Afghan authorities on Friday said they had started to release 400 Taliban prisoners, the final hurdle in long-delayed peace talks between the two warring sides, even as President Ashraf Ghani warned they were a "danger to the world".

The Afghan government and the Taliban are set to meet within days of the prisoner release being completed, in a move that has drawn widespread condemnation after it emerged many of the inmates were involved in attacks that killed scores of Afghans and foreigners.

A group of 80 prisoners was released on Thursday, said National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal, tweeting that it would "speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting, nationwide ceasefire".

The peace talks will be held in Doha, Qatar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-reacts-to-wion-interview-with-afghan-govt-spokesperson-says-peace-talks-after-prisoners-released-319716">Also read:&nbsp;Taliban reacts to WION interview with Afghan govt spokesperson; says peace talks after prisoners released</a>

The release of the 400 militants was approved at the weekend by a gathering of thousands of prominent Afghans called by Ghani after the authorities initially refused to free the militants.

The prisoners include some 44 insurgents of particular concern to the United States and other countries for their role in high-profile attacks, according to an official list seen by AFP.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said earlier this week he had lobbied for a former Afghan army soldier, who went rogue and killed three Australian colleagues, to stay in jail.

Ghani warned on Thursday that the hardened criminals were "likely to pose a danger both to us and to (America) and to the world".

"Until this issue, there was a consensus on the desirability of peace but not on the cost of it," Ghani said in a video conference organised by a US think tank.&nbsp;

"We have now paid the major installment on cost and that means peace will have consequences," he added, noting that the release of "hardened criminals" and drug dealers was "likely to pose a danger both to us and to (America) and to the world".

<img alt="Taliban prisoners being released" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73738e16-5dc8-4b31-aace-b1e1185d09a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Taliban%20prisoners%20released%20%281%29.jpg" />

A prisoner swap formed part of a deal signed by the Taliban and the United States in February, which saw Washington agree to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan in return for a pledge from the insurgents to hold peace talks with the Afghan government.

The Afghan government was excluded from that deal.

The February deal had stipulated that Kabul release 5,000 militants in return for 1,000 Afghan government prisoners held by the insurgents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-warn-against-attacks-on-freed-prisoners-going-home-319776">Also read:&nbsp;Taliban warn against attacks on freed prisoners going home</a>

While Kabul released the bulk of Taliban prisoners as agreed in the deal, it had baulked at freeing the final 400.

The "loya jirga" -- the traditional gathering of tribal elders and other prominent citizens called by Ghani at the weekend -- approved the release to pave the way for talks and a possible ceasefire.

They asked authorities to monitor the freed prisoners to ensure they did not return to the battlefield.

Ahead of the jirga, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had urged the gathering to release the prisoners, although he acknowledged the move was "unpopular".

The Taliban, meanwhile, has warned of possible attacks against the freed prisoners by extremists of Islamic State group in coordination with Afghanistan's spy agency.

Afghan authorities on Friday said they had started to release 400 Taliban prisoners, the final hurdle in long-delayed peace talks between the two warring sides, even as President Ashraf Ghani warned they were a "danger to the world".

Afghan authorities on Friday said they had started to release 400 Taliban prisoners, the final hurdle in long-delayed peace talks between the two warring sides, even as President Ashraf Ghani warned they were a "danger to the world". The Afghan government and the Taliban are set to meet within days of the prisoner release being completed, in a move that has drawn widespread condemnation after it emerged many of the inmates were involved in attacks that killed scores of Afghans and foreigners. A group of 80 prisoners was released on Thursday, said National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal, tweeting that it would "speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting, nationwide ceasefire". The peace talks will be held in Doha, Qatar. Also read: Taliban reacts to WION interview with Afghan govt spokesperson; says peace talks after prisoners released The release of the 400 militants was approved at the weekend by a gathering of thousands of prominent Afghans called by Ghani after the authorities initially refused to free the militants. The prisoners include some 44 insurgents of particular concern to the United States and other countries for their role in high-profile attacks, according to an official list seen by AFP. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said earlier this week he had lobbied for a former Afghan army soldier, who went rogue and killed three Australian colleagues, to stay in jail. Ghani warned on Thursday that the hardened criminals were "likely to pose a danger both to us and to (America) and to the world". "Until this issue, there was a consensus on the desirability of peace but not on the cost of it," Ghani said in a video conference organised by a US think tank. "We have now paid the major installment on cost and that means peace will have consequences," he added, noting that the release of "hardened criminals" and drug dealers was "likely to pose a danger both to us and to (America) and to the world". A prisoner swap formed part of a deal signed by the Taliban and the United States in February, which saw Washington agree to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan in return for a pledge from the insurgents to hold peace talks with the Afghan government. The Afghan government was excluded from that deal. The February deal had stipulated that Kabul release 5,000 militants in return for 1,000 Afghan government prisoners held by the insurgents. Also read: Taliban warn against attacks on freed prisoners going home While Kabul released the bulk of Taliban prisoners as agreed in the deal, it had baulked at freeing the final 400. The "loya jirga" -- the traditional gathering of tribal elders and other prominent citizens called by Ghani at the weekend -- approved the release to pave the way for talks and a possible ceasefire. They asked authorities to monitor the freed prisoners to ensure they did not return to the battlefield. Ahead of the jirga, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had urged the gathering to release the prisoners, although he acknowledged the move was "unpopular". The Taliban, meanwhile, has warned of possible attacks against the freed prisoners by extremists of Islamic State group in coordination with Afghanistan's spy agency.

Afghan authorities begin release of 'dangerous' Taliban prisoners

The Afghan government has begun releasing the last Taliban prisoners from a final batch of 400 who the militants want freed before they agree to start peace negotiations, a security agency spokesman said on Friday.

The government agreed on Sunday to release the 400 "hard-core" prisoners after consulting a grand assembly of elders and other community leaders, known as a Loya Jirga.

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"The government ... yesterday released 80 Taliban convicts out of the 400 that the Consultative Loya Jirga sanctioned for release to speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting, nationwide ceasefire," said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council.

He did not say when the remaining 320 would be set free.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-authorities-begin-release-of-dangerous-taliban-prisoners-320396" hreflang="en">Afghan authorities begin release of 'dangerous' Taliban prisoners</a>

Disagreement over the release of the prisoners, who include some of those accused in connection with some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, has delayed negotiations for months as the United States withdraws troops under a deal signed with the Taliban in February.

President Ashraf Ghani on Monday issued a decree to release the final batch of prisoners.

The Taliban did not immediately respond to request for comment. They have previously said they would sit down for peace talks with the US-backed government in Qatar within a week of the release of the last of the prisoners.

The Taliban have always refused to talk to the government, dismissing it as a US&nbsp;"puppet".

But they agreed to power-sharing talks under the deal struck with the United States, on the withdrawal of its troops in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

The Afghan government has begun releasing the last Taliban prisoners from a final batch of 400 who the militants want freed before they agree to start peace negotiations, a security agency spokesman said on Friday.

The Afghan government has begun releasing the last Taliban prisoners from a final batch of 400 who the militants want freed before they agree to start peace negotiations, a security agency spokesman said on Friday. The government agreed on Sunday to release the 400 "hard-core" prisoners after consulting a grand assembly of elders and other community leaders, known as a Loya Jirga. Also read: Policewoman, two govt staff killed in targeted attacks in Afghanistan "The government ... yesterday released 80 Taliban convicts out of the 400 that the Consultative Loya Jirga sanctioned for release to speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting, nationwide ceasefire," said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council. He did not say when the remaining 320 would be set free. Also read: Afghan authorities begin release of 'dangerous' Taliban prisoners Disagreement over the release of the prisoners, who include some of those accused in connection with some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, has delayed negotiations for months as the United States withdraws troops under a deal signed with the Taliban in February. President Ashraf Ghani on Monday issued a decree to release the final batch of prisoners. The Taliban did not immediately respond to request for comment. They have previously said they would sit down for peace talks with the US-backed government in Qatar within a week of the release of the last of the prisoners. The Taliban have always refused to talk to the government, dismissing it as a US "puppet". But they agreed to power-sharing talks under the deal struck with the United States, on the withdrawal of its troops in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

Afghan government releases 80 of final 400 Taliban prisoners

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar discussed the start of the intra-Afghan talks and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, local news reported citing the group`s spokesman Suhail Shaheen.

In the discussion held via video call, the two leaders called the release of the remaining Taliban prisoners important, Shaheen was quoted as saying while adding that the US secretary of state also welcomed the Eid ceasefire.The United States had welcomed the Taliban`s declaration of a three-day ceasefire for Eid ul-Adha, acting US Ambassador to Kabul Ross Wilson had said in a tweet on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-24-dead-in-mass-jailbreak-in-afghanistan-scores-of-prisoners-flee-317759">Also read:&nbsp;At least 24 dead in mass jailbreak in Afghanistan, scores of prisoners flee</a>

"I welcome the announcements of an Eid ceasefire: Afghans deserve to celebrate the holiday in peace. I look forward to both sides fulfilling their commitments and moving quickly to intra-Afghan negotiations," Wilson posted on Twitter.

The Taliban have committed to reducing violence as part of a peace agreement negotiated by the US in Doha on February 29. In addition to the mutual release of prisoners, the agreement was expected to launch intra-Afghan talks and pave the way for ending the almost two-decade-long confrontation between Kabul and the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-ceasefire-holds-for-third-day-as-hundreds-of-taliban-prisoners-freed-317656">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan ceasefire holds for third day as hundreds of Taliban prisoners freed</a>

US and the NATO have started pulling out forces from Afghanistan following Washington`s peace deal with the Taliban. The second round of talks between the Taliban and the Afghanistan political leadership is yet to begin.

On Sunday, the Islamic State group ISIS claimed responsibility for an over 20-hour long attack on a prison in eastern Afghanistan`s Jalalabad that left at least 29 people dead and facilitated the escape of several hundred of their captured members.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar discussed the start of the intra-Afghan talks and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, local news reported citing the group`s spokesman Suhail Shaheen.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar discussed the start of the intra-Afghan talks and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, local news reported citing the group`s spokesman Suhail Shaheen. In the discussion held via video call, the two leaders called the release of the remaining Taliban prisoners important, Shaheen was quoted as saying while adding that the US secretary of state also welcomed the Eid ceasefire.The United States had welcomed the Taliban`s declaration of a three-day ceasefire for Eid ul-Adha, acting US Ambassador to Kabul Ross Wilson had said in a tweet on Tuesday. Also read: At least 24 dead in mass jailbreak in Afghanistan, scores of prisoners flee "I welcome the announcements of an Eid ceasefire: Afghans deserve to celebrate the holiday in peace. I look forward to both sides fulfilling their commitments and moving quickly to intra-Afghan negotiations," Wilson posted on Twitter. The Taliban have committed to reducing violence as part of a peace agreement negotiated by the US in Doha on February 29. In addition to the mutual release of prisoners, the agreement was expected to launch intra-Afghan talks and pave the way for ending the almost two-decade-long confrontation between Kabul and the Taliban. Also read: Afghan ceasefire holds for third day as hundreds of Taliban prisoners freed US and the NATO have started pulling out forces from Afghanistan following Washington`s peace deal with the Taliban. The second round of talks between the Taliban and the Afghanistan political leadership is yet to begin. On Sunday, the Islamic State group ISIS claimed responsibility for an over 20-hour long attack on a prison in eastern Afghanistan`s Jalalabad that left at least 29 people dead and facilitated the escape of several hundred of their captured members.

Mike Pompeo, Taliban deputy chief discuss intra-Afghan talks over video-call

Khalid Noor, 25, is the youngest member of the Afghan Negotiating team that will sit with the Taliban in the near future to draw out the peace plan for Afghanistan.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Khalid said, Taliban knows Afghanistan has changed but "We have to see if they really mean that during negotiations".

He said, his "vision for his country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan". He also called India's role in the Afghan peace process a crucial one.

Khalid's father Atta Muhammad Noor, a powerful Afghan politician had in 2016 took up the gun himself to protect the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif during a terror attack.

WION: Afghanistan is an old nation, with a young population. We see more young people in public policy. What is your vision for Afghanistan?

Khalid Noor: Afghanistan has been at war for more than 4 decades. My people have been suffering for a generation. However, we are proud of our resilience. One-fourth of my generation, one-fourth of the country's population have been born during the war. This has made us strong and committed to rebuilding Afghanistan.

Post 9/11 a new society and a new generation has emerged. A &nbsp;generation that is well equipped with the latest knowledge and technology and indeed, there are more young people in a senior position and decision-making process in the country. For the first time, in a long time, the country is to young people in terms of jobs. My vision for my country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan--where there is human rights, where there is justice, where there is social justice, freedom, where we have rights of minorities, women rights. These are the values I envision for my country.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see your countries ties with India? 
Khalid Noor: India is a very old friend of Afghanistan and a very good one. We have a common culture and a common history, that goes back to thousands of years. India's role in Afghanistan in the last 19 years has been very very important to us. They have played a good role and contributed to rebuilding Afghanistan in the last 19 years.

I can name places, the house of parliament, an iconic building in the capital city and the Salma dam which an infrastructure project. These are 2 simple and small contribution of India to Afghanistan. The most important part which I see, the scholarship which our young people receive from India. We have more than 65000 graduates in the last few years from India, most of whom received scholarships. Education is the greatest gift that one can give and India as a strategic and good partner of Afghanistan has helped in building the country. Our hearts are very close to each other.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: When you sit with the Taliban, along with your team, what will be your focus?&nbsp;Do you&nbsp;think, Taliban will be back like it was in 1996?

Khalid Noor: Taliban is misunderstanding reality on the ground. We have a strong govt, strong security force, strong institutions, a strong army in the country. Even if the Taliban tries to come to Afghanistan by force, they will face the national army and people Afghanistan and it will unrealistic to say that the Taliban came to Afghanistan the way they came in 1996.

When I go and when my team goes to the negotiating table we have a huge responsibility of conveying the message of our people, the message of new Afghanistan and defending the republic, the constitution of Afghanistan, especially the second&nbsp;chapter of constitution which is very important for us, that include human rights, women rights, the rights of minorities, freedom of expression, freedom of media, all these values we hold.

These are the things we will be taking our selves to the Taliban and on the table, we are giving a chance to the Taliban to reintegrate into the society and to come back and join the other Afghan fellows and have a good and peaceful life in the country.

WION: What is&nbsp;India's role in the Afghan peace process? Do you think, India should talk to the Taliban?

Khalid Noor: India as the key actor in the region, and also as an important partner of Afghanistan plays a very crucial role. A stable Afghanistan means a stable region, keeping this in mind, any peace deal should ensure the safety of the region and our allies and no one in the region, none of our neighbours should have any concerns regarding the peace deal. About India, as they have supported Afghanistan, Afghan govt, we expect India to keep on supporting the people of Afghanistan, Republic of Afghanistan and also support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled peace process.&nbsp;

WION: &nbsp;As a member of the team, how has been your experiences in Moscow, Doha and Pakistan. Who do you think, are not for Afghanistan, a stable prosperous Afghanistan?

Khalid Noor: I have met the Taliban on several occasions. In Moscow, Doha and have attended conferences on peace in Afganistan, one in Pakistan. My experiences have been very good.

Meeting face to face with others helps us know the narratives, different narratives of this war. It is also important to build personal trust if you going for negotiations with Taliban, building trust is the most important so that both sides can trust each other and these dialogues have helped and other people know the Taliban better and also my personal experience, Taliban in Doha, we went there and showed Taliban the new face of Afghanistan and the new Afghanistan.

They were surprised. They said, we know Afghanistan has changed and we respect that. We have to see if they really meant that during negotiations.

Khalid Noor, 25, is the youngest member of the Afghan Negotiating team that will sit with the Taliban in the near future to draw out the peace plan for Afghanistan.

Khalid Noor, 25, is the youngest member of the Afghan Negotiating team that will sit with the Taliban in the near future to draw out the peace plan for Afghanistan. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Khalid said, Taliban knows Afghanistan has changed but "We have to see if they really mean that during negotiations". He said, his "vision for his country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan". He also called India's role in the Afghan peace process a crucial one. Khalid's father Atta Muhammad Noor, a powerful Afghan politician had in 2016 took up the gun himself to protect the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif during a terror attack. WION: Afghanistan is an old nation, with a young population. We see more young people in public policy. What is your vision for Afghanistan? Khalid Noor: Afghanistan has been at war for more than 4 decades. My people have been suffering for a generation. However, we are proud of our resilience. One-fourth of my generation, one-fourth of the country's population have been born during the war. This has made us strong and committed to rebuilding Afghanistan. Post 9/11 a new society and a new generation has emerged. A generation that is well equipped with the latest knowledge and technology and indeed, there are more young people in a senior position and decision-making process in the country. For the first time, in a long time, the country is to young people in terms of jobs. My vision for my country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan--where there is human rights, where there is justice, where there is social justice, freedom, where we have rights of minorities, women rights. These are the values I envision for my country. WION: How do you see your countries ties with India? Khalid Noor: India is a very old friend of Afghanistan and a very good one. We have a common culture and a common history, that goes back to thousands of years. India's role in Afghanistan in the last 19 years has been very very important to us. They have played a good role and contributed to rebuilding Afghanistan in the last 19 years. I can name places, the house of parliament, an iconic building in the capital city and the Salma dam which an infrastructure project. These are 2 simple and small contribution of India to Afghanistan. The most important part which I see, the scholarship which our young people receive from India. We have more than 65000 graduates in the last few years from India, most of whom received scholarships. Education is the greatest gift that one can give and India as a strategic and good partner of Afghanistan has helped in building the country. Our hearts are very close to each other. WION: When you sit with the Taliban, along with your team, what will be your focus? Do you think, Taliban will be back like it was in 1996? Khalid Noor: Taliban is misunderstanding reality on the ground. We have a strong govt, strong security force, strong institutions, a strong army in the country. Even if the Taliban tries to come to Afghanistan by force, they will face the national army and people Afghanistan and it will unrealistic to say that the Taliban came to Afghanistan the way they came in 1996. When I go and when my team goes to the negotiating table we have a huge responsibility of conveying the message of our people, the message of new Afghanistan and defending the republic, the constitution of Afghanistan, especially the second chapter of constitution which is very important for us, that include human rights, women rights, the rights of minorities, freedom of expression, freedom of media, all these values we hold. These are the things we will be taking our selves to the Taliban and on the table, we are giving a chance to the Taliban to reintegrate into the society and to come back and join the other Afghan fellows and have a good and peaceful life in the country. WION: What is India's role in the Afghan peace process? Do you think, India should talk to the Taliban? Khalid Noor: India as the key actor in the region, and also as an important partner of Afghanistan plays a very crucial role. A stable Afghanistan means a stable region, keeping this in mind, any peace deal should ensure the safety of the region and our allies and no one in the region, none of our neighbours should have any concerns regarding the peace deal. About India, as they have supported Afghanistan, Afghan govt, we expect India to keep on supporting the people of Afghanistan, Republic of Afghanistan and also support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled peace process. WION: As a member of the team, how has been your experiences in Moscow, Doha and Pakistan. Who do you think, are not for Afghanistan, a stable prosperous Afghanistan? Khalid Noor: I have met the Taliban on several occasions. In Moscow, Doha and have attended conferences on peace in Afganistan, one in Pakistan. My experiences have been very good. Meeting face to face with others helps us know the narratives, different narratives of this war. It is also important to build personal trust if you going for negotiations with Taliban, building trust is the most important so that both sides can trust each other and these dialogues have helped and other people know the Taliban better and also my personal experience, Taliban in Doha, we went there and showed Taliban the new face of Afghanistan and the new Afghanistan. They were surprised. They said, we know Afghanistan has changed and we respect that. We have to see if they really meant that during negotiations.

Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed for Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent on Sunday to garner support to meet the remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases.

"US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad departed on June 28 for travel to Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent. At all three locations, Ambassador Khalilzad will urge support for all Afghans to meet their remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases," the US State Department said in a statement.

Khalilzad is joined by US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Adam Boehler and his team.

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"Afghan peace, economic growth, and regional connectivity are closely linked and mutually supportive. The delegation will explore investment opportunities and partnerships in a range of sectors to advance the economic recovery of Afghanistan and support sustained peace and stability in the region," the department said.

The intra-Afghan talks were initially set to commence on March 10, under the US-Taliban peace deal, but were pushed back due to disagreements over the mutual release of prisoners. The Taliban, in particular, demanded that Kabul free all 5,000 prisoners at once.

However, the prisoner exchanges that have been taking place over the last few months, as well as the Eid al-Fitr ceasefire, demonstrated some potential for a breakthrough in the Afghan peace process.

Last week, Khalilzad said that intra-Afghan talks are closer than ever, praising Kabul for freeing over 3,000 Taliban prisoners and the Taliban for releasing more than 500 government prisoners.

"Due to the challenges of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador Khalilzad, CEO Boehler and their delegation will also conduct meetings with Afghan officials throughout the trip remotely via video," the statement further said.

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed for Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent on Sunday to garner support to meet the remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases.

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed for Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent on Sunday to garner support to meet the remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases. "US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad departed on June 28 for travel to Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent. At all three locations, Ambassador Khalilzad will urge support for all Afghans to meet their remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases," the US State Department said in a statement. Khalilzad is joined by US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Adam Boehler and his team. Also read: Bomb attack kills two human rights workers in Kabul "Afghan peace, economic growth, and regional connectivity are closely linked and mutually supportive. The delegation will explore investment opportunities and partnerships in a range of sectors to advance the economic recovery of Afghanistan and support sustained peace and stability in the region," the department said. The intra-Afghan talks were initially set to commence on March 10, under the US-Taliban peace deal, but were pushed back due to disagreements over the mutual release of prisoners. The Taliban, in particular, demanded that Kabul free all 5,000 prisoners at once. However, the prisoner exchanges that have been taking place over the last few months, as well as the Eid al-Fitr ceasefire, demonstrated some potential for a breakthrough in the Afghan peace process. Last week, Khalilzad said that intra-Afghan talks are closer than ever, praising Kabul for freeing over 3,000 Taliban prisoners and the Taliban for releasing more than 500 government prisoners. "Due to the challenges of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador Khalilzad, CEO Boehler and their delegation will also conduct meetings with Afghan officials throughout the trip remotely via video," the statement further said.

US special envoy Khalilzad travels to Pak to forge remaining commitments of intra-Afghan peace talks

Kabul has rejected the allegations by Pakistan foreign ministry about Tehreek-e-Pakistan (TTP) using Afghan territories by a third party to destabilise regional countries, including Pakistan.

"TTP and its splinter groups have the blood of the Afghan people on their hands and are designated as terrorist organisations in the National Threat Assessment and National Security Policy of Afghanistan," the Afghan foreign ministry replied to the accusations made by the foreign ministry of Pakistan in a statement on Friday.

"Like other terrorist organisations, TTP has allied itself since its emergence with those fighting the government and people of Afghanistan. Over the past years, a significant number of TTP leaders and operatives have been either taken out in the battleground or captured and brought to justice in Afghanistan," it added further.

Kabul's remarks follow a report submitted by the United Nations Security Council's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning individuals and entities constituting a threat to the peace and stability in Afghanistan.

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On June 4, Pakistan's foreign office said that the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Report has endorsed its stance that TTP operating from Afghanistan and supported by India threatens regional countries including Pakistan.

In a statement on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan has been highlighting India's sponsorship of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan.

The report had also referred to a "continued presence" of the senior leadership of UN-designated terrorist organisation Al Qaida and its affiliates in Afghanistan. It had also mentioned a large number of foreign terrorist fighters, including up to 6,500 Pakistan nationals, operating in Afghanistan.

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As a victim of terrorism, Afghanistan said it has striven to play more than its part in the region's collective fight against this common enemy. The elimination of a number of top TTP leaders and the prosecution and imprisonment of hundreds of foreign fighters from TTP, LeT, JEM, ETIM, IMU, ISIS-K and other transnational terrorist group are a testament to our strong will and relentless efforts without any distraction in the fight against terrorism.

Furthermore, in the interest of transparency and regional cooperation, Kabul said it has provided access for concerned partner countries to the leaders and operatives of terrorism outfits in our custody.

"As a cornerstone of our commitment in the fight against terrorism, we have shown it transparency that Afghanistan has never allowed and will never tolerate any acts by any third party, whether state or no-state, to use Afghanistan to destabilise another country. This resolve to fight terrorism relentlessly without distinction flows from the solidarity we feel with all victims of terrorism, whether in Pakistan or India or elsewhere in the world," the Afghan foreign ministry said.

While the fight against regional and international terrorism in all its manifestations must remain a top priority for all responsible states in our region and globally. Afghanistan is also currently pursuing a peace process where we need determined and far-sighted cooperation of all our regional and international partners, it said.

"We believe it is in the best interest of countries in the region and the international community to support the Afghan peace process as it will bring strategic gains to the international counter-terrorism and regional security efforts," it added.

Kabul has rejected the allegations by Pakistan foreign ministry about Tehreek-e-Pakistan (TTP) using Afghan territories by a third party to destabilise regional countries, including Pakistan.

Kabul has rejected the allegations by Pakistan foreign ministry about Tehreek-e-Pakistan (TTP) using Afghan territories by a third party to destabilise regional countries, including Pakistan. "TTP and its splinter groups have the blood of the Afghan people on their hands and are designated as terrorist organisations in the National Threat Assessment and National Security Policy of Afghanistan," the Afghan foreign ministry replied to the accusations made by the foreign ministry of Pakistan in a statement on Friday. "Like other terrorist organisations, TTP has allied itself since its emergence with those fighting the government and people of Afghanistan. Over the past years, a significant number of TTP leaders and operatives have been either taken out in the battleground or captured and brought to justice in Afghanistan," it added further. Kabul's remarks follow a report submitted by the United Nations Security Council's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning individuals and entities constituting a threat to the peace and stability in Afghanistan. Also read: Indian spying quadcopter allegedly shot down by Pak army along LoC On June 4, Pakistan's foreign office said that the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Report has endorsed its stance that TTP operating from Afghanistan and supported by India threatens regional countries including Pakistan. In a statement on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan has been highlighting India's sponsorship of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan. The report had also referred to a "continued presence" of the senior leadership of UN-designated terrorist organisation Al Qaida and its affiliates in Afghanistan. It had also mentioned a large number of foreign terrorist fighters, including up to 6,500 Pakistan nationals, operating in Afghanistan. Also read: American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape; evidence to be revealed soon As a victim of terrorism, Afghanistan said it has striven to play more than its part in the region's collective fight against this common enemy. The elimination of a number of top TTP leaders and the prosecution and imprisonment of hundreds of foreign fighters from TTP, LeT, JEM, ETIM, IMU, ISIS-K and other transnational terrorist group are a testament to our strong will and relentless efforts without any distraction in the fight against terrorism. Furthermore, in the interest of transparency and regional cooperation, Kabul said it has provided access for concerned partner countries to the leaders and operatives of terrorism outfits in our custody. "As a cornerstone of our commitment in the fight against terrorism, we have shown it transparency that Afghanistan has never allowed and will never tolerate any acts by any third party, whether state or no-state, to use Afghanistan to destabilise another country. This resolve to fight terrorism relentlessly without distinction flows from the solidarity we feel with all victims of terrorism, whether in Pakistan or India or elsewhere in the world," the Afghan foreign ministry said. While the fight against regional and international terrorism in all its manifestations must remain a top priority for all responsible states in our region and globally. Afghanistan is also currently pursuing a peace process where we need determined and far-sighted cooperation of all our regional and international partners, it said. "We believe it is in the best interest of countries in the region and the international community to support the Afghan peace process as it will bring strategic gains to the international counter-terrorism and regional security efforts," it added.

Kabul denounces Pakistan's accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region

Kabul's markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country.

Afghanistan had recorded 9,216 cases of COVID-19, the lung disease caused by the virus, and 205 deaths as of Friday, the health ministry said. The highest number of cases has been in Kabul, a city of six million that has been under a lockdown of varying intensity since March 28.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drastic-increase-in-attacks-on-civilians-in-afghanistan-300341">Also watch:&nbsp;Drastic increase in attacks on civilians in Afghanistan</a>

"It's almost two months that Afghans have been in quarantine and surely everyone has suffered a lot during this period," Ghulam Hussain, a Kabul resident at one busy market, told Reuters.

Prices for everything in the market have shot up during the lockdown, he added.

Two of the largest markets in the heart of Kabul visited by Reuters were packed, with most shoppers not wearing masks or gloves and not observing social distancing rules. &nbsp;

"I admit that everyone should observe the hygiene (guidelines) and follow the government and doctors` advice, but what about the attacks and killings that are happening in our country and claim the lives of our people daily?" asked Abdul Saleem, another shopper.

While there has been a partial relaxation of the lockdown, with Kabul`s local administration also announcing fresh guidelines for residents in the lead-up to Eid on Friday, people have been ignoring appeals to respect social distancing.

The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, will be observed either on Saturday or Sunday in Afghanistan, subject to the sighting of the moon.

Most shoppers visiting markets were looking for dried foods to make traditional Eid dishes and new clothes to mark the occassion. 
&nbsp;

Kabul's markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country.

Kabul's markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country. Afghanistan had recorded 9,216 cases of COVID-19, the lung disease caused by the virus, and 205 deaths as of Friday, the health ministry said. The highest number of cases has been in Kabul, a city of six million that has been under a lockdown of varying intensity since March 28. Also watch: Drastic increase in attacks on civilians in Afghanistan "It's almost two months that Afghans have been in quarantine and surely everyone has suffered a lot during this period," Ghulam Hussain, a Kabul resident at one busy market, told Reuters. Prices for everything in the market have shot up during the lockdown, he added. Two of the largest markets in the heart of Kabul visited by Reuters were packed, with most shoppers not wearing masks or gloves and not observing social distancing rules. "I admit that everyone should observe the hygiene (guidelines) and follow the government and doctors` advice, but what about the attacks and killings that are happening in our country and claim the lives of our people daily?" asked Abdul Saleem, another shopper. While there has been a partial relaxation of the lockdown, with Kabul`s local administration also announcing fresh guidelines for residents in the lead-up to Eid on Friday, people have been ignoring appeals to respect social distancing. The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, will be observed either on Saturday or Sunday in Afghanistan, subject to the sighting of the moon. Most shoppers visiting markets were looking for dried foods to make traditional Eid dishes and new clothes to mark the occassion.

Afghans throng markets ahead of Muslim holiday despite virus fears

Dozens of Afghan patients held in isolation, including at least one confirmed to have the coronavirus, escaped from a quarantine facility in western Afghanistan on Monday after breaking windows and attacking hospital staff, officials said.

Dr Abdul Hakim Tamana, head of the health department of Herat province, said the 38 people who escaped had all recently returned from Iran.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-prohibits-passengers-from-afghanistan-philippines-and-malaysia-over-coronavirus-286890">India prohibits passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia over coronavirus</a>

The border province of Herat is the frontline of Afghanistan's efforts to contain the virus, as thousands of people across the border there from Iran - one of the world`s worst-affected countries - every day.

Afghanistan has so far confirmed 21 cases of the coronavirus, mostly in Herat.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-close-border-with-iran-afghanistan-over-coronavirus-286270">Pakistan to close border with Iran, Afghanistan over coronavirus</a>

Wahid Mayar, spokesman for the country's Ministry of Public Health, said that the patients had escaped with the help of relatives, after beating up health workers and breaking the hospital's windows.

The incident is likely to compound concerns by experts and health officials over the vulnerability of Afghanistan's health infrastructure, devastated by decades of war and a lack of funds, and likely to be hard-pressed to mount any sort of concerted action against a coronavirus epidemic.

Dozens of Afghan patients held in isolation, including at least one confirmed to have the coronavirus, escaped from a quarantine facility in western Afghanistan on Monday after breaking windows and attacking hospital staff, officials said.

Dozens of Afghan patients held in isolation, including at least one confirmed to have the coronavirus, escaped from a quarantine facility in western Afghanistan on Monday after breaking windows and attacking hospital staff, officials said. Dr Abdul Hakim Tamana, head of the health department of Herat province, said the 38 people who escaped had all recently returned from Iran. Also read: India prohibits passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia over coronavirus The border province of Herat is the frontline of Afghanistan's efforts to contain the virus, as thousands of people across the border there from Iran - one of the world`s worst-affected countries - every day. Afghanistan has so far confirmed 21 cases of the coronavirus, mostly in Herat. Also read: Pakistan to close border with Iran, Afghanistan over coronavirus Wahid Mayar, spokesman for the country's Ministry of Public Health, said that the patients had escaped with the help of relatives, after beating up health workers and breaking the hospital's windows. The incident is likely to compound concerns by experts and health officials over the vulnerability of Afghanistan's health infrastructure, devastated by decades of war and a lack of funds, and likely to be hard-pressed to mount any sort of concerted action against a coronavirus epidemic.

Patients, at least one with coronavirus, break out of Afghan quarantine

Afghanistan's President-elect Ashraf Ghani and opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah decided to hold separate swearing-in ceremonies on Monday as the two failed to reach an agreement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-elect-delays-inauguration-to-continue-talks-with-rival-285218">Also Read:&nbsp;Afghan president-elect delays inauguration to continue talks with rival</a>

According to reports, rockets were fired at the presidential palace as Ghani took oath. At least two to five rockets were fired even as Ghani continued his speech.

Ashraf Ghani took oath as president for the second time at the presidential palace in the presence of top NATO allies including&nbsp;US special representative for Afghanistan&nbsp;Zalmay Khalilzad.

"I swear by the name of God that I shall obey and protect the holy religion of Islam, respect and supervise the implementation of the constitution", Ghani said at an oath-taking ceremony.

Last month, Afghanistan's election commission had declared Ghani the winner but Abdullah Abdullah had insisted that he had won and that he would form the government.

Both Ghani and Abdullah had earlier postponed the swearing-in but later decided to go ahead.

Zalmay Khalilzad had&nbsp;failed to strike a deal with the two factions throwing the political process into turmoil.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Abdullah Abdullah took oath at the Sapedar Palace.

Afghanistan's President-elect Ashraf Ghani and opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah decided to hold separate swearing-in ceremonies on Monday as the two failed to reach an agreement.

Afghanistan's President-elect Ashraf Ghani and opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah decided to hold separate swearing-in ceremonies on Monday as the two failed to reach an agreement. Also Read: Afghan president-elect delays inauguration to continue talks with rival According to reports, rockets were fired at the presidential palace as Ghani took oath. At least two to five rockets were fired even as Ghani continued his speech. Ashraf Ghani took oath as president for the second time at the presidential palace in the presence of top NATO allies including US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad. "I swear by the name of God that I shall obey and protect the holy religion of Islam, respect and supervise the implementation of the constitution", Ghani said at an oath-taking ceremony. Last month, Afghanistan's election commission had declared Ghani the winner but Abdullah Abdullah had insisted that he had won and that he would form the government. Both Ghani and Abdullah had earlier postponed the swearing-in but later decided to go ahead. Zalmay Khalilzad had failed to strike a deal with the two factions throwing the political process into turmoil. Meanwhile, Abdullah Abdullah took oath at the Sapedar Palace.

Rockets fired as Ashraf Ghani takes oath as Afghanistan president

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that New Delhi has "friends and influence" in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The comments came even as US and Taliban signed a deal enabling American troops to leave the war-ravaged South Asian country even as questions remain over intra-Afghan talks.&nbsp;

"Today, we Indians, have a very high standing in Afghan society. People genuinely like us. A lot of the work we have done is appreciated. And when it comes to Afghanistan, my own sense is, people tend to be too hard on ourselves. I think we have influence, I think we have a record, I think we have friends in Afghanistan and around Afghanistan. And my own sense is that serious conversations about Afghanistan have only now just begun. We are entering a new phase, that phase has only just begun now," EAM said while speaking at an event in Delhi. &nbsp;

Asked about Pakistan's role as ''destabliser'' in the region and role in Afghanistan, Jaishankar said, "Pakistan is the neighbour. It is the proximate neighbour. Our border with Afghanistan is smaller than Pakistan's. But you have to ask yourself what has Pakistan done, in the last 20 years, what has been their contribution".

Elaborating, "What is their mindset, most people know that...eventually all of us have a reputation, records, friends, partners, interests..it will play out..it will not play out in a hurry, but it will play out."

New Delhi was represented by Indian envoy to Qatar P Kumaran as a witness at the signing of the US-Taliban agreement signed on 29th February.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that New Delhi has "friends and influence" in Afghanistan. The comments came even as US and Taliban signed a deal enabling American troops to leave the war-ravaged South Asian country even as questions remain over intra-Afghan talks.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that New Delhi has "friends and influence" in Afghanistan. The comments came even as US and Taliban signed a deal enabling American troops to leave the war-ravaged South Asian country even as questions remain over intra-Afghan talks. "Today, we Indians, have a very high standing in Afghan society. People genuinely like us. A lot of the work we have done is appreciated. And when it comes to Afghanistan, my own sense is, people tend to be too hard on ourselves. I think we have influence, I think we have a record, I think we have friends in Afghanistan and around Afghanistan. And my own sense is that serious conversations about Afghanistan have only now just begun. We are entering a new phase, that phase has only just begun now," EAM said while speaking at an event in Delhi. Asked about Pakistan's role as ''destabliser'' in the region and role in Afghanistan, Jaishankar said, "Pakistan is the neighbour. It is the proximate neighbour. Our border with Afghanistan is smaller than Pakistan's. But you have to ask yourself what has Pakistan done, in the last 20 years, what has been their contribution". Elaborating, "What is their mindset, most people know that...eventually all of us have a reputation, records, friends, partners, interests..it will play out..it will not play out in a hurry, but it will play out." New Delhi was represented by Indian envoy to Qatar P Kumaran as a witness at the signing of the US-Taliban agreement signed on 29th February.

India has 'friends and influence' in Afghanistan: S Jaishankar

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;said their fighters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-soldier-killed-in-afghanistan-269652">killed a&nbsp;US&nbsp;service&nbsp;member</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;on Monday and posted photographs of a blood-soaked backpack and the identity card of an American soldier to prove it.

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Defense Department said Michael Goble, a&nbsp;US&nbsp;Army sergeant from New Jersey, died on Monday from "injuries sustained while his unit was engaged in combat operations" one day earlier in Kunduz province.

The incident was under investigation, the Pentagon said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shooting-in-the-dark-afghanistans-endless-war-pits-brother-against-brother-267200">Zabihullah Mujahid</a>, a spokesman for the&nbsp;Taliban, said they&nbsp;killed the&nbsp;US&nbsp;force&nbsp;member&nbsp;in a blast in the&nbsp;northern&nbsp;province of Kunduz.

"Our fighters&nbsp;killed a&nbsp;US&nbsp;force&nbsp;member&nbsp;and injured an Afghan commando," Mujahid said in a text message, which included the photographs.

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;as part of a&nbsp;US-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-at-us-military-base-in-afghanistan-kills-one-injures-60-267640">NATO mission</a> to train, assist and advise Afghan&nbsp;forces. Some&nbsp;US&nbsp;forces carry out counter-terrorism operations against Islamist militant groups.

More than a dozen foreign&nbsp;force&nbsp;members have been&nbsp;killed in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in 2019.

The United States has been in negotiations with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/14-taliban-terrorists-killed-in-afghan-airstrike-263184">Taliban&nbsp;militants</a> over the past year on a deal under which the United States could withdraw its&nbsp;forces from its longest war in exchange for&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;security guarantees.

This month,&nbsp;US&nbsp;negotiators said they would take a break from the talks after the insurgents launched a suicide attack on a large&nbsp;US&nbsp;base.

Afghan government&nbsp;forces, supported by the&nbsp;US&nbsp;military, have recently stepped up operations against the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;in Kunduz.

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;control more territory than at any point since they were ousted from power in 2001.

The Taliban said their fighters killed a US service member in Afghanistan on Monday and posted photographs of a blood-soaked backpack and the identity card of an American soldier to prove it.

The Taliban said their fighters killed a US service member in Afghanistan on Monday and posted photographs of a blood-soaked backpack and the identity card of an American soldier to prove it. The US Defense Department said Michael Goble, a US Army sergeant from New Jersey, died on Monday from "injuries sustained while his unit was engaged in combat operations" one day earlier in Kunduz province. The incident was under investigation, the Pentagon said. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said they killed the US force member in a blast in the northern province of Kunduz. "Our fighters killed a US force member and injured an Afghan commando," Mujahid said in a text message, which included the photographs. About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations against Islamist militant groups. More than a dozen foreign force members have been killed in Afghanistan in 2019. The United States has been in negotiations with Taliban militants over the past year on a deal under which the United States could withdraw its forces from its longest war in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. This month, US negotiators said they would take a break from the talks after the insurgents launched a suicide attack on a large US base. Afghan government forces, supported by the US military, have recently stepped up operations against the Taliban in Kunduz. The Taliban control more territory than at any point since they were ousted from power in 2001.

Taliban kill US force member in northern Afghanistan

The 19-year-old Taliban deserter is haunted by the memory of the attack on a police checkpoint in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/blood-and-hope-women-in-afghanistans-elections-253513">Afghanistan</a> in August.

The Taliban band of around 20 fighters began its assault at 10 pm, he recalled, and by sunrise, all twelve Afghan police were dead.

Kneeling in the blood-soaked sand of the bunker as he and his comrades checked the bodies for weapons and ammunition, the young militant made a terrible discovery – one of the dead men was his elder brother.

Two months later, he fled following an airstrike that killed several of his band. Now hiding in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-families-flee-as-taliban-capture-key-northern-district-of-kunduz-15306"> Kunduz district</a>, fearing reprisals by the Taliban for deserting, the young man and his father told their harrowing story on condition of anonymity.

“I faced the darkest moment of my life seeing my brother's body covered with blood and dust,” the younger brother told Reuters, fear visible on his face as he sat inside a car. “For a while, the daylight turned to a dark night as if someone put a black hood on my head.”

The father of the brothers said he volunteered the younger boy to fight for the Taliban after the militants learned that the elder son was with the police.

The government accuses the Taliban of commonly using the tactic to intimidate families caught up in the 18-year-long war.

"The Taliban torture and even kill innocent people to make them join, mostly in remote rural areas where people have no other option," said Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sexual-favours-charge-hits-afghan-government-221580">Afghan government</a>.

The militant group denies this, though it said it does pressurise families not to join the security services of a government it regards as illegitimate and propped up by foreign forces.

The family, like many in the northern Kunduz province, make a difficult living subsistence farming wheat, rice and mung beans. To ease the hardship, the elder brother enlisted in police in 2006 to help support his family, his father said.

A few months later, he recalled Taliban representatives visiting his mud-brick home to persuade him to make a fateful choice either he should make his elder son quit the police, or he should volunteer one of his seven other sons to join the militants.

“It was a difficult decision for the whole family, but we had no other choice: the Taliban were extorting us,” he said, a sense of resignation in his voice, on why he allowed his youngest son to join. “They blocked the water to our crops.”

He knew the impact his decision might have.

“Having a son in the police and giving the other to the Taliban means telling them to kill each other,” he said.

The Taliban now controls more territory than at any point since it was ousted from power by US-led coalition forces in 2001. With that gain comes increasing friction with Afghans who have lived in what were previously government-held areas, experts said.

“The Taliban are not aliens: they are an undeniable part of Afghan society,” said Atiqullah Amarkhel, a former general who served in the Afghan army between 1960 and 2009.

“Many families of members of the Afghan security forces are living in rural areas and most of these areas are either completely controlled or heavily influenced by the Taliban.”

Similar stories have emerged elsewhere in the country.

Hikmatullah, a sergeant in the Afghan army from the eastern Nangarhar province, said the Taliban imprisoned one of his younger brothers after he joined the security forces. They eventually released him, but after consulting with his father, he too joined the militant group.

“This decision was not his choice or desire, but he was forced, in fact, the whole family was forced because we were frustrated from the daily torture,” Hikmatullah, who goes by only one name, said.

“Whenever I get into a clash with the Taliban, I feel that my brother is standing in front of me and I am firing at him.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-protect-chabahar-hindu-sikh-rights-guaranteed-says-taliban-spokesperson-to-wion-194747">Zabihullah Mujahid</a>, a Taliban spokesman, denied it coerced people to join.

“We sometimes force those families not to serve in the front line with the Afghan police or army, because we don’t want them to lose their precious lives,” he said. “Joining us is their personal choice.”

The former Taliban fighter was deeply affected by his brother’s death in the raid. In October, after an Afghan airstrike killed five of his comrades in the Taliban, he fled.

He now lives away from the family's land with his father and brother’s family.

“Whenever I look to the three children of my late brother, I feel guilty as if I am the killer,” he said. “I don't forgive myself.”

The 19-year-old Taliban deserter is haunted by the memory of the attack on a police checkpoint in northern Afghanistan in August. The Taliban band of around 20 fighters began its assault at 10 pm, he recalled, and by sunrise, all twelve Afghan police were dead.

The 19-year-old Taliban deserter is haunted by the memory of the attack on a police checkpoint in northern Afghanistan in August. The Taliban band of around 20 fighters began its assault at 10 pm, he recalled, and by sunrise, all twelve Afghan police were dead. Kneeling in the blood-soaked sand of the bunker as he and his comrades checked the bodies for weapons and ammunition, the young militant made a terrible discovery – one of the dead men was his elder brother. Two months later, he fled following an airstrike that killed several of his band. Now hiding in Kunduz district, fearing reprisals by the Taliban for deserting, the young man and his father told their harrowing story on condition of anonymity. “I faced the darkest moment of my life seeing my brother's body covered with blood and dust,” the younger brother told Reuters, fear visible on his face as he sat inside a car. “For a while, the daylight turned to a dark night as if someone put a black hood on my head.” The father of the brothers said he volunteered the younger boy to fight for the Taliban after the militants learned that the elder son was with the police. The government accuses the Taliban of commonly using the tactic to intimidate families caught up in the 18-year-long war. "The Taliban torture and even kill innocent people to make them join, mostly in remote rural areas where people have no other option," said Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Afghan government. The militant group denies this, though it said it does pressurise families not to join the security services of a government it regards as illegitimate and propped up by foreign forces. The family, like many in the northern Kunduz province, make a difficult living subsistence farming wheat, rice and mung beans. To ease the hardship, the elder brother enlisted in police in 2006 to help support his family, his father said. A few months later, he recalled Taliban representatives visiting his mud-brick home to persuade him to make a fateful choice either he should make his elder son quit the police, or he should volunteer one of his seven other sons to join the militants. “It was a difficult decision for the whole family, but we had no other choice: the Taliban were extorting us,” he said, a sense of resignation in his voice, on why he allowed his youngest son to join. “They blocked the water to our crops.” He knew the impact his decision might have. “Having a son in the police and giving the other to the Taliban means telling them to kill each other,” he said. The Taliban now controls more territory than at any point since it was ousted from power by US-led coalition forces in 2001. With that gain comes increasing friction with Afghans who have lived in what were previously government-held areas, experts said. “The Taliban are not aliens: they are an undeniable part of Afghan society,” said Atiqullah Amarkhel, a former general who served in the Afghan army between 1960 and 2009. “Many families of members of the Afghan security forces are living in rural areas and most of these areas are either completely controlled or heavily influenced by the Taliban.” Similar stories have emerged elsewhere in the country. Hikmatullah, a sergeant in the Afghan army from the eastern Nangarhar province, said the Taliban imprisoned one of his younger brothers after he joined the security forces. They eventually released him, but after consulting with his father, he too joined the militant group. “This decision was not his choice or desire, but he was forced, in fact, the whole family was forced because we were frustrated from the daily torture,” Hikmatullah, who goes by only one name, said. “Whenever I get into a clash with the Taliban, I feel that my brother is standing in front of me and I am firing at him.” Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, denied it coerced people to join. “We sometimes force those families not to serve in the front line with the Afghan police or army, because we don’t want them to lose their precious lives,” he said. “Joining us is their personal choice.” The former Taliban fighter was deeply affected by his brother’s death in the raid. In October, after an Afghan airstrike killed five of his comrades in the Taliban, he fled. He now lives away from the family's land with his father and brother’s family. “Whenever I look to the three children of my late brother, I feel guilty as if I am the killer,” he said. “I don't forgive myself.”

Afghanistan's endless war pits brother against brother

As many as 11 Taliban terrorists were killed and nine others were wounded after they clashed with the Afghan defence forces in the northern Jawzjan province of the country.

As many as 11 Taliban terrorists were killed and nine others were wounded after they clashed with the Afghan defence forces in the northern Jawzjan province of the country. "On Saturday, Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANSDF) came in contact and clashed with Taliban terrorists. The clashes left 11 militants killed and nine others wounded," Afghan Interior Ministry said in a statement on Sunday, as quoted by Xinhua. A local Taliban leader named Mullah Jora was among the wounded. No casualties were reported on the side of Afghan forces. The Taliban has so far not commented on Saturday`s clash between the two sides. Earlier in the day, the office of foreign forces confirmed in a statement that an explosive device, planted on a foreign military vehicle, detonated near the airport in Afghanistan`s southern province of Kandahar last night. Taliban has significantly increased its terrorist operations across the worn-torn country ever since the Afghan peace talks with the United States collapsed.

11 Taliban terrorists killed, 9 wounded in Afghanistan's Jawzjan province

At least 30 civilians were killed and nine others had sustained injuries in a US-led airstrike in the western Afghan province of Farah in May, the United Nations has said in a report.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan on Wednesday released a report cited by Tolo News said that the airstrike took place in Bakwa district, and that civilian houses were hit during the airstrike.

On May 5, the Afghan Ministry of Interior had announced that 68 illicit narcotic-processing factories were targeted in an airstrike in Bakwa, Farah.

The&nbsp;report also claimed that "150 Taliban were killed and 40 were wounded" in these attacks.

But the residents denied this the claim, saying that the victims were civilians.

At least 30 civilians were killed and nine others had sustained injuries in a US-led airstrike in the western Afghan province of Farah in May, the United Nations has said in a report.

At least 30 civilians were killed and nine others had sustained injuries in a US-led airstrike in the western Afghan province of Farah in May, the United Nations has said in a report. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan on Wednesday released a report cited by Tolo News said that the airstrike took place in Bakwa district, and that civilian houses were hit during the airstrike. On May 5, the Afghan Ministry of Interior had announced that 68 illicit narcotic-processing factories were targeted in an airstrike in Bakwa, Farah. The report also claimed that "150 Taliban were killed and 40 were wounded" in these attacks. But the residents denied this the claim, saying that the victims were civilians.

30 Afghans killed in US airstrike in Farah in May: Report

A blast rocked the University of Ghazni on Tuesday morning in southern Afghanistan.&nbsp;

According to reports, the improvised device blast injured at least eight female students who have been rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment, news agency ANI reported citing TOLO News.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. More details are awaited.&nbsp;

The explosion comes just a day after an explosion took place in Afghanistan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-explosion-in-nangarhar-province-kills-ten-254326">eastern province of Nangarhar</a> on Monday.

At least 10 people, including a child, were killed while 27 others sustained injuries.

The incident occurred when explosive materials placed in a rickshaw went off near an Afghan army vehicle in Police District 3 of the Jalalabad city, local officials confirmed, as reported by Tolo News.

The Afghan Interior Ministry said that some of those injured in the incident were in critical condition.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

A blast rocked the University of Ghazni on Tuesday morning in southern Afghanistan. According to reports, the improvised device blast injured at least eight female students who have been rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment, news agency ANI reported citing TOLO News.

A blast rocked the University of Ghazni on Tuesday morning in southern Afghanistan. According to reports, the improvised device blast injured at least eight female students who have been rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment, news agency ANI reported citing TOLO News. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. More details are awaited. The explosion comes just a day after an explosion took place in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday. At least 10 people, including a child, were killed while 27 others sustained injuries. The incident occurred when explosive materials placed in a rickshaw went off near an Afghan army vehicle in Police District 3 of the Jalalabad city, local officials confirmed, as reported by Tolo News. The Afghan Interior Ministry said that some of those injured in the incident were in critical condition. (With inputs from ANI)

Afghanistan: Blast targets university students in Ghazni, 8 wounded

At least three policemen have been injured in a fight that took place in the police headquarters of the northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-afghanistan-elections-both-camps-claim-victory-253147">Afghan</a> province of Baghlan, Sputnik reported.

According to the provincial council chief, Safdar Mohseni, the confrontation took place on Wednesday at around 6:30 pm&nbsp;local time between Amin Akkhail, the local police chief of the province's capital; provincial police chief Niaz Mohammad Niazai; the deputy chairman of the provincial council, Shams-ul-Haq Barakzai; and another officer.

The injured men were rushed to a hospital, Baghlan Health Director Abdul Halim said.

According to a source quoted by Sputnik, Akkhail has fired from his post seven months ago when he was accused of having stolen equipment and food from his place of work.

Akkhail, who has the support of several local lawmakers, has been trying to get reinstated, but the provincial police chief and council have barred him from doing so but while the investigation is ongoing.

At least three policemen have been injured in a fight that took place in the police headquarters of the northern Afghan province of Baghlan, Sputnik reported. According to the provincial council chief, Safdar Mohseni, the confrontation took place on Wednesday at around 6:30 pm local time between Amin Akkhail, the local police chief of the province's capital; provincial police chief Niaz Mohammad Niazai; the deputy chairman of the provincial council, Shams-ul-Haq Barakzai; and another officer.

At least three policemen have been injured in a fight that took place in the police headquarters of the northern Afghan province of Baghlan, Sputnik reported. According to the provincial council chief, Safdar Mohseni, the confrontation took place on Wednesday at around 6:30 pm local time between Amin Akkhail, the local police chief of the province's capital; provincial police chief Niaz Mohammad Niazai; the deputy chairman of the provincial council, Shams-ul-Haq Barakzai; and another officer. The injured men were rushed to a hospital, Baghlan Health Director Abdul Halim said. According to a source quoted by Sputnik, Akkhail has fired from his post seven months ago when he was accused of having stolen equipment and food from his place of work. Akkhail, who has the support of several local lawmakers, has been trying to get reinstated, but the provincial police chief and council have barred him from doing so but while the investigation is ongoing.

Afghanistan: Three policemen wounded in fight at police headquarters

Calling Taliban a proxy of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-assembly-rejects-bill-non-muslim-cant-be-prime-minister-or-president-253349">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;and its intelligence agency ISI, Afghan National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib has said that his country would never accept being ruled by the "proxy" of such backward country which has a "hard time feeding its own people".

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-delegation-to-visit-pakistan-and-discuss-failed-afghan-peace-talks-253201">Taliban</a> are a proxy of Pakistan, of not just of Pakistan, but Pakistan's intelligence agency. Afghanistan would never accept to be ruled by Pakistanis," Mohib said at Council on Foreign Relations here.

"If we did not accept Soviet rule as a superpower, it would be beyond imagination to accept the proxy of a backward country which has a hard time feeding its own people," he added.

Mohib said that Afghanistan refused to accept the rule of Soviet Union, which "were much better than the Taliban in the sense that "they were not destroying wedding halls at least" because Afghans would never submit to "any kind of enforced ideology or rule".

"We could have submitted if it was about submission to an idea into a superpower, who wanted us to accept a certain way of life. We could have done that with the soviet union," he said.

"They were much better than the Taliban, they were not destroying wedding halls at least&nbsp;they are building infrastructure in our country at least but the Afghans would not submit to any kind enforced ideology or rule on our country."

Mohib's comments came amid stalled peace talks between the United States and the Taliban in the aftermath of the Kabul terror attack.

Recently, Pakistan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/imran-khans-moment-of-truth-252024">Imran Khan</a> had admitted that the country's Army and ISI had trained Al-Qaeda and other groups in Afghanistan.

Calling Taliban a proxy of Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI, Afghan National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib has said that his country would never accept being ruled by the "proxy" of such backward country which has a "hard time feeding its own people".

Calling Taliban a proxy of Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI, Afghan National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib has said that his country would never accept being ruled by the "proxy" of such backward country which has a "hard time feeding its own people". "The Taliban are a proxy of Pakistan, of not just of Pakistan, but Pakistan's intelligence agency. Afghanistan would never accept to be ruled by Pakistanis," Mohib said at Council on Foreign Relations here. "If we did not accept Soviet rule as a superpower, it would be beyond imagination to accept the proxy of a backward country which has a hard time feeding its own people," he added. Mohib said that Afghanistan refused to accept the rule of Soviet Union, which "were much better than the Taliban in the sense that "they were not destroying wedding halls at least" because Afghans would never submit to "any kind of enforced ideology or rule". "We could have submitted if it was about submission to an idea into a superpower, who wanted us to accept a certain way of life. We could have done that with the soviet union," he said. "They were much better than the Taliban, they were not destroying wedding halls at least they are building infrastructure in our country at least but the Afghans would not submit to any kind enforced ideology or rule on our country." Mohib's comments came amid stalled peace talks between the United States and the Taliban in the aftermath of the Kabul terror attack. Recently, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan had admitted that the country's Army and ISI had trained Al-Qaeda and other groups in Afghanistan.

Afghan NSA calls Taliban agent of Pakistan; says country would never accept being ruled by 'proxy' of a backward country

At least six people were killed in a mine explosion in the northeastern Afghan province of Kapisa, local media reported on Wednesday.

According to Afghanistan's TOLOnews agency, citing local law enforcement, four women and two children, most likely related, were killed when a roadside mine went off in a village in the Nijrab district of Kapisa province on Tuesday.

At the same time, the nation's Ariana News TV channel said, citing the Afghan Interior Ministry, that the explosion took the lives of two men and four women and injured two others.

At least six people were killed in a mine explosion in the northeastern Afghan province of Kapisa, local media reported on Wednesday. According to Afghanistan's TOLOnews agency, citing local law enforcement, four women and two children, most likely related, were killed when a roadside mine went off in a village in the Nijrab district of Kapisa province on Tuesday.

At least six people were killed in a mine explosion in the northeastern Afghan province of Kapisa, local media reported on Wednesday. According to Afghanistan's TOLOnews agency, citing local law enforcement, four women and two children, most likely related, were killed when a roadside mine went off in a village in the Nijrab district of Kapisa province on Tuesday. At the same time, the nation's Ariana News TV channel said, citing the Afghan Interior Ministry, that the explosion took the lives of two men and four women and injured two others.

Six killed in mine explosion in Afghanistan's Kapisa

Old rivals square up again as an uncertain Afghanistan votes

In a dusty Kabul suburb, hundreds of workers check and recheck biometric fingerprint readers&nbsp;part of a massive effort to ensure Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election is not tainted by fraud allegations that have marred previous polls.

The young employees at the Independent Election Commission (IEC) are rushing through final technical preparations for the vote, set for September 28.

The stakes for the IEC are high, with the question of turnout in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election since the fall of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-tells-teachers-students-to-block-presidential-elections-or-risk-death-250375">Taliban</a>&nbsp;crucial to whether it is seen as fair and transparent.

The Taliban have openly threatened to disrupt the polls and killed 26 people in a bomb blast at a campaign rally being held by President Ashraf Ghani earlier this week.

Turnout in previous polls has historically been low. The United Nations estimated it at around 32 per cent for the 2009 elections, while no credible figure was available for the 2014 vote.

Each time the exercise has been tainted with accusations of irregularities particularly in 2014.

Then, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bomb-blast-hits-pro-ghani-campaign-gathering-in-central-afghanistan-source-250173">Ghani</a> and rival Abdullah Abdullah both claimed to have won, plunging Afghanistan into months of crisis before the US and the UN pressured them to form a "national unity government", with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-sees-his-chance-in-upcoming-elections-after-collapse-of-us-taliban-talks-250287">Ghani</a> as president and Abdullah his chief executive.

The two are once again facing off in 2019 as the likely favourites, underscoring the comparison to 2014.

"People have lost their trust and confidence because of serious fraud in the past elections," Sughra Saadat, spokeswoman for the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA), told AFP.

"So far, election bodies have failed to restore people's trust."

Without such faith in the process, it is hard to see why voters should risk their lives to participate.

Yet the winner will need a strong mandate if he wants to pose as an interlocutor with the Taliban in any future talks.

The insurgents have always considered Ghani a "puppet" of Washington and ensured he was sidelined from talks which have since fallen apart&nbsp;between Washington and the Taliban that would have paved the way for the US to begin withdrawing troops.

If re-elected, Ghani hopes to put the Afghan government back in the mix.

Secret weapon&nbsp;

The IEC's chairwoman, Hawa Alam Nooristani, assured AFP that this vote will be different "because we have worked on rules and regulations, procedures and mechanisms to prevent fraud".

Supervisors in Afghanistan's 34 provinces were recruited in a process overseen by independent organisations such as the TEFA, she added.

Her secret weapon&nbsp;the biometric fingerprint readers which are meant to prevent people from voting more than once was used during the chaotic legislative elections in October last year, but they were only introduced at the eleventh hour.

Untrained staff struggled with glitches such as the devices running out of power, and the result was at best mixed.

This time, she says, all the necessary precautions have been taken&nbsp;in particular, getting technicians from the German company which makes the readers train the IEC workers directly.

Protecting voters&nbsp;and polling station officials&nbsp;remains a top priority.

All observers expect a further wave of violence from the insurgents, who want to undermine the future head of state by discouraging as many of the 9.6 million voters as possible from going to the polls.

Nearly 500 polling stations have already been excluded because security could not be guaranteed, leaving 4,942 across the country to be protected by 72,000 members of the security forces.

The IEC's huge complex is itself a tightly guarded fortress, with four checkpoints and as many barriers to cross before visitors can access it.

Under a blazing sun, workers unload long bundles of canvas from a truck tent&nbsp;which will serve as polling stations in rural areas without the necessary facilities.

Grey metal hangars house the technical operations.

Under one, the voices of around a hundred young people can be heard as they activate and test the biometric readers before stacking them in large blue plastic boxes.

In the next hangar, men fill the same blue boxes with sealed ballots, voter registers, and a variety of materials to guarantee the integrity of the ballot.

Those include invisible ink to mark voter registration cards, with the mark only visible under the light of a small torch contained in the box, batteries included.

Then there's the traditional, low-tech safeguard: bottles of indelible ink into which every voter will dip their finger as they vote.

"It will make a difference," Farid Nader, a supervisor, says hopefully. "Young people will trust the election."

In a dusty Kabul suburb, hundreds of workers check and recheck biometric fingerprint readers part of a massive effort to ensure Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election is not tainted by fraud allegations that have marred previous polls.

In a dusty Kabul suburb, hundreds of workers check and recheck biometric fingerprint readers part of a massive effort to ensure Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election is not tainted by fraud allegations that have marred previous polls. The young employees at the Independent Election Commission (IEC) are rushing through final technical preparations for the vote, set for September 28. The stakes for the IEC are high, with the question of turnout in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election since the fall of the Taliban crucial to whether it is seen as fair and transparent. The Taliban have openly threatened to disrupt the polls and killed 26 people in a bomb blast at a campaign rally being held by President Ashraf Ghani earlier this week. Turnout in previous polls has historically been low. The United Nations estimated it at around 32 per cent for the 2009 elections, while no credible figure was available for the 2014 vote. Each time the exercise has been tainted with accusations of irregularities particularly in 2014. Then, Ghani and rival Abdullah Abdullah both claimed to have won, plunging Afghanistan into months of crisis before the US and the UN pressured them to form a "national unity government", with Ghani as president and Abdullah his chief executive. The two are once again facing off in 2019 as the likely favourites, underscoring the comparison to 2014. "People have lost their trust and confidence because of serious fraud in the past elections," Sughra Saadat, spokeswoman for the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA), told AFP. "So far, election bodies have failed to restore people's trust." Without such faith in the process, it is hard to see why voters should risk their lives to participate. Yet the winner will need a strong mandate if he wants to pose as an interlocutor with the Taliban in any future talks. The insurgents have always considered Ghani a "puppet" of Washington and ensured he was sidelined from talks which have since fallen apart between Washington and the Taliban that would have paved the way for the US to begin withdrawing troops. If re-elected, Ghani hopes to put the Afghan government back in the mix. Secret weapon The IEC's chairwoman, Hawa Alam Nooristani, assured AFP that this vote will be different "because we have worked on rules and regulations, procedures and mechanisms to prevent fraud". Supervisors in Afghanistan's 34 provinces were recruited in a process overseen by independent organisations such as the TEFA, she added. Her secret weapon the biometric fingerprint readers which are meant to prevent people from voting more than once was used during the chaotic legislative elections in October last year, but they were only introduced at the eleventh hour. Untrained staff struggled with glitches such as the devices running out of power, and the result was at best mixed. This time, she says, all the necessary precautions have been taken in particular, getting technicians from the German company which makes the readers train the IEC workers directly. Protecting voters and polling station officials remains a top priority. All observers expect a further wave of violence from the insurgents, who want to undermine the future head of state by discouraging as many of the 9.6 million voters as possible from going to the polls. Nearly 500 polling stations have already been excluded because security could not be guaranteed, leaving 4,942 across the country to be protected by 72,000 members of the security forces. The IEC's huge complex is itself a tightly guarded fortress, with four checkpoints and as many barriers to cross before visitors can access it. Under a blazing sun, workers unload long bundles of canvas from a truck tent which will serve as polling stations in rural areas without the necessary facilities. Grey metal hangars house the technical operations. Under one, the voices of around a hundred young people can be heard as they activate and test the biometric readers before stacking them in large blue plastic boxes. In the next hangar, men fill the same blue boxes with sealed ballots, voter registers, and a variety of materials to guarantee the integrity of the ballot. Those include invisible ink to mark voter registration cards, with the mark only visible under the light of a small torch contained in the box, batteries included. Then there's the traditional, low-tech safeguard: bottles of indelible ink into which every voter will dip their finger as they vote. "It will make a difference," Farid Nader, a supervisor, says hopefully. "Young people will trust the election."

Fraud the main enemy for Afghan election officials

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed.

Iran said in December it had been meeting with Taliban representatives with the knowledge of the Afghan government after reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-us-taliban-talks-cancelled-impact-on-india-248667">US-Taliban</a> talks about a ceasefire and a possible withdrawal of foreign troops.

Last week, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">US-Taliban talks collapsed</a> and fighting resurged.

The two sides had been seeking to reach an accord on the withdrawal of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-withdraw-5000-troops-from-afghanistan-close-bases-zalmay-khalilzad-247234">American troops from Afghanistan</a> in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

"In the framework of Iran's comprehensive consultations with all parties in Afghanistan, a Taliban political delegation visited our country recently to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan with Iranian officials," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by state media.

Mousavi did not give further details.

The US-Taliban negotiations, which did not include the Afghan government, were intended as a prelude to wider peace talks to end more than 40 years of war in Afghanistan.

Majority Shi’ite Muslim Iran has long had close ties to Shi’ite groups in neighbouring Afghanistan whose militias have fought the Taliban’s Sunni Muslim militants.

But last year, Afghan government officials accused Tehran, which the United States says is trying to extend its influence in western Afghanistan, of providing the Taliban with money, weapons and explosives. Iran denies that.

In October, the United States accused Iran of providing military training, financing and weapons to the Taliban. Tehran denied this.

Iran was at odds with the Taliban for most of the time the group ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, and massed troops on the border in 1998 after 11 of its diplomats were killed there.

Tehran then armed factions that helped US-led forces overthrow the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed.

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed. Iran said in December it had been meeting with Taliban representatives with the knowledge of the Afghan government after reports of US-Taliban talks about a ceasefire and a possible withdrawal of foreign troops. Last week, the US-Taliban talks collapsed and fighting resurged. The two sides had been seeking to reach an accord on the withdrawal of thousands of American troops from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. "In the framework of Iran's comprehensive consultations with all parties in Afghanistan, a Taliban political delegation visited our country recently to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan with Iranian officials," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by state media. Mousavi did not give further details. The US-Taliban negotiations, which did not include the Afghan government, were intended as a prelude to wider peace talks to end more than 40 years of war in Afghanistan. Majority Shi’ite Muslim Iran has long had close ties to Shi’ite groups in neighbouring Afghanistan whose militias have fought the Taliban’s Sunni Muslim militants. But last year, Afghan government officials accused Tehran, which the United States says is trying to extend its influence in western Afghanistan, of providing the Taliban with money, weapons and explosives. Iran denies that. In October, the United States accused Iran of providing military training, financing and weapons to the Taliban. Tehran denied this. Iran was at odds with the Taliban for most of the time the group ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, and massed troops on the border in 1998 after 11 of its diplomats were killed there. Tehran then armed factions that helped US-led forces overthrow the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Iran says it held talks with Afghanistan's Taliban

At least three people were injured in a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Shaheed Square here on Monday.

The incident was confirmed by Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz, according to TOLOnews.

The blast occurred in Kabul's Police District (PD) 4.&nbsp;

At least three people were injured in a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Shaheed Square here on Monday. The incident was confirmed by Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz, according to TOLOnews.

At least three people were injured in a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Shaheed Square here on Monday. The incident was confirmed by Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz, according to TOLOnews. The blast occurred in Kabul's Police District (PD) 4.

Afghanistan: 3 people wounded in IED blast in Kabul

A US&nbsp;soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday.

Barreto, 34 and based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed on Thursday when an improvised bomb in a vehicle exploded in a suicide attack near his vehicle in the Afghan capital Kabul, the department said in a statement.

Barreto was a paratrooper and maintenance control sergeant in the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion.

A Romanian soldier also died in the attack near a neighbourhood in Kabul that housed embassy staff from the United States and other countries, the Army Times reported on its website.

The incident is under investigation, the department said.

A US soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday.

A US soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday. Barreto, 34 and based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed on Thursday when an improvised bomb in a vehicle exploded in a suicide attack near his vehicle in the Afghan capital Kabul, the department said in a statement. Barreto was a paratrooper and maintenance control sergeant in the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion. A Romanian soldier also died in the attack near a neighbourhood in Kabul that housed embassy staff from the United States and other countries, the Army Times reported on its website. The incident is under investigation, the department said.

United States soldier killed in Afghanistan identified

A "secretive" peace deal between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-supporters-cheer-us-withdrawal-plans-247894">United States and the Taliban</a> could face wide resistance in Afghanistan if it opens the door to the insurgents` hardline regime, said the son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the slain hero of the anti-Soviet resistance.

Ahmad Massoud, who was 12 years old when his father was assassinated days before September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, is among several Afghan politicians critical of the accord reached with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-attack-afghan-province-as-violence-overshadows-peace-deal-247972">Taliban</a> this week.

While he is still relatively new to Afghan politics, the aura of his father`s name adds weight to his words in a country where the habits of dynastic politics remain deeply ingrained.

"It`s very secretive. It has happened behind closed doors," Massoud told Reuters in an interview. "We see the peace deal as a great opportunity but how it has been managed is unfortunately disappointing," Massoud said. "We want to see clarity, we want to see people from all over the country involved in it."

Speaking after some 10,000 supporters rallied at his father`s mausoleum in the Panjshir Valley on Thursday, Massoud`s comments reflect the deep suspicion many Afghans have of a deal reached without their involvement.

The accord would see thousands of US troops withdrawn in exchange for the Taliban promises not to let Afghanistan be used as a base for future attacks on the United States and its allies.

It is intended as a first step to a peace deal between the Taliban and wider Afghan society but it remains unclear what will happen next. The insurgents have refused to negotiate directly with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate "puppet" regime and mistrust abounds.

President Ashraf Ghani`s spokesman said this week the government had serious concerns and wanted further clarification from Washington.

Although details have not been made public, the fact that the accord appears to acknowledge the Taliban`s self-described status as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has aroused particular anger.

'Red line'

Many Taliban officials have said the country`s constitutional status should revert to the Islamic Emirate, but opponents see the term as a direct challenge to the internationally recognised Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the state formed after the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

"For us, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is our red line," Massoud said, adding that any change to the country`s status could only come through a referendum.

Opposition to the deal has been deepened by the Taliban`s recent escalation of attacks, heightening fears that it may be impossible to reach a stable settlement once US forces leave.

Many have worried about a fracture along ethnic and regional lines, with Persian-speaking Tajiks and Hazaras from the north and west against southern and eastern Pashtuns, the group that has supplied most of Afghanistan`s rulers and where the Taliban draw most support. Memories of the 1990s civil war are vivid.

"We do not want to see another war break out," Massoud said. "This peace must end war all at once."

The aggressive displays by supporters on the September 9 anniversary of the death of Massoud`s father, when armed bands drive through the streets of Kabul firing into the air, have led many to suspect that the old Mujahideen Northern Alliance could reform to oppose the Taliban.

However, Massoud insists that only a political settlement will be effective and that only government forces should be armed. 
"After the peace process, no political group but the government should have guns," he said. 
&nbsp;

A "secretive" peace deal between the United States and the Taliban could face wide resistance in Afghanistan if it opens the door to the insurgents` hardline regime, said the son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the slain hero of the anti-Soviet resistance.

A "secretive" peace deal between the United States and the Taliban could face wide resistance in Afghanistan if it opens the door to the insurgents` hardline regime, said the son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the slain hero of the anti-Soviet resistance. Ahmad Massoud, who was 12 years old when his father was assassinated days before September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, is among several Afghan politicians critical of the accord reached with the Taliban this week. While he is still relatively new to Afghan politics, the aura of his father`s name adds weight to his words in a country where the habits of dynastic politics remain deeply ingrained. "It`s very secretive. It has happened behind closed doors," Massoud told Reuters in an interview. "We see the peace deal as a great opportunity but how it has been managed is unfortunately disappointing," Massoud said. "We want to see clarity, we want to see people from all over the country involved in it." Speaking after some 10,000 supporters rallied at his father`s mausoleum in the Panjshir Valley on Thursday, Massoud`s comments reflect the deep suspicion many Afghans have of a deal reached without their involvement. The accord would see thousands of US troops withdrawn in exchange for the Taliban promises not to let Afghanistan be used as a base for future attacks on the United States and its allies. It is intended as a first step to a peace deal between the Taliban and wider Afghan society but it remains unclear what will happen next. The insurgents have refused to negotiate directly with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate "puppet" regime and mistrust abounds. President Ashraf Ghani`s spokesman said this week the government had serious concerns and wanted further clarification from Washington. Although details have not been made public, the fact that the accord appears to acknowledge the Taliban`s self-described status as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has aroused particular anger. 'Red line' Many Taliban officials have said the country`s constitutional status should revert to the Islamic Emirate, but opponents see the term as a direct challenge to the internationally recognised Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the state formed after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. "For us, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is our red line," Massoud said, adding that any change to the country`s status could only come through a referendum. Opposition to the deal has been deepened by the Taliban`s recent escalation of attacks, heightening fears that it may be impossible to reach a stable settlement once US forces leave. Many have worried about a fracture along ethnic and regional lines, with Persian-speaking Tajiks and Hazaras from the north and west against southern and eastern Pashtuns, the group that has supplied most of Afghanistan`s rulers and where the Taliban draw most support. Memories of the 1990s civil war are vivid. "We do not want to see another war break out," Massoud said. "This peace must end war all at once." The aggressive displays by supporters on the September 9 anniversary of the death of Massoud`s father, when armed bands drive through the streets of Kabul firing into the air, have led many to suspect that the old Mujahideen Northern Alliance could reform to oppose the Taliban. However, Massoud insists that only a political settlement will be effective and that only government forces should be armed. "After the peace process, no political group but the government should have guns," he said.

Son of Afghan resistance hero criticises 'secretive' United state: Taliban deal

The Taliban killed at least 10 people including two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-zalmay-khalilzad-meets-afghan-president-in-kabul-247118">NATO troops in a bombing</a> in Kabul on Thursday, in another horrific attack on the Afghan capital as the US and the insurgents negotiate a deal to see American troops leave the country.

The car bomb blast shook Shash Darak, a heavily fortified area adjacent to the Green Zone and home to several important complexes including the National Directorate of Security (NDS), the Afghan intelligence service.

Apparent surveillance<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-suicide-blast-kills-at-least-4-in-kabul-city-246717"> footage of the attack</a>, which occurred at about 10:10 am (0540 GMT), showed a grey minivan explode just after it had cut in front of a line of white SUVs waiting to make a right turn onto a street.

One nearby pedestrian can be seen turning and trying to run away as the minivan crashed through a barrier just before the blast.

Resolute Support, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, said a Romanian and an American service member had been killed in the explosion.

Romania's defence ministry said the Romanian soldier had been conducting a joint patrol near the Green Zone. The American death brings to at least 16 the number of US military killed in action in Afghanistan this year, just as Washington is seeking a way out of its longest war.

According to interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi, at least 10 people were killed and 42 more wounded.

On Twitter, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, saying a "martyrdom seeker" - or suicide bomber - had triggered the car bomb and that 12 "foreign invaders" were killed.

Massoud Zazai, who owns a photo studio across the street from the blast site, said he was in his shop when the explosion happened.

"I fell off my chair and it got dark inside the shop because of smoke and dust," Zazai said. "I went out to the scene moments after the attack, the side of the road was littered with debris and bodies."

Through the smoke, Zazai said he could hear injured people crying and calling for their mothers and brothers.

"I saw at least five very badly injured, one was covered in blood and not moving. It was horrifying."

The attack was close to where the Islamic State group killed nine journalists in a blast in April last year, including AFP Kabul's chief photographer Shah Marai.

It was the second Romanian national to be killed by the Taliban this week. On Monday, a Romanian was among at least 16 people killed in a Taliban attack on a residential area in east Kabul.

Currently, Romania contributes about 760 military personnel to the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, which has a total force size of about 17,000 troops from 39 countries. About half of these are American.

The capital has been gripped by a surge in deadly violence even after the US and the insurgents reached an agreement "in principle" that would see the Pentagon pull thousands of troops from Afghanistan in return for various Taliban security promises.

But there is increasing unease about the deal, with Afghans fearing it will lead to a return of the Taliban to power, and a growing chorus of US lawmakers and officials expressing doubts.

According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull about 5,000 of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan by early next year, provided the Taliban hews to its security pledges.

The insurgents have said they will renounce Al-Qaeda, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven.

On Wednesday, the Afghan government expressed doubts about the prospective deal, saying officials need more information about the risks it poses.

"There is too much concern about it, and we are still not assured of what consequences this agreement could have for Afghanistan's future," presidential advisor Waheed Omar told journalists Thursday.

"The people of Afghanistan have been bitten by the snake before, and have been witness to the consequences of hasty deals".

Even as negotiations for an accord have entered what are widely considered to be the final stages, violence has surged across Afghanistan.

On Saturday, the Taliban attempted to seize the provincial capital of Kunduz in the north and sporadic fighting has continued on the outskirts all week.&nbsp;

Insurgents launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province on Sunday.

The Taliban killed at least 10 people including two NATO troops in a bombing in Kabul on Thursday, in another horrific attack on the Afghan capital as the US and the insurgents negotiate a deal to see American troops leave the country.

The Taliban killed at least 10 people including two NATO troops in a bombing in Kabul on Thursday, in another horrific attack on the Afghan capital as the US and the insurgents negotiate a deal to see American troops leave the country. The car bomb blast shook Shash Darak, a heavily fortified area adjacent to the Green Zone and home to several important complexes including the National Directorate of Security (NDS), the Afghan intelligence service. Apparent surveillance footage of the attack, which occurred at about 10:10 am (0540 GMT), showed a grey minivan explode just after it had cut in front of a line of white SUVs waiting to make a right turn onto a street. One nearby pedestrian can be seen turning and trying to run away as the minivan crashed through a barrier just before the blast. Resolute Support, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, said a Romanian and an American service member had been killed in the explosion. Romania's defence ministry said the Romanian soldier had been conducting a joint patrol near the Green Zone. The American death brings to at least 16 the number of US military killed in action in Afghanistan this year, just as Washington is seeking a way out of its longest war. According to interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi, at least 10 people were killed and 42 more wounded. On Twitter, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, saying a "martyrdom seeker" - or suicide bomber - had triggered the car bomb and that 12 "foreign invaders" were killed. Massoud Zazai, who owns a photo studio across the street from the blast site, said he was in his shop when the explosion happened. "I fell off my chair and it got dark inside the shop because of smoke and dust," Zazai said. "I went out to the scene moments after the attack, the side of the road was littered with debris and bodies." Through the smoke, Zazai said he could hear injured people crying and calling for their mothers and brothers. "I saw at least five very badly injured, one was covered in blood and not moving. It was horrifying." The attack was close to where the Islamic State group killed nine journalists in a blast in April last year, including AFP Kabul's chief photographer Shah Marai. It was the second Romanian national to be killed by the Taliban this week. On Monday, a Romanian was among at least 16 people killed in a Taliban attack on a residential area in east Kabul. Currently, Romania contributes about 760 military personnel to the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, which has a total force size of about 17,000 troops from 39 countries. About half of these are American. The capital has been gripped by a surge in deadly violence even after the US and the insurgents reached an agreement "in principle" that would see the Pentagon pull thousands of troops from Afghanistan in return for various Taliban security promises. But there is increasing unease about the deal, with Afghans fearing it will lead to a return of the Taliban to power, and a growing chorus of US lawmakers and officials expressing doubts. According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull about 5,000 of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan by early next year, provided the Taliban hews to its security pledges. The insurgents have said they will renounce Al-Qaeda, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven. On Wednesday, the Afghan government expressed doubts about the prospective deal, saying officials need more information about the risks it poses. "There is too much concern about it, and we are still not assured of what consequences this agreement could have for Afghanistan's future," presidential advisor Waheed Omar told journalists Thursday. "The people of Afghanistan have been bitten by the snake before, and have been witness to the consequences of hasty deals". Even as negotiations for an accord have entered what are widely considered to be the final stages, violence has surged across Afghanistan. On Saturday, the Taliban attempted to seize the provincial capital of Kunduz in the north and sporadic fighting has continued on the outskirts all week. Insurgents launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province on Sunday.

Two NATO troops among 10 killed in Kabul suicide attack; Taliban claims responsibility

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-indicated-a-willingness-to-strike-a-peace-deal-khalilzad-240391">The Taliban</a> governed Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, imposing strict Islamic sharia law before being ousted and launching an insurgency.

Here is some background:

Religious students

The Taliban originated among young Afghans who studied in Sunni Muslim schools called madrassas in Pakistan after fleeing Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation.

They are named from Talib, the Arabic word for a student.

In the early 1990s, with Afghanistan in the chaos and corruption of civil war, the Taliban grouped in the southern province of Kandahar under the leadership of one eyed warrior cleric Mullah Omar.

Omar, who led them until his death in 2013, was from the area, a stronghold of the powerful Pashtun ethnic group from which come most Taliban fighters.

Haibatullah Akhundzada is now the insurgents' top leader, while Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar heads the political wing.

Dramatic rise to power

Promising to restore order and justice, the Taliban rose dramatically.

They drew substantial support from Pakistan and initially had the tacit approval of the United States.

In October 1994 they seized the southern capital of Kandahar, almost without a fight.

Equipped with tanks, heavy weapons and the cash to buy the support of local commanders, they steadily moved north, before capturing the capital on September 27, 1996.

President Burhanuddin Rabbani had already fled.

Taliban dragged former communist president Mohammed Najibullah from the United Nations office where he had been sheltering and hanged him on a public street.&nbsp;

A regime of terror

The Taliban government imposed the strictest interpretations of sharia, establishing religious police for the suppression of "vice".

Music, television, and pastimes such as kite flying were banned. Girls schools were closed; women were prevented from working and forced to wear an all-covering burkha in public.

Taliban courts handed out extreme punishments including chopping off the hands of thieves, public executions and stoning to death women accused of adultery.&nbsp;

By 1998 they had control of 80 per cent of the country but were only recognized as the legal government by Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

In March 2001 they blew up 1,500-year-old giant statues of the Buddha in the central Bamiyan valley, considered anti-Islamic.

Mullah Omar was based mostly in Kandahar where he lived in a house reportedly built for him by the chief of the Al-Qaeda jihadist group, Saudi billionaire Osama bin Laden.

The Taliban allowed Afghanistan to become a sanctuary for Al-Qaeda, which set up training camps.

Taliban toppled

The September 11, 2001 attacks that killed 3,000 people in New York and Washington were immediately blamed on Al-Qaeda.

Accusing the Taliban of refusing to hand over Bin Laden, the United States and its allies launched airstrikes on Afghanistan in October.

By early December the Taliban government had fallen, its leaders fleeing to their strongholds in the south and east or back across the border into Pakistan's tribal zone.

Bloody insurgency

At first, written off as a spent force, the Taliban rebuilt and re-emerged to lead an insurgency against the new Western-backed government.

Making heavy use of improvised bombings and suicide attacks, they labeled as "crusaders" the tens of thousands of foreign troops deployed into the country as part of a US dominated NATO force.

But the NATO combat mission in December 2014 ended and the bulk of Western forces withdrew.

In July 2015 Pakistan hosted the first direct talks between Afghan and Taliban leaders, with support from China and the US, but they collapsed after Mullah Omar's death was revealed.

The rival Islamic State jihadist group emerged in Afghanistan in 2015, launching its own series of devastating attacks, mainly in Kabul.

A UN tally found that 2018 was the deadliest year on record for Afghans, with at least 3,804 civilian deaths caused by the war -- including 927 children.

Direct talks between the US and the Taliban started last year, with the effort led since September by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, a previous ambassador to Afghanistan. 
&nbsp;

The Taliban governed Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, imposing strict Islamic sharia law before being ousted and launching an insurgency. Here is some background: Religious students The Taliban originated among young Afghans who studied in Sunni Muslim schools called madrassas in Pakistan after fleeing Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation.

The Taliban governed Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, imposing strict Islamic sharia law before being ousted and launching an insurgency. Here is some background: Religious students The Taliban originated among young Afghans who studied in Sunni Muslim schools called madrassas in Pakistan after fleeing Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation. They are named from Talib, the Arabic word for a student. In the early 1990s, with Afghanistan in the chaos and corruption of civil war, the Taliban grouped in the southern province of Kandahar under the leadership of one eyed warrior cleric Mullah Omar. Omar, who led them until his death in 2013, was from the area, a stronghold of the powerful Pashtun ethnic group from which come most Taliban fighters. Haibatullah Akhundzada is now the insurgents' top leader, while Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar heads the political wing. Dramatic rise to power Promising to restore order and justice, the Taliban rose dramatically. They drew substantial support from Pakistan and initially had the tacit approval of the United States. In October 1994 they seized the southern capital of Kandahar, almost without a fight. Equipped with tanks, heavy weapons and the cash to buy the support of local commanders, they steadily moved north, before capturing the capital on September 27, 1996. President Burhanuddin Rabbani had already fled. Taliban dragged former communist president Mohammed Najibullah from the United Nations office where he had been sheltering and hanged him on a public street. A regime of terror The Taliban government imposed the strictest interpretations of sharia, establishing religious police for the suppression of "vice". Music, television, and pastimes such as kite flying were banned. Girls schools were closed; women were prevented from working and forced to wear an all-covering burkha in public. Taliban courts handed out extreme punishments including chopping off the hands of thieves, public executions and stoning to death women accused of adultery. By 1998 they had control of 80 per cent of the country but were only recognized as the legal government by Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. In March 2001 they blew up 1,500-year-old giant statues of the Buddha in the central Bamiyan valley, considered anti-Islamic. Mullah Omar was based mostly in Kandahar where he lived in a house reportedly built for him by the chief of the Al-Qaeda jihadist group, Saudi billionaire Osama bin Laden. The Taliban allowed Afghanistan to become a sanctuary for Al-Qaeda, which set up training camps. Taliban toppled The September 11, 2001 attacks that killed 3,000 people in New York and Washington were immediately blamed on Al-Qaeda. Accusing the Taliban of refusing to hand over Bin Laden, the United States and its allies launched airstrikes on Afghanistan in October. By early December the Taliban government had fallen, its leaders fleeing to their strongholds in the south and east or back across the border into Pakistan's tribal zone. Bloody insurgency At first, written off as a spent force, the Taliban rebuilt and re-emerged to lead an insurgency against the new Western-backed government. Making heavy use of improvised bombings and suicide attacks, they labeled as "crusaders" the tens of thousands of foreign troops deployed into the country as part of a US dominated NATO force. But the NATO combat mission in December 2014 ended and the bulk of Western forces withdrew. In July 2015 Pakistan hosted the first direct talks between Afghan and Taliban leaders, with support from China and the US, but they collapsed after Mullah Omar's death was revealed. The rival Islamic State jihadist group emerged in Afghanistan in 2015, launching its own series of devastating attacks, mainly in Kabul. A UN tally found that 2018 was the deadliest year on record for Afghans, with at least 3,804 civilian deaths caused by the war -- including 927 children. Direct talks between the US and the Taliban started last year, with the effort led since September by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, a previous ambassador to Afghanistan.

The rise and rise of Afghanistan's Taliban movement

A fresh round of US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-taliban-us-violence-for-upper-hand-in-afghan-deal-237189">Taliban </a>peace talks will start in Qatar`s capital Doha on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18 year war in Afghanistan.

Senior officials privy to the talks said a peace agreement could be expected at the end of the eighth round of talks and would enable foreign forces to be withdrawn from the war torn country.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US peace envoy for Afghanistan who has held a series of meetings with Taliban leaders since last year, reached Doha on Friday night.

"Just got to Doha to resume talks with the Taliban. We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.

"A peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our (US) presence in Afghanistan is conditions based, and any withdrawal will be conditions based," he said, adding the Taliban are signalling they would conclude an agreement.

"We are ready for a good agreement."Two sources with knowledge of the talks said an agreement on the withdrawal of foreign forces in exchange for security guarantees by the Taliban is expected before August 31.

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-blames-russia-for-inf-pact-demise-vows-measured-response-240181">NATO</a> mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces.&nbsp;

The hardline Islamist Taliban group now controls more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001. 
&nbsp;

A fresh round of US Taliban peace talks will start in Qatar`s capital Doha on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18 year war in Afghanistan.

A fresh round of US Taliban peace talks will start in Qatar`s capital Doha on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18 year war in Afghanistan. Senior officials privy to the talks said a peace agreement could be expected at the end of the eighth round of talks and would enable foreign forces to be withdrawn from the war torn country. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US peace envoy for Afghanistan who has held a series of meetings with Taliban leaders since last year, reached Doha on Friday night. "Just got to Doha to resume talks with the Taliban. We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter. "A peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our (US) presence in Afghanistan is conditions based, and any withdrawal will be conditions based," he said, adding the Taliban are signalling they would conclude an agreement. "We are ready for a good agreement."Two sources with knowledge of the talks said an agreement on the withdrawal of foreign forces in exchange for security guarantees by the Taliban is expected before August 31. About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. The hardline Islamist Taliban group now controls more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001.

Eighth round of US, Taliban peace talks to start in Doha August 3 - Officials

Twenty-two Taliban terrorists and one civilian were killed in a counter-terrorism operation launched by the Special Operation Forces of Afghan National Police in the country's eastern province of Logar, the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Tuesday.

The special operation also included airstrikes, conducted on Monday night on Taliban hideouts situated in the Kamalkhil village of the Mohammad Agha district, reported Xinhua News Agency.

While the ministry says that one child was killed and a woman sustained injuries after their home was hit by a shelling launched by Taliban terrorists, the locals claim that as many as five civilians were killed and 11 others sustained injuries as a result of the airstrikes.

Twenty-two Taliban terrorists and one civilian were killed in a counter-terrorism operation launched by the Special Operation Forces of Afghan National Police in the country's eastern province of Logar, the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Tuesday.

Twenty-two Taliban terrorists and one civilian were killed in a counter-terrorism operation launched by the Special Operation Forces of Afghan National Police in the country's eastern province of Logar, the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Tuesday. The special operation also included airstrikes, conducted on Monday night on Taliban hideouts situated in the Kamalkhil village of the Mohammad Agha district, reported Xinhua News Agency. While the ministry says that one child was killed and a woman sustained injuries after their home was hit by a shelling launched by Taliban terrorists, the locals claim that as many as five civilians were killed and 11 others sustained injuries as a result of the airstrikes.

Afghanistan: 22 Taliban terrorists, 1 civilian killed in counter terrorism operation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-meet-in-doha-for-fresh-round-of-talks-as-us-eyes-peace-with-taliban-233144">Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks</a> with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights.

Stakes are high for the talks which follow a week of US-Taliban negotiations with both sides eyeing a resolution to the bloody 18-year conflict.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the Afghan gathering "has been a long time coming" and praised the country's "government, civil society, women, and Taliban" for coming together.

Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw.

Around 70 delegates are attending the two-day gathering which has been organized by Germany and Qatar.

"History will remember those who were able to set their differences aside for the sake of the country," said Germany envoy Markus Potzel as he opened the gathering Sunday.

A German source confirmed the second day of talks got underway just before 0600 GMT.

Delegate Asila Wardak, a member of the High Peace Council established by former president Hamid Karzai to engage with Taliban elements, said: "everybody is emphasizing on a ceasefire" during Sunday's session.

The Taliban spoke about "women's role, economic development, (and) the role of minorities" in a future settlement, she added.

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said on Twitter that he looked "forward to a constructive dialogue".

The so-called intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks that have been put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference and are set to resume Tuesday, according to both sides.

Most productive

US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said Saturday that the latest round of US-Taliban talks "have been the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs".

The Taliban said they were "happy with progress".

The United States is not participating directly in the two-day Afghan summit, which is being attended by political heavyweights, government officials, and at least six women.

The Taliban, who have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, have stressed that those attending are only doing so in a "personal capacity".

Ghani's administration, which the Taliban consider a puppet regime, has also been excluded from the direct US-Taliban talks.

Sunday and Monday's gathering is the third such meeting following landmark summits in Moscow in February and May.

An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- a US withdrawal from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-based-terrorists-joining-hands-with-afghan-outfits-after-balakot-strike-sources-233866">Afghanistan</a> and a commitment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists.&nbsp;

The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago.

But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration remain unresolved.

Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights.

Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights. Stakes are high for the talks which follow a week of US-Taliban negotiations with both sides eyeing a resolution to the bloody 18-year conflict. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the Afghan gathering "has been a long time coming" and praised the country's "government, civil society, women, and Taliban" for coming together. Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw. Around 70 delegates are attending the two-day gathering which has been organized by Germany and Qatar. "History will remember those who were able to set their differences aside for the sake of the country," said Germany envoy Markus Potzel as he opened the gathering Sunday. A German source confirmed the second day of talks got underway just before 0600 GMT. Delegate Asila Wardak, a member of the High Peace Council established by former president Hamid Karzai to engage with Taliban elements, said: "everybody is emphasizing on a ceasefire" during Sunday's session. The Taliban spoke about "women's role, economic development, (and) the role of minorities" in a future settlement, she added. Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said on Twitter that he looked "forward to a constructive dialogue". The so-called intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks that have been put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference and are set to resume Tuesday, according to both sides. Most productive US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said Saturday that the latest round of US-Taliban talks "have been the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs". The Taliban said they were "happy with progress". The United States is not participating directly in the two-day Afghan summit, which is being attended by political heavyweights, government officials, and at least six women. The Taliban, who have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, have stressed that those attending are only doing so in a "personal capacity". Ghani's administration, which the Taliban consider a puppet regime, has also been excluded from the direct US-Taliban talks. Sunday and Monday's gathering is the third such meeting following landmark summits in Moscow in February and May. An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration remain unresolved.

Afghanistan rivals resume talks for peace with Taliban in Doha

A huge blast was reported in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-bombers-kill-19-including-afghan-election-workers-231800">Kabul </a>on Monday, sending a plume of black smoke over the Afghan capital.

The explosion occurred during rush hour in the Puli Mahmood Khan neighbourhood of the city.

Reuters witnesses said the sound shook the building.&nbsp;Kabul police officials confirmed there had been an explosion, but gave no immediate details.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the blast hit a densely populated area where the ministry of defence is located.

An AFP reporter said he could hear gunshots shortly after the blast, which sent a plume of smoke into the air above the area.

"Dozens of wounded were taken to hospitals from today's blast in Kabul," health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar tweeted.&nbsp;

The neighbourhood is home to some military and government buildings, as well as the Afghan football federation and the Afghan cricket board.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, and it was not immediately clear what the precise target was.&nbsp;

It comes a day after Taliban bombers targeting a district centre in southern Afghanistan killing 19 people, including eight election workers.

The militants had earlier rammed four armoured vehicles packed with explosives into a government compound in Maruf district late on Saturday.&nbsp;

The violence comes amid stepped-up efforts by the United States to find a negotiated end to America's longest war, with Washington and the Taliban opening a fresh round of negotiations in Doha on Saturday.

(Inputs: Reuters, AFP)

A huge blast was reported in Kabul on Monday, sending a plume of black smoke over the Afghan capital. The explosion occurred during rush hour in the Puli Mahmood Khan neighbourhood of the city.

A huge blast was reported in Kabul on Monday, sending a plume of black smoke over the Afghan capital. The explosion occurred during rush hour in the Puli Mahmood Khan neighbourhood of the city. Reuters witnesses said the sound shook the building. Kabul police officials confirmed there had been an explosion, but gave no immediate details. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the blast hit a densely populated area where the ministry of defence is located. An AFP reporter said he could hear gunshots shortly after the blast, which sent a plume of smoke into the air above the area. "Dozens of wounded were taken to hospitals from today's blast in Kabul," health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar tweeted. The neighbourhood is home to some military and government buildings, as well as the Afghan football federation and the Afghan cricket board. No group immediately claimed responsibility, and it was not immediately clear what the precise target was. It comes a day after Taliban bombers targeting a district centre in southern Afghanistan killing 19 people, including eight election workers. The militants had earlier rammed four armoured vehicles packed with explosives into a government compound in Maruf district late on Saturday. The violence comes amid stepped-up efforts by the United States to find a negotiated end to America's longest war, with Washington and the Taliban opening a fresh round of negotiations in Doha on Saturday. (Inputs: Reuters, AFP)

Afghanistan: Blast near defence ministry in Kabul; several injured

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kills-eight-election-commission-employees-in-south-afghanistan-officials-231728">Taliban bombers</a> targeting a district centre in southern Afghanistan have killed at least 19 people, including eight election workers, officials said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The attack comes as a new round of talks between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-eyes-a-breakthrough-as-us-taliban-resume-talks-on-ending-war-231605">United States </a>and the Taliban to end the 18-year long war in Afghanistan entered a second day in Qatar.&nbsp;

The militants rammed four armoured vehicles packed with explosives into a government compound in Maruf district late Saturday, a police spokesman in southern Kandahar province said.

"Unfortunately 11 policemen were martyred and 27 more injured," Qasim Afghan told AFP.&nbsp;

Eight election workers who were stationed at the centre to register voters ahead of the presidential polls in September were also killed in the attack, said Zabiullah Sadaat, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC).

Afghanistan's twice-delayed presidential election is now slated for September 28.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with a spokesman tweeting that their fighters had captured the district centre, killing 57 security forces.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's interior ministry, however, rejected the claim, saying in a statement that the militants had been beaten back and 25 insurgents killed.&nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the "barbaric and unforgivable" attacks, which are the latest in a relentless wave of assaults by the Taliban, who now hold sway over about half of the country and regularly target government forces.&nbsp;

The insurgents killed at least 25 members of a pro-government militia in an attack in northern Baghlan province on Saturday.

The violence comes amid stepped-up efforts by the United States to find a negotiated end to America's longest war, with Washington and the Taliban opening a fresh round of negotiations in Doha on Saturday.

Taliban bombers targeting a district centre in southern Afghanistan have killed at least 19 people, including eight election workers, officials said on Sunday. The attack comes as a new round of talks between the United States and the Taliban to end the 18-year long war in Afghanistan entered a second day in Qatar.

Taliban bombers targeting a district centre in southern Afghanistan have killed at least 19 people, including eight election workers, officials said on Sunday. The attack comes as a new round of talks between the United States and the Taliban to end the 18-year long war in Afghanistan entered a second day in Qatar. The militants rammed four armoured vehicles packed with explosives into a government compound in Maruf district late Saturday, a police spokesman in southern Kandahar province said. "Unfortunately 11 policemen were martyred and 27 more injured," Qasim Afghan told AFP. Eight election workers who were stationed at the centre to register voters ahead of the presidential polls in September were also killed in the attack, said Zabiullah Sadaat, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC). Afghanistan's twice-delayed presidential election is now slated for September 28. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with a spokesman tweeting that their fighters had captured the district centre, killing 57 security forces. Afghanistan's interior ministry, however, rejected the claim, saying in a statement that the militants had been beaten back and 25 insurgents killed. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the "barbaric and unforgivable" attacks, which are the latest in a relentless wave of assaults by the Taliban, who now hold sway over about half of the country and regularly target government forces. The insurgents killed at least 25 members of a pro-government militia in an attack in northern Baghlan province on Saturday. The violence comes amid stepped-up efforts by the United States to find a negotiated end to America's longest war, with Washington and the Taliban opening a fresh round of negotiations in Doha on Saturday.

Taliban bombers kill 19, including Afghan election workers

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