Ancient sport of Afghanistan: Snaring birds in war-torn country

Judges at the International Criminal Court Friday turned down a request to open a war crimes probe in Afghanistan, a week after Washington revoked the court's chief prosecutor's visa over the case.

"The judges decided that an investigation into the situation in Afghanistan at this stage would not serve the interests of justice," the Hague-based court said in a statement.

Fatou Bensouda's US visa was revoked over a possible probe involving American soldiers' actions since 2003 in the bloody Afghan conflict.

Bensouda in late 2017 asked judges to give her permission to probe alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan committed by the Taliban, Afghan government forces and international forces including US troops.

The US has never joined the ICC and does not recognise its authority over American citizens, saying it poses a threat to national sovereignty.&nbsp;

Washington also argues that it has its own robust procedures in place to deal with US troops who engage in misconduct.

Judges said Friday that "notwithstanding the fact that all the relevant requirements are met as regards both jurisdiction and admissibility... the current circumstances in Afghanistan... make the prospect of a successful investigation and prosecution extremely limited."

The time elapsed since the opening of a preliminary probe in 2006, Afghanistan's changing political scene and the "lack of political cooperation the prosecutor has received" was likely to grow scarcer should an investigation proceed, the judges said.

The court, which operates on a limited budget, also needed to prioritise its resources on "activities that would have a better chance to succeed," the judges said.

Judges at the International Criminal Court Friday turned down a request to open a war crimes probe in Afghanistan, a week after Washington revoked the court's chief prosecutor's visa over the case.

Judges at the International Criminal Court Friday turned down a request to open a war crimes probe in Afghanistan, a week after Washington revoked the court's chief prosecutor's visa over the case. "The judges decided that an investigation into the situation in Afghanistan at this stage would not serve the interests of justice," the Hague-based court said in a statement. Fatou Bensouda's US visa was revoked over a possible probe involving American soldiers' actions since 2003 in the bloody Afghan conflict. Bensouda in late 2017 asked judges to give her permission to probe alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan committed by the Taliban, Afghan government forces and international forces including US troops. The US has never joined the ICC and does not recognise its authority over American citizens, saying it poses a threat to national sovereignty. Washington also argues that it has its own robust procedures in place to deal with US troops who engage in misconduct. Judges said Friday that "notwithstanding the fact that all the relevant requirements are met as regards both jurisdiction and admissibility... the current circumstances in Afghanistan... make the prospect of a successful investigation and prosecution extremely limited." The time elapsed since the opening of a preliminary probe in 2006, Afghanistan's changing political scene and the "lack of political cooperation the prosecutor has received" was likely to grow scarcer should an investigation proceed, the judges said. The court, which operates on a limited budget, also needed to prioritise its resources on "activities that would have a better chance to succeed," the judges said.

ICC judges turn down request for Afghanistan war crimes probe

Three US troops and a military contractor were killed in a roadside explosion Monday in the deadliest attack on American forces this year, casting a shadow over ongoing peace talks with the Taliban, which claimed responsibility for the attack.

The blast near Bagram Air Base is the latest to hit American forces amid an ongoing, US-led drive to forge a peace deal in Afghanistan, more than 17 years after the Taliban were ousted.

According to the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in the country, the troops' convoy hit a roadside bomb that also wounded three US troops.

Earlier, the Taliban claimed to have conducted the attack when a suicide bomber detonated his vehicle filled with explosives, saying "multiple invaders" had been killed. They added that one armoured personnel carrier had been "completely destroyed".

Bagram, America's largest air base in Afghanistan, is located about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Kabul.

The explosion took place around 5:40 pm (1310 GMT), according to Salim Noori, spokesman for police in the province of Parwan, which is home to Bagram.&nbsp;

The car bomb targeted a convoy of coalition soldiers, he told AFP.

Bagram district governor Abdul Shakoor Quddusi said a car bomber attacked an armoured vehicle carrying foreign forces close to a gate to the base.

Officials did not immediately release the names of those killed, in line with standard policy pending notification of next of kin, or the nationality of the contractor.

"The wounded service members were evacuated and are receiving medical care," Resolute Support said in a statement.

Democratic presidential hopeful Beto O'Rourke tweeted his condolences, saying: "Our thoughts are with the families of the three service members killed today in Afghanistan."

The blast brings to seven the number of US troops killed in Afghanistan so far this year, compared to 12 killed in all of 2018.&nbsp;

Still, American casualties have fallen dramatically since the end of 2014, when Afghan forces took over from US-led NATO combat troops to secure the country.

The US now has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan -- down from a peak of around 100,000 -- most of them deployed to train and advise Afghan counterparts.

Nearly 2,300 American soldiers have died and more than 20,400 have been wounded in the country since a US-led coalition ousted the Taliban in 2001.

While parts of Afghanistan including Kabul have experienced something of a lull in attacks in recent weeks, US and Afghan forces have stepped up attacks on the Taliban across the country.

Spring offensive expected

Afghans, meanwhile, are on high alert for a new round of violence when the militants kick off their expected spring offensive.

They typically declare a new fighting season as winter snows melt, and have in the past sought to gain control of district centres and to target government facilities.

Taliban leaders are set to meet with Afghan officials in Qatar next week for a fresh round of talks as the US tries to broker a peace deal.

Last week, US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad called for a "comprehensive and inclusive" intra-Afghan dialogue between the government, women, youth and civil society.

The Taliban has until now refused to meet with the Kabul government, accusing it of being a puppet regime.

The diplomatic spat between Washington and Kabul came to a head last month when Afghanistan's national security advisor Hamdullah Mohib accused Khalilzad of a lack of "transparency", even suggesting the Afghan-born envoy wanted to be "viceroy" of his native country.

Washington reacted furiously, with US officials reportedly refusing to attend meetings in which Mohib was present. The outspoken advisor visited eastern provinces when Khalilzad was in Kabul.

Three US troops and a military contractor were killed in a roadside explosion Monday in the deadliest attack on American forces this year, casting a shadow over ongoing peace talks with the Taliban, which claimed responsibility for the attack.

Three US troops and a military contractor were killed in a roadside explosion Monday in the deadliest attack on American forces this year, casting a shadow over ongoing peace talks with the Taliban, which claimed responsibility for the attack. The blast near Bagram Air Base is the latest to hit American forces amid an ongoing, US-led drive to forge a peace deal in Afghanistan, more than 17 years after the Taliban were ousted. According to the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in the country, the troops' convoy hit a roadside bomb that also wounded three US troops. Earlier, the Taliban claimed to have conducted the attack when a suicide bomber detonated his vehicle filled with explosives, saying "multiple invaders" had been killed. They added that one armoured personnel carrier had been "completely destroyed". Bagram, America's largest air base in Afghanistan, is located about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Kabul. The explosion took place around 5:40 pm (1310 GMT), according to Salim Noori, spokesman for police in the province of Parwan, which is home to Bagram. The car bomb targeted a convoy of coalition soldiers, he told AFP. Bagram district governor Abdul Shakoor Quddusi said a car bomber attacked an armoured vehicle carrying foreign forces close to a gate to the base. Officials did not immediately release the names of those killed, in line with standard policy pending notification of next of kin, or the nationality of the contractor. "The wounded service members were evacuated and are receiving medical care," Resolute Support said in a statement. Democratic presidential hopeful Beto O'Rourke tweeted his condolences, saying: "Our thoughts are with the families of the three service members killed today in Afghanistan." The blast brings to seven the number of US troops killed in Afghanistan so far this year, compared to 12 killed in all of 2018. Still, American casualties have fallen dramatically since the end of 2014, when Afghan forces took over from US-led NATO combat troops to secure the country. The US now has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan -- down from a peak of around 100,000 -- most of them deployed to train and advise Afghan counterparts. Nearly 2,300 American soldiers have died and more than 20,400 have been wounded in the country since a US-led coalition ousted the Taliban in 2001. While parts of Afghanistan including Kabul have experienced something of a lull in attacks in recent weeks, US and Afghan forces have stepped up attacks on the Taliban across the country. Spring offensive expected Afghans, meanwhile, are on high alert for a new round of violence when the militants kick off their expected spring offensive. They typically declare a new fighting season as winter snows melt, and have in the past sought to gain control of district centres and to target government facilities. Taliban leaders are set to meet with Afghan officials in Qatar next week for a fresh round of talks as the US tries to broker a peace deal. Last week, US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad called for a "comprehensive and inclusive" intra-Afghan dialogue between the government, women, youth and civil society. The Taliban has until now refused to meet with the Kabul government, accusing it of being a puppet regime. The diplomatic spat between Washington and Kabul came to a head last month when Afghanistan's national security advisor Hamdullah Mohib accused Khalilzad of a lack of "transparency", even suggesting the Afghan-born envoy wanted to be "viceroy" of his native country. Washington reacted furiously, with US officials reportedly refusing to attend meetings in which Mohib was present. The outspoken advisor visited eastern provinces when Khalilzad was in Kabul.

Four killed in attack on US convoy in Afghanistan

Twin explosions on Saturday in the eastern Afghanistan city of Jalalabad killed three people and injured 19 others, a government spokesman said.

Two children and eight security forces were among the casualties, said Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial government.

It was not clear what caused the explosions.

No group took immediate responsibility. Islamic State emerged in Nangarhar in 2015 on the porous border with Pakistan to become one of Afghanistan's most dangerous militant groups for its bombing and complex attacks.

Fighting between militant groups, and between the Taliban and Afghan forces has intensified in recent weeks amid recurring peace talks.

Twin explosions on Saturday in the eastern Afghanistan city of Jalalabad killed three people and injured 19 others, a government spokesman said. Two children and eight security forces were among the casualties, said Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial government.

Twin explosions on Saturday in the eastern Afghanistan city of Jalalabad killed three people and injured 19 others, a government spokesman said. Two children and eight security forces were among the casualties, said Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial government. It was not clear what caused the explosions. No group took immediate responsibility. Islamic State emerged in Nangarhar in 2015 on the porous border with Pakistan to become one of Afghanistan's most dangerous militant groups for its bombing and complex attacks. Fighting between militant groups, and between the Taliban and Afghan forces has intensified in recent weeks amid recurring peace talks.

Double blast kills three people, injures 19 in east Afghanistan

The US envoy tasked with forging a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-on-afghan-peace-heads-back-to-region-205904">peace deal with the Taliban</a> met with officials in Pakistan on Friday, after telling leaders and various groups in Afghanistan they would be included in future talks.

Zalmay Khalilzad was in Islamabad after spending five days in Afghanistan amid strains between Washington and President Ashraf Ghani's administration, which has complained bitterly of being sidelined in peace talks.&nbsp;

"Intra-Afghan dialogue should be comprehensive and inclusive with representatives from the #Afghan government, women, young people, and civil society," Khalilzad said on Twitter at the start of his five-day visit.

The Taliban has until now refused to meet with the Kabul government, accusing it of being a puppet regime.

The diplomatic spat between Washington and Kabul came to a head last month when Afghanistan's national security advisor Hamdullah Mohib accused Khalilzad of a lack of "transparency", even suggesting the Afghan-born envoy wanted to be "viceroy" of his native country.

Washington reacted furiously, with US officials reportedly refusing to attend meetings in which Mohib was present. The outspoken advisor visited eastern provinces when Khalilzad was in Kabul.

Among those Khalilzad met with was a group of seven women from the Afghan Women Network.

Under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Sharia law, women were stripped of all basic rights and were sometimes executed for alleged adultery.

"Women should not be forgotten in the talks, and our rights should not be trampled," Robina Hamdard, an advocacy manager at the network, told AFP.

"We want everything -- women's rights to education and social activities -- to be guaranteed during the talks... We want a lasting peace, not a shaky peace."

Khalilzad's schedule in Islamabad has not been announced, but he had already met with officials including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi early Friday, according to the foreign ministry.

Pakistan says it supports an Afghan-led peace process and is helping to facilitate the talks. Washington and Kabul have long held Pakistan's shadowy intelligence services responsible for supporting and training the Taliban.&nbsp;

In an interview with a US-funded radio network, Khalilzad said he hoped 2019 would be the "year of peace."

"Afghans are tired of the war. So, too, is the world. The war has raged for a long time," he told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

After talks in February, Khalilzad announced a "draft framework" for a peace deal, though he warned major hurdles remain.

Elections in Afghanistan, originally slated for April 20, have been postponed until September to allow space for the peace talks.

A new round of talks between the Taliban and Afghan officials is expected later this month in Doha, with further US-Taliban talks possible after that.

"We are hopeful that intra-Afghan talks will start as soon as possible and that we can agree to de-escalate the war," Khalilzad said in the radio interview.

Ghani, who was elected in a fraud-tainted poll in 2014, is seeking a second term.

The US envoy tasked with forging a peace deal with the Taliban met with officials in Pakistan on Friday, after telling leaders and various groups in Afghanistan they would be included in future talks.

The US envoy tasked with forging a peace deal with the Taliban met with officials in Pakistan on Friday, after telling leaders and various groups in Afghanistan they would be included in future talks. Zalmay Khalilzad was in Islamabad after spending five days in Afghanistan amid strains between Washington and President Ashraf Ghani's administration, which has complained bitterly of being sidelined in peace talks. "Intra-Afghan dialogue should be comprehensive and inclusive with representatives from the #Afghan government, women, young people, and civil society," Khalilzad said on Twitter at the start of his five-day visit. The Taliban has until now refused to meet with the Kabul government, accusing it of being a puppet regime. The diplomatic spat between Washington and Kabul came to a head last month when Afghanistan's national security advisor Hamdullah Mohib accused Khalilzad of a lack of "transparency", even suggesting the Afghan-born envoy wanted to be "viceroy" of his native country. Washington reacted furiously, with US officials reportedly refusing to attend meetings in which Mohib was present. The outspoken advisor visited eastern provinces when Khalilzad was in Kabul. Among those Khalilzad met with was a group of seven women from the Afghan Women Network. Under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Sharia law, women were stripped of all basic rights and were sometimes executed for alleged adultery. "Women should not be forgotten in the talks, and our rights should not be trampled," Robina Hamdard, an advocacy manager at the network, told AFP. "We want everything -- women's rights to education and social activities -- to be guaranteed during the talks... We want a lasting peace, not a shaky peace." Khalilzad's schedule in Islamabad has not been announced, but he had already met with officials including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi early Friday, according to the foreign ministry. Pakistan says it supports an Afghan-led peace process and is helping to facilitate the talks. Washington and Kabul have long held Pakistan's shadowy intelligence services responsible for supporting and training the Taliban. In an interview with a US-funded radio network, Khalilzad said he hoped 2019 would be the "year of peace." "Afghans are tired of the war. So, too, is the world. The war has raged for a long time," he told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. After talks in February, Khalilzad announced a "draft framework" for a peace deal, though he warned major hurdles remain. Elections in Afghanistan, originally slated for April 20, have been postponed until September to allow space for the peace talks. A new round of talks between the Taliban and Afghan officials is expected later this month in Doha, with further US-Taliban talks possible after that. "We are hopeful that intra-Afghan talks will start as soon as possible and that we can agree to de-escalate the war," Khalilzad said in the radio interview. Ghani, who was elected in a fraud-tainted poll in 2014, is seeking a second term.

Intra-Afghan dialogue should include representatives from government, civil society: US envoy Khalilzad

Hundreds of Taliban fighters stormed a district in Afghanistan's western Badghis province, with both Afghan government forces and the insurgent group suffering dozens of casualties, provincial officials said.

The district of Bala Murghab has been a recurring hotspot of fighting in the past two months, and officials have previously warned that it could fall to the Taliban without reinforcements.

Fighting in Afghanistan has escalated ahead of the usual spring season, as both sides seek to increase leverage in talks on a peace settlement.

The Taliban killed 36 members of the government forces and captured several security checkpoints in attacks that began on Wednesday night, Waris Sherzad, district governor of Bala Murghab, said late on Thursday. Fighting was ongoing, he said.

More than 30 Taliban were also killed, said Jamshed Shahabi spokesman for Badghis' provincial governor.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said it attacked from four directions, capturing five checkpoints.

Afghanistan's defence ministry, in a series of tweets, said its forces chose to "tactically retreat" from the checkpoints to prevent civilian casualties. The ministry said it called in multiple air strikes on Taliban positions.

The conflict in Badghis has been particularly intense along with northern Kunduz province and Helmand province in the south in recent weeks. Both sides took heavy casualties in Badghis last month, and at one point 50 members of Afghan security forces surrendered to the Taliban.

Fighting between militant groups has also intensified. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement on Thursday that Islamic State attacks on Taliban positions on March 23 resulted in 21,000 people being displaced in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces.

The latest round of peace talks between US and Taliban officials wrapped up last month, with both sides citing progress.

Hundreds of Taliban fighters stormed a district in Afghanistan's western Badghis province, with both Afghan government forces and the insurgent group suffering dozens of casualties, provincial officials said.

Hundreds of Taliban fighters stormed a district in Afghanistan's western Badghis province, with both Afghan government forces and the insurgent group suffering dozens of casualties, provincial officials said. The district of Bala Murghab has been a recurring hotspot of fighting in the past two months, and officials have previously warned that it could fall to the Taliban without reinforcements. Fighting in Afghanistan has escalated ahead of the usual spring season, as both sides seek to increase leverage in talks on a peace settlement. The Taliban killed 36 members of the government forces and captured several security checkpoints in attacks that began on Wednesday night, Waris Sherzad, district governor of Bala Murghab, said late on Thursday. Fighting was ongoing, he said. More than 30 Taliban were also killed, said Jamshed Shahabi spokesman for Badghis' provincial governor. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said it attacked from four directions, capturing five checkpoints. Afghanistan's defence ministry, in a series of tweets, said its forces chose to "tactically retreat" from the checkpoints to prevent civilian casualties. The ministry said it called in multiple air strikes on Taliban positions. The conflict in Badghis has been particularly intense along with northern Kunduz province and Helmand province in the south in recent weeks. Both sides took heavy casualties in Badghis last month, and at one point 50 members of Afghan security forces surrendered to the Taliban. Fighting between militant groups has also intensified. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement on Thursday that Islamic State attacks on Taliban positions on March 23 resulted in 21,000 people being displaced in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. The latest round of peace talks between US and Taliban officials wrapped up last month, with both sides citing progress.

Taliban storms west Afghanistan district, kills dozens

Afghanistan's vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, escaped unhurt from an attack that killed one of his bodyguards on Saturday, dodging death for the second time since returning from exile last year.

Attackers ambushed Dostum's convoy on the way from Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in Balkh province, to Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, said Bashir Ahmad Tayenj, spokesman for Dostum's Junbish Party. Two other bodyguards were wounded.

Dostum was aware of a planned attack but decided to travel anyway, the spokesman added.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assassination attempt, which comes eight months after Dostum avoided injury in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport. In a tweet, the militant group's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said four guards were killed and six wounded in the attack.

Last summer's bombing, which was claimed by Islamic State, took place as Dostum returned home from more than a year in exile in Turkey over allegations of torturing and abusing a political rival.

Dostum had left Afghanistan after heavy pressure from Western donors including the United States.

Less than a year since his return, the general remains significant if polarising, political figure. His Junbish Party is supported mainly by his fellow ethnic Uzbeks.

Dostum has joined the election team of Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, one of several contenders in a presidential election scheduled for Sept. 28.

Afghanistan's vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, escaped unhurt from an attack that killed one of his bodyguards on Saturday, dodging death for the second time since returning from exile last year.

Afghanistan's vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, escaped unhurt from an attack that killed one of his bodyguards on Saturday, dodging death for the second time since returning from exile last year. Attackers ambushed Dostum's convoy on the way from Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in Balkh province, to Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, said Bashir Ahmad Tayenj, spokesman for Dostum's Junbish Party. Two other bodyguards were wounded. Dostum was aware of a planned attack but decided to travel anyway, the spokesman added. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assassination attempt, which comes eight months after Dostum avoided injury in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport. In a tweet, the militant group's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said four guards were killed and six wounded in the attack. Last summer's bombing, which was claimed by Islamic State, took place as Dostum returned home from more than a year in exile in Turkey over allegations of torturing and abusing a political rival. Dostum had left Afghanistan after heavy pressure from Western donors including the United States. Less than a year since his return, the general remains significant if polarising, political figure. His Junbish Party is supported mainly by his fellow ethnic Uzbeks. Dostum has joined the election team of Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, one of several contenders in a presidential election scheduled for Sept. 28.

Afghan vice president narrowly escapes death for a second time

Nine Afghan policemen were killed when Taliban fighters stormed their checkpoints and launched a follow-up ambush in the eastern Afghanistan city of Ghazni, officials said Saturday.

The assault began early Friday when the Taliban attacked two adjacent checkpoints, Ghazni police spokesman Ahmad Khan Seerat told AFP.

The Taliban then ambushed a group of police rushing to the scene, killing the head of the local police, Seerat added.

In all, nine officers were killed and six were wounded, he said. The toll was confirmed by Arif Noori, spokesman for the Ghazni governor.

In August, Taliban fighters briefly held the city of Ghazni before they were pushed out by US air strikes and Afghan forces.

Friday's attack highlights the ongoing fragility of Afghanistan's security and the risks faced by local security forces as the man vulnerable checkpoints.

President Ashraf Ghani in January said 45,000 security forces have been killed since he took office in September 2014.

On its Twitter account, the Taliban claimed to have killed 12 "soldiers," though the group frequently exaggerates numbers.

Meanwhile, in Zabul in southern Afghanistan late Friday, Gul Islam Seyal, spokesman for the local governor, told AFP that four policemen were killed and two wounded after a "Taliban infiltrator" opened fire at a checkpoint.

The attacks come as the United States seeks to broker a peace accord with the Taliban and the Kabul government, more than 17 years since the US-led invasion that ousted the Islamist fighters.&nbsp;

Nine Afghan policemen were killed when Taliban fighters stormed their checkpoints and launched a follow-up ambush in the eastern Afghanistan city of Ghazni, officials said Saturday.

Nine Afghan policemen were killed when Taliban fighters stormed their checkpoints and launched a follow-up ambush in the eastern Afghanistan city of Ghazni, officials said Saturday. The assault began early Friday when the Taliban attacked two adjacent checkpoints, Ghazni police spokesman Ahmad Khan Seerat told AFP. The Taliban then ambushed a group of police rushing to the scene, killing the head of the local police, Seerat added. In all, nine officers were killed and six were wounded, he said. The toll was confirmed by Arif Noori, spokesman for the Ghazni governor. In August, Taliban fighters briefly held the city of Ghazni before they were pushed out by US air strikes and Afghan forces. Friday's attack highlights the ongoing fragility of Afghanistan's security and the risks faced by local security forces as the man vulnerable checkpoints. President Ashraf Ghani in January said 45,000 security forces have been killed since he took office in September 2014. On its Twitter account, the Taliban claimed to have killed 12 "soldiers," though the group frequently exaggerates numbers. Meanwhile, in Zabul in southern Afghanistan late Friday, Gul Islam Seyal, spokesman for the local governor, told AFP that four policemen were killed and two wounded after a "Taliban infiltrator" opened fire at a checkpoint. The attacks come as the United States seeks to broker a peace accord with the Taliban and the Kabul government, more than 17 years since the US-led invasion that ousted the Islamist fighters.

Taliban kill nine police in checkpoint assault in Afghanistan

At least 13 civilians were killed, mostly children, in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/air-strikes-kill-dozen-afghans-battle-intensifies-in-taliban-strongholds-205323">air strike by "international forces" in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz</a> late last week, the United Nations said Monday.

The strike happened between late Friday and early Saturday in support of ground operations conducted by pro-government forces fighting Taliban militants in the area.

"Initial fact-finding indicates that 10 of those killed were children, part of the same extended family who were displaced by fighting elsewhere in the country," the UN mission in Afghanistan said in a statement.

The US is the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides air support in the conflict.

A NATO spokesperson told AFP the coalition was investigating the claims.

"Those who were killed were internally displaced families who had fled the war in Dasht-e-Archi district and had recently moved to the city," added Khosh Mohammad Nasratyar, member of Kunduz provincial council, saying three children were also wounded in the attack.

The deaths come as ordinary Afghans continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, with more civilians killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record, according to a UN report.

The uptick in violence in 2018 coincides with a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by the "deliberate targeting of civilians", according to the report, mostly stemming from suicide attacks by insurgents allied with the Taliban or Islamic State (IS).

An increase in air strikes by US and Afghan forces also led to more civilian deaths in 2018, with more than 500 killed by "aerial operations for the first time on record".

Fighting continues to flare across Afghanistan even as the US and Taliban press forward in peace talks aimed at ending nearly 18 years of fighting.

The ongoing peace talks with the Taliban follow years of escalating violence in Afghanistan.

According to the UN, at least 32,000 civilians have been killed and another 60,000 wounded in the last decade.

Kunduz has been the scene of repeated air strikes gone awry over the course of the conflict, including an Afghan strike last April on an outdoor religious gathering in Dashte Archi that killed or wounded 107 people, mostly children, according to the UN.

And in 2015, a US airstrike struck a Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) hospital amid heavy fighting in the area, killing 42 people, including 24 patients and 14 members of the NGO. &nbsp;

At least 13 civilians were killed, mostly children, in an air strike by "international forces" in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz late last week, the United Nations said Monday.

At least 13 civilians were killed, mostly children, in an air strike by "international forces" in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz late last week, the United Nations said Monday. The strike happened between late Friday and early Saturday in support of ground operations conducted by pro-government forces fighting Taliban militants in the area. "Initial fact-finding indicates that 10 of those killed were children, part of the same extended family who were displaced by fighting elsewhere in the country," the UN mission in Afghanistan said in a statement. The US is the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides air support in the conflict. A NATO spokesperson told AFP the coalition was investigating the claims. "Those who were killed were internally displaced families who had fled the war in Dasht-e-Archi district and had recently moved to the city," added Khosh Mohammad Nasratyar, member of Kunduz provincial council, saying three children were also wounded in the attack. The deaths come as ordinary Afghans continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, with more civilians killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record, according to a UN report. The uptick in violence in 2018 coincides with a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by the "deliberate targeting of civilians", according to the report, mostly stemming from suicide attacks by insurgents allied with the Taliban or Islamic State (IS). An increase in air strikes by US and Afghan forces also led to more civilian deaths in 2018, with more than 500 killed by "aerial operations for the first time on record". Fighting continues to flare across Afghanistan even as the US and Taliban press forward in peace talks aimed at ending nearly 18 years of fighting. The ongoing peace talks with the Taliban follow years of escalating violence in Afghanistan. According to the UN, at least 32,000 civilians have been killed and another 60,000 wounded in the last decade. Kunduz has been the scene of repeated air strikes gone awry over the course of the conflict, including an Afghan strike last April on an outdoor religious gathering in Dashte Archi that killed or wounded 107 people, mostly children, according to the UN. And in 2015, a US airstrike struck a Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) hospital amid heavy fighting in the area, killing 42 people, including 24 patients and 14 members of the NGO.

Air strike kills 13 civilians, mostly children, in Afghanistan

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

An attack claimed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explosions-hit-afghan-celebration-helmand-governor-hurt-205018">Taliban killed four people and wounded 31</a> on Saturday during a celebration in the Afghan city of Lashkar Gah.

Afghanistan's multi-day celebrations to mark its traditional new year have been marred by several attacks, beginning with explosions claimed by Islamic State in the capital of Kabul on Thursday that killed six people and wounded 23.

Saturday's blasts in the southern provincial capital appeared to have been caused by explosives planted at the stadium where nearly 1,000 people were celebrating Farmers Day.

Helmand provincial governor Mohammad Yasin Khan was knocked over but suffered only superficial injuries, a spokesman said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility on Twitter for the explosions.

In Reuters video footage, bursts of gunfire can be heard before and after one of the blasts, causing people to flee. A Reuters witness said the gunfire came from security personnel.

"There was chaos and people were running. Security forces asked them to calm down and then the second explosion happened," said Najibullah, who was in the stadium for the celebrations.

He said the explosions seemed to originate from where tents were set up for farmers to display their produce.

The Persian new year is widely celebrated in Afghanistan but some hardline Islamists oppose the festivities, saying they are un-Islamic.

Helmand, a source of much of Afghanistan's opium, is one of several Afghan provinces in which insurgents have the greatest control and influence.

The latest attack came a year after a car bomb killed at least 14 people who had gathered for a wrestling match in Lashkar Gah.

Fighting has been relentless in Afghanistan amid recurring peace talks between US and Taliban negotiators. The latest negotiating round wrapped up this month with both sides saying there was progress toward ending the 17-year war.

The US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction estimated in January that the government controlled or influenced just over half the country, covering nearly two-thirds of the population.

An attack claimed by the Taliban killed four people and wounded 31 on Saturday during a celebration in the Afghan city of Lashkar Gah. Afghanistan's multi-day celebrations to mark its traditional new year have been marred by several attacks, beginning with explosions claimed by Islamic State in the capital of Kabul on Thursday that killed six people and wounded 23.

An attack claimed by the Taliban killed four people and wounded 31 on Saturday during a celebration in the Afghan city of Lashkar Gah. Afghanistan's multi-day celebrations to mark its traditional new year have been marred by several attacks, beginning with explosions claimed by Islamic State in the capital of Kabul on Thursday that killed six people and wounded 23. Saturday's blasts in the southern provincial capital appeared to have been caused by explosives planted at the stadium where nearly 1,000 people were celebrating Farmers Day. Helmand provincial governor Mohammad Yasin Khan was knocked over but suffered only superficial injuries, a spokesman said. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility on Twitter for the explosions. In Reuters video footage, bursts of gunfire can be heard before and after one of the blasts, causing people to flee. A Reuters witness said the gunfire came from security personnel. "There was chaos and people were running. Security forces asked them to calm down and then the second explosion happened," said Najibullah, who was in the stadium for the celebrations. He said the explosions seemed to originate from where tents were set up for farmers to display their produce. The Persian new year is widely celebrated in Afghanistan but some hardline Islamists oppose the festivities, saying they are un-Islamic. Helmand, a source of much of Afghanistan's opium, is one of several Afghan provinces in which insurgents have the greatest control and influence. The latest attack came a year after a car bomb killed at least 14 people who had gathered for a wrestling match in Lashkar Gah. Fighting has been relentless in Afghanistan amid recurring peace talks between US and Taliban negotiators. The latest negotiating round wrapped up this month with both sides saying there was progress toward ending the 17-year war. The US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction estimated in January that the government controlled or influenced just over half the country, covering nearly two-thirds of the population.

Four killed, 31 injured in explosion at Afghan celebration, Taliban claims responsibility

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

An Afghan woman has become the first to win a popular singing competition, with her victory coming as fears grow that women could lose hard-won rights if the US does a peace deal with the Taliban.

Zahra Elham, in her 20s and from Afghanistan's Hazara ethnic minority, snatched first place from her male runner-up on Afghan Star -- a local version of American Idol -- in which hundreds of men and women have competed for 14 seasons.

"I popped the hearts of men out of their chests today," a happy Elham told the audience during the contest's finale late Thursday.&nbsp;

"I am so so happy, I cannot even find words to express my feelings... Today, I represent all the girls of Afghanistan. Today not only Zahra Elham but all the girls in Afghanistan have won," she said amid cheers, applause and even tears from the admiring audience.&nbsp;

Known for her high pitch and raspy voice, she had previously said she wanted to break the grasp of male winners on the competition, first launched in 2005 and one of Afghanistan's most popular television shows.

"Your win is a slap in the face of jealous Afghan men," Sonita Rasa wrote on Zahra's Facebook page.&nbsp;

"Hope you don't disappear after this big win and hope the situation allows you to continue to get to your dreams," Tanin, another user, wrote.&nbsp;

As talks between Washington and the Taliban aimed at ending the long war progress, many Afghans fear a premature US withdrawal could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power.

Young women, keenly aware of how their gender was banished behind doors and beneath burkas under Taliban rule, are among the most vocal in warning they will not compromise their hard-won rights if the insurgents return.

The Taliban have given few details of what they want in Afghanistan, and it is unclear what a post-conflict government would look like -- but under their strict interpretation of Islam the militants have never been in favour of women, or shows like Afghan Star.&nbsp;

"Peace is on its way, hope the future peace has the Afghan Star contest in it," Mustafa Azizyar, the show's presenter said, after presenting the trophy.&nbsp;

An Afghan woman has become the first to win a popular singing competition, with her victory coming as fears grow that women could lose hard-won rights if the US does a peace deal with the Taliban.

An Afghan woman has become the first to win a popular singing competition, with her victory coming as fears grow that women could lose hard-won rights if the US does a peace deal with the Taliban. Zahra Elham, in her 20s and from Afghanistan's Hazara ethnic minority, snatched first place from her male runner-up on Afghan Star -- a local version of American Idol -- in which hundreds of men and women have competed for 14 seasons. "I popped the hearts of men out of their chests today," a happy Elham told the audience during the contest's finale late Thursday. "I am so so happy, I cannot even find words to express my feelings... Today, I represent all the girls of Afghanistan. Today not only Zahra Elham but all the girls in Afghanistan have won," she said amid cheers, applause and even tears from the admiring audience. Known for her high pitch and raspy voice, she had previously said she wanted to break the grasp of male winners on the competition, first launched in 2005 and one of Afghanistan's most popular television shows. "Your win is a slap in the face of jealous Afghan men," Sonita Rasa wrote on Zahra's Facebook page. "Hope you don't disappear after this big win and hope the situation allows you to continue to get to your dreams," Tanin, another user, wrote. As talks between Washington and the Taliban aimed at ending the long war progress, many Afghans fear a premature US withdrawal could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power. Young women, keenly aware of how their gender was banished behind doors and beneath burkas under Taliban rule, are among the most vocal in warning they will not compromise their hard-won rights if the insurgents return. The Taliban have given few details of what they want in Afghanistan, and it is unclear what a post-conflict government would look like -- but under their strict interpretation of Islam the militants have never been in favour of women, or shows like Afghan Star. "Peace is on its way, hope the future peace has the Afghan Star contest in it," Mustafa Azizyar, the show's presenter said, after presenting the trophy.

As fear grows for women's rights in Afghanistan, 20-year-old wins Afghan-American star for the first time

War-torn Afghanistan has delayed its presidential election until September 28, officials announced Wednesday, the second time the ballot has been put back and five months later than it was originally scheduled to be held.&nbsp;

The announcement by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) comes after speculation that the vote would be postponed to create space for US-led efforts to end the 17-year war with the Taliban. &nbsp;

The presidential ballot was originally scheduled for April 20, then delayed to July 20. Many observers had considered both dates unrealistic given the Independent Election Commission (IEC) is still finalising results of October's shambolic parliamentary elections. &nbsp;

The IEC said in a statement Wednesday that the vote had faced "numerous problems and challenges ... therefore holding the elections based on the timelines previously announced is not possible".

"In order to better implement the rule of election law, ensure transparency, as well as voter registration, the presidential election, provincial council election as well as the parliamentary election of Ghazni province, will be held on September 28," the statement said.&nbsp;

The election should go ahead, it added, "provided all relevant sides, especially the government and the international community, provide the IEC with the required budget on time".

A spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani, who plans to seek re-election, said the government respects the decision and is "fully prepared to cooperate with the IEC".&nbsp;

The statement did not mention the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban, which have caused unease in Kabul as Washington seeks a way out of its longest war.

Taliban talks

Afghan officials have voiced frustration at being sidelined in the process, complaining it undermines the legitimacy of the government in Kabul, which the Taliban dismisses as a puppet regime.

Earlier this month a close Ghani aide sparked a diplomatic spat with Washington by criticising the talks. &nbsp;

"We don't know what's going on. We don't have the kind of transparency that we should have," Hamdullah Mohib, Afghanistan's national security advisor, told media during a visit to Washington.

"The last people to find out are us."

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the talks for Washington, said after the latest round ended in Doha earlier this month that "real strides" had been made but no agreement was reached on a timetable for a troop withdrawal.

He spoke of an agreement "in draft" on the issues of counter-terrorism, assurances from the Taliban and troop withdrawal, and suggested the next phases would be intra-Afghan dialogue and a ceasefire, but stressed that nothing was finalised.

Many Afghans are worried that Ghani's fragile unity government would collapse if US troops pulled out, enabling the Taliban to return to power and potentially sparking another bloody civil war.

There also are concerns the presidential election, which will now be held nearer the Taliban's traditional fighting season, could unleash a wave of deadly violence as militants seek to disrupt the vote.

On Wednesday -- the eve of Nowruz, the Persian new year -- the interior ministry said the government would "increase" its offensive operations against the insurgents in the coming 12 months.

Also on Wednesday the Taliban released 58 soldiers they had captured in Badhgis province, the insurgents and the provincial governor's spokesman said.

 
&nbsp;

War-torn Afghanistan has delayed its presidential election until September 28, officials announced Wednesday, the second time the ballot has been put back and five months later than it was originally scheduled to be held.

War-torn Afghanistan has delayed its presidential election until September 28, officials announced Wednesday, the second time the ballot has been put back and five months later than it was originally scheduled to be held. The announcement by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) comes after speculation that the vote would be postponed to create space for US-led efforts to end the 17-year war with the Taliban. The presidential ballot was originally scheduled for April 20, then delayed to July 20. Many observers had considered both dates unrealistic given the Independent Election Commission (IEC) is still finalising results of October's shambolic parliamentary elections. The IEC said in a statement Wednesday that the vote had faced "numerous problems and challenges ... therefore holding the elections based on the timelines previously announced is not possible". "In order to better implement the rule of election law, ensure transparency, as well as voter registration, the presidential election, provincial council election as well as the parliamentary election of Ghazni province, will be held on September 28," the statement said. The election should go ahead, it added, "provided all relevant sides, especially the government and the international community, provide the IEC with the required budget on time". A spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani, who plans to seek re-election, said the government respects the decision and is "fully prepared to cooperate with the IEC". The statement did not mention the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban, which have caused unease in Kabul as Washington seeks a way out of its longest war. Taliban talks Afghan officials have voiced frustration at being sidelined in the process, complaining it undermines the legitimacy of the government in Kabul, which the Taliban dismisses as a puppet regime. Earlier this month a close Ghani aide sparked a diplomatic spat with Washington by criticising the talks. "We don't know what's going on. We don't have the kind of transparency that we should have," Hamdullah Mohib, Afghanistan's national security advisor, told media during a visit to Washington. "The last people to find out are us." US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the talks for Washington, said after the latest round ended in Doha earlier this month that "real strides" had been made but no agreement was reached on a timetable for a troop withdrawal. He spoke of an agreement "in draft" on the issues of counter-terrorism, assurances from the Taliban and troop withdrawal, and suggested the next phases would be intra-Afghan dialogue and a ceasefire, but stressed that nothing was finalised. Many Afghans are worried that Ghani's fragile unity government would collapse if US troops pulled out, enabling the Taliban to return to power and potentially sparking another bloody civil war. There also are concerns the presidential election, which will now be held nearer the Taliban's traditional fighting season, could unleash a wave of deadly violence as militants seek to disrupt the vote. On Wednesday -- the eve of Nowruz, the Persian new year -- the interior ministry said the government would "increase" its offensive operations against the insurgents in the coming 12 months. Also on Wednesday the Taliban released 58 soldiers they had captured in Badhgis province, the insurgents and the provincial governor's spokesman said.

Afghanistan presidential election delayed to September 28: Officials

The Pentagon has not received any order from President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from war-torn Afghanistan, a top US commander said Thursday.

"We've not--congressman, we've not been directed to withdraw (troops from Afghanistan), and there are no orders to withdraw anything," Commander of the US Central Command, General Joseph Votel told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing.

Trump had in December last year announced that the US would pull troops from Afghanistan.

General Votel said his advice is that any decision to reduce forces in Afghanistan should be done in full consultation with its coalition partners, and of course the government of Afghanistan.

"It should pivot off political progress and the reconciliation process," he said, responding to questions from lawmakers on news reports about a timeline of withdrawal of troops from this war-ravaged country.

The US General said any drawdown or withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan should be based on conditions on the ground and the progress in the political process as well.&nbsp;

A high-level US team led by Special Representatives Zalmay Khalilzad is currently holding talks with the Taliban representatives in Qatar's capital, Doha.

"Khalilzad's efforts are really focused on developing a framework that can lead to inter-Afghan discussions," Gen Votel said, adding that this involves overcoming some obstacles that, right now, are preventing the Taliban from talking to the government of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"But Khalilzad is working through those issues. Once those inter-Afghan discussions are commenced, then I think we will have the opportunity to address the issues that you are talking about directly," he said when Congresswoman Debra Haaland asked if he can tell how the framework addresses the rights of women in Afghanistan and how women were being included in the negotiation process.&nbsp;

The US Commander said that the US and the Taliban are in the very early in the process of talks.&nbsp;

"There have been no agreements from either side. We have not given anything up and they have not given anything up," he said, adding that the US and Special Representatives Khalilzad is not leaving out the democratically-elected government of Afghanistan in the process.

Winning in Afghanistan, the general described means a negotiated settlement between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban, and safeguarding US national interests.

"Particularly ensuring that this country, this region can't be used to attack our homeland. So that would have to be satisfied as part of an overall agreement here in terms of that and I think is a lot of the nuance of the ongoing discussions that are taking are taking place right now," Gen Votel said.

He also advocated the need to have a sustained presence of the US in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"I think we have to ensure that there, either through our own presence or through whatever other arrangements we can make, that we can address that particular threat," he said.&nbsp;

The Pentagon has not received any order from President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from war-torn Afghanistan, a top US commander said Thursday. "We've not--congressman, we've not been directed to withdraw (troops from Afghanistan), and there are no orders to withdraw anything," Commander of the US Central Command, General Joseph Votel told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing.

The Pentagon has not received any order from President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from war-torn Afghanistan, a top US commander said Thursday. "We've not--congressman, we've not been directed to withdraw (troops from Afghanistan), and there are no orders to withdraw anything," Commander of the US Central Command, General Joseph Votel told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing. Trump had in December last year announced that the US would pull troops from Afghanistan. General Votel said his advice is that any decision to reduce forces in Afghanistan should be done in full consultation with its coalition partners, and of course the government of Afghanistan. "It should pivot off political progress and the reconciliation process," he said, responding to questions from lawmakers on news reports about a timeline of withdrawal of troops from this war-ravaged country. The US General said any drawdown or withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan should be based on conditions on the ground and the progress in the political process as well. A high-level US team led by Special Representatives Zalmay Khalilzad is currently holding talks with the Taliban representatives in Qatar's capital, Doha. "Khalilzad's efforts are really focused on developing a framework that can lead to inter-Afghan discussions," Gen Votel said, adding that this involves overcoming some obstacles that, right now, are preventing the Taliban from talking to the government of Afghanistan. "But Khalilzad is working through those issues. Once those inter-Afghan discussions are commenced, then I think we will have the opportunity to address the issues that you are talking about directly," he said when Congresswoman Debra Haaland asked if he can tell how the framework addresses the rights of women in Afghanistan and how women were being included in the negotiation process. The US Commander said that the US and the Taliban are in the very early in the process of talks. "There have been no agreements from either side. We have not given anything up and they have not given anything up," he said, adding that the US and Special Representatives Khalilzad is not leaving out the democratically-elected government of Afghanistan in the process. Winning in Afghanistan, the general described means a negotiated settlement between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban, and safeguarding US national interests. "Particularly ensuring that this country, this region can't be used to attack our homeland. So that would have to be satisfied as part of an overall agreement here in terms of that and I think is a lot of the nuance of the ongoing discussions that are taking are taking place right now," Gen Votel said. He also advocated the need to have a sustained presence of the US in Afghanistan. "I think we have to ensure that there, either through our own presence or through whatever other arrangements we can make, that we can address that particular threat," he said.

No direction to withdraw troops from Afghanistan: US general

An explosion rattled a large ceremony in western Kabul Thursday, with the event abruptly cancelled and sending attendees fleeing -- including chief executive Abdullah Abdullah and other leading government officials.

"Stay calm, the area of the blast is far from us," said former lower house speaker Mohammad Younus Qanooni during a live broadcast of the event.

But moments after the announcement, another explosion could be heard that sent people running for the exit.

The explosion happened during a ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the death of Shiite Hazara leader Abdul Ali Mazari that was attended by many of the country’s political elite, including Abdullah and former President Hamid Karzai.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast and no casualties have been reported.

The incident comes as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-deadly-attack-in-afghanistan-report-201727">US and Taliban </a>negotiations continue to hold peace talks in Qatar aimed at ending the nearly 18-year conflict.&nbsp;

The last major attack in Kabul occurred in January when the Taliban-claimed responsibility for a car bomb that struck the heavily fortified Green Village foreign compound.&nbsp;

Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan has led to a reduction in violence this winter, but warmer weather in the country's south will likely spark an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of the spring fighting season.

Analysts have warned that the Taliban are likely to ramp up attacks in the coming months as they seek to maintain momentum on the battlefield and leverage at the negotiating table.

An explosion rattled a large ceremony in western Kabul Thursday, with the event abruptly cancelled and sending attendees fleeing -- including chief executive Abdullah Abdullah and other leading government officials.

An explosion rattled a large ceremony in western Kabul Thursday, with the event abruptly cancelled and sending attendees fleeing -- including chief executive Abdullah Abdullah and other leading government officials. "Stay calm, the area of the blast is far from us," said former lower house speaker Mohammad Younus Qanooni during a live broadcast of the event. But moments after the announcement, another explosion could be heard that sent people running for the exit. The explosion happened during a ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the death of Shiite Hazara leader Abdul Ali Mazari that was attended by many of the country’s political elite, including Abdullah and former President Hamid Karzai. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast and no casualties have been reported. The incident comes as US and Taliban negotiations continue to hold peace talks in Qatar aimed at ending the nearly 18-year conflict. The last major attack in Kabul occurred in January when the Taliban-claimed responsibility for a car bomb that struck the heavily fortified Green Village foreign compound. Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan has led to a reduction in violence this winter, but warmer weather in the country's south will likely spark an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of the spring fighting season. Analysts have warned that the Taliban are likely to ramp up attacks in the coming months as they seek to maintain momentum on the battlefield and leverage at the negotiating table.

Blast strikes near major political gathering in Kabul: Report

Machines rule our lives even today. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing and it itself is becoming more intelligent. People have become addicted to machines and machines are studying poetry and painting.

Claims of takover by the machines have been made before. Years like 1984 have come and gone but the calamity seems far away. However, such situations appear more and more conceivable with every advancement in tech.

Now, an ex-Kremlin mastermind Vladislav Surkov has predicted that next 100 years will see advent of 'humanless democracies'. Machines will control everything and humans will increasingly get relegated to sidelines.

Surkov's significance in Russian politics can be gauged by the fact that he was assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin himself till 2020.

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In his piece written for the publication publication ‘Actual Comment', Surkov says that in next 100 years, internet will take a form of direct democracy. There will no longer be a need to elect a government. Instead, anyone who wants to can vote on a proposed legislation.

“For example, if you need another law on beekeeping, everyone who cares – beekeepers, honey enthusiasts, beauticians, pharmacists, people who have been stung by bees, people with allergies, lawyers, hive and smokehouse manufacturers, beeophiles and bee-haters, as well as those who always care about everything – can all directly participate in its drafting, introduction, discussion and adoption,” says Surkov as quoted by Russia Today.

There is no parliament in this scheme. In its place are communication tools, algorithms and moderators.”

Surkov paints a scary picture saying that people will be slowly removed from such a process and that machines will eliminate the human factor. He says that humans will have more and more comfort but will have less and less say in how things are run.&nbsp;

Machines rule our lives even today. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing and it itself is becoming more intelligent. People have become addicted to machines and machines are studying poetry and painting.

Machines rule our lives even today. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing and it itself is becoming more intelligent. People have become addicted to machines and machines are studying poetry and painting. Claims of takover by the machines have been made before. Years like 1984 have come and gone but the calamity seems far away. However, such situations appear more and more conceivable with every advancement in tech. Now, an ex-Kremlin mastermind Vladislav Surkov has predicted that next 100 years will see advent of 'humanless democracies'. Machines will control everything and humans will increasingly get relegated to sidelines. Surkov's significance in Russian politics can be gauged by the fact that he was assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin himself till 2020. Also Read | Scientists catch unexpected radio signals from distant stars In his piece written for the publication publication ‘Actual Comment', Surkov says that in next 100 years, internet will take a form of direct democracy. There will no longer be a need to elect a government. Instead, anyone who wants to can vote on a proposed legislation. “For example, if you need another law on beekeeping, everyone who cares – beekeepers, honey enthusiasts, beauticians, pharmacists, people who have been stung by bees, people with allergies, lawyers, hive and smokehouse manufacturers, beeophiles and bee-haters, as well as those who always care about everything – can all directly participate in its drafting, introduction, discussion and adoption,” says Surkov as quoted by Russia Today. There is no parliament in this scheme. In its place are communication tools, algorithms and moderators.” Surkov paints a scary picture saying that people will be slowly removed from such a process and that machines will eliminate the human factor. He says that humans will have more and more comfort but will have less and less say in how things are run.

Islamic State claims responsibility for deadly attack in Afghanistan: Report

Multiple blasts rattled eastern Afghanistan’s Jalalabad early Wednesday with casualties feared, an Afghan official said, as militants appeared to target a private company near the city’s airport.

“Two attackers detonated their vests, and two more were gunned down by security forces,” provincial spokesman Attaullah Khogyani told AFP, adding that a clearance operation was ongoing.

An AFP reporter in the area confirmed the blasts.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The bombings come as US and Taliban negotiations continue to hold ongoing peace talks in Qatar aimed at ending the nearly 18-year conflict.

Despite a two-day break before the weekend, negotiations continue on "a daily basis right now and progress is being made", US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told journalists Tuesday.

"These discussions are ongoing and what we're focusing on are the four interconnected issues that are going to compose any future agreement," Palladino said -- listing them as "terrorism," "troop withdrawal," "intra-Afghan dialogue" and "ceasefire."

The continuation of the talks follows a major attack on a joint US-Afghan base in southwestern Afghanistan's Helmand province last week, with at least 23 security forces killed in the hours-long assault on one of the largest military installations in the country.

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 spark an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of the spring fighting season.

Analysts have warned that the Taliban are likely to ramp up attacks in the coming months as they seek to maintain momentum on the battlefield and leverage at the negotiating table.

Multiple blasts rattled eastern Afghanistan’s Jalalabad early Wednesday with casualties feared, an Afghan official said, as militants appeared to target a private company near the city’s airport.

Multiple blasts rattled eastern Afghanistan’s Jalalabad early Wednesday with casualties feared, an Afghan official said, as militants appeared to target a private company near the city’s airport. “Two attackers detonated their vests, and two more were gunned down by security forces,” provincial spokesman Attaullah Khogyani told AFP, adding that a clearance operation was ongoing. An AFP reporter in the area confirmed the blasts. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The bombings come as US and Taliban negotiations continue to hold ongoing peace talks in Qatar aimed at ending the nearly 18-year conflict. Despite a two-day break before the weekend, negotiations continue on "a daily basis right now and progress is being made", US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told journalists Tuesday. "These discussions are ongoing and what we're focusing on are the four interconnected issues that are going to compose any future agreement," Palladino said -- listing them as "terrorism," "troop withdrawal," "intra-Afghan dialogue" and "ceasefire." The continuation of the talks follows a major attack on a joint US-Afghan base in southwestern Afghanistan's Helmand province last week, with at least 23 security forces killed in the hours-long assault on one of the largest military installations in the country. 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 spark an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of the spring fighting season. Analysts have warned that the Taliban are likely to ramp up attacks in the coming months as they seek to maintain momentum on the battlefield and leverage at the negotiating table.

Afghanistan: Multiple blasts hit Jalalabad, casualties feared

At least 16 people were killed in a suicide attack early Wednesday on a construction company in eastern Afghanistan, an official said, the latest bloody assault in the war-torn country.

The hours-long assault in Jalalabad began early Wednesday when at least two blasts were heard, an AFP reporter said, before security forces rushed to the scene in the city, which is the capital of Nangarhar province.

"Sixteen employees of the company have been killed and nine more injured," provincial spokesman Attaullah Khogyani told AFP. A second official said there had been casualties but could not immediately verify the toll.

"All five attackers have been killed by security forces," Khogyani added.

He said a clearance operation was ongoing with security defusing two suicide vests, one car bomb, and multiple mines planted by the attackers.&nbsp;

"Armed suicide bombers attacked and managed to enter the building of a private construction company early this morning," said Nangarhar Provincial council member Zabihullah Zmarai.

"A number of civilian workers of the company have been killed," he added.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Both the Islamic State group and the Taliban are active in Nangarhar province.

The bombings come as US and Taliban negotiations continue to hold ongoing peace talks in Qatar aimed at ending the nearly 18-year conflict.

Despite a two-day break before the weekend, negotiations continue on "a daily basis right now and progress is being made", US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told journalists Tuesday.

"These discussions are ongoing and what we're focusing on are the four interconnected issues that are going to compose any future agreement," Palladino said -- listing them as terrorism, troop withdrawal, intra-Afghan dialogue and ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during an exchange with high school students in Iowa he hoped sufficient gains would be made for him to be able to take a trip to help advance the negotiations "in a couple of weeks".

The continuation of the talks follows a major attack on a joint US-Afghan base in southwestern Afghanistan's Helmand province last week, with at least 23 security forces killed in the hours-long assault on one of the largest military installations in the country.

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 spark an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of the spring fighting season.

Analysts have warned that the Taliban are likely to ramp up attacks in the coming months as they seek to maintain momentum on the battlefield and leverage at the negotiating table.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his eagerness to end America's involvement in Afghanistan, where 14,000 US troops are still deployed.

Afghanistan has been enmeshed in nearly constant conflict since the Soviet invasion of 1979, which was followed by civil war, the Taliban regime, and the US invasion in late 2001.

At least 16 people were killed in a suicide attack early Wednesday on a construction company in eastern Afghanistan, an official said, the latest bloody assault in the war-torn country.

At least 16 people were killed in a suicide attack early Wednesday on a construction company in eastern Afghanistan, an official said, the latest bloody assault in the war-torn country. The hours-long assault in Jalalabad began early Wednesday when at least two blasts were heard, an AFP reporter said, before security forces rushed to the scene in the city, which is the capital of Nangarhar province. "Sixteen employees of the company have been killed and nine more injured," provincial spokesman Attaullah Khogyani told AFP. A second official said there had been casualties but could not immediately verify the toll. "All five attackers have been killed by security forces," Khogyani added. He said a clearance operation was ongoing with security defusing two suicide vests, one car bomb, and multiple mines planted by the attackers. "Armed suicide bombers attacked and managed to enter the building of a private construction company early this morning," said Nangarhar Provincial council member Zabihullah Zmarai. "A number of civilian workers of the company have been killed," he added. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Both the Islamic State group and the Taliban are active in Nangarhar province. The bombings come as US and Taliban negotiations continue to hold ongoing peace talks in Qatar aimed at ending the nearly 18-year conflict. Despite a two-day break before the weekend, negotiations continue on "a daily basis right now and progress is being made", US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told journalists Tuesday. "These discussions are ongoing and what we're focusing on are the four interconnected issues that are going to compose any future agreement," Palladino said -- listing them as terrorism, troop withdrawal, intra-Afghan dialogue and ceasefire. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during an exchange with high school students in Iowa he hoped sufficient gains would be made for him to be able to take a trip to help advance the negotiations "in a couple of weeks". The continuation of the talks follows a major attack on a joint US-Afghan base in southwestern Afghanistan's Helmand province last week, with at least 23 security forces killed in the hours-long assault on one of the largest military installations in the country. 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 spark an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of the spring fighting season. Analysts have warned that the Taliban are likely to ramp up attacks in the coming months as they seek to maintain momentum on the battlefield and leverage at the negotiating table. President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his eagerness to end America's involvement in Afghanistan, where 14,000 US troops are still deployed. Afghanistan has been enmeshed in nearly constant conflict since the Soviet invasion of 1979, which was followed by civil war, the Taliban regime, and the US invasion in late 2001.

At least 16 killed in attack in eastern Afghanistan: Provincial spokesman

Describing the ongoing talks with the Taliban in Doha as an "incredibly complicated" negotiation, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has hoped that there is sufficient progress in the deliberations for him to travel in the next couple of weeks to move it further.

The United States was trying to "find pockets" where there was "sufficient agreement" that everyone could begin to move forward, Pompeo told a farmers' gathering in Iowa on Monday, at a time when Special US Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and his team was holding talks with the Taliban in Qatar's capital.

"I have a team on the ground right now trying to negotiate with the Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan, trying to find a way to achieve an Afghanistan that's not at war, that's not engaged in violence, that doesn't present a threat to the United States of America, that will respect the fundamental basic rights for every Afghan citizen -- women, children -- across the full spectrum," he said.

Pompeo was responding to a question from farmers after his address at the "Future Farmers of America" event in Iowa.

"That is a complicated problem, and if you add in the regional players -- Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Russia, all who have an interest in Afghanistan -- it's an incredibly complicated negotiation," he asserted.

At the same time, he said Khalilzad, who was leading American efforts in this regard, was on the ground, trying to "find pockets where there's sufficient agreement that everyone can begin to move forward, take all the various complex pieces and bring them together" to hopefully get an agreement.

Pompeo said the Afghan agreement would be "based on fundamental understandings about different interests and incentives" that the parties had so that this agreement would hold and stay.

"In this case, if we could do this, if we could pull off a resolution in Afghanistan, boy, the good that we could do for the world. I hope Ambassador Khalilzad makes progress," he said.

"I am hoping he (Khalilzad) makes enough progress and I can travel there in a couple weeks and help move it along a little bit myself," Pompeo said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Describing the ongoing talks with the Taliban in Doha as an "incredibly complicated" negotiation, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has hoped that there is sufficient progress in the deliberations for him to travel in the next couple of weeks to move it further.

Describing the ongoing talks with the Taliban in Doha as an "incredibly complicated" negotiation, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has hoped that there is sufficient progress in the deliberations for him to travel in the next couple of weeks to move it further. The United States was trying to "find pockets" where there was "sufficient agreement" that everyone could begin to move forward, Pompeo told a farmers' gathering in Iowa on Monday, at a time when Special US Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and his team was holding talks with the Taliban in Qatar's capital. "I have a team on the ground right now trying to negotiate with the Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan, trying to find a way to achieve an Afghanistan that's not at war, that's not engaged in violence, that doesn't present a threat to the United States of America, that will respect the fundamental basic rights for every Afghan citizen -- women, children -- across the full spectrum," he said. Pompeo was responding to a question from farmers after his address at the "Future Farmers of America" event in Iowa. "That is a complicated problem, and if you add in the regional players -- Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Russia, all who have an interest in Afghanistan -- it's an incredibly complicated negotiation," he asserted. At the same time, he said Khalilzad, who was leading American efforts in this regard, was on the ground, trying to "find pockets where there's sufficient agreement that everyone can begin to move forward, take all the various complex pieces and bring them together" to hopefully get an agreement. Pompeo said the Afghan agreement would be "based on fundamental understandings about different interests and incentives" that the parties had so that this agreement would hold and stay. "In this case, if we could do this, if we could pull off a resolution in Afghanistan, boy, the good that we could do for the world. I hope Ambassador Khalilzad makes progress," he said. "I am hoping he (Khalilzad) makes enough progress and I can travel there in a couple weeks and help move it along a little bit myself," Pompeo said.

Talks with Taliban an incredibly complicated negotiation: US Secretary of State Pompeo

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

The US and the Taliban have paused negotiations in Doha, with the diplomatic push aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan set to restart over the weekend following "solid" talks between the adversaries.

The latest meetings follow marathon talks last month that saw the US and the Taliban walk away with a "draft framework" focused on a potential US troop withdrawal and a pact to prevent Afghanistan from harbouring terrorists.&nbsp;

"Emerging from three solid days of talks with the Taliban in #Doha. Meetings were productive," tweeted US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the American side during the negotiations.

"We continue to take slow, steady steps toward understanding and eventually #peace," he said.

"Both sides will take the next two days for internal deliberations, with plans to regroup on Saturday," Khalilzad added.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed the pause, adding the insurgents were "committed to the current peace process along with peace".

The US has continued to push for a ceasefire in the war-torn country and the opening of negotiations between the Taliban and the Kabul government.&nbsp;

The Taliban, however, has repeatedly refused to meet with officials of the Afghan government, whom they dismiss as "puppets".

Khalilzad hinted that headway was being made on the issue, tweeting "there is also progress on forming a national team in #Kabul ready to engage in intra-Afghan dialogue and talks with the Taliban".&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, the special envoy met with the Taliban's top political leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Doha, in what has been touted as the highest-level engagement between the two sides in the months-long diplomatic thrust. &nbsp;

Khalilzad welcomed the presence of Baradar -- a co-founder of the Islamist movement -- at the table, calling the militants' negotiating side a "more authoritative Taliban delegation".

Baradar is believed to be widely respected by the Taliban’s various factions and analysts said his participation would help garner support for any deal from insurgents on the frontlines.&nbsp;

General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, is also attending the talks.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his eagerness to end America's involvement in Afghanistan, where 14,000 US troops are still deployed.

Afghanistan has been enmeshed in nearly constant conflict since the Soviet invasion of 1979, which was followed by civil war, the Taliban regime, and the US invasion in late 2001.

The US and the Taliban have paused negotiations in Doha, with the diplomatic push aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan set to restart over the weekend following "solid" talks between the adversaries.

The US and the Taliban have paused negotiations in Doha, with the diplomatic push aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan set to restart over the weekend following "solid" talks between the adversaries. The latest meetings follow marathon talks last month that saw the US and the Taliban walk away with a "draft framework" focused on a potential US troop withdrawal and a pact to prevent Afghanistan from harbouring terrorists. "Emerging from three solid days of talks with the Taliban in #Doha. Meetings were productive," tweeted US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the American side during the negotiations. "We continue to take slow, steady steps toward understanding and eventually #peace," he said. "Both sides will take the next two days for internal deliberations, with plans to regroup on Saturday," Khalilzad added. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed the pause, adding the insurgents were "committed to the current peace process along with peace". The US has continued to push for a ceasefire in the war-torn country and the opening of negotiations between the Taliban and the Kabul government. The Taliban, however, has repeatedly refused to meet with officials of the Afghan government, whom they dismiss as "puppets". Khalilzad hinted that headway was being made on the issue, tweeting "there is also progress on forming a national team in #Kabul ready to engage in intra-Afghan dialogue and talks with the Taliban". Earlier in the week, the special envoy met with the Taliban's top political leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Doha, in what has been touted as the highest-level engagement between the two sides in the months-long diplomatic thrust. Khalilzad welcomed the presence of Baradar -- a co-founder of the Islamist movement -- at the table, calling the militants' negotiating side a "more authoritative Taliban delegation". Baradar is believed to be widely respected by the Taliban’s various factions and analysts said his participation would help garner support for any deal from insurgents on the frontlines. General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, is also attending the talks. President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his eagerness to end America's involvement in Afghanistan, where 14,000 US troops are still deployed. Afghanistan has been enmeshed in nearly constant conflict since the Soviet invasion of 1979, which was followed by civil war, the Taliban regime, and the US invasion in late 2001.

US, Taliban pause negotiations in Doha following 'solid' talks

&nbsp;Afghanistan is planning to hold a grand council of tribal elders and political leaders next month to discuss how to end the Taliban insurgency, a presidential peace envoy said, as Taliban officials and US diplomats prepared to resume talks in Qatar on Monday.

The assembly, known as a loya jirga, will be convened in Kabul on March 17, with more than 2,000 participants gathering for four days of debate under a large tent, according to Umer Daudzai, the special peace envoy appointed last year by President Ashraf Ghani.

The loya jirga is a centuries-old institution used to build consensus among competing tribes, factions and ethnic groups and was used to lay the foundations of a post-Taliban society after a US-led campaign drove the hardline Islamist militants from power in 2001.

Having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war against government and Western forces since then, the Taliban has consistently refused to talk to the Kabul government, dismissing it as a foreign-backed "puppet" regime.

A loya jirga, however, could potentially provide a forum for representatives of the Taliban to enter into a dialogue with wider Afghan society.

"The main purpose of holding the loya jirga is to reach a national consensus for peace in the country," said Daudzai, who is leading preparations for the assembly.

Daudzai, a former interior minister, said it would also be an opportunity to make clear that the ultra-hardline rule imposed by the Taliban in the 1990s, with its harsh punishments and restrictions on womens' rights, were unacceptable for Afghanistan's broader society.

"We will discuss in the jirga that the gains, particularly the rights of women and freedom of speech are not up for debate or concession," Daudzai said.

Participants invited to attend the jirga would be chosen by special committees to provide a voice for a cross-section of Afghan society from across the country.

On Monday, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is due to meet a Taliban delegation in Qatar for the latest in a round of meetings that started last year, with the focus likely to be on how to implement a ceasefire and the possible withdrawal of international troops.

The Taliban's political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be the most senior figure attending the talks.

The US side has been trying to persuade the Taliban to talk to the government in Kabul. Daudzai, who would lead any negotiations with the Taliban, said the insurgents would eventually have to engage with the government to address their demands for the exchange prisoners and removal of international travel bans on senior leaders.

With civilian casualties hitting record levels last year and more than 3,800 people killed, Daudzai said the momentum for peace was fast building and he hoped direct negotiations with the Taliban could start within two to three months.

Afghanistan is planning to hold a grand council of tribal elders and political leaders next month to discuss how to end the Taliban insurgency, a presidential peace envoy said, as Taliban officials and US diplomats prepared to resume talks in Qatar on Monday.

Afghanistan is planning to hold a grand council of tribal elders and political leaders next month to discuss how to end the Taliban insurgency, a presidential peace envoy said, as Taliban officials and US diplomats prepared to resume talks in Qatar on Monday. The assembly, known as a loya jirga, will be convened in Kabul on March 17, with more than 2,000 participants gathering for four days of debate under a large tent, according to Umer Daudzai, the special peace envoy appointed last year by President Ashraf Ghani. The loya jirga is a centuries-old institution used to build consensus among competing tribes, factions and ethnic groups and was used to lay the foundations of a post-Taliban society after a US-led campaign drove the hardline Islamist militants from power in 2001. Having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war against government and Western forces since then, the Taliban has consistently refused to talk to the Kabul government, dismissing it as a foreign-backed "puppet" regime. A loya jirga, however, could potentially provide a forum for representatives of the Taliban to enter into a dialogue with wider Afghan society. "The main purpose of holding the loya jirga is to reach a national consensus for peace in the country," said Daudzai, who is leading preparations for the assembly. Daudzai, a former interior minister, said it would also be an opportunity to make clear that the ultra-hardline rule imposed by the Taliban in the 1990s, with its harsh punishments and restrictions on womens' rights, were unacceptable for Afghanistan's broader society. "We will discuss in the jirga that the gains, particularly the rights of women and freedom of speech are not up for debate or concession," Daudzai said. Participants invited to attend the jirga would be chosen by special committees to provide a voice for a cross-section of Afghan society from across the country. On Monday, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is due to meet a Taliban delegation in Qatar for the latest in a round of meetings that started last year, with the focus likely to be on how to implement a ceasefire and the possible withdrawal of international troops. The Taliban's political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be the most senior figure attending the talks. The US side has been trying to persuade the Taliban to talk to the government in Kabul. Daudzai, who would lead any negotiations with the Taliban, said the insurgents would eventually have to engage with the government to address their demands for the exchange prisoners and removal of international travel bans on senior leaders. With civilian casualties hitting record levels last year and more than 3,800 people killed, Daudzai said the momentum for peace was fast building and he hoped direct negotiations with the Taliban could start within two to three months.

Afghanistan to hold grand council of tribal elders, political leaders to discuss peace talks

Afghan surgeon Hedayatullah Hedayat has treated thousands of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-its-effects-on-india-199574">civilians wounded in conflict</a> over the past 15 years -- victims of attacks from shootings to bomb blast -- but he never gets used to the horrors of war.

"It's not normal," said Hedayat, 42, who works at a trauma hospital in Kabul run by Italian charity Emergency, where the wards are filled with casualties, many wearing splints, casts and bandages.

"Each case of trauma for me is new, a new hurt, a new wound on the soul. Psychologically it's a trauma," he added.

In 2018 a record 10,993 civilians were wounded or killed in Afghanistan, according to UN figures released Sunday.

Many of them were rushed to Emergency's basic but clean 120-bed facility in the heart of the Afghan capital, which focuses on providing urgent treatment to victims of war.

Inside the hospital, two boys lie on adjacent beds under light-green blankets, one with a broken arm, the other on a drip, as winter light streams into the room from the snow-covered grounds outside.

Meanwhile, the highly trained Afghan and foreign medical staff prepare to change the dressing on a leg wound, and a meal of rice, soup, and an apple is served to the inpatients.

Of last year's civilian casualties, 3,804 died and 7,189 were wounded -- the highest UN tally since it began keeping records in 2009 and including 927 children, a &nbsp;record for a single year.

It underscores how regular Afghans continue to pay a disproportionate price in the deteriorating security situation, as the US begins fresh talks with the Taliban in Qatar this week seeking an end to the conflict.

The doctors at Emergency are in a constant state of readiness for the next suicide attack or roadside bombing.

Since 2014, when NATO combat troops pulled out of the country, "every year the number of patients and the severity of the casualties are increasing day by day", Hedayat said recently.&nbsp;

A record 4,076 people were admitted to the Kabul hospital in 2018 -- 530 more than the previous year, said Dejan Panic, program coordinator for Emergency in Afghanistan, which also operates two other hospitals as well as dozens of health clinics around the country.

"That was the busiest so far," Panic said.

Hoping for 'normal life'

Ordinary Afghans have long borne the brunt of the fighting in Afghanistan, which by some estimates is now the world's deadliest conflict zone.

Most were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Thirteen-year-old Samiul Haq was planting onions with his father and brothers a few hours drive from Kabul when he was shot three times in a skirmish between Taliban militants and Afghan forces.

One of the bullets sliced off his left index and middle fingers, leaving the schoolboy with a permanent reminder of the 17-year war.

"I got hit three times -- once in the fingers, once in the elbow and once in the leg," Samiul Haq told AFP as he prepared to leave Emergency's facility.&nbsp;

Abdul Salaam Stanekzai, 67, was walking home from a Koran recitation ceremony in the eastern province of Logar when a magnetic bomb attached to a passing vehicle exploded, spraying shrapnel into his arm and leg.&nbsp;

One person was killed and three others were wounded in the blast, Stanekzai said, as he sat in his hospital-issue pyjamas in a men-only ward overlooking the garden.&nbsp;

Some do not even have to leave their own home to become a statistic of the long-running conflict.&nbsp;

Computer science student Amir Mohammad Amiri was walking around his family's house late at night in the southeastern province of Ghazni when he was shot during a joint US-Afghan forces operation.

"I was going from one room to another when the bullet hit me," said Amiri, 23, a thick white bandage covering the right side of his chest.

"They were searching for Taliban."

The never-ending violence makes Hedayat worry for the future of his own four children.

"I hope they will have a normal life," he said. "They shouldn't have a life like mine."&nbsp;

Afghan surgeon Hedayatullah Hedayat has treated thousands of civilians wounded in conflict over the past 15 years -- victims of attacks from shootings to bomb blast -- but he never gets used to the horrors of war.

Afghan surgeon Hedayatullah Hedayat has treated thousands of civilians wounded in conflict over the past 15 years -- victims of attacks from shootings to bomb blast -- but he never gets used to the horrors of war. "It's not normal," said Hedayat, 42, who works at a trauma hospital in Kabul run by Italian charity Emergency, where the wards are filled with casualties, many wearing splints, casts and bandages. "Each case of trauma for me is new, a new hurt, a new wound on the soul. Psychologically it's a trauma," he added. In 2018 a record 10,993 civilians were wounded or killed in Afghanistan, according to UN figures released Sunday. Many of them were rushed to Emergency's basic but clean 120-bed facility in the heart of the Afghan capital, which focuses on providing urgent treatment to victims of war. Inside the hospital, two boys lie on adjacent beds under light-green blankets, one with a broken arm, the other on a drip, as winter light streams into the room from the snow-covered grounds outside. Meanwhile, the highly trained Afghan and foreign medical staff prepare to change the dressing on a leg wound, and a meal of rice, soup, and an apple is served to the inpatients. Of last year's civilian casualties, 3,804 died and 7,189 were wounded -- the highest UN tally since it began keeping records in 2009 and including 927 children, a record for a single year. It underscores how regular Afghans continue to pay a disproportionate price in the deteriorating security situation, as the US begins fresh talks with the Taliban in Qatar this week seeking an end to the conflict. The doctors at Emergency are in a constant state of readiness for the next suicide attack or roadside bombing. Since 2014, when NATO combat troops pulled out of the country, "every year the number of patients and the severity of the casualties are increasing day by day", Hedayat said recently. A record 4,076 people were admitted to the Kabul hospital in 2018 -- 530 more than the previous year, said Dejan Panic, program coordinator for Emergency in Afghanistan, which also operates two other hospitals as well as dozens of health clinics around the country. "That was the busiest so far," Panic said. Hoping for 'normal life' Ordinary Afghans have long borne the brunt of the fighting in Afghanistan, which by some estimates is now the world's deadliest conflict zone. Most were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thirteen-year-old Samiul Haq was planting onions with his father and brothers a few hours drive from Kabul when he was shot three times in a skirmish between Taliban militants and Afghan forces. One of the bullets sliced off his left index and middle fingers, leaving the schoolboy with a permanent reminder of the 17-year war. "I got hit three times -- once in the fingers, once in the elbow and once in the leg," Samiul Haq told AFP as he prepared to leave Emergency's facility. Abdul Salaam Stanekzai, 67, was walking home from a Koran recitation ceremony in the eastern province of Logar when a magnetic bomb attached to a passing vehicle exploded, spraying shrapnel into his arm and leg. One person was killed and three others were wounded in the blast, Stanekzai said, as he sat in his hospital-issue pyjamas in a men-only ward overlooking the garden. Some do not even have to leave their own home to become a statistic of the long-running conflict. Computer science student Amir Mohammad Amiri was walking around his family's house late at night in the southeastern province of Ghazni when he was shot during a joint US-Afghan forces operation. "I was going from one room to another when the bullet hit me," said Amiri, 23, a thick white bandage covering the right side of his chest. "They were searching for Taliban." The never-ending violence makes Hedayat worry for the future of his own four children. "I hope they will have a normal life," he said. "They shouldn't have a life like mine."

'It's a trauma': Afghan doctors on the frontline of war

More civilians were killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record after nearly two decades of fighting, according to a UN report released Sunday.

Civilian deaths jumped by 11 per cent from 2017 with 3,804 people killed and another 7,189 wounded, according to the UN figures, as suicide attacks and bombings wreaked havoc across the war-torn country.

The report's release comes a day before the US and the Taliban hold their next round of talks aimed at ending the conflict, raising tentative hopes for peace along with fears that an American withdrawal could spark an even bloodier civil war. &nbsp;

The talks in Doha follow years of escalating violence in Afghanistan. According to the UN, at least 32,000 civilians have been killed and another 60,000 wounded in the last decade when the organisation began compiling the data.

The uptick in violence in 2018 coincides with a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by the "deliberate targeting of civilians", according to the report, mostly stemming from suicide attacks by insurgents allied with the Taliban or Islamic State (IS).

"It is time to put an end to this human misery and tragedy," said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the head of the UN mission in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"The best way to halt the killings and maiming of civilians is to stop the fighting," he said.

At least 65 suicide attacks were recorded in 2018 -- the majority hitting Kabul -- with militants responsible for the death of more than 2,200 civilians across the country.&nbsp;

An increase in air strikes by US and Afghan forces also led to more civilian deaths in 2018, with more than 500 civilians killed by "aerial operations for the first time on record", the report noted.

The US intensified its air campaign against Taliban and IS fighters as Washington seeks to pile pressure on the militants, dropping twice as many munitions on insurgent positions in 2018 compared to the previous year.

Yamamoto said the civilian casualties were &nbsp;"wholly unacceptable" and called on all parties to take “immediate and additional concrete steps to stop a further escalation in the number of civilians harmed and lives destroyed".

More civilians were killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record after nearly two decades of fighting, according to a UN report released Sunday.

More civilians were killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record after nearly two decades of fighting, according to a UN report released Sunday. Civilian deaths jumped by 11 per cent from 2017 with 3,804 people killed and another 7,189 wounded, according to the UN figures, as suicide attacks and bombings wreaked havoc across the war-torn country. The report's release comes a day before the US and the Taliban hold their next round of talks aimed at ending the conflict, raising tentative hopes for peace along with fears that an American withdrawal could spark an even bloodier civil war. The talks in Doha follow years of escalating violence in Afghanistan. According to the UN, at least 32,000 civilians have been killed and another 60,000 wounded in the last decade when the organisation began compiling the data. The uptick in violence in 2018 coincides with a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by the "deliberate targeting of civilians", according to the report, mostly stemming from suicide attacks by insurgents allied with the Taliban or Islamic State (IS). "It is time to put an end to this human misery and tragedy," said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the head of the UN mission in Afghanistan. "The best way to halt the killings and maiming of civilians is to stop the fighting," he said. At least 65 suicide attacks were recorded in 2018 -- the majority hitting Kabul -- with militants responsible for the death of more than 2,200 civilians across the country. An increase in air strikes by US and Afghan forces also led to more civilian deaths in 2018, with more than 500 civilians killed by "aerial operations for the first time on record", the report noted. The US intensified its air campaign against Taliban and IS fighters as Washington seeks to pile pressure on the militants, dropping twice as many munitions on insurgent positions in 2018 compared to the previous year. Yamamoto said the civilian casualties were "wholly unacceptable" and called on all parties to take “immediate and additional concrete steps to stop a further escalation in the number of civilians harmed and lives destroyed".

Civilian deaths in Afghan war hit record in 2018: UN

Afghan Taliban leaders said on Thursday that their new political chief will not be attending <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-offers-to-help-us-on-afghan-peace-talks-with-taliban-ria-195886">peace talks with US envoys due to take place in Qatar</a> next week.

US officials had been keen to negotiate with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, hoping the Taliban's co-founder and military veteran would add momentum and have the clout to discuss tough issues surrounding the end of America's longest war.

But senior Taliban leaders said Baradar would not be travelling to Qatar, citing different reasons including problems obtaining travel documents as well difference among the leadership over his precise role in the talks.

Baradar was released from a Pakistani jail in October and his appointment was widely seen as marking a new push by the Taliban to emerge from the political and diplomatic shadows.

Baradar, who earlier led the insurgent group’s military operations in southern Afghanistan, was arrested in 2010 by a team from Pakistan and US intelligence agencies. A co-founder of the movement, he was a close friend of the reclusive late Taliban leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, who gave him his nom de guerre, "Baradar" or "brother".

"Actually Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar wanted to go to Qatar and personally head the peace talks but due to a host of reasons, he would not be able to travel to Qatar and participate in talks," one leader told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Taliban spokesman Sohail Shahin said earlier this week that he was unable to say whether Baradar would be attending.

January talks

The last round of talks ended in Qatar in January with both the hardline Islamist movement and US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad hailing progress after a longer-than-expected six-day session.

US officials familiar with discussions said they were hoping to get more details over fresh assurances from the Taliban that they would not allow Afghanistan to be used by groups such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State to attack the United States and its allies - a key demand by Washington.

The timing of a ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign forces remain sticking points, while Washington is also pushing the Taliban to talk to the Afghan government.

The movement has so far boycotted the government, saying it is a puppet of the United States - a position that has alarmed Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Another Taliban official said they were not expecting breakthroughs in the coming talks, adding that they also wanted to discuss the exchange of prisoners and lifting bans on the movement of Taliban leaders.

The Taliban side will continue to be headed by lead negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, a figure who has been increasingly active diplomatically and who recently met Afghan opposition politicians in Moscow.

The movement earlier announced that its team would meet US negotiators this week in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, as well holding talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The meetings did not take place for reasons that remain unclear.

Staging near-daily attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government and its security forces, the Taliban contest or control nearly half of Afghanistan and are widely seen as more powerful than at any time since being toppled from power in the 2001 US-led invasion.

The United States has nearly 14,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan defence and security forces as well as a separate counter-terrorism effort.

Afghan Taliban leaders said on Thursday that their new political chief will not be attending peace talks with US envoys due to take place in Qatar next week. US officials had been keen to negotiate with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, hoping the Taliban's co-founder and military veteran would add momentum and have the clout to discuss tough issues surrounding the end of America's longest war.

Afghan Taliban leaders said on Thursday that their new political chief will not be attending peace talks with US envoys due to take place in Qatar next week. US officials had been keen to negotiate with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, hoping the Taliban's co-founder and military veteran would add momentum and have the clout to discuss tough issues surrounding the end of America's longest war. But senior Taliban leaders said Baradar would not be travelling to Qatar, citing different reasons including problems obtaining travel documents as well difference among the leadership over his precise role in the talks. Baradar was released from a Pakistani jail in October and his appointment was widely seen as marking a new push by the Taliban to emerge from the political and diplomatic shadows. Baradar, who earlier led the insurgent group’s military operations in southern Afghanistan, was arrested in 2010 by a team from Pakistan and US intelligence agencies. A co-founder of the movement, he was a close friend of the reclusive late Taliban leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, who gave him his nom de guerre, "Baradar" or "brother". "Actually Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar wanted to go to Qatar and personally head the peace talks but due to a host of reasons, he would not be able to travel to Qatar and participate in talks," one leader told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Taliban spokesman Sohail Shahin said earlier this week that he was unable to say whether Baradar would be attending. January talks The last round of talks ended in Qatar in January with both the hardline Islamist movement and US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad hailing progress after a longer-than-expected six-day session. US officials familiar with discussions said they were hoping to get more details over fresh assurances from the Taliban that they would not allow Afghanistan to be used by groups such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State to attack the United States and its allies - a key demand by Washington. The timing of a ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign forces remain sticking points, while Washington is also pushing the Taliban to talk to the Afghan government. The movement has so far boycotted the government, saying it is a puppet of the United States - a position that has alarmed Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Another Taliban official said they were not expecting breakthroughs in the coming talks, adding that they also wanted to discuss the exchange of prisoners and lifting bans on the movement of Taliban leaders. The Taliban side will continue to be headed by lead negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, a figure who has been increasingly active diplomatically and who recently met Afghan opposition politicians in Moscow. The movement earlier announced that its team would meet US negotiators this week in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, as well holding talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The meetings did not take place for reasons that remain unclear. Staging near-daily attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government and its security forces, the Taliban contest or control nearly half of Afghanistan and are widely seen as more powerful than at any time since being toppled from power in the 2001 US-led invasion. The United States has nearly 14,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan defence and security forces as well as a separate counter-terrorism effort.

New Taliban political chief to miss upcoming Afghan peace talks with US envoys in Qatar

Washington will not unilaterally withdraw from Afghanistan, the Pentagon chief said Thursday, as NATO said the Kabul government must be brought into US peace talks with the Taliban to end the country's 17-year war.

Acting defence secretary Patrick Shanahan said any decision to reduce the number of US troops in Afghanistan would be taken in coordination with NATO, which runs a training and support mission in the war-torn country.

The United States is leading a push for peace talks with the Taliban, seeking a breakthrough in the grinding conflict, with the Islamists announcing Wednesday a fresh round of meetings in Islamabad.

But NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned against any more delay in involving the Afghan government of President Ashraf Ghani in the process, saying that without it lasting peace would not be possible.

US President Donald Trump wants to end US involvement in Afghanistan, where 14,000 American troops are still deployed -- raising Afghan fears that Washington could exit before securing a durable peace deal.

But, after talks with fellow NATO defence ministers in Brussels, Shanahan said Washington would not act alone.

"There will be no unilateral troop reduction. That was one of the messages in the meeting today. It will be coordinated. We work together," he said after the meeting, which came after a tour of Kabul and Baghdad for Shanahan.

"I feel as though we're creating the diplomatic leverage Ambassador Khalizad needs. We really need to talk about the possibility for peace. This may be our moment."

German welcome

Zalmay Khalilzad is the US special envoy leading talks with the Taliban and he has expressed hope of finding a deal before Afghan presidential elections scheduled for July.

Washington held talks with Taliban officials in Qatar last month as part of efforts to convince the militants -- ousted from power in Afghanistan by a US-led invasion in 2001 -- to negotiate with Ghani's government.

Shanahan's commitment was welcome news to Germany, which has been a frequent target for US criticism since Trump came to power, particularly over its defence spending.

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said it was important that "there will be no unilateral decisions by the Americans, but that every step, every strategic step in Afghanistan will be discussed within the circle of NATO defence ministers."

Ghani himself has vented frustration at talks going on without him about the future of Afghanistan and warned against rushing into a deal.

"It is very important that the Afghan government as soon as possible becomes fully integrated in the peace process," Stoltenberg said.

"Without that, there will be no lasting peace and no strong institutions to make sure any peace agreement is fully enforced."

The militants last week held separate talks in Moscow with a senior delegation of Afghan politicians -- including some of Ghani's leading rivals.

Washington will not unilaterally withdraw from Afghanistan, the Pentagon chief said Thursday, as NATO said the Kabul government must be brought into US peace talks with the Taliban to end the country's 17-year war.

Washington will not unilaterally withdraw from Afghanistan, the Pentagon chief said Thursday, as NATO said the Kabul government must be brought into US peace talks with the Taliban to end the country's 17-year war. Acting defence secretary Patrick Shanahan said any decision to reduce the number of US troops in Afghanistan would be taken in coordination with NATO, which runs a training and support mission in the war-torn country. The United States is leading a push for peace talks with the Taliban, seeking a breakthrough in the grinding conflict, with the Islamists announcing Wednesday a fresh round of meetings in Islamabad. But NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned against any more delay in involving the Afghan government of President Ashraf Ghani in the process, saying that without it lasting peace would not be possible. US President Donald Trump wants to end US involvement in Afghanistan, where 14,000 American troops are still deployed -- raising Afghan fears that Washington could exit before securing a durable peace deal. But, after talks with fellow NATO defence ministers in Brussels, Shanahan said Washington would not act alone. "There will be no unilateral troop reduction. That was one of the messages in the meeting today. It will be coordinated. We work together," he said after the meeting, which came after a tour of Kabul and Baghdad for Shanahan. "I feel as though we're creating the diplomatic leverage Ambassador Khalizad needs. We really need to talk about the possibility for peace. This may be our moment." German welcome Zalmay Khalilzad is the US special envoy leading talks with the Taliban and he has expressed hope of finding a deal before Afghan presidential elections scheduled for July. Washington held talks with Taliban officials in Qatar last month as part of efforts to convince the militants -- ousted from power in Afghanistan by a US-led invasion in 2001 -- to negotiate with Ghani's government. Shanahan's commitment was welcome news to Germany, which has been a frequent target for US criticism since Trump came to power, particularly over its defence spending. German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said it was important that "there will be no unilateral decisions by the Americans, but that every step, every strategic step in Afghanistan will be discussed within the circle of NATO defence ministers." Ghani himself has vented frustration at talks going on without him about the future of Afghanistan and warned against rushing into a deal. "It is very important that the Afghan government as soon as possible becomes fully integrated in the peace process," Stoltenberg said. "Without that, there will be no lasting peace and no strong institutions to make sure any peace agreement is fully enforced." The militants last week held separate talks in Moscow with a senior delegation of Afghan politicians -- including some of Ghani's leading rivals.

No unilateral US pullout from Afghanistan: Pentagon chief

Soviet authorities themselves condemned the USSR's bloody occupation of Afghanistan, but 30 years later some in Vladimir Putin's Russia are coming to see the operation in a more positive light.

After a decade of military intervention to bolster Kabul's embattled Communist government against Islamist fighters, the USSR finally pulled out its last units on On February 15, 1989.

The withdrawal, ordered by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, was a humiliating defeat for the Union and helped lead to its collapse.

Mikhail Kozhukhov, who covered the conflict as a correspondent for the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, remembered how the final Russian troops left without joy or bitterness.

"The soldiers were dreaming only of one thing: getting home safe and sound," Kozhukhov, now 62, told AFP.

The reporter remembered crossing the "Friendship Bridge" across the Amu Darya river separating Afghanistan from then-Soviet Uzbekistan in the second-last armoured vehicle of the last Soviet convoy, flying red flags.

One of the armoured vehicles carried the body of 20-year-old Igor Lyakhovich, who was killed a day earlier and is officially the last of more than 14,000 Soviet war dead in a conflict that killed more than one million Afghans.&nbsp;

"Along the route you could see the 'ghosts' who had come down from the mountains to watch our retreat from a distance," said Kozhukhov, using a Russian term for elusive Afghan partisans.

"The eyes of the inhabitants of the snowy village were full of hate or spite because they were being left to the mercy of fate," Kozhukhov said.

The journalist, who briefly served as Putin's press secretary in 1999 and 2000, says that "the intervention in Afghanistan was always a tragic and senseless escapade."

'Reviving Soviet past'&nbsp;

The intervention was extremely unpopular with the Soviet public and was officially condemned in 1989 at the height of Gorbachev's policy of "glasnost", or transparency.&nbsp;

But this judgement is now being reassessed, under pressure from veterans.

Putin in 2015 appeared to back the intervention, saying that the Soviet leadership was trying to confront "real threats" even though he acknowledged "there were many mistakes."

In late January, Russia's parliamentary defence committee backed a draft resolution saying that "the moral and political condemnation of the decision to send in Soviet troops" was "against the principles of historical justice."

The Soviet troops helped the Afghan authorities fight "terrorist and extremist groups" and curbed the growing security threat facing the USSR, the draft resolution says.

The draft resolution, however, has yet to be voted on in full session, reflecting the authorities' reluctance formally to revisit this traumatic episode.

Historian Irina Shcherbakova of Memorial rights group says that amid heightened tensions with Western powers in recent years, "Russia is reviving its Soviet past to justify its new opposition to the West."

'No napalm'&nbsp;

For political analyst Pyotr Akopov from pro-Kremlin site Vzglyad, "the ex-combatants and the whole of Russian society need vindication for this war."

"We have nothing to apologise for, we didn't use napalm... and we even managed to leave Afghanistan with our supporters replacing us, which the Americans have never managed to do."

Alexander Kovalyov, president of the association of ex-combatants for the CIS region including most ex-Soviet countries, insists the invasion of Afghanistan was justified and says Gorbachev "betrayed all the dead" by condemning it.

"Without our troops, the Americans would have installed their missiles to target Moscow," he said.

"Gorbachev was right to finish this war but we should have kept on supporting Kabul with the necessary arms for it to resist," said Kovalyov, who served as a deputy commander in charge of political indoctrination of an army regiment sent in to secure the withdrawal.

Konstantin Volkov went to Afghanistan in late 1981 as a conscript at the age of 17, full of enthusiasm after following Soviet media reports.

He was responsible for radio communications, taking part in 70 missions and was decorated for intercepting correspondence between the Mujahideen.

Demobilised in 1983 in good physical health, he says the war haunted his dreams for 15 years.

He was ordained as a Russian Orthodox priest and is now Father Konstantin. At his church in a village outside Moscow, around 30 of his fellow "Afghans" (Soviet veterans) gather every February 15.

"I suggest to my former comrades that they express penitence and don't think any more about what happened in that war," he told AFP.&nbsp;

Soviet authorities themselves condemned the USSR's bloody occupation of Afghanistan, but 30 years later some in Vladimir Putin's Russia are coming to see the operation in a more positive light.

Soviet authorities themselves condemned the USSR's bloody occupation of Afghanistan, but 30 years later some in Vladimir Putin's Russia are coming to see the operation in a more positive light. After a decade of military intervention to bolster Kabul's embattled Communist government against Islamist fighters, the USSR finally pulled out its last units on On February 15, 1989. The withdrawal, ordered by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, was a humiliating defeat for the Union and helped lead to its collapse. Mikhail Kozhukhov, who covered the conflict as a correspondent for the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, remembered how the final Russian troops left without joy or bitterness. "The soldiers were dreaming only of one thing: getting home safe and sound," Kozhukhov, now 62, told AFP. The reporter remembered crossing the "Friendship Bridge" across the Amu Darya river separating Afghanistan from then-Soviet Uzbekistan in the second-last armoured vehicle of the last Soviet convoy, flying red flags. One of the armoured vehicles carried the body of 20-year-old Igor Lyakhovich, who was killed a day earlier and is officially the last of more than 14,000 Soviet war dead in a conflict that killed more than one million Afghans. "Along the route you could see the 'ghosts' who had come down from the mountains to watch our retreat from a distance," said Kozhukhov, using a Russian term for elusive Afghan partisans. "The eyes of the inhabitants of the snowy village were full of hate or spite because they were being left to the mercy of fate," Kozhukhov said. The journalist, who briefly served as Putin's press secretary in 1999 and 2000, says that "the intervention in Afghanistan was always a tragic and senseless escapade." 'Reviving Soviet past' The intervention was extremely unpopular with the Soviet public and was officially condemned in 1989 at the height of Gorbachev's policy of "glasnost", or transparency. But this judgement is now being reassessed, under pressure from veterans. Putin in 2015 appeared to back the intervention, saying that the Soviet leadership was trying to confront "real threats" even though he acknowledged "there were many mistakes." In late January, Russia's parliamentary defence committee backed a draft resolution saying that "the moral and political condemnation of the decision to send in Soviet troops" was "against the principles of historical justice." The Soviet troops helped the Afghan authorities fight "terrorist and extremist groups" and curbed the growing security threat facing the USSR, the draft resolution says. The draft resolution, however, has yet to be voted on in full session, reflecting the authorities' reluctance formally to revisit this traumatic episode. Historian Irina Shcherbakova of Memorial rights group says that amid heightened tensions with Western powers in recent years, "Russia is reviving its Soviet past to justify its new opposition to the West." 'No napalm' For political analyst Pyotr Akopov from pro-Kremlin site Vzglyad, "the ex-combatants and the whole of Russian society need vindication for this war." "We have nothing to apologise for, we didn't use napalm... and we even managed to leave Afghanistan with our supporters replacing us, which the Americans have never managed to do." Alexander Kovalyov, president of the association of ex-combatants for the CIS region including most ex-Soviet countries, insists the invasion of Afghanistan was justified and says Gorbachev "betrayed all the dead" by condemning it. "Without our troops, the Americans would have installed their missiles to target Moscow," he said. "Gorbachev was right to finish this war but we should have kept on supporting Kabul with the necessary arms for it to resist," said Kovalyov, who served as a deputy commander in charge of political indoctrination of an army regiment sent in to secure the withdrawal. Konstantin Volkov went to Afghanistan in late 1981 as a conscript at the age of 17, full of enthusiasm after following Soviet media reports. He was responsible for radio communications, taking part in 70 missions and was decorated for intercepting correspondence between the Mujahideen. Demobilised in 1983 in good physical health, he says the war haunted his dreams for 15 years. He was ordained as a Russian Orthodox priest and is now Father Konstantin. At his church in a village outside Moscow, around 30 of his fellow "Afghans" (Soviet veterans) gather every February 15. "I suggest to my former comrades that they express penitence and don't think any more about what happened in that war," he told AFP.

Russia seeks to vindicate Afghan war, 30 years after pullout

The Afghan government, which was not invited in last week`s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/moscow-talks-first-step-towards-inter-afghan-dialogue-says-former-afghan-president-karzai-194988">Moscow talks</a>, slammed Russia for allowing the United Nations blacklisted Taliban members to take part in the talks.

“They (Taliban members who are on the UN blacklist) do not have the permission to freely travel, and they are on the terrorist groups’ list in many countries. Russia allowed the members to enter the country despite them being on the UN’s blacklist.” MoFA spokesman Sebghat Ahmadi told TOLOnes on Friday.

The ministry`s remarks came days after the government lodged a complaint with the United Nations over a recent trip by members of the Taliban to Moscow.

“Individuals such as Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai and his fellows who visited Russia are sanctioned by the UN. We have shared with the UN Security Council’s 1988’s committee the visit of those Taliban members to Moscow who are sanctioned by the UN,” added Ahamdi.

The government has criticised the talks from the beginning, by saying that the talks hosted by Russia were against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process. The talks, which were held from February 4 to 7, were attended by 40 Afghan politicians, excluding government officials.

A declaration was signed after the three days talks, stating that all parties in the conference have agreed that a dignified and lasting peace is the aspiration of all the people of Afghanistan and this principle has been achieved in Moscow.

A joint statement of the participants, signed after the meeting, reiterated that the intra-Afghan dialogue must continue on a regular basis in view of the current sensitive situation.

Meanwhile, Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that the Taliban will reach a peace agreement with the United States before the Afghan Presidential elections slated to be held on July 20.

The Afghan government, which was not invited in last week`s Moscow talks, slammed Russia for allowing the United Nations blacklisted Taliban members to take part in the talks.

The Afghan government, which was not invited in last week`s Moscow talks, slammed Russia for allowing the United Nations blacklisted Taliban members to take part in the talks. “They (Taliban members who are on the UN blacklist) do not have the permission to freely travel, and they are on the terrorist groups’ list in many countries. Russia allowed the members to enter the country despite them being on the UN’s blacklist.” MoFA spokesman Sebghat Ahmadi told TOLOnes on Friday. The ministry`s remarks came days after the government lodged a complaint with the United Nations over a recent trip by members of the Taliban to Moscow. “Individuals such as Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai and his fellows who visited Russia are sanctioned by the UN. We have shared with the UN Security Council’s 1988’s committee the visit of those Taliban members to Moscow who are sanctioned by the UN,” added Ahamdi. The government has criticised the talks from the beginning, by saying that the talks hosted by Russia were against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process. The talks, which were held from February 4 to 7, were attended by 40 Afghan politicians, excluding government officials. A declaration was signed after the three days talks, stating that all parties in the conference have agreed that a dignified and lasting peace is the aspiration of all the people of Afghanistan and this principle has been achieved in Moscow. A joint statement of the participants, signed after the meeting, reiterated that the intra-Afghan dialogue must continue on a regular basis in view of the current sensitive situation. Meanwhile, Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that the Taliban will reach a peace agreement with the United States before the Afghan Presidential elections slated to be held on July 20.

Afghan Government slams Russia for allowing UN blacklisted Taliban to attend Moscow talks

Afghan and NATO forces are planning to launch more operations in Kandahar to clear it of the Taliban, said Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid after touring the province along with NATO forces commander General Scott Miller.

Khalid, after a meeting with Scott Miller, said, "The purpose of our today’s (Friday) visit is to assess the security situation and the military operations which have been launched in Maiwand and Ghorak districts as well as the operations which will be launched in other areas in the near future."Khalid and Miller met Afghan National Army and Police force members as well as the provincial Police Chief Gen.

Tadeen Khan, Kandahar tribal elders and commanders leading the military operations against militants and discussed issues relating to security and the operations, reported TOLO NewsThis was Miller's second visit to Kandahar after being appointed on September 2.

The NATO chief first visited the province last October when former Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq was assassinated in an attack by an armed man.

Recently, the United States and Taliban agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could eventually end the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan.

There are currently around 14,000 US troops and 16,000 personnel from NATO and its allies in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Afghan and NATO forces are planning to launch more operations in Kandahar to clear it of the Taliban, said Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid after touring the province along with NATO forces commander General Scott Miller.

Afghan and NATO forces are planning to launch more operations in Kandahar to clear it of the Taliban, said Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid after touring the province along with NATO forces commander General Scott Miller. Khalid, after a meeting with Scott Miller, said, "The purpose of our today’s (Friday) visit is to assess the security situation and the military operations which have been launched in Maiwand and Ghorak districts as well as the operations which will be launched in other areas in the near future."Khalid and Miller met Afghan National Army and Police force members as well as the provincial Police Chief Gen. Tadeen Khan, Kandahar tribal elders and commanders leading the military operations against militants and discussed issues relating to security and the operations, reported TOLO NewsThis was Miller's second visit to Kandahar after being appointed on September 2. The NATO chief first visited the province last October when former Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq was assassinated in an attack by an armed man. Recently, the United States and Taliban agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could eventually end the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan. There are currently around 14,000 US troops and 16,000 personnel from NATO and its allies in Afghanistan.

More security operations in Kandahar planned to clear it of Taliban: Afghan acting Defence Minister

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