In a significant development, women in Ghor have taken up arms to defend their motherland against the Taliban. Photographs of Ghor women holding guns and rocket launchers are being shared on social media.

Afghanistan: Women pick up arms against Taliban in Ghor

The Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan.

Taliban captures key districts in Afghanistan, 300 military troops flee to Tajikistan

The Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan, officials said Sunday.

More than 300 Afghan military personnel crossed from Afghanistan's Badakhshan province as Taliban fighters advanced toward the border, Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security said in a statement.&nbsp;

The Afghan troops crossed over at about 6:30 pm local time Saturday “Guided by the principles of humanism and good neighbourliness,” the Tajik authorities allowed the retreating Afghan National Defense and Security Forces to cross into Tajikistan, said the statement.&nbsp;

Since mid-April, when US President Joe Biden announced the end to Afghanistan's “forever war,” the Taliban have made strides throughout the country. But their most significant gains have been in the northern half of the country, a traditional stronghold of the US-allied warlords who helped defeat them in 2001.

The Taliban now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centres in Afghanistan.

The gains in northeastern Badakhshan province in recent days have mostly come to the insurgent movement without a fight, said Mohib-ul Rahman, a provincial council member. He blamed Taliban successes on the poor morale of troops who are mostly outnumbered and without resupplies.

“Unfortunately, the majority of the districts were left to Taliban without any fight,” said Rahman. In the last three days, 10 districts fell to Taliban, eight without a fight, he said.

Hundreds of Afghan army, police and intelligence troops surrendered their military outposts and fled to the Badakhshan provincial capital of Faizabad, said Rahman.

Even as a security meeting was being held early Sunday to plot the strengthening of the perimeter around the capital, some senior provincial officials were leaving Faizabad for the capital Kabul, he said.

In late June the Afghan government resurrected militias with a reputation of brutal violence to support the beleaguered Afghan forces but Rahman said many of the militias in the Badakhshan districts put up only a half-hearted fight.

The areas under Taliban control in the north are increasingly strategic, running along Afghanistan's border with Central Asian states.

Last month the religious movement took control of Imam Sahib, a town in Kunduz province opposite Uzbekistan and gained control of a key trade route.

The inroads in Badakhshan are particularly significant as it is the home province of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was killed by a suicide bomber in 2011. His son, Salahuddin Rabbani, is part of the current High Council for National Reconciliation.

The slain former president also led Afghanistan's Jamiat-e-Islami, which was the party of famed anti-Taliban fighter Ahmad Shah Massoud, killed by a suicide bomber two days before the 9/11 attacks in America.

The Interior Ministry issued a statement Saturday saying the defeats were temporary although it was not clear how they would regain control.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the fall of the districts and said most were without a fight. The Taliban in previous surrenders have shown the video of Afghan soldiers taking transportation money and returning to their homes.

The Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan, officials said Sunday.

The Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan, officials said Sunday. More than 300 Afghan military personnel crossed from Afghanistan's Badakhshan province as Taliban fighters advanced toward the border, Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security said in a statement. The Afghan troops crossed over at about 6:30 pm local time Saturday “Guided by the principles of humanism and good neighbourliness,” the Tajik authorities allowed the retreating Afghan National Defense and Security Forces to cross into Tajikistan, said the statement. Since mid-April, when US President Joe Biden announced the end to Afghanistan's “forever war,” the Taliban have made strides throughout the country. But their most significant gains have been in the northern half of the country, a traditional stronghold of the US-allied warlords who helped defeat them in 2001. The Taliban now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centres in Afghanistan. The gains in northeastern Badakhshan province in recent days have mostly come to the insurgent movement without a fight, said Mohib-ul Rahman, a provincial council member. He blamed Taliban successes on the poor morale of troops who are mostly outnumbered and without resupplies. “Unfortunately, the majority of the districts were left to Taliban without any fight,” said Rahman. In the last three days, 10 districts fell to Taliban, eight without a fight, he said. Hundreds of Afghan army, police and intelligence troops surrendered their military outposts and fled to the Badakhshan provincial capital of Faizabad, said Rahman. Even as a security meeting was being held early Sunday to plot the strengthening of the perimeter around the capital, some senior provincial officials were leaving Faizabad for the capital Kabul, he said. In late June the Afghan government resurrected militias with a reputation of brutal violence to support the beleaguered Afghan forces but Rahman said many of the militias in the Badakhshan districts put up only a half-hearted fight. The areas under Taliban control in the north are increasingly strategic, running along Afghanistan's border with Central Asian states. Last month the religious movement took control of Imam Sahib, a town in Kunduz province opposite Uzbekistan and gained control of a key trade route. The inroads in Badakhshan are particularly significant as it is the home province of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was killed by a suicide bomber in 2011. His son, Salahuddin Rabbani, is part of the current High Council for National Reconciliation. The slain former president also led Afghanistan's Jamiat-e-Islami, which was the party of famed anti-Taliban fighter Ahmad Shah Massoud, killed by a suicide bomber two days before the 9/11 attacks in America. The Interior Ministry issued a statement Saturday saying the defeats were temporary although it was not clear how they would regain control. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the fall of the districts and said most were without a fight. The Taliban in previous surrenders have shown the video of Afghan soldiers taking transportation money and returning to their homes.

Taliban take districts in northeast Afghanistan from fleeing troops

As the US military is continuing with its drawdown from Afghanistan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Pakistan</a> is undertaking a dangerous gamble in the war-torn country and has sought to cultivate radical jihadi groups in the region.

In an opinion piece, The Jerusalem Post (JP) said that Pakistan has been providing training, weapons, funding and intelligence to terrorists to make up for their inability to compete in a conventional war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-the-country-that-influences-conflict-in-afghanistan-378073">Pakistan: The country that influences conflict in Afghanistan</a>

"Pakistan's ISI has been providing training, weapons, funding and intelligence for the past decades to a number of terrorist organizations including the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)," the report read.

Despite ample evidence on the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack, Pakistan refuses to prosecute terror groups for orchestrating the attacks and continues to be a safe haven for terrorists such as JeM founder Masood Azhar.

According to the JP, Pakistan has wrongly been viewed as an ally in resolving the conflict in Afghanistan and fighting the war on terror.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lot-of-fear-in-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-on-troop-pullout-in-afghanistan-389538">'Lot of fear' in Pakistan, PM Imran Khan on troop pullout in Afghanistan</a>

"Despite repeatedly undermining US strategy - out of fear of antagonizing a country with nuclear weapons, coupled with the hope that Islamabad's ties to Islamist groups could be instrumental in negotiating a peace process in Afghanistan - the West has been reluctant to adopt a harsher stance against Pakistan's double game."

The opinion piece further argues that Pakistan's support of jihadi groups stems partly from cynical realism to expand its sphere of influence in Afghanistan and support the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.

Although ISI supports the Taliban in Afghanistan it operates as an independent terrorist organisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-helped-the-taliban-played-on-both-sides-in-afghanistan-us-senator-377880">'Pakistan helped the Taliban, played on both sides in Afghanistan': US senator</a>

"Without US troops or a reliable peace deal, the continued violence will spill over into Pakistan and result in a mass influx of refugees. A Taliban victory would also embolden other Islamist groups present in Pakistan that wish to see an Islamic revolution take place," the JP report added.

Amid the recent surge in violence in Afghanistan, Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) last month had said that some 5,000 TTP terrorists were posing a threat to its security from their "sanctuaries" in the neighbouring country.

"The assertions of the Afghan side are contrary to facts on the ground and various reports of the UN, which also corroborate the presence and activities of over 5000-strong TTP in Afghanistan," the Pakistan FO was quoted by Dawn.

As the US military is continuing with its drawdown from Afghanistan, Pakistan is undertaking a dangerous gamble in the war-torn country and has sought to cultivate radical jihadi groups in the region.

As the US military is continuing with its drawdown from Afghanistan, Pakistan is undertaking a dangerous gamble in the war-torn country and has sought to cultivate radical jihadi groups in the region. In an opinion piece, The Jerusalem Post (JP) said that Pakistan has been providing training, weapons, funding and intelligence to terrorists to make up for their inability to compete in a conventional war. Also read | Pakistan: The country that influences conflict in Afghanistan "Pakistan's ISI has been providing training, weapons, funding and intelligence for the past decades to a number of terrorist organizations including the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)," the report read. Despite ample evidence on the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack, Pakistan refuses to prosecute terror groups for orchestrating the attacks and continues to be a safe haven for terrorists such as JeM founder Masood Azhar. According to the JP, Pakistan has wrongly been viewed as an ally in resolving the conflict in Afghanistan and fighting the war on terror. Also read | 'Lot of fear' in Pakistan, PM Imran Khan on troop pullout in Afghanistan "Despite repeatedly undermining US strategy - out of fear of antagonizing a country with nuclear weapons, coupled with the hope that Islamabad's ties to Islamist groups could be instrumental in negotiating a peace process in Afghanistan - the West has been reluctant to adopt a harsher stance against Pakistan's double game." The opinion piece further argues that Pakistan's support of jihadi groups stems partly from cynical realism to expand its sphere of influence in Afghanistan and support the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. Although ISI supports the Taliban in Afghanistan it operates as an independent terrorist organisation. Also read | 'Pakistan helped the Taliban, played on both sides in Afghanistan': US senator "Without US troops or a reliable peace deal, the continued violence will spill over into Pakistan and result in a mass influx of refugees. A Taliban victory would also embolden other Islamist groups present in Pakistan that wish to see an Islamic revolution take place," the JP report added. Amid the recent surge in violence in Afghanistan, Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) last month had said that some 5,000 TTP terrorists were posing a threat to its security from their "sanctuaries" in the neighbouring country. "The assertions of the Afghan side are contrary to facts on the ground and various reports of the UN, which also corroborate the presence and activities of over 5000-strong TTP in Afghanistan," the Pakistan FO was quoted by Dawn.

Pakistan undertaking dangerous gamble in Afghanistan: Report

As American troops left their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, marking a symbolic end to the longest war in U.S history, locals living in the shadow of the base and in nearby Kabul were left ruing the past and bracing for what comes next.

Violence has been raging throughout Afghanistan in the weeks since President Joe Biden announced troops would withdraw unconditionally by Sept. 11.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-fighting-rages-as-us-forces-seek-exit-by-end-august-395583">Afghanistan: Fighting rages as US forces seek exit by end August</a>

With peace talks in Qatar stuttering, and roughly a quarter of the country's districts having fallen to the Taliban in recent weeks according to one study, many are concerned that chaos looms.

Malek Mir, a mechanic in Bagram who saw the Soviet Army and then the Americans come and go, said he was left with a deep sense of sadness at the futility of a foreign presence.

"They came with bombing the Taliban and got rid of their regime - but now they have left when the Taliban are so empowered that they will take over any time soon," he said.

"What was the point of all the destruction, killing and misery they brought us? I wish they had never come."

More than 3,500 foreign troops have been killed in a two-decade war, which has claimed over 100,000 civilians since 2009 alone, according to United Nations records.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-as-us-withdraws-taliban-gains-ground-395719/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Some, however, say the presence of foreign troops distorted Afghanistan's economy and that it is time for the country to stand on its own.

"The Americans leave a legacy of failure, they've failed in containing the Taliban or corruption," said Sayed Naqibullah, a shop owner in Bagram. "A small percentage of Afghans got so rich, while the vast majority still live with extreme poverty.

"In a way, we're happy they've gone ... We're Afghans and we'll find our way."

In the nearby capital, the news was a fresh reminder of the growing panic that has been gripping many parts of Afghan society, particularly in urban areas, since Biden announced the withdrawal in April.

"All the people are worried that if foreign forces leave Afghanistan, the Taliban will take over. Then what will we do?" asked Zumarai Wafa, a Kabul shopkeeper.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-system-only-way-to-afghan-peace-taliban-392753">'Islamic system' only way to Afghan peace: Taliban</a>

Wafa and others described a slump in business and signs of many urban residents trying to flee the country, with hundreds lined up outside embassies seeking visas.

Medical student Muzhda, 22, who asked to be identified by only one name for security reasons, said her family had decided to leave the country because of the deterioration in security.

She said she wondered what future awaited women if the Taliban came back to power and restricted access to education for women, as they did during their previous time in power.

The Taliban say they have changed and that they will make provisions for women's rights in line with cultural traditions and religious rules.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-fears-of-the-taliban-taking-over-afghan-395714/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Still, Muzhda said she feels bereft and let down by the American departure.

"The withdrawal of foreign troops in the current situation is irrational," she said. "It is now clear that the Americans came here for their own purposes, not to help and cooperate with Afghanistan."

"I'm very sad and disappointed, I had many dreams that will not come true."

As American troops left their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, marking a symbolic end to the longest war in U.S history, locals living in the shadow of the base and in nearby Kabul were left ruing the past and bracing for what comes next.

As American troops left their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, marking a symbolic end to the longest war in U.S history, locals living in the shadow of the base and in nearby Kabul were left ruing the past and bracing for what comes next. Violence has been raging throughout Afghanistan in the weeks since President Joe Biden announced troops would withdraw unconditionally by Sept. 11. Also read | Afghanistan: Fighting rages as US forces seek exit by end August With peace talks in Qatar stuttering, and roughly a quarter of the country's districts having fallen to the Taliban in recent weeks according to one study, many are concerned that chaos looms. Malek Mir, a mechanic in Bagram who saw the Soviet Army and then the Americans come and go, said he was left with a deep sense of sadness at the futility of a foreign presence. "They came with bombing the Taliban and got rid of their regime - but now they have left when the Taliban are so empowered that they will take over any time soon," he said. "What was the point of all the destruction, killing and misery they brought us? I wish they had never come." More than 3,500 foreign troops have been killed in a two-decade war, which has claimed over 100,000 civilians since 2009 alone, according to United Nations records. Some, however, say the presence of foreign troops distorted Afghanistan's economy and that it is time for the country to stand on its own. "The Americans leave a legacy of failure, they've failed in containing the Taliban or corruption," said Sayed Naqibullah, a shop owner in Bagram. "A small percentage of Afghans got so rich, while the vast majority still live with extreme poverty. "In a way, we're happy they've gone ... We're Afghans and we'll find our way." In the nearby capital, the news was a fresh reminder of the growing panic that has been gripping many parts of Afghan society, particularly in urban areas, since Biden announced the withdrawal in April. "All the people are worried that if foreign forces leave Afghanistan, the Taliban will take over. Then what will we do?" asked Zumarai Wafa, a Kabul shopkeeper. Also read | 'Islamic system' only way to Afghan peace: Taliban Wafa and others described a slump in business and signs of many urban residents trying to flee the country, with hundreds lined up outside embassies seeking visas. Medical student Muzhda, 22, who asked to be identified by only one name for security reasons, said her family had decided to leave the country because of the deterioration in security. She said she wondered what future awaited women if the Taliban came back to power and restricted access to education for women, as they did during their previous time in power. The Taliban say they have changed and that they will make provisions for women's rights in line with cultural traditions and religious rules. Still, Muzhda said she feels bereft and let down by the American departure. "The withdrawal of foreign troops in the current situation is irrational," she said. "It is now clear that the Americans came here for their own purposes, not to help and cooperate with Afghanistan." "I'm very sad and disappointed, I had many dreams that will not come true."

'What was the point?' Afghans rue decades of war as US quits Bagram

‘Black fungus’ the deadly fungal infection has now reached the war-torn country of Afghanistan.

First detected in India, mucormycosis&nbsp;was recently observed infecting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> patients in Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-black-fungus-or-mucormycosis-symptoms-and-treatment-384366">What is 'Black Fungus' or 'Mucormycosis'?: Symptoms and treatment</a>

Wahid Majroh, the south Asian country’s Health Minister says that the country which is in the throes of the brutal third wave of the coronavirus is now also combatting this deadly fungal infection.

The country has already recorded one death from the fungus, which was also detected in two other patients, says Majroh.

With 92 deaths and 1272 cases in the last 24 hours, the number of cases in Afghanistan has risen significantly.

The situation has been made direr as social distancing is not followed in the country and people rarely wear masks. The testing rate is also very low, approximately 4,000 tests a day is the current testing rate. &nbsp;

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Afghanistan has 124,757 cases and 5,199 deaths, a figure believed to be wildly underreported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sending-2665-million-in-aid-to-afghanistan-for-covid-response-389558">US sending $266.5 million in aid to Afghanistan for Covid response</a>

Even though in the capital of Kabul, the health ministry has added hundreds of new beds for coronavirus patients, they remain at a hundred per cent capacity.

The hospitals are also running short on Oxygen, with patients having to sometimes wait for days to get their oxygen cylinders refilled at the limited number of production plants in Kabul.

Meanwhile due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> shortage, barely 2.5 per cent of 36 million people Afghanistan citizens have been vaccinated. While it is one of the recipients under the UN-sponsored <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covax-delivers-over-20-million-doses-to-20-nations-368420">COVAX vaccination</a> distribution scheme, the country continues to struggle to receive the promised vaccines.

(WIth inputs from agencies)

‘Black fungus’ the deadly fungal infection has now reached the war-torn country of Afghanistan. First detected in India, mucormycosis was recently observed infecting COVID-19 patients in Afghanistan.

‘Black fungus’ the deadly fungal infection has now reached the war-torn country of Afghanistan. First detected in India, mucormycosis was recently observed infecting COVID-19 patients in Afghanistan. Also read | What is 'Black Fungus' or 'Mucormycosis'?: Symptoms and treatment Wahid Majroh, the south Asian country’s Health Minister says that the country which is in the throes of the brutal third wave of the coronavirus is now also combatting this deadly fungal infection. The country has already recorded one death from the fungus, which was also detected in two other patients, says Majroh. With 92 deaths and 1272 cases in the last 24 hours, the number of cases in Afghanistan has risen significantly. The situation has been made direr as social distancing is not followed in the country and people rarely wear masks. The testing rate is also very low, approximately 4,000 tests a day is the current testing rate. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Afghanistan has 124,757 cases and 5,199 deaths, a figure believed to be wildly underreported. Also read | US sending $266.5 million in aid to Afghanistan for Covid response Even though in the capital of Kabul, the health ministry has added hundreds of new beds for coronavirus patients, they remain at a hundred per cent capacity. The hospitals are also running short on Oxygen, with patients having to sometimes wait for days to get their oxygen cylinders refilled at the limited number of production plants in Kabul. Meanwhile due to vaccine shortage, barely 2.5 per cent of 36 million people Afghanistan citizens have been vaccinated. While it is one of the recipients under the UN-sponsored COVAX vaccination distribution scheme, the country continues to struggle to receive the promised vaccines. (WIth inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Already struggling country hit be deadly 'Black Fungus'

The Taliban have taken control of a key Kandahar district after fierce night time fighting, officials said on Sunday. Kandahar is a former bastion of the Taliban. The officials added that scores of families fled from the area. The fight between the Taliban and Afghan forces took place during the night.

The Taliban have continued their offensive since early May when US military began its final withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The fall of Panjwai district in the southern province of Kandahar comes just two days after US and NATO forces vacated their main Bagram Air Base near Kabul, from where they led operations for two decades against the Taliban and their Al-Qaeda allies. Panjwai is the fifth district in the Kandahar region to fall to Taliban.

The Taliban also have control of a border post with Tajikistan in northern Afghanistan.

Over the years, the Taliban and Afghan forces have regularly clashed in and around Panjwai, with the insurgents aiming to seize it given its proximity to Kandahar city, the provincial capital.

The leader of the Taliban, Hibatullah Akhundzada, hails from Panjwai.

The province of Kandahar is the birthplace of the Taliban, who went on to rule Afghanistan with a harsh version of Islamic sharia law until being overthrown by a US-led invasion in 2001.

Panjwai district governor Hasti Mohammad said Afghan forces and the Taliban clashed during the night, resulting in government forces retreating from the area.

"The Taliban have captured the district police headquarters and governor's office building," he told AFP. 
Kandahar provincial council head Sayed Jan Khakriwal confirmed the fall of Panjwai, but accused government forces of "intentionally withdrawing".

'Taliban don't want peace'

Scores of families of Panjwai fled their homes after the Taliban captured the district, an AFP correspondent reported.

"The Taliban fired on our car as I was fleeing with my family. At least five bullets hit my car," Giran, a resident of Panjwai told AFP as he took refuge in Kandahar city.

"The Taliban are on top of the mountains and firing at any moving vehicles. The Taliban don't want peace." 
Assadullah, a commander of border police in the area, said it was only the police force that was fighting against the insurgents.

"The army and the commandos who have better military equipment are not fighting at all," he said. 
Panjwai is the fifth district in Kandahar province to fall to the insurgents in recent weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban have taken control of a key Kandahar district after fierce night time fighting, officials said on Sunday. Kandahar is a former bastion of the Taliban.

The Taliban have taken control of a key Kandahar district after fierce night time fighting, officials said on Sunday. Kandahar is a former bastion of the Taliban. The officials added that scores of families fled from the area. The fight between the Taliban and Afghan forces took place during the night. The Taliban have continued their offensive since early May when US military began its final withdrawal from Afghanistan. The fall of Panjwai district in the southern province of Kandahar comes just two days after US and NATO forces vacated their main Bagram Air Base near Kabul, from where they led operations for two decades against the Taliban and their Al-Qaeda allies. Panjwai is the fifth district in the Kandahar region to fall to Taliban. The Taliban also have control of a border post with Tajikistan in northern Afghanistan. Over the years, the Taliban and Afghan forces have regularly clashed in and around Panjwai, with the insurgents aiming to seize it given its proximity to Kandahar city, the provincial capital. The leader of the Taliban, Hibatullah Akhundzada, hails from Panjwai. The province of Kandahar is the birthplace of the Taliban, who went on to rule Afghanistan with a harsh version of Islamic sharia law until being overthrown by a US-led invasion in 2001. Panjwai district governor Hasti Mohammad said Afghan forces and the Taliban clashed during the night, resulting in government forces retreating from the area. "The Taliban have captured the district police headquarters and governor's office building," he told AFP. Kandahar provincial council head Sayed Jan Khakriwal confirmed the fall of Panjwai, but accused government forces of "intentionally withdrawing". 'Taliban don't want peace' Scores of families of Panjwai fled their homes after the Taliban captured the district, an AFP correspondent reported. "The Taliban fired on our car as I was fleeing with my family. At least five bullets hit my car," Giran, a resident of Panjwai told AFP as he took refuge in Kandahar city. "The Taliban are on top of the mountains and firing at any moving vehicles. The Taliban don't want peace." Assadullah, a commander of border police in the area, said it was only the police force that was fighting against the insurgents. "The army and the commandos who have better military equipment are not fighting at all," he said. Panjwai is the fifth district in Kandahar province to fall to the insurgents in recent weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban seize key Kandahar district

In about two-months, all US groups will be off the ground in Afghanistan as the Biden administration prepares to return after a two decade war. Fear looms over the citizens as the Taliban imposes regressive laws in captured areas.

Afghanistan: As US withdraws, Taliban gains ground

Marking an end to the longest war in US history, the American troops have left the main military base in Afghanistan. Locals living in the shadow of the base are bracing themselves for what comes next.

Afghanistan: Fears of the Taliban taking over Afghan

As the US troops handed over Afghanistan's Bagram airbase to Afghan forces, US President Joe Biden on Friday said there were no immediate plans for complete troop withdrawal from the country. "No. We're on, we're on track exactly as to where we expect to be," the US president said.

Troops drawdown in Afghanistan is on track, says US President Joe Biden

American troops pulled out of their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, leaving behind a piece of the World Trade Center they buried 20 years ago in a country that could descend into civil war without them. 
 
The quiet departure from Bagram Air Base brought an effective end to the longest war in US&nbsp;history. It came as the Taliban insurgency ramps up its offensive throughout the country after peace talks sputtered. 
 
The Pentagon said the turnover of Bagram to Afghan security forces was a 'key milestone' in the withdrawal, but insisted the US&nbsp;military still has the authority to protect Afghan forces. 
 
"Those authorities still exist," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters. He did not give a timeline for when they might end. 
 
President Joe Biden said the troops' departure is on track, but some American forces will still be in Afghanistan in September as part of a 'rational drawdown with allies'. 
 
He called repeated queries from reporters about the withdrawal timeline 'negative' on Friday, ahead of the July 4 US&nbsp;Independence Day holiday weekend. "I want to talk about happy things, man," Biden said. "It's the holiday weekend. I'm going to celebrate it. There's great things happening." 
 
Bagram, an hour's drive north of Kabul, was where the US&nbsp;military coordinated its air war and logistical support for its entire Afghan mission. The Taliban thanked them for leaving. 
 
"We consider this withdrawal a positive step. Afghans can get closer to stability and peace with the full withdrawal of foreign forces," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. 
 
Other Afghans were more circumspect. "The Americans must leave Afghanistan and there should be peace in this country," said Kabul resident Javed Arman. 
 
But he added: "We are in a difficult situation. Most people have fled their districts and some districts have fallen. Seven districts in Paktia province have fallen and are now under Taliban control." 
 
More than 3,500 international troops were killed in Afghanistan. A Western diplomat in Kabul said Washington and its NATO allies had 'won many battles, but have lost the Afghan war'.

(With inputs from agencies)

American troops pulled out of their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, leaving behind a piece of the World Trade Center they buried 20 years ago in a country that could descend into civil war without them.

American troops pulled out of their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, leaving behind a piece of the World Trade Center they buried 20 years ago in a country that could descend into civil war without them. The quiet departure from Bagram Air Base brought an effective end to the longest war in US history. It came as the Taliban insurgency ramps up its offensive throughout the country after peace talks sputtered. The Pentagon said the turnover of Bagram to Afghan security forces was a 'key milestone' in the withdrawal, but insisted the US military still has the authority to protect Afghan forces. "Those authorities still exist," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters. He did not give a timeline for when they might end. President Joe Biden said the troops' departure is on track, but some American forces will still be in Afghanistan in September as part of a 'rational drawdown with allies'. He called repeated queries from reporters about the withdrawal timeline 'negative' on Friday, ahead of the July 4 US Independence Day holiday weekend. "I want to talk about happy things, man," Biden said. "It's the holiday weekend. I'm going to celebrate it. There's great things happening." Bagram, an hour's drive north of Kabul, was where the US military coordinated its air war and logistical support for its entire Afghan mission. The Taliban thanked them for leaving. "We consider this withdrawal a positive step. Afghans can get closer to stability and peace with the full withdrawal of foreign forces," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. Other Afghans were more circumspect. "The Americans must leave Afghanistan and there should be peace in this country," said Kabul resident Javed Arman. But he added: "We are in a difficult situation. Most people have fled their districts and some districts have fallen. Seven districts in Paktia province have fallen and are now under Taliban control." More than 3,500 international troops were killed in Afghanistan. A Western diplomat in Kabul said Washington and its NATO allies had 'won many battles, but have lost the Afghan war'. (With inputs from agencies)

Era ends, uncertainty looms as US forces quit main Afghanistan base

Officials said that hundreds of Taliban fighters were killed in fighting across several provinces of Afghanistan. This came amid announcement from the US that troop withdrawal would complete by the end of August.

The announcement came after US and NATO troops vacated their main Bagram Air Base. The airbase was from where the coalition forces led operations for two decades against Taliban and Al Quaeda.

In last 24 hours, more than 300 Taliban fighters were killed in fighting with government forces, said the Ministry of Defence on Saturday.

Scores were killed in airstrikes, including a pre-dawn assault on Saturday, in the southern province of Helmand, where the insurgents and government troops have regularly clashed.

There are fears that Afghan forces would find it hard to fight against the Taliban without the air support the US has been providing.

"In recent days, the Afghan air force has intensified its airstrikes against the Taliban hideouts and the insurgents have suffered casualties," Attaullah Afghan, a member of Helmand provincial council, told AFP.

The Taliban rejected the government's claims.

Both sides often exaggerate each other's casualties and their claims are difficult to independently verify.

But since May 1 when the US military began its final withdrawal of about 2,500 troops, the two warring sides have clashed fiercely across the rugged countryside as peace talks between them have faltered.

As a result, the Taliban have seized dozens of districts in blistering assaults targeting government forces.&nbsp;

The insurgents have encircled almost all major cities across the country, and on Saturday claimed seizing seven more districts in the northeastern province of Badakhshan.

Top US envoy to Kabul, Ross Wilson, lashed out at the insurgents.

"The Taliban is using violent propaganda and hate speech to intimidate, threaten &amp; attack Afghans on social media," Wilson said on Twitter on Saturday.

"Violence and terror cannot create peace."&nbsp;

The Pentagon pressed on with its withdrawal to end America's longest war.

On Friday, all US and NATO troops left Bagram Air Base, signalling that the military involvement for coalition forces was finally nearing its end.

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials said that hundreds of Taliban fighters were killed in fighting across several provinces of Afghanistan. This came amid announcement from the US that troop withdrawal would complete by the end of August.

Officials said that hundreds of Taliban fighters were killed in fighting across several provinces of Afghanistan. This came amid announcement from the US that troop withdrawal would complete by the end of August. The announcement came after US and NATO troops vacated their main Bagram Air Base. The airbase was from where the coalition forces led operations for two decades against Taliban and Al Quaeda. In last 24 hours, more than 300 Taliban fighters were killed in fighting with government forces, said the Ministry of Defence on Saturday. Scores were killed in airstrikes, including a pre-dawn assault on Saturday, in the southern province of Helmand, where the insurgents and government troops have regularly clashed. There are fears that Afghan forces would find it hard to fight against the Taliban without the air support the US has been providing. "In recent days, the Afghan air force has intensified its airstrikes against the Taliban hideouts and the insurgents have suffered casualties," Attaullah Afghan, a member of Helmand provincial council, told AFP. The Taliban rejected the government's claims. Both sides often exaggerate each other's casualties and their claims are difficult to independently verify. But since May 1 when the US military began its final withdrawal of about 2,500 troops, the two warring sides have clashed fiercely across the rugged countryside as peace talks between them have faltered. As a result, the Taliban have seized dozens of districts in blistering assaults targeting government forces. The insurgents have encircled almost all major cities across the country, and on Saturday claimed seizing seven more districts in the northeastern province of Badakhshan. Top US envoy to Kabul, Ross Wilson, lashed out at the insurgents. "The Taliban is using violent propaganda and hate speech to intimidate, threaten & attack Afghans on social media," Wilson said on Twitter on Saturday. "Violence and terror cannot create peace." The Pentagon pressed on with its withdrawal to end America's longest war. On Friday, all US and NATO troops left Bagram Air Base, signalling that the military involvement for coalition forces was finally nearing its end. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Fighting rages as US forces seek exit by end August

American troops packed up and left their biggest military base in Afghanistan, leaving the Afghan army in charge. Can the government defend Bagram, or will the Taliban attempt to capture it?

Gravitas: U.S. vacates Bagram, leaves Afghan army in charge

Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) of Afghanistan said the survival, security & unity of the country is in danger. As the deadline of the US drawdown is approaching, Abdullah said that the Taliban are taking very slow steps in the peace talks but have increased the war on the battlefield.

Afghanistan's survival, security & unity in danger warns Abdullah Abdullah

Italy&nbsp;has completed its troop pullout from Afghanistan, Rome announced on Wednesday, ending a 20-year deployment there as part of an accelerated withdrawal of NATO forces.

Members of the US-backed alliance agreed in April to wrap up their 9,600-strong mission in Afghanistan after US President Joe Biden made the call to end Washington's longest war.

"Last night, the Italian mission in Afghanistan officially ended," Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini said in a statement after dozens of soldiers landed at Pisa's international airport from Herat.

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"However, the international community's commitment to Afghanistan, starting with&nbsp;Italy, does not end here. It will continue in other forms, from strengthening development cooperation to supporting Afghan republican institutions."

According to the ministry, 50,000 Italian soldiers were deployed to Afghanistan over the past 20 years after the 9/11 attacks prompted the US and NATO involvement in the country.

Over that period, 53 soldiers died and 723 were injured.

Italy&nbsp;was one of the five countries most involved in Afghanistan along with the United States, Turkey, Britain and Germany as part of "Resolute Support."

This NATO-led non-combat mission aimed to train Afghan forces into ensuring their country's security after the departure of foreign forces.

Germany announced Tuesday that all its troops had left Afghanistan as the largest pull-out, that of the United States, is ongoing.&nbsp;

The withdrawal has fuelled fears the Taliban could regain power in the country.

Rome has begun the process of bringing to&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;those Afghan citizens who helped Italian forces during the deployment. The army has identified 270 eligible people while studying the cases of another 400.&nbsp;

Eighty-two Afghans, most of them interpreters and their families, arrived at Rome's Fiumicino Airport on June 14.&nbsp;

Italy has completed its troop pullout from Afghanistan, Rome announced on Wednesday, ending a 20-year deployment there as part of an accelerated withdrawal of NATO forces.

Italy has completed its troop pullout from Afghanistan, Rome announced on Wednesday, ending a 20-year deployment there as part of an accelerated withdrawal of NATO forces. Members of the US-backed alliance agreed in April to wrap up their 9,600-strong mission in Afghanistan after US President Joe Biden made the call to end Washington's longest war. "Last night, the Italian mission in Afghanistan officially ended," Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini said in a statement after dozens of soldiers landed at Pisa's international airport from Herat. Also Read | 'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school "However, the international community's commitment to Afghanistan, starting with Italy, does not end here. It will continue in other forms, from strengthening development cooperation to supporting Afghan republican institutions." According to the ministry, 50,000 Italian soldiers were deployed to Afghanistan over the past 20 years after the 9/11 attacks prompted the US and NATO involvement in the country. Over that period, 53 soldiers died and 723 were injured. Italy was one of the five countries most involved in Afghanistan along with the United States, Turkey, Britain and Germany as part of "Resolute Support." This NATO-led non-combat mission aimed to train Afghan forces into ensuring their country's security after the departure of foreign forces. Germany announced Tuesday that all its troops had left Afghanistan as the largest pull-out, that of the United States, is ongoing. The withdrawal has fuelled fears the Taliban could regain power in the country. Rome has begun the process of bringing to Italy those Afghan citizens who helped Italian forces during the deployment. The army has identified 270 eligible people while studying the cases of another 400. Eighty-two Afghans, most of them interpreters and their families, arrived at Rome's Fiumicino Airport on June 14.

Italy completes troop pullout from Afghanistan

Indians in Afghanistan face a "serious threat of kidnapping". As the Taliban steps up its offensive, the Indian mission has termed the security situation in Afghanistan as dangerous.

Gravitas: Indians face "serious threat" of kidnapping in Afghanistan

Will terror groups like Al-Qaeda use the chaos in Afghanistan to stir trouble in Kashmir? What can India do to keep its home front safe?

Gravitas: Afghan instability threatens Kashmir peace

General Miller refused to give any date or timeframe, referring only to the September timeline given by US President Joe Biden in April when he announced the final withdrawal of the remaining 3,500 American troops.

Top US General in Afghanistan warns of civil war after troop withdrawal

The top US commander in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;Tuesday did not rule out conducting airstrikes against the Taliban if they pressed on with their campaign of capturing new territory across the violence-wracked country.

Fighting has surged across the rugged countryside since early May when the US military began its final withdrawal of troops, with the Taliban claiming to have recently captured more than 100 of the over 400 districts across&nbsp;Afghanistan.

"What I like to see is no airstrikes, but to get to no airstrikes, you stop all violence," General Scott Miller told reporters in Kabul on Tuesday, according to video footage obtained by AFP from US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

"The best way to stop those, and I have actually told the Taliban this, is stop the offensive operations and air strikes," he said, insisting that the US military still has the firepower to conduct airstrikes against the insurgents even as it continues the withdrawal.

The remaining US troops are expected to be out by the September 11 deadline announced by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war.

The Taliban's claims of capturing districts are often disputed by government officials and are difficult to independently verify.

But experts say one of the main reasons the Taliban has been able to capture scores of new districts in recent weeks is the lack of US air support to Afghan ground forces fighting across rural terrains.

Miller, who is soon to transition to another commander, acknowledged that any loss of territory has an impact on the overall security in the country.

"Because districts start representing key terrain as it relates to the security of the people, of the provincial capitals and certainly security of the capital," he said.

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The Taliban recently captured a key border crossing with Tajikistan in the north along with other districts surrounding the city of Kunduz, effectively laying a siege to the city.

The insurgents have also encircled almost all major cities in the country, raising fears that they would also make a military push to capture Kabul after the US and NATO forces leave.

"A military takeover is not in the interest of anyone, certainly not for the people of&nbsp;Afghanistan," Miller said, adding that the overall security situation was "not good".

"That's something that's recognised by the Afghan security forces and they are making the appropriate adjustments as we move forward," he said.

Faced with the Taliban's blistering assault, the Afghan interior ministry said Tuesday it has created a 4,000 member "rapid reaction force" to be led by retired army generals who would fight the Taliban along with regular security forces.

The top US commander in Afghanistan Tuesday did not rule out conducting airstrikes against the Taliban if they pressed on with their campaign of capturing new territory across the violence-wracked country.

The top US commander in Afghanistan Tuesday did not rule out conducting airstrikes against the Taliban if they pressed on with their campaign of capturing new territory across the violence-wracked country. Fighting has surged across the rugged countryside since early May when the US military began its final withdrawal of troops, with the Taliban claiming to have recently captured more than 100 of the over 400 districts across Afghanistan. "What I like to see is no airstrikes, but to get to no airstrikes, you stop all violence," General Scott Miller told reporters in Kabul on Tuesday, according to video footage obtained by AFP from US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. "The best way to stop those, and I have actually told the Taliban this, is stop the offensive operations and air strikes," he said, insisting that the US military still has the firepower to conduct airstrikes against the insurgents even as it continues the withdrawal. The remaining US troops are expected to be out by the September 11 deadline announced by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war. The Taliban's claims of capturing districts are often disputed by government officials and are difficult to independently verify. But experts say one of the main reasons the Taliban has been able to capture scores of new districts in recent weeks is the lack of US air support to Afghan ground forces fighting across rural terrains. Miller, who is soon to transition to another commander, acknowledged that any loss of territory has an impact on the overall security in the country. "Because districts start representing key terrain as it relates to the security of the people, of the provincial capitals and certainly security of the capital," he said. Also Read | A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press The Taliban recently captured a key border crossing with Tajikistan in the north along with other districts surrounding the city of Kunduz, effectively laying a siege to the city. The insurgents have also encircled almost all major cities in the country, raising fears that they would also make a military push to capture Kabul after the US and NATO forces leave. "A military takeover is not in the interest of anyone, certainly not for the people of Afghanistan," Miller said, adding that the overall security situation was "not good". "That's something that's recognised by the Afghan security forces and they are making the appropriate adjustments as we move forward," he said. Faced with the Taliban's blistering assault, the Afghan interior ministry said Tuesday it has created a 4,000 member "rapid reaction force" to be led by retired army generals who would fight the Taliban along with regular security forces.

US commmander warns Taliban to stop Afghan offensive or face air strikes

About 5,000&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;families have fled their homes in Kunduz after days of&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;between the Taliban and government forces, officials said Saturday, with the insurgents continuing to surround the key&nbsp;northern&nbsp;city.

The Taliban briefly seized the&nbsp;city&nbsp;twice in recent years but have now captured the surrounding districts and a nearby border crossing with Tajikistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-makes-further-inroads-in-northern-afghanistan-seizes-border-port-with-tajikistan-393655">Taliban makes further inroads in northern Afghanistan, seizes border port with Tajikistan</a>

"About 5,000 families have been&nbsp;displaced&nbsp;by the&nbsp;fighting," Ghulam Sakhi Rasouli, director of the Kunduz Refugees and Repatriation Department, told AFP.

He said up to 2,000 of those families had fled to Kabul and other provinces.

Many people took refuge in a school in the&nbsp;city&nbsp;and had been provided with food and other relief items, Kunduz provincial council member Ghulam Rabbani Rabbani said.

Video footage taken by AFP showed dozens of people, many of them women and children, sitting inside tents set up in a school compound.

"We are six families living together here for three days... you can see my children are sitting on the ground," Juma Khan, who fled with his family, told AFP.

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"We have still not received any help. A team came today to survey some families but after a few minutes they left," said Akhtar Mohammad, who has also taken refuge in the school.

Another 8,000 families have been&nbsp;displaced&nbsp;across the province of Kunduz following a month of sporadic clashes between the insurgents and government forces, Rasouli added.

He said authorities were unable to provide relief items to all the&nbsp;displaced&nbsp;families across the province.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-peace-talks-should-go-on-unless-taliban-pull-out-abdullah-394131">Afghanistan peace talks should go on unless Taliban pull out: Abdullah</a>

Kunduz&nbsp;city's public health director Ehsanullah Fazli said that since the&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;erupted more than a week ago, 29 civilians have been killed and 225 wounded.

Fighting&nbsp;has raged across Kunduz province for days, with the Taliban and&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;forces engaged in bloody battles.

On Tuesday the insurgents captured Shir Khan Bandar, Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan, in one of their most significant gains in recent months.

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Since early May, the Taliban have launched several major offensives targeting government forces across the rugged countryside and say they have seized nearly 90 of the country's more than 400 districts.

Many of their claims are disputed by the government and difficult to independently verify.

Violence surged after the US military began the withdrawal of its last remaining 2,500 troops from the country to meet the September 11 deadline announced by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war.

Peace talks between the two warring sides remain deadlocked in Qatar.

About 5,000 Afghan families have fled their homes in Kunduz after days of fighting between the Taliban and government forces, officials said Saturday, with the insurgents continuing to surround the key northern city.

About 5,000 Afghan families have fled their homes in Kunduz after days of fighting between the Taliban and government forces, officials said Saturday, with the insurgents continuing to surround the key northern city. The Taliban briefly seized the city twice in recent years but have now captured the surrounding districts and a nearby border crossing with Tajikistan. Also read | Taliban makes further inroads in northern Afghanistan, seizes border port with Tajikistan "About 5,000 families have been displaced by the fighting," Ghulam Sakhi Rasouli, director of the Kunduz Refugees and Repatriation Department, told AFP. He said up to 2,000 of those families had fled to Kabul and other provinces. Many people took refuge in a school in the city and had been provided with food and other relief items, Kunduz provincial council member Ghulam Rabbani Rabbani said. Video footage taken by AFP showed dozens of people, many of them women and children, sitting inside tents set up in a school compound. "We are six families living together here for three days... you can see my children are sitting on the ground," Juma Khan, who fled with his family, told AFP. "We have still not received any help. A team came today to survey some families but after a few minutes they left," said Akhtar Mohammad, who has also taken refuge in the school. Another 8,000 families have been displaced across the province of Kunduz following a month of sporadic clashes between the insurgents and government forces, Rasouli added. He said authorities were unable to provide relief items to all the displaced families across the province. Also read | Afghanistan peace talks should go on unless Taliban pull out: Abdullah Kunduz city's public health director Ehsanullah Fazli said that since the fighting erupted more than a week ago, 29 civilians have been killed and 225 wounded. Fighting has raged across Kunduz province for days, with the Taliban and Afghan forces engaged in bloody battles. On Tuesday the insurgents captured Shir Khan Bandar, Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan, in one of their most significant gains in recent months. Since early May, the Taliban have launched several major offensives targeting government forces across the rugged countryside and say they have seized nearly 90 of the country's more than 400 districts. Many of their claims are disputed by the government and difficult to independently verify. Violence surged after the US military began the withdrawal of its last remaining 2,500 troops from the country to meet the September 11 deadline announced by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war. Peace talks between the two warring sides remain deadlocked in Qatar.

Thousands displaced by fighting around northern Afghan city

US president Joe Biden met his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani at the white house on Friday to demonstrate a continuing US commitment to Afghanistan. Watch this report to know more.

Our support for Afghanistan is not ending: Joe Biden

The Taliban is gaining ground across key districts in Afghanistan while the US is moving ahead with the pullback of the military forces from Afghanistan.

The Afghanistan drawdown: Challenges ahead of Afghan government

US President Joe Biden met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his former political foe, Abdullah Abdullah, at the White House where he called on Afghans to decide the future of their country as the last US troops pack up after 20 years of war and government forces struggle to repel Taliban advances.

Afghan leaders meet US President at White House, Biden assures support

Joe Biden's Afghan exit plan Is America abandoning Afghan interpreters? Will Kabul collapse after U.S. Withdrawal? The fate of women's rights in Afghanistan. Can the Taliban return to power?

WION Wideangle | Afghanistan: Taliban return to power?

Abdullah Abdullah, the chief of Afghanistan's peace council said on Friday that talks with Taliban on political settlement should not be abandoned despite Taliban attacks unless the insurgents themselves pull out. The talks have been long-stalled.

“I think we shouldn’t shut the door unless it’s completely shut by the Taliban,” Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, told Reuters in an interview. “We can’t say no to talks despite a lack of progress or in spite of what’s happening on the ground.”

He spoke after he accompanied Afghan Prsident Ashraf Ghani as they met US President Joe Biden at White House. The talks remained focussed on US military and civilian aid and issues stemming from the departure of the last U.S. troops nearly 20 years after the U.S.-led invasion.

Biden told Ghani and Abdullah that “Afghans are going to have to decide their future” and the “senseless violence has to stop.”

The fighting, however, has raised grave doubts about long-stalled US-backed peace negotiations between the insurgents and a delegation that includes government officials that began in Doha under the Trump administration in 2020.

Abdullah said there was “perhaps more optimism” about a peace deal when the negotiations began because “the Taliban said things to different interlocutors that created optimism.”

Still, Abdullah said, the talks should not be abandoned.

“Eventually, the last man killed will not be a solution,” he said. “There has to be a peaceful settlement.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Abdullah Abdullah, the chief of Afghanistan's peace council said on Friday that talks with Taliban on political settlement should not be abandoned despite Taliban attacks unless the insurgents themselves pull out.

Abdullah Abdullah, the chief of Afghanistan's peace council said on Friday that talks with Taliban on political settlement should not be abandoned despite Taliban attacks unless the insurgents themselves pull out. The talks have been long-stalled. “I think we shouldn’t shut the door unless it’s completely shut by the Taliban,” Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, told Reuters in an interview. “We can’t say no to talks despite a lack of progress or in spite of what’s happening on the ground.” He spoke after he accompanied Afghan Prsident Ashraf Ghani as they met US President Joe Biden at White House. The talks remained focussed on US military and civilian aid and issues stemming from the departure of the last U.S. troops nearly 20 years after the U.S.-led invasion. Biden told Ghani and Abdullah that “Afghans are going to have to decide their future” and the “senseless violence has to stop.” The fighting, however, has raised grave doubts about long-stalled US-backed peace negotiations between the insurgents and a delegation that includes government officials that began in Doha under the Trump administration in 2020. Abdullah said there was “perhaps more optimism” about a peace deal when the negotiations began because “the Taliban said things to different interlocutors that created optimism.” Still, Abdullah said, the talks should not be abandoned. “Eventually, the last man killed will not be a solution,” he said. “There has to be a peaceful settlement.” (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan peace talks should go on unless Taliban pull out: Abdullah

An official from Afghanistan told WION that Pakistan nationals were arrested by security forces. A report also noted increase in Taliban funding on Pakistan soil.

Afghanistan blames Pakistan for growing unrest

A report claims that India told the Taliban to not support "militant elements who are anti-India" in Afghanistan. What was the Taliban's response? What did the Taliban say about Pakistan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Taliban confirms meeting with Indian delegation

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

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

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

Taliban loses control of 6 districts to Afghan forces: Report

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in USA on Friday. He is accompanied by Abdullah Abdullah who leads the High Council for National Reconciliation. Ghani is slated to meet US President Joe Biden. The meet comes even as the US is in process of withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan. Ghani said that he respects the 'strategic decision' taken by the US and that it was a 'great pleasure' to be in the US

"It's a great pleasure to be here. The decision of President Biden has been a 'Strategic Decision'. We respect that decision. It's dealing with the new chapter of our friendship, our strategic relationship and our people-to-people relationship and government to government relationship that we are focused. Our discussions have been productive and we look very much forward to the culminating decision in meeting with the president today," said Ghani.

Violence in Afghanistan is on the rise ever since the announcement and commencement of US withdrawal. Taliban has been reported to be in control of dozens of districts.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-actions-inconsistent-with-establishing-peace-in-afghanistan-blinken-393956">Taliban's actions 'inconsistent' with establishing peace in Afghanistan: Blinken</a>

Taliban recently captured the border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The northern city of Kunduz is expecting an encirclement and siege by the Taliban.

On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that actions of Taliban were<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-actions-inconsistent-with-establishing-peace-in-afghanistan-blinken-393956"> 'inconsistent' with aim of establishing peace</a> in Afghanistan.

"We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and were also looking very hard whether the Taliban is at all serious about peaceful resolution of the conflict," Blinken told a news conference in Paris.

"Actions that try to take the country by force, of course, are totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," Blinken added.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in USA on Friday. He is accompanied by Abdullah Abdullah who leads the High Council for National Reconciliation. Ghani is slated to meet US President Joe Biden.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in USA on Friday. He is accompanied by Abdullah Abdullah who leads the High Council for National Reconciliation. Ghani is slated to meet US President Joe Biden. The meet comes even as the US is in process of withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan. Ghani said that he respects the 'strategic decision' taken by the US and that it was a 'great pleasure' to be in the US "It's a great pleasure to be here. The decision of President Biden has been a 'Strategic Decision'. We respect that decision. It's dealing with the new chapter of our friendship, our strategic relationship and our people-to-people relationship and government to government relationship that we are focused. Our discussions have been productive and we look very much forward to the culminating decision in meeting with the president today," said Ghani. Violence in Afghanistan is on the rise ever since the announcement and commencement of US withdrawal. Taliban has been reported to be in control of dozens of districts. Also Read | Taliban's actions 'inconsistent' with establishing peace in Afghanistan: Blinken Taliban recently captured the border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The northern city of Kunduz is expecting an encirclement and siege by the Taliban. On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that actions of Taliban were 'inconsistent' with aim of establishing peace in Afghanistan. "We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and were also looking very hard whether the Taliban is at all serious about peaceful resolution of the conflict," Blinken told a news conference in Paris. "Actions that try to take the country by force, of course, are totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," Blinken added.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reaches US, to meet Biden soon 

US intelligence has said that the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul will fall to the resurgent Taliban group within six months of the departure of US and international troops, ahead of a White House meeting between President Joe Biden and top Afghan leaders Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah.

US Intel: Kabul could fall in 6 months after troops pullout | WION VOA Co-Production

Biden on Thursday said he planned to discuss with President Ghani and Abdullah, head of the reconciliation council, plans for airlifting the thousands of Afghans who supported Americans out of the country.

'To ensure no safe haven for terrorists': White House on Biden-Ghani meeting

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