIONews) August 28, 2021 × #BREAKING | Abdul Baqi Haqqani has been appointed as the Acting Higher Education Minister by Taliban pic.twitter.com/lOj0czQZOQ — WION (@WIONews) August 28, 2021 × The latest announcement comes days after the Taliban appointed Haji Mohammad Idris as the acting head of the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) —Afghanistan’s central bank. According to local media reports in Afghanistan, apart from the above appointments, the Taliban have so far nominated seven senior leaders to key ministerial posts. They are: 1. Gul Agha named as the finance minister. 2. Sadr Ibrahim named as the acting interior minister. 3. Najibullah named as Afghanistan’s intelligence chief 4. Sakhaullah named as the acting head of education. 5. Mullah Shirin named as the new governor of Kabul. 6. Hamdullah Nomani named as the mayor of Kabul. 7. Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir named as the acting defence minister. Gul Agha, also known as Gul Agha Ishakzai is the head of the Taliban's financial commission. He has been designated as a target of UN sanctions. He was a childhood friend of late Taliban founder Mullah Omar, a U.N./Interpol sanctions notice said. Zakir is a veteran Taliban battlefield commander and also a close associate of Omar. He was captured when US-led forces engaged in Afghanistan in 2001 and was incarcerated at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba until 2007, according to media reports. He was released and handed over to the Afghan government Sadr, the interior ministry appointee, is believed to be a powerful and trusted figure within the Taliban. Haji Mohammad Idris, the acting head of the central bank, is from the northern province of Jawzjan. According to reports, he had long experience working on financial issues with the previous leader of the movement, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was killed in a drone strike in 2016. While appointing loyalists to senior positions, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had told reporters in Kabul on Tuesday that it “was time for people to work for their country”. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban appoint acting higher education minister, director of sport’s federation

Britain’s Chief&nbsp;of&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Staff General&nbsp;Nick Carter said the British troops will end&nbsp;their evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday,&nbsp;adding that&nbsp;“over&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;of Afghans&nbsp;eligible&nbsp;to&nbsp;resettlement&nbsp;in Britain are most&nbsp;likely&nbsp;to be left behind”.&nbsp;

“We have some civilian flights to take out, but it is very few now,” BBC quoted&nbsp;Carter&nbsp;as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We’re reaching the end of the evacuation, which will take place during the course of today. And then it will be necessary to bring our troops out on the remaining aircraft,”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

According to the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;ministry, more&nbsp;than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals&nbsp;have been evacuated&nbsp;in two weeks since the Taliban took control of the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-airstrike-targets-is-in-afghanistan-in-response-to-deadly-suicide-attack-408905">&nbsp;US airstrike targets IS in Afghanistan in response to deadly suicide attack</a>

The General admitted that&nbsp;“not everyone will get out”. “Not a day passes where I don’t have a tear in my eye over that,”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

“It’s not how we hoped it would end, that’s absolutely right… I think we have done an extraordinary job to evacuate as many as we can but I’m afraid it’s absolutely heart-breaking we can’t get everybody out,”&nbsp;Carter&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

“If they are able to get&nbsp;out&nbsp;they will always be&nbsp;welcome but the awful fact of life is difficult decisions have to be made,” he added.&nbsp;

UK’s&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Minister Ben Wallace on Friday said the nation was entering “the final hours of its evacuation” and would process only people who were already inside Kabul airport.&nbsp;

Wallace&nbsp;had estimated&nbsp;that&nbsp;estimated between 800 and 1,100 Afghans who had worked with Britain and were eligible to leave the country would not make it through.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Britain’s Chief of Defence Staff General Nick Carter said the British troops will end their evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday, adding that “over hundreds of Afghans eligible to resettlement in Britain are most likely to be left behind”.

Britain’s Chief of Defence Staff General Nick Carter said the British troops will end their evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday, adding that “over hundreds of Afghans eligible to resettlement in Britain are most likely to be left behind”. “We have some civilian flights to take out, but it is very few now,” BBC quoted Carter as saying. “We’re reaching the end of the evacuation, which will take place during the course of today. And then it will be necessary to bring our troops out on the remaining aircraft,” he said. According to the defence ministry, more than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals have been evacuated in two weeks since the Taliban took control of the country. Also read | US airstrike targets IS in Afghanistan in response to deadly suicide attack The General admitted that “not everyone will get out”. “Not a day passes where I don’t have a tear in my eye over that,” he said. “It’s not how we hoped it would end, that’s absolutely right… I think we have done an extraordinary job to evacuate as many as we can but I’m afraid it’s absolutely heart-breaking we can’t get everybody out,” Carter said. “If they are able to get out they will always be welcome but the awful fact of life is difficult decisions have to be made,” he added. UK’s Defence Minister Ben Wallace on Friday said the nation was entering “the final hours of its evacuation” and would process only people who were already inside Kabul airport. Wallace had estimated that estimated between 800 and 1,100 Afghans who had worked with Britain and were eligible to leave the country would not make it through. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to end evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday 

The Taliban thrashed an Afghan reporter working for Tolo News, Ziar Yaad, and a cameraman while they were reporting in Kabul.

According to Tolo News, Taliban fighters assaulted reporter Ziar Yaad and his cameraman in Kabul on Tuesday when they were reporting on local poverty and unemployment.&nbsp;

Tolo news reporter Ziar Yaad, “I was beaten up by the Taliban in Kabul's New City. Cameras, technical equipment and my personal mobile phone have also been hijacked.&nbsp;

Some people have spread the news of my death which is false. The Taliban got out of an armoured Land Cruiser and hit me at gunpoint.”

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I still don't know why they behaved like that and suddenly attacked me. The issue has been shared with Taliban leaders; however, the perpetrators have not yet been arrested, which is a serious threat to freedom of expression.
— Ziar Khan Yaad (@ziaryaad) <a href="https://twitter.com/ziaryaad/status/1430771529101479943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Yaad had previously been reported as having been killed by the Taliban.

Yaad took to Twitter to deny the news, claiming that fake reports of his death had been circulated.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a number of journalists said that the Taliban should not treat journalists badly, reported Tolo News.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban thrashed an Afghan reporter working for Tolo News, Ziar Yaad, and a cameraman while they were reporting in Kabul. According to Tolo News, Taliban fighters assaulted reporter Ziar Yaad and his cameraman in Kabul on Tuesday when they were reporting on local poverty and unemployment.

The Taliban thrashed an Afghan reporter working for Tolo News, Ziar Yaad, and a cameraman while they were reporting in Kabul. According to Tolo News, Taliban fighters assaulted reporter Ziar Yaad and his cameraman in Kabul on Tuesday when they were reporting on local poverty and unemployment. Tolo news reporter Ziar Yaad, “I was beaten up by the Taliban in Kabul's New City. Cameras, technical equipment and my personal mobile phone have also been hijacked. Some people have spread the news of my death which is false. The Taliban got out of an armoured Land Cruiser and hit me at gunpoint.” I still don't know why they behaved like that and suddenly attacked me. The issue has been shared with Taliban leaders; however, the perpetrators have not yet been arrested, which is a serious threat to freedom of expression. — Ziar Khan Yaad (@ziaryaad) August 26, 2021 × Yaad had previously been reported as having been killed by the Taliban. Yaad took to Twitter to deny the news, claiming that fake reports of his death had been circulated. Meanwhile, a number of journalists said that the Taliban should not treat journalists badly, reported Tolo News. (With inputs from agencies)

‘I am alive’: Tolo news reporter Ziar Yaad, cameraman beaten up by Taliban in Kabul 

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has claimed that Pakistan is like the "second home" of the organisation and that activities that are not in line with the interests of neighboring countries are not allowed on the territory of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

He also said that Pakistan played no role in the Taliban's capture of Afghanistan, adding that it had never "interfered" in their affairs.&nbsp; 
 
Afghanistan wants to maintain good ties with all countries, including India, Mujahid said. He also asked India and Pakistan to resolve differences&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/commander-of-afghan-army-speaks-out-we-were-betrayed-by-politics-and-presidents-408279">Also read | Commander of Afghan army speaks out: We were betrayed by politics and presidents</a> 
 
Mujahid said in an interview with Pakistan's ARY News that Afghanistan hopes to maintain good relations with all countries, including India.&nbsp;

"We hope that India will take into account the interests of Afghans when formulating policies," he said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-will-help-pakistan-conquer-kashmir-leader-of-imran-khans-party-408045">Watch | Taliban will help Pakistan conquer Kashmir: Leader of Imran Khan’s party</a>

"Afghanistan and Pakistan share a border. When it comes to religion, we are traditionally linked, and the people of both countries mingle. As a result, we are looking forward to strengthening our connections with Pakistan. " 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-ghani-leaving-the-country-a-stain-on-our-history-says-former-afghan-vice-president-amrullah-saleh-408453">Exclusive: Ghani leaving the country a stain on our history, says former Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh</a>

When asked about the possibility of terrorist activists resurfacing in Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said, "We have previously stated that our soil will not be utilised against any other country. In this regard, our policy is crystal clear. ISIS does not have a presence in Afghanistan. "&nbsp; 
 
Pakistan and India, according to Mujahid, should sit down together to discuss their unresolved concerns because they are neighbours and their interests are linked.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has claimed that Pakistan is like the "second home" of the organisation and that activities that are not in line with the interests of neighboring countries are not allowed on the territory of Afghanistan.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has claimed that Pakistan is like the "second home" of the organisation and that activities that are not in line with the interests of neighboring countries are not allowed on the territory of Afghanistan. He also said that Pakistan played no role in the Taliban's capture of Afghanistan, adding that it had never "interfered" in their affairs. Afghanistan wants to maintain good ties with all countries, including India, Mujahid said. He also asked India and Pakistan to resolve differences Also read | Commander of Afghan army speaks out: We were betrayed by politics and presidents Mujahid said in an interview with Pakistan's ARY News that Afghanistan hopes to maintain good relations with all countries, including India. "We hope that India will take into account the interests of Afghans when formulating policies," he said. Watch | Taliban will help Pakistan conquer Kashmir: Leader of Imran Khan’s party "Afghanistan and Pakistan share a border. When it comes to religion, we are traditionally linked, and the people of both countries mingle. As a result, we are looking forward to strengthening our connections with Pakistan. " Exclusive: Ghani leaving the country a stain on our history, says former Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh When asked about the possibility of terrorist activists resurfacing in Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said, "We have previously stated that our soil will not be utilised against any other country. In this regard, our policy is crystal clear. ISIS does not have a presence in Afghanistan. " Pakistan and India, according to Mujahid, should sit down together to discuss their unresolved concerns because they are neighbours and their interests are linked. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan is second home to the Taliban, says spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid

Russia and China agreed to step up their efforts to counter “threats” emanating from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of the country, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

In a phone call, Russian President Vladamir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping expressed “their readiness to step up efforts to combat threats of terrorism and drug trafficking coming from the territory of Afghanistan”, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The leaders also highlighted the “importance of establishing peace” in Afghanistan and “preventing the spread of instability to adjacent regions”.

Putin has been quite cautious of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan as several of the former soviet countries share a border with Kabul.

He recently warned of Afghan terrorists entering neighbouring countries as refugees.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-offers-the-taliban-a-warm-welcome-while-urging-peace-talks-401278">China offers the Taliban a warm welcome while urging peace talks</a>

The president has also been critical of the western nations for “unnecessary interference” in the restive region, saying “ they must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”.

Putin and Xi “agreed to intensify bilateral contacts” and “make the most of the potential” of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that is due to convene in Tajikistan next month.

After the Taliban came to power on August 15, China said it was ready to deepen “friendly and cooperative ties” with Afghanistan.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russia and China agreed to step up their efforts to counter “threats” emanating from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of the country, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

Russia and China agreed to step up their efforts to counter “threats” emanating from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of the country, the Kremlin said on Wednesday. In a phone call, Russian President Vladamir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping expressed “their readiness to step up efforts to combat threats of terrorism and drug trafficking coming from the territory of Afghanistan”, the Kremlin said in a statement. The leaders also highlighted the “importance of establishing peace” in Afghanistan and “preventing the spread of instability to adjacent regions”. Putin has been quite cautious of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan as several of the former soviet countries share a border with Kabul. He recently warned of Afghan terrorists entering neighbouring countries as refugees. Also read | China offers the Taliban a warm welcome while urging peace talks The president has also been critical of the western nations for “unnecessary interference” in the restive region, saying “ they must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”. Putin and Xi “agreed to intensify bilateral contacts” and “make the most of the potential” of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that is due to convene in Tajikistan next month. After the Taliban came to power on August 15, China said it was ready to deepen “friendly and cooperative ties” with Afghanistan. (with inputs from agencies)

China, Russia agree to jointly counter “threats” from Afghanistan

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline.

Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media.

Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning.

“Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying.

“We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-evade-wions-question-on-secret-meeting-between-mullah-baradar-and-cia-chief-408084">Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief</a>

On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions&nbsp;to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul.

Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline.

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline. Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media. Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning. “Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying. “We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said. Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul. Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Not everyone will get out of Afghanistan within August 31 deadline, warn UK, Spain

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline.

Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media.

Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning.

“Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-evade-wions-question-on-secret-meeting-between-mullah-baradar-and-cia-chief-408084">Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief</a>

“We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said.

On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions&nbsp;to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul.

Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline. Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media. Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning. “Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying. Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief “We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said. On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul. Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported. (With inputs from agencies)

One of the five Afghans, who were evacuated from Kabul to Paris, was detained on Tuesday on suspected links to the Taliban, France’s interior minister Gerald Darmanin said.

The five Afghan evacuees were put under high surveillance by France’s intelligence agency for possible links to the Taliban. They were quarantined in a hotel in Paris, as they haven’t been fully vaccinated.

“One left the place where he was asked to stay and police arrested him,” local media quoted Darmanin as saying.

“Of the other four men, one was obviously linked to the Taliban. But he helped the French army a lot, the French (nationals), your fellow journalists, more than a hundred Afghans who had visas and could not get out from the embassy,” he added.

Darmanin said security checks were done in Abu Dhabi, where the French have transferred evacuees before their journey to Paris. There was no breach, he said.

Darmanin said France has evacuated over 1,000 Afghans from Kabul over the past week, including a large majority of Afghans who worked with the French government or French groups in the country.

Meanwhile, a new flight of French evacuees from Kabul landed in Paris at dawn on Tuesday, with 205 evacuees on board, including 204 Afghans.

(With inputs from agencies)

One of the five Afghans, who were evacuated from Kabul to Paris, was detained on Tuesday on suspected links to the Taliban, France’s interior minister Gerald Darmanin said.

One of the five Afghans, who were evacuated from Kabul to Paris, was detained on Tuesday on suspected links to the Taliban, France’s interior minister Gerald Darmanin said. The five Afghan evacuees were put under high surveillance by France’s intelligence agency for possible links to the Taliban. They were quarantined in a hotel in Paris, as they haven’t been fully vaccinated. “One left the place where he was asked to stay and police arrested him,” local media quoted Darmanin as saying. “Of the other four men, one was obviously linked to the Taliban. But he helped the French army a lot, the French (nationals), your fellow journalists, more than a hundred Afghans who had visas and could not get out from the embassy,” he added. Darmanin said security checks were done in Abu Dhabi, where the French have transferred evacuees before their journey to Paris. There was no breach, he said. Darmanin said France has evacuated over 1,000 Afghans from Kabul over the past week, including a large majority of Afghans who worked with the French government or French groups in the country. Meanwhile, a new flight of French evacuees from Kabul landed in Paris at dawn on Tuesday, with 205 evacuees on board, including 204 Afghans. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan evacuee detained in France over links to Taliban

India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.”

Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

“Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts,” Jaishankar tweeted.

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Op Devi Shakti continues. 
 
78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. 
 
Salute <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AirIndiain</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamMEA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamMEA</a> for their untiring efforts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeviShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeviShakti</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1430062198219366403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India began its rescue mission in coordination with the US, Qatar, Tajikistan and several other friendly countries. On August 16, 40 Indians were airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-is-world-silent-asks-afghanistans-first-female-sikh-mp-407905">‘Why is world silent?’, asks Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP</a>

So far, India has managed to evacuate over 800 people amid deteriorating security situation at Kabul airport.

Thousands of Afghans have been swarming at Kabul airport for the past one week, in a desperate attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's rule.

On August 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security where he directed the officials to ensure the safe evacuation of all Indians from Afghanistan and provide refuge to Afghan Sikhs and Hindus wanting to come to India.

After India evacuated the Indian embassy staff from Kabul on August 17, Jaishankar had described the mission as a “difficult and complicated” exercise.

India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.” Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.” Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan. “Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts,” Jaishankar tweeted. Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts. #DeviShakti — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 24, 2021 × India began its rescue mission in coordination with the US, Qatar, Tajikistan and several other friendly countries. On August 16, 40 Indians were airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city. Also read | ‘Why is world silent?’, asks Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP So far, India has managed to evacuate over 800 people amid deteriorating security situation at Kabul airport. Thousands of Afghans have been swarming at Kabul airport for the past one week, in a desperate attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's rule. On August 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security where he directed the officials to ensure the safe evacuation of all Indians from Afghanistan and provide refuge to Afghan Sikhs and Hindus wanting to come to India. After India evacuated the Indian embassy staff from Kabul on August 17, Jaishankar had described the mission as a “difficult and complicated” exercise.

‘Operation Devi Shakti’: 78 more evacuees from Afghanistan land in India, 800 rescued so far

Afghanistan flag will be included in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 said International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons on Monday (August 23)&nbsp;even though the country's athletes are unable to participate.

During a news conference in Tokyo, the IPC president said that the inclusion of the Afghanistan flag in the opening ceremony would be a message of solidarity.&nbsp;

The Paralympic Games in Tokyo is scheduled to be held between August 24 and September 5 and the opening ceremony will take place on the 24th.&nbsp;

Afghan athletes are unable to get to Japan to participate in the Paralympic Games due to ongoing turmoil in their country after the insurgent group Taliban took control, routing government forces.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-hundred-rashid-khans-pictures-with-afghanistans-flag-painted-on-his-face-go-viral-407396">The Hundred: Rashid Khan's pictures with Afghanistan's flag painted on his face go viral</a>

On being quizzed over the same, Andrew Parsons said as quoted by Reuters, "I would like to inform you is that we will include the Afghanistan flag in the (opening) ceremony as a sign of solidarity."

"And I think it's just important to highlight that to you because it's a message, basically of solidarity and peace that we send to the world with that attitude. We would like to have them here, unfortunately, it's not possible, but they will be here, of course, in spirit," he said.&nbsp;

On their Twitter handle, the official handle of Paralympics wrote, "Yesterday afternoon in a news briefing, the IPC mentioned including the Afghanistan flag in the ceremony as a sign of solidarity."

"In some outlets the IPC President has been misquoted as saying UNHCR would carry a country-specific flag. We wish to clarify that this is not the case and that a Games Volunteer will be the flag bearer," the note added.&nbsp;

Watch: Women's rights become biggest casualties of Taliban rule

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ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tonnes-of-medical-supplies-stuck-due-to-kabul-airport-restrictions-who-407795">Tonnes of medical supplies stuck due to Kabul airport restrictions: WHO</a>

Previously, the IPC on August 16 had confirmed that Taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi and discus thrower Hossain Rasouli would no longer be able to travel to Japan.&nbsp;

The Afghanistan Paralympic Committee's London-based Chef de Mission Arian Sadiqi had also weighed in on the situation and said that the team "could not leave Kabul in time".&nbsp;

"Unfortunately due to the current upheaval going on in Afghanistan the team could not leave Kabul in time," Sadiqi told Reuters.&nbsp;

(updated after Paralympic Games' tweet)

Afghanistan flag will be included in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 said International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons on Monday (August 23) even though the country's athletes are unable to participate.

Afghanistan flag will be included in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 said International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons on Monday (August 23) even though the country's athletes are unable to participate. During a news conference in Tokyo, the IPC president said that the inclusion of the Afghanistan flag in the opening ceremony would be a message of solidarity. The Paralympic Games in Tokyo is scheduled to be held between August 24 and September 5 and the opening ceremony will take place on the 24th. Afghan athletes are unable to get to Japan to participate in the Paralympic Games due to ongoing turmoil in their country after the insurgent group Taliban took control, routing government forces. ALSO READ | The Hundred: Rashid Khan's pictures with Afghanistan's flag painted on his face go viral On being quizzed over the same, Andrew Parsons said as quoted by Reuters, "I would like to inform you is that we will include the Afghanistan flag in the (opening) ceremony as a sign of solidarity." "And I think it's just important to highlight that to you because it's a message, basically of solidarity and peace that we send to the world with that attitude. We would like to have them here, unfortunately, it's not possible, but they will be here, of course, in spirit," he said. On their Twitter handle, the official handle of Paralympics wrote, "Yesterday afternoon in a news briefing, the IPC mentioned including the Afghanistan flag in the ceremony as a sign of solidarity." "In some outlets the IPC President has been misquoted as saying UNHCR would carry a country-specific flag. We wish to clarify that this is not the case and that a Games Volunteer will be the flag bearer," the note added. Watch: Women's rights become biggest casualties of Taliban rule × ALSO READ | Tonnes of medical supplies stuck due to Kabul airport restrictions: WHO Previously, the IPC on August 16 had confirmed that Taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi and discus thrower Hossain Rasouli would no longer be able to travel to Japan. The Afghanistan Paralympic Committee's London-based Chef de Mission Arian Sadiqi had also weighed in on the situation and said that the team "could not leave Kabul in time". "Unfortunately due to the current upheaval going on in Afghanistan the team could not leave Kabul in time," Sadiqi told Reuters. (updated after Paralympic Games' tweet)

'Act of solidarity': Tokyo Paralympics 2020 opening ceremony to include Afghanistan flag

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar, an Afghan MP who was evacuated from Afghanistan amid the Taliban crisis, praised the Indian government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Air Force on Monday.&nbsp;

The MP described the current scenario in Afghanistan as "unimaginable," adding that "there is no government" and that "the president has not been there for ten days."&nbsp;

"We had high hopes for a peaceful resolution, but nothing materialised," she added.

She said, "Many people in Afghanistan don't have travel documents. We had to wait from 12 midnight to 10 am in the hot weather."&nbsp; 
 
Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-us-jets-evacuating-afghans-make-diving-combat-landings-drop-flares-amid-isis-missile-fears-407853">US jets evacuating Afghans make ‘diving combat landings’, drop flares amid ISIS missile fears</a>

"There were incidents of firing around the airport every day and 3-4 people died daily," Kaur added.&nbsp;

Slamming the Taliban, she said, "20 years ago, the Taliban used to think that Sikhs and Hindus were not entitled to any rights as they were not Muslim," she added.

"When a Taliban spokesman spoke to the media for the first time, he didn't mention Sikhs or Hindus, and it's unclear whether they'll have any rights in the future," the MP pointed out.

Meanwhile, the government has planned an all-party meeting on the Afghanistan crisis for August 26. The government will brief members of parliament from various political parties on the latest developments in the war-torn country.

(With inputs from ANI)

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar, an Afghan MP who was evacuated from Afghanistan amid the Taliban crisis, praised the Indian government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Air Force on Monday.

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar, an Afghan MP who was evacuated from Afghanistan amid the Taliban crisis, praised the Indian government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Air Force on Monday. The MP described the current scenario in Afghanistan as "unimaginable," adding that "there is no government" and that "the president has not been there for ten days." "We had high hopes for a peaceful resolution, but nothing materialised," she added. She said, "Many people in Afghanistan don't have travel documents. We had to wait from 12 midnight to 10 am in the hot weather." Watch: US jets evacuating Afghans make ‘diving combat landings’, drop flares amid ISIS missile fears "There were incidents of firing around the airport every day and 3-4 people died daily," Kaur added. Slamming the Taliban, she said, "20 years ago, the Taliban used to think that Sikhs and Hindus were not entitled to any rights as they were not Muslim," she added. "When a Taliban spokesman spoke to the media for the first time, he didn't mention Sikhs or Hindus, and it's unclear whether they'll have any rights in the future," the MP pointed out. Meanwhile, the government has planned an all-party meeting on the Afghanistan crisis for August 26. The government will brief members of parliament from various political parties on the latest developments in the war-torn country. (With inputs from ANI)

Uncertain whether Hindus and Sikhs will have any rights in Afghanistan: Afghan MP after Taliban takeover

The Pakistan Police have arrested 194 Afghan nationals in Peshawar for rioting, damaging public property and shouting slogans against Pakistan during the celebrations of their country’s Independence Day, which falls on August 19.

According to local media reports, the incident took place on Thursday night at Phase III Chowk of the Hayatabad area. Scores of Afghan nationals descended on the streets to celebrate the Independence Day of Afghanistan.

The city police said clashes erupted between Afghan and Pakistan youths after they had heated exchanges over the closure of Phase III Chowk.

The police said the Afghanistan nationals pelted stones at them when their personnel reached the area and tried to open the road.

They added that 20 rioters have been put into custody and eight more in the University Town neighbourhood.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-is-sanctionpakistan-trending-because-thousands-of-afghans-want-the-world-to-punish-pakistan-for-backing-taliban-404496">Also read |&nbsp;Why is #SanctionPakistan trending? Because thousands of Afghans want the world to punish Pakistan for backing Taliban</a>

Following the incident, the police deployed their personnel at Phase III chowk and nearby areas to prevent any untoward situation.

Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, there have been widespread protests by Afghan refugees around the world. Pakistan has been accused of extending support to the militia group.

In Afghanistan, too, several people were killed when the Taliban militants fired on them while protesting against the regime during a rally celebrating Independence Day on Thursday.

The Pakistan Police have arrested 194 Afghan nationals in Peshawar for rioting, damaging public property and shouting slogans against Pakistan during the celebrations of their country’s Independence Day, which falls on August 19.

The Pakistan Police have arrested 194 Afghan nationals in Peshawar for rioting, damaging public property and shouting slogans against Pakistan during the celebrations of their country’s Independence Day, which falls on August 19. According to local media reports, the incident took place on Thursday night at Phase III Chowk of the Hayatabad area. Scores of Afghan nationals descended on the streets to celebrate the Independence Day of Afghanistan. The city police said clashes erupted between Afghan and Pakistan youths after they had heated exchanges over the closure of Phase III Chowk. The police said the Afghanistan nationals pelted stones at them when their personnel reached the area and tried to open the road. They added that 20 rioters have been put into custody and eight more in the University Town neighbourhood. Also read | Why is #SanctionPakistan trending? Because thousands of Afghans want the world to punish Pakistan for backing Taliban Following the incident, the police deployed their personnel at Phase III chowk and nearby areas to prevent any untoward situation. Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, there have been widespread protests by Afghan refugees around the world. Pakistan has been accused of extending support to the militia group. In Afghanistan, too, several people were killed when the Taliban militants fired on them while protesting against the regime during a rally celebrating Independence Day on Thursday.

More than 190 Afghan nationals arrested in Peshawar for anti-Pak slogans

194 Afghan nationals arrested in Peshawar for anti-Pak slogans

India, Germany, Qatar, Turkey and several other nations have reaffirmed to not recognise any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force and called for an immediate end to violence and attacks in the war-torn country.

A statement issued by Qatar on Friday following two separate meetings on Afghanistan in Doha said the participating countries agreed that the Afghan peace process needs to be accelerated as a matter of "great urgency".

The statement came as the Taliban continued its onslaught capturing several key cities in the last couple of days including Kandahar and Herat, Afghanistan's second and third largest cities while significantly expanding its territorial control across the country.

It said the participants urged the Taliban and the Afghan government to build trust and accelerate efforts to reach a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire as quickly as possible.

The first meeting on August 19 was joined by the representatives of China, Uzbekistan, the US, Pakistan, the UK, Qatar, the UN and the European Union, the Qatari foreign ministry said.

The second meeting on August 12 was attended by representatives of Germany, India, Norway, Qatar, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan, the US and the UN, it said.

J P Singh, the Joint Secretary in the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), represented India at the second meeting hosted by Qatar.

"Participants raised grave concerns about reports from across Afghanistan concerning continued violence, large numbers of civilian casualties and extra-judicial killings, widespread and credible allegations of human rights violations, all attacks (ground and air) against provincial capitals and cities," the Qatari foreign ministry said.

It said the countries reaffirmed that they will not recognise any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force.

"Participants committed to assisting in the reconstruction of Afghanistan once a viable political settlement is reached following good faith negotiations between the two sides," the statement said.

The countries also mentioned the converging statements from both sides on "guiding principles" for a political settlement such as inclusive governance, respect for human rights, including the rights of women and minorities, a mechanism to deliver a representative government, a commitment to not allow any individuals or groups to use the soil of Afghanistan to threaten the security of other countries and respect for international law.

"Participants called on all Afghan sides to act by these principles and build on them in the future political settlement," the statement said.

India, Germany, Qatar, Turkey and several other nations have reaffirmed to not recognise any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force and called for an immediate end to violence and attacks in the war-torn country.

India, Germany, Qatar, Turkey and several other nations have reaffirmed to not recognise any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force and called for an immediate end to violence and attacks in the war-torn country. A statement issued by Qatar on Friday following two separate meetings on Afghanistan in Doha said the participating countries agreed that the Afghan peace process needs to be accelerated as a matter of "great urgency". The statement came as the Taliban continued its onslaught capturing several key cities in the last couple of days including Kandahar and Herat, Afghanistan's second and third largest cities while significantly expanding its territorial control across the country. It said the participants urged the Taliban and the Afghan government to build trust and accelerate efforts to reach a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire as quickly as possible. The first meeting on August 19 was joined by the representatives of China, Uzbekistan, the US, Pakistan, the UK, Qatar, the UN and the European Union, the Qatari foreign ministry said. The second meeting on August 12 was attended by representatives of Germany, India, Norway, Qatar, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan, the US and the UN, it said. J P Singh, the Joint Secretary in the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), represented India at the second meeting hosted by Qatar. "Participants raised grave concerns about reports from across Afghanistan concerning continued violence, large numbers of civilian casualties and extra-judicial killings, widespread and credible allegations of human rights violations, all attacks (ground and air) against provincial capitals and cities," the Qatari foreign ministry said. It said the countries reaffirmed that they will not recognise any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force. "Participants committed to assisting in the reconstruction of Afghanistan once a viable political settlement is reached following good faith negotiations between the two sides," the statement said. The countries also mentioned the converging statements from both sides on "guiding principles" for a political settlement such as inclusive governance, respect for human rights, including the rights of women and minorities, a mechanism to deliver a representative government, a commitment to not allow any individuals or groups to use the soil of Afghanistan to threaten the security of other countries and respect for international law. "Participants called on all Afghan sides to act by these principles and build on them in the future political settlement," the statement said.

India, several other nations reaffirm not to recognise govt imposed through use of force in Afghanistan

As the Taliban continued its military offensive in Afghanistan, Russia along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan conducted military exercises in the Khatlon region near the Afghan border.

Heavy fighting is underway between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attacks-bear-the-hallmark-of-taliban-us-402696">Taliban</a> and Afghan government forces in Herat near the Iran border including&nbsp;Kandahar and&nbsp;Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province.

Taliban's offensive intensified as President Joe Biden announced last month that the last US troops will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 which is just weeks away.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-insurgents-infiltrate-into-key-cities-afghan-forces-launch-counter-attack-403398/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Central Asian leaders&nbsp;from&nbsp;Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan&nbsp;and Uzbekistan&nbsp;gathered at Turkmenistan for talks as fighting continued on the ground.

Russia's drill along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan&nbsp;in the Afghan border involving thousands of troops and artillery has led to a complicated situation as Moscow announced it would be deploying four strategic bombers.

According to reports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-led-drills-begin-on-afghanistan-border-403241">Russia</a> has increased arms and military&nbsp;supplies to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan as the Taliban continues to gain territories&nbsp;in the country.

Afghan capital Kabul was hit by a blast on Wednesday reportedly targeted at the defence minister as the Taliban claimed responsibility as gunfire rang out in the city.

Afghan forces have combined with the US to conduct air raids on the Taliban as US Special forces were sent to Lashkar Gah amid heavy fighting.

According to the United Nations at least 40 civilians have been killed in Lashkar Gah in the last 24 hours.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the Taliban continued its military offensive in Afghanistan, Russia along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan conducted military exercises in the Khatlon region near the Afghan border.

As the Taliban continued its military offensive in Afghanistan, Russia along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan conducted military exercises in the Khatlon region near the Afghan border. Heavy fighting is underway between the Taliban and Afghan government forces in Herat near the Iran border including Kandahar and Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province. Taliban's offensive intensified as President Joe Biden announced last month that the last US troops will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 which is just weeks away. Watch: Meanwhile, Central Asian leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan gathered at Turkmenistan for talks as fighting continued on the ground. Russia's drill along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the Afghan border involving thousands of troops and artillery has led to a complicated situation as Moscow announced it would be deploying four strategic bombers. According to reports, Russia has increased arms and military supplies to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan as the Taliban continues to gain territories in the country. Afghan capital Kabul was hit by a blast on Wednesday reportedly targeted at the defence minister as the Taliban claimed responsibility as gunfire rang out in the city. Afghan forces have combined with the US to conduct air raids on the Taliban as US Special forces were sent to Lashkar Gah amid heavy fighting. According to the United Nations at least 40 civilians have been killed in Lashkar Gah in the last 24 hours. (With inputs from Agencies)

Central Asian leaders meet as Taliban continues offensive in Afghanistan

NATO nations including 15 diplomatic missions have urged the Taliban to stop military operations in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-recalls-envoy-to-pakistan-over-daughter-abduction-incident-398916">Afghanistan</a> as the militant group failed to reach a ceasefire agreement in&nbsp;Doha.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-favours-political-settlement-to-afghan-conflict-398821">Taliban</a> said on Monday it had captured the Dehrawood district in Uruzgan province after clashes with Afghan forces&nbsp;

"The Taliban's offensive is in direct contradiction to their claim to support a negotiated settlement," the statement by diplomatic missions consisting of EU, US, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany among other nations said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-says-it-doesnt-has-ties-with-pak-based-terror-groups-like-let-jem-398877/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It has resulted in the loss of innocent Afghan lives, including through continued targeted killings, displacement of the civilian population, looting and burning of buildings, destruction of vital infrastructure, and damage to communication networks," the statement added.

The government forces had recaptured Dara-e-Sof Bala district in northern Samangan with casualties suffered by the Taliban with clashes reportedly underway.

Amid the fighting, President&nbsp;Ashraf Ghani visited Herat province on Monday where the Taliban has captured several districts.

The Taliban has escalated its campaign since mid-May and engaged in heavy&nbsp;fighting with government troops in the past month as US President Joe Biden announced the last American troops will pull out from the region by August 31.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry said it will stage military drills next month with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan near the border with Afghanistan.

The joint drills with will take place from August 5-10 at the Kharbmaidon training ground in Tajikistan near the Afghan border. Hundreds of Afghan forces had earlier poured into Tajikistan as the Taliban captured main checkpoints&nbsp;along the area.

Reports claimed last week that several Afghan refugees which included women and children had also crossed over to Tajikistan amid heavy fighting between Afghan and Taliban forces in the area.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

NATO nations including 15 diplomatic missions have urged the Taliban to stop military operations in Afghanistan as the militant group failed to reach a ceasefire agreement in Doha.

NATO nations including 15 diplomatic missions have urged the Taliban to stop military operations in Afghanistan as the militant group failed to reach a ceasefire agreement in Doha. Taliban said on Monday it had captured the Dehrawood district in Uruzgan province after clashes with Afghan forces "The Taliban's offensive is in direct contradiction to their claim to support a negotiated settlement," the statement by diplomatic missions consisting of EU, US, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany among other nations said. Watch: "It has resulted in the loss of innocent Afghan lives, including through continued targeted killings, displacement of the civilian population, looting and burning of buildings, destruction of vital infrastructure, and damage to communication networks," the statement added. The government forces had recaptured Dara-e-Sof Bala district in northern Samangan with casualties suffered by the Taliban with clashes reportedly underway. Amid the fighting, President Ashraf Ghani visited Herat province on Monday where the Taliban has captured several districts. The Taliban has escalated its campaign since mid-May and engaged in heavy fighting with government troops in the past month as US President Joe Biden announced the last American troops will pull out from the region by August 31. Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry said it will stage military drills next month with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan near the border with Afghanistan. The joint drills with will take place from August 5-10 at the Kharbmaidon training ground in Tajikistan near the Afghan border. Hundreds of Afghan forces had earlier poured into Tajikistan as the Taliban captured main checkpoints along the area. Reports claimed last week that several Afghan refugees which included women and children had also crossed over to Tajikistan amid heavy fighting between Afghan and Taliban forces in the area. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia to conduct military drills near Afghan border as Taliban continues onslaught in Afghanistan

A few months ahead of the September 11 deadline of US drawdown from Afghanistan, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday said that his country would not take responsibility if it was blamed for the downturn in the Afghan peace process. His comments come as the United States and its allies are set to exit Afghanistan amid a recent surge in the spring offensive by the Taliban.

"I wish them luck and a good visit but let me spell it down in advance. If the objective of going to Washington is starting a new blame game and holding Pakistan responsible for all the ills (in Afghanistan) and the lack of (progress in the peace) process, then it will not help," Qureshi was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper. While addressing the Pak-Afghan Bilateral Dialogue in Islamabad, the foreign minister said that Afghan peace is a shared responsibility and "nobody is going to buy it anymore that if things go wrong (then) Pakistan is responsible."&nbsp;

"We will not take responsibility." Stressing that Afghanistan needs "leadership that can negotiate" a successful outcome, Qureshi said it was up to Afghans to decide the way forward for the country. Refuting Pakistan`s well-established ties with the Taliban, Qureshi said that their country has no favourites in Afghanistan. "We have no favourites. There is a general buzz that we are advocates of the Taliban. I am not and I don`t represent them, I represent Pakistan. Taliban are Afghans.

"He further said that a "blame game" between Pakistan and Afghanistan would not achieve anything and called for it to cease, Dawn reported. Moreover, Qureshi expressed concern regarding recent statements from the Afghan vice president and national security adviser.&nbsp;

Last month, Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib had called Pakistan a "brothel house" that has sparked a diplomatic row, evoking a strong reaction from Islamabad. Pakistan, furious over the Afghan NSA`s diatribe, has decided to sever all official links with him.

A few months ahead of the September 11 deadline of US drawdown from Afghanistan, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday said that his country would not take responsibility if it was blamed for the downturn in the Afghan peace process.

A few months ahead of the September 11 deadline of US drawdown from Afghanistan, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday said that his country would not take responsibility if it was blamed for the downturn in the Afghan peace process. His comments come as the United States and its allies are set to exit Afghanistan amid a recent surge in the spring offensive by the Taliban. "I wish them luck and a good visit but let me spell it down in advance. If the objective of going to Washington is starting a new blame game and holding Pakistan responsible for all the ills (in Afghanistan) and the lack of (progress in the peace) process, then it will not help," Qureshi was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper. While addressing the Pak-Afghan Bilateral Dialogue in Islamabad, the foreign minister said that Afghan peace is a shared responsibility and "nobody is going to buy it anymore that if things go wrong (then) Pakistan is responsible." "We will not take responsibility." Stressing that Afghanistan needs "leadership that can negotiate" a successful outcome, Qureshi said it was up to Afghans to decide the way forward for the country. Refuting Pakistan`s well-established ties with the Taliban, Qureshi said that their country has no favourites in Afghanistan. "We have no favourites. There is a general buzz that we are advocates of the Taliban. I am not and I don`t represent them, I represent Pakistan. Taliban are Afghans. "He further said that a "blame game" between Pakistan and Afghanistan would not achieve anything and called for it to cease, Dawn reported. Moreover, Qureshi expressed concern regarding recent statements from the Afghan vice president and national security adviser. Last month, Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib had called Pakistan a "brothel house" that has sparked a diplomatic row, evoking a strong reaction from Islamabad. Pakistan, furious over the Afghan NSA`s diatribe, has decided to sever all official links with him.

Pakistan will not take responsibility if things go wrong in Afghanistan, says FM Qureshi

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday.

It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO">India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO</a>

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condoled Kalra's death.

"Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family," Jaishankar tweeted.

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Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family.
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Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described Kalra as a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment.

"Loss of a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. I spoke to Mrs Monika Kalra conveying heartfelt condolences of all @MEAIndia personnel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," he tweeted.

Kalra had served in Indian missions in Muscat, Hanoi, Pretoria, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Kalra showed exemplary commitment and dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions.@MEAIndia sincerely condoles passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif.

A sincere, hard working &amp; reliable officer, he showed exemplary commitment &amp; dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions to Afghanistan," he said.

Bagchi said the MEA will extend all possible support to his family.

"He will be remembered fondly and missed by one &amp; all. @MEAIndia will extend all possible support to his family," he tweeted.

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday. It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital.

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday. It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital. Also read | India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condoled Kalra's death. "Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family," Jaishankar tweeted. Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 10, 2021 × Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described Kalra as a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. "Loss of a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. I spoke to Mrs Monika Kalra conveying heartfelt condolences of all @MEAIndia personnel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," he tweeted. Kalra had served in Indian missions in Muscat, Hanoi, Pretoria, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Kalra showed exemplary commitment and dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions.@MEAIndia sincerely condoles passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A sincere, hard working & reliable officer, he showed exemplary commitment & dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions to Afghanistan," he said. Bagchi said the MEA will extend all possible support to his family. "He will be remembered fondly and missed by one & all. @MEAIndia will extend all possible support to his family," he tweeted.

India's Consul General in Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif dies after testing positive for Covid

Esther Wanjiru started using&nbsp;heroin&nbsp;at 16 to dull the pain after her baby died, first smoking, and now injecting the opioid which has become increasingly cheap and abundant in&nbsp;Kenya.

"I am a heavy junkie, I usually need two doses," said Wanjiru, 22, as she puts the needle to a damaged vein, surrounded by about 60 other addicts in a clearing behind a church in a Nairobi slum.

Once just a passing stop on the trafficking route to Europe,&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;is becoming a major destination in itself for&nbsp;heroin, with addiction rising as tonnes of powder pass through East Africa.

These days a hit costs as little as 120 shillings (USD$1.10/0.90 euros), creating a devastating path to dependence for poor, troubled Kenyans like Wanjiru.

Wanjiru says she will do anything, even crime or prostitution, to get hold of the drug.

Heroin&nbsp;once reached Europe via the "Balkan Route": smuggled from the poppy fields of Afghanistan overland through the Middle East to capitals in the west.

But the Syrian conflict and border controls that tightened as waves of migrants sought refuge in Europe forced traffickers to change tack.&nbsp;

They turned to the sea to get around the problem.&nbsp;Heroin&nbsp;was put on ships and sailed across the Indian Ocean to the porous eastern coast of Africa, and mulled northward to Europe.

The&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;connect&nbsp;

Mombasa became the main port of arrival.&nbsp;Kenya, a beacon of security in a volatile region, but rife with corruption and lacking oversight, offered smugglers a reliable place to offload their product. &nbsp;

"Narcotraffickers are really identifying&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;as being one of the most stable countries in the region," said Amado De Andres, a former regional director for East Africa at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The lion's share of the&nbsp;heroin&nbsp;hauled ashore, estimated by UNODC at 42 tonnes annually, was earmarked for distant markets.&nbsp;

But in time, local interest steadily grew.

Traffickers kept around five tonnes aside for regional sale as demand for&nbsp;heroin&nbsp;flourished into a $150-million (125-million-euro) business, with most buyers in&nbsp;Kenya.

"Kenya&nbsp;was formerly a transit route, and has increasingly become a destination for&nbsp;heroin," said Victor Okioma, the head of the government-run National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

In 2018, the Ministry of Health estimated 27,000 people were injecting or smoking&nbsp;heroin&nbsp;in a survey of one-third of&nbsp;Kenya's counties.&nbsp;

The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, a Geneva-based NGO, estimated 55,000 injectors alone, pointing to a higher overall figure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-drug-surge-worry-for-neighbours-including-india-381602">Myanmar drug surge worry for neighbours including India</a>

It is now the second-most consumed drug in the country of nearly 50 million behind cannabis, NACADA says.

Around 1 per cent of teenagers aged 14-18 years had admitted using the highly addictive drug, Okioma said.&nbsp;

"Heroin&nbsp;is being consumed even in primary schools," he said.

Covid curse

Kenya&nbsp;created a coastguard in 2018, bolstered container checks at Mombasa's ports, and recently began participating in an Interpol-led drug detection program at its international airport in Nairobi.

Seizures of&nbsp;heroin&nbsp;and morphine have increased tenfold in Africa between 2008 and 2018 and the majority were made in East Africa, according to the UNODC.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;heroin&nbsp;still finds its way to users like Wanjiru, and others facing hard times.

"I can assure you, the number of users is growing also because now of the situation of Covid," John Kimani, the executive director of KeNPUD, a Kenyan harm reduction program.

"There's depression....&nbsp;people lost jobs," and turned to drugs.

Kenya&nbsp;has been expanding access to methadone, a&nbsp;heroin&nbsp;substitute, which helps keeps withdrawal symptoms at bay and allows addicts to wean off the drug.

The UNODC says there are around 10 clinics serving an estimated 7,000&nbsp;heroin&nbsp;addicts in&nbsp;Kenya, but they can't reach all in need.

The nearest clinic to James Kwenga is on the other side of Nairobi, and transport costs about 150 shillings ($1.30, 1.16 euros).

"I can't afford that every day, because I don't have a job," said the homeless man. "If they can't come near here, many people can't beat this drug."

Esther Wanjiru started using heroin at 16 to dull the pain after her baby died, first smoking, and now injecting the opioid which has become increasingly cheap and abundant in Kenya.

Esther Wanjiru started using heroin at 16 to dull the pain after her baby died, first smoking, and now injecting the opioid which has become increasingly cheap and abundant in Kenya. "I am a heavy junkie, I usually need two doses," said Wanjiru, 22, as she puts the needle to a damaged vein, surrounded by about 60 other addicts in a clearing behind a church in a Nairobi slum. Once just a passing stop on the trafficking route to Europe, Kenya is becoming a major destination in itself for heroin, with addiction rising as tonnes of powder pass through East Africa. These days a hit costs as little as 120 shillings (USD$1.10/0.90 euros), creating a devastating path to dependence for poor, troubled Kenyans like Wanjiru. Wanjiru says she will do anything, even crime or prostitution, to get hold of the drug. Heroin once reached Europe via the "Balkan Route": smuggled from the poppy fields of Afghanistan overland through the Middle East to capitals in the west. But the Syrian conflict and border controls that tightened as waves of migrants sought refuge in Europe forced traffickers to change tack. They turned to the sea to get around the problem. Heroin was put on ships and sailed across the Indian Ocean to the porous eastern coast of Africa, and mulled northward to Europe. The Kenya connect Mombasa became the main port of arrival. Kenya, a beacon of security in a volatile region, but rife with corruption and lacking oversight, offered smugglers a reliable place to offload their product. "Narcotraffickers are really identifying Kenya as being one of the most stable countries in the region," said Amado De Andres, a former regional director for East Africa at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The lion's share of the heroin hauled ashore, estimated by UNODC at 42 tonnes annually, was earmarked for distant markets. But in time, local interest steadily grew. Traffickers kept around five tonnes aside for regional sale as demand for heroin flourished into a $150-million (125-million-euro) business, with most buyers in Kenya. "Kenya was formerly a transit route, and has increasingly become a destination for heroin," said Victor Okioma, the head of the government-run National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA). In 2018, the Ministry of Health estimated 27,000 people were injecting or smoking heroin in a survey of one-third of Kenya's counties. The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, a Geneva-based NGO, estimated 55,000 injectors alone, pointing to a higher overall figure. Also read | Myanmar drug surge worry for neighbours including India It is now the second-most consumed drug in the country of nearly 50 million behind cannabis, NACADA says. Around 1 per cent of teenagers aged 14-18 years had admitted using the highly addictive drug, Okioma said. "Heroin is being consumed even in primary schools," he said. Covid curse Kenya created a coastguard in 2018, bolstered container checks at Mombasa's ports, and recently began participating in an Interpol-led drug detection program at its international airport in Nairobi. Seizures of heroin and morphine have increased tenfold in Africa between 2008 and 2018 and the majority were made in East Africa, according to the UNODC. But heroin still finds its way to users like Wanjiru, and others facing hard times. "I can assure you, the number of users is growing also because now of the situation of Covid," John Kimani, the executive director of KeNPUD, a Kenyan harm reduction program. "There's depression.... people lost jobs," and turned to drugs. Kenya has been expanding access to methadone, a heroin substitute, which helps keeps withdrawal symptoms at bay and allows addicts to wean off the drug. The UNODC says there are around 10 clinics serving an estimated 7,000 heroin addicts in Kenya, but they can't reach all in need. The nearest clinic to James Kwenga is on the other side of Nairobi, and transport costs about 150 shillings ($1.30, 1.16 euros). "I can't afford that every day, because I don't have a job," said the homeless man. "If they can't come near here, many people can't beat this drug."

Formerly a transit route to Europe, Kenya becomes heroin hub

China, which is hosting a meeting of Foreign Ministers of some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation, said on Tuesday that the virtual conference is open to all countries in the region, including India.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are invited to the virtual Foreign Ministerial level meeting being hosted on Tuesday by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. India, Maldives and Bhutan are conspicuously absent from the meeting.

Asked why India has not been invited to the meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that "China follows the spirit of openness and inclusiveness".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks ">China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks&nbsp;</a>

"This meeting is open to South Asian countries, including India. We welcome the participation of all countries," he said.

This meeting is part of China's cooperation with South Asian countries and regional and international cooperation to fight the coronavirus pandemic, he said.

"We follow an open attitude and we are open for the participation of other South Asian countries,? Wang said. 
About China's offer of extending support and assistance to India, which is currently experiencing a virulent second wave of coronavirus attack, Wang said, "China has expressed early on its willingness to provide India with support and help".

"We are promoting Chinese companies to meet India's procurement demands for oxygen concentrators and other anti-epidemic supplies. We are ready to work with India in multiple ways to provide assistance. We believe India will finally defeat the virus, he said.

China reported the first COVID-19 case in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and since then the deadly disease has snowballed into a pandemic, affecting more than 147,925,000 people and over 3,122,300 deaths worldwide.

About Tuesday's meeting the spokesman said, "as we speak, the virus is still spreading across the world. Against such a backdrop, China proposed to hold a video conference to demonstrate regional resolution to fight against COVID-19, deepen practical cooperation, consolidate momentum for economic recovery and safeguard outcomes and livelihood improvements.

"We hope that it will be a successful one and inject a new impetus to regional efforts to vanquish the virus and realise steady development,? he said.

"This meeting extends existing efforts by China at relevant South Asian countries to jointly fight COVID-19 and jointly resume socio-economic development, he said, adding that it also stands as an integral part of international, regional anti-epidemic cooperation.

"The meeting will be held under the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. Other interested countries are welcome to participate, he said.

On China's organising the meeting of the South Asian countries to combat COVID-19, Wang said that since the outbreak of COVID-19 China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have been standing together, providing assistance to one another and contributing to regional response.

Since July 2020, China has hosted a series of meetings on combating COVID-19 including one meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Vice Foreign Ministers of China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh and another fighting coronavirus and poverty alleviation at Director-General level of all the six countries, Wang said.

"The meetings effectively enhanced cooperation among countries to fight the virus and resume economic activities," he said.

China, which is hosting a meeting of Foreign Ministers of some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation, said on Tuesday that the virtual conference is open to all countries in the region, including India.

China, which is hosting a meeting of Foreign Ministers of some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation, said on Tuesday that the virtual conference is open to all countries in the region, including India. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are invited to the virtual Foreign Ministerial level meeting being hosted on Tuesday by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. India, Maldives and Bhutan are conspicuously absent from the meeting. Asked why India has not been invited to the meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that "China follows the spirit of openness and inclusiveness". Also read: China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks "This meeting is open to South Asian countries, including India. We welcome the participation of all countries," he said. This meeting is part of China's cooperation with South Asian countries and regional and international cooperation to fight the coronavirus pandemic, he said. "We follow an open attitude and we are open for the participation of other South Asian countries,? Wang said. About China's offer of extending support and assistance to India, which is currently experiencing a virulent second wave of coronavirus attack, Wang said, "China has expressed early on its willingness to provide India with support and help". "We are promoting Chinese companies to meet India's procurement demands for oxygen concentrators and other anti-epidemic supplies. We are ready to work with India in multiple ways to provide assistance. We believe India will finally defeat the virus, he said. China reported the first COVID-19 case in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and since then the deadly disease has snowballed into a pandemic, affecting more than 147,925,000 people and over 3,122,300 deaths worldwide. About Tuesday's meeting the spokesman said, "as we speak, the virus is still spreading across the world. Against such a backdrop, China proposed to hold a video conference to demonstrate regional resolution to fight against COVID-19, deepen practical cooperation, consolidate momentum for economic recovery and safeguard outcomes and livelihood improvements. "We hope that it will be a successful one and inject a new impetus to regional efforts to vanquish the virus and realise steady development,? he said. "This meeting extends existing efforts by China at relevant South Asian countries to jointly fight COVID-19 and jointly resume socio-economic development, he said, adding that it also stands as an integral part of international, regional anti-epidemic cooperation. "The meeting will be held under the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. Other interested countries are welcome to participate, he said. On China's organising the meeting of the South Asian countries to combat COVID-19, Wang said that since the outbreak of COVID-19 China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have been standing together, providing assistance to one another and contributing to regional response. Since July 2020, China has hosted a series of meetings on combating COVID-19 including one meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Vice Foreign Ministers of China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh and another fighting coronavirus and poverty alleviation at Director-General level of all the six countries, Wang said. "The meetings effectively enhanced cooperation among countries to fight the virus and resume economic activities," he said.

China says its South Asian Foreign Ministers' meet on Covid-19 is 'open' to India

The military of the United States has formally begun its withdrawal from Afghanistan after almost 20 years in the country, Army General Austin Scott Miller confirmed on Sunday.&nbsp;

This development comes less than two weeks after President Joe Biden announced that all US troops would be out of the country by September 11, 2021 — a significant achievement that eluded his predecessors.

But the move has received bipartisan backlash in US Senate. Republican leader Mitch McConnell said that it would be a grave mistake to withdraw before ensuring the Taliban had been defeated.

The Taliban have continued their activity in the region even as the US pushes for peace talks: The Afghan government reported that the Taliban conducted 62 bomb blasts and six suicide bombings in the last 11 days, killing 63 civilians and wounding 180 more.

Army General Miller, who has been commanding the US forces and the NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan in their fight against the Taliban and other Islamist militant groups since 2018, said foreign forces will continue to have "the military means and capability to fully protect themselves during the ongoing retrograde and will support the Afghan security forces."

"I`ve had the opportunity to talk to Taliban members with the Taliban Political Commission, and I`ve told them a return to violence, an effort to force a military decision, would be a tragedy for Afghanistan and the Afghan people," Miller told reporters in the capital Kabul.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, when they were ousted by US-led forces. Since then they have waged a long-running insurgency and now control wide swathes of territory.

Security experts in recent weeks said they doubt if the Taliban will allow US forces, whom they call invaders, to peacefully exit the country at a time when clashes between the Afghan forces and the Taliban have not ebbed.

Foreign force withdrawal is slated to begin on May 1, in line with an agreement with the Taliban in 2020.

"As we retrograde to zero US forces, we will turn over the (military) bases primarily to the (Afghan) Ministry of Defense and other Afghan forces," Miller said adding that the Taliban have committed to breaking their relationship with al Qaeda, the Islamist extremist group.

The Taliban government`s sheltering of al Qaeda was the key reason for the US invasion of Afghanistan after the September 2001 attacks.

A United Nations report in January said there were as many as 500 al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan and that the Taliban maintained a close relationship with them. The Taliban denies al Qaeda presence in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

The military of the United States has formally begun its withdrawal from Afghanistan after almost 20 years in the country, Army General Austin Scott Miller confirmed on Sunday.

The military of the United States has formally begun its withdrawal from Afghanistan after almost 20 years in the country, Army General Austin Scott Miller confirmed on Sunday. This development comes less than two weeks after President Joe Biden announced that all US troops would be out of the country by September 11, 2021 — a significant achievement that eluded his predecessors. But the move has received bipartisan backlash in US Senate. Republican leader Mitch McConnell said that it would be a grave mistake to withdraw before ensuring the Taliban had been defeated. The Taliban have continued their activity in the region even as the US pushes for peace talks: The Afghan government reported that the Taliban conducted 62 bomb blasts and six suicide bombings in the last 11 days, killing 63 civilians and wounding 180 more. Army General Miller, who has been commanding the US forces and the NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan in their fight against the Taliban and other Islamist militant groups since 2018, said foreign forces will continue to have "the military means and capability to fully protect themselves during the ongoing retrograde and will support the Afghan security forces." "I`ve had the opportunity to talk to Taliban members with the Taliban Political Commission, and I`ve told them a return to violence, an effort to force a military decision, would be a tragedy for Afghanistan and the Afghan people," Miller told reporters in the capital Kabul. The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, when they were ousted by US-led forces. Since then they have waged a long-running insurgency and now control wide swathes of territory. Security experts in recent weeks said they doubt if the Taliban will allow US forces, whom they call invaders, to peacefully exit the country at a time when clashes between the Afghan forces and the Taliban have not ebbed. Foreign force withdrawal is slated to begin on May 1, in line with an agreement with the Taliban in 2020. "As we retrograde to zero US forces, we will turn over the (military) bases primarily to the (Afghan) Ministry of Defense and other Afghan forces," Miller said adding that the Taliban have committed to breaking their relationship with al Qaeda, the Islamist extremist group. The Taliban government`s sheltering of al Qaeda was the key reason for the US invasion of Afghanistan after the September 2001 attacks. A United Nations report in January said there were as many as 500 al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan and that the Taliban maintained a close relationship with them. The Taliban denies al Qaeda presence in Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

US troops begin final withdrawal from Afghanistan, Taliban ramps up deadly bombings

The foreign&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;of&nbsp;Afghanistan,&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;and Turkey will hold talks in Istanbul on Friday, Turkey said, after a wider&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace&nbsp;conference was postponed because the Taliban said they would not participate.

The planned&nbsp;peace&nbsp;talks in Turkey were scheduled for April 24 to fast-track an agreement between the Taliban and&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;government in light of the announcement by Washington that foreign troops would leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;by September 11.

No new date has been set for those talks.

Turkey's foreign ministry said Friday's three-way meeting would cover "recent developments regarding the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process, cooperation in the fields of security, energy, connectivity and irregular migration".

On Monday,&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;urged the Taliban to remain engaged in the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process after the armed group said it would now shun summits about&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;until all foreign forces leave.

The decision was taken after the United States said last week it would withdraw all troops by Sept. 11 this year, later than a May 1 deadline set out by the previous administration.

The foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey will hold talks in Istanbul on Friday, Turkey said, after a wider Afghan peace conference was postponed because the Taliban said they would not participate.

The foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey will hold talks in Istanbul on Friday, Turkey said, after a wider Afghan peace conference was postponed because the Taliban said they would not participate. The planned peace talks in Turkey were scheduled for April 24 to fast-track an agreement between the Taliban and Afghan government in light of the announcement by Washington that foreign troops would leave Afghanistan by September 11. No new date has been set for those talks. Turkey's foreign ministry said Friday's three-way meeting would cover "recent developments regarding the Afghan peace process, cooperation in the fields of security, energy, connectivity and irregular migration". On Monday, Pakistan urged the Taliban to remain engaged in the Afghan peace process after the armed group said it would now shun summits about Afghanistan until all foreign forces leave. The decision was taken after the United States said last week it would withdraw all troops by Sept. 11 this year, later than a May 1 deadline set out by the previous administration.

Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkish ministers to discuss Afghan peace prospects

US secretary of state <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mike-pompeo-to-meet-taliban-afghan-negotiators-in-doha-344444">Mike Pompeo </a>arrived in Qatar on Saturday and met negotiators from the Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-3-dead-11-injured-after-14-rockets-hit-different-parts-of-kabul-344498/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I would be most interested in getting your thoughts on how we can increase the probability of a successful outcome", Pompeo said as he met Afghan government officials.

Pompeo's meeting comes as the outgoing Trump administration seeks to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan. Pentagon had said earlier that it would soon pull out nearly 2,000 troops from Afghanistan.

US, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-welcome-us-troop-drawdown-from-afghanistan-as-good-step-343943">Taliban </a>and Afghanistan government officials have been in talks in Doha since September, however, there have been repeated breakdowns with the Taliban's differences with the Afghan government.

The Doha talks had opened after the Taliban and the US government signed a deal in February with the Trump administration agreeing to withdraw foreign forces from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-taliban-was-involved-in-helmand-attacks-afghan-interior-minister-spokesperson-to-wion-343535">Afghanistan</a> in exchange for security guarantees. However, attacks by the Taliban have been widespread amid the talks.

The Afghan government has said that the Taliban has killed over 1,200 civilians in suicide attacks this week and has caused 1,250 explosions over the past six months. &nbsp;

The top Trump administration diplomat also met Qatar's ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and foreign minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

Pompeo held talks on defence and counterterrorism issues with Qatar officials.

Pompeo is on a &nbsp;seven-nation tour of Europe and the Middle East. 
&nbsp;

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo arrived in Qatar on Saturday and met negotiators from the Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha. Watch: "I would be most interested in getting your thoughts on how we can increase the probability of a successful outcome", Pompeo said as he met Afghan government officials.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo arrived in Qatar on Saturday and met negotiators from the Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha. Watch: "I would be most interested in getting your thoughts on how we can increase the probability of a successful outcome", Pompeo said as he met Afghan government officials. Pompeo's meeting comes as the outgoing Trump administration seeks to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan. Pentagon had said earlier that it would soon pull out nearly 2,000 troops from Afghanistan. US, Taliban and Afghanistan government officials have been in talks in Doha since September, however, there have been repeated breakdowns with the Taliban's differences with the Afghan government. The Doha talks had opened after the Taliban and the US government signed a deal in February with the Trump administration agreeing to withdraw foreign forces from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees. However, attacks by the Taliban have been widespread amid the talks. The Afghan government has said that the Taliban has killed over 1,200 civilians in suicide attacks this week and has caused 1,250 explosions over the past six months. The top Trump administration diplomat also met Qatar's ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and foreign minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. Pompeo held talks on defence and counterterrorism issues with Qatar officials. Pompeo is on a seven-nation tour of Europe and the Middle East.

Pompeo meets Taliban, Afghan government officials in Qatar

A rocket attack that struck Kabul this week as the city marked Afghanistan's independence day killed at least three people, including two members of President Ashraf Ghani's honour guard, officials said Wednesday.

Fourteen rockets were fired into central Kabul on Tuesday as the country marked the 101st anniversary of its independence, with one of the missiles slamming into the compound of the famous Arg presidential palace.

Interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian said three people, including two government employees, had been killed in the strike.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rockets-hit-afghan-capital-kabul-no-group-claims-responsibility-321541" hreflang="en">Rockets hit Afghan capital Kabul; no group claims responsibility</a>

He did not specify who the employees were, but two palace officials told AFP on condition of anonymity they were members of Ghani's honour guard.

Another six honour guard members were wounded when the rocket hit the palace compound shortly after Ghani had wrapped up his ceremonial duties Tuesday.

The Arg Palace is located in a highly fortified area of the capital that also houses several embassies.

Arian said 16 other people were also wounded in the rocket salvo, including four children and a woman.

No group has so far claimed the attack, which came as the Afghan government and the Taliban are poised to begin peace talks.

Ghani's swearing-in ceremony on March 9 was also interrupted by rocket fire near the palace. No serious injuries were reported at the time.

In August 2018, multiple rockets were fired in Kabul, including at the presidential palace, where Ghani was making a speech. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

A rocket attack that struck Kabul this week as the city marked Afghanistan's independence day killed at least three people, including two members of President Ashraf Ghani's honour guard, officials said Wednesday.

A rocket attack that struck Kabul this week as the city marked Afghanistan's independence day killed at least three people, including two members of President Ashraf Ghani's honour guard, officials said Wednesday. Fourteen rockets were fired into central Kabul on Tuesday as the country marked the 101st anniversary of its independence, with one of the missiles slamming into the compound of the famous Arg presidential palace. Interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian said three people, including two government employees, had been killed in the strike. Also read: Rockets hit Afghan capital Kabul; no group claims responsibility He did not specify who the employees were, but two palace officials told AFP on condition of anonymity they were members of Ghani's honour guard. Another six honour guard members were wounded when the rocket hit the palace compound shortly after Ghani had wrapped up his ceremonial duties Tuesday. The Arg Palace is located in a highly fortified area of the capital that also houses several embassies. Arian said 16 other people were also wounded in the rocket salvo, including four children and a woman. No group has so far claimed the attack, which came as the Afghan government and the Taliban are poised to begin peace talks. Ghani's swearing-in ceremony on March 9 was also interrupted by rocket fire near the palace. No serious injuries were reported at the time. In August 2018, multiple rockets were fired in Kabul, including at the presidential palace, where Ghani was making a speech. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

3 killed, 16 wounded in Kabul rocket attack

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