Taliban attacks on security outposts in Gazni city were repelled by Afghan security forces on Sunday,&nbsp;&nbsp;TOLOnews reported, citing a police official.

The Taliban attacked security outposts in PD3, PD6, PD1 and PD5 in the early hours of Sunday morning, the provincial police statement said, adding "the Taliban faced a response from the joint security forces, and their attacks were pushed back."

Provincial police chief Fazel Ahmad assured people that security sources will defend the city.

"The Taliban escaped from the areas after the arrival of the reinforcements. Several Taliban were killed and wounded in the clashes," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/air-defences-installed-at-afghanistans-kabul-airport-as-taliban-gain-ground-397377">Air defences installed at Afghanistan's Kabul airport as Taliban gain ground</a>

There was no mention in the statement about possible casualties among the security forces, said TOLOnews.

General Shir Mohammad Andewal, a military commander in Ghazni, pledged that the security forces will "bravely" defend the city. The Taliban has not yet commented on the attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban attacks on security outposts in Gazni city were repelled by Afghan security forces on Sunday, TOLOnews reported, citing a police official. The Taliban attacked security outposts in PD3, PD6, PD1 and PD5 in the early hours of Sunday morning, the provincial police statement said, adding "the Taliban faced a response from the joint security forces, and their attacks were pushed back.

Taliban attacks on security outposts in Gazni city were repelled by Afghan security forces on Sunday, TOLOnews reported, citing a police official. The Taliban attacked security outposts in PD3, PD6, PD1 and PD5 in the early hours of Sunday morning, the provincial police statement said, adding "the Taliban faced a response from the joint security forces, and their attacks were pushed back." Provincial police chief Fazel Ahmad assured people that security sources will defend the city. "The Taliban escaped from the areas after the arrival of the reinforcements. Several Taliban were killed and wounded in the clashes," he said. Also Read | Air defences installed at Afghanistan's Kabul airport as Taliban gain ground There was no mention in the statement about possible casualties among the security forces, said TOLOnews. General Shir Mohammad Andewal, a military commander in Ghazni, pledged that the security forces will "bravely" defend the city. The Taliban has not yet commented on the attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Taliban attack on Ghazni repelled, say police

The Taliban has said it sees China as a 'friend' of Afghanistan. According to a media report, the Taliban also assured Beijing that it would guarantee security for Chinese investments in the country.

Taliban calls China a 'friend' of Afghanistan

Sources claim that 50 Indian diplomats and officials in Kandahar have been relocated amid deteriorating security situation.

Turmoil in Afghanistan: India pulls out diplomats, other officials

Afghanistan's Kabul airport has been fitted with an air defence system to counter incoming rockets, officials said Sunday, as the Taliban pressed on with a blistering offensive across the country.

Washington and its allies are due to end their military mission in Afghanistan at the end of next month, even as the insurgents say they now control 85 percent of the country -- a claim impossible to independently verify and disputed by the government.

The Islamic fundamentalist group's rapid gains in recent weeks have raised fears about the security of the capital and its airport, with NATO keen to secure a vital exit route to the outside world for foreign diplomats and aid workers.

"The newly installed air defence system has been operational in Kabul since 2:00 am Sunday," the interior ministry said in a statement. "The system has proven useful in the world in repelling rocket and missile attacks."

Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told AFP it had been installed at the airport, though officials did not offer details about the type of system or who had installed it.

The Taliban have regularly launched rockets and mortars at government forces across the countryside, with the jihadist Islamic State group (IS) carrying out similar strikes on the capital in 2020.

IS also claimed responsibility for a rocket attack this year at Bagram Airbase, the biggest US military facility in the country, which was recently handed over to Afghan forces.

Over the years the US military installed several C-RAMs (Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar Systems) across its bases, including at Bagram, to destroy incoming rockets targeting the facilities, a foreign security official and media reports said.

The C-RAMS includes cameras to detect incoming rockets and alert local forces.

From bad to worse&nbsp;

Turkey has promised to provide security for Kabul airport once US and NATO troops leave next month.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey and the United States had agreed on the "scope" of how the airport would be managed under the control of Turkish forces.

Taliban militants have waged a rapid offensive across the country, but mostly in the northern and western provinces, since early May, when the final US troops began leaving Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India on Sunday became the latest country to evacuate diplomats as the security situation deteriorates, with its foreign ministry saying it was pulling staff from its consulate in southern Kandahar, where the Taliban are fighting with Afghan forces on the edge of the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/17-years-after-founding-virgin-galactic-branson-bound-for-space-397306">Also read |&nbsp;17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space</a>

A security source added that around 50 Indian personnel, including around six diplomats, were brought home.

Last week Russia announced it had closed its consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif, while China also evacuated 210 nationals from the country.

The fighting has led some veteran warlords to deploy militiamen to counter any attacks.

In the western province of Herat, where the Taliban this week captured a key border crossing with Iran, veteran warlord Ismail Khan mobilized his fighters in the provincial capital.

Pakistan's envoy to Kabul called on the international community to help strengthen Afghanistan's security forces, warning that deploying militia to fight the Taliban could worsen the situation in the violence-wracked country.

"If things translate into some kind of warfare between militias and Taliban, it will be dangerous," Mansoor Ahmad Khan said in an interview with AFP on Saturday.

"Therefore, it is important that Afghan government's capacity to defend these attacks and these security challenges is strengthened."

The Afghan government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's gains as having little strategic value, but the seizure of multiple border crossings and the taxes they generate will likely fill the group's coffers with new revenue.&nbsp;

The insurgents have routed much of northern Afghanistan in recent weeks, and the government holds little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must largely be reinforced and resupplied by air.

Afghanistan's Kabul airport has been fitted with an air defence system to counter incoming rockets, officials said Sunday, as the Taliban pressed on with a blistering offensive across the country.

Afghanistan's Kabul airport has been fitted with an air defence system to counter incoming rockets, officials said Sunday, as the Taliban pressed on with a blistering offensive across the country. Washington and its allies are due to end their military mission in Afghanistan at the end of next month, even as the insurgents say they now control 85 percent of the country -- a claim impossible to independently verify and disputed by the government. The Islamic fundamentalist group's rapid gains in recent weeks have raised fears about the security of the capital and its airport, with NATO keen to secure a vital exit route to the outside world for foreign diplomats and aid workers. "The newly installed air defence system has been operational in Kabul since 2:00 am Sunday," the interior ministry said in a statement. "The system has proven useful in the world in repelling rocket and missile attacks." Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told AFP it had been installed at the airport, though officials did not offer details about the type of system or who had installed it. The Taliban have regularly launched rockets and mortars at government forces across the countryside, with the jihadist Islamic State group (IS) carrying out similar strikes on the capital in 2020. IS also claimed responsibility for a rocket attack this year at Bagram Airbase, the biggest US military facility in the country, which was recently handed over to Afghan forces. Over the years the US military installed several C-RAMs (Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar Systems) across its bases, including at Bagram, to destroy incoming rockets targeting the facilities, a foreign security official and media reports said. The C-RAMS includes cameras to detect incoming rockets and alert local forces. From bad to worse Turkey has promised to provide security for Kabul airport once US and NATO troops leave next month. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey and the United States had agreed on the "scope" of how the airport would be managed under the control of Turkish forces. Taliban militants have waged a rapid offensive across the country, but mostly in the northern and western provinces, since early May, when the final US troops began leaving Afghanistan. India on Sunday became the latest country to evacuate diplomats as the security situation deteriorates, with its foreign ministry saying it was pulling staff from its consulate in southern Kandahar, where the Taliban are fighting with Afghan forces on the edge of the city. Also read | 17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space A security source added that around 50 Indian personnel, including around six diplomats, were brought home. Last week Russia announced it had closed its consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif, while China also evacuated 210 nationals from the country. The fighting has led some veteran warlords to deploy militiamen to counter any attacks. In the western province of Herat, where the Taliban this week captured a key border crossing with Iran, veteran warlord Ismail Khan mobilized his fighters in the provincial capital. Pakistan's envoy to Kabul called on the international community to help strengthen Afghanistan's security forces, warning that deploying militia to fight the Taliban could worsen the situation in the violence-wracked country. "If things translate into some kind of warfare between militias and Taliban, it will be dangerous," Mansoor Ahmad Khan said in an interview with AFP on Saturday. "Therefore, it is important that Afghan government's capacity to defend these attacks and these security challenges is strengthened." The Afghan government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's gains as having little strategic value, but the seizure of multiple border crossings and the taxes they generate will likely fill the group's coffers with new revenue. The insurgents have routed much of northern Afghanistan in recent weeks, and the government holds little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must largely be reinforced and resupplied by air.

Air defences installed at Afghanistan's Kabul airport as Taliban gain ground

Australia's defence minister on Sunday confirmed the end of his country's involvement in the 20-year&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;war, saying the troop withdrawal had taken place "in recent weeks".

Australia&nbsp;announced in April that it would remove its remaining&nbsp;troops&nbsp;by September in line with the US decision to end its military operations in the war-torn country.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton told Sky News that the country's&nbsp;last&nbsp;80 support personnel had left&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;"in recent weeks".

"That doesn't mean we won't be a part of campaigns with the United States... where we deem that to be in our national interest or in the interest of our allies," he added.

"For now, though, that campaign has come to an end."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/17-years-after-founding-virgin-galactic-branson-bound-for-space-397306">Also read |&nbsp;17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space</a>

Australia&nbsp;had deployed 39,000&nbsp;troops&nbsp;over the past 20 years as part of the US and NATO-led operations against the Taliban and terrorist groups in&nbsp;Afghanistan, a mission that cost the country billions of dollars and left 41 Australian soldiers dead.

And while the country has not had a significant troop presence in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;since withdrawing combat personnel in late 2013, the war has taken a toll and fuelled controversy at home.

Veterans groups have pressured the government into launching a formal inquiry into the high number of suicides among Afghan veterans and other ex-servicemen and women.&nbsp;

The military and police are also actively investigating allegations that elite Special Air Services soldiers committed numerous war crimes in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

Australia's defence minister on Sunday confirmed the end of his country's involvement in the 20-year Afghanistan war, saying the troop withdrawal had taken place "in recent weeks".

Australia's defence minister on Sunday confirmed the end of his country's involvement in the 20-year Afghanistan war, saying the troop withdrawal had taken place "in recent weeks". Australia announced in April that it would remove its remaining troops by September in line with the US decision to end its military operations in the war-torn country. Defence Minister Peter Dutton told Sky News that the country's last 80 support personnel had left Afghanistan "in recent weeks". "That doesn't mean we won't be a part of campaigns with the United States... where we deem that to be in our national interest or in the interest of our allies," he added. "For now, though, that campaign has come to an end." Also read | 17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space Australia had deployed 39,000 troops over the past 20 years as part of the US and NATO-led operations against the Taliban and terrorist groups in Afghanistan, a mission that cost the country billions of dollars and left 41 Australian soldiers dead. And while the country has not had a significant troop presence in Afghanistan since withdrawing combat personnel in late 2013, the war has taken a toll and fuelled controversy at home. Veterans groups have pressured the government into launching a formal inquiry into the high number of suicides among Afghan veterans and other ex-servicemen and women. The military and police are also actively investigating allegations that elite Special Air Services soldiers committed numerous war crimes in Afghanistan.

Australia says last troops withdrawn from Afghanistan

Many Afghanistan citizens have been disappointed by the new stringent restrictions imposed on the local population in several of the districts that the Taliban have lately conquered, despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the US army withdrawal.&nbsp;

Residents of Balkh were taken aback when they received leaflets from the Taliban ordering them to follow severe regulations identical to those enforced on Afghans when the Taliban ruled the nation from 1996 to 2001.&nbsp;

Gul Rahim Niazman and Roshan Noorzai, writing in Voice of America (VOA) said that new severe restrictions were imposed on the local population in some of the districts that they have been recently captured by the Taliban. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-did-the-us-achieve-in-afghanistan-nothing-397095/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A district in northern Balkh province that is located 20 kilometres north of the provincial capital, Mazar-e Sharif, confirmed to VOA that the Taliban have distributed leaflets to follow a strict interpretation of Sharia law. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-controls-two-thirds-of-afghan-tajik-border-russia-397007">Also read | Taliban controls two-thirds of Afghan-Tajik border: Russia</a> 
 
"They want to impose the restrictions that were imposed on women under their rule," said Nahida, a 34-year-old resident of Balkh district, adding that the restrictions targeting women include "not leaving our houses without a male companion and wearing hijab."

According to VOA, the Taliban forced Afghans to adopt a rigid application of Sharia law before being ousted by the US in 2001, forcing women to cover themselves from head to foot and barring them from leaving their homes without a male companion.&nbsp;

Nahida, who requested to be identified by her pseudonym due to safety concerns, said the group's new restrictions will be difficult for women to follow "since many of them are the breadwinners of their families and they have to work outside."

According to the Afghan government, about 30 per cent of the civil servants are now women who were not allowed to work outside their homes during the Taliban's rule, reported VOA.

Last year, following its peace agreement with the United States, the Taliban leadership initially appeared to recognize this new reality and hinted at an openness to changing policies. In interviews with news agencies and in published essays, the group's leaders hinted at an openness to changing policies.

But in this year's spring offensive, the Taliban's actions have indicated otherwise, writes Niazman and Noorzai.

Since May, when the United States and NATO began withdrawing their remaining troops, the Taliban captured about 100 of Afghanistan's more than 400 districts from government-allied forces. Afghan officials have since vowed to retake the lost districts.

Another resident of Balkh, who requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation by the militants, said "salons were ordered not to shave or trim beards" when the Taliban controlled the district last month.

In several districts of Takhar, Badakhshan, and Kunduz province that came under the Taliban control recently, local reports claim the Taliban issued similar restrictions on women and forced men to grow beards, reported VOA.

Heather Barr, a Human Rights Watch (HRW) senior researcher for women's rights in Asia, said that reports about the Taliban recent crackdown on women and media were "not very surprising" since her organization's investigation has found that "the Taliban's policies are not that different from what they were in 2001."

It is "very concerning indeed for human rights," Barr told VOA, adding that "some of these abusive attitudes are actually intensifying as they are feeling triumphant in gaining control of more and more territory."

This skepticism was also shared by Sher Jan Ahmadzai, the director of Center for Afghanistan Studies at the University of Nebraska.

"There is no evidence to substantiate their claims that they have changed their tactics of dealing with the local populace in the areas of their control," said Ahmadzai.

He added that local reports from the areas under the Taliban show the militants have forced residents to feed them and forced the women not to venture out of their houses without their partners or relatives from their families.

Meanwhile, Nawbahar, the only FM radio station in Balkh district, was forced to broadcast Taliban's Tarani (chants) and anti-government messages instead of music when the militants entered the district last month, according to local journalists, wrote Niazman and Noorzai.

"It is against the freedom of expression," lamented Abdul Aziz Danishjo, a journalist in Mazar-e Sharif, who said the Taliban had forced Nawbahar editor and other staff to go to the radio station and start broadcasting "what the Taliban want."

Nai, a local media watchdog, has reported that nearly 20 radio stations have ceased broadcasting in Afghanistan's northern provinces due to the Taliban's restrictions and ongoing fighting.

Some local journalists view the Taliban crackdown as a major blow to journalism in Afghanistan, a country ranked by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) at 122nd out of 180 nations for violations against journalists.

The RSF charged that violence against journalists and media outlets has increased "significantly" despite peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government, reported VOA.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Many Afghanistan citizens have been disappointed by the new stringent restrictions imposed on the local population in several of the districts that the Taliban have lately conquered, despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the US army withdrawal.

Many Afghanistan citizens have been disappointed by the new stringent restrictions imposed on the local population in several of the districts that the Taliban have lately conquered, despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the US army withdrawal. Residents of Balkh were taken aback when they received leaflets from the Taliban ordering them to follow severe regulations identical to those enforced on Afghans when the Taliban ruled the nation from 1996 to 2001. Gul Rahim Niazman and Roshan Noorzai, writing in Voice of America (VOA) said that new severe restrictions were imposed on the local population in some of the districts that they have been recently captured by the Taliban. Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing A district in northern Balkh province that is located 20 kilometres north of the provincial capital, Mazar-e Sharif, confirmed to VOA that the Taliban have distributed leaflets to follow a strict interpretation of Sharia law. Also read | Taliban controls two-thirds of Afghan-Tajik border: Russia "They want to impose the restrictions that were imposed on women under their rule," said Nahida, a 34-year-old resident of Balkh district, adding that the restrictions targeting women include "not leaving our houses without a male companion and wearing hijab." According to VOA, the Taliban forced Afghans to adopt a rigid application of Sharia law before being ousted by the US in 2001, forcing women to cover themselves from head to foot and barring them from leaving their homes without a male companion. Nahida, who requested to be identified by her pseudonym due to safety concerns, said the group's new restrictions will be difficult for women to follow "since many of them are the breadwinners of their families and they have to work outside." According to the Afghan government, about 30 per cent of the civil servants are now women who were not allowed to work outside their homes during the Taliban's rule, reported VOA. Last year, following its peace agreement with the United States, the Taliban leadership initially appeared to recognize this new reality and hinted at an openness to changing policies. In interviews with news agencies and in published essays, the group's leaders hinted at an openness to changing policies. But in this year's spring offensive, the Taliban's actions have indicated otherwise, writes Niazman and Noorzai. Since May, when the United States and NATO began withdrawing their remaining troops, the Taliban captured about 100 of Afghanistan's more than 400 districts from government-allied forces. Afghan officials have since vowed to retake the lost districts. Another resident of Balkh, who requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation by the militants, said "salons were ordered not to shave or trim beards" when the Taliban controlled the district last month. In several districts of Takhar, Badakhshan, and Kunduz province that came under the Taliban control recently, local reports claim the Taliban issued similar restrictions on women and forced men to grow beards, reported VOA. Heather Barr, a Human Rights Watch (HRW) senior researcher for women's rights in Asia, said that reports about the Taliban recent crackdown on women and media were "not very surprising" since her organization's investigation has found that "the Taliban's policies are not that different from what they were in 2001." It is "very concerning indeed for human rights," Barr told VOA, adding that "some of these abusive attitudes are actually intensifying as they are feeling triumphant in gaining control of more and more territory." This skepticism was also shared by Sher Jan Ahmadzai, the director of Center for Afghanistan Studies at the University of Nebraska. "There is no evidence to substantiate their claims that they have changed their tactics of dealing with the local populace in the areas of their control," said Ahmadzai. He added that local reports from the areas under the Taliban show the militants have forced residents to feed them and forced the women not to venture out of their houses without their partners or relatives from their families. Meanwhile, Nawbahar, the only FM radio station in Balkh district, was forced to broadcast Taliban's Tarani (chants) and anti-government messages instead of music when the militants entered the district last month, according to local journalists, wrote Niazman and Noorzai. "It is against the freedom of expression," lamented Abdul Aziz Danishjo, a journalist in Mazar-e Sharif, who said the Taliban had forced Nawbahar editor and other staff to go to the radio station and start broadcasting "what the Taliban want." Nai, a local media watchdog, has reported that nearly 20 radio stations have ceased broadcasting in Afghanistan's northern provinces due to the Taliban's restrictions and ongoing fighting. Some local journalists view the Taliban crackdown as a major blow to journalism in Afghanistan, a country ranked by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) at 122nd out of 180 nations for violations against journalists. The RSF charged that violence against journalists and media outlets has increased "significantly" despite peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government, reported VOA. (With inputs from ANI)

Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Friday that its forces have captured a key border crossing with Turkmenistan. "The important Torghundi border port has been fully captured," Zabihullah said even as the Afghan government added that its forces are trying to recapture the area.

The American Exit: Taliban Claims five key border posts

Taliban fighters are advancing across Afghanistan, an offensive that has accelerated as US and NATO troops withdraw from the country after a 20-year-long war.

In the past week, the Taliban have overrun areas bordering five countries: Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Pakistan.

Never has the militant movement appeared so strong since being toppled by US forces two decades ago.

It has executed a string of offensives across Afghanistan, capturing fully or partially about 100 out of more than 400 districts at a dizzying rate since early May.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-troops-in-afghanistan-the-20-year-war-377951/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

How bad is the situation, really?

Afghanistan can possibly be on a path to civil war, according to the head of Britain's armed forces.

Nick Carter, Britain's Chief of the Defence Staff, said it was "plausible" that the country's state would collapse without international forces there. He was speaking after it was announced that most British soldiers have left Afghanistan.

Afghanistan could see a situation like 1990s civil war "where you would see a culture of warlordism and you might see some of the important institutions like security forces fracturing along ethnic, or for that matter, tribal lines," Carter said.

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62f64000-a417-41ad-8b1f-7d46987c5c22" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_29.jpg" />

AFP MAP: Showing parts of Afghanistan currently under government control and territories under the influence of the Taliban

How did Afghanistan get here?

Started as a US-led offensive in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the war has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Afghans. Around 2,400 US soldiers also died.&nbsp;

Trillions of dollars were squandered in what has largely been deemed a failed nation-building project.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-the-return-of-taliban-in-afghanistan-and-the-us-retreat-396932">In Pics | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat</a>

What began as a mission to dismantle Al-Qaeda's training camps in Afghanistan evolved over the years into a full-scale war against their Taliban hosts, triggering an insurgency that the US military's enormous firepower was unable to quell.

The killing of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011 by US special forces renewed debate about the purpose of continuing the fight and eventually led to a failed effort to spur talks with the Taliban.

President Donald Trump's election spelled the beginning of the end for the American involvement in Afghanistan.

It culminated in a landmark withdrawal deal hammered out between Washington and the Taliban's leadership in February 2020 in Qatar.

The beginning of the end of US presence in the country came in April with Trump's successor Joe Biden announcing that remaining US troops would be pulled from the country ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, prompting America's NATO allies to follow suit.

Is Afghanistan going back to square one?

The US departure leaves Afghanistan facing an uncertain future, with an increasingly confident Taliban appearing to set the stage for a military takeover, and another round of internecine civil war.

The international community blames the Taliban for stalling landmark peace talks with the Afghan government in Doha as they focused on positioning their troops for a military takeover instead of a political statement.

<img alt="Taliban" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e065e11-4477-49a9-a780-cbe3bbf86c44" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_26.jpg" />

In picture: Members of Taliban political office Abdul Latif Mansoor (L), Shahabuddin Delawar (C) and Suhail Shaheen attend a news conference in Moscow, Russia/Reuters

&nbsp;Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, known for his academic disposition and infamous temper, is said to be increasingly isolated at a moment when he is in desperate need of allies.

&nbsp;He has remained defiant despite mounting pressure on his government in the face of territorial losses.

A bleak future

&nbsp;Afghanistan's warlords may be waiting to make a comeback as the country's security forces increasingly look to militia groups to bolster their depleted ranks.

As the Taliban battered their way through the north in June, a call for national mobilisation was sounded, with thousands taking up arms in scenes reminiscent of the 1990s civil war.

New strongmen among Afghanistan's ethnic minorities have also begun arming and training recruits, which may further inflame the country's deep ethnic and sectarian divisions.

Pakistan has backed the Taliban for decades and may finally be able to cash its chips in a future government the insurgents either participate in or lead. 
Islamabad's major goal will focus on preventing arch-rival India from establishing any influence and posing a threat to its western border. Iran is also hedging its bets. 
After nearly going to war with the Taliban in the 1990s, Tehran has engineered considerable clout over at least one major faction within the group.

It also retains links with warlords who fought the Taliban during the country's civil war.

The coming days will see these various permutations and combinations play out on the ground.

Biden and Trump claim to have stopped a never-ending war. That may be true for the US troops.

But for Afghanistan, a new war may just be starting.&nbsp;

This time, between brothers.

Taliban fighters are advancing across Afghanistan, an offensive that has accelerated as US and NATO troops withdraw from the country after a 20-year-long war. In the past week, the Taliban have overrun areas bordering five countries: Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Pakistan.

Taliban fighters are advancing across Afghanistan, an offensive that has accelerated as US and NATO troops withdraw from the country after a 20-year-long war. In the past week, the Taliban have overrun areas bordering five countries: Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Pakistan. Never has the militant movement appeared so strong since being toppled by US forces two decades ago. It has executed a string of offensives across Afghanistan, capturing fully or partially about 100 out of more than 400 districts at a dizzying rate since early May. How bad is the situation, really? Afghanistan can possibly be on a path to civil war, according to the head of Britain's armed forces. Nick Carter, Britain's Chief of the Defence Staff, said it was "plausible" that the country's state would collapse without international forces there. He was speaking after it was announced that most British soldiers have left Afghanistan. Afghanistan could see a situation like 1990s civil war "where you would see a culture of warlordism and you might see some of the important institutions like security forces fracturing along ethnic, or for that matter, tribal lines," Carter said. AFP MAP: Showing parts of Afghanistan currently under government control and territories under the influence of the Taliban How did Afghanistan get here? Started as a US-led offensive in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the war has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Afghans. Around 2,400 US soldiers also died. Trillions of dollars were squandered in what has largely been deemed a failed nation-building project. Also see| In Pics | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat What began as a mission to dismantle Al-Qaeda's training camps in Afghanistan evolved over the years into a full-scale war against their Taliban hosts, triggering an insurgency that the US military's enormous firepower was unable to quell. The killing of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011 by US special forces renewed debate about the purpose of continuing the fight and eventually led to a failed effort to spur talks with the Taliban. President Donald Trump's election spelled the beginning of the end for the American involvement in Afghanistan. It culminated in a landmark withdrawal deal hammered out between Washington and the Taliban's leadership in February 2020 in Qatar. The beginning of the end of US presence in the country came in April with Trump's successor Joe Biden announcing that remaining US troops would be pulled from the country ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, prompting America's NATO allies to follow suit. Is Afghanistan going back to square one? The US departure leaves Afghanistan facing an uncertain future, with an increasingly confident Taliban appearing to set the stage for a military takeover, and another round of internecine civil war. The international community blames the Taliban for stalling landmark peace talks with the Afghan government in Doha as they focused on positioning their troops for a military takeover instead of a political statement. In picture: Members of Taliban political office Abdul Latif Mansoor (L), Shahabuddin Delawar (C) and Suhail Shaheen attend a news conference in Moscow, Russia/Reuters Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, known for his academic disposition and infamous temper, is said to be increasingly isolated at a moment when he is in desperate need of allies. He has remained defiant despite mounting pressure on his government in the face of territorial losses. A bleak future Afghanistan's warlords may be waiting to make a comeback as the country's security forces increasingly look to militia groups to bolster their depleted ranks. As the Taliban battered their way through the north in June, a call for national mobilisation was sounded, with thousands taking up arms in scenes reminiscent of the 1990s civil war. New strongmen among Afghanistan's ethnic minorities have also begun arming and training recruits, which may further inflame the country's deep ethnic and sectarian divisions. Pakistan has backed the Taliban for decades and may finally be able to cash its chips in a future government the insurgents either participate in or lead. Islamabad's major goal will focus on preventing arch-rival India from establishing any influence and posing a threat to its western border. Iran is also hedging its bets. After nearly going to war with the Taliban in the 1990s, Tehran has engineered considerable clout over at least one major faction within the group. It also retains links with warlords who fought the Taliban during the country's civil war. The coming days will see these various permutations and combinations play out on the ground. Biden and Trump claim to have stopped a never-ending war. That may be true for the US troops. But for Afghanistan, a new war may just be starting. This time, between brothers.

Staring at civil war: How bad is the situation in Afghanistan?

Peace negotiator Nader Nadery tells WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay that Pakistan is yet to make "any positive contribution" in Afghanistan's peace process.

Peace negotiator Nader Nadery speaks to WION

The US has said that regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is important for enduring peace, stressing that Afghanistan's neighbours and countries in the region have a real stake in the war-torn nation's future.

The comments came on Friday, hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a telephonic conversation with his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, amidst a rapid withdrawal of American and NATO troops from Afghanistan.

During the call, Blinken underscored the importance of continued bilateral cooperation between the US and Pakistan. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Taliban claims it controls 85% of Afghanistan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-claims-it-controls-85-of-afghanistan-397094/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The conversation took place in the backdrop of reports that the Taliban had made huge territorial gains in Afghanistan. Taliban militants are now thought to control about a third of the war-torn country.

"Afghanistan’s neighbours and countries in the region have a real stake in Afghanistan’s future and influence with the parties," a State Department spokesperson said.

"Regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process are important for an enduring peace," the spokesperson said in response to a question.

In reply to another question, the spokesperson said that security assistance to Pakistan was suspended in 2018.

"We continue to work with the Pakistan military on numerous issues and value our strong bilateral partnership," the spokesperson said.

"We do not comment or speculate on policies that may or may not be under deliberation," the official said when asked if President Joe Biden is reviewing the suspension of security assistance to Pakistan.

In May, Biden continued his predecessor Donald Trump's policy of suspending security assistance to Pakistan without any clarity if the administration will change its stance in the future.

Trump suspended all security assistance to Pakistan in January 2018, arguing that he was not satisfied with Islamabad's cooperation and role in the fight against terrorism.

Earlier, during her daily news conference, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the American intelligence community has never said it was inevitable for the Taliban to take over Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US forces from there.

"We have trained over 300,000. We've provided $3.9 billion in humanitarian assistance. These are brave fighters who have taken on casualties and fought off over the last several years. We want to equip and empower them, and it is now in their hands. But it is not inevitable, nor has any intelligence assessment predicted it was inevitable, "she said.

Biden on Thursday announced that America’s nearly 20-year military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on August 31.

The US military exit from Afghanistan before September 11 stems from the February 2020 agreement Washington signed with the Taliban in return for counterterrorism guarantees and pledges the group would negotiate a political settlement to the war with the Afghan government.

In April, President Biden announced that the US would withdraw all remaining troops from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, to end a deadly conflict that has cost trillions of dollars and the lives of more than 2,300 American troops.

The US has said that regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is important for enduring peace, stressing that Afghanistan's neighbours and countries in the region have a real stake in the war-torn nation's future.

The US has said that regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is important for enduring peace, stressing that Afghanistan's neighbours and countries in the region have a real stake in the war-torn nation's future. The comments came on Friday, hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a telephonic conversation with his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, amidst a rapid withdrawal of American and NATO troops from Afghanistan. During the call, Blinken underscored the importance of continued bilateral cooperation between the US and Pakistan. Watch | Gravitas: Taliban claims it controls 85% of Afghanistan The conversation took place in the backdrop of reports that the Taliban had made huge territorial gains in Afghanistan. Taliban militants are now thought to control about a third of the war-torn country. "Afghanistan’s neighbours and countries in the region have a real stake in Afghanistan’s future and influence with the parties," a State Department spokesperson said. "Regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process are important for an enduring peace," the spokesperson said in response to a question. In reply to another question, the spokesperson said that security assistance to Pakistan was suspended in 2018. "We continue to work with the Pakistan military on numerous issues and value our strong bilateral partnership," the spokesperson said. "We do not comment or speculate on policies that may or may not be under deliberation," the official said when asked if President Joe Biden is reviewing the suspension of security assistance to Pakistan. In May, Biden continued his predecessor Donald Trump's policy of suspending security assistance to Pakistan without any clarity if the administration will change its stance in the future. Trump suspended all security assistance to Pakistan in January 2018, arguing that he was not satisfied with Islamabad's cooperation and role in the fight against terrorism. Earlier, during her daily news conference, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the American intelligence community has never said it was inevitable for the Taliban to take over Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US forces from there. "We have trained over 300,000. We've provided $3.9 billion in humanitarian assistance. These are brave fighters who have taken on casualties and fought off over the last several years. We want to equip and empower them, and it is now in their hands. But it is not inevitable, nor has any intelligence assessment predicted it was inevitable, "she said. Biden on Thursday announced that America’s nearly 20-year military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on August 31. The US military exit from Afghanistan before September 11 stems from the February 2020 agreement Washington signed with the Taliban in return for counterterrorism guarantees and pledges the group would negotiate a political settlement to the war with the Afghan government. In April, President Biden announced that the US would withdraw all remaining troops from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, to end a deadly conflict that has cost trillions of dollars and the lives of more than 2,300 American troops.

Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region have real stake in its future: US State Department

Afghan authorities on Saturday prepared to try and retake key border crossing seized by the Taliban. The Taliban has been on the offensive across Afghanistan and have large swathes of territory under their control. A Taliban official said on Friday that the terrorist group is in control of 85 per cent of the country. However, this claim is contested by Afghan government and cannot be independently verified.

Amid withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban said that it had seized two crossings in western Afghanistan. This completes an arc of territory from Iranian border to the frontier with China.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-consider-visas-for-vulnerable-afghan-women-after-military-exit-396851/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, China has urged its citizens to leave Afghanistan "as soon as possible". China has criticised US for its hasty withdrawal.

The "complex and severe domestic security situation" prompted the evacuation warning, the foreign ministry said.

Taliban gains

On Friday Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP their fighters had captured the town of Islam Qala on the Iranian frontier and the Torghundi crossing with Turkmenistan.

A Herat governor spokesman said on Saturday that the authorities were deploying fresh troops to retake the Islam Qala post. It is the biggest trade crossing between Iran and Afghanistan.

"They will be sent there soon," he told AFP.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-taliban-impose-strict-restrictions-on-women-media-in-afghanistans-north-397124">Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north</a>

The Afghan government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's gains as having little strategic value, but the seizure of multiple border crossings and the taxes they generate will likely fill the group's coffers with new revenue.

With the Taliban having routed much of northern Afghanistan in recent weeks, the government holds little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must largely be reinforced and resupplied by air.

The air force was under severe strain even before the Taliban's lightning offensive overwhelmed the government's northern and western positions, putting further pressure on the country's limited aircraft and pilots.

On Thursday President Joe Biden said the US military mission would end on August 31 -- nearly 20 years after it began -- but he admitted it was "highly unlikely" Kabul would be able to control the entire country.

"The status quo is not an option," Biden said of staying in the country. "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan."

Biden said the Afghan people alone should determine their future, but he acknowledged the uncertainty about what that would look like.

Asked if a Taliban takeover was inevitable, the president said: "No, it is not."

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghan authorities on Saturday prepared to try and retake key border crossing seized by the Taliban. The Taliban has been on the offensive across Afghanistan and have large swathes of territory under their control.

Afghan authorities on Saturday prepared to try and retake key border crossing seized by the Taliban. The Taliban has been on the offensive across Afghanistan and have large swathes of territory under their control. A Taliban official said on Friday that the terrorist group is in control of 85 per cent of the country. However, this claim is contested by Afghan government and cannot be independently verified. Amid withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban said that it had seized two crossings in western Afghanistan. This completes an arc of territory from Iranian border to the frontier with China. × Meanwhile, China has urged its citizens to leave Afghanistan "as soon as possible". China has criticised US for its hasty withdrawal. The "complex and severe domestic security situation" prompted the evacuation warning, the foreign ministry said. Taliban gains On Friday Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP their fighters had captured the town of Islam Qala on the Iranian frontier and the Torghundi crossing with Turkmenistan. A Herat governor spokesman said on Saturday that the authorities were deploying fresh troops to retake the Islam Qala post. It is the biggest trade crossing between Iran and Afghanistan. "They will be sent there soon," he told AFP. Also Read | Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north The Afghan government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's gains as having little strategic value, but the seizure of multiple border crossings and the taxes they generate will likely fill the group's coffers with new revenue. With the Taliban having routed much of northern Afghanistan in recent weeks, the government holds little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must largely be reinforced and resupplied by air. The air force was under severe strain even before the Taliban's lightning offensive overwhelmed the government's northern and western positions, putting further pressure on the country's limited aircraft and pilots. On Thursday President Joe Biden said the US military mission would end on August 31 -- nearly 20 years after it began -- but he admitted it was "highly unlikely" Kabul would be able to control the entire country. "The status quo is not an option," Biden said of staying in the country. "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan." Biden said the Afghan people alone should determine their future, but he acknowledged the uncertainty about what that would look like. Asked if a Taliban takeover was inevitable, the president said: "No, it is not." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban

Amidst the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has evacuated 210 of its nationals citing safety concerns.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Xiamen Airlines in a social media post said that Chinese nationals stranded in Afghanistan were flown to Wuhan, Hubei Province, by a flight from Kabul on July 2.&nbsp;

It was later confirmed that despite "top-notch" epidemic prevention measures among them were 22 people infected with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/staring-at-civil-war-how-bad-is-the-situation-in-afghanistan-397134">Staring at civil war: How bad is the situation in Afghanistan?</a>

Chinese officials confirmed recent returnees had been infected with coronavirus but did not reveal particulars of the evacuation flight.&nbsp;

Calling for all Chinese nationals to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible, the Chinese consular affairs department offered them assistance in a social media post.

Chinese state media tabloid Global Times reported that the flight had been organised by the government.

With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US President Joe Biden's</a> vow to complete troop withdrawal by August 31, fears have been growing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-controls-85-of-afghan-territory-taliban-official-says-396921">Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says</a>

After two decades of bloody conflict in Afghanistan, since the start of troop withdrawal Taliban has taken control of around 85 per cent of the territories, which has given rise to the Afghan government's declining control over provincial capitals.&nbsp;

Washington's quick and chaotic withdrawal has been harshly criticized by Beijing in recent weeks.

Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine briefing that the US while disregarding its responsibilities and duties is withdrawing troops quickly from Afghanistan, dumping the resulting chaos on locals and neighbouring counties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-neighbours-in-the-region-have-real-stake-in-its-future-us-state-department-397106">Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region have real stake in its future: US State Department</a>

He added that as the original culprit of the Afghan issue, the United States has an unavoidable responsibility.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is set to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation next week.

Next week, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, China's foreign minister Wang Yi will meet with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation.

Throughout China, social media users celebrated the rescue mission as a national victory, with related hashtags receiving more than 300 million views on Weibo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amidst the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has evacuated 210 of its nationals citing safety concerns. On Thursday, Xiamen Airlines in a social media post said that Chinese nationals stranded in Afghanistan were flown to Wuhan, Hubei Province, by a flight from Kabul on July 2.

Amidst the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has evacuated 210 of its nationals citing safety concerns. On Thursday, Xiamen Airlines in a social media post said that Chinese nationals stranded in Afghanistan were flown to Wuhan, Hubei Province, by a flight from Kabul on July 2. It was later confirmed that despite "top-notch" epidemic prevention measures among them were 22 people infected with the coronavirus. Also read | Staring at civil war: How bad is the situation in Afghanistan? Chinese officials confirmed recent returnees had been infected with coronavirus but did not reveal particulars of the evacuation flight. Calling for all Chinese nationals to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible, the Chinese consular affairs department offered them assistance in a social media post. Chinese state media tabloid Global Times reported that the flight had been organised by the government. With US President Joe Biden's vow to complete troop withdrawal by August 31, fears have been growing. Also read | Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says After two decades of bloody conflict in Afghanistan, since the start of troop withdrawal Taliban has taken control of around 85 per cent of the territories, which has given rise to the Afghan government's declining control over provincial capitals. Washington's quick and chaotic withdrawal has been harshly criticized by Beijing in recent weeks. Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine briefing that the US while disregarding its responsibilities and duties is withdrawing troops quickly from Afghanistan, dumping the resulting chaos on locals and neighbouring counties. Also read | Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region have real stake in its future: US State Department He added that as the original culprit of the Afghan issue, the United States has an unavoidable responsibility. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is set to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation next week. Next week, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, China's foreign minister Wang Yi will meet with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation. Throughout China, social media users celebrated the rescue mission as a national victory, with related hashtags receiving more than 300 million views on Weibo. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese citizens evacuated from Afghanistan as US troops withdraw

The US is considering visas for vulnerable Afghan women including politicians, journalists, and activists, who are likely to be on the Taliban's hit list. But what will happen to those women who cannot leave Afganistan? What's next for Afghan Women? Watch on WION Wideangle.

WION WIDEANGLE: AFGHAN WOMEN: WHAT'S NEXT?

After staying in Afghanistan for 20 years & failing to end terrorism, America now wants Afghanistan's neighbours to clear the mess. Their words & actions are emboldening the Taliban, its onslaught is picking pace.

Gravitas: Taliban's rise: U.S. puts onus on Afghanistan's neighbours

Gravitas: Peace negotiator: Pakistan yet to make a positive contribution in Afghan peace process

20 years, $2 Trillion, 2,400 lost soldiers later, U.S. says it achieved its objective in Afghanistan. Why then did U.S. leave the Bagram airbase suddenly?

Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

The Taliban is gaining strength in Afghanistan. The group claims it now controls 85% of Afghanistan. The Taliban is now offering protection to Beijing for Chinese investment projects. What are India's options?

Gravitas: Taliban claims it controls 85% of Afghanistan

The Taliban says it briefly took control of Qala-e-Naw in Badghis, the province is crucial as it borders Turkmenistan. They have even taken control over central prisons setting all the inmates free.

Taliban retakes capital of northwest Afghan province of Badghis

Joe Biden administration is considering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women journalists, activists and politicians who may be targeted by the Taliban.

US to consider visas for vulnerable Afghan women after military exit

President Joe Biden defended the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, saying it was 'not inevitable' that the country would fall to the Taliban, and confirmed that military exit would be completed by August 31.

Biden amplifies Afghan pullout justification says Taliban takeover 'not inevitable'

Taliban official Shahabuddin Delawar declared in Moscow on Friday that the Taliban control 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory.

After nearly two decades of fighting, foreign forces, including the US, are retreating, emboldening Taliban insurgents to try to take new territory in Afghanistan. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-the-return-of-taliban-in-afghanistan-and-the-us-retreat-396932">In Pictures | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat</a> 
 
Meanwhile, The withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan is more than 90 per cent completed, the Pentagon's Central Command announced Tuesday.

CentCom said it had officially handed over seven former US bases to the Afghan security forces and had evacuated the equivalent of nearly 1,000 C-17 air freighter loads of equipment from the country, ahead of the September deadline to complete the pullout. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-achieved-its-goals-afghans-must-decide-own-future-president-joe-biden-396867">Also read | US achieved its goals, Afghans must decide own future: President Joe Biden</a>

On Friday US forces handed over the sprawling Bagram air base north of Kabul, the main centre of US military operations in the country for most of the past two decades of conflict.

Tuesday's announcement underscored that most of the process of withdrawing US military and civilian personnel ordered by President Joe Biden in April had been completed.

At the time of Biden's order, there were officially 2,500 US troops and 16,000 private contractors.

According to reports, there were also some 1,000 US special forces operating in Afghanistan at the time as well not included in the official tally. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban official Shahabuddin Delawar declared in Moscow on Friday that the Taliban control 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory. After nearly two decades of fighting, foreign forces, including the US, are retreating, emboldening Taliban insurgents to try to take new territory in Afghanistan.

Taliban official Shahabuddin Delawar declared in Moscow on Friday that the Taliban control 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory. After nearly two decades of fighting, foreign forces, including the US, are retreating, emboldening Taliban insurgents to try to take new territory in Afghanistan. In Pictures | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat Meanwhile, The withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan is more than 90 per cent completed, the Pentagon's Central Command announced Tuesday. CentCom said it had officially handed over seven former US bases to the Afghan security forces and had evacuated the equivalent of nearly 1,000 C-17 air freighter loads of equipment from the country, ahead of the September deadline to complete the pullout. Also read | US achieved its goals, Afghans must decide own future: President Joe Biden On Friday US forces handed over the sprawling Bagram air base north of Kabul, the main centre of US military operations in the country for most of the past two decades of conflict. Tuesday's announcement underscored that most of the process of withdrawing US military and civilian personnel ordered by President Joe Biden in April had been completed. At the time of Biden's order, there were officially 2,500 US troops and 16,000 private contractors. According to reports, there were also some 1,000 US special forces operating in Afghanistan at the time as well not included in the official tally. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says

In Pics | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat

President Joe Biden strongly defended his decision to pull US military forces out of Afghanistan, saying the Afghan people must decide their own future. He also added that the Afghan military has the ability to repel the Taliban.

Biden says Afghan military is capable to repel Taliban

May 1997. The Taliban militia, backed by Pakistan, were moving swiftly to take control of Afghanistan. About two-thirds of the country was under its control and the rest under the Northern Alliance or Jumbish-e-Islami, a coalition of militias loyal to General Abdul Rashid Dostum, the Hizb-e-Wahadat of Karim Khalili and the Jamiat-e-Islami of Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani &amp; Ahmed Shah Masood, the Lion of Panjshir .&nbsp;

I was asked by my then media organization to travel to Afghanistan for a ground report. So, along with a camera person, I chose to go to Mazar-e-Sharif. &nbsp;

We flew from Delhi to Tashkent and onwards to the border town of Termez in Uzbekistan before taking the iron bridge over Amu Darya (Oxus River) to enter Afghanistan. This bridge was built by the Soviet Union, so that their tanks &amp; other heavy supplies could cross over smoothly. After the Soviet Union broke up, it was renamed as the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge.&nbsp;

<img alt="At Amu Darya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="598b167f-9960-4156-803e-bb5a0b929d28" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/at%20Amu%20Darya.jpeg" />

At Amu Darya

The moment we crossed the bridge and entered border town of Haeratan in Afghanistan; we were greeted by smartly dressed Uzbek soldiers owing allegiance to Gen Abdul Rashid Dostum. We told them we were Indians and to our surprise one of them started singing the famous Raj Kapoor song, 'Mere Juta Hai Japani' and we were served piping hot green tea. The border formalities were over even before we could finish our green tea. The taxis parked nearby flaunted posters of Bollywood stars like Karishma Kapoor, Juhi Chawla &amp; Shahrukh Khan. &nbsp; &nbsp;

This was my first impression of Afghanistan – which is still imprinted in my mind—even though almost 25 years have gone by.&nbsp;

We were picked up by our local contact and then we drove for about 2-hours thru the highway to Mazar-i-Sharif. Sand covered most of the highway and we noticed burnt tanks, trucks etc on the way. Apparently, they belonged to the erstwhile Soviet army.&nbsp;

As we entered Mazar-e-Sharif, the majestic Hazrat Ali Mazar also popularly known as Blue Mosque surrounded by thousands of white doves, symbols of peace, greeted us. Markets were full of visitors, traffic unruly and Bollywood music blaring out of shops selling tape recorders and cassettes. &nbsp;

<img alt="At blue mosque" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8eefd217-6714-49a1-be76-44cac81246a1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/At%20blue%20mosque.jpeg" />

At Hazrat Ali Mazar, also known as Blue Mosque

We decided to start our reporting from the Balkh University located in Mazar-e-sharif. &nbsp;Here there were no strictures based on the Islamic way of life. Young girls were being imparted education and they mingled freely with men while sharing the same classrooms. It seemed like any other university. In contrast were the pictures from Kabul and areas under Taliban control that we had seen on TV in New Delhi, showing women being flogged for sending young girls to school or college. &nbsp;

This was the Mazar-e-Sharif I saw.&nbsp;

After spending almost two-days at the home of a local commander of the Northern Alliance in Mazar-i-Sharif, our request for a meeting with Lion of Panjshir, Ahmad Shah Masood materialized. The next morning we were on his personal chopper travelling to Takhar province’s capital Taloqan to meet the man himself, a legend whose exploits are the stuff of many stories in the region.&nbsp;

<img alt="With personal bodyguards of Masood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3a4c073-efd6-4172-86e6-371707e7baa5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/With%20personal%20body%20guards%20of%20masood.jpeg" />

With personal bodyguards of Ahmed Shah Masood

The first glimpse of the man himself was overwhelming &amp; our first meeting was full of warmth.&nbsp;

The next three-days we spent travelling with him in his black Land Cruiser from one place to another including interiors of the province. His energy was infectious. We went from one meeting to another, where he discussed military strategy with his local commanders. The sole objective was how to defeat the advancing Taliban militia. On average, he was spending over 18-hours a day planning his moves against the rapidly advancing Taliban. &nbsp;

On sighting the Lion of Panjshir, locals would flock to greet him and shake hands. He knew many by first name. And would ask them about their wellbeing and that of their families. As day two ended and we sat to eat our dinner at a local military commander’s home, the man himself appeared and joined us for the meal. The conversation over the dinner ranged from his days fighting the Soviets as a Mujahideen to the future of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

His dream of seeing a peaceful Afghanistan, was then being shattered by the Taliban with support from Pakistan. He acknowledged that India was and will always remain a friend of Afghanistan. Then we talked about our respective families. This was Ahmad Shah Masood to me. Later, I was told that it is rare for the commander to share a meal like this with strangers, and the memorable meal is a privilege I cherish.&nbsp;

Finally, on day 3, we got an opportunity to interview the Lion of Panjshir on record. As we sat down for the formal interview, he was guarded. He talked about how the Taliban militia would never be able to enter the Northern Parts of the country; his relationship with other warlords like General Dostum; how they were planning to defeat the Taliban and retake Kabul; and, how each &amp; every citizen of the country was standing by with them. It was an exhaustive interview.

<img alt="Interviewing Masood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c45e8a06-ca05-4da0-a4d0-5ed6624c6505" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Interviewing%20masood.jpeg" />

Interviewing Masood

At the end of it, we bid adieu with a promise to remain in touch. It was a promise we couldn’t keep.&nbsp; 
Later in the day, we boarded his personal chopper for the flight back to Mazar-e-sharif. There was trouble in store. En route, our chopper was fired upon and we could hear the volley of bullets hitting the helicopter’s outer surface. But thanks to the Lion of Panjshir’s personal pilot, who was remarkably adept in handling the chopper, we managed to evade rest of the gunfire. And, just about survived to tell our story.

<img alt="Masood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edb27b14-38ce-4563-8b7b-02eb2bcf8165" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-07-08%20at%2011.36.32%20AM.jpeg" />

But 2021 is proving to be very different from 1997. The Lion of Panjshir is no more. He was assassinated days before the 9/11 attacks on the US &nbsp;

Media reports emerging from northern areas tell a different story. The Taliban has almost encircled the one-time strongholds of the Northern Alliance. And it continues to make dramatic gains. The Taliban currently controls about 195 districts and in contests over another 129 districts. Afghanistan is once again confronted by the Taliban waging a war to take over the country. And, there is no telling how long the turmoil and violence will last.

Will peace ever return to this beautiful, rugged country? &nbsp;

This question, which I asked Ahmad Shah Masood in 1997, still eludes an answer. &nbsp;

May 1997. The Taliban militia, backed by Pakistan, were moving swiftly to take control of Afghanistan. About two-thirds of the country was under its control and the rest under the Northern Alliance or Jumbish-e-Islami, a coalition of militias loyal to General Abdul Rashid Dostum, the Hizb-e-Wahadat of Karim Khalili and the Jamiat-e-Islami of Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani & Ahmed Shah Masood, the Lion of Panjshir .

May 1997. The Taliban militia, backed by Pakistan, were moving swiftly to take control of Afghanistan. About two-thirds of the country was under its control and the rest under the Northern Alliance or Jumbish-e-Islami, a coalition of militias loyal to General Abdul Rashid Dostum, the Hizb-e-Wahadat of Karim Khalili and the Jamiat-e-Islami of Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani & Ahmed Shah Masood, the Lion of Panjshir . I was asked by my then media organization to travel to Afghanistan for a ground report. So, along with a camera person, I chose to go to Mazar-e-Sharif. We flew from Delhi to Tashkent and onwards to the border town of Termez in Uzbekistan before taking the iron bridge over Amu Darya (Oxus River) to enter Afghanistan. This bridge was built by the Soviet Union, so that their tanks & other heavy supplies could cross over smoothly. After the Soviet Union broke up, it was renamed as the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge. At Amu Darya The moment we crossed the bridge and entered border town of Haeratan in Afghanistan; we were greeted by smartly dressed Uzbek soldiers owing allegiance to Gen Abdul Rashid Dostum. We told them we were Indians and to our surprise one of them started singing the famous Raj Kapoor song, 'Mere Juta Hai Japani' and we were served piping hot green tea. The border formalities were over even before we could finish our green tea. The taxis parked nearby flaunted posters of Bollywood stars like Karishma Kapoor, Juhi Chawla & Shahrukh Khan. This was my first impression of Afghanistan – which is still imprinted in my mind—even though almost 25 years have gone by. We were picked up by our local contact and then we drove for about 2-hours thru the highway to Mazar-i-Sharif. Sand covered most of the highway and we noticed burnt tanks, trucks etc on the way. Apparently, they belonged to the erstwhile Soviet army. As we entered Mazar-e-Sharif, the majestic Hazrat Ali Mazar also popularly known as Blue Mosque surrounded by thousands of white doves, symbols of peace, greeted us. Markets were full of visitors, traffic unruly and Bollywood music blaring out of shops selling tape recorders and cassettes. At Hazrat Ali Mazar, also known as Blue Mosque We decided to start our reporting from the Balkh University located in Mazar-e-sharif. Here there were no strictures based on the Islamic way of life. Young girls were being imparted education and they mingled freely with men while sharing the same classrooms. It seemed like any other university. In contrast were the pictures from Kabul and areas under Taliban control that we had seen on TV in New Delhi, showing women being flogged for sending young girls to school or college. This was the Mazar-e-Sharif I saw. After spending almost two-days at the home of a local commander of the Northern Alliance in Mazar-i-Sharif, our request for a meeting with Lion of Panjshir, Ahmad Shah Masood materialized. The next morning we were on his personal chopper travelling to Takhar province’s capital Taloqan to meet the man himself, a legend whose exploits are the stuff of many stories in the region. With personal bodyguards of Ahmed Shah Masood The first glimpse of the man himself was overwhelming & our first meeting was full of warmth. The next three-days we spent travelling with him in his black Land Cruiser from one place to another including interiors of the province. His energy was infectious. We went from one meeting to another, where he discussed military strategy with his local commanders. The sole objective was how to defeat the advancing Taliban militia. On average, he was spending over 18-hours a day planning his moves against the rapidly advancing Taliban. On sighting the Lion of Panjshir, locals would flock to greet him and shake hands. He knew many by first name. And would ask them about their wellbeing and that of their families. As day two ended and we sat to eat our dinner at a local military commander’s home, the man himself appeared and joined us for the meal. The conversation over the dinner ranged from his days fighting the Soviets as a Mujahideen to the future of Afghanistan. His dream of seeing a peaceful Afghanistan, was then being shattered by the Taliban with support from Pakistan. He acknowledged that India was and will always remain a friend of Afghanistan. Then we talked about our respective families. This was Ahmad Shah Masood to me. Later, I was told that it is rare for the commander to share a meal like this with strangers, and the memorable meal is a privilege I cherish. Finally, on day 3, we got an opportunity to interview the Lion of Panjshir on record. As we sat down for the formal interview, he was guarded. He talked about how the Taliban militia would never be able to enter the Northern Parts of the country; his relationship with other warlords like General Dostum; how they were planning to defeat the Taliban and retake Kabul; and, how each & every citizen of the country was standing by with them. It was an exhaustive interview. Interviewing Masood At the end of it, we bid adieu with a promise to remain in touch. It was a promise we couldn’t keep. Later in the day, we boarded his personal chopper for the flight back to Mazar-e-sharif. There was trouble in store. En route, our chopper was fired upon and we could hear the volley of bullets hitting the helicopter’s outer surface. But thanks to the Lion of Panjshir’s personal pilot, who was remarkably adept in handling the chopper, we managed to evade rest of the gunfire. And, just about survived to tell our story. But 2021 is proving to be very different from 1997. The Lion of Panjshir is no more. He was assassinated days before the 9/11 attacks on the US Media reports emerging from northern areas tell a different story. The Taliban has almost encircled the one-time strongholds of the Northern Alliance. And it continues to make dramatic gains. The Taliban currently controls about 195 districts and in contests over another 129 districts. Afghanistan is once again confronted by the Taliban waging a war to take over the country. And, there is no telling how long the turmoil and violence will last. Will peace ever return to this beautiful, rugged country? This question, which I asked Ahmad Shah Masood in 1997, still eludes an answer.

Blog | Mazar-e-Sharif: Then and Now 

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar is all set to begin his engagements in Moscow today (Thursday) as he began his 3 days Russia visit. Jaishankar will hold talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, during the visit. The key focus during his visit will be on Afghanistan as US troops depart from the war-torn country.

Indian FM Jaishankar to hold talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov

Afghan defence ministry said on Thursday that the governemnt forces had wrested back control of a provincial capital city from the Taliban

The ministry said that some fighting was continuing on the outskirts of Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis province. This province borders Turmenistan.

Insurgents had on Wednesday seized key government buildings in the city including police headquarters as part of a dramatic Taliban advance unfolding as foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan after a 20-year-long intervention.

“The city is fully (back) under our control and we are conducting operations against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city,” Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said.

The ministry said that 69 Taliban fighters had been killed. Qala-e-naw was first provincial capital to see an all-out assault by the Taliban.

A large quantity of Taliban arms and ammunition was also seized by government forces, the ministry said on Twitter.

The rest of Badghis province is in Taliban hands. Western security officials say the Taliban have captured more than 100 districts in Afghanistan; the Taliban say they hold over 200 districts in 34 provinces comprising over half the country. Main cities and provincial capitals remain under government control.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghan defence ministry said on Thursday that the governemnt forces had wrested back control of a provincial capital city from the Taliban The ministry said that some fighting was continuing on the outskirts of Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis province.

Afghan defence ministry said on Thursday that the governemnt forces had wrested back control of a provincial capital city from the Taliban The ministry said that some fighting was continuing on the outskirts of Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis province. This province borders Turmenistan. Insurgents had on Wednesday seized key government buildings in the city including police headquarters as part of a dramatic Taliban advance unfolding as foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan after a 20-year-long intervention. “The city is fully (back) under our control and we are conducting operations against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city,” Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said. The ministry said that 69 Taliban fighters had been killed. Qala-e-naw was first provincial capital to see an all-out assault by the Taliban. A large quantity of Taliban arms and ammunition was also seized by government forces, the ministry said on Twitter. The rest of Badghis province is in Taliban hands. Western security officials say the Taliban have captured more than 100 districts in Afghanistan; the Taliban say they hold over 200 districts in 34 provinces comprising over half the country. Main cities and provincial capitals remain under government control. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan forces retake provincial capital from Taliban

Smoke covered the provincial capital in Afghanistan on Thursday as fighting went on between Afghan forces and the Taliban. The fighting is going on for a second straight day. The government has flown in hundreds of commandos into Qala-i-Naw, the city that is capital of northwestern province of Badghis.

This is the first provincial capital to face all-out assault by the Taliban since US troop withdrawal.

With the US pullout "90 percent complete", according to the Pentagon, the insurgents have launched a blistering campaign to capture new territory, and fears are mounting that Afghan forces will be stretched without vital American air support.

Video obtained by AFP showed thick smoke billowing over the city, and the sound of gunfire could be heard. 
Badghis health official Abdul Latif Rostaee said at least 10 civilians had been taken to hospital since the fighting erupted.

"The Taliban have resumed their attacks from several directions with light and heavy weapons," Badghis Governor Hessamuddin Shams told AFP on Thursday.

"Our security forces are bravely fighting them and the enemy is being pushed back. They are fleeing. We will give a hard blow to the enemy."

On Wednesday, the Taliban briefly seized the police headquarters and the local office of the country's spy agency, but were later pushed back.

'Women will not be able to work'

Parisila Herawai, a rights activist in the city, expressed concern for the safety of women in particular.

"It is an emergency situation for all women, especially activists," she told AFP. 
"If the Taliban plan to remain in the city, we will not be able to work."

As news of the assault spread on Wednesday, social media was flooded with videos of clashes -- with some showing armed Taliban fighters on motorbikes entering the city, as onlookers cheered.

Local officials said some security officers had surrendered to the Taliban, and the insurgents opened the gates of the city jail, freeing hundreds of prisoners.

Most had since been recaptured, officials said.

Overnight, the defence ministry rushed hundreds of commandos to the city to launch a "large scale operation", spokesman Fawad Aman said on Twitter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Smoke covered the provincial capital in Afghanistan on Thursday as fighting went on between Afghan forces and the Taliban. The fighting is going on for a second straight day.

Smoke covered the provincial capital in Afghanistan on Thursday as fighting went on between Afghan forces and the Taliban. The fighting is going on for a second straight day. The government has flown in hundreds of commandos into Qala-i-Naw, the city that is capital of northwestern province of Badghis. This is the first provincial capital to face all-out assault by the Taliban since US troop withdrawal. With the US pullout "90 percent complete", according to the Pentagon, the insurgents have launched a blistering campaign to capture new territory, and fears are mounting that Afghan forces will be stretched without vital American air support. Video obtained by AFP showed thick smoke billowing over the city, and the sound of gunfire could be heard. Badghis health official Abdul Latif Rostaee said at least 10 civilians had been taken to hospital since the fighting erupted. "The Taliban have resumed their attacks from several directions with light and heavy weapons," Badghis Governor Hessamuddin Shams told AFP on Thursday. "Our security forces are bravely fighting them and the enemy is being pushed back. They are fleeing. We will give a hard blow to the enemy." On Wednesday, the Taliban briefly seized the police headquarters and the local office of the country's spy agency, but were later pushed back. 'Women will not be able to work' Parisila Herawai, a rights activist in the city, expressed concern for the safety of women in particular. "It is an emergency situation for all women, especially activists," she told AFP. "If the Taliban plan to remain in the city, we will not be able to work." As news of the assault spread on Wednesday, social media was flooded with videos of clashes -- with some showing armed Taliban fighters on motorbikes entering the city, as onlookers cheered. Local officials said some security officers had surrendered to the Taliban, and the insurgents opened the gates of the city jail, freeing hundreds of prisoners. Most had since been recaptured, officials said. Overnight, the defence ministry rushed hundreds of commandos to the city to launch a "large scale operation", spokesman Fawad Aman said on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan govt sends commandos as Taliban surround Afghan city

Biden administration is considering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women journalists, activists and politicians who may be targetted by the Taliban, Reuters cited US officials as saying.

Rights groups have been asking the State Department and White House to add up to 2,000 visas specifically for vulnerable women and women's advocates to a developing policy plan to evacuate thousands Afghans after the U.S. military pullout this month. The current plan includes translators who worked with foreign forces.

One of the officials said that US government was not only looking at women under threat but also men and minorities in high risk professions

Women who made gains during the two-decade U.S. occupation, and their supporters and advocates, should be part of any expedited list, rights groups have argued to the White House and State Department.

"Lives are at risk,” said Teresa Casale, advocacy director for Mina’s List, which advocates for women’s representation in governments around the world. "Women leaders are being actively targeted and killed by Taliban forces. They receive threats against their lives and safety every day."

The group and others are recommending these visas be added to an expedited activation process for Afghan people most at risk, by creating a fast track program in State Department, and that U.S. officials actively pursue diplomacy to other countries as well to secure them.

The White House has declined to comment.

Women police officers, media workers, judges and medical workers have been assassinated in Afghanistan as foreign military left the country.

Women who appear on television and radio faced particular threats, Human Rights Watch wrote in April. "Female reporters may be targeted not only for issues they cover but also for challenging perceived social norms prohibiting women from being in a public role and working outside the home."

Under the Taliban, women were barred from education or work, required to fully cover their bodies, and could not leave home without a male relative. "Moral offenses" were punished by flogging and stoning.

(With agency inputs)

Biden administration is considering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women journalists, activists and politicians who may be targetted by the Taliban, Reuters cited US officials as saying.

Biden administration is considering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women journalists, activists and politicians who may be targetted by the Taliban, Reuters cited US officials as saying. Rights groups have been asking the State Department and White House to add up to 2,000 visas specifically for vulnerable women and women's advocates to a developing policy plan to evacuate thousands Afghans after the U.S. military pullout this month. The current plan includes translators who worked with foreign forces. One of the officials said that US government was not only looking at women under threat but also men and minorities in high risk professions Women who made gains during the two-decade U.S. occupation, and their supporters and advocates, should be part of any expedited list, rights groups have argued to the White House and State Department. "Lives are at risk,” said Teresa Casale, advocacy director for Mina’s List, which advocates for women’s representation in governments around the world. "Women leaders are being actively targeted and killed by Taliban forces. They receive threats against their lives and safety every day." The group and others are recommending these visas be added to an expedited activation process for Afghan people most at risk, by creating a fast track program in State Department, and that U.S. officials actively pursue diplomacy to other countries as well to secure them. The White House has declined to comment. Women police officers, media workers, judges and medical workers have been assassinated in Afghanistan as foreign military left the country. Women who appear on television and radio faced particular threats, Human Rights Watch wrote in April. "Female reporters may be targeted not only for issues they cover but also for challenging perceived social norms prohibiting women from being in a public role and working outside the home." Under the Taliban, women were barred from education or work, required to fully cover their bodies, and could not leave home without a male relative. "Moral offenses" were punished by flogging and stoning. (With agency inputs)

US mulls visas for vulnerable Afghan women after military exit

Afghanistan is descending into chaos and violence. After taking control of more than 190 districts, the Taliban today stormed the capital of a province. WION's Palki tells you what this means for the Civilian Government of Afghanistan

Gravitas: Taliban storms capital of northwestern Afghan province

The US has spent 20 years and $1000 billion on the war in Afghanistan. Now, it is leaving Afghanistan to its fate. Afghan Forces are surrendering their weapons to the Taliban, as US forces exit quietly. WION's Palki tells you how the US is abandoning Afghanistan.

Gravitas: The United States has abandoned Afghanistan

afghanistan-0

Afghanistan, News on Afghanistan, stories on Afghanistan, articles on Afghanistan, Afghanistan stories at Wion, Afghanistan news, Afghanistan latest news

afghanistan 0

Afghanistan: Taliban attack on Ghazni repelled, say police

Taliban calls China a 'friend' of Afghanistan

Turmoil in Afghanistan: India pulls out diplomats, other officials

Air defences installed at Afghanistan's Kabul airport as Taliban gain ground

Australia says last troops withdrawn from Afghanistan

Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north

The American Exit: Taliban Claims five key border posts

Staring at civil war: How bad is the situation in Afghanistan?

Peace negotiator Nader Nadery speaks to WION

Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region have real stake in its future: US State Department

Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban

Chinese citizens evacuated from Afghanistan as US troops withdraw

WION WIDEANGLE: AFGHAN WOMEN: WHAT'S NEXT?

WION WIDEANGLE: AFGHAN WOMEN: WHAT'S NEXT?

Gravitas: Taliban's rise: U.S. puts onus on Afghanistan's neighbours

Gravitas: Peace negotiator: Pakistan yet to make a positive contribution in Afghan peace process

Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

Gravitas: Taliban claims it controls 85% of Afghanistan

Taliban retakes capital of northwest Afghan province of Badghis

US to consider visas for vulnerable Afghan women after military exit

Biden amplifies Afghan pullout justification says Taliban takeover 'not inevitable'

Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says

In Pics | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat

Biden says Afghan military is capable to repel Taliban

Blog | Mazar-e-Sharif: Then and Now

Indian FM Jaishankar to hold talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov