Two US service members were killed in Afghanistan Friday, NATO said, in the latest casualties to hit the international coalition amid ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban.

NATO's Resolute Support mission would not immediately release any details about the soldiers but said they had been killed during an unspecified "operation" in the country.

"In accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy, the name of the service members killed in action are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," said NATO.

The deaths come a day after at least six people were killed by blasts in an Islamic State-claimed attack during Persian New Year celebrations in a Shiite area of Kabul.

The number of American casualties has fallen dramatically since the end of 2014 when Afghan forces took over from US-led NATO combat troops to secure the country.

Fighting continues to flare across Afghanistan more than a week after the latest round of talks between the US and the Taliban ended in Doha, as Washington continues to seek an end to the nearly 18-year war.

The Afghan government has complained it is being left out of the negotiations, as many Afghans fear a premature US withdrawal could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power.

The country remains on edge as winter comes to end, with warmer weather sparking the potential onset of a new fighting season as analysts warn the Taliban may increase attacks to gain leverage at the negotiating table.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban before Afghanistan's presidential election, which was pushed back to late September earlier this week. &nbsp;

Two US service members were killed in Afghanistan Friday, NATO said, in the latest casualties to hit the international coalition amid ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban.

Two US service members were killed in Afghanistan Friday, NATO said, in the latest casualties to hit the international coalition amid ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban. NATO's Resolute Support mission would not immediately release any details about the soldiers but said they had been killed during an unspecified "operation" in the country. "In accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy, the name of the service members killed in action are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," said NATO. The deaths come a day after at least six people were killed by blasts in an Islamic State-claimed attack during Persian New Year celebrations in a Shiite area of Kabul. The number of American casualties has fallen dramatically since the end of 2014 when Afghan forces took over from US-led NATO combat troops to secure the country. Fighting continues to flare across Afghanistan more than a week after the latest round of talks between the US and the Taliban ended in Doha, as Washington continues to seek an end to the nearly 18-year war. The Afghan government has complained it is being left out of the negotiations, as many Afghans fear a premature US withdrawal could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power. The country remains on edge as winter comes to end, with warmer weather sparking the potential onset of a new fighting season as analysts warn the Taliban may increase attacks to gain leverage at the negotiating table. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban before Afghanistan's presidential election, which was pushed back to late September earlier this week.

Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan: NATO

Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province.

The air strikes killed 13 civilians, said Safiullah Amiri, a member of Kunduz provincial council. The casualties included children, said fellow council member Amruddin, who pegged the civilian death toll at 12.

The bodies were brought into Kunduz city in the back of a truck as part of protests by dozens of civilians.

The civilian deaths occurred as Afghan and Taliban forces claimed to inflict heavy losses on each other in that province and in Helmand, two Taliban strongholds.

A spokeswoman for the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan did not respond immediately to questions on Sunday. Resolute Support, comprising troops from 39 countries, trains, advises and assists Afghan security forces.

The New York Times reported earlier that the air strikes that killed civilians followed a firefight between US and Afghan soldiers that had been provoked by a Taliban working inside Afghan forces. Reuters has not confirmed the paper's report.

Four Afghan soldiers died in the fight, a senior Afghan military source said.

A record number of Afghan civilians were killed last year as aerial attacks and suicide bombings increased, the United Nations said in a February report.

Kunduz is also where two US soldiers were killed in combat on Friday. The US Department of Defense identified the soldiers as Specialist Joseph Collette, 29, and Sgt. Will Lindsay, 33.

Fighting has accelerated during a period of recurring peace talks. The latest negotiating round concluded this month with US and Taliban officials citing progress toward ending the 17-year war.

Afghan forces, with NATO air support, killed 58 Taliban, including several commanders, in Kunduz, the defence ministry said on Saturday via Twitter. The Taliban said that it had killed 19 members of Afghan forces and five from foreign forces.

Fighting was also fierce in Helmand, including more civilian deaths.

The Taliban on Saturday claimed an attack at a stadium celebration of Farmers Day in Helmand, which killed four people and wounded 31, including minor injuries to the province's governor.

A day earlier, the Taliban attacked two Afghan outposts in Sangin, killing 48 Afghan security personnel, said Hashim Alokozay, a Helmand member of parliament. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said the two outposts were over-run, killing 52 Afghan troops and wounding 11 more.

Omar Zwak, spokesman for Helmand's governor, said the Taliban also suffered heavy casualties.

Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province.

Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province. The air strikes killed 13 civilians, said Safiullah Amiri, a member of Kunduz provincial council. The casualties included children, said fellow council member Amruddin, who pegged the civilian death toll at 12. The bodies were brought into Kunduz city in the back of a truck as part of protests by dozens of civilians. The civilian deaths occurred as Afghan and Taliban forces claimed to inflict heavy losses on each other in that province and in Helmand, two Taliban strongholds. A spokeswoman for the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan did not respond immediately to questions on Sunday. Resolute Support, comprising troops from 39 countries, trains, advises and assists Afghan security forces. The New York Times reported earlier that the air strikes that killed civilians followed a firefight between US and Afghan soldiers that had been provoked by a Taliban working inside Afghan forces. Reuters has not confirmed the paper's report. Four Afghan soldiers died in the fight, a senior Afghan military source said. A record number of Afghan civilians were killed last year as aerial attacks and suicide bombings increased, the United Nations said in a February report. Kunduz is also where two US soldiers were killed in combat on Friday. The US Department of Defense identified the soldiers as Specialist Joseph Collette, 29, and Sgt. Will Lindsay, 33. Fighting has accelerated during a period of recurring peace talks. The latest negotiating round concluded this month with US and Taliban officials citing progress toward ending the 17-year war. Afghan forces, with NATO air support, killed 58 Taliban, including several commanders, in Kunduz, the defence ministry said on Saturday via Twitter. The Taliban said that it had killed 19 members of Afghan forces and five from foreign forces. Fighting was also fierce in Helmand, including more civilian deaths. The Taliban on Saturday claimed an attack at a stadium celebration of Farmers Day in Helmand, which killed four people and wounded 31, including minor injuries to the province's governor. A day earlier, the Taliban attacked two Afghan outposts in Sangin, killing 48 Afghan security personnel, said Hashim Alokozay, a Helmand member of parliament. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said the two outposts were over-run, killing 52 Afghan troops and wounding 11 more. Omar Zwak, spokesman for Helmand's governor, said the Taliban also suffered heavy casualties.

Air strikes kill dozen Afghans, battle intensifies in Taliban strongholds

A suicide bomber on Friday killed one person and injured four, all members of the same family, in an attack in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, police said.

The explosion in the village of Chinar took place during celebrations of the new year festival, Nowruz, with media saying the family were on their way to a party.

Police was also injured in the explosion, said provincial police chief Tadeen Khan.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Friday's attack comes after six people were killed and 23 wounded in several explosions the previous day during Nowruz celebrations in Kabul, the capital.

Though widely celebrated in Afghanistan, the ancient Persian festival has drawn opposition from some hardline Islamists, who call it un-Islamic.

Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban militant movement, has long been a centre of the insurgency that has battled U.S.-led forces since the strict Islamist regime was toppled in 2001.

A suicide bomber on Friday killed one person and injured four, all members of the same family, in an attack in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, police said.

A suicide bomber on Friday killed one person and injured four, all members of the same family, in an attack in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, police said. The explosion in the village of Chinar took place during celebrations of the new year festival, Nowruz, with media saying the family were on their way to a party. Police was also injured in the explosion, said provincial police chief Tadeen Khan. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Friday's attack comes after six people were killed and 23 wounded in several explosions the previous day during Nowruz celebrations in Kabul, the capital. Though widely celebrated in Afghanistan, the ancient Persian festival has drawn opposition from some hardline Islamists, who call it un-Islamic. Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban militant movement, has long been a centre of the insurgency that has battled U.S.-led forces since the strict Islamist regime was toppled in 2001.

Afghan suicide bomber hits family; kills one, injures four

A Taliban attack on a US-Afghan base was repelled in southeast Afghanistan, officials said Friday, as fighting continues in the war-torn country amid a pause in ongoing peace talks between the insurgents and American negotiators in Doha.

The militants launched the pre-dawn assault on Shorab military base in Helmand province -- where an unspecified number of US troops are also stationed -- engaging in heavy firefights with Afghan forces. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Right now, the Afghan commando forces are carrying out a clean-up operation in the area,” said Omar Zwak, a spokesman for the provincial governor.

Provincial and defence officials said at least four attackers were killed in the skirmish.&nbsp;

US forces spokesman Colonel Dave Butler also confirmed the incident, tweeting: “The attack was repelled by the brave Afghan Security Forces”.

Butler later added that reports indicated “Taliban fighters were initially able to gain access to the Afghan base but were stopped by Afghan forces”.

The Taliban control or contest more than half of Helmand's districts and regularly deliver heavy blows to Afghan forces, who have been struggling to hold off insurgents across Afghanistan since taking the lead from NATO forces in late 2014.

The assault on Shorab comes as US and Taliban negotiators in Doha have temporarily halted peace talks, which are set to restart over the weekend.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad called the latest meetings in the months-long diplomatic push “productive”, saying the two sides “will take the next two days for internal deliberations, with plans to regroup on Saturday”.

Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan has led to a sharp reduction in violence this winter, but warmer weather in the country’s south will likely lead to an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of the spring fighting season.

Analysts have warned that the Taliban are likely to ramp up attacks this spring as they attempt to maintain momentum on the battlefield and leverage at the negotiating table.

Afghan forces, however, claim to be taking the fight to the insurgents, with the Ministry of Defence saying more than 100 "terrorists" have been killed in recent days in various operations across the country.&nbsp;

The US has also intensified its air campaign against the Taliban and Islamic State, dropping twice as many munitions on insurgent positions in 2018 compared to the previous year. 
&nbsp;

A Taliban attack on a US-Afghan base was repelled in southeast Afghanistan, officials said Friday, as fighting continues in the war-torn country amid a pause in ongoing peace talks between the insurgents and American negotiators in Doha.

A Taliban attack on a US-Afghan base was repelled in southeast Afghanistan, officials said Friday, as fighting continues in the war-torn country amid a pause in ongoing peace talks between the insurgents and American negotiators in Doha. The militants launched the pre-dawn assault on Shorab military base in Helmand province -- where an unspecified number of US troops are also stationed -- engaging in heavy firefights with Afghan forces. "Right now, the Afghan commando forces are carrying out a clean-up operation in the area,” said Omar Zwak, a spokesman for the provincial governor. Provincial and defence officials said at least four attackers were killed in the skirmish. US forces spokesman Colonel Dave Butler also confirmed the incident, tweeting: “The attack was repelled by the brave Afghan Security Forces”. Butler later added that reports indicated “Taliban fighters were initially able to gain access to the Afghan base but were stopped by Afghan forces”. The Taliban control or contest more than half of Helmand's districts and regularly deliver heavy blows to Afghan forces, who have been struggling to hold off insurgents across Afghanistan since taking the lead from NATO forces in late 2014. The assault on Shorab comes as US and Taliban negotiators in Doha have temporarily halted peace talks, which are set to restart over the weekend. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad called the latest meetings in the months-long diplomatic push “productive”, saying the two sides “will take the next two days for internal deliberations, with plans to regroup on Saturday”. Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan has led to a sharp reduction in violence this winter, but warmer weather in the country’s south will likely lead to an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of the spring fighting season. Analysts have warned that the Taliban are likely to ramp up attacks this spring as they attempt to maintain momentum on the battlefield and leverage at the negotiating table. Afghan forces, however, claim to be taking the fight to the insurgents, with the Ministry of Defence saying more than 100 "terrorists" have been killed in recent days in various operations across the country. The US has also intensified its air campaign against the Taliban and Islamic State, dropping twice as many munitions on insurgent positions in 2018 compared to the previous year.

Taliban attacks US-Afghan base in Helmand: Officials

With parliamentary elections scheduled for October 20 in Afghanistan, the elections are being viewed as crucial tests run for the presidential vote and are being held after a delay of three and a half years.&nbsp;

The Afghan parliament’s term was extended post-June 2015 to promote transparency in the electoral system. But unfortunately, no major reforms have been carried out since then. Instead, the electoral process has just courted more controversies.

Saturday's election will be the third time that the country will elect members to the lower house of the parliament post-Taliban.

The elections are crucial for Afghanistan at multiple levels.

For starters, they will lay the foundation for next year's presidential elections.

Afghanistan's National Unity government is already facing the test as their elite position has dropped behind potential candidates, President Ashraf Ghani and his Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah are mired in a power struggle. If these parliamentary elections do not go smoothly, the ruling coalition could be in trouble.

The Taliban is, of course, another key factor that threatens democracy in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Threats and attacks by the Taliban and the Islamic state-Khorasan province --- both opposing mainstream politics --- have hampered voter registration processes. This is likely to impact turnout on voting day as well.

Taliban has reportedly been threatening villagers that their homes will be targeted if they vote. Taliban terrorists have also targeted election rallies and claimed several lives in the last few weeks.

The United States is trying to negotiate peace with the Taliban and the results of these elections will have a direct impact on that as well.

But the biggest implication of this election could be the eventual withdrawal of foreign troops from the country.&nbsp;

Transparent democracy is the most likely way to provide long-term stability to the country. A failed democratic process would mean the country plunges into further chaos and in the long run, demand even more international troops and funds. &nbsp;

With parliamentary elections scheduled for October 20 in Afghanistan, the elections are being viewed as crucial tests run for the presidential vote and are being held after a delay of three and a half years.

With parliamentary elections scheduled for October 20 in Afghanistan, the elections are being viewed as crucial tests run for the presidential vote and are being held after a delay of three and a half years. The Afghan parliament’s term was extended post-June 2015 to promote transparency in the electoral system. But unfortunately, no major reforms have been carried out since then. Instead, the electoral process has just courted more controversies. Saturday's election will be the third time that the country will elect members to the lower house of the parliament post-Taliban. The elections are crucial for Afghanistan at multiple levels. For starters, they will lay the foundation for next year's presidential elections. Afghanistan's National Unity government is already facing the test as their elite position has dropped behind potential candidates, President Ashraf Ghani and his Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah are mired in a power struggle. If these parliamentary elections do not go smoothly, the ruling coalition could be in trouble. The Taliban is, of course, another key factor that threatens democracy in Afghanistan. Threats and attacks by the Taliban and the Islamic state-Khorasan province --- both opposing mainstream politics --- have hampered voter registration processes. This is likely to impact turnout on voting day as well. Taliban has reportedly been threatening villagers that their homes will be targeted if they vote. Taliban terrorists have also targeted election rallies and claimed several lives in the last few weeks. The United States is trying to negotiate peace with the Taliban and the results of these elections will have a direct impact on that as well. But the biggest implication of this election could be the eventual withdrawal of foreign troops from the country. Transparent democracy is the most likely way to provide long-term stability to the country. A failed democratic process would mean the country plunges into further chaos and in the long run, demand even more international troops and funds.

Afghanistan elections could lead to withdrawal of foreign troops

The Taliban mounted attacks on two military check posts&nbsp;in the western Farah province bordering Iran on Sunday, killing at least 20 Afghanistan soldiers and injuring 11.

While five Taliban members were also killed in the attack, more than 10 Afghan soldiers have been taken as hostages by the group.

The Governor of Pusht Rod district confirmed the attacks by the Taliban on two military check posts and told Anadolu Agency that the confrontation started on Saturday night and carried on till the wee hours of Sunday morning.

He further mentioned that arms and ammunition have also been taken by the Taliban group while confirming the abovementioned figures.

However, Muhibullah Muhib, the provincial police headquarters'&nbsp;spokesman, confirmed the death of only 10 soldiers, adding that Special Forces reached the site to free five soldiers who have been taken hostage by Taliban.

Meanwhile, Taliban's spokesperson Qari Yosuf Ahmadi claimed that 21 Afghan soldiers were killed, while 12 soldiers have been taken in as captives by the group while taking full responsibility for the attacks. He further mentioned that no Taliban member has been killed in the attack.

Taliban had recently launched an attack on a number of security check posts in Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, which led to the death of at least 15 Afghan security personnel and left 26 security personnel injured.

The attack in Farah comes just a few days after a Taliban delegation met US'&nbsp;Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar to discuss "a peaceful solution in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

The Taliban mounted attacks on two military check posts in the western Farah province bordering Iran on Sunday, killing at least 20 Afghanistan soldiers and injuring 11.

The Taliban mounted attacks on two military check posts in the western Farah province bordering Iran on Sunday, killing at least 20 Afghanistan soldiers and injuring 11. While five Taliban members were also killed in the attack, more than 10 Afghan soldiers have been taken as hostages by the group. The Governor of Pusht Rod district confirmed the attacks by the Taliban on two military check posts and told Anadolu Agency that the confrontation started on Saturday night and carried on till the wee hours of Sunday morning. He further mentioned that arms and ammunition have also been taken by the Taliban group while confirming the abovementioned figures. However, Muhibullah Muhib, the provincial police headquarters' spokesman, confirmed the death of only 10 soldiers, adding that Special Forces reached the site to free five soldiers who have been taken hostage by Taliban. Meanwhile, Taliban's spokesperson Qari Yosuf Ahmadi claimed that 21 Afghan soldiers were killed, while 12 soldiers have been taken in as captives by the group while taking full responsibility for the attacks. He further mentioned that no Taliban member has been killed in the attack. Taliban had recently launched an attack on a number of security check posts in Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, which led to the death of at least 15 Afghan security personnel and left 26 security personnel injured. The attack in Farah comes just a few days after a Taliban delegation met US' Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar to discuss "a peaceful solution in Afghanistan".

Afghanistan: Taliban attacks soldiers in western province; 20 killed

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