Several people have been killed and wounded in an explosion that have been reported in Jalalabad. Govt security forces also told WION, that the number of people killed and wounded in the IED blast is rising.

Afghanistan: 4 security incidents in Jalalabad in a day

The crowds continue to swell at the Kabul airport. Even the Former Chief of the Afghan Army was seen waiting in line outside the airport. A team WION managed to get inside to assess the evacuation effort. Palki Sharma tells you what they saw.

Gravitas: Former Afghan Army Chief stands in line outside Kabul airport, wants to leave

Lieutenant general Sami Sadat of Afghanistan army launched a harsh attack on the US and Afghan governments, saying that politics and presidents had failed his Army.

In his opinion article for The New York Times, Sami Sadat wrote that Joe Biden’s full and accelerated withdrawal has only made matters worse. The US president&nbsp;ignored the conditions on the ground, wrote Sadat.

"The last days of the fighting were surreal. We engaged in an intense exchange of fire on the ground against the Taliban as American fighter jets circled above us, in fact spectators. Our sense of abandonment and betrayal was matched only by the frustration the American pilots felt and conveyed to us – being forced to witness the war on the ground, seemingly unable to help us," he wrote. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-100-afghan-evacuees-may-have-ties-with-isis-reports-408262">Also read | Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with ISIS: Reports</a> 
 
"We have been betrayed by politics and presidents. It wasn’t just an Afghan war; it was an international war, with many military personnel involved. It would have been impossible for a single army, ours, to resume work and fight. It was a military defeat, but it stemmed from a political failure," he wrote. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anticipated-taliban-takeover-but-timeline-surprised-us-cds-bipin-rawat-408238" hreflang="en">Anticipated Taliban takeover but timeline surprised us: CDS Bipin Rawat</a>

Appreciating his soldiers he wrote that "My corps, which had carried on even after I was called away to Kabul, was one of the last to give up its arms — only after the capital fell." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-panjshir-valley-a-graveyard-for-invaders-408018">Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;Panjshir Valley: A graveyard for invaders</a>

"The Taliban had a firm American end date and feared no military retaliation for anything they had done in the meantime, sensing the unwillingness of the United States. And so the Taliban continued to gain strength. My soldiers and I suffered up to seven Taliban car bombings per day in July and the first week of August in Helmand province," he wrote. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-will-help-pakistan-conquer-kashmir-leader-of-imran-khans-party-408045">Watch | Taliban will help Pakistan conquer Kashmir: Leader of Imran Khan’s party</a>

Sadat had been using firepower as well as social media to wage a war against the Taliban, especially in its heartland. 
 
In Lashkar Gah, the capital of the southern province of Helmand, the 36-year-old commander of the country's Special Forces had been fighting the Taliban and keeping them out. 
&nbsp; 
In southwestern Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat led the Afghan National Army's 215th Maiwand Corps. 
&nbsp; 
Prior to that, he was the Afghan National Intelligence Agency's Senior Director.

Lieutenant general Sami Sadat of Afghanistan army launched a harsh attack on the US and Afghan governments, saying that politics and presidents had failed his Army.

Lieutenant general Sami Sadat of Afghanistan army launched a harsh attack on the US and Afghan governments, saying that politics and presidents had failed his Army. In his opinion article for The New York Times, Sami Sadat wrote that Joe Biden’s full and accelerated withdrawal has only made matters worse. The US president ignored the conditions on the ground, wrote Sadat. "The last days of the fighting were surreal. We engaged in an intense exchange of fire on the ground against the Taliban as American fighter jets circled above us, in fact spectators. Our sense of abandonment and betrayal was matched only by the frustration the American pilots felt and conveyed to us – being forced to witness the war on the ground, seemingly unable to help us," he wrote. Also read | Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with ISIS: Reports "We have been betrayed by politics and presidents. It wasn’t just an Afghan war; it was an international war, with many military personnel involved. It would have been impossible for a single army, ours, to resume work and fight. It was a military defeat, but it stemmed from a political failure," he wrote. Also read | Anticipated Taliban takeover but timeline surprised us: CDS Bipin Rawat Appreciating his soldiers he wrote that "My corps, which had carried on even after I was called away to Kabul, was one of the last to give up its arms — only after the capital fell." Also Read | Panjshir Valley: A graveyard for invaders "The Taliban had a firm American end date and feared no military retaliation for anything they had done in the meantime, sensing the unwillingness of the United States. And so the Taliban continued to gain strength. My soldiers and I suffered up to seven Taliban car bombings per day in July and the first week of August in Helmand province," he wrote. Watch | Taliban will help Pakistan conquer Kashmir: Leader of Imran Khan’s party Sadat had been using firepower as well as social media to wage a war against the Taliban, especially in its heartland. In Lashkar Gah, the capital of the southern province of Helmand, the 36-year-old commander of the country's Special Forces had been fighting the Taliban and keeping them out. In southwestern Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat led the Afghan National Army's 215th Maiwand Corps. Prior to that, he was the Afghan National Intelligence Agency's Senior Director.

Commander of Afghan army speaks out: We were betrayed by politics and presidents

According to reports, former Afghan Army chief Wali Muhammad Ahmadzai is set to leave the country after he was seen standing in a line at Kabul airport.

Ahmadzai's destination however is still unclear as he leaves Afghanistan.

Former President Ashraf Ghani had replaced Ahmadzai with Hibatullah Alizai amid Taliban's rapid advance across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-risk-afghans-us-grapples-with-august-31-evacuation-deadline-407919">Afghanistan</a> earlier this month.

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Former Afghan Army Chief Wali Muhammad Ahmadzai is standing in line at Airport to leave the country. <a href="https://t.co/SBaQ3QYmTZ">pic.twitter.com/SBaQ3QYmTZ</a>
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Ghani later visited Mazar-e-Sharif in the Balkh province which later fell into the hands of the Taliban. The Afghan army rapidly lost control&nbsp;as&nbsp;the Taliban&nbsp;surged across the country as several districts and later provincial capitals fell to the militant group.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/satellite-images-show-afghans-converging-at-kabul-airport-407935">In Pics:&nbsp;Satellite images show Afghans converging at Kabul airport</a>

The Taliban entered Kabul on August 15 leading to the collapse of the Ghani government as the former president fled the country taking refuge in the UAE.

Ahmadzai joined several thousand Afghans who have been stranded at Hamid Karzai international airport as US and coalition partners continue their evacuation operation with the August 31 deadline set by President Biden fast approaching.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-who-says-kabul-airport-curbs-blocking-medical-supplies-for-afghans-407940/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US allies Britain, France and Germany have said evacuations operations may stretch beyond August 31 with thousands still waiting to fly out of the capital.

The Taliban however has said there would be "consequences" if the US does not meet the deadline asserting that it was a "red line".

Amid the confusion, assailants opened fire on Monday along&nbsp;the airport as troops joined in the firefight including Afghan guards. One guard was reportedly killed during the gun battle. Reports say at least 20 people have died in the past one week around the airport with thousands of men, women and children gathered outside.

The German defence ministry informed that an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-us-jets-evacuating-afghans-make-diving-combat-landings-drop-flares-amid-isis-missile-fears-407853">Afghan</a> man was killed and three others wounded during the dawn firefight.&nbsp;

Social media courtesy: Twitter&nbsp;@MeghUpdates

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, former Afghan Army chief Wali Muhammad Ahmadzai is set to leave the country after he was seen standing in a line at Kabul airport. Ahmadzai's destination however is still unclear as he leaves Afghanistan.

According to reports, former Afghan Army chief Wali Muhammad Ahmadzai is set to leave the country after he was seen standing in a line at Kabul airport. Ahmadzai's destination however is still unclear as he leaves Afghanistan. Former President Ashraf Ghani had replaced Ahmadzai with Hibatullah Alizai amid Taliban's rapid advance across Afghanistan earlier this month. Former Afghan Army Chief Wali Muhammad Ahmadzai is standing in line at Airport to leave the country. pic.twitter.com/SBaQ3QYmTZ — Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) August 23, 2021 × Ghani later visited Mazar-e-Sharif in the Balkh province which later fell into the hands of the Taliban. The Afghan army rapidly lost control as the Taliban surged across the country as several districts and later provincial capitals fell to the militant group. In Pics: Satellite images show Afghans converging at Kabul airport The Taliban entered Kabul on August 15 leading to the collapse of the Ghani government as the former president fled the country taking refuge in the UAE. Ahmadzai joined several thousand Afghans who have been stranded at Hamid Karzai international airport as US and coalition partners continue their evacuation operation with the August 31 deadline set by President Biden fast approaching. Watch: US allies Britain, France and Germany have said evacuations operations may stretch beyond August 31 with thousands still waiting to fly out of the capital. The Taliban however has said there would be "consequences" if the US does not meet the deadline asserting that it was a "red line". Amid the confusion, assailants opened fire on Monday along the airport as troops joined in the firefight including Afghan guards. One guard was reportedly killed during the gun battle. Reports say at least 20 people have died in the past one week around the airport with thousands of men, women and children gathered outside. The German defence ministry informed that an Afghan man was killed and three others wounded during the dawn firefight. Social media courtesy: Twitter @MeghUpdates (With inputs from Agencies)

Former Afghan Army chief Wali Muhammad Ahmadzai at Kabul airport, set to leave Afghanistan

A journalist confronted the&nbsp;Pentagon’s chief spokesman, John Kirby&nbsp;about the 'irony' of&nbsp;bringing in 3,000 troops after just pulling 2,500 out of Afghanistan.

"There's a certain irony here that the drawdown was for 2,500 troops, and you are sending in an additional 3,000 to get out civilians, and ramping it up super-quick. And on top of that, another 3,500 in Kuwait...I mean, isn't this ironic?," a journalist asked Kirby on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kirby said the influx of fresh troops does not mean the US&nbsp;is reentering combat with the Taliban.

“This is a temporary mission with a narrow focus,” he told reporters at the Pentagon.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-advances-in-afghanistan-us-and-britain-to-evacuate-embassies-405040">Taliban advances in Afghanistan, US and Britain to evacuate embassies</a>

In addition to sending three infantry battalions, two from the Marine Corps and one from the Army,&nbsp;to the airport, the Pentagon will dispatch 3,500 to 4,000 troops from a combat brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division to Kuwait to act as a reserve force.

Kirby said they will be on standby “in case we need even more” than the 3,000 going to Kabul.

Also, about 1,000 Army and Air Force troops, including military police and medical personnel, will be sent to Qatar in coming days to support a State Department effort to accelerate its processing of Special Immigrant Visa applications from Afghans who once worked for the US&nbsp;government and feel threatened by the Taliban, Kirby said.

The 3,000 troops who are to arrive at the Kabul airport in the next day or two, Kirby said, are to assist with security at the airport and to help process the departure of embassy personnel,&nbsp;not to get involved in the Afghan government’s war with the Taliban.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;decision has cast new doubt on Washington's strategy to influence Afghanistan's peace process by maintaining aid and diplomatic personnel even after the troop withdrawal.

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About 3,500 additional US&nbsp;troops would be sent to the region from Fort Bragg in North Carolina to be on standby if the situation worsened, as well as 1,000 personnel to help process Afghans going through a special immigration process.

It is common for the US&nbsp;military to send in troops to evacuate personnel in combat zones.

The United States has ordered&nbsp;the deployment of thousands of troops to Afghanistan to evacuate their nationals, as the Taliban overran more key regional cities in an offensive that has left the capital dangerously exposed.

The orders came as the Taliban took control of Kandahar, the nation's second biggest city in the insurgency's heartland, leaving only Kabul and pockets of other territory in government hands.

The State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday and told him the United States "remains invested in the security and stability of Afghanistan" in the face of Taliban violence.

They said Washington was reducing its "civilian footprint" in Kabul given the "evolving security situation" and would increase the tempo of Special Immigration Visa flights for Afghans who helped the US&nbsp;effort in the country, a State Department statement said.

'Not abandonment'&nbsp;

Biden has insisted he has no regrets with his decision, but the speed and ease of the Taliban's urban victories in recent days has been a surprise and forced new calculations.

The Afghan government has now effectively lost control of most of the country, following an eight-day blitz into urban centres by the Taliban that has also stunned Kabul's American backers.

The offensive was launched in early May after the United States and its allies all but withdrew its forces from Afghanistan, with President Joe Biden determined to end two decades of war by September 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

A journalist confronted the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, John Kirby about the 'irony' of bringing in 3,000 troops after just pulling 2,500 out of Afghanistan. "There's a certain irony here that the drawdown was for 2,500 troops, and you are sending in an additional 3,000 to get out civilians, and ramping it up super-quick.

A journalist confronted the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, John Kirby about the 'irony' of bringing in 3,000 troops after just pulling 2,500 out of Afghanistan. "There's a certain irony here that the drawdown was for 2,500 troops, and you are sending in an additional 3,000 to get out civilians, and ramping it up super-quick. And on top of that, another 3,500 in Kuwait...I mean, isn't this ironic?," a journalist asked Kirby on Thursday. Kirby said the influx of fresh troops does not mean the US is reentering combat with the Taliban. “This is a temporary mission with a narrow focus,” he told reporters at the Pentagon. Also read| Taliban advances in Afghanistan, US and Britain to evacuate embassies In addition to sending three infantry battalions, two from the Marine Corps and one from the Army, to the airport, the Pentagon will dispatch 3,500 to 4,000 troops from a combat brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division to Kuwait to act as a reserve force. Kirby said they will be on standby “in case we need even more” than the 3,000 going to Kabul. Also, about 1,000 Army and Air Force troops, including military police and medical personnel, will be sent to Qatar in coming days to support a State Department effort to accelerate its processing of Special Immigrant Visa applications from Afghans who once worked for the US government and feel threatened by the Taliban, Kirby said. The 3,000 troops who are to arrive at the Kabul airport in the next day or two, Kirby said, are to assist with security at the airport and to help process the departure of embassy personnel, not to get involved in the Afghan government’s war with the Taliban. The decision has cast new doubt on Washington's strategy to influence Afghanistan's peace process by maintaining aid and diplomatic personnel even after the troop withdrawal. About 3,500 additional US troops would be sent to the region from Fort Bragg in North Carolina to be on standby if the situation worsened, as well as 1,000 personnel to help process Afghans going through a special immigration process. It is common for the US military to send in troops to evacuate personnel in combat zones. The United States has ordered the deployment of thousands of troops to Afghanistan to evacuate their nationals, as the Taliban overran more key regional cities in an offensive that has left the capital dangerously exposed. The orders came as the Taliban took control of Kandahar, the nation's second biggest city in the insurgency's heartland, leaving only Kabul and pockets of other territory in government hands. The State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday and told him the United States "remains invested in the security and stability of Afghanistan" in the face of Taliban violence. They said Washington was reducing its "civilian footprint" in Kabul given the "evolving security situation" and would increase the tempo of Special Immigration Visa flights for Afghans who helped the US effort in the country, a State Department statement said. 'Not abandonment' Biden has insisted he has no regrets with his decision, but the speed and ease of the Taliban's urban victories in recent days has been a surprise and forced new calculations. The Afghan government has now effectively lost control of most of the country, following an eight-day blitz into urban centres by the Taliban that has also stunned Kabul's American backers. The offensive was launched in early May after the United States and its allies all but withdrew its forces from Afghanistan, with President Joe Biden determined to end two decades of war by September 11. (With inputs from agencies)

US is sending 3,000 troops to Kabul as 2,500 leave, journalist confronts Pentagon about the irony

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan-based radio and television station Shamshad News has reported that the Taliban have banned the Covid vaccination in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia and posted a notice in this respect at Paktia Regional Hospital.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 vaccine ward has been closed for the last three days, according to province Public Health Director Walayat Khan Ahmadzai, and clients have been informed that the vaccine has been prohibited.

According to Ahmadzai, the Taliban urged the vaccination distribution team not to provide vaccines.

So yet, the armed Taliban have been silent on the subject.&nbsp;

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When the Taliban gained control of the province, they allegedly removed Nishan Sahib from a Gurudwara.&nbsp;

Following an eight-day blitz into metropolitan centres by the Taliban, the Afghan government has virtually lost control of the majority of the nation, shocking Kabul's American supporters.

Meanwhile, after the provincial capital in the country's north was taken last week, a video on Facebook shows Taliban commanders celebrating their victory at the home of Afghan warlord Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum in Sheberghan, Jowzjan.

Taliban commanders can be seen celebrating in a large hall owned by Dostum in the footage.&nbsp;

The attack began in early May after the US and its allies had almost completely withdrawn their soldiers from Afghanistan, with President Joe Biden aiming to bring the two-decade-long war to a close-by September 11.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan-based radio and television station Shamshad News has reported that the Taliban have banned the Covid vaccination in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia and posted a notice in this respect at Paktia Regional Hospital.

Afghanistan-based radio and television station Shamshad News has reported that the Taliban have banned the Covid vaccination in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia and posted a notice in this respect at Paktia Regional Hospital. The COVID-19 vaccine ward has been closed for the last three days, according to province Public Health Director Walayat Khan Ahmadzai, and clients have been informed that the vaccine has been prohibited. According to Ahmadzai, the Taliban urged the vaccination distribution team not to provide vaccines. So yet, the armed Taliban have been silent on the subject. Taliban Banned Using of COVID-19 Vaccines in Paktiahttps://t.co/x0O9qPbfUN pic.twitter.com/3G9TOlwzbk — ShamshadNews (@Shamshadnetwork) August 12, 2021 × When the Taliban gained control of the province, they allegedly removed Nishan Sahib from a Gurudwara. Following an eight-day blitz into metropolitan centres by the Taliban, the Afghan government has virtually lost control of the majority of the nation, shocking Kabul's American supporters. Meanwhile, after the provincial capital in the country's north was taken last week, a video on Facebook shows Taliban commanders celebrating their victory at the home of Afghan warlord Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum in Sheberghan, Jowzjan. Taliban commanders can be seen celebrating in a large hall owned by Dostum in the footage. The attack began in early May after the US and its allies had almost completely withdrawn their soldiers from Afghanistan, with President Joe Biden aiming to bring the two-decade-long war to a close-by September 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban ban COVID-19 vaccine in Eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province: Report

The Doha meetings on Afghanistan in a final outcome document have sent a message to the Taliban that it won't get legitimacy if it comes by force and called on both the Afghan government and the Taliban to accelerate the peace process.

The nine-point Chairman statement&nbsp;issued after the series of meetings said, "Participants reaffirmed that they will not recognize any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force.".

Doha saw two&nbsp;key meetings, one on Tuesday that saw the participation of China, Uzbekistan, United States, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Qatar, United Nations, and the European Union, and another on Thursday&nbsp;that saw the participation of Germany, India, Norway, Qatar, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United States, and the United Nations to discuss the ongoing situation in the country. Additionally, on Wednesday, the&nbsp;Troika Plus meeting happened which saw US, Russia, China plus Pakistan meeting.&nbsp;

The outcome document stated that participants agreed that the "peace process" needs to be "accelerated as a matter of great urgency" on the basis of the negotiations of "concrete proposals" from both sides--the Afghan republic side and the Taliban side.

The key document called for a "political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire as quickly as possible". The political settlement should not undo the gains of the past, including women's and minorities' rights and "a commitment to not allow any individuals or groups to use the soil of Afghanistan to threaten the security of other countries".

Remember inputs&nbsp;from the Security establishment suggest, terror camps from Pakistan have moved into Afghanistan, in areas under Taliban occupation.&nbsp;Afghan govt has been saying that 10,000 foreign terrorists Fighters representing 20 groups including Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-taiba, TTP, IMU, ETIM, and ISIL have entered the country and fighting along with the Taliban.

During the meetings, Participants raised&nbsp;"grave concerns" about reports of "continued violence, large numbers of civilian casualties and extra-judicial killings, widespread and credible allegations of human rights violations, all attacks (ground and air) against provincial capitals and cities, and the destruction of physical infrastructure" from Afghanistan. Even as the Taliban makes massive territorial gains, provincial capital after provincial capital has fallen with humanitarian crisis erupting. In some parts, heartbreaking visuals of women and children&nbsp;being killed have emerged.&nbsp;

The document in an optimistic&nbsp;note highlighted that "participants committed to assist in the reconstruction of Afghanistan once a viable political settlement is reached following good faith negotiations between the two sides."

Global diplomatic engagements are on as the situation deteriorates in Afghanistan. Earlier this month, India as the President of the United Nations Security Council hosted a meeting on Afghanistan on the issue. Number of countries reiterated that the Taliban won't get legitimacy if it comes by force.

The US-Europe communique, a C5+1 statement – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, embassies represented in Kabul which included embassies of Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the EU delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, NATO, Spain, Sweden, the UK have been issuing similar statements expressing concerns on the situation in the country.

The Doha meetings on Afghanistan in a final outcome document have sent a message to the Taliban that it won't get legitimacy if it comes by force and called on both the Afghan government and the Taliban to accelerate the peace process.

The Doha meetings on Afghanistan in a final outcome document have sent a message to the Taliban that it won't get legitimacy if it comes by force and called on both the Afghan government and the Taliban to accelerate the peace process. The nine-point Chairman statement issued after the series of meetings said, "Participants reaffirmed that they will not recognize any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force.". Doha saw two key meetings, one on Tuesday that saw the participation of China, Uzbekistan, United States, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Qatar, United Nations, and the European Union, and another on Thursday that saw the participation of Germany, India, Norway, Qatar, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United States, and the United Nations to discuss the ongoing situation in the country. Additionally, on Wednesday, the Troika Plus meeting happened which saw US, Russia, China plus Pakistan meeting. The outcome document stated that participants agreed that the "peace process" needs to be "accelerated as a matter of great urgency" on the basis of the negotiations of "concrete proposals" from both sides--the Afghan republic side and the Taliban side. The key document called for a "political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire as quickly as possible". The political settlement should not undo the gains of the past, including women's and minorities' rights and "a commitment to not allow any individuals or groups to use the soil of Afghanistan to threaten the security of other countries". Remember inputs from the Security establishment suggest, terror camps from Pakistan have moved into Afghanistan, in areas under Taliban occupation. Afghan govt has been saying that 10,000 foreign terrorists Fighters representing 20 groups including Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-taiba, TTP, IMU, ETIM, and ISIL have entered the country and fighting along with the Taliban. During the meetings, Participants raised "grave concerns" about reports of "continued violence, large numbers of civilian casualties and extra-judicial killings, widespread and credible allegations of human rights violations, all attacks (ground and air) against provincial capitals and cities, and the destruction of physical infrastructure" from Afghanistan. Even as the Taliban makes massive territorial gains, provincial capital after provincial capital has fallen with humanitarian crisis erupting. In some parts, heartbreaking visuals of women and children being killed have emerged. The document in an optimistic note highlighted that "participants committed to assist in the reconstruction of Afghanistan once a viable political settlement is reached following good faith negotiations between the two sides." Global diplomatic engagements are on as the situation deteriorates in Afghanistan. Earlier this month, India as the President of the United Nations Security Council hosted a meeting on Afghanistan on the issue. Number of countries reiterated that the Taliban won't get legitimacy if it comes by force. The US-Europe communique, a C5+1 statement – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, embassies represented in Kabul which included embassies of Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the EU delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, NATO, Spain, Sweden, the UK have been issuing similar statements expressing concerns on the situation in the country.

Doha meet on Afghanistan says Taliban won't get legitimacy if they come by force

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members along with European Union and the United Nations on Friday confirmed that they will not recognize any government in Afghanistan imposed through armed forces.

A NATO official in Brussels also told Pajhwok Afghan News that allies are constantly consulting on the situation in Afghanistan. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is in regular contact with Allies and the Afghan authorities.

"NATO is monitoring the security situation very closely. We continue to coordinate with the Afghan authorities and the rest of the international community. We continue to maintain our diplomatic presence in Kabul. As the security of our personnel is paramount," NATO official informed.

His remarks came soon after a media report informed that several foreign terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda are aiding the Taliban which is rapidly advancing in Afghanistan.

The Taliban escalated its offensive against the Afghan forces soon after the US forces started leaving Afghanistan in large numbers after the peace deal signed between Washington and the Taliban in February last year. On Wednesday, President Ashraf Ghani also appointed a new chief of army staff in an attempt to give a robust response to the terror group on the ground.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members along with European Union and the United Nations on Friday confirmed that they will not recognize any government in Afghanistan imposed through armed forces.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members along with European Union and the United Nations on Friday confirmed that they will not recognize any government in Afghanistan imposed through armed forces. A NATO official in Brussels also told Pajhwok Afghan News that allies are constantly consulting on the situation in Afghanistan. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is in regular contact with Allies and the Afghan authorities. "NATO is monitoring the security situation very closely. We continue to coordinate with the Afghan authorities and the rest of the international community. We continue to maintain our diplomatic presence in Kabul. As the security of our personnel is paramount," NATO official informed. His remarks came soon after a media report informed that several foreign terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda are aiding the Taliban which is rapidly advancing in Afghanistan. The Taliban escalated its offensive against the Afghan forces soon after the US forces started leaving Afghanistan in large numbers after the peace deal signed between Washington and the Taliban in February last year. On Wednesday, President Ashraf Ghani also appointed a new chief of army staff in an attempt to give a robust response to the terror group on the ground.

Afghanistan: NATO, EU, UN confirm they will not recognise govt formed through military

Citizens of Afghanistan who have fled to Kabul and those who remain in Taliban-controlled regions say they have witnessed unjustified assaults on civilians and the execution of captured troops.

In addition,&nbsp;Taliban commanders have demanded that communities turn over unmarried women to become “wives” for their fighters—a form of sexual violence, human-rights groups say.&nbsp;

According to a media report on Thursday, the Taliban gains momentum in Afghanistan by taking numerous important cities. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-taliban-impose-strict-restrictions-on-women-media-in-afghanistans-north-397124">Also read: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north</a>

In the Taliban's newly seized regions, Afghans are also seeing the Taliban's execution of captive soldiers and unjustified attacks on civilians.&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

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According to information obtained by the US Embassy in Kabul on Thursday, the Taliban were executing members of the Afghan military who had surrendered.

On Twitter, the embassy wrote, "Deeply disturbing &amp; might constitute war crimes."&nbsp;

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We’re hearing additional reports of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> executions of surrendering Afghan troops. Deeply disturbing &amp; could constitute war crimes.
— U.S. Embassy Kabul (@USEmbassyKabul) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKabul/status/1425645725958955012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, denied the organisation had murdered any captives, claiming that doing so would be against the party's values.

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He also denied claims that the Taliban was forcing women into marriage, saying that such measures would be against Islamic law and cultural custom.&nbsp;

Following an eight-day blitz into metropolitan centres by the Taliban, the Afghan government has virtually lost control of the majority of the nation, shocking Kabul's American supporters.

The attack began in early May after the US and its allies had almost completely withdrawn their soldiers from Afghanistan, with President Joe Biden aiming to bring the two-decade-long war to a close-by September 11.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Citizens of Afghanistan who have fled to Kabul and those who remain in Taliban-controlled regions say they have witnessed unjustified assaults on civilians and the execution of captured troops.

Citizens of Afghanistan who have fled to Kabul and those who remain in Taliban-controlled regions say they have witnessed unjustified assaults on civilians and the execution of captured troops. In addition, Taliban commanders have demanded that communities turn over unmarried women to become “wives” for their fighters—a form of sexual violence, human-rights groups say. According to a media report on Thursday, the Taliban gains momentum in Afghanistan by taking numerous important cities. Also read: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north In the Taliban's newly seized regions, Afghans are also seeing the Taliban's execution of captive soldiers and unjustified attacks on civilians. Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing According to information obtained by the US Embassy in Kabul on Thursday, the Taliban were executing members of the Afghan military who had surrendered. On Twitter, the embassy wrote, "Deeply disturbing & might constitute war crimes." We’re hearing additional reports of #Taliban executions of surrendering Afghan troops. Deeply disturbing & could constitute war crimes. — U.S. Embassy Kabul (@USEmbassyKabul) August 12, 2021 × Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, denied the organisation had murdered any captives, claiming that doing so would be against the party's values. He also denied claims that the Taliban was forcing women into marriage, saying that such measures would be against Islamic law and cultural custom. Following an eight-day blitz into metropolitan centres by the Taliban, the Afghan government has virtually lost control of the majority of the nation, shocking Kabul's American supporters. The attack began in early May after the US and its allies had almost completely withdrawn their soldiers from Afghanistan, with President Joe Biden aiming to bring the two-decade-long war to a close-by September 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Forced to be 'wives' of the Taliban: Afghan women face sexual violence 

Pakistani forces clashed with hundreds of Afghans stranded on the Pakistan side of a commercially vital crossing point with Afghanistan after its closure by the Taliban, a global news wire quoted Pakistani security officials as saying. 
 
The disturbances broke out after a 56-year-old Afghan traveller died of a heart attack as he waited in the dusty heat to enter Afghanistan via the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing. 
 
According to the report, the protesters carried his body to a local Pakistani government office demanding the border be reopened. 
 
Some began throwing stones at security forces, who responded by firing tear gas shells and charging the protesters with batons to disperse them. No injuries were reported. 
 
The Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing is landlocked between Afghanistan`s second busiest entry point and the main commercial artery to the Pakistani seacoast. 
 
The Taliban had captured the Spin Boldak district last month. They announced the closure of the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing on August 6 in protest against a Pakistani decision to end visa-free travel for Afghans. 
 
The group is demanding that Pakistan should allow Afghans to cross the frontier with either an Afghan ID card or a refugee registration card issued by Pakistan. 
 
According to the report, some 900 trucks used to pass through the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing daily before the the Taliban seized it.

Pakistani forces clashed with hundreds of Afghans stranded on the Pakistan side of a commercially vital crossing point with Afghanistan after its closure by the Taliban, a global news wire quoted Pakistani security officials as saying.

Pakistani forces clashed with hundreds of Afghans stranded on the Pakistan side of a commercially vital crossing point with Afghanistan after its closure by the Taliban, a global news wire quoted Pakistani security officials as saying. The disturbances broke out after a 56-year-old Afghan traveller died of a heart attack as he waited in the dusty heat to enter Afghanistan via the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing. According to the report, the protesters carried his body to a local Pakistani government office demanding the border be reopened. Some began throwing stones at security forces, who responded by firing tear gas shells and charging the protesters with batons to disperse them. No injuries were reported. The Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing is landlocked between Afghanistan`s second busiest entry point and the main commercial artery to the Pakistani seacoast. The Taliban had captured the Spin Boldak district last month. They announced the closure of the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing on August 6 in protest against a Pakistani decision to end visa-free travel for Afghans. The group is demanding that Pakistan should allow Afghans to cross the frontier with either an Afghan ID card or a refugee registration card issued by Pakistan. According to the report, some 900 trucks used to pass through the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing daily before the the Taliban seized it.

Afghan protesters clash with Pak forces after man dies waiting to enter Spin Boldak

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;claimed control over two of Afghanistan's biggest cities on Thursday, according to media reports, as the United States and Britain said they would send thousands of troops to help evacuate their embassy staff.

The capture of Kandahar and Herat,&nbsp;the country's second and third largest cities, would represent the&nbsp;Taliban's two biggest military victories since they began a broad offensive in May.

The fall of major cities was a sign that Afghans welcome the&nbsp;Taliban, a spokesperson for the group said, according to Al Jazeera TV.

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The US&nbsp;State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday and told him the United States "remains invested in the security and stability of Afghanistan". They also said the United States was committed to supporting a political solution to the conflict.

In response to the&nbsp;Taliban's swift and violent advances, the Pentagon said it would send about 3,000 extra troops within 48 hours to help evacuate embassy staff.

"We expect to draw down to a core diplomatic presence in Afghanistan in the coming weeks," said State Department spokesperson Ned Price, adding the embassy was not closed. A person familiar with the matter said there were no guarantees the embassy would remain open.

The State Department said it would also increase the tempo of Special Immigration Visa flights for Afghans who helped the US&nbsp;effort in the country.

Britain said it would deploy around 600 troops to help its nationals and local translators get out.

As the United Nations warned that a&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;offensive reaching the capital would have a "catastrophic impact on civilians," the United States and Germany urged all their citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately.

In Qatar, international envoys to Afghan negotiations called for an accelerated peace process as a "matter of great urgency," and for an immediate halt to attacks on cities.

The fall of both Kandahar and Herat was reported by media including the Associated Press. Combined, the cities represent the two biggest prizes yet for the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;in their offensive over the past week.

"As you can see, we are inside the Herat police headquarters right now," a&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;fighter said in a video shared by a group spokesperson, Qari Yousuf Ahmadi.

Earlier on Thursday, the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;captured Ghazni, situated on the Kandahar-to-Kabul road some 150 km (90 miles) southwest of the capital.

On Wednesday, a US&nbsp;defense official cited US&nbsp;intelligence as saying the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;could isolate Kabul in 30 days and possibly take it over within 90.

With phone lines down across much of the country, Reuters was unable to immediately contact government officials to confirm which of the cities under attack remained in government hands.

SAIGON COMPARISONS

The speed and violence of the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;offensive have sparked recriminations among many Afghans over President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw US&nbsp;troops, 20 years after they ousted in the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;in the wake of the September&nbsp;11 US&nbsp;attacks.

Biden said on Tuesday he does not regret his decision, noting Washington has spent more than $1 trillion in America's longest war and lost thousands of troops. He added the United States continues to provide significant air support, food, equipment and salaries to Afghan forces.

US&nbsp;Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said the exit strategy was sending the United States "hurtling toward an even worse sequel to the humiliating fall of Saigon in 1975."

"President Biden is finding that the quickest way to end a war is to lose it," McConnell said, urging him instead to commit to providing more support to Afghan forces.

"Without it, al Qaeda and the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;may celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks by burning down our Embassy in Kabul."

Former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said it was "a huge foreign policy failure with generational ramifications just shy of seven months into this administration. Everything points to a complete collapse."

VIOLENCE VS DIPLOMACY

In a deal struck with former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration last year, the insurgents agreed not to attack US-led foreign forces as they withdrew. The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;also made a commitment to discuss peace.

Given the speed of the&nbsp;Taliban's advance, prospects for diplomatic pressure to affect the situation on the ground seemed limited, although the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;spokesman told Al Jazeera: "We will not close the door to the political track."

Al Jazeera reported a government source saying it had offered the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;a share in power if the violence stopped. It was not clear to what extent the reported offer differed from terms already discussed in Qatar.

Taliban&nbsp;spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said he was unaware of any such offer but ruled out sharing power.

"We won't accept any offer like this because we don't want to be partner with the Kabul administration. We neither stay nor work for a single day with it," he said.

The international envoys in Doha, who met with Afghan government negotiators and&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;representatives, reaffirmed that foreign capitals would not recognise any government in Afghanistan "imposed through the use of military force."

The Taliban claimed control over two of Afghanistan's biggest cities on Thursday, according to media reports, as the United States and Britain said they would send thousands of troops to help evacuate their embassy staff.

The Taliban claimed control over two of Afghanistan's biggest cities on Thursday, according to media reports, as the United States and Britain said they would send thousands of troops to help evacuate their embassy staff. The capture of Kandahar and Herat, the country's second and third largest cities, would represent the Taliban's two biggest military victories since they began a broad offensive in May. The fall of major cities was a sign that Afghans welcome the Taliban, a spokesperson for the group said, according to Al Jazeera TV. The US State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday and told him the United States "remains invested in the security and stability of Afghanistan". They also said the United States was committed to supporting a political solution to the conflict. In response to the Taliban's swift and violent advances, the Pentagon said it would send about 3,000 extra troops within 48 hours to help evacuate embassy staff. "We expect to draw down to a core diplomatic presence in Afghanistan in the coming weeks," said State Department spokesperson Ned Price, adding the embassy was not closed. A person familiar with the matter said there were no guarantees the embassy would remain open. The State Department said it would also increase the tempo of Special Immigration Visa flights for Afghans who helped the US effort in the country. Britain said it would deploy around 600 troops to help its nationals and local translators get out. As the United Nations warned that a Taliban offensive reaching the capital would have a "catastrophic impact on civilians," the United States and Germany urged all their citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately. In Qatar, international envoys to Afghan negotiations called for an accelerated peace process as a "matter of great urgency," and for an immediate halt to attacks on cities. The fall of both Kandahar and Herat was reported by media including the Associated Press. Combined, the cities represent the two biggest prizes yet for the Taliban in their offensive over the past week. "As you can see, we are inside the Herat police headquarters right now," a Taliban fighter said in a video shared by a group spokesperson, Qari Yousuf Ahmadi. Earlier on Thursday, the Taliban captured Ghazni, situated on the Kandahar-to-Kabul road some 150 km (90 miles) southwest of the capital. On Wednesday, a US defense official cited US intelligence as saying the Taliban could isolate Kabul in 30 days and possibly take it over within 90. With phone lines down across much of the country, Reuters was unable to immediately contact government officials to confirm which of the cities under attack remained in government hands. SAIGON COMPARISONS The speed and violence of the Taliban offensive have sparked recriminations among many Afghans over President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw US troops, 20 years after they ousted in the Taliban in the wake of the September 11 US attacks. Biden said on Tuesday he does not regret his decision, noting Washington has spent more than $1 trillion in America's longest war and lost thousands of troops. He added the United States continues to provide significant air support, food, equipment and salaries to Afghan forces. US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said the exit strategy was sending the United States "hurtling toward an even worse sequel to the humiliating fall of Saigon in 1975." "President Biden is finding that the quickest way to end a war is to lose it," McConnell said, urging him instead to commit to providing more support to Afghan forces. "Without it, al Qaeda and the Taliban may celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks by burning down our Embassy in Kabul." Former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said it was "a huge foreign policy failure with generational ramifications just shy of seven months into this administration. Everything points to a complete collapse." VIOLENCE VS DIPLOMACY In a deal struck with former US President Donald Trump's administration last year, the insurgents agreed not to attack US-led foreign forces as they withdrew. The Taliban also made a commitment to discuss peace. Given the speed of the Taliban's advance, prospects for diplomatic pressure to affect the situation on the ground seemed limited, although the Taliban spokesman told Al Jazeera: "We will not close the door to the political track." Al Jazeera reported a government source saying it had offered the Taliban a share in power if the violence stopped. It was not clear to what extent the reported offer differed from terms already discussed in Qatar. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said he was unaware of any such offer but ruled out sharing power. "We won't accept any offer like this because we don't want to be partner with the Kabul administration. We neither stay nor work for a single day with it," he said. The international envoys in Doha, who met with Afghan government negotiators and Taliban representatives, reaffirmed that foreign capitals would not recognise any government in Afghanistan "imposed through the use of military force."

Taliban take Kandahar and Herat; US and UK to evacuate Afghanistan embassies

As a string of Taliban victories show Afghan government forces in disarray, a young general is advancing his reputation on the battlefield and on social media.

Provincial cities in the north have fallen like dominoes this week -- in some cases after government forces retreated or surrendered without a fight -- but in Lashkar Gah, a Taliban heartland, the army appears to be providing stiffer resistance.

Leading them is&nbsp;Sami&nbsp;Sadat, 36, the highest-ranking army officer in southern Afghanistan, in an intense fight in defence of a provincial capital the Taliban are desperate to seize.

And as the insurgents flood social media with images of surrendering Afghan soldiers and snap selfies with locals, the young general is also using Twitter and Facebook as a slick PR tool in the fight against the hardline islamists.

He and the 20,000 men under his command in the 215th Corps have garnered thousands of followers, with their Twitter accounts awash with images of the general&nbsp;among the troops, posing for selfies with young civilians, and meeting local shopkeepers.

On Wednesday the defence ministry tweeted he had been promoted to lead the country's special forces, an announcement widely applauded on the platform.&nbsp;

Sadat&nbsp;remains optimistic despite the Taliban's advances.

"Because I know we are going to win," he told AFP in a phone interview from the frontlines of Lashkar Gah.

"I know this is our country, that the Taliban are failing, that they will fail sooner or later."

Confident, and ruthless

But there is more to him than meets the eye, say fellow officers and friends.

"He is anything but naive," said a security official who asked not to be named.

"He has a very strategic vision and a very deep analysis of what is happening," said a general who was&nbsp;Sadat's colleague at the spy agency.

A graduate of the prestigious King's College in London,&nbsp;Sadat&nbsp;began his military career at the Afghan interior ministry.

He received military training in Germany, Britain, Poland and the United States, and also served in the National Directorate of Security -- Afghanistan's spy agency.

Sadat&nbsp;prefers to talk about his men rather than himself and family -- senior officers and their relatives are particular targets for Taliban hit squads -- and declines even to say where he was born.

But he is also keen to talk about the war, which he does confidently -- and ruthlessly.

"Any Taliban who comes to Lashkar Gah will die or leave disabled for life," he told AFP.

Still, he admits it will take time to fully secure the city.

'Do anything for his soldiers'&nbsp;

On August 4,&nbsp;Sadat&nbsp;called on residents to leave Lashkar Gah so the military could launch an all-out counteroffensive.

But he has still held back, saying he is fearful of hurting those who chose to stay behind.

Sadat&nbsp;described how his forces were going house-to-house to secure neighbourhoods that the Taliban had infiltrated in Lashkar Gah.

"We still find civilians -- especially the elderly and trapped women -- who we take to safer places," he said.

NGOs and the United Nations have repeatedly expressed concern about the violence and the risks incurred by civilians -- threats that include aerial bombardment of suspected Taliban positions in Lashkar Gah by the Afghan military.

The loyalty and respect&nbsp;Sadat&nbsp;appears to command among the troops have been a key factor in the resistance to the Taliban in the city, despite their morale-damaging advances elsewhere in Afghanistan.

"He is not someone who gives orders from the rear while hiding in the humvee," an Afghan security source said.&nbsp;

"He will do anything for his soldiers".

As a string of Taliban victories show Afghan government forces in disarray, a young general is advancing his reputation on the battlefield and on social media. Provincial cities in the north have fallen like dominoes this week -- in some cases after government forces retreated or surrendered without a fight -- but in Lashkar Gah, a Taliban heartland, the army appears to be providing stiffer resistance.

As a string of Taliban victories show Afghan government forces in disarray, a young general is advancing his reputation on the battlefield and on social media. Provincial cities in the north have fallen like dominoes this week -- in some cases after government forces retreated or surrendered without a fight -- but in Lashkar Gah, a Taliban heartland, the army appears to be providing stiffer resistance. Leading them is Sami Sadat, 36, the highest-ranking army officer in southern Afghanistan, in an intense fight in defence of a provincial capital the Taliban are desperate to seize. And as the insurgents flood social media with images of surrendering Afghan soldiers and snap selfies with locals, the young general is also using Twitter and Facebook as a slick PR tool in the fight against the hardline islamists. He and the 20,000 men under his command in the 215th Corps have garnered thousands of followers, with their Twitter accounts awash with images of the general among the troops, posing for selfies with young civilians, and meeting local shopkeepers. On Wednesday the defence ministry tweeted he had been promoted to lead the country's special forces, an announcement widely applauded on the platform. Sadat remains optimistic despite the Taliban's advances. "Because I know we are going to win," he told AFP in a phone interview from the frontlines of Lashkar Gah. "I know this is our country, that the Taliban are failing, that they will fail sooner or later." Confident, and ruthless But there is more to him than meets the eye, say fellow officers and friends. "He is anything but naive," said a security official who asked not to be named. "He has a very strategic vision and a very deep analysis of what is happening," said a general who was Sadat's colleague at the spy agency. A graduate of the prestigious King's College in London, Sadat began his military career at the Afghan interior ministry. He received military training in Germany, Britain, Poland and the United States, and also served in the National Directorate of Security -- Afghanistan's spy agency. Sadat prefers to talk about his men rather than himself and family -- senior officers and their relatives are particular targets for Taliban hit squads -- and declines even to say where he was born. But he is also keen to talk about the war, which he does confidently -- and ruthlessly. "Any Taliban who comes to Lashkar Gah will die or leave disabled for life," he told AFP. Still, he admits it will take time to fully secure the city. 'Do anything for his soldiers' On August 4, Sadat called on residents to leave Lashkar Gah so the military could launch an all-out counteroffensive. But he has still held back, saying he is fearful of hurting those who chose to stay behind. Sadat described how his forces were going house-to-house to secure neighbourhoods that the Taliban had infiltrated in Lashkar Gah. "We still find civilians -- especially the elderly and trapped women -- who we take to safer places," he said. NGOs and the United Nations have repeatedly expressed concern about the violence and the risks incurred by civilians -- threats that include aerial bombardment of suspected Taliban positions in Lashkar Gah by the Afghan military. The loyalty and respect Sadat appears to command among the troops have been a key factor in the resistance to the Taliban in the city, despite their morale-damaging advances elsewhere in Afghanistan. "He is not someone who gives orders from the rear while hiding in the humvee," an Afghan security source said. "He will do anything for his soldiers".

Young Afghan general takes fight against Taliban to social media

Afghan Army chief General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai's India visit has been postponed as Taliban assault has gained strength in the country. General Wali was to begin his India visit from Tuesday (July 27).

Sources said, the visit was postponed due to "intensity of war and Taliban’s increased assault and offensive"

During India visit he was to hold talks with Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, &amp; meet Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat.

India and Afghanistan have defence engagements, which include New Delhi giving Mi-24 helicopters to Kabul to boost the capability of the Afghan Air Force (AAF).&nbsp;

His visit is part of India's engagement with Afghan leadership. India's external affairs minister in last 15 days has met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, foreign minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Chief of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah.

Afghanistan will be the top focus also during the visit of US Secretary of state Blinken's Delhi visit. Both sides will assess the current situation in the background of US withdrawing its troops. According to US Central Command, it has completed more than 95 per cent of the withdrawal process. Of the 426 districts of Afghanistan, 212 have fallen under Taliban control, 111 are under government control while rest are contested. 
&nbsp;

Afghan Army chief General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai's India visit has been postponed as Taliban assault has gained strength in the country. General Wali was to begin his India visit from Tuesday (July 27).

Afghan Army chief General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai's India visit has been postponed as Taliban assault has gained strength in the country. General Wali was to begin his India visit from Tuesday (July 27). Sources said, the visit was postponed due to "intensity of war and Taliban’s increased assault and offensive" During India visit he was to hold talks with Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, & meet Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat. India and Afghanistan have defence engagements, which include New Delhi giving Mi-24 helicopters to Kabul to boost the capability of the Afghan Air Force (AAF). His visit is part of India's engagement with Afghan leadership. India's external affairs minister in last 15 days has met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, foreign minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Chief of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah. Afghanistan will be the top focus also during the visit of US Secretary of state Blinken's Delhi visit. Both sides will assess the current situation in the background of US withdrawing its troops. According to US Central Command, it has completed more than 95 per cent of the withdrawal process. Of the 426 districts of Afghanistan, 212 have fallen under Taliban control, 111 are under government control while rest are contested.

Afghan Army chief postpones India visit as Taliban assault intensifies

Gun in hand, 55-year-old Dost Mohammad Salangi recites poetry as he leads a small group of men to a look-out post high in the rugged hills of Parwan province, north of the Afghan capital Kabul.

Heavily bearded and wearing a traditional circular pakol hat to keep off the sun, he has a warning for the Islamist militant Taliban movement, which has increased attacks on Afghan forces and claimed more territory as foreign troops withdraw.

"If they impose war on us, oppress us and encroach on women and people's property, even our seven-year-old children will be armed and will stand against them," he told Reuters.

Salangi is one of hundreds of former "mujahideen" fighters and civilians who have felt compelled to take up arms to help the army repel a growing Taliban insurgency.

The group's ascendancy on the ground comes as the last US-led international forces prepare to leave after two decades of fighting that ended with no clear victory for either side.

"We have to protect our country ... now there is no choice as the foreign forces abandon us," said Farid Mohammed, a young student who joined a local anti-Taliban leader from Parwan.

He was speaking as the German military concluded the withdrawal of the second largest contingent of foreign troops after the United States with around 150,000 soldiers deployed over the past two decades, many of them serving more than one tour in the country.

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and NATO said in mid-April they would pull out the roughly 10,000 foreign troops still in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;by September&nbsp;11, the 20th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York that prompted the mission.

The United Nations envoy for&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;said this week the Taliban had taken more than 50 of 370 districts and was positioned to control provincial capitals as the country looked increasingly unstable as foreign military support ended.

Armed mainly with old assault rifles, pistols and grenade launchers, men like Salangi and Mohammed have joined local shopkeepers and traders as part of a loosely-formed Public Uprising Force trying to reclaim some of those areas.

Ajmal Omar Shinwari, a spokesman for the Afghan defence and security forces, said Afghans keen to take up arms against the Taliban were being absorbed intro the structure of territorial army forces.

But some political analysts warn of the growing risk of a return to civil war as more groups took up arms.

Faced with rising violence, President Ashraf Ghani visited Washington in June to meet Biden, who pledged U.S. support to&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;but said Afghans must decide their own future.

Talks to try and find a political settlement in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;have stalled, although the head of the Afghan peace council has said they should not be abandoned despite the surge in Taliban attacks.

Gun in hand, 55-year-old Dost Mohammad Salangi recites poetry as he leads a small group of men to a look-out post high in the rugged hills of Parwan province, north of the Afghan capital Kabul.

Gun in hand, 55-year-old Dost Mohammad Salangi recites poetry as he leads a small group of men to a look-out post high in the rugged hills of Parwan province, north of the Afghan capital Kabul. Heavily bearded and wearing a traditional circular pakol hat to keep off the sun, he has a warning for the Islamist militant Taliban movement, which has increased attacks on Afghan forces and claimed more territory as foreign troops withdraw. "If they impose war on us, oppress us and encroach on women and people's property, even our seven-year-old children will be armed and will stand against them," he told Reuters. Salangi is one of hundreds of former "mujahideen" fighters and civilians who have felt compelled to take up arms to help the army repel a growing Taliban insurgency. The group's ascendancy on the ground comes as the last US-led international forces prepare to leave after two decades of fighting that ended with no clear victory for either side. "We have to protect our country ... now there is no choice as the foreign forces abandon us," said Farid Mohammed, a young student who joined a local anti-Taliban leader from Parwan. He was speaking as the German military concluded the withdrawal of the second largest contingent of foreign troops after the United States with around 150,000 soldiers deployed over the past two decades, many of them serving more than one tour in the country. US President Joe Biden and NATO said in mid-April they would pull out the roughly 10,000 foreign troops still in Afghanistan by September 11, the 20th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York that prompted the mission. The United Nations envoy for Afghanistan said this week the Taliban had taken more than 50 of 370 districts and was positioned to control provincial capitals as the country looked increasingly unstable as foreign military support ended. Armed mainly with old assault rifles, pistols and grenade launchers, men like Salangi and Mohammed have joined local shopkeepers and traders as part of a loosely-formed Public Uprising Force trying to reclaim some of those areas. Ajmal Omar Shinwari, a spokesman for the Afghan defence and security forces, said Afghans keen to take up arms against the Taliban were being absorbed intro the structure of territorial army forces. But some political analysts warn of the growing risk of a return to civil war as more groups took up arms. Faced with rising violence, President Ashraf Ghani visited Washington in June to meet Biden, who pledged U.S. support to Afghanistan but said Afghans must decide their own future. Talks to try and find a political settlement in Afghanistan have stalled, although the head of the Afghan peace council has said they should not be abandoned despite the surge in Taliban attacks.

Afghan civilians take up arms as US-led forces leave

Afghan forces on Friday retook control of six districts from the Taliban, reported Tolo News. As per the report, the districts include Andkhoi and Khan Chahar Bagh in Faryab, Khinjan and Doshi in Baghlan, and Ahmad Aba and Sayed Karam in Paktia.

The news report quoted sources to say that three districts fell to Taliban. These are Khost Firing and Guzargah-e-Noor in Baghlan and Dolina in Ghor

Afghanistan has seen increase in violence unprecedented in recent times. This has come just as the US is pulling all its forces from the war-torn nation.

"The enemy has no longer a line. They suffered massive casualties and were pushed back," said Abdul Basir Salangi, a senior adviser to High Council for National Reconciliation, who has gone to Salang district in Parwan to support security forces.

"All resources are available. The security forces have enough strength. What we need is a high morale and strong determination. Our security forces are ready to fight the enemy," said MP Sadiq Qaderi.

On Friday, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani reached US. He was due to meet US President Joe Biden.

The Taliban have made advances in Afghanistan. There are reports of dozens of districts falling into their hands. Taliban already control Afghanistan's border crossing with Tajikistan.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has said that Washington was assessing to find out whether the Taliban is willing to end the conflict through a diplomatic solution or insists on the military takeover of Afghanistan.

"We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, and we`re also looking very hard at whether the Taliban is at all serious about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We continue to be engaged on diplomacy, but actions that would try to take the country by force are of course totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghan forces on Friday retook control of six districts from the Taliban, reported Tolo News. As per the report, the districts include Andkhoi and Khan Chahar Bagh in Faryab, Khinjan and Doshi in Baghlan, and Ahmad Aba and Sayed Karam in Paktia.

Afghan forces on Friday retook control of six districts from the Taliban, reported Tolo News. As per the report, the districts include Andkhoi and Khan Chahar Bagh in Faryab, Khinjan and Doshi in Baghlan, and Ahmad Aba and Sayed Karam in Paktia. The news report quoted sources to say that three districts fell to Taliban. These are Khost Firing and Guzargah-e-Noor in Baghlan and Dolina in Ghor Afghanistan has seen increase in violence unprecedented in recent times. This has come just as the US is pulling all its forces from the war-torn nation. "The enemy has no longer a line. They suffered massive casualties and were pushed back," said Abdul Basir Salangi, a senior adviser to High Council for National Reconciliation, who has gone to Salang district in Parwan to support security forces. "All resources are available. The security forces have enough strength. What we need is a high morale and strong determination. Our security forces are ready to fight the enemy," said MP Sadiq Qaderi. On Friday, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani reached US. He was due to meet US President Joe Biden. The Taliban have made advances in Afghanistan. There are reports of dozens of districts falling into their hands. Taliban already control Afghanistan's border crossing with Tajikistan. Meanwhile, the US State Department has said that Washington was assessing to find out whether the Taliban is willing to end the conflict through a diplomatic solution or insists on the military takeover of Afghanistan. "We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, and we`re also looking very hard at whether the Taliban is at all serious about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We continue to be engaged on diplomacy, but actions that would try to take the country by force are of course totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban loses control of 6 districts to Afghan forces: Report

Afghan authorities said Tuesday they had foiled a plan by the jihadist Islamic State group to assassinate the top US envoy in Kabul, as a wave of targeted killings continues to rock the country.

Intelligence officers dismantled a four-member IS cell in the eastern province of Nangarhar that had planned to murder Ross Wilson as well as Afghan officials, the National Directorate of Security said.

Wilson, the US Charge d'Affaires in Kabul, has steadfastly condemned a series of assassinations in the capital and other cities of prominent Afghans including journalists, activists and politicians in recent months.

"The main assassin and facilitator of the cell, Abdul Wahid, had planned to assassinate the US ambassador in Afghanistan as well as some high ranking Afghan officials," the NDS said in a statement.

"Their plan was foiled with their arrest."

The NDS did not offer further details and the US embassy in Kabul did not respond to requests for comment.

In recent months, deadly violence has rocked Afghanistan, including a new trend of targeted killing of prominent Afghans which has sowed fear and chaos despite the Taliban and government engaging in peace talks.

Last week the US military blamed the terror group for these largely unclaimed targeted killings, although some of them have been claimed by IS.

Over the years IS has claimed several deadly attacks in Nangarhar, once the bastion of the jihadist group in the country.

In a separate incident on Tuesday, three Afghan women soldiers were shot dead in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

Two gunmen opened fire on a vehicle carrying the troops to work, army spokesman Hanif Rezayee said.

Two soldiers died at the scene and one died later in hospital, he said, adding that another military servicewoman and the male driver were wounded in the attack.

No group has so far claimed responsibility.

Afghan authorities said Tuesday they had foiled a plan by the jihadist Islamic State group to assassinate the top US envoy in Kabul, as a wave of targeted killings continues to rock the country.

Afghan authorities said Tuesday they had foiled a plan by the jihadist Islamic State group to assassinate the top US envoy in Kabul, as a wave of targeted killings continues to rock the country. Intelligence officers dismantled a four-member IS cell in the eastern province of Nangarhar that had planned to murder Ross Wilson as well as Afghan officials, the National Directorate of Security said. Wilson, the US Charge d'Affaires in Kabul, has steadfastly condemned a series of assassinations in the capital and other cities of prominent Afghans including journalists, activists and politicians in recent months. "The main assassin and facilitator of the cell, Abdul Wahid, had planned to assassinate the US ambassador in Afghanistan as well as some high ranking Afghan officials," the NDS said in a statement. "Their plan was foiled with their arrest." The NDS did not offer further details and the US embassy in Kabul did not respond to requests for comment. In recent months, deadly violence has rocked Afghanistan, including a new trend of targeted killing of prominent Afghans which has sowed fear and chaos despite the Taliban and government engaging in peace talks. Last week the US military blamed the terror group for these largely unclaimed targeted killings, although some of them have been claimed by IS. Over the years IS has claimed several deadly attacks in Nangarhar, once the bastion of the jihadist group in the country. In a separate incident on Tuesday, three Afghan women soldiers were shot dead in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. Two gunmen opened fire on a vehicle carrying the troops to work, army spokesman Hanif Rezayee said. Two soldiers died at the scene and one died later in hospital, he said, adding that another military servicewoman and the male driver were wounded in the attack. No group has so far claimed responsibility.

Afghan forces foil IS plan to assassinate top US envoy

Fifty Taliban fighters were killed in fierce fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban terrorists in an operation in Lashkargah city of southern Helmand, officials said Sunday.

The Afghanistan Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a statement said the security forces targeted Taliban’s hideouts in the operations in Lashkargah, Garamsir and Nawa districts.

The statement said 50 Talibs were killed, including a commander who led a group of 100 terrorists. Eight others were wounded during the round-the-clock operations.

Nawab Shah Zadran, in-charge of the Afghan Army's 215th Military Corps media office, told Pajhwok Afghan News that security forces on Friday night launched ground and air raids on Taliban in Nawa, Garamsir, Nad Ali districts and Bushran area of Lashkargah, the capital.

The official said Taliban terrorists had assembled in these areas to plan attacks on security forces.

He added Maulvi Abdul Salam, a commander of 100 terrorists, who was killed in the operation was among the 50 others killed and three landmine-planters were among the wounded.

The Taliban have not yet commented in this regard.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fifty Taliban fighters were killed in fierce fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban terrorists in an operation in Lashkargah city of southern Helmand, officials said Sunday.

Fifty Taliban fighters were killed in fierce fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban terrorists in an operation in Lashkargah city of southern Helmand, officials said Sunday. The Afghanistan Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a statement said the security forces targeted Taliban’s hideouts in the operations in Lashkargah, Garamsir and Nawa districts. The statement said 50 Talibs were killed, including a commander who led a group of 100 terrorists. Eight others were wounded during the round-the-clock operations. Nawab Shah Zadran, in-charge of the Afghan Army's 215th Military Corps media office, told Pajhwok Afghan News that security forces on Friday night launched ground and air raids on Taliban in Nawa, Garamsir, Nad Ali districts and Bushran area of Lashkargah, the capital. The official said Taliban terrorists had assembled in these areas to plan attacks on security forces. He added Maulvi Abdul Salam, a commander of 100 terrorists, who was killed in the operation was among the 50 others killed and three landmine-planters were among the wounded. The Taliban have not yet commented in this regard. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan forces kill 50 Taliban terrorists in Helmand

Afghan security personnel have abandoned nearly 200 checkpoints in restive Kandahar province in recent weeks, officials said Wednesday, in some cases leaving behind their weapons to be seized by the Taliban.

Kandahar provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat and a local lawmaker separately confirmed the situation to AFP, saying commanders would be disciplined for their actions.

The defence ministry in Kabul denied the reports, insisting government forces had been making progress in the region.

Government forces and the Taliban have clashed regularly in Kandahar province since October despite peace talks between the warring sides.&nbsp;

"Afghan security forces have retreated from 193 checkpoints and outposts in Zharai, Maiwand, Arghandab and Panjwai districts," Kandahar provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat told AFP.

"Most of the security chiefs and officers who neglected their duties have been dismissed and referred to the judiciary."

Kandahar lawmaker Hashim Alkhozai and a local police officer confirmed the details to AFP.&nbsp;

"The security forces exited the bases leaving behind their weapons and ammunition," Alkhozai said.

Most of those who left were soldiers, said Jan Mohammad, a policeman from Zharai district.

"They left without firing a bullet," he said.

"The Taliban now have all the weapons seized from the army and are using them against us."

Governor Hayat blamed "poor coordination" for the situation amid a shortage of police and troops.

Kandahar is the birthplace of the Taliban, who went on to rule Afghanistan with a harsh version of Islamic sharia law until being overthrown by a US-led invasion in 2001.

Since a US-Taliban deal in February, the insurgents have mostly refrained from carrying out major attacks on cities, but have launched near-daily assaults against Afghan forces in rural areas.

Peace talks between the two sides -- which started in September in the Qatari capital of Doha -- are currently on a break and are due to resume on January 5.

Afghan security personnel have abandoned nearly 200 checkpoints in restive Kandahar province in recent weeks, officials said Wednesday, in some cases leaving behind their weapons to be seized by the Taliban.

Afghan security personnel have abandoned nearly 200 checkpoints in restive Kandahar province in recent weeks, officials said Wednesday, in some cases leaving behind their weapons to be seized by the Taliban. Kandahar provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat and a local lawmaker separately confirmed the situation to AFP, saying commanders would be disciplined for their actions. The defence ministry in Kabul denied the reports, insisting government forces had been making progress in the region. Government forces and the Taliban have clashed regularly in Kandahar province since October despite peace talks between the warring sides. "Afghan security forces have retreated from 193 checkpoints and outposts in Zharai, Maiwand, Arghandab and Panjwai districts," Kandahar provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat told AFP. "Most of the security chiefs and officers who neglected their duties have been dismissed and referred to the judiciary." Kandahar lawmaker Hashim Alkhozai and a local police officer confirmed the details to AFP. "The security forces exited the bases leaving behind their weapons and ammunition," Alkhozai said. Most of those who left were soldiers, said Jan Mohammad, a policeman from Zharai district. "They left without firing a bullet," he said. "The Taliban now have all the weapons seized from the army and are using them against us." Governor Hayat blamed "poor coordination" for the situation amid a shortage of police and troops. Kandahar is the birthplace of the Taliban, who went on to rule Afghanistan with a harsh version of Islamic sharia law until being overthrown by a US-led invasion in 2001. Since a US-Taliban deal in February, the insurgents have mostly refrained from carrying out major attacks on cities, but have launched near-daily assaults against Afghan forces in rural areas. Peace talks between the two sides -- which started in September in the Qatari capital of Doha -- are currently on a break and are due to resume on January 5.

Afghan troops, police abandon nearly 200 checkpoints to Taliban

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

Only a tangle of razor wire marks the entrance of a remote Afghan army checkpoint that may soon be shuttered as the government closes vulnerable outposts after years of losses to Taliban fighters and desertions.

The post in Wardak province west of Kabul has been hit before, and its sagging blast walls and teetering sandbags make clear the vulnerability of the 13 troops living there for weeks on end.

Now, after years of brutal attacks and mass desertions from similar checkpoints, the Afghan government is acting on long-standing American requests to close them.

The aim is to shutter outposts where troops are often left like sitting ducks for Taliban attackers and consolidate them onto larger bases -- several of which are under construction.

The plan is for troops to lead offensive missions, taking the fight to the Taliban instead of trying to survive day-to-day in often deplorable living conditions with little outside support.

The "checkpoint is a failed tactic," Dadan Lawang, an Afghan army general, said recently at a US base in Paktia province, south of Kabul.

Some 50 per cent of military casualties occur at checkpoints, he said, a grim number considering tens of thousands of Afghan troops have been killed or wounded since the end of 2014 -- losses the massively depleted Afghan military can ill afford.

"We want to draw down all those checkpoints and establish strong bases now," Lawang told AFP.

The idea of closing checkpoints has been taboo in Afghan politics for years.

A tiny fort flying the black-red-and-green national flag sends a message that the government holds an area, and Afghan politics is built on a patchwork of alliances with regional power brokers, many of them in remote places.

'No military sense'

"To maintain an alliance sufficient to remain in office... the president of Afghanistan has often preferred to push troops out into locations that make no military sense but are politically important," said Stephen Biddle, a professor at Columbia University in New York who has written extensively about Afghanistan.

US Army Brigadier General Kevin Admiral, who heads the US military's Task Force Southeast, said it was challenging to finally change the Afghan military's view.

"They have a lot of political pressure at the local level with district governors and parliamentarians who have said this is our only visible representation of (the government) in these remote areas," he said.

For General Scott Miller, who leads NATO's Afghanistan mission and the US war effort in the country, the closure of checkpoints is crucial for the Afghan military.

"They don't lose people in (offensive) operations, they kill Taliban," Miller told US military officials at a recent meeting.

"You want to hear my (tactical) priorities? Talk about checkpoints."

To hammer his message, Miller makes frequent trips across Afghanistan, bringing local military commanders to show them troops' living conditions.&nbsp;

On a visit to the Wardak checkpoint last week, Miller said he wanted to open Afghan commanders' eyes to the perilousness of such outposts.

The scruffy camp, where troops sleep in converted shipping containers with smashed windows, is a short distance from Highway 1 -- a key route for sending goods and supplies into Kabul and around the country.

But despite its strategic location, troops at the checkpoint and others like it often go without regular food or pay because of mismanagement and corruption.

And if an attack does come, back up may never arrive.

Wad of cash

On Miller's visit, US snipers and soldiers secured the isolated facility's perimeter and one Afghan soldier complained to his higher-ups about not having been paid for three months.

Asadullah Khalid, Afghanistan's acting defence minister, blamed a documentation issue and said it would be fixed.

His staff dished out several $100 bills to soldiers from a wad that Khalid said was a gift for Eid, the festival marking the end of Ramadan.

"I want to make sure that everyone sitting on a checkpoint gets a paycheck and food," Miller told AFP.

"It's a leadership issue. These are things we take for granted."

While critics agree Afghan checkpoints have little tactical value, they differ over whether withdrawing troops to bases will make them more willing to fight.

Closing checkpoints "essentially cedes ground to the Taliban and gets the (Afghan security forces) onto larger bases, where they often hunker down," said Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank in Washington.

But Colonel David Butler, a US military spokesman in Kabul, said Afghan troops "are doing more independent operations and are more effective during those operations."

Only a tangle of razor wire marks the entrance of a remote Afghan army checkpoint that may soon be shuttered as the government closes vulnerable outposts after years of losses to Taliban fighters and desertions.

Only a tangle of razor wire marks the entrance of a remote Afghan army checkpoint that may soon be shuttered as the government closes vulnerable outposts after years of losses to Taliban fighters and desertions. The post in Wardak province west of Kabul has been hit before, and its sagging blast walls and teetering sandbags make clear the vulnerability of the 13 troops living there for weeks on end. Now, after years of brutal attacks and mass desertions from similar checkpoints, the Afghan government is acting on long-standing American requests to close them. The aim is to shutter outposts where troops are often left like sitting ducks for Taliban attackers and consolidate them onto larger bases -- several of which are under construction. The plan is for troops to lead offensive missions, taking the fight to the Taliban instead of trying to survive day-to-day in often deplorable living conditions with little outside support. The "checkpoint is a failed tactic," Dadan Lawang, an Afghan army general, said recently at a US base in Paktia province, south of Kabul. Some 50 per cent of military casualties occur at checkpoints, he said, a grim number considering tens of thousands of Afghan troops have been killed or wounded since the end of 2014 -- losses the massively depleted Afghan military can ill afford. "We want to draw down all those checkpoints and establish strong bases now," Lawang told AFP. The idea of closing checkpoints has been taboo in Afghan politics for years. A tiny fort flying the black-red-and-green national flag sends a message that the government holds an area, and Afghan politics is built on a patchwork of alliances with regional power brokers, many of them in remote places. 'No military sense' "To maintain an alliance sufficient to remain in office... the president of Afghanistan has often preferred to push troops out into locations that make no military sense but are politically important," said Stephen Biddle, a professor at Columbia University in New York who has written extensively about Afghanistan. US Army Brigadier General Kevin Admiral, who heads the US military's Task Force Southeast, said it was challenging to finally change the Afghan military's view. "They have a lot of political pressure at the local level with district governors and parliamentarians who have said this is our only visible representation of (the government) in these remote areas," he said. For General Scott Miller, who leads NATO's Afghanistan mission and the US war effort in the country, the closure of checkpoints is crucial for the Afghan military. "They don't lose people in (offensive) operations, they kill Taliban," Miller told US military officials at a recent meeting. "You want to hear my (tactical) priorities? Talk about checkpoints." To hammer his message, Miller makes frequent trips across Afghanistan, bringing local military commanders to show them troops' living conditions. On a visit to the Wardak checkpoint last week, Miller said he wanted to open Afghan commanders' eyes to the perilousness of such outposts. The scruffy camp, where troops sleep in converted shipping containers with smashed windows, is a short distance from Highway 1 -- a key route for sending goods and supplies into Kabul and around the country. But despite its strategic location, troops at the checkpoint and others like it often go without regular food or pay because of mismanagement and corruption. And if an attack does come, back up may never arrive. Wad of cash On Miller's visit, US snipers and soldiers secured the isolated facility's perimeter and one Afghan soldier complained to his higher-ups about not having been paid for three months. Asadullah Khalid, Afghanistan's acting defence minister, blamed a documentation issue and said it would be fixed. His staff dished out several $100 bills to soldiers from a wad that Khalid said was a gift for Eid, the festival marking the end of Ramadan. "I want to make sure that everyone sitting on a checkpoint gets a paycheck and food," Miller told AFP. "It's a leadership issue. These are things we take for granted." While critics agree Afghan checkpoints have little tactical value, they differ over whether withdrawing troops to bases will make them more willing to fight. Closing checkpoints "essentially cedes ground to the Taliban and gets the (Afghan security forces) onto larger bases, where they often hunker down," said Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank in Washington. But Colonel David Butler, a US military spokesman in Kabul, said Afghan troops "are doing more independent operations and are more effective during those operations."

Under US pressure, Afghan army starts closing checkpoints

The issue of Pakistan Army's support to the Taliban and other terror groups should be included in the Afghan peace talks and they must come clean on the scope and scale of their destructive relationship, a top Afghan leader has said.

Earlier this month, a high-powered American delegation led by Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Mamozy Khalilzad held marathon meetings in Doha, Qatar with a high-level Taliban team led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

The talks have been going on for several days to finalise a draft agreement on a potential foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and to end the 17-year war in the country.

The US and others have long complained that Pakistan provides a safe haven to militant networks, allowing them to carry out cross-border attacks in Afghanistan.

"There is a pan Afghan demand that the issue of the sanctuaries in Pakistan and the support by the Pakistan Army for the Taliban and other terrorist groups... Be included in the agenda (of peace talks)," former interior minister of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh told a Washington audience.

"The Taliban and Pakistan government must come clean on the scope and scale of their destructive relationship. All dark layers of this bloody conflict which has left deep scars in the body and the psyche of our nation has to be addressed and our allies must stand on our side in honour of our continued sacrifices so we discuss these matters ourselves," he said in his address to the Hudson Institute think-tank.

The prepared remarks of Saleh were read by Husain Haqqani, the former Pakistan ambassador to the US, as he could not come to the US due to&nbsp; 
some last-minute issues.

"We understand that the US has initiated direct talks with the Taliban and&nbsp;Khalilzad tweeted after sixteen days of secret talks in Doha that he has reached an agreement with the Taliban on a draft agreement. Did the Taliban also represent global terrorism in the talks? We don't know," he said.

Saleh, who was country's interior minister from December 2018? January 19, said that there is no substitute and alternative to the direct talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban.

Without direct participation of the Afghan state negotiation will not only be counterproductive but also in violation of all the UNSC resolutions, Saleh said.

The era of the Taliban regime was an era of ungoverned Afghanistan dark and inaccessible, he said adding that the territory they control today is nothing&nbsp; 
different from the 90s and the harsh rules they enforce has not changed.

"We, therefore, appeal to the world community not to undermine our collective achievements and thus not give un-needed and un-necessary elevation to a terrorist group which has done nothing to prove itself otherwise," Saleh said.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan has slammed the Trump administration for holding direct talks with the Taliban and described it as "surrender discussion" with the terror outfit and warned that such an effort would not result in peace in this war-torn country.

In a hard-hitting speech at the think-tank, the Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib cautioned the US not to take its relationship with Afghanistan for granted as he completely opposed the ongoing direct talks.

"It is not a fixed partnership. It is open to review and should be reviewed as contexts change," he said, adding that there is a much better and less expensive way to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, if that is the objective, rather than surrendering before a terrorist outfit like the Taliban for that purpose.

Mohib warned the United States that peace in Afghanistan will not emerge out of any back-door deal between the Taliban and any entity that is not the Afghan government.

"The Afghan government is the only legitimately elected representative of the Afghan people and there is no substitute for that," he said.

"We will continue to defend our democratic gains whether the US forces stay or withdraw from Afghanistan. And we will not seek a replacement should the United States choose to withdraw. We believe that as long as the threat of terrorism remains a global one, Afghanistan will remain an important ally, and that is not bound to change even if peace with the Taliban is achieved," Mohib said.

The capable Afghan forces, he said are prepared to protect the country.&nbsp;

The issue of Pakistan Army's support to the Taliban and other terror groups should be included in the Afghan peace talks and they must come clean on the scope and scale of their destructive relationship, a top Afghan leader has said.

The issue of Pakistan Army's support to the Taliban and other terror groups should be included in the Afghan peace talks and they must come clean on the scope and scale of their destructive relationship, a top Afghan leader has said. Earlier this month, a high-powered American delegation led by Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Mamozy Khalilzad held marathon meetings in Doha, Qatar with a high-level Taliban team led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. The talks have been going on for several days to finalise a draft agreement on a potential foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and to end the 17-year war in the country. The US and others have long complained that Pakistan provides a safe haven to militant networks, allowing them to carry out cross-border attacks in Afghanistan. "There is a pan Afghan demand that the issue of the sanctuaries in Pakistan and the support by the Pakistan Army for the Taliban and other terrorist groups... Be included in the agenda (of peace talks)," former interior minister of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh told a Washington audience. "The Taliban and Pakistan government must come clean on the scope and scale of their destructive relationship. All dark layers of this bloody conflict which has left deep scars in the body and the psyche of our nation has to be addressed and our allies must stand on our side in honour of our continued sacrifices so we discuss these matters ourselves," he said in his address to the Hudson Institute think-tank. The prepared remarks of Saleh were read by Husain Haqqani, the former Pakistan ambassador to the US, as he could not come to the US due to some last-minute issues. "We understand that the US has initiated direct talks with the Taliban and Khalilzad tweeted after sixteen days of secret talks in Doha that he has reached an agreement with the Taliban on a draft agreement. Did the Taliban also represent global terrorism in the talks? We don't know," he said. Saleh, who was country's interior minister from December 2018? January 19, said that there is no substitute and alternative to the direct talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. Without direct participation of the Afghan state negotiation will not only be counterproductive but also in violation of all the UNSC resolutions, Saleh said. The era of the Taliban regime was an era of ungoverned Afghanistan dark and inaccessible, he said adding that the territory they control today is nothing different from the 90s and the harsh rules they enforce has not changed. "We, therefore, appeal to the world community not to undermine our collective achievements and thus not give un-needed and un-necessary elevation to a terrorist group which has done nothing to prove itself otherwise," Saleh said. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has slammed the Trump administration for holding direct talks with the Taliban and described it as "surrender discussion" with the terror outfit and warned that such an effort would not result in peace in this war-torn country. In a hard-hitting speech at the think-tank, the Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib cautioned the US not to take its relationship with Afghanistan for granted as he completely opposed the ongoing direct talks. "It is not a fixed partnership. It is open to review and should be reviewed as contexts change," he said, adding that there is a much better and less expensive way to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, if that is the objective, rather than surrendering before a terrorist outfit like the Taliban for that purpose. Mohib warned the United States that peace in Afghanistan will not emerge out of any back-door deal between the Taliban and any entity that is not the Afghan government. "The Afghan government is the only legitimately elected representative of the Afghan people and there is no substitute for that," he said. "We will continue to defend our democratic gains whether the US forces stay or withdraw from Afghanistan. And we will not seek a replacement should the United States choose to withdraw. We believe that as long as the threat of terrorism remains a global one, Afghanistan will remain an important ally, and that is not bound to change even if peace with the Taliban is achieved," Mohib said. The capable Afghan forces, he said are prepared to protect the country.

Taliban, Pakistan government must come clean on scope & scale of their destructive relationship: Afghan ex-minister

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani lashed out at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-to-meet-afghan-opposition-in-moscow-official-194864">Taliban on Sunday</a> saying, "those who are forcefully bringing others to negotiate should not say that the army is not required to reinstate peace in the country".

“Those who are forcefully bringing others to negotiate must not talk about dissolving our “lions” (army); if they are so brave, then they must come and fight on the battlefield instead of carrying out suicide (attacks) and explosions,” Ghani said.

Tolo News quoted Ghani as saying in the Afghan capital, during an event to honour commandos, after they were freed last week from a Taliban prison. &nbsp;

The remarks by the Afghan President came after senior Taliban leader Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, in a video stated that after the United States pulls out half of its armed forces from Afghanistan, there would be no need for an army to stabilise peace in the region.

The video was released by the Taliban representative post the recent Doha talks over Afghan peace reconciliation took place between officials from the United States and the Taliban.

In response to the video, President Ghani said: ''A peace that our security and defence forces do not guarantee is not acceptable to us.''

''Our security and defence forces are not one-day forces, one year and one decade and a generation, but forces that fight for hundreds of generations,” Ghani added.

On Saturday, during an interview with CNN President Ghani’s special envoy Umer Daudzai said that the rapid withdrawal of US troops from the country would only create a "vacuum and increase bloodshed". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Daudzai informed CNN that while the peace talks in Qatar have brought "clarity", neither side has fully agreed to anything.

In the latest bid, Russia will be hosting peace talks in its capital city on Tuesday, February 5, amid reports that the Taliban have refused to meet with Afghan government representatives at the meet.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani lashed out at the Taliban on Sunday saying, "those who are forcefully bringing others to negotiate should not say that the army is not required to reinstate peace in the country".

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani lashed out at the Taliban on Sunday saying, "those who are forcefully bringing others to negotiate should not say that the army is not required to reinstate peace in the country". “Those who are forcefully bringing others to negotiate must not talk about dissolving our “lions” (army); if they are so brave, then they must come and fight on the battlefield instead of carrying out suicide (attacks) and explosions,” Ghani said. Tolo News quoted Ghani as saying in the Afghan capital, during an event to honour commandos, after they were freed last week from a Taliban prison. The remarks by the Afghan President came after senior Taliban leader Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, in a video stated that after the United States pulls out half of its armed forces from Afghanistan, there would be no need for an army to stabilise peace in the region. The video was released by the Taliban representative post the recent Doha talks over Afghan peace reconciliation took place between officials from the United States and the Taliban. In response to the video, President Ghani said: ''A peace that our security and defence forces do not guarantee is not acceptable to us.'' ''Our security and defence forces are not one-day forces, one year and one decade and a generation, but forces that fight for hundreds of generations,” Ghani added. On Saturday, during an interview with CNN President Ghani’s special envoy Umer Daudzai said that the rapid withdrawal of US troops from the country would only create a "vacuum and increase bloodshed". Daudzai informed CNN that while the peace talks in Qatar have brought "clarity", neither side has fully agreed to anything. In the latest bid, Russia will be hosting peace talks in its capital city on Tuesday, February 5, amid reports that the Taliban have refused to meet with Afghan government representatives at the meet.

Afghan President Ghani slams Taliban's remarks on dissolving army

A Taliban attack in Shindad district here on Thursday night killed at least 14 soldiers of the Afghan National Army and kidnapped 20.

On one hand, provincial governor's spokesman Jailani Farhad told TOLOnews on Friday that the attack was orchestrated by Taliban militants and also confirmed the fatalities.

On the other hand, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence noted that only 10 soldiers had been killed during the assault but did not divulge any more details.

The Ministry's spokesman Sayed Javid Ghafor further said that investigations pertaining to the incident were ongoing.

Quoting local sources, Pajhwok News Agency also reported that weapons at the outpost were taken by the Taliban militants while adding that help could only reach the region on Friday morning.

The attacks come in the wake of calls for the re-initiation of peace talks in Afghanistan, which has seen strife within its borders since the last 17 years.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani had recently formed a 12-member team for peace talks with the Taliban.

Meanwhile, the United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador, Zalmay Khalilzad, is currently on an eight-nation tour from December 2 to December 20 for accelerating the peace process in Afghanistan.

He has, until now, met with Ghani in Kabul on Thursday along with the Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, following which he departed for Moscow to hold discussions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A Taliban attack in Shindad district here on Thursday night killed at least 14 soldiers of the Afghan National Army and kidnapped 20. On one hand, provincial governor's spokesman Jailani Farhad told TOLOnews on Friday that the attack was orchestrated by Taliban militants and also confirmed the fatalities.

A Taliban attack in Shindad district here on Thursday night killed at least 14 soldiers of the Afghan National Army and kidnapped 20. On one hand, provincial governor's spokesman Jailani Farhad told TOLOnews on Friday that the attack was orchestrated by Taliban militants and also confirmed the fatalities. On the other hand, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence noted that only 10 soldiers had been killed during the assault but did not divulge any more details. The Ministry's spokesman Sayed Javid Ghafor further said that investigations pertaining to the incident were ongoing. Quoting local sources, Pajhwok News Agency also reported that weapons at the outpost were taken by the Taliban militants while adding that help could only reach the region on Friday morning. The attacks come in the wake of calls for the re-initiation of peace talks in Afghanistan, which has seen strife within its borders since the last 17 years. Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani had recently formed a 12-member team for peace talks with the Taliban. Meanwhile, the United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador, Zalmay Khalilzad, is currently on an eight-nation tour from December 2 to December 20 for accelerating the peace process in Afghanistan. He has, until now, met with Ghani in Kabul on Thursday along with the Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, following which he departed for Moscow to hold discussions.

Taliban launches brutal attack on Afghan Army

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