In early March, Jaishankar and Khalilzad spoke over phone and discussed the developments pertaining to the Afghan peace talks.

EAM S.Jaishankar holds talks with US Special Representative for Afghanistan

In less than one week, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has visited Qatar twice. Why? The route for an Afghanistan Peace Deal goes through Doha, and India could be trying to get a word in. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | Two visits in less than a week: What is Jaishankar doing in Qatar?

As the Taliban returns to Afghanistan, violent incidents have grown in the country. In a recent shoot out, at least five polio vaccinators were shot dead in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday.

These workers were shot dead in what is being assumed to be a "coordinated attack" in three different locations within a span of a few hours.

"This is the work of the Taliban, targeting health workers to deprive people of polio vaccines," Nangarhar provincial police spokesman Farid Khan said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/children-pay-the-price-in-pakistans-mass-hiv-outbreak-391459" hreflang="en">Children pay the price in Pakistan's mass HIV outbreak</a>

However, the terrorist group Taliban has denied responsibility for these attacks.

Polio vaccines have been protested against for years now in Afghanistan as several spiritual leaders and community leaders claim vaccines are a conspiracy started by Western countries.

After the attack that killed five workers and injured at least one more, the door-to-door inoculation drive has been halted for the time being.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-ministry-of-interior-arrests-mediators-who-helped-in-handover-of-military-outposts-to-taliban-391299" hreflang="en">Afghan Ministry of Interior arrests mediators who helped in handover of military outposts to Taliban</a>

"These were all targeted attacks against polio vaccinators, and for now we have stopped all polio vaccination drives in Nangarhar province," an official told AFP.

"Depriving children from an assurance of a healthy life is inhumane,"&nbsp;Ramiz Alakbarov, United Nations’ official said condemning the attack. "Senseless violence must stop now, those responsible must be investigated and brought to justice.”

As the Taliban returns to Afghanistan, violent incidents have grown in the country. In a recent shoot out, at least five polio vaccinators were shot dead in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday.

As the Taliban returns to Afghanistan, violent incidents have grown in the country. In a recent shoot out, at least five polio vaccinators were shot dead in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday. These workers were shot dead in what is being assumed to be a "coordinated attack" in three different locations within a span of a few hours. "This is the work of the Taliban, targeting health workers to deprive people of polio vaccines," Nangarhar provincial police spokesman Farid Khan said. Also read | Children pay the price in Pakistan's mass HIV outbreak However, the terrorist group Taliban has denied responsibility for these attacks. Polio vaccines have been protested against for years now in Afghanistan as several spiritual leaders and community leaders claim vaccines are a conspiracy started by Western countries. After the attack that killed five workers and injured at least one more, the door-to-door inoculation drive has been halted for the time being. Also read | Afghan Ministry of Interior arrests mediators who helped in handover of military outposts to Taliban "These were all targeted attacks against polio vaccinators, and for now we have stopped all polio vaccination drives in Nangarhar province," an official told AFP. "Depriving children from an assurance of a healthy life is inhumane," Ramiz Alakbarov, United Nations’ official said condemning the attack. "Senseless violence must stop now, those responsible must be investigated and brought to justice.”

Afghanistan: Five polio workers shot dead in 'coordinated attacks'

At least four people were killed in a succession of targeted strikes on polio workers in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, the second such incident in less than three months.&nbsp;

No militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks in the city of Jalalabad. Along with the four killed, at least three members of the polio vaccination teams were wounded, said Dr Jan Mohammad, who coordinates the anti-polio drive for the country’s east.&nbsp;

According to Nangarhar police spokesman Farid Khan, the polio workers were gunned down in three different sites over the course of two hours in a "coordinated attack."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan are the only two remaining countries in the world where polio is endemic, after Nigeria was last year declared free of the virus.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan are the only two remaining countries in the world where polio is endemic, after Nigeria was last year declared free of the virus." target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

"This is Taliban work," he continued, "targeting health personnel in order to deprive people of polio immunizations."

The attacks were confirmed by Osman Taheri, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health.&nbsp;

After Nigeria was proclaimed polio-free last year, Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan are the only two nations in the world where the disease is still widespread.&nbsp;

In March, the Islamic State group said it shot and killed three women who were part of a polio vaccination team, also in Jalalabad, the capital of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.

The IS affiliate is headquartered in eastern Afghanistan and while the Sunni militant group’s numbers are believed to have gone down after recent government offensives and clashes with the rival Taliban, IS militants have lately stepped up attacks on minority Shia Muslims.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least four people were killed in a succession of targeted strikes on polio workers in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, the second such incident in less than three months.

At least four people were killed in a succession of targeted strikes on polio workers in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, the second such incident in less than three months. No militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks in the city of Jalalabad. Along with the four killed, at least three members of the polio vaccination teams were wounded, said Dr Jan Mohammad, who coordinates the anti-polio drive for the country’s east. According to Nangarhar police spokesman Farid Khan, the polio workers were gunned down in three different sites over the course of two hours in a "coordinated attack." Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan are the only two remaining countries in the world where polio is endemic, after Nigeria was last year declared free of the virus. × "This is Taliban work," he continued, "targeting health personnel in order to deprive people of polio immunizations." The attacks were confirmed by Osman Taheri, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health. After Nigeria was proclaimed polio-free last year, Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan are the only two nations in the world where the disease is still widespread. In March, the Islamic State group said it shot and killed three women who were part of a polio vaccination team, also in Jalalabad, the capital of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province. The IS affiliate is headquartered in eastern Afghanistan and while the Sunni militant group’s numbers are believed to have gone down after recent government offensives and clashes with the rival Taliban, IS militants have lately stepped up attacks on minority Shia Muslims. (With inputs from agencies)

Four people working to vaccinate children are shot dead in Afghanistan

Afghan interpreters fear reprisal from the Taliban as foreign troops prepare for departure. Will the western coalition be able to relocate all interpreters before the September deadline? Mariam Wardak gets you a report.

South Asia Diary: Afghan interpreters fear Taliban reprisal

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior Affairs (MoI) on Sunday arrested mediators who helped in the handover of military outposts to the Taliban.

Elders--or others--who act as mediators to negotiate between government forces and the Taliban-- causing security force members to abandon their posts--have been arrested, the MoI said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The ministry reiterated that cooperation with "terrorists" is unacceptable, reported Tolo News.

Many districts have recently fallen to the Taliban or have been evacuated after being under siege. Sources confirmed the fall of at least 20 districts` centres to the Taliban in the last two months.

Over the last 24 hours, security forces evacuated Saghar district in Ghor, Arghandab district in Zabul and Posht Rod and Lash districts in Farah, bringing the total to 23, reported Tolo News.

Security agencies said that government forces have either shifted the centres of the districts or they have made tactical retreats. The Taliban has claimed to have captured these districts.

"There were clashes in Posht Rod district last night during which the police headquarters fell to militants," said Dadullah Qane, head of the Farah provincial council." We lost our security forces and youth, and the wounded are in critical condition," said Anisa Ghayur, a member of Ghor`s provincial council.

The Taliban claimed on Sunday to have captured the centre of Arghandab district in Zabul and two markets in Ali Abad district in Kunduz, reported Tolo News. However, security forces said the Khashrod district in Nimroz was retaken hours after it fell to the Taliban.

"Security outposts were attacked by the enemy in Khan Abad and Ali Abad districts. So far, the security and defence forces have responded strongly," said Inamuddin Rahmani, spokesman for the Kunduz police.

The Ministry of Interior Affairs said that security forces have been directed to arrest those who attempt to mediate between government forces and the Taliban to hand over security forces outposts.

"The reason that soldiers leave their outposts is that they are faced with the lack of facilities, equipment and personnel," said Shogufa Nawrozi, an MP from Helmand. Clashes have been reported in at least 20 provinces over 70 districts, according to sources and officials.

Footage obtained by Tolo News shows some soldiers in Lash wa Joyan district in Farah province, apparently pleading for help.

The Ministry of Defense responded by pledging that the security forces will receive support when they need it.&nbsp;

"The enemy has suffered its highest casualties in Nimroz, Badghis and Helmand provinces," Defense Ministry spokesman Rohullah Ahmadzai said. Local security officials in Ghazni and Takhar on Sunday said security forces had progressed in the two provinces and that the Taliban suffered "heavy casualties" during their operations.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior Affairs (MoI) on Sunday arrested mediators who helped in the handover of military outposts to the Taliban. Elders--or others--who act as mediators to negotiate between government forces and the Taliban-- causing security force members to abandon their posts--have been arrested, the MoI said on Sunday.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior Affairs (MoI) on Sunday arrested mediators who helped in the handover of military outposts to the Taliban. Elders--or others--who act as mediators to negotiate between government forces and the Taliban-- causing security force members to abandon their posts--have been arrested, the MoI said on Sunday. The ministry reiterated that cooperation with "terrorists" is unacceptable, reported Tolo News. Many districts have recently fallen to the Taliban or have been evacuated after being under siege. Sources confirmed the fall of at least 20 districts` centres to the Taliban in the last two months. Over the last 24 hours, security forces evacuated Saghar district in Ghor, Arghandab district in Zabul and Posht Rod and Lash districts in Farah, bringing the total to 23, reported Tolo News. Security agencies said that government forces have either shifted the centres of the districts or they have made tactical retreats. The Taliban has claimed to have captured these districts. "There were clashes in Posht Rod district last night during which the police headquarters fell to militants," said Dadullah Qane, head of the Farah provincial council." We lost our security forces and youth, and the wounded are in critical condition," said Anisa Ghayur, a member of Ghor`s provincial council. The Taliban claimed on Sunday to have captured the centre of Arghandab district in Zabul and two markets in Ali Abad district in Kunduz, reported Tolo News. However, security forces said the Khashrod district in Nimroz was retaken hours after it fell to the Taliban. "Security outposts were attacked by the enemy in Khan Abad and Ali Abad districts. So far, the security and defence forces have responded strongly," said Inamuddin Rahmani, spokesman for the Kunduz police. The Ministry of Interior Affairs said that security forces have been directed to arrest those who attempt to mediate between government forces and the Taliban to hand over security forces outposts. "The reason that soldiers leave their outposts is that they are faced with the lack of facilities, equipment and personnel," said Shogufa Nawrozi, an MP from Helmand. Clashes have been reported in at least 20 provinces over 70 districts, according to sources and officials. Footage obtained by Tolo News shows some soldiers in Lash wa Joyan district in Farah province, apparently pleading for help. The Ministry of Defense responded by pledging that the security forces will receive support when they need it. "The enemy has suffered its highest casualties in Nimroz, Badghis and Helmand provinces," Defense Ministry spokesman Rohullah Ahmadzai said. Local security officials in Ghazni and Takhar on Sunday said security forces had progressed in the two provinces and that the Taliban suffered "heavy casualties" during their operations.

Afghan Ministry of Interior arrests mediators who helped in handover of military outposts to Taliban

A few months ahead of the September 11 deadline of US drawdown from Afghanistan, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday said that his country would not take responsibility if it was blamed for the downturn in the Afghan peace process. His comments come as the United States and its allies are set to exit Afghanistan amid a recent surge in the spring offensive by the Taliban.

"I wish them luck and a good visit but let me spell it down in advance. If the objective of going to Washington is starting a new blame game and holding Pakistan responsible for all the ills (in Afghanistan) and the lack of (progress in the peace) process, then it will not help," Qureshi was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper. While addressing the Pak-Afghan Bilateral Dialogue in Islamabad, the foreign minister said that Afghan peace is a shared responsibility and "nobody is going to buy it anymore that if things go wrong (then) Pakistan is responsible."&nbsp;

"We will not take responsibility." Stressing that Afghanistan needs "leadership that can negotiate" a successful outcome, Qureshi said it was up to Afghans to decide the way forward for the country. Refuting Pakistan`s well-established ties with the Taliban, Qureshi said that their country has no favourites in Afghanistan. "We have no favourites. There is a general buzz that we are advocates of the Taliban. I am not and I don`t represent them, I represent Pakistan. Taliban are Afghans.

"He further said that a "blame game" between Pakistan and Afghanistan would not achieve anything and called for it to cease, Dawn reported. Moreover, Qureshi expressed concern regarding recent statements from the Afghan vice president and national security adviser.&nbsp;

Last month, Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib had called Pakistan a "brothel house" that has sparked a diplomatic row, evoking a strong reaction from Islamabad. Pakistan, furious over the Afghan NSA`s diatribe, has decided to sever all official links with him.

A few months ahead of the September 11 deadline of US drawdown from Afghanistan, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday said that his country would not take responsibility if it was blamed for the downturn in the Afghan peace process.

A few months ahead of the September 11 deadline of US drawdown from Afghanistan, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday said that his country would not take responsibility if it was blamed for the downturn in the Afghan peace process. His comments come as the United States and its allies are set to exit Afghanistan amid a recent surge in the spring offensive by the Taliban. "I wish them luck and a good visit but let me spell it down in advance. If the objective of going to Washington is starting a new blame game and holding Pakistan responsible for all the ills (in Afghanistan) and the lack of (progress in the peace) process, then it will not help," Qureshi was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper. While addressing the Pak-Afghan Bilateral Dialogue in Islamabad, the foreign minister said that Afghan peace is a shared responsibility and "nobody is going to buy it anymore that if things go wrong (then) Pakistan is responsible." "We will not take responsibility." Stressing that Afghanistan needs "leadership that can negotiate" a successful outcome, Qureshi said it was up to Afghans to decide the way forward for the country. Refuting Pakistan`s well-established ties with the Taliban, Qureshi said that their country has no favourites in Afghanistan. "We have no favourites. There is a general buzz that we are advocates of the Taliban. I am not and I don`t represent them, I represent Pakistan. Taliban are Afghans. "He further said that a "blame game" between Pakistan and Afghanistan would not achieve anything and called for it to cease, Dawn reported. Moreover, Qureshi expressed concern regarding recent statements from the Afghan vice president and national security adviser. Last month, Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib had called Pakistan a "brothel house" that has sparked a diplomatic row, evoking a strong reaction from Islamabad. Pakistan, furious over the Afghan NSA`s diatribe, has decided to sever all official links with him.

Pakistan will not take responsibility if things go wrong in Afghanistan, says FM Qureshi

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country. He appeared to indicate that Washington could rely on its NATO ally.

Erdogan also said that he would discuss the issue in a face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden. Both Biden and Erdogan are due to attend NATO summit in Brussels on Monday. Relations between USA and Turkey have been strained in recent times

"America is preparing to leave Afghanistan soon and from the moment they leave, the only reliable country to maintain the process over there is obviously Turkey," Erdogan told reporters at an Istanbul airport on Sunday before leaving for Brussels.&nbsp;

The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11 -- 20 years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban.

Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers.

Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkish officials had informed their American counterparts about Ankara's plans in Afghanistan after the US troop pullout, without providing details.&nbsp;

They are "pleased and happy. We will be able to discuss the Afghanistan process with them," he said.&nbsp; 
Turkey has made clear its intentions to stay in the war-torn country, but the details remain unclear.

A Turkish official said Turkish troops could remain "as long as certain conditions including legal and financial are met."

"If Turkey is to stay it will do so under which frame: under NATO umbrella or bilateral terms? And if it will be under NATO auspices, under which authorisation?" asked the official, who wished to remain anonymous.

The official also confirmed that Western powers were willing to let Turkey stay and protect the Kabul airport.

But, the official added, "why should Turkey try hard if nobody is going to give support? These issues need to be clarified."

On Saturday the Taliban said that foreign forces should hold "no hope" of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country. He appeared to indicate that Washington could rely on its NATO ally. Erdogan also said that he would discuss the issue in a face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden. Both Biden and Erdogan are due to attend NATO summit in Brussels on Monday. Relations between USA and Turkey have been strained in recent times "America is preparing to leave Afghanistan soon and from the moment they leave, the only reliable country to maintain the process over there is obviously Turkey," Erdogan told reporters at an Istanbul airport on Sunday before leaving for Brussels. The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11 -- 20 years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban. Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers. Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkish officials had informed their American counterparts about Ankara's plans in Afghanistan after the US troop pullout, without providing details. They are "pleased and happy. We will be able to discuss the Afghanistan process with them," he said. Turkey has made clear its intentions to stay in the war-torn country, but the details remain unclear. A Turkish official said Turkish troops could remain "as long as certain conditions including legal and financial are met." "If Turkey is to stay it will do so under which frame: under NATO umbrella or bilateral terms? And if it will be under NATO auspices, under which authorisation?" asked the official, who wished to remain anonymous. The official also confirmed that Western powers were willing to let Turkey stay and protect the Kabul airport. But, the official added, "why should Turkey try hard if nobody is going to give support? These issues need to be clarified." On Saturday the Taliban said that foreign forces should hold "no hope" of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans. (With inputs from agencies)

Erdogan: US can count on Turkey after Afghanistan troop pullout

Foreign forces should hold 'no hope' of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;said Saturday, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans.

It comes as western diplomats and military officials scramble to work out how to provide security for any future civilian presence they keep in the country.

Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers.&nbsp;

"Every inch of Afghan soil, its airports and security of foreign embassies and diplomatic offices is the responsibility of the Afghans, consequently no one should hold out hope of keeping military or security presence in our country," a statement issued by the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;on Saturday said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intense-iran-nuclear-talks-resume-as-germany-calls-for-rapid-progress-391080">Also Read |&nbsp;'Intense' Iran nuclear talks resume as Germany calls for rapid progress</a>

"If anyone does make such a mistake, the Afghan people and the Islamic Emirate shall view them as occupiers and shall take a stance against them," it added.

The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11 -- twenty years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the&nbsp;Taliban.

The decision to end America's longest war has raised fears that an emboldened&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;could topple the Western-backed government in Kabul.&nbsp;

The possibility of keeping troops in Afghanistan is expected to be discussed during a meeting of NATO leaders in Brussels on Monday.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said last month the alliance would provide funding to help run Kabul airport and train Afghanistan's special forces after it had left.

Turkish media later reported that Ankara was willing to maintain a presence in the country, including at the country's main gateway, if NATO provided financial support.

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;has attempted to calm foreign missions by saying they could "continue their operations as usual", after Australia closed its embassy citing an "increasingly uncertain security environment".

The militants have in recent weeks made territorial gains in and around the country, including in provinces close to the capital.

On Saturday, at least seven civilians were killed in two separate explosions in the city, the Interior Ministry said, the latest in a series of bombings targeting buses.&nbsp;

Foreign forces should hold 'no hope' of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, the Taliban said Saturday, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans.

Foreign forces should hold 'no hope' of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, the Taliban said Saturday, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans. It comes as western diplomats and military officials scramble to work out how to provide security for any future civilian presence they keep in the country. Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers. "Every inch of Afghan soil, its airports and security of foreign embassies and diplomatic offices is the responsibility of the Afghans, consequently no one should hold out hope of keeping military or security presence in our country," a statement issued by the Taliban on Saturday said. Also Read | 'Intense' Iran nuclear talks resume as Germany calls for rapid progress "If anyone does make such a mistake, the Afghan people and the Islamic Emirate shall view them as occupiers and shall take a stance against them," it added. The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11 -- twenty years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban. The decision to end America's longest war has raised fears that an emboldened Taliban could topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. The possibility of keeping troops in Afghanistan is expected to be discussed during a meeting of NATO leaders in Brussels on Monday. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said last month the alliance would provide funding to help run Kabul airport and train Afghanistan's special forces after it had left. Turkish media later reported that Ankara was willing to maintain a presence in the country, including at the country's main gateway, if NATO provided financial support. The Taliban has attempted to calm foreign missions by saying they could "continue their operations as usual", after Australia closed its embassy citing an "increasingly uncertain security environment". The militants have in recent weeks made territorial gains in and around the country, including in provinces close to the capital. On Saturday, at least seven civilians were killed in two separate explosions in the city, the Interior Ministry said, the latest in a series of bombings targeting buses.

Taliban says security of airports, embassies to be 'Afghan responsibility'

US President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts will bid a symbolic farewell to Afghanistan on Monday in their last summit before America winds up its longest 'forever war' and the US military pulls out for good.

The meeting is bound to renew questions about whether NATO's most ambitious operation ever was worth it.

The 18-year effort cost the United States alone USD 2.26 trillion, and the price in lives includes 2,442 American troops and 1,144 personnel among US allies, according to figures from Brown University. NATO does not keep a record of those, who die in its operations.

Those casualty figures dwarf Afghan losses, which include more than 47,000 civilians, up to 69,000 members of the national armed forces and police, and over 51,000 opposition fighters.

The military effort followed the 2001 arrival of a US-led coalition that ousted the Taliban for harbouring al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Few experts argue that it brought long-term stability, meaningful democracy or security.

"At this point, you get the impression that NATO leaders almost want to downplay and leave quietly, rather than making too big a deal of it, and going on to focus on other business," said Erik Brattberg, director of the Europe Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

With the US leading the withdrawal, European allies and Canada want to hear Biden's thinking about how security will be assured at their embassies, along major transport routes and above all at Kabul's airport.

Many wonder whether the Afghan government can survive a resurgent Taliban. Some think Kabul's capitulation is only a matter of time.

"We are currently in intense discussions with our member states, the United States, NATO and the United Nations on the absence of essential security conditions for our continued diplomatic presence. It will be difficult to keep it&nbsp;in place," European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

For now, NATO plans to leave civilian advisers to help build up government institutions. It's unclear, who will protect them. The 30-nation alliance is also weighing whether to train Afghan special forces outside the country.

As an organisation, NATO will not provide sanctuary for Afghans, who worked alongside its forces 'routinely risking their lives' although a few individual members will. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says it's simply time to leave.

"Afghanistan has come a long way, both when it comes to building strong, capable security forces, but also when it comes to social and economic progress," he said.

"At some stage, it has to be the Afghans that take full responsibility for peace and stability in their own country." 
Few Afghans share that assessment of their country, which has a 54% poverty rate, runaway crime, rampant corruption and an illicit economy that outstrips the legal economy.

When NATO took charge of international security operations in 2003, Afghanistan was its first major mission outside Europe and North America. The aim was to stabilise the government, build up local security forces and remove a potential base for extremist groups.

Yet 18 years later, security is at its lowest ebb for most Afghans. The capital is rife with criminal gangs, many linked to powerful warlords, and there are routine attacks by an upstart Islamic State.

Quite early into the operations, as combat took its toll on NATO troops, extremists and civilians, a stalemate developed. The Taliban could not be routed from outlying areas, but neither could its fighters seize and hold major cities.

Troop surges made little difference, and it soon became clear that NATO's military training effort was its exit strategy. Only by creating a big army capable of standing on its own feet could the organisation wind up its operations.

But the Afghan army was plagued by corruption, desertion and low morale. Experts say it still is, and this remains a major concern as NATO insists on funding the nation's security forces after it's gone.

Donald Trump's unilateral decision to leave by May 1 stunned US&nbsp;Allies. It highlighted NATO's weakness: European members and Canada simply cannot sustain major operations without logistical support from their biggest partner. 
Biden's decision to pull US&nbsp;troops out by the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington changed little, although he did consult allies this time.

James Dobbins, a former Afghan envoy, who now works for the RAND Corporation think tank, predicts the exit will mean the loss of government legitimacy.

"The US&nbsp;Departure will be seen as a victory for the Taliban and a defeat for the United States," he said in an opinion piece. "The result will be a blow to American credibility, the weakening of deterrence and the value of American reassurance elsewhere."

On Monday, NATO's leaders will reaffirm the strength of their alliance and go back to what they know best: their old nemesis, Russia. Biden will brief his partners before meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was not invited to NATO's summit.

"There is little appetite left to continue investing in Afghanistan," Brattberg said. "There is a sense of being fed up in a lot of NATO countries, and now it's just time to pack the bags and get out with little consideration about the consequences that could have on the ground."

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts will bid a symbolic farewell to Afghanistan on Monday in their last summit before America winds up its longest 'forever war' and the US military pulls out for good.

US President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts will bid a symbolic farewell to Afghanistan on Monday in their last summit before America winds up its longest 'forever war' and the US military pulls out for good. The meeting is bound to renew questions about whether NATO's most ambitious operation ever was worth it. The 18-year effort cost the United States alone USD 2.26 trillion, and the price in lives includes 2,442 American troops and 1,144 personnel among US allies, according to figures from Brown University. NATO does not keep a record of those, who die in its operations. Those casualty figures dwarf Afghan losses, which include more than 47,000 civilians, up to 69,000 members of the national armed forces and police, and over 51,000 opposition fighters. The military effort followed the 2001 arrival of a US-led coalition that ousted the Taliban for harbouring al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Few experts argue that it brought long-term stability, meaningful democracy or security. "At this point, you get the impression that NATO leaders almost want to downplay and leave quietly, rather than making too big a deal of it, and going on to focus on other business," said Erik Brattberg, director of the Europe Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. With the US leading the withdrawal, European allies and Canada want to hear Biden's thinking about how security will be assured at their embassies, along major transport routes and above all at Kabul's airport. Many wonder whether the Afghan government can survive a resurgent Taliban. Some think Kabul's capitulation is only a matter of time. "We are currently in intense discussions with our member states, the United States, NATO and the United Nations on the absence of essential security conditions for our continued diplomatic presence. It will be difficult to keep it in place," European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. For now, NATO plans to leave civilian advisers to help build up government institutions. It's unclear, who will protect them. The 30-nation alliance is also weighing whether to train Afghan special forces outside the country. As an organisation, NATO will not provide sanctuary for Afghans, who worked alongside its forces 'routinely risking their lives' although a few individual members will. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says it's simply time to leave. "Afghanistan has come a long way, both when it comes to building strong, capable security forces, but also when it comes to social and economic progress," he said. "At some stage, it has to be the Afghans that take full responsibility for peace and stability in their own country." Few Afghans share that assessment of their country, which has a 54% poverty rate, runaway crime, rampant corruption and an illicit economy that outstrips the legal economy. When NATO took charge of international security operations in 2003, Afghanistan was its first major mission outside Europe and North America. The aim was to stabilise the government, build up local security forces and remove a potential base for extremist groups. Yet 18 years later, security is at its lowest ebb for most Afghans. The capital is rife with criminal gangs, many linked to powerful warlords, and there are routine attacks by an upstart Islamic State. Quite early into the operations, as combat took its toll on NATO troops, extremists and civilians, a stalemate developed. The Taliban could not be routed from outlying areas, but neither could its fighters seize and hold major cities. Troop surges made little difference, and it soon became clear that NATO's military training effort was its exit strategy. Only by creating a big army capable of standing on its own feet could the organisation wind up its operations. But the Afghan army was plagued by corruption, desertion and low morale. Experts say it still is, and this remains a major concern as NATO insists on funding the nation's security forces after it's gone. Donald Trump's unilateral decision to leave by May 1 stunned US Allies. It highlighted NATO's weakness: European members and Canada simply cannot sustain major operations without logistical support from their biggest partner. Biden's decision to pull US troops out by the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington changed little, although he did consult allies this time. James Dobbins, a former Afghan envoy, who now works for the RAND Corporation think tank, predicts the exit will mean the loss of government legitimacy. "The US Departure will be seen as a victory for the Taliban and a defeat for the United States," he said in an opinion piece. "The result will be a blow to American credibility, the weakening of deterrence and the value of American reassurance elsewhere." On Monday, NATO's leaders will reaffirm the strength of their alliance and go back to what they know best: their old nemesis, Russia. Biden will brief his partners before meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was not invited to NATO's summit. "There is little appetite left to continue investing in Afghanistan," Brattberg said. "There is a sense of being fed up in a lot of NATO countries, and now it's just time to pack the bags and get out with little consideration about the consequences that could have on the ground." (With inputs from agencies)

NATO leaders to bid symbolic adieu to Afghanistan at summit

Blasts targetting two mini buses in Kabul claimed at least 7 lives, police said on Saturday. The blasts took place in the neighbourhood dominated by minority Hazara community. Similar attacks on buses this month killed 12 civilians in this neighbourhood.

Basir Mujahid, Kabul's police spokesman, added that six people had also been wounded in Saturday's blasts.

As foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan, the violence is increasing in the country.

It was not immediately clear who was behind Saturday's attacks.

The Hazara community has also been the target of a number of attacks from the Islamic State militant group. In May an unclaimed attack on a school in the area left around 80, mostly school girls, dead.

(With inputs from agencies)

Blasts targetting two mini buses in Kabul claimed at least 7 lives, police said on Saturday. The blasts took place in the neighbourhood dominated by minority Hazara community.

Blasts targetting two mini buses in Kabul claimed at least 7 lives, police said on Saturday. The blasts took place in the neighbourhood dominated by minority Hazara community. Similar attacks on buses this month killed 12 civilians in this neighbourhood. Basir Mujahid, Kabul's police spokesman, added that six people had also been wounded in Saturday's blasts. As foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan, the violence is increasing in the country. It was not immediately clear who was behind Saturday's attacks. The Hazara community has also been the target of a number of attacks from the Islamic State militant group. In May an unclaimed attack on a school in the area left around 80, mostly school girls, dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul: Blasts in buses kill at least 7

Foreign forces should hold 'no hope' of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, the Taliban said Saturday, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans.

It comes as western diplomats and military officials scramble to work out how to provide security for any future civilian presence they keep in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-says-diplomatic-presence-in-kabul-requires-functioning-secure-airport-390997">US says diplomatic presence in Kabul requires 'functioning, secure airport'</a>

Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers.&nbsp;

"Every inch of Afghan soil, its airports and security of foreign embassies and diplomatic offices is the responsibility of the Afghans, consequently no one should hold out hope of keeping military or security presence in our country," a statement issued by the Taliban on Saturday said.

"If anyone does make such a mistake, the Afghan people and the Islamic Emirate shall view them as occupiers and shall take a stance against them," it added.

The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11, twenty years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-pullout-from-afghanistan-half-done-but-questions-remain-390140">US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain</a>

The decision to end America's longest war has raised fears that an emboldened Taliban could topple the Western-backed government in Kabul.&nbsp;

The possibility of keeping troops in Afghanistan is expected to be discussed during a meeting of NATO leaders in Brussels on Monday.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said last month the alliance would provide funding to help run Kabul airport and train Afghanistan's special forces after it had left.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/turkey-should-pull-troops-from-afghanistan-under-2020-accord-taliban-390837">Turkey should pull troops from Afghanistan under 2020 accord: Taliban</a>

Turkish media later reported that Ankara was willing to maintain a presence in the country, including at the country's main gateway, if NATO provided financial support.

The Taliban has attempted to calm foreign missions by saying they could "continue their operations as usual" after Australia closed its embassy citing an "increasingly uncertain security environment".

The militants have in recent weeks made territorial gains in and around the country, including in provinces close to the capital.

On Saturday, at least seven civilians were killed in two separate explosions in the city, the Interior Ministry said, the latest in a series of bombings targeting buses.&nbsp;

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Foreign forces should hold 'no hope' of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, the Taliban said Saturday, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans. It comes as western diplomats and military officials scramble to work out how to provide security for any future civilian presence they keep in the country. Also read | US says diplomatic presence in Kabul requires 'functioning, secure airport' Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers. "Every inch of Afghan soil, its airports and security of foreign embassies and diplomatic offices is the responsibility of the Afghans, consequently no one should hold out hope of keeping military or security presence in our country," a statement issued by the Taliban on Saturday said. "If anyone does make such a mistake, the Afghan people and the Islamic Emirate shall view them as occupiers and shall take a stance against them," it added. The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11, twenty years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban. Also read | US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain The decision to end America's longest war has raised fears that an emboldened Taliban could topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. The possibility of keeping troops in Afghanistan is expected to be discussed during a meeting of NATO leaders in Brussels on Monday. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said last month the alliance would provide funding to help run Kabul airport and train Afghanistan's special forces after it had left. Also read | Turkey should pull troops from Afghanistan under 2020 accord: Taliban Turkish media later reported that Ankara was willing to maintain a presence in the country, including at the country's main gateway, if NATO provided financial support. The Taliban has attempted to calm foreign missions by saying they could "continue their operations as usual" after Australia closed its embassy citing an "increasingly uncertain security environment". The militants have in recent weeks made territorial gains in and around the country, including in provinces close to the capital. On Saturday, at least seven civilians were killed in two separate explosions in the city, the Interior Ministry said, the latest in a series of bombings targeting buses. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The United States believes keeping an international diplomatic presence in Kabul requires a 'functioning, secure' airport, a State Department spokesperson said on Friday, suggesting that embassies could be forced to close without one. 
 
The statement came a day after a Taliban spokesman effectively rejected Turkey's proposal that its troops remain to guard and run the Hamid Karzai International Airport after the departure of the rest of the US-led foreign force. 
 
The Taliban's position poses serious questions for the United States, other countries and international organisations with missions in Kabul about how to evacuate personnel from landlocked Afghanistan should fighting threaten the capital. 
 
"We underscore that a functioning, secure airport is essential to any international diplomatic presence and will benefit Afghan travellers and the Afghan economy," the State Department spokesperson said in response to the Taliban statement. 
 
The spokesperson declined to elaborate. But their comment appeared to be a message to the Islamist Taliban that unless countries with embassies in Kabul feel that their diplomats can safely access a functioning airport, they could close their missions. 
 
US&nbsp;officials have said they believe the insurgents seek international legitimacy and an end to their pariah status. 
 
Australia shuttered its embassy in Kabul last month because of security concerns. US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week vowed to keep the US&nbsp;embassy open. 
 
President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from America's longest war, stalled peace talks and unrelenting violence are fueling fears that Afghanistan is headed into an all-out civil war that could return the Taliban to power. 
 
Biden is expected to discuss the issue when he holds talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Brussels on Monday. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States believes keeping an international diplomatic presence in Kabul requires a 'functioning, secure' airport, a State Department spokesperson said on Friday, suggesting that embassies could be forced to close without one.

The United States believes keeping an international diplomatic presence in Kabul requires a 'functioning, secure' airport, a State Department spokesperson said on Friday, suggesting that embassies could be forced to close without one. The statement came a day after a Taliban spokesman effectively rejected Turkey's proposal that its troops remain to guard and run the Hamid Karzai International Airport after the departure of the rest of the US-led foreign force. The Taliban's position poses serious questions for the United States, other countries and international organisations with missions in Kabul about how to evacuate personnel from landlocked Afghanistan should fighting threaten the capital. "We underscore that a functioning, secure airport is essential to any international diplomatic presence and will benefit Afghan travellers and the Afghan economy," the State Department spokesperson said in response to the Taliban statement. The spokesperson declined to elaborate. But their comment appeared to be a message to the Islamist Taliban that unless countries with embassies in Kabul feel that their diplomats can safely access a functioning airport, they could close their missions. US officials have said they believe the insurgents seek international legitimacy and an end to their pariah status. Australia shuttered its embassy in Kabul last month because of security concerns. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week vowed to keep the US embassy open. President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from America's longest war, stalled peace talks and unrelenting violence are fueling fears that Afghanistan is headed into an all-out civil war that could return the Taliban to power. Biden is expected to discuss the issue when he holds talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Brussels on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

US says diplomatic presence in Kabul requires 'functioning, secure airport'

Top Islamic scholars from Pakistan and Afghanistan have signed the Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan in the Saudi city of Mecca, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. 
 
The deal paves the way for a solution to the long-standing Afghan crisis, by supporting negotiations between the warring factions and rejecting all acts of violence and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, Xinhua news agency quoted the SPA report as saying. 
 
The signing took place on Thursday at the conclusion of the Islamic conference that was held near the Grand Mosque in Mecca. 
 
The conference was held with the support of the Muslim World League and Saudi Arabia, bringing the senior scholars of Afghanistan and Pakistan together to achieve reconciliation for the Afghan people. 
 
The declaration offers reconciliation between the conflicting parties in Afghanistan, and bringing them to a common ground, by addressing all political, social, economic, and other related issues.

Top Islamic scholars from Pakistan and Afghanistan have signed the Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan in the Saudi city of Mecca, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Top Islamic scholars from Pakistan and Afghanistan have signed the Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan in the Saudi city of Mecca, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The deal paves the way for a solution to the long-standing Afghan crisis, by supporting negotiations between the warring factions and rejecting all acts of violence and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, Xinhua news agency quoted the SPA report as saying. The signing took place on Thursday at the conclusion of the Islamic conference that was held near the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The conference was held with the support of the Muslim World League and Saudi Arabia, bringing the senior scholars of Afghanistan and Pakistan together to achieve reconciliation for the Afghan people. The declaration offers reconciliation between the conflicting parties in Afghanistan, and bringing them to a common ground, by addressing all political, social, economic, and other related issues.

Islamic scholars from Afghanistan and Pakistan sign peace declaration in Mecca

Turkey&nbsp;should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan under the 2020 deal for the pullout of US&nbsp;forces, a Taliban spokesman said on Thursday, effectively rejecting Ankara's proposal to guard and run Kabul's airport after US-led NATO forces depart.

The development raises serious questions for the United States, other countries and international organizations with missions in Kabul about how to securely evacuate their personnel from landlocked Afghanistan should fighting threaten the capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-pullout-from-afghanistan-half-done-but-questions-remain-390140">US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain</a>

It also appeared to dash Ankara's hopes of using the securing of Kabul airport to help improve ties with Washington,&nbsp;strained by&nbsp;Turkey's purchase of Russian defence systems,&nbsp;in talks set for Monday between President Joe Biden and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan

Asked in a text message whether the Taliban rejected&nbsp;Turkey's proposal to keep forces in Kabul to guard and run the international airport after other foreign troops leave, the Taliban spokesman in Doha responded that they should go as well.

"Turkey&nbsp;was part of NATO forces in the past 20 years, so as such, they should withdraw from Afghanistan on the basis of the Agreement we signed with US on 29th Feb 2020," Suhail Shaheen told Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-had-constructive-discussions-with-pak-on-afghanistan-issue-sullivan-390041">US had constructive discussions with Pak on Afghanistan issue: Sullivan</a>

"Otherwise,&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;is a great Islamic country. Afghanistan has had historical relations with it. We hope to have close and good relations with them as a new Islamic government is established in the country in future," he added.

The State Department and the Turkish Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke on Thursday with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar to "discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues," the Pentagon said in a statement, which did not specifically mention Afghanistan.

Under the February 2020 deal secured with the Islamist Taliban under former President Donald Trump, all US&nbsp;forces were to be out of Afghanistan by May 1.

But Biden said in April that the pullout would be completed by the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States that prompted the US-led invasion and ouster of the Taliban government that sheltered the group.

Turkish officials say they made the Kabul airport proposal at a NATO meeting in May when the United States and its partners agreed to a plan to withdraw their forces by Sept. 11 after 20 years of backing the Afghan government in a war against the Taliban.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pentagon-us-troops-pullout-from-afghanistan-is-50-complete-390735/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With violence raging, many US&nbsp;lawmakers and current and former officials fear the departure of the foreign forces and stalled peace talks are pushing Afghanistan into an all-out civil war that could return the Taliban to power.

The Pentagon says the US&nbsp;withdrawal is more than 50 per cent&nbsp;complete.&nbsp;Turkey, with more than 500 soldiers still in Afghanistan training security forces, now has the largest foreign military contingent there.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/australia-shutters-embassy-in-afghanistan-sparking-exodus-fears-388056">Australia shutters embassy in Afghanistan, sparking exodus fears</a>

Australia closed its embassy last month because of security concerns. The Taliban's effective rejection of the Turkish plan to secure the airport could prompt other countries to shutter their missions.

The development also poses a quandary for the Biden administration, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowing as recently as this week at a congressional hearing to maintain a US&nbsp;diplomatic presence in Kabul.

Turkey should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan under the 2020 deal for the pullout of US forces, a Taliban spokesman said on Thursday, effectively rejecting Ankara's proposal to guard and run Kabul's airport after US-led NATO forces depart.

Turkey should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan under the 2020 deal for the pullout of US forces, a Taliban spokesman said on Thursday, effectively rejecting Ankara's proposal to guard and run Kabul's airport after US-led NATO forces depart. The development raises serious questions for the United States, other countries and international organizations with missions in Kabul about how to securely evacuate their personnel from landlocked Afghanistan should fighting threaten the capital. Also read | US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain It also appeared to dash Ankara's hopes of using the securing of Kabul airport to help improve ties with Washington, strained by Turkey's purchase of Russian defence systems, in talks set for Monday between President Joe Biden and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan Asked in a text message whether the Taliban rejected Turkey's proposal to keep forces in Kabul to guard and run the international airport after other foreign troops leave, the Taliban spokesman in Doha responded that they should go as well. "Turkey was part of NATO forces in the past 20 years, so as such, they should withdraw from Afghanistan on the basis of the Agreement we signed with US on 29th Feb 2020," Suhail Shaheen told Reuters. Also read | US had constructive discussions with Pak on Afghanistan issue: Sullivan "Otherwise, Turkey is a great Islamic country. Afghanistan has had historical relations with it. We hope to have close and good relations with them as a new Islamic government is established in the country in future," he added. The State Department and the Turkish Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke on Thursday with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar to "discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues," the Pentagon said in a statement, which did not specifically mention Afghanistan. Under the February 2020 deal secured with the Islamist Taliban under former President Donald Trump, all US forces were to be out of Afghanistan by May 1. But Biden said in April that the pullout would be completed by the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States that prompted the US-led invasion and ouster of the Taliban government that sheltered the group. Turkish officials say they made the Kabul airport proposal at a NATO meeting in May when the United States and its partners agreed to a plan to withdraw their forces by Sept. 11 after 20 years of backing the Afghan government in a war against the Taliban. With violence raging, many US lawmakers and current and former officials fear the departure of the foreign forces and stalled peace talks are pushing Afghanistan into an all-out civil war that could return the Taliban to power. The Pentagon says the US withdrawal is more than 50 per cent complete. Turkey, with more than 500 soldiers still in Afghanistan training security forces, now has the largest foreign military contingent there. Also read | Australia shutters embassy in Afghanistan, sparking exodus fears Australia closed its embassy last month because of security concerns. The Taliban's effective rejection of the Turkish plan to secure the airport could prompt other countries to shutter their missions. The development also poses a quandary for the Biden administration, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowing as recently as this week at a congressional hearing to maintain a US diplomatic presence in Kabul.

Turkey should pull troops from Afghanistan under 2020 accord: Taliban

In what is considered the 'deadliest' alleged atrocity involving Australian Special Forces, unarmed civilians were shot in cold blood to cover tracks. Nearly one year ago, ABC Investigations revealed how Australian special forces killed up to 10 unarmed Afghan civilians during a 2012 raid in Kandahar Province.

In what is considered the 'deadliest' alleged atrocity involving Australian Special Forces, unarmed civilians were shot in cold blood to cover tracks. Nearly one year ago, ABC Investigations revealed how Australian special forces killed up to 10 unarmed Afghan civilians during a 2012 raid in Kandahar Province. More details have emerged about the same. As a part of the investigation, ABC contacted some of the men of the Zulu 1 patrol. Violating the Australian Rules of Engagement, the SAS patrol commander, Sergeant T, ordered the American door gunner to fire around the Afghans below the chopper to stop them from scattering. Soon after the Black Hawk set down in the field, Sergeant T himself opened fire at the farmers in the field. Also Read | Afghanistan soldiers conduct operation against Taliban An Australian Special Operations officer, deployed to Afghanistan, alongside the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), agreed to speak with ABC Investigations on the condition of staying anonymous. One of the men on that patrol returned to the base and told the officer what unfolded in that field. ABC quoted the officer saying, "He told me from his perspective what happened, which was that the patrol commander had accidentally shot one of this group of farmer. And then they made the decision that they couldn’t leave anyone behind to tell [what happened]". This is when the officers decided to kill all of the farmers. The man told the officer that there was a very young person, about 13 or 14. "He described shooting someone as they hid within the tractor wheel, cowering. I can’t remember if that was the 14-year-old … I believe he said he shot more than one, but I can’t remember the exact details. “Honestly, it just sounded like a bit of a spree", quoted ABC. The SAS soldier who was on the raid and who made the admission to the Special Operations officer is now known as Soldier C. The raid is termed as the worst one-day death toll uncovered till the date of alleged unlawful killings by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.

Australia: New information unveiled on the deadliest alleged war crimes in Afghanistan

According to Pentagon, the US pullout from Afghanistan is 50% complete, as it approaches its September 11 deadline to remove troops, which marks 20-year anniversary of the Al-Qaeda attacks.

Pentagon: US troops pullout from Afghanistan is 50% complete

The Islamic State group on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a compound housing workers from the HALO Trust de-mining group, after the Britain-based charity contradicted a government report and said the Taliban weren't to blame.

Afghanistan: Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on mine-clearing workers

Is India talking to the Taliban? As American troops exit from Afghanistan, the Taliban has stepped up its attacks. What are India's options?

Gravitas: Is India talking to the Taliban?

The Islamic State group on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a compound housing workers from the HALO Trust de-mining group, after the Britain-based charity contradicted a government report and said the Taliban weren't to blame.

The SITE intelligence monitoring group cited an IS statement as claiming its fighters killed or wounded more than 60 "demining workers". So far, the official death toll is 10.

Masked gunmen killed 10 people working for the HALO Trust mine-clearing organisation in northern Afghanistan in an attack the government blamed on the Taliban Wednesday, but the Britain-based charity said the insurgents actually helped end the assault.

The raid happened late on Tuesday as dozens of deminers were relaxing at a HALO compound in Baghlan province, around 260 kilometres (160 miles) north of the capital Kabul after a day spent looking for ordnance in the area.

Baghlan has seen fierce fighting in recent months, with near-daily battles between the Taliban and government forces in several districts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-in-afghanistan-kills-10-from-charity-that-clears-land-mines-390330">Attack in Afghanistan kills 10 from charity that clears land mines</a>

A survivor of Tuesday's attack told AFP that five or six armed men scaled the compound walls and gathered everyone together before asking if there were any Hazara present.

Afghanistan's Shiite Hazara community is often targeted by jihadists from the Islamic State group, who consider them heretics. The SITE Monitoring website reported Wednesday that IS had claimed responsibility for the attack.

"Nobody responded," said the survivor, who asked not to be identified.

He told AFP the gunmen then asked the compound leader to identify himself, before shooting him dead.

"Then one of them said 'kill them all'," he said.

"As they opened fire, we all tried to escape. Some were killed and some, like me, were wounded."

'Taliban scared off the assailants'

Before the IS claim,&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;Vice President Amrullah Saleh blamed the Taliban for the attack, saying in a tweet the insurgents wanted to "steal money and unexploded devices" from the HALO base.

But James Cowan, chief executive of HALO, told BBC radio that the insurgents actually helped end the assault that also left 16 workers wounded.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-pullout-from-afghanistan-half-done-but-questions-remain-390140">US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain</a>

Cowan said the attackers went "bed to bed, murdering in cold blood my staff".

"This is a horrific incident, the worst in the HALO Trust's history," he said.

The Taliban dismissed the government's accusation that they were behind the attack -- and Cowen also said the insurgents were not responsible.

"The Taliban have denied responsibility for this and indeed the local Talib group came to our aid and scared off the assailants," he said, adding his organisation was unaware who the attackers were.

The Taliban said they were not to blame.

"We condemn attacks on the defenseless &amp; view it as brutality," spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter.

"We have normal relations with NGOs, our Mujahideen will never carry out such brutal acts."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-had-constructive-discussions-with-pak-on-afghanistan-issue-sullivan-390041">US had constructive discussions with Pak on Afghanistan issue: Sullivan</a>

Violence has surged across the country since May 1 when the US military began its final troop withdrawal amid a deadlock in peace talks between the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;government and the Taliban.

In several districts where fighting has been intense in recent months, the insurgents have planted roadside bombs and mines to target government forces, but the explosives often kill and wound civilians.

Afghanistan was already one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, a legacy of decades of conflict.

The HALO Trust was founded in 1988 specifically to tackle ordnance left following the nearly 10-year Soviet occupation, and became a favourite cause of Britain's Princess Diana.

The organisation's website says it has an&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;workforce of more than 2,600 and has removed landmines from nearly 80 percent of the country's recorded minefields and battlefields.

The United Nations Resident Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, Ramiz Alakbarov, condemned what he said was a "heinous attack" on HALO workers.

"It is repugnant that an organisation that works to clear landmines and other explosives and better the lives of vulnerable people could be targeted," he said in a statement.

On Wednesday, the Taliban claimed it had shot down an&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;military helicopter in the province of Wardak near Kabul, but the defence ministry said the aircraft had crashed due to "technical reasons".

Three crew members were killed in the incident, the ministry said.

The Islamic State group on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a compound housing workers from the HALO Trust de-mining group, after the Britain-based charity contradicted a government report and said the Taliban weren't to blame. The SITE intelligence monitoring group cited an IS statement as claiming its fighters killed or wounded more than 60 "demining workers". So far, the official death toll is 10. Masked gunmen killed 10 people working for the HALO Trust mine-clearing organisation in northern Afghanistan in an attack the government blamed on the Taliban Wednesday, but the Britain-based charity said the insurgents actually helped end the assault. The raid happened late on Tuesday as dozens of deminers were relaxing at a HALO compound in Baghlan province, around 260 kilometres (160 miles) north of the capital Kabul after a day spent looking for ordnance in the area. Baghlan has seen fierce fighting in recent months, with near-daily battles between the Taliban and government forces in several districts. Also read | Attack in Afghanistan kills 10 from charity that clears land mines A survivor of Tuesday's attack told AFP that five or six armed men scaled the compound walls and gathered everyone together before asking if there were any Hazara present. Afghanistan's Shiite Hazara community is often targeted by jihadists from the Islamic State group, who consider them heretics. The SITE Monitoring website reported Wednesday that IS had claimed responsibility for the attack. "Nobody responded," said the survivor, who asked not to be identified. He told AFP the gunmen then asked the compound leader to identify himself, before shooting him dead. "Then one of them said 'kill them all'," he said. "As they opened fire, we all tried to escape. Some were killed and some, like me, were wounded." 'Taliban scared off the assailants' Before the IS claim, Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh blamed the Taliban for the attack, saying in a tweet the insurgents wanted to "steal money and unexploded devices" from the HALO base. But James Cowan, chief executive of HALO, told BBC radio that the insurgents actually helped end the assault that also left 16 workers wounded. Also read | US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain Cowan said the attackers went "bed to bed, murdering in cold blood my staff". "This is a horrific incident, the worst in the HALO Trust's history," he said. The Taliban dismissed the government's accusation that they were behind the attack -- and Cowen also said the insurgents were not responsible. "The Taliban have denied responsibility for this and indeed the local Talib group came to our aid and scared off the assailants," he said, adding his organisation was unaware who the attackers were. The Taliban said they were not to blame. "We condemn attacks on the defenseless & view it as brutality," spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter. "We have normal relations with NGOs, our Mujahideen will never carry out such brutal acts." Also read | US had constructive discussions with Pak on Afghanistan issue: Sullivan Violence has surged across the country since May 1 when the US military began its final troop withdrawal amid a deadlock in peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. In several districts where fighting has been intense in recent months, the insurgents have planted roadside bombs and mines to target government forces, but the explosives often kill and wound civilians. Afghanistan was already one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, a legacy of decades of conflict. The HALO Trust was founded in 1988 specifically to tackle ordnance left following the nearly 10-year Soviet occupation, and became a favourite cause of Britain's Princess Diana. The organisation's website says it has an Afghan workforce of more than 2,600 and has removed landmines from nearly 80 percent of the country's recorded minefields and battlefields. The United Nations Resident Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, Ramiz Alakbarov, condemned what he said was a "heinous attack" on HALO workers. "It is repugnant that an organisation that works to clear landmines and other explosives and better the lives of vulnerable people could be targeted," he said in a statement. On Wednesday, the Taliban claimed it had shot down an Afghan military helicopter in the province of Wardak near Kabul, but the defence ministry said the aircraft had crashed due to "technical reasons". Three crew members were killed in the incident, the ministry said.

Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on mine-clearing workers in Afghanistan: Monitoring group

At least 10 people were killed and 16 others injured in an armed attack on staff members of a British-American charity in Afghanistan that has been clearing land mines in the country for decades, officials said Wednesday.

Tariq Arian, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, blamed the Taliban for the attack, which occurred late Tuesday at a demining camp in the northeastern province of Baghlan and targeted employees of the HALO Trust. He said the victims were all Afghan citizens, and the wounded were transferred to hospitals.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban, denied any involvement and said that the area where the “horrifying” attack had taken place was not under the militant group’s control. He added in a post on Twitter: “We condemn attacks on the defenseless &amp;amp; view it as brutality. We have normal relations with NGOs, our Mujahidin will never carry out such brutal acts.”

The HALO Trust condemned the attack in a statement Wednesday. It said that 110 men from local communities had been carrying out humanitarian work at the demining camp during the attack by an “unknown armed group.”

Tolo News, a news network in Afghanistan, published footage on Twitter that it said showed people injured in the attack being taken on stretchers to a public hospital in Pul-e-Khumri, a city about 140 miles north of Kabul, the capital.

Baghlan province is one of the places where the Taliban have been attacking in recent weeks as they have seized control of territory and military outposts in several parts of the country. One attack on a security depot there in late May killed eight territorial army soldiers and wounded 10 others.

The Taliban’s advances coincide with the withdrawal of United States troops and their NATO allies from the country, a process that is expected to end by early to mid-July. Officials in the Biden administration, which is eager to prevent the country’s cities from falling to the Taliban, are debating whether U.S. warplanes should provide air support to Afghan forces.

Washington’s peace envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, finished a four-day visit to Kabul on Tuesday. Khalilzad is an Afghan-born American diplomat who led negotiations before the Trump administration’s February 2020 peace deal with the Taliban, which laid out the conditions and timeline for the U.S. withdrawal.

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul said in a statement Wednesday that American leaders met their Afghan counterparts in the city this week and “agreed that maintaining political unity was essential during this period of transition.”

The HALO Trust, a British charity with an American affiliate registered in Washington, began working in Afghanistan in 1988. Its field teams clear land mines, dispose of unexploded ordnance found in bombs and bullets, and build facilities to store guns and other weapons safely. The group has programs in 26 countries and territories, including in Iraq, where it began working in 2018.

The HALO program in Afghanistan, which started months before the Soviet Army pulled out of the country in 1989, employs more than 2,600 local staff members and remains the group’s largest operation in the world. HALO says on its website that over the past 30 years, it has worked with the Afghan government to make nearly 80% of the country’s recorded minefields and battlefields safe.

Still, the group says, an area of Afghanistan as large as Chicago still needs to be cleared.

Diana, Princess of Wales, called attention to HALO’s work in 1997, when she walked through a live minefield in Angola — once home to one of the most heated Cold War conflicts in Africa — to highlight the danger of mines around the world.

Diana’s youngest son, Prince Harry, retraced her steps in 2019 during a trip through the continent with his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their son. HALO said at the time that it had cleared about 100,000 mines in Angola since Diana’s visit.

At least 10 people were killed and 16 others injured in an armed attack on staff members of a British-American charity in Afghanistan that has been clearing land mines in the country for decades, officials said Wednesday.

At least 10 people were killed and 16 others injured in an armed attack on staff members of a British-American charity in Afghanistan that has been clearing land mines in the country for decades, officials said Wednesday. Tariq Arian, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, blamed the Taliban for the attack, which occurred late Tuesday at a demining camp in the northeastern province of Baghlan and targeted employees of the HALO Trust. He said the victims were all Afghan citizens, and the wounded were transferred to hospitals. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban, denied any involvement and said that the area where the “horrifying” attack had taken place was not under the militant group’s control. He added in a post on Twitter: “We condemn attacks on the defenseless &amp; view it as brutality. We have normal relations with NGOs, our Mujahidin will never carry out such brutal acts.” The HALO Trust condemned the attack in a statement Wednesday. It said that 110 men from local communities had been carrying out humanitarian work at the demining camp during the attack by an “unknown armed group.” Tolo News, a news network in Afghanistan, published footage on Twitter that it said showed people injured in the attack being taken on stretchers to a public hospital in Pul-e-Khumri, a city about 140 miles north of Kabul, the capital. Baghlan province is one of the places where the Taliban have been attacking in recent weeks as they have seized control of territory and military outposts in several parts of the country. One attack on a security depot there in late May killed eight territorial army soldiers and wounded 10 others. The Taliban’s advances coincide with the withdrawal of United States troops and their NATO allies from the country, a process that is expected to end by early to mid-July. Officials in the Biden administration, which is eager to prevent the country’s cities from falling to the Taliban, are debating whether U.S. warplanes should provide air support to Afghan forces. Washington’s peace envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, finished a four-day visit to Kabul on Tuesday. Khalilzad is an Afghan-born American diplomat who led negotiations before the Trump administration’s February 2020 peace deal with the Taliban, which laid out the conditions and timeline for the U.S. withdrawal. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul said in a statement Wednesday that American leaders met their Afghan counterparts in the city this week and “agreed that maintaining political unity was essential during this period of transition.” The HALO Trust, a British charity with an American affiliate registered in Washington, began working in Afghanistan in 1988. Its field teams clear land mines, dispose of unexploded ordnance found in bombs and bullets, and build facilities to store guns and other weapons safely. The group has programs in 26 countries and territories, including in Iraq, where it began working in 2018. The HALO program in Afghanistan, which started months before the Soviet Army pulled out of the country in 1989, employs more than 2,600 local staff members and remains the group’s largest operation in the world. HALO says on its website that over the past 30 years, it has worked with the Afghan government to make nearly 80% of the country’s recorded minefields and battlefields safe. Still, the group says, an area of Afghanistan as large as Chicago still needs to be cleared. Diana, Princess of Wales, called attention to HALO’s work in 1997, when she walked through a live minefield in Angola — once home to one of the most heated Cold War conflicts in Africa — to highlight the danger of mines around the world. Diana’s youngest son, Prince Harry, retraced her steps in 2019 during a trip through the continent with his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their son. HALO said at the time that it had cleared about 100,000 mines in Angola since Diana’s visit.

Attack in Afghanistan kills 10 from charity that clears land mines

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than half done, and US officials say that while it could be completed by July 4, the final exit of equipment and troops more likely will be later in the summer.

As early as this week, the top US commander for the Middle East, Gen&nbsp;Frank McKenzie, will give Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin a range of military options for securing the US embassy in Afghanistan and providing counterterrorism support from outside the country once the withdrawal is complete, officials said.

The number of American troops needed for the overall security missions inside Afghanistan will depend on a variety of requirements, and could range from roughly a couple hundred to a bit less than 1,000, officials said.

McKenzie's deliberations are a reminder that much about US postwar support for Afghanistan remains uncertain, including how to protect Afghans, who worked with the US government from reprisals and how to avoid an intelligence void that could hamper US early warning of extremist threats inside Afghanistan.

At stake is not just a political verdict on President Joe Biden's judgment about the risk posed by renewed instability in Afghanistan, but also the legacy of an American war that was launched 20 years ago in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and that imperceptibly morphed into what Biden calls 'this forever war'.

McKenzie is expected to provide options on the amount of aerial surveillance and drones needed to keep an eye on any potential resurgence of al-Qaida, Islamic State or other militant groups. Those options will involve US aircraft from ships at sea and air bases in the Gulf region, such as Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates. And they could range from persistent US overwatch to a more minimal presence.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss planning details, said there are no options yet for basing US troops or aircraft in nations neighbouring Afghanistan, because those possibilities require diplomatic negotiations.

Any agreements with countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan would be difficult because there would be Russian opposition.

McKenzie told reporters on Monday that the withdrawal from Afghanistan is on pace and 'continuing very smoothly'.&nbsp;He said it was 'about halfway finished',&nbsp;but provided no details. Other officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the pullout was more than half completed but provided no specifics.

Officials acknowledge that the withdrawal so far has largely involved removing or otherwise disposing of the mountain of equipment, gadgetry, aircraft and other war materials that accumulated in Afghanistan over the years&nbsp;not the departure of troops. Officials say the troops, who are needed to secure and execute the withdrawal, will be among the last to leave.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than half done, and US officials say that while it could be completed by July 4, the final exit of equipment and troops more likely will be later in the summer.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than half done, and US officials say that while it could be completed by July 4, the final exit of equipment and troops more likely will be later in the summer. As early as this week, the top US commander for the Middle East, Gen Frank McKenzie, will give Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin a range of military options for securing the US embassy in Afghanistan and providing counterterrorism support from outside the country once the withdrawal is complete, officials said. The number of American troops needed for the overall security missions inside Afghanistan will depend on a variety of requirements, and could range from roughly a couple hundred to a bit less than 1,000, officials said. McKenzie's deliberations are a reminder that much about US postwar support for Afghanistan remains uncertain, including how to protect Afghans, who worked with the US government from reprisals and how to avoid an intelligence void that could hamper US early warning of extremist threats inside Afghanistan. At stake is not just a political verdict on President Joe Biden's judgment about the risk posed by renewed instability in Afghanistan, but also the legacy of an American war that was launched 20 years ago in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and that imperceptibly morphed into what Biden calls 'this forever war'. McKenzie is expected to provide options on the amount of aerial surveillance and drones needed to keep an eye on any potential resurgence of al-Qaida, Islamic State or other militant groups. Those options will involve US aircraft from ships at sea and air bases in the Gulf region, such as Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates. And they could range from persistent US overwatch to a more minimal presence. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss planning details, said there are no options yet for basing US troops or aircraft in nations neighbouring Afghanistan, because those possibilities require diplomatic negotiations. Any agreements with countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan would be difficult because there would be Russian opposition. McKenzie told reporters on Monday that the withdrawal from Afghanistan is on pace and 'continuing very smoothly'. He said it was 'about halfway finished', but provided no details. Other officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the pullout was more than half completed but provided no specifics. Officials acknowledge that the withdrawal so far has largely involved removing or otherwise disposing of the mountain of equipment, gadgetry, aircraft and other war materials that accumulated in Afghanistan over the years not the departure of troops. Officials say the troops, who are needed to secure and execute the withdrawal, will be among the last to leave.

US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain

Amid a surge in violence following US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan, a security official said that 119 people, including 102 security force members were killed in clashes and security incidents in just two days--June 3 and 4.

Details provided by a security official who wished not to be named indicated that 196 security force members were wounded in just two days, reported Tolo News.

The source said that Taliban casualties are similar to those of Afghan forces in the same time period, but the Defense Ministry reported that 183 Taliban were killed in Afghan defensive operations in eight provinces on June 3 and 181 Taliban were killed in Afghan forces operations in six provinces on June 4.

Analysts said that this shows the gravity of the intensifying conflict. The Defense Ministry reports clashes in at least 10 provinces daily on average.

"There are clashes in 24 to 27 provinces every day. Security forces casualties have increased, but it is not as much as the Taliban," said Khan Agha Rezaee, the head of the internal security commission of the Wolesi Jirga, the lower house of Parliament.

The clashes have intensified on multiple fronts as heavy fighting was reported in Faryab in the last 24 hours in which at least a dozen security force members were killed, a member of the provincial council said.

"The figures provided by Afghan forces on Taliban casualties and by the Taliban on Afghan forces casualties are not accurate," said Ilyas Wahdat, former Paktika governor.

Meanwhile, the Taliban rejected these figures. Casualties of security forces and Taliban are usually not stated in public with exact figures, and in most cases, they are not confirmed by independent sources, reported Tolo News.

Amid a surge in violence following US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan, a security official said that 119 people, including 102 security force members were killed in clashes and security incidents in just two days--June 3 and 4.

Amid a surge in violence following US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan, a security official said that 119 people, including 102 security force members were killed in clashes and security incidents in just two days--June 3 and 4. Details provided by a security official who wished not to be named indicated that 196 security force members were wounded in just two days, reported Tolo News. The source said that Taliban casualties are similar to those of Afghan forces in the same time period, but the Defense Ministry reported that 183 Taliban were killed in Afghan defensive operations in eight provinces on June 3 and 181 Taliban were killed in Afghan forces operations in six provinces on June 4. Analysts said that this shows the gravity of the intensifying conflict. The Defense Ministry reports clashes in at least 10 provinces daily on average. "There are clashes in 24 to 27 provinces every day. Security forces casualties have increased, but it is not as much as the Taliban," said Khan Agha Rezaee, the head of the internal security commission of the Wolesi Jirga, the lower house of Parliament. The clashes have intensified on multiple fronts as heavy fighting was reported in Faryab in the last 24 hours in which at least a dozen security force members were killed, a member of the provincial council said. "The figures provided by Afghan forces on Taliban casualties and by the Taliban on Afghan forces casualties are not accurate," said Ilyas Wahdat, former Paktika governor. Meanwhile, the Taliban rejected these figures. Casualties of security forces and Taliban are usually not stated in public with exact figures, and in most cases, they are not confirmed by independent sources, reported Tolo News.

Afghanistan: 119 people killed within 2 days in clashes, security incidents

A minivan carrying civilian passengers in northwest Afghanistan was hit by a roadside bomb, leaving at least 11 passengers dead, including three children, an Afghan official said on Sunday.

The minivan fell into a valley with the wave of the explosion on Saturday, said Badghis provincial Gov Hesamuddin Shams, adding that rescuers were still searching for bodies in the valley.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion but the provincial government accuses the Taliban of placing the bomb to target security forces. There was no immediate response from the Taliban.&nbsp;

A minivan carrying civilian passengers in northwest Afghanistan was hit by a roadside bomb, leaving at least 11 passengers dead, including three children, an Afghan official said on Sunday.

A minivan carrying civilian passengers in northwest Afghanistan was hit by a roadside bomb, leaving at least 11 passengers dead, including three children, an Afghan official said on Sunday. The minivan fell into a valley with the wave of the explosion on Saturday, said Badghis provincial Gov Hesamuddin Shams, adding that rescuers were still searching for bodies in the valley. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion but the provincial government accuses the Taliban of placing the bomb to target security forces. There was no immediate response from the Taliban.

Afghan official: 11 killed in roadside bombing in north

The United States announced on Friday, more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> response, as foreign troops continue their withdrawal from the country.

"As the United States withdraws military forces from Afghanistan, our enduring commitment is clear," top US diplomat Antony Blinken said.

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>

"We remain engaged through our full diplomatic, economic and assistance toolkit to support the peaceful, stable future the Afghan people want and deserve."

The aid is intended for areas such as protective equipment, shelter, food and health and hygiene services related to the Covid pandemic. It also provides for "protection needs for the most vulnerable Afghans," including at-risk women and girls.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-us-troops-leave-afghanistan-lawmakers-fear-dark-future-for-women-380965">As US troops leave Afghanistan, lawmakers fear dark future for women</a>

The $266.5 million, made up of $157.5 million from American aid agency USAID and $109 million from the State Department, brings total US humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to $543 million.

Washington has still not made a decision on whether to evacuate Afghan interpreters, who worked with the US military, now fearing for their lives as foreign troops pull out.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/first-doses-of-covid-19-vaccine-arrive-in-afghanistan-from-india-361940">First doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Afghanistan from India</a>

Twenty members of Congress on Friday appealed to President Joe Biden in an open letter on Friday to "immediately" evacuate the more than 18,000 interpreters and their families, who have filed for visas to come to the United States.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghans-who-helped-us-fear-being-left-behind-and-reprisals-by-taiwan-385647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Each application "takes an average of 800+ days, and we plan to withdraw in less than 100 days," the bipartisan elected officials say in the letter.

No American entity "has the ability or authority to protect them in Afghanistan after our withdrawal. It would be a moral failure to transfer the responsibility to protect our Afghan partners onto the shoulders of the Afghan Government."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-risk-generational-catastrophe-from-covid-19-watchdog-389109">Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog</a>

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday the White House had not ordered the military to evacuate the interpreters.

"We're aware of some congressional interest in this," he said, "but nothing has changed since last time we talked about this."

The United States announced on Friday, more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for its COVID-19 response, as foreign troops continue their withdrawal from the country.

The United States announced on Friday, more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for its COVID-19 response, as foreign troops continue their withdrawal from the country. "As the United States withdraws military forces from Afghanistan, our enduring commitment is clear," top US diplomat Antony Blinken said. Also Read | 'Lot of fear' in Pakistan, PM Imran Khan on troop pullout in Afghanistan "We remain engaged through our full diplomatic, economic and assistance toolkit to support the peaceful, stable future the Afghan people want and deserve." The aid is intended for areas such as protective equipment, shelter, food and health and hygiene services related to the Covid pandemic. It also provides for "protection needs for the most vulnerable Afghans," including at-risk women and girls. Also Read | As US troops leave Afghanistan, lawmakers fear dark future for women The $266.5 million, made up of $157.5 million from American aid agency USAID and $109 million from the State Department, brings total US humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to $543 million. Washington has still not made a decision on whether to evacuate Afghan interpreters, who worked with the US military, now fearing for their lives as foreign troops pull out. Also Read | First doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Afghanistan from India Twenty members of Congress on Friday appealed to President Joe Biden in an open letter on Friday to "immediately" evacuate the more than 18,000 interpreters and their families, who have filed for visas to come to the United States. Each application "takes an average of 800+ days, and we plan to withdraw in less than 100 days," the bipartisan elected officials say in the letter. No American entity "has the ability or authority to protect them in Afghanistan after our withdrawal. It would be a moral failure to transfer the responsibility to protect our Afghan partners onto the shoulders of the Afghan Government." Also Read | Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday the White House had not ordered the military to evacuate the interpreters. "We're aware of some congressional interest in this," he said, "but nothing has changed since last time we talked about this."

US sending $266.5 million in aid to Afghanistan for Covid response

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that the country has been pushing for political settlement before foreign troops leave&nbsp;this year in order to reduce the risk of civil war.

The US&nbsp;has said that it will withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan on September 11 this year. More than 20 allied countries plan to follow suit.

"There is a lot of fear right now in Pakistan and I assure you that we are trying our level best that there is some sort of political settlement before the Americans leave," Khan told Reuters on Friday at his official residence in Islamabad.

Since the announcement of troop withdrawal, violence in Afghanistan has risen sharply. Taliban is resisiting pressure from Washington and its allies to agree to a political understanding leading to a peace deal.

"Since the moment the Americans gave a date, of when they were going to leave Afghanistan ... the Taliban feel they have won the war," Khan said, adding it was not going to be easy to get concessions from the Taliban after the U.S. decision.

Khan said Pakistan would suffer the most, after Afghanistan itself, if there was civil war and a refugee crisis.

"And then there would be pressure on us to jump in and become a part of it," Khan said.

He said his government had changed Pakistan's decades-long policy of pushing for "strategic depth" in Afghanistan to ensure that there was a friendly government there.

"Any Afghan government chosen by the people is who Pakistan should deal with," Khan said, adding that Pakistan "should not try to do any manipulation in Afghanistan".

Pakistan has long been accused of harbouring leaders and fighters of the Taliban, whom Islamabad helped to power in 1996, even as the insurgent group fought U.S.-led foreign troops.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that the country has been pushing for political settlement before foreign troops leave this year in order to reduce the risk of civil war.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that the country has been pushing for political settlement before foreign troops leave this year in order to reduce the risk of civil war. The US has said that it will withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan on September 11 this year. More than 20 allied countries plan to follow suit. "There is a lot of fear right now in Pakistan and I assure you that we are trying our level best that there is some sort of political settlement before the Americans leave," Khan told Reuters on Friday at his official residence in Islamabad. Since the announcement of troop withdrawal, violence in Afghanistan has risen sharply. Taliban is resisiting pressure from Washington and its allies to agree to a political understanding leading to a peace deal. "Since the moment the Americans gave a date, of when they were going to leave Afghanistan ... the Taliban feel they have won the war," Khan said, adding it was not going to be easy to get concessions from the Taliban after the U.S. decision. Khan said Pakistan would suffer the most, after Afghanistan itself, if there was civil war and a refugee crisis. "And then there would be pressure on us to jump in and become a part of it," Khan said. He said his government had changed Pakistan's decades-long policy of pushing for "strategic depth" in Afghanistan to ensure that there was a friendly government there. "Any Afghan government chosen by the people is who Pakistan should deal with," Khan said, adding that Pakistan "should not try to do any manipulation in Afghanistan". Pakistan has long been accused of harbouring leaders and fighters of the Taliban, whom Islamabad helped to power in 1996, even as the insurgent group fought U.S.-led foreign troops. (With inputs from agencies)

'Lot of fear' in Pakistan, PM Imran Khan on troop pullout in Afghanistan

As the US has started withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, the capital city Kabul has become epicentre to the targeted attack conducted by militants. In the latest one, the militants has choosen a bus to spread fear. The blast claimed at least four live on Thursday.

Afghanistan: Kabul bus blast claims four lives

Ahead of the complete withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, a UN report on the Afghan security situation has raised alarm over the Taliban's ties with Al-Qaeda and believes that it can return to power by force if necessary.

UN report claims Taliban and Al-Qaeda remain closely aligned

A bus blast in Kabul claimed at least four lives on Thursday. The attack is latest on commuters in the capital of Afghanistan. In past two days, two other attacks targetted buses in the city. This has given rise to fears that more violence is in store as USA withdraws troops from the country.

Police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz said the explosion happened on a road in southwestern Kabul near a neighbourhood largely populated by the Shiite Hazara community, who have been the frequent target of militant attacks.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet.

Earlier this week, the Islamic State group's Afghan affiliate claimed back-to-back attacks on two buses in Kabul that killed at least 10 people.&nbsp;

Violence has soared in Afghanistan in recent weeks. Government forces and the Taliban are clashing almost daily in the countryside. Militants are appearing to focus on battering checkpoints and bases near Kabul.

The surge in violence comes as the US military continues to withdraw its remaining 2,500 troops from Afghanistan.

US President Joe Biden has ordered complete pullout by September 11, 2021, the day of 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks.

But as the Americans pack up, experts fear Afghanistan will remain home to a number of jihadist groups.

In a report published by the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, the body warned that IS continues "to pose a threat to both the country and the wider region", saying the group had approximately 2,000 fighters inside Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A bus blast in Kabul claimed at least four lives on Thursday. The attack is latest on commuters in the capital of Afghanistan. In past two days, two other attacks targetted buses in the city.

A bus blast in Kabul claimed at least four lives on Thursday. The attack is latest on commuters in the capital of Afghanistan. In past two days, two other attacks targetted buses in the city. This has given rise to fears that more violence is in store as USA withdraws troops from the country. Police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz said the explosion happened on a road in southwestern Kabul near a neighbourhood largely populated by the Shiite Hazara community, who have been the frequent target of militant attacks. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet. Earlier this week, the Islamic State group's Afghan affiliate claimed back-to-back attacks on two buses in Kabul that killed at least 10 people. Violence has soared in Afghanistan in recent weeks. Government forces and the Taliban are clashing almost daily in the countryside. Militants are appearing to focus on battering checkpoints and bases near Kabul. The surge in violence comes as the US military continues to withdraw its remaining 2,500 troops from Afghanistan. US President Joe Biden has ordered complete pullout by September 11, 2021, the day of 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks. But as the Americans pack up, experts fear Afghanistan will remain home to a number of jihadist groups. In a report published by the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, the body warned that IS continues "to pose a threat to both the country and the wider region", saying the group had approximately 2,000 fighters inside Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

According to US Defence officials, as Washington speed-up to complete the withdrawal of its troops ahead of September 11, the American military will be handing over its main Bagram Air Base to Afghan forces in about 20 days.

Officials: US to hand Bagram base to Afghan forces in 20 days

The base, the centre for nationwide command and air operations for the past two decades, also houses a prison that held thousands of Taliban and jihadist inmates over the years.

US to hand Bagram base to Afghan forces in 20 days

afghanistan-0

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

afghanistan 0

EAM S.Jaishankar holds talks with US Special Representative for Afghanistan

Gravitas | Two visits in less than a week: What is Jaishankar doing in Qatar?

Afghanistan: Five polio workers shot dead in 'coordinated attacks'

Four people working to vaccinate children are shot dead in Afghanistan

South Asia Diary: Afghan interpreters fear Taliban reprisal

Afghan Ministry of Interior arrests mediators who helped in handover of military outposts to Taliban

Pakistan will not take responsibility if things go wrong in Afghanistan, says FM Qureshi

Erdogan: US can count on Turkey after Afghanistan troop pullout

Taliban says security of airports, embassies to be 'Afghan responsibility'

NATO leaders to bid symbolic adieu to Afghanistan at summit

Kabul: Blasts in buses kill at least 7

Taliban says security of airports, embassies to be 'Afghan responsibility'

US says diplomatic presence in Kabul requires 'functioning, secure airport'

Islamic scholars from Afghanistan and Pakistan sign peace declaration in Mecca

Turkey should pull troops from Afghanistan under 2020 accord: Taliban

Australia: New information unveiled on the deadliest alleged war crimes in Afghanistan

Pentagon: US troops pullout from Afghanistan is 50% complete

Afghanistan: Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on mine-clearing workers

Gravitas: Is India talking to the Taliban?

Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on mine-clearing workers in Afghanistan: Monitoring group

Attack in Afghanistan kills 10 from charity that clears land mines

US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain

Afghanistan: 119 people killed within 2 days in clashes, security incidents

Afghan official: 11 killed in roadside bombing in north

US sending $266.5 million in aid to Afghanistan for Covid response

'Lot of fear' in Pakistan, PM Imran Khan on troop pullout in Afghanistan