US Secretary of State Antony Blinken blamed Afghan forces for the Taliban’s takeover. He forcefully defended the administration’s decision to withdraw the military from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

US Secretary of State Blinken says Afghan troops haven't been able to defend country

Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), has addressed Ashraf Ghani as the "former President" of Afghanistan after he left for Tajikistan. However, it is not yet clear whether Ghani has resigned as president.

Taliban in Kabul: HCNR head Abdullah Abdullah addresses Ghani as 'former President'

In a recent development, Albania has accepted a request by the US to temporarily take in Afghan refugees seeking visas to enter the United States, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday,

As per Rama, US President Joe Biden's administration had recently asked fellow NATO member Albania to assess whether it could serve as a transit country for a number of Afghan refugees whose final destination is the US.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

On his Facebook account, Rama said, "We will not say 'No', not just because our great allies ask us to, but because we are Albania".

Albania ready to temporarily house Afghan refugees, PM Rama says

Biden's administration, according to Reuters, has been in talks with nations such as Kosovo and Albania about the protection of US-affiliated Afghans until they are approved for US visas.

Luan Dalipi, chief of staff of prime minister Albin Kurti, said his government had been in contact with US authorities since mid-July about housing Afghan refugees.

"There's a lot of logistical, technical, security and social work that we are handling carefully," Dalipi said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-mazar-e-sharif-fourth-largest-city-of-afghanistan-405447" hreflang="en">Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan</a>

More than two decades after the 1998-1999 war with the then-Yugoslav security forces, hundreds of US troops remain in Kosovo as peacekeepers.

In 2014, Albania accepted some 3,000 members of the People’s Mujahideen Organization of Iran, also known by its Farsi name Mujahideen-e-Khalq, and they have settled in a camp near Durres, the country's main port.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a recent development, Albania has accepted a request by the US to temporarily take in Afghan refugees seeking visas to enter the United States, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday, As per Rama, US President Joe Biden's administration had recently asked fellow NATO member Albania to assess whether it could serve as a transit country for a number of Afghan refugees whose final destination is the US.

In a recent development, Albania has accepted a request by the US to temporarily take in Afghan refugees seeking visas to enter the United States, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday, As per Rama, US President Joe Biden's administration had recently asked fellow NATO member Albania to assess whether it could serve as a transit country for a number of Afghan refugees whose final destination is the US. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul On his Facebook account, Rama said, "We will not say 'No', not just because our great allies ask us to, but because we are Albania". Albania ready to temporarily house Afghan refugees, PM Rama says Biden's administration, according to Reuters, has been in talks with nations such as Kosovo and Albania about the protection of US-affiliated Afghans until they are approved for US visas. Luan Dalipi, chief of staff of prime minister Albin Kurti, said his government had been in contact with US authorities since mid-July about housing Afghan refugees. "There's a lot of logistical, technical, security and social work that we are handling carefully," Dalipi said in a statement. Also read | Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan More than two decades after the 1998-1999 war with the then-Yugoslav security forces, hundreds of US troops remain in Kosovo as peacekeepers. In 2014, Albania accepted some 3,000 members of the People’s Mujahideen Organization of Iran, also known by its Farsi name Mujahideen-e-Khalq, and they have settled in a camp near Durres, the country's main port. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Rama says Albania ready to temporarily house Afghan refugees

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani left for Afghanistan following the Taliban's advance into the capital Kabul. According to reports, Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh has also left the country.

Taliban in Kabul: Both Afghan Prez and Vice Prez have left the country

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has left the capital for Tajikistan as the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday and are on their way to take control of the government.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani leaves for Tajikistan as Taliban enters Kabul

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Sunday and are on their way to take control of the government. According to reports, President Ashraf Ghani is likely to step down from his post in the next few hours and has left Afghanistan.

Reports: President Ashraf Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban take control

Taliban terrorists have entered the outskirts of Kabul and are awaiting a 'peaceful transfer' of the power. Negotiation talks for the transition of power are underway but the government workers are fleeing the city in helicopters.

Afghanistan: Negotiation talks for transition of power are underway

Uzbekistan&nbsp;has detained&nbsp;84&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;military&nbsp;servicemen&nbsp;who&nbsp;crossed&nbsp;the&nbsp;border&nbsp;on Saturday, the Tashkent government said on Sunday, adding that another group of soldiers had amassed near a&nbsp;border&nbsp;checkpoint on the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;side.

Afghan&nbsp;servicemen&nbsp;crossed&nbsp;the&nbsp;border&nbsp;into&nbsp;Uzbekistan&nbsp;and Tajikistan in a similar way last month when they retreated from the Taliban insurgents' offensive, which has accelerated in recent days leaving little but the capital Kabul in the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;government's hands.

On Sunday, insurgents took the key eastern city of Jalalabad without a fight.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/back-to-harrowing-times-afghan-women-fear-taliban-rule-405547">Also read |&nbsp;Back to harrowing times: Afghan women fear Taliban rule</a>

Uzbekistan's foreign ministry said in a statement that the first group of&nbsp;84&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;soldiers made no attempts to resist when Uzbek&nbsp;border&nbsp;guards detained them but instead sought medical help.

The Tashkent government is also providing humanitarian aid to a group of&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;soldiers&nbsp;who&nbsp;have amassed on the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;side of the Termez-Khairaton bridge, the ministry said. The bridge is a car and railway link between the two countries.

Uzbekistan&nbsp;is in talks with Kabul on returning the troops home and resolving the situation at the bridge, it said.

Uzbekistan has detained 84 Afghan military servicemen who crossed the border on Saturday, the Tashkent government said on Sunday, adding that another group of soldiers had amassed near a border checkpoint on the Afghan side.

Uzbekistan has detained 84 Afghan military servicemen who crossed the border on Saturday, the Tashkent government said on Sunday, adding that another group of soldiers had amassed near a border checkpoint on the Afghan side. Afghan servicemen crossed the border into Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in a similar way last month when they retreated from the Taliban insurgents' offensive, which has accelerated in recent days leaving little but the capital Kabul in the Afghan government's hands. On Sunday, insurgents took the key eastern city of Jalalabad without a fight. Also read | Back to harrowing times: Afghan women fear Taliban rule Uzbekistan's foreign ministry said in a statement that the first group of 84 Afghan soldiers made no attempts to resist when Uzbek border guards detained them but instead sought medical help. The Tashkent government is also providing humanitarian aid to a group of Afghan soldiers who have amassed on the Afghan side of the Termez-Khairaton bridge, the ministry said. The bridge is a car and railway link between the two countries. Uzbekistan is in talks with Kabul on returning the troops home and resolving the situation at the bridge, it said.

Uzbekistan detains 84 Afghan servicemen who crossed border fleeing Taliban

Taliban fighters have entered the outskirts of the Afghanistan capital, Kabul and said that they are awaiting a “peaceful transfer” of the city after promising not to take it by force.

Afghanistan: Taliban enters Kabul, awaits 'peaceful transfer' of power

Afghan women are looking into the future with uncertainty and fear as the Taliban terrorists are sweeping across the country taking one province after another. The Taliban now control more than two-thirds of the country, just two weeks before the U.S. plans to withdraw its last troops.

Afghan women fear for their future as Taliban gain foothold

The Taliban terrorists have entered the outskirts of Afghanistan's capital Kabul from all sides. The Taliban's spokesperson has said that they have instructed their forces to stay at the gate of the capital.

Afghanistan: Taliban enters the outskirts of Kabul

Afghan women are now fearing that they would have to live through those harrowing days of Taliban rule from 1996-2001. The time when women were forced to stay at home and forbidden to study or go to work.&nbsp;

The women were not allowed to step out of their homes without a male escort.&nbsp;

However, as of now, there are no confirmed reports of any such extreme measures being adopted by the Taliban.

An Associated Press report quoted families fleeing their homes and taking refuge on the sidewalks and parks in Kabul.&nbsp;

The girls riding home in a motorised rickshaw in the Takhar province in northern Afghanistan were stopped and lashed for wearing “revealing sandals”. This is the area that has been captured by the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-address-to-nation-afghan-president-vows-to-prevent-further-instability-405337">Also read |&nbsp;In address to nation, Afghan President vows to prevent further instability</a>

For those, who have lived under the Taliban rule before 2001, diktats bring a flashback of the atrocious time.&nbsp;

Zarmina Kakar, a women's rights activist in Kabul, was a year old when the Taliban entered Kabul for the first time in 1996.&nbsp;

Her mother took her out to buy her ice cream and was whipped by a Taliban fighter for revealing her face for a few minutes.&nbsp; 
“Today again, I feel that if Taliban come to power, we will return back to the same dark days,” she said.

During that time, the Taliban carried out public executions, chopped off the hands of thieves and stoned women accused of adultery.

Associated Press interviewed Zahra (name changed) who has been working from home.

However, after the Taliban took over Herat, she is not being able to work and she does not know when she will be able to work again.&nbsp;

Also, she is apprehensive that she will not be able to play the guitar, and her brother will be able to play football.&nbsp;

She fears that the women community of the country will again be pushed back to the wall.

Afghan women are now fearing that they would have to live through those harrowing days of Taliban rule from 1996-2001. The time when women were forced to stay at home and forbidden to study or go to work.

Afghan women are now fearing that they would have to live through those harrowing days of Taliban rule from 1996-2001. The time when women were forced to stay at home and forbidden to study or go to work. The women were not allowed to step out of their homes without a male escort. However, as of now, there are no confirmed reports of any such extreme measures being adopted by the Taliban. An Associated Press report quoted families fleeing their homes and taking refuge on the sidewalks and parks in Kabul. The girls riding home in a motorised rickshaw in the Takhar province in northern Afghanistan were stopped and lashed for wearing “revealing sandals”. This is the area that has been captured by the Taliban. Also read | In address to nation, Afghan President vows to prevent further instability For those, who have lived under the Taliban rule before 2001, diktats bring a flashback of the atrocious time. Zarmina Kakar, a women's rights activist in Kabul, was a year old when the Taliban entered Kabul for the first time in 1996. Her mother took her out to buy her ice cream and was whipped by a Taliban fighter for revealing her face for a few minutes. “Today again, I feel that if Taliban come to power, we will return back to the same dark days,” she said. During that time, the Taliban carried out public executions, chopped off the hands of thieves and stoned women accused of adultery. Associated Press interviewed Zahra (name changed) who has been working from home. However, after the Taliban took over Herat, she is not being able to work and she does not know when she will be able to work again. Also, she is apprehensive that she will not be able to play the guitar, and her brother will be able to play football. She fears that the women community of the country will again be pushed back to the wall.

Back to harrowing times: Afghan women fear Taliban rule

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away. 
 
A government official confirmed that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war. 
 
Herat in the west also fell to the hardline Islamist group. 
 
"The city looks like a frontline, a ghost town," provincial council member Ghulam Habib Hashimi said by telephone from the city of about 600,000 people near the border with Iran. 
 
"Families have either left or are hiding in their homes." 
 
A US&nbsp;defence official said there was concern that the Taliban, ousted from power in 2001 after the September&nbsp;11 attacks on the United States, could make a move on Kabul within days. 
 
President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced plans to send 3,000 additional troops to help evacuate US&nbsp;embassy staff, and the Pentagon said most would be in Kabul by the end of the weekend. Britain also confirmed the start of a military operation to support the evacuation of its nationals. 
 
"Kabul is not right now in an imminent threat environment, but clearly ... if you just look at what the Taliban has been doing, you can see that they are trying to isolate Kabul," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday. 
 
The White House said Biden was receiving regular briefings from his national security team on efforts to remove US&nbsp;civilians. 
 
The US&nbsp;embassy in the Afghan capital informed staff that burn bins and an incinerator were available to destroy material including papers and electronic devices to "reduce the amount of sensitive material on the property," according to an advisory seen by Reuters. 
 
A State Department spokesperson said the embassy was following standard procedure to "minimise our footprint." 
 
The United Nations has said it would not evacuate its personnel from Afghanistan but was relocating some to Kabul from other parts of the country. Many other Western embassies and aid groups said they were bringing some staff home. 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "Afghanistan is spinning out of control" and urged all parties to do more to protect civilians. 
 
"This is the moment to halt the offensive. This is the moment to start serious negotiation. This is the moment to avoid a prolonged civil war, or the isolation of Afghanistan," Guterres told reporters in New York. 
 
Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said after a security meeting chaired by President Ashraf Ghani that he was proud of the armed forces and the government would do all it could to strengthen resistance to the Taliban.

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away.

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away. A government official confirmed that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war. Herat in the west also fell to the hardline Islamist group. "The city looks like a frontline, a ghost town," provincial council member Ghulam Habib Hashimi said by telephone from the city of about 600,000 people near the border with Iran. "Families have either left or are hiding in their homes." A US defence official said there was concern that the Taliban, ousted from power in 2001 after the September 11 attacks on the United States, could make a move on Kabul within days. President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced plans to send 3,000 additional troops to help evacuate US embassy staff, and the Pentagon said most would be in Kabul by the end of the weekend. Britain also confirmed the start of a military operation to support the evacuation of its nationals. "Kabul is not right now in an imminent threat environment, but clearly ... if you just look at what the Taliban has been doing, you can see that they are trying to isolate Kabul," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday. The White House said Biden was receiving regular briefings from his national security team on efforts to remove US civilians. The US embassy in the Afghan capital informed staff that burn bins and an incinerator were available to destroy material including papers and electronic devices to "reduce the amount of sensitive material on the property," according to an advisory seen by Reuters. A State Department spokesperson said the embassy was following standard procedure to "minimise our footprint." The United Nations has said it would not evacuate its personnel from Afghanistan but was relocating some to Kabul from other parts of the country. Many other Western embassies and aid groups said they were bringing some staff home. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "Afghanistan is spinning out of control" and urged all parties to do more to protect civilians. "This is the moment to halt the offensive. This is the moment to start serious negotiation. This is the moment to avoid a prolonged civil war, or the isolation of Afghanistan," Guterres told reporters in New York. Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said after a security meeting chaired by President Ashraf Ghani that he was proud of the armed forces and the government would do all it could to strengthen resistance to the Taliban.

Taliban seize more Afghan cities, assault on capital Kabul expected

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. 
 
The effort is in addition to an earlier initiative to welcome thousands of Afghans, who worked for the Canadian government, such as interpreters, embassy workers and their families, he told a news conference. 
 
"As the Taliban continues to take over more of Afghanistan, many more Afghans' lives are under increasing threat," he said. He did not provide a timetable. 
 
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said some Canadian special forces were in Afghanistan taking part in the relocation effort but gave no details. 
 
"The challenges on the ground are quite immense," he said. 
 
Canada's new plan would focus on those who are particularly vulnerable, including women leaders, human rights defenders, reporters, persecuted religious minorities and members of the gay and lesbian community, Mendicino said. 
 
It covers both people who want to leave Afghanistan and those already in neighbouring countries. 
 
The Taliban have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities as resistance from government forces crumbled. 
 
"We know the situation is dire. It's getting worse by the hour," said Mendicino.

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday.

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. The effort is in addition to an earlier initiative to welcome thousands of Afghans, who worked for the Canadian government, such as interpreters, embassy workers and their families, he told a news conference. "As the Taliban continues to take over more of Afghanistan, many more Afghans' lives are under increasing threat," he said. He did not provide a timetable. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said some Canadian special forces were in Afghanistan taking part in the relocation effort but gave no details. "The challenges on the ground are quite immense," he said. Canada's new plan would focus on those who are particularly vulnerable, including women leaders, human rights defenders, reporters, persecuted religious minorities and members of the gay and lesbian community, Mendicino said. It covers both people who want to leave Afghanistan and those already in neighbouring countries. The Taliban have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities as resistance from government forces crumbled. "We know the situation is dire. It's getting worse by the hour," said Mendicino.

Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers

In a pre-recorded message to the nation on Friday, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani said remobilisation of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) is his top priority. He said the required measures are underway to reach this goal, but he also vowed to prevent further bloodshed in the country. &nbsp;

Thanking the Afghan forces for their bravery in defending the country, Ghani said he will not allow the “imposed war” to bring more devastation and death to the people.&nbsp;

“Under the current situation, remobilising of the security and defence forces is our top priority and required measures are underway for this purpose,” Ghani said.&nbsp;

“I know that you are concerned about your present and future but I assure you as your president that my focus is to prevent further instability, violence and displacement of my people,” he added. &nbsp;

“To do this, I have started widespread consultations within and outside the government, with political leaders and international partners and I will soon share the results with the people,” the president said, while adding that he will not allow the imposed war on Afghans to bring further killings, loss of the gains of the last 20 years, destruction of public property and continued instability.&nbsp;

In a pre-recorded message to the nation on Friday, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani said remobilisation of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) is his top priority.

In a pre-recorded message to the nation on Friday, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani said remobilisation of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) is his top priority. He said the required measures are underway to reach this goal, but he also vowed to prevent further bloodshed in the country. Thanking the Afghan forces for their bravery in defending the country, Ghani said he will not allow the “imposed war” to bring more devastation and death to the people. “Under the current situation, remobilising of the security and defence forces is our top priority and required measures are underway for this purpose,” Ghani said. “I know that you are concerned about your present and future but I assure you as your president that my focus is to prevent further instability, violence and displacement of my people,” he added. “To do this, I have started widespread consultations within and outside the government, with political leaders and international partners and I will soon share the results with the people,” the president said, while adding that he will not allow the imposed war on Afghans to bring further killings, loss of the gains of the last 20 years, destruction of public property and continued instability.

In address to nation, Afghan President vows to prevent further instability

Taliban has seized a helicopter gifted by India to Afghanistan. 9 provincial capitals have now fallen to the Taliban. A US estimate says Kabul could fall within 90 days. But, the US & its allies are washing their hands off Afghanistan's problems. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Taliban seizes attack helicopter donated by India to Afghanistan

Khalid Noor, the youngest member of the Afghanistan Peace Negotiating Team and son of Atta Muhammad Noor has said that the leader in the Mazar E Sharif will not "abandon the people". Atta Muhammad Noor, a prominent Afghan leader who holds sway in northern Afghanistan especially Balkh province has now himself taking the charge even as the Taliban making territorial gains. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Khalid Noor speaking from Mazar E Sharif said," I will be taking part in defending the city. I will be taking part in defending my people and their right. We will not abandon our people." He has graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England and then from George Mason University in the US, majoring in conflict analysis and resolution. Khalid is seen as Afghanistan's next generation of leaders and in a way carrying his father's legacy.

Exclusive: Will not abandon our people, says Afghan's Next General Leader Khalid Noor

Taliban is on a blitzkrieg in Afghanistan. 6 provinces have fallen in 72 hours. 90% of the border has been 'seized'. Key routes to Kabul are blocked. A woman has been killed for wearing 'tight clothes'. Palki Sharma gets you a report on the Taliban's onslaught.

Gravitas: Taliban's 72-hour blitzkrieg in Afghanistan

Herat, the third-largest city in Afghanistan remains precarious. The Taliban continues to make rapid territorial gains in the country. WION's correspondent reports from the heart of the conflict.

WION Ground Report: Third largest city of Afghanistan fears Taliban takeover

After working in Afghanistan for 9 years with NATO and the USA, the Afghan cameraman Salim Zalmi landed in the United States in 2018 escaping the Taliban's escalating threats to the family. WION brings you Zalmi's journey to the US.

Afghan cameraman Salim Zalmi's road to settling in US

Qatar's Special Envoy for Counter-terrorism and Mediation of Conflict Resolution Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani,&nbsp;who was on a&nbsp;two-day India visit,&nbsp;has briefed the Indian side about the Afghan peace process. On Saturday,&nbsp;he held talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and foreign secretary Harsh&nbsp;Shringla&nbsp;during which,&nbsp;he agreed that the process should be inclusive to ensure its success.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the meetings, Joint Secretary (PAI), JP Singh was also present. In a tweet after the meet, EAM said,&nbsp;"Rapid deterioration of the security situation is a serious matter" and "peaceful and stable Afghanistan requires that the rights and interests of all sections of society are promoted and protected."&nbsp;

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Rapid deterioration of the security situation is a serious matter. A peaceful and stable Afghanistan requires that the rights and interests of all sections of society are promoted and protected.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1423910552183590914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The special envoy during the various meetings was concerned about external players as much as internal. The visit comes amid a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan as the Taliban makes territorial gains.&nbsp;

Last week,&nbsp;at a United Nations Security Council session on Afghanistan under India Afghan envoy to the United Nations Ghulam M&nbsp;Isaczai&nbsp;exposed Pakistani support to the Taliban's ongoing offensive. He said,&nbsp;"Taliban continue to enjoy a safe haven in and supply and logistics line extended to their war machine from Pakistan."&nbsp;

Qatar has played an important role when it comes to the US-Taliban pact and hosting the intra-Afghan talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Remember, Al-Qahtani&nbsp;is the same Qatari official,&nbsp;who earlier this year,&nbsp;confirmed that some kind of talks is happening between India and the Taliban.&nbsp;

Qatar's Special Envoy for Counter-terrorism and Mediation of Conflict Resolution Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani, who was on a two-day India visit, has briefed the Indian side about the Afghan peace process.

Qatar's Special Envoy for Counter-terrorism and Mediation of Conflict Resolution Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani, who was on a two-day India visit, has briefed the Indian side about the Afghan peace process. On Saturday, he held talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and foreign secretary Harsh Shringla during which, he agreed that the process should be inclusive to ensure its success. During the meetings, Joint Secretary (PAI), JP Singh was also present. In a tweet after the meet, EAM said, "Rapid deterioration of the security situation is a serious matter" and "peaceful and stable Afghanistan requires that the rights and interests of all sections of society are promoted and protected." Rapid deterioration of the security situation is a serious matter. A peaceful and stable Afghanistan requires that the rights and interests of all sections of society are promoted and protected. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 7, 2021 × The special envoy during the various meetings was concerned about external players as much as internal. The visit comes amid a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan as the Taliban makes territorial gains. Last week, at a United Nations Security Council session on Afghanistan under India Afghan envoy to the United Nations Ghulam M Isaczai exposed Pakistani support to the Taliban's ongoing offensive. He said, "Taliban continue to enjoy a safe haven in and supply and logistics line extended to their war machine from Pakistan." Qatar has played an important role when it comes to the US-Taliban pact and hosting the intra-Afghan talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Remember, Al-Qahtani is the same Qatari official, who earlier this year, confirmed that some kind of talks is happening between India and the Taliban.

In India, Qatar special envoy agrees Afghan peace process should be inclusive for its success

After the city of Zaranj, Nimroz province’s capital, fell to the Taliban on Friday, some people flocked to loot public property from government institutions, a TOLOnews report said. The incident has sparked strong reaction from residents and religious scholars alike.&nbsp;

Several videos have surfaced after the fall of Zaranj to the Taliban, where people can be seen looting different kinds of equipment from government institutions, including governor’s compound.&nbsp;

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Looting in Nimruz province as the Taliban overrun the city of Zaranj.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nimruz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nimruz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/b9RtNwlY4Q">pic.twitter.com/b9RtNwlY4Q</a>
— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HabibKhanT/status/1423634347517792256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In another video, prisoners can be seen escaping the main provincial prison. The same happened in Sheberghan, Jawzjan’s capital in northern Afghanistan, after it was taken up by Taliban on Saturday.&nbsp;

Presidential adviser Shahussain Murtazawi said, “This shows the Taliban has no plan for governance or for providing service to the people. This time, Talibs are following the policy of looting.”&nbsp;

Zabul provincial council’s chairman Ata Jan Haq Bayan said, “I have already mentioned that if the Taliban had the will to build, they should first come up with peace, sit with Afghans and build this country together.”&nbsp;

This act was also condemned by religious scholars. Mawlawi Abdul Wadood, a religious scholar, said, “Wasting public property is forbidden. Anyone, who takes over public property, must protect it and must prevent its waste.”&nbsp;

After the city of Zaranj, Nimroz province’s capital, fell to the Taliban on Friday, some people flocked to loot public property from government institutions, a TOLOnews report said.

After the city of Zaranj, Nimroz province’s capital, fell to the Taliban on Friday, some people flocked to loot public property from government institutions, a TOLOnews report said. The incident has sparked strong reaction from residents and religious scholars alike. Several videos have surfaced after the fall of Zaranj to the Taliban, where people can be seen looting different kinds of equipment from government institutions, including governor’s compound. Looting in Nimruz province as the Taliban overrun the city of Zaranj.#Nimruz #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/b9RtNwlY4Q — Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) August 6, 2021 × In another video, prisoners can be seen escaping the main provincial prison. The same happened in Sheberghan, Jawzjan’s capital in northern Afghanistan, after it was taken up by Taliban on Saturday. Presidential adviser Shahussain Murtazawi said, “This shows the Taliban has no plan for governance or for providing service to the people. This time, Talibs are following the policy of looting.” Zabul provincial council’s chairman Ata Jan Haq Bayan said, “I have already mentioned that if the Taliban had the will to build, they should first come up with peace, sit with Afghans and build this country together.” This act was also condemned by religious scholars. Mawlawi Abdul Wadood, a religious scholar, said, “Wasting public property is forbidden. Anyone, who takes over public property, must protect it and must prevent its waste.”

In Taliban-held Nimroz, public property gets ‘looted’  

To give air support to Afghan security forces fighting Taliban in various parts of the country, US President Joe Biden has ordered B-52 bombers and Spectre gunships to target the group’s positions in Afghanistan, a MailOnline report said. Taliban are currently advancing towards key cities on Saturday.&nbsp;

According to the report, the bombers are supported by the AC-130 Spectre gunships, which are armed with a 25mm Gatling gun, a 40mm Bofors cannon and a 105mm M102 cannon. It can provide pinpoint accurate fire from the air.&nbsp;

Fierce fighting is going on in the capital cities of Kunduz, Takhar and Badakhshan provinces between Afghan security forces and the Taliban in the north of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

In Kunduz, the public health directorate said around 11 civilians were killed and 39 more were wounded in fresh clashes that started on Friday evening.&nbsp;

Police said Taliban attacks on Faizabad city were pushed back by Afghan forces in Badakhshan.&nbsp;

As per sources, the city of Sheberghan, Jawzjan province capital in northern Afghanistan, fell to the Taliban after one week of clashes, sources said. It is the second provincial capital, which has fallen into the hands of Taliban in the last two days.&nbsp;

Afghan residents strongly criticise government’s strategy as Taliban make heavy gains. &nbsp;

To give air support to Afghan security forces fighting Taliban in various parts of the country, US President Joe Biden has ordered B-52 bombers and Spectre gunships to target the group’s positions in Afghanistan, a MailOnline report said.

To give air support to Afghan security forces fighting Taliban in various parts of the country, US President Joe Biden has ordered B-52 bombers and Spectre gunships to target the group’s positions in Afghanistan, a MailOnline report said. Taliban are currently advancing towards key cities on Saturday. According to the report, the bombers are supported by the AC-130 Spectre gunships, which are armed with a 25mm Gatling gun, a 40mm Bofors cannon and a 105mm M102 cannon. It can provide pinpoint accurate fire from the air. Fierce fighting is going on in the capital cities of Kunduz, Takhar and Badakhshan provinces between Afghan security forces and the Taliban in the north of Afghanistan. In Kunduz, the public health directorate said around 11 civilians were killed and 39 more were wounded in fresh clashes that started on Friday evening. Police said Taliban attacks on Faizabad city were pushed back by Afghan forces in Badakhshan. As per sources, the city of Sheberghan, Jawzjan province capital in northern Afghanistan, fell to the Taliban after one week of clashes, sources said. It is the second provincial capital, which has fallen into the hands of Taliban in the last two days. Afghan residents strongly criticise government’s strategy as Taliban make heavy gains.

US orders B-52 bombers, Spectre gunships to target Taliban, says report  

Defying security concerns, Afghanistan’s first vice president Amrullah Saleh took to streets on Tuesday to protest the rising incidents of Taliban’s offensive against the country’s security forces in a rush to grab power by force.&nbsp;

Joining a civilian protest in streets of Kabul, Saleh chanted ‘Allah-o-Akbar' and slammed Pakistan for supporting the Taliban. The Afghan vice president said, "God is not Pakistan's product."&nbsp;

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It was such an historic moment to echo the Kabul masses " Allah o Akbar, death to Talib terrorists &amp; their backer". Unforgettable moments of emotions &amp; patriotism. در سه بخش کابل با مردم همصدایی کردم که الله و اکبر و نابود باد طالب و حامی طالب. لحظه های فراموش ناشدنی پر از احساس
— Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2/status/1422628477346500623?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet after taking part in the protest, Saleh said, "It was such an historic moment to echo the Kabul masses ‘Allah o Akbar’, death to Talib terrorists and their backer. Unforgettable moments of emotions and patriotism." &nbsp;

Before the protest, he had said on Twitter, "Shame to its backer(s)." &nbsp;

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First vice president, <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmrullahSaleh2</a> on the streets of Kabul among people. 
God is great <a href="https://t.co/Kyfj9fGDG8">pic.twitter.com/Kyfj9fGDG8</a>
— Fawad Aman (@FawadAman2) <a href="https://twitter.com/FawadAman2/status/1422628827113697281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Saleh had said, "Pakistan is a direct party to the Afghan conflict and crisis. Treating them as normal neighbour won't help the peace process. Defining their role in war and peace must be part of the discussion. Silence, sugar coating, appeasement or simply ignoring it won't help. Taliban leaders are in Pakistan." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan has been long blamed for providing support to Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. It is no secret that scores of top Afghan Taliban leaders are hidden in Pakistan. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Defying security concerns, Afghanistan’s first vice president Amrullah Saleh took to streets on Tuesday to protest the rising incidents of Taliban’s offensive against the country’s security forces in a rush to grab power by force.

Defying security concerns, Afghanistan’s first vice president Amrullah Saleh took to streets on Tuesday to protest the rising incidents of Taliban’s offensive against the country’s security forces in a rush to grab power by force. Joining a civilian protest in streets of Kabul, Saleh chanted ‘Allah-o-Akbar' and slammed Pakistan for supporting the Taliban. The Afghan vice president said, "God is not Pakistan's product." It was such an historic moment to echo the Kabul masses " Allah o Akbar, death to Talib terrorists & their backer". Unforgettable moments of emotions & patriotism. در سه بخش کابل با مردم همصدایی کردم که الله و اکبر و نابود باد طالب و حامی طالب. لحظه های فراموش ناشدنی پر از احساس — Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) August 3, 2021 × In a tweet after taking part in the protest, Saleh said, "It was such an historic moment to echo the Kabul masses ‘Allah o Akbar’, death to Talib terrorists and their backer. Unforgettable moments of emotions and patriotism." Before the protest, he had said on Twitter, "Shame to its backer(s)." First vice president, @AmrullahSaleh2 on the streets of Kabul among people. God is great pic.twitter.com/Kyfj9fGDG8 — Fawad Aman (@FawadAman2) August 3, 2021 × Earlier, Saleh had said, "Pakistan is a direct party to the Afghan conflict and crisis. Treating them as normal neighbour won't help the peace process. Defining their role in war and peace must be part of the discussion. Silence, sugar coating, appeasement or simply ignoring it won't help. Taliban leaders are in Pakistan." Pakistan has been long blamed for providing support to Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. It is no secret that scores of top Afghan Taliban leaders are hidden in Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Taking to streets, Afghan first VP Saleh slams Pak for supporting Taliban 

Warning more assaults on top government officials,&nbsp;the Taliban&nbsp;claimed to have carried out the&nbsp;deadly attack on the Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister&nbsp;in Kabul. The group spokesman said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday,&nbsp;its fighters were behind the incident.&nbsp;

In a statement,&nbsp;Zabihullah&nbsp;Mujahid,&nbsp;spokesman,&nbsp;Taliban said,&nbsp;"Last night a martyrdom attack was carried out on the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister's residence."&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also added&nbsp;that more&nbsp;'retaliatory operations'&nbsp;against top government officials were being planned.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the attack,&nbsp;at least eight people, including a woman, were killed.&nbsp;More than 20 others were also hurt in a car bomb blast. The incident happened&nbsp;near&nbsp;Acting Defense Minister Gen Bismillah Mohammadi’s&nbsp;residence on Tuesday night, said&nbsp;Interior Ministry&nbsp;on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The attack was carried out around&nbsp;8 pm local time in&nbsp;Shirpoor&nbsp;area, district 10, Kabul.&nbsp;In the area, most of the high-ranking government officials reside.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At first,&nbsp;car bomb exploded&nbsp;close to Minister’s&nbsp;house&nbsp;and then, around&nbsp;four gunmen entered a nearby house and fought&nbsp;with&nbsp;security guards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The security forces&nbsp;also&nbsp;arrived at the scene shortly,&nbsp;and ambulances were also seen leaving the area within an hour of the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Warning more assaults on top government officials, the Taliban claimed to have carried out the deadly attack on the Afghan defence minister in Kabul. The group spokesman said on Wednesday, its fighters were behind the incident.

Warning more assaults on top government officials, the Taliban claimed to have carried out the deadly attack on the Afghan defence minister in Kabul. The group spokesman said on Wednesday, its fighters were behind the incident. In a statement, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman, Taliban said, "Last night a martyrdom attack was carried out on the defence minister's residence." He also added that more 'retaliatory operations' against top government officials were being planned. In the attack, at least eight people, including a woman, were killed. More than 20 others were also hurt in a car bomb blast. The incident happened near Acting Defense Minister Gen Bismillah Mohammadi’s residence on Tuesday night, said Interior Ministry on Wednesday. The attack was carried out around 8 pm local time in Shirpoor area, district 10, Kabul. In the area, most of the high-ranking government officials reside. At first, car bomb exploded close to Minister’s house and then, around four gunmen entered a nearby house and fought with security guards. The security forces also arrived at the scene shortly, and ambulances were also seen leaving the area within an hour of the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Attack on Afghan defence minister in Kabul claimed by Taliban  

Chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ or 'God is Great’, several residents united against Taliban and marched on the streets of Herat city, which lies on the west, on Monday night, a TOLOnews report said.&nbsp;

The residents also announced their support to the Afghanistan government forces and vowed to defend the province. The residents also looked to celebrate Afghan National Defence and Security Forces’ (ANDSF) advances in the fight against the Taliban in southern Herat. The fighting has been going on for seven days in Herat.&nbsp;

The move was also welcomed by Afghans across the country as netizens created a hashtag of 'Herat uprising' and 'Allahu Akbar’, while announcing their support for the Heratis. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The residents of Kabul took to social media and looked to come up with a similar show of support in Kabul on Tuesday night. &nbsp;

While welcoming the move, First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said, he was just waiting for this day and he is thrilled by this act of the residents. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, Herat governor Gen Abdul Saboor Qani said the security forces in the province have air support. A large scale military operation is underway to clear the province of Taliban. &nbsp;

Three civilians were killed and 10 more were wounded in an explosion, which targeted a bus carrying civilians, in Herat on Monday evening, officials said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ or 'God is Great’, several residents united against Taliban and marched on the streets of Herat city, which lies on the west, on Monday night, a TOLOnews report said.

Chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ or 'God is Great’, several residents united against Taliban and marched on the streets of Herat city, which lies on the west, on Monday night, a TOLOnews report said. The residents also announced their support to the Afghanistan government forces and vowed to defend the province. The residents also looked to celebrate Afghan National Defence and Security Forces’ (ANDSF) advances in the fight against the Taliban in southern Herat. The fighting has been going on for seven days in Herat. The move was also welcomed by Afghans across the country as netizens created a hashtag of 'Herat uprising' and 'Allahu Akbar’, while announcing their support for the Heratis. The residents of Kabul took to social media and looked to come up with a similar show of support in Kabul on Tuesday night. While welcoming the move, First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said, he was just waiting for this day and he is thrilled by this act of the residents. On Tuesday, Herat governor Gen Abdul Saboor Qani said the security forces in the province have air support. A large scale military operation is underway to clear the province of Taliban. Three civilians were killed and 10 more were wounded in an explosion, which targeted a bus carrying civilians, in Herat on Monday evening, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

In support for Afghan forces, Herat residents unite to give a tough fight to Taliban  

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reiterated that Taliban have changed compared to 20 years ago, but the change has been negative, and they have become more 'cruel’.&nbsp;

The Afghanistan president said the group will show no will for peace and will not get back to the negotiating table unless the situation changes on the battlefield, a TOLOnews report said.&nbsp;

Ghani made these remarks while addressing an event at the inauguration of what the Presidential Palace termed 'electronic governance’.&nbsp;

While highlighting the importance of the implementation of his six-month plan, Ghani said one part of it includes public mobilisation for defending the system under the leadership of the National Directorate of Security.&nbsp;

“A Talib that has changed in the last 24 hours. What is their change? They have become more cruel, more oppressive, more non-Muslim,” president said.&nbsp;

The Taliban has also been blamed by Ghani for creating the conditions for the presence of foreign terrorists in Afghanistan. Ghani said that the country’s situation will witness a change within the next six months after following his plan.&nbsp;

Ghani said, “They will not engage in meaningful negotiations unless the situation changes on the battlefield; therefore, we should have a clear stance. For this, there is a need for a countrywide mobilisation.” &nbsp;

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reiterated that Taliban have changed compared to 20 years ago, but the change has been negative, and they have become more 'cruel’.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reiterated that Taliban have changed compared to 20 years ago, but the change has been negative, and they have become more 'cruel’. The Afghanistan president said the group will show no will for peace and will not get back to the negotiating table unless the situation changes on the battlefield, a TOLOnews report said. Ghani made these remarks while addressing an event at the inauguration of what the Presidential Palace termed 'electronic governance’. While highlighting the importance of the implementation of his six-month plan, Ghani said one part of it includes public mobilisation for defending the system under the leadership of the National Directorate of Security. “A Talib that has changed in the last 24 hours. What is their change? They have become more cruel, more oppressive, more non-Muslim,” president said. The Taliban has also been blamed by Ghani for creating the conditions for the presence of foreign terrorists in Afghanistan. Ghani said that the country’s situation will witness a change within the next six months after following his plan. Ghani said, “They will not engage in meaningful negotiations unless the situation changes on the battlefield; therefore, we should have a clear stance. For this, there is a need for a countrywide mobilisation.”

Afghan President: Taliban have turned more 'cruel’ in 20 years  

A day after Taliban made advances towards central parts of the city, the Afghanistan government has deployed more troops to Herat on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The move came after former mujahedeen leader and senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami Mohammad Ismail Khan, who leads the fight against the Taliban in Herat along with scores of public resistance forces, criticised the defence ministry for delay in sending reinforcements to Herat.&nbsp;

The clashes have been happening in the city of Heart for the fourth day. In southern Herat, Malan Bridge was taken over by Taliban on Saturday.&nbsp;

Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said hundreds of reinforcements have arrived in the city on Sunday morning to check Taliban’s advances. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Due to the ongoing clashes, hundreds of families have been displaced from southern parts of Herat city, local officials said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, some lawmakers and analysts have criticised Taliban attacks in Herat as a clear violation of their commitment to the Doha agreement. Taliban has also said that the group has made no commitment of not attacking major cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A day after Taliban made advances towards central parts of the city, the Afghanistan government has deployed more troops to Herat on Sunday. The move came after former mujahedeen leader and senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami Mohammad Ismail Khan, who leads the fight against the Taliban in Herat along with scores of public resistance forces, criticised the defence ministry for delay in sending reinforcements to Herat.

A day after Taliban made advances towards central parts of the city, the Afghanistan government has deployed more troops to Herat on Sunday. The move came after former mujahedeen leader and senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami Mohammad Ismail Khan, who leads the fight against the Taliban in Herat along with scores of public resistance forces, criticised the defence ministry for delay in sending reinforcements to Herat. The clashes have been happening in the city of Heart for the fourth day. In southern Herat, Malan Bridge was taken over by Taliban on Saturday. Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said hundreds of reinforcements have arrived in the city on Sunday morning to check Taliban’s advances. Due to the ongoing clashes, hundreds of families have been displaced from southern parts of Herat city, local officials said. On Saturday, some lawmakers and analysts have criticised Taliban attacks in Herat as a clear violation of their commitment to the Doha agreement. Taliban has also said that the group has made no commitment of not attacking major cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Finally, Afghan government sends reinforcements to Herat as fighting intensifies 

Hoping Pakistan will play a positive role in de-escalating Afghan violence, a US State Department official said, "It is not in Pakistan’s interest to see Afghanistan in a civil war".&nbsp;

US State Department spokesperson Zed Tarar made the statement while touching upon a range of issues being tackled by the US government during a media briefing.&nbsp;

Tarar said, “Tackling the COVID-19 pandemic is a major priority [for the Biden administration]. Our administration is working tirelessly to defeat Covid globally. The US sent three million doses of Moderna to Pakistan this week, which was the second shipment after 2.5 million vaccine doses were sent earlier.”&nbsp;

Pakistan has also been given $60 million in assistance to combat COVID-19, spokesperson said, while adding that “it’s a small part in the hope that we can work with our allies to overcome the pandemic”.&nbsp;

On being asked about the reason why US President Joe Biden has not called Prime Minister Imran Khan, Tarar said: “There is no such thing [snub or oversight]. I would not read such a message into it. If you see our overall relationship, we have several engagements and are constantly in communication. Senior Pakistani officials are talking to their US counterparts and we are announcing that in a transparent manner.&nbsp;

“If we start going down the road of ticking boxes of invites and phone calls, it would be silly especially without looking at the broader picture.”&nbsp;

When asked about the US role in Afghanistan, Tarar said, “We want the future of Afghanistan to be in the hands of the people of Afghanistan. We are not abandoning Afghanistan, we will work towards a better future but it is not a military solution. Our diplomatic assistance to Afghanistan will continue.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Hoping Pakistan will play a positive role in de-escalating Afghan violence, a US State Department official said, "It is not in Pakistan’s interest to see Afghanistan in a civil war".

Hoping Pakistan will play a positive role in de-escalating Afghan violence, a US State Department official said, "It is not in Pakistan’s interest to see Afghanistan in a civil war". US State Department spokesperson Zed Tarar made the statement while touching upon a range of issues being tackled by the US government during a media briefing. Tarar said, “Tackling the COVID-19 pandemic is a major priority [for the Biden administration]. Our administration is working tirelessly to defeat Covid globally. The US sent three million doses of Moderna to Pakistan this week, which was the second shipment after 2.5 million vaccine doses were sent earlier.” Pakistan has also been given $60 million in assistance to combat COVID-19, spokesperson said, while adding that “it’s a small part in the hope that we can work with our allies to overcome the pandemic”. On being asked about the reason why US President Joe Biden has not called Prime Minister Imran Khan, Tarar said: “There is no such thing [snub or oversight]. I would not read such a message into it. If you see our overall relationship, we have several engagements and are constantly in communication. Senior Pakistani officials are talking to their US counterparts and we are announcing that in a transparent manner. “If we start going down the road of ticking boxes of invites and phone calls, it would be silly especially without looking at the broader picture.” When asked about the US role in Afghanistan, Tarar said, “We want the future of Afghanistan to be in the hands of the people of Afghanistan. We are not abandoning Afghanistan, we will work towards a better future but it is not a military solution. Our diplomatic assistance to Afghanistan will continue.” (With inputs from agencies)

Biden administration hopes Pakistan will help reduce Afghan violence: Official 

An Afghan man, first Afghan witness of the alleged crime committed by a highly decorated Australian soldier told a court that he killed his uncle while he was handcuffed. He deposed before&nbsp;the court via a secure video link from Kabul.

Ben Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient and highly decorated Australian soldier, faces allegation that he kicked the witness's uncle down a steep embankment. The impact was so significant that his uncle's teeth broke.

Mohammed Hanifa Fatih, the witness, told the court that "a big soldier" kicked and killed his uncle Ali Jan. He was quoted by The Guardian.

Australian soldiers came to the village hunting for&nbsp;Hekmatullah, a rogue Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier who had killed three Australian soldiers a fortnight ago.

As per Fatih, his uncle was kicked in the chest which caused him to fall down the steep embankment. He was then dragged to an orchard. Fatih says that he then heard gunshots, which were allegedly fired by Roberts-Smith or by another soldier but under his orders.

Roberts-Smith denies all allegations. He is suing Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the Canberra Times for defamation. The newspapers have stood by their reporting.

An Afghan man, first Afghan witness of the alleged crime committed by a highly decorated Australian soldier told a court that he killed his uncle while he was handcuffed.

An Afghan man, first Afghan witness of the alleged crime committed by a highly decorated Australian soldier told a court that he killed his uncle while he was handcuffed. He deposed before the court via a secure video link from Kabul. Ben Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient and highly decorated Australian soldier, faces allegation that he kicked the witness's uncle down a steep embankment. The impact was so significant that his uncle's teeth broke. Mohammed Hanifa Fatih, the witness, told the court that "a big soldier" kicked and killed his uncle Ali Jan. He was quoted by The Guardian. Australian soldiers came to the village hunting for Hekmatullah, a rogue Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier who had killed three Australian soldiers a fortnight ago. As per Fatih, his uncle was kicked in the chest which caused him to fall down the steep embankment. He was then dragged to an orchard. Fatih says that he then heard gunshots, which were allegedly fired by Roberts-Smith or by another soldier but under his orders. Roberts-Smith denies all allegations. He is suing Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the Canberra Times for defamation. The newspapers have stood by their reporting.

Kicked down a cliff: Afghan man says decorated Australian soldier killed his handcuffed uncle

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the Afghan security forces' first job was to make sure they could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory, as Afghan forces plan to consolidate forces around strategically important parts of the country. 
 
Reuters reported that Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure. 
 
"They are consolidating their forces around the key population centers," Austin told reporters during a visit to Alaska. 
 
"In terms of whether or not it will stop the Taliban, I think the first thing to do is to make sure that they can slow the momentum," Austin said, speaking as the US&nbsp;military is set to end its mission in Afghanistan on August&nbsp;31, on orders from President Joe Biden. 
 
Austin added that he believed the Afghans had the capability and the capacity to make progress, but "we'll see what happens." 
 
The politically perilous strategy appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. 
 
Taliban insurgents are gaining control of more and more territory, which the Pentagon estimated on Wednesday now extends to over half of half Afghanistan's district centers. The Taliban are also putting pressure on the outskirts of half of the provincial capitals, trying to isolate them. 
 
The Taliban's swift territorial gains are rattling Afghans just as the United States withdraws from a war that succeeded in punishing al Qaeda following its September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington but failed to deliver anything close to peace for Afghanistan. 
 
The United States has continued to carry out air strikes to support Afghan government forces that have been under pressure from the Taliban as US-led foreign forces carry out the final stages of their withdrawal from the country. 
 
Biden has promised to provide financial assistance to Afghan forces and to redouble diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace talks. 
 
Biden on Friday authorized up to $100 million from an emergency fund to meet "unexpected urgent" refugee needs stemming from the situation in Afghanistan, including for Afghan special immigration visa applicants. 
 
For years, the US&nbsp;military has been trying to get Afghan troops off of far-flung checkpoints - static positions that can easily be overrun by Taliban forces.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the Afghan security forces' first job was to make sure they could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory, as Afghan forces plan to consolidate forces around strategically important parts of the country.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the Afghan security forces' first job was to make sure they could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory, as Afghan forces plan to consolidate forces around strategically important parts of the country. Reuters reported that Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure. "They are consolidating their forces around the key population centers," Austin told reporters during a visit to Alaska. "In terms of whether or not it will stop the Taliban, I think the first thing to do is to make sure that they can slow the momentum," Austin said, speaking as the US military is set to end its mission in Afghanistan on August 31, on orders from President Joe Biden. Austin added that he believed the Afghans had the capability and the capacity to make progress, but "we'll see what happens." The politically perilous strategy appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. Taliban insurgents are gaining control of more and more territory, which the Pentagon estimated on Wednesday now extends to over half of half Afghanistan's district centers. The Taliban are also putting pressure on the outskirts of half of the provincial capitals, trying to isolate them. The Taliban's swift territorial gains are rattling Afghans just as the United States withdraws from a war that succeeded in punishing al Qaeda following its September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington but failed to deliver anything close to peace for Afghanistan. The United States has continued to carry out air strikes to support Afghan government forces that have been under pressure from the Taliban as US-led foreign forces carry out the final stages of their withdrawal from the country. Biden has promised to provide financial assistance to Afghan forces and to redouble diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace talks. Biden on Friday authorized up to $100 million from an emergency fund to meet "unexpected urgent" refugee needs stemming from the situation in Afghanistan, including for Afghan special immigration visa applicants. For years, the US military has been trying to get Afghan troops off of far-flung checkpoints - static positions that can easily be overrun by Taliban forces.

First task for Afghan forces is to slow Taliban's momentum: Lloyd Austin

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