Taliban has submitted a fresh list of 592 prisoners after its earlier list was rejected by the Afghan government, TOLO news reported citing sources.

Till now, the government has released 4,019 prisoners and the Taliban has released 737 in exchange.

Earlier, the Afghan government had reportedly not released 597 of 5,000 listed prisoners, as part of the US-Taliban agreement, because they were not only affiliated with the Taliban but were also involved in serious "moral" crimes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-violence-pose-serious-challenges-to-afghan-peace-process-ghani-311350">Also read|&nbsp;Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani</a>

The report said the 21-member peace negotiating team is working in four groups as part of their preparations for talks with the Taliban.

However, the Taliban has said that they will not participate in the intra-Afghan talks unless the Afghan government releases its 5,000 prisoners.

The release of the Taliban prisoners is part of the US-Taliban deal signed in Doha in February, the report said.

Taliban has submitted a fresh list of 592 prisoners after its earlier list was rejected by the Afghan government, TOLO news reported citing sources. Till now, the government has released 4,019 prisoners and the Taliban has released 737 in exchange.

Taliban has submitted a fresh list of 592 prisoners after its earlier list was rejected by the Afghan government, TOLO news reported citing sources. Till now, the government has released 4,019 prisoners and the Taliban has released 737 in exchange. Earlier, the Afghan government had reportedly not released 597 of 5,000 listed prisoners, as part of the US-Taliban agreement, because they were not only affiliated with the Taliban but were also involved in serious "moral" crimes. Also read| Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani The report said the 21-member peace negotiating team is working in four groups as part of their preparations for talks with the Taliban. However, the Taliban has said that they will not participate in the intra-Afghan talks unless the Afghan government releases its 5,000 prisoners. The release of the Taliban prisoners is part of the US-Taliban deal signed in Doha in February, the report said.

Taliban submits fresh list of 592 prisoners for release to Afghan govt

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday.

The remarks by Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were under oath to Congress after lawmakers emerged from a separate classified briefing about US intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill American troops.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-to-release-prisoners-from-taliban-list-in-push-for-talks-311920">Also read:&nbsp;Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks</a>

Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US military, which counts intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), could not corroborate the intelligence, which sources say was collected by the CIA.

Milley did not dispute that Russia, like other countries, had long been involved in Afghanistan.

"But there`s a big distinction between arming and directing (military activity). We know about arms. We know about weapons. We know about support, things like that," Milley told the House Armed Services Committee, sitting alongside Esper at a hearing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-violence-pose-serious-challenges-to-afghan-peace-process-ghani-311350">Also read:&nbsp;Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani</a>

"We don`t have -- in the case of the Russians -- we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence, to show `directing.` That`s a big difference."

He added that the United States was still looking into the matter and, if it were confirmed the Russians were paying the Taliban bounties, it would be a "big deal."

President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month.

A Republican lawmaker, Lee Zeldin, who is a strong defender of Trump, said at a separate hearing at the House Foreign Relations Committee that the intelligence was in a written February presidential brief prepared for Trump but was not orally briefed to him.

Retired US Army general John Nicholson, a former US commander in Afghanistan, said the Russians had previously been arming, equipping and even giving money to the Taliban in modest amounts.

But he said Moscow had in years past carefully calibrated its support to avoid becoming a "game-changer" on the battlefield. Nicholson cited one telling example, saying the Taliban wanted surface-to-air missiles but the Russians "didn`t give them."

He said Russian bounties, if they did occur, "would mark a departure from this previously calibrated approach."

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday.

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday. The remarks by Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were under oath to Congress after lawmakers emerged from a separate classified briefing about US intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill American troops. Also read: Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US military, which counts intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), could not corroborate the intelligence, which sources say was collected by the CIA. Milley did not dispute that Russia, like other countries, had long been involved in Afghanistan. "But there`s a big distinction between arming and directing (military activity). We know about arms. We know about weapons. We know about support, things like that," Milley told the House Armed Services Committee, sitting alongside Esper at a hearing. Also read: Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani "We don`t have -- in the case of the Russians -- we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence, to show `directing.` That`s a big difference." He added that the United States was still looking into the matter and, if it were confirmed the Russians were paying the Taliban bounties, it would be a "big deal." President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month. A Republican lawmaker, Lee Zeldin, who is a strong defender of Trump, said at a separate hearing at the House Foreign Relations Committee that the intelligence was in a written February presidential brief prepared for Trump but was not orally briefed to him. Retired US Army general John Nicholson, a former US commander in Afghanistan, said the Russians had previously been arming, equipping and even giving money to the Taliban in modest amounts. But he said Moscow had in years past carefully calibrated its support to avoid becoming a "game-changer" on the battlefield. Nicholson cited one telling example, saying the Taliban wanted surface-to-air missiles but the Russians "didn`t give them." He said Russian bounties, if they did occur, "would mark a departure from this previously calibrated approach."

US doesn't know if Russia directed Taliban attacks in Afghanistan: Pentagon

Afghanistan is to release more Taliban prisoners in the hope of getting peace talks going, a government spokesman said on Thursday, after the insurgent group provided the government with a revised list of several hundred of their detainees.

Disagreement over about 600 prisoners from a total of 5,000 the Taliban want released has prevented the launch of U.S.-brokered peace talks aimed at ending nearly 19 years of war since the Islamist militants were ousted.

While releases by both sides have taken place, the Afghan government has said it does not want to release some prisoners for security reasons and its Western allies also object to some of them being set free.

"They have given us another list, the release process will continue but direct talks should also start immediately," Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, told Reuters.

The Taliban could not be reached for comment and it was not clear if they would be willing to start talks based on the release of the prisoners on the list.

The United States and the Taliban struck a landmark agreement in February on the withdrawal of U.S. forces in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

As part of the pact, the Taliban agreed to open power-sharing talks with the U.S.-backed government.

But a senior government official said there was still no agreement on starting the talks.

"The government will start the process of release in the coming few days and will complete the release whether the Taliban agree or not," he said.

A diplomatic source said U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has overseen the negotiations with the Taliban, has been pressing Taliban leaders to compromise on the prisoner issue and there were hopes the hurdle would be overcome.

"Momentum is such that it would not be possible for any side to back out," the source said.

Afghanistan is to release more Taliban prisoners in the hope of getting peace talks going, a government spokesman said on Thursday, after the insurgent group provided the government with a revised list of several hundred of their detainees.

Afghanistan is to release more Taliban prisoners in the hope of getting peace talks going, a government spokesman said on Thursday, after the insurgent group provided the government with a revised list of several hundred of their detainees. Disagreement over about 600 prisoners from a total of 5,000 the Taliban want released has prevented the launch of U.S.-brokered peace talks aimed at ending nearly 19 years of war since the Islamist militants were ousted. While releases by both sides have taken place, the Afghan government has said it does not want to release some prisoners for security reasons and its Western allies also object to some of them being set free. "They have given us another list, the release process will continue but direct talks should also start immediately," Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, told Reuters. The Taliban could not be reached for comment and it was not clear if they would be willing to start talks based on the release of the prisoners on the list. The United States and the Taliban struck a landmark agreement in February on the withdrawal of U.S. forces in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. As part of the pact, the Taliban agreed to open power-sharing talks with the U.S.-backed government. But a senior government official said there was still no agreement on starting the talks. "The government will start the process of release in the coming few days and will complete the release whether the Taliban agree or not," he said. A diplomatic source said U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has overseen the negotiations with the Taliban, has been pressing Taliban leaders to compromise on the prisoner issue and there were hopes the hurdle would be overcome. "Momentum is such that it would not be possible for any side to back out," the source said.

Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks

India on Monday participated in a peace meeting hosted by Afghan government during which it emphasized that putting an end to terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens is essential for durable peace in Afghanistan.

India participated in a meeting of regional partners on Afghanistan - `Strengthening Consensus for Peace`, according to a Ministry of External Affairs` statement, Joint Secretary (PAI) JP Singh represented India during the meet.

The meeting was chaired by President Ghani. As many as 20 countries and international organisations including the United Nations participated in the meeting. During the meeting, issues concerning Afghan peace and reconciliation process and support of the regional partners for an independent, unified, democratic and sovereign Afghanistan were discussed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-will-cooperate-to-bring-back-peace-in-afghanistan-khalilzad-310750">Also read|&nbsp;Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad</a>

"India expressed support for a constitutional order in Afghanistan, which would protect the interest of all sections of Afghan society, including women, children and minorities. India highlighted the fact that in order to achieve durable peace in Afghanistan, putting an end to terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens is an essential pre-requisite," MEA said in the statement.

India, one of the largest development partners of Afghanistan, with a commitment of more than USD 3 billion, reiterated the importance of an inclusive, Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan - controlled peace and reconciliation process.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending COVID 19 assistance to Afghanistan and for hosting SAARC leaders` meeting for coordinated efforts in the region.

"President Ashraf Ghani thanked Prime Minister Modi for extending COVID 19 assistance to Afghanistan and for hosting SAARC leaders` meeting for coordinated efforts in the region," the statement read.

India on Monday participated in a peace meeting hosted by Afghan government during which it emphasized that putting an end to terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens is essential for durable peace in Afghanistan.

India on Monday participated in a peace meeting hosted by Afghan government during which it emphasized that putting an end to terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens is essential for durable peace in Afghanistan. India participated in a meeting of regional partners on Afghanistan - `Strengthening Consensus for Peace`, according to a Ministry of External Affairs` statement, Joint Secretary (PAI) JP Singh represented India during the meet. The meeting was chaired by President Ghani. As many as 20 countries and international organisations including the United Nations participated in the meeting. During the meeting, issues concerning Afghan peace and reconciliation process and support of the regional partners for an independent, unified, democratic and sovereign Afghanistan were discussed. Also read| Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad "India expressed support for a constitutional order in Afghanistan, which would protect the interest of all sections of Afghan society, including women, children and minorities. India highlighted the fact that in order to achieve durable peace in Afghanistan, putting an end to terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens is an essential pre-requisite," MEA said in the statement. India, one of the largest development partners of Afghanistan, with a commitment of more than USD 3 billion, reiterated the importance of an inclusive, Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan - controlled peace and reconciliation process. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending COVID 19 assistance to Afghanistan and for hosting SAARC leaders` meeting for coordinated efforts in the region. "President Ashraf Ghani thanked Prime Minister Modi for extending COVID 19 assistance to Afghanistan and for hosting SAARC leaders` meeting for coordinated efforts in the region," the statement read.

Putting end to terror sanctuaries essential for Afghan peace: India

The Afghan National Army on Sunday has killed seven Taliban terrorists and injured four other in the central province of Uruzgan.

The news was announced by a spokesman of the 205th Atal Corps. The incident took place after the terrorists launched attack on the military posts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/critics-of-us-taliban-deal-say-militants-cant-be-trusted-310748">Also read:&nbsp;Critics of US-Taliban deal say militants can't be trusted</a>

"Taliban insurgents attacked Afghan National Army posts in the districts of Trinkot, Khas Uruzgan, and Chora in central Uruzgan province last night. Seven insurgents were killed and four others suffered injuries," Sadiq Issa said.

Security forces in Kandahar province killed five Taliban terrorists after the militant organisation launched attacks on checkpoints on the same evening.

Five Taliban terrorists were also killed in the Kandahar province on the same evening, after a similar attack took place.&nbsp;

Taliban has not yet issued a statement about this incident.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Afghan National Army on Sunday has killed seven Taliban terrorists and injured four other in the central province of Uruzgan. The news was announced by a spokesman of the 205th Atal Corps.

The Afghan National Army on Sunday has killed seven Taliban terrorists and injured four other in the central province of Uruzgan. The news was announced by a spokesman of the 205th Atal Corps. The incident took place after the terrorists launched attack on the military posts. Also read: Critics of US-Taliban deal say militants can't be trusted "Taliban insurgents attacked Afghan National Army posts in the districts of Trinkot, Khas Uruzgan, and Chora in central Uruzgan province last night. Seven insurgents were killed and four others suffered injuries," Sadiq Issa said. Security forces in Kandahar province killed five Taliban terrorists after the militant organisation launched attacks on checkpoints on the same evening. Five Taliban terrorists were also killed in the Kandahar province on the same evening, after a similar attack took place. Taliban has not yet issued a statement about this incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan forces kill Taliban terrorists after clash at military checkpoints

As the US is trying to facilitate the Afghanistan peace talks,&nbsp;US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad recently visited Afghanistan to mediate the peace talks.

As a result of the talks, Khalilzad has announced through twitter that Taliban is ready to cooperate to bring peace in Afghanistan.

"In follow on mtg with the Taliban, we underscored the economic development oppts that will follow a sustainable peace. We agreed developing plans in support of peace can never start too early, assuming the 2 sides can overcome final hurdles on the path to intra-Afghan negotiations," Khalilzad tweeted.

"Mullah Baradar and his team were engaged and the Taliban recognize all Afghans will have to make compromises in order to draw in the required investment in Afghanistan`s future," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
1/3 <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamUSDFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdamUSDFC</a> &amp; I have concluded mtgs in Doha. With QIA &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/qatar_fund?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@qatar_fund</a>, we discussed the possibility of co-investing in Afghan projects to consolidate peace &amp; unlock regional prosperity. The potential to amplify investment impact in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> with like-minded partners is real.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1279137132263677952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The three-part tweet series came out on Saturday after he chaired meetings in&nbsp;Tashkent with Finance Minister Kamilov, Special Rep Irgashev and Foreign Ministers of the remaining C5+1 -- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic.

As the US is trying to facilitate the Afghanistan peace talks, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad recently visited Afghanistan to mediate the peace talks.

As the US is trying to facilitate the Afghanistan peace talks, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad recently visited Afghanistan to mediate the peace talks. As a result of the talks, Khalilzad has announced through twitter that Taliban is ready to cooperate to bring peace in Afghanistan. "In follow on mtg with the Taliban, we underscored the economic development oppts that will follow a sustainable peace. We agreed developing plans in support of peace can never start too early, assuming the 2 sides can overcome final hurdles on the path to intra-Afghan negotiations," Khalilzad tweeted. "Mullah Baradar and his team were engaged and the Taliban recognize all Afghans will have to make compromises in order to draw in the required investment in Afghanistan`s future," he added. 1/3 @AdamUSDFC & I have concluded mtgs in Doha. With QIA & @qatar_fund, we discussed the possibility of co-investing in Afghan projects to consolidate peace & unlock regional prosperity. The potential to amplify investment impact in #Afghanistan with like-minded partners is real. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) July 3, 2020 × The three-part tweet series came out on Saturday after he chaired meetings in Tashkent with Finance Minister Kamilov, Special Rep Irgashev and Foreign Ministers of the remaining C5+1 -- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic.

Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad

An Afghan oxygen factory that had been closed for seven years has opened to help the nation's battle against the new coronavirus. Relatives of Afghans ailing with COVID-19 line up at the factory, getting free refills of the air that can keep their loved ones alive.

Old factory helps Afghan virus patients breathe

Khalid Noor, 25, is the youngest member of the Afghan Negotiating team that will sit with the Taliban in the near future to draw out the peace plan for Afghanistan. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Khalid said, Taliban knows Afghanistan has changed but "We have to see if they really mean that during negotiations". He said, his "vision for his country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan". He also called India's role in the Afghan peace process a crucial one. A bit of trivia to know that Khalid's father Atta Muhammad Noor, a powerful Afghan politician had in 2016 took up the gun himself to protect the Indian consulate in Mazar E Sharif during a terror attack.

Youngest member of Afghan negotiating team envisions a democratic Afghanistan

The Afghan Security Forces (ASF) on Monday night destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp at the Afghanistan Pakistan border. The operation lasted for two hours from 11 PM to 1 AM and resulted in two Lashkar cadres being killed. This includes LeT commander Abu Bakar from Khyber Agency in Pakistan, whose body was left on the Afghan side.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-pak-border-sanctuary-for-terror-groups-pentagon-310240" hreflang="en">Afghan-Pak border sanctuary for terror groups: Pentagon</a>

During the action, two members of Afghan Security Forces also died and five were injured. The incidence happened close to Durand Line at Spinzara near Durbaba area of Naizan district of Nangarhar. Durand Line is the name of Afghanistan Pakistan border and the area of operation is in the eastern province of Nangarhar that borders Pakistan.

The action came after Lashkar-e-Taiba reportedly established camps in Wargah and Tordarah on the border and were launching attacks on Afghan forces from there. Members of the Taliban were also present during the operation. Sources believe that the causalities on LeT and Taliban side is much higher as the dead and injured were taken by those who were fleeing back to Pakistan in vehicles.

The development comes even as Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various groups" and this includes Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT).

Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The report said, most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them.

Meanwhile, concerns have been expressed European Union heads of mission on the escalation of violence. The statement possed by EU mission in Afghanistan said, "The attacks by the Taliban against Afghan National Defence and security forces are undermining the prospect for Intra Afghan negotiation, this must end and a full-fledged ceasefire enter into force"&nbsp;

EU mission strongly condemned the "targeted killings" which have "risen sharply in recent weeks" directed against the clergy, journalist, media workers, human rights defenders. The EU said: "The violence must stop now and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire put in place" and "a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire is a subsequent step that needs to accompany the infra afghan negotiations". 
&nbsp;

The Afghan Security Forces (ASF) on Monday night destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp at the Afghanistan Pakistan border. The operation lasted for two hours from 11 PM to 1 AM and resulted in two Lashkar cadres being killed.

The Afghan Security Forces (ASF) on Monday night destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp at the Afghanistan Pakistan border. The operation lasted for two hours from 11 PM to 1 AM and resulted in two Lashkar cadres being killed. This includes LeT commander Abu Bakar from Khyber Agency in Pakistan, whose body was left on the Afghan side. Also read: Afghan-Pak border sanctuary for terror groups: Pentagon During the action, two members of Afghan Security Forces also died and five were injured. The incidence happened close to Durand Line at Spinzara near Durbaba area of Naizan district of Nangarhar. Durand Line is the name of Afghanistan Pakistan border and the area of operation is in the eastern province of Nangarhar that borders Pakistan. The action came after Lashkar-e-Taiba reportedly established camps in Wargah and Tordarah on the border and were launching attacks on Afghan forces from there. Members of the Taliban were also present during the operation. Sources believe that the causalities on LeT and Taliban side is much higher as the dead and injured were taken by those who were fleeing back to Pakistan in vehicles. The development comes even as Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various groups" and this includes Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT). Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The report said, most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them. Meanwhile, concerns have been expressed European Union heads of mission on the escalation of violence. The statement possed by EU mission in Afghanistan said, "The attacks by the Taliban against Afghan National Defence and security forces are undermining the prospect for Intra Afghan negotiation, this must end and a full-fledged ceasefire enter into force" EU mission strongly condemned the "targeted killings" which have "risen sharply in recent weeks" directed against the clergy, journalist, media workers, human rights defenders. The EU said: "The violence must stop now and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire put in place" and "a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire is a subsequent step that needs to accompany the infra afghan negotiations".

Exclusive: Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Af-Pak border; kill commander

US Department of Defence or the Pentagon sees and appreciates&nbsp;India's role as positive in Afghanistan --&nbsp;as the "largest donor" to the country.

Highlighting the "traditionally" strong ties India has with Afghanistan, Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "The Indian government does not support the Taliban politically and continues to support the Afghan government" and "India has reiterated its support for an Afghan-led, &nbsp;Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process."

On the issue of counter-terror, the report said, "India works with regional state actors, the Afghan Government&nbsp;and Afghan power brokers to prevent transnational terrorist safe havens, and maintain access to Afghanistan as a gateway to Central Asian markets."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/want-peaceful-democratic-afghanistan-with-rights-for-women-minorities-khalid-noor-310052">Also read| Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor</a>

At $3 billion, India is the largest regional donor to Afghanistan since 2001. Indian aid to Afghanistan focuses primarily on four main categories-- humanitarian assistance, &nbsp;major infrastructure projects, small and community-based projects and education and capacity development.&nbsp;

But the report warned, "A significant deterioration of security conditions in Afghanistan, however, may adversely affect the ability of India to provide aid."

India has built the Afghan parliament, the India Afghan friendship dam in Herat province and provided scholarship to Afghan students. To increase connectivity, India has started the India-Afghanistan air corridor and via Chabahar provided connectivity via Iran. India also committed to taking up 116 High Impact Community Development Projects in 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

These important investments will be in the areas of education, health, agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, renewable energy, flood control, micro-hydro power, sports and administrative infrastructure.

US Department of Defence or the Pentagon sees and appreciates India's role as positive in Afghanistan -- as the "largest donor" to the country. Highlighting the "traditionally" strong ties India has with Afghanistan, Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "The Indian government does not support the Taliban politically and continues to support the Afghan government" and "India has reiterated its support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process.

US Department of Defence or the Pentagon sees and appreciates India's role as positive in Afghanistan -- as the "largest donor" to the country. Highlighting the "traditionally" strong ties India has with Afghanistan, Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "The Indian government does not support the Taliban politically and continues to support the Afghan government" and "India has reiterated its support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process." On the issue of counter-terror, the report said, "India works with regional state actors, the Afghan Government and Afghan power brokers to prevent transnational terrorist safe havens, and maintain access to Afghanistan as a gateway to Central Asian markets." Also read| Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor At $3 billion, India is the largest regional donor to Afghanistan since 2001. Indian aid to Afghanistan focuses primarily on four main categories-- humanitarian assistance, major infrastructure projects, small and community-based projects and education and capacity development. But the report warned, "A significant deterioration of security conditions in Afghanistan, however, may adversely affect the ability of India to provide aid." India has built the Afghan parliament, the India Afghan friendship dam in Herat province and provided scholarship to Afghan students. To increase connectivity, India has started the India-Afghanistan air corridor and via Chabahar provided connectivity via Iran. India also committed to taking up 116 High Impact Community Development Projects in 34 provinces of Afghanistan. These important investments will be in the areas of education, health, agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, renewable energy, flood control, micro-hydro power, sports and administrative infrastructure.

Pentagon sees India's role as positive in Afghanistan

The Pentagon or the US department of defence, in its report on Afghanistan, has said Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various terror groups.

These groups include al-Qa’ida Core (AQ), al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-concerned-afghan-violence-aimed-at-derailing-peace-talks-310176">Also read|&nbsp;UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks</a>

The report said, "Terrorist sanctuaries on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border present security challenges for both countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan), pose a threat to regional security and stability, and threaten U.S. national security interests."

Highlighting US interest in Afghanistan, the report said, Washington wants to "ensure the country is never again used as a safe haven from which terrorists can attack the United States, or our Allies or interests abroad" and "accordingly, the primary U.S. Government objective in Afghanistan is to support the Afghan government's effort to obtain a durable political settlement that ends the war and mitigates terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/want-peaceful-democratic-afghanistan-with-rights-for-women-minorities-khalid-noor-310052">Also read|&nbsp;Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor</a>

The report also highlighted the "close ties" al-Qa’ida's regional affiliate—al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has maintained with Taliban.&nbsp;

Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis as foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them, the report said.

The UN monitoring team in its annual technical update to United Nations Security Council said, "The number of foreign terrorist fighters in search of a purpose and livelihood in Afghanistan, including up to 6,500 Pakistanis, will render this a complex challenge, which will require careful monitoring.

The Pentagon or the US department of defence, in its report on Afghanistan, has said Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various terror groups.

The Pentagon or the US department of defence, in its report on Afghanistan, has said Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various terror groups. These groups include al-Qa’ida Core (AQ), al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K). Also read| UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks The report said, "Terrorist sanctuaries on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border present security challenges for both countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan), pose a threat to regional security and stability, and threaten U.S. national security interests." Highlighting US interest in Afghanistan, the report said, Washington wants to "ensure the country is never again used as a safe haven from which terrorists can attack the United States, or our Allies or interests abroad" and "accordingly, the primary U.S. Government objective in Afghanistan is to support the Afghan government's effort to obtain a durable political settlement that ends the war and mitigates terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan." Also read| Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor The report also highlighted the "close ties" al-Qa’ida's regional affiliate—al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has maintained with Taliban. Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis as foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them, the report said. The UN monitoring team in its annual technical update to United Nations Security Council said, "The number of foreign terrorist fighters in search of a purpose and livelihood in Afghanistan, including up to 6,500 Pakistanis, will render this a complex challenge, which will require careful monitoring.

Afghan-Pak border sanctuary for terror groups: Pentagon

More than 800 people were killed or wounded in "deliberate attacks" targeting civilians in Afghanistan during the first half of 2020, the UN said Thursday, raising concerns the rising violence was aimed at derailing planned peace talks.

While violence dropped in the run-up to the signing of a deal between the US and the Taliban in February, and immediately after a three-day ceasefire in May, attacks have since been increasing across the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/want-peaceful-democratic-afghanistan-with-rights-for-women-minorities-khalid-noor-310052">Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor</a>

"In the first six months of 2020, preliminary figures indicate more than 800 civilians were killed and injured in deliberate attacks against civilians," the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement.

The mission said the Taliban were responsible for half of those casualties.&nbsp;

The insurgents and Afghan forces have regularly clashed across provinces, but in recent weeks attacks have targeted prosecutors, religious leaders, worshippers, journalists, healthcare and human rights workers.

In May, a brazen daylight assault on a hospital in Kabul saw armed men rampaging through a maternity ward, killing 25 people including 16 mothers.

The Taliban have denied responsibility for this and many other attacks, but acknowledge fighting government forces in the provinces.

The bloodshed comes as the Taliban and Afghan authorities prepare to launch much-delayed peace talks aimed at ending the country's nearly two-decade-old war.

"It's taken enormous work and some brave decisions for Afghans to reach the point of being on the eve of unprecedented intra-Afghan negotiations," UNAMA chief Deborah Lyons said.

"There are spoilers who do not wish to see an end to war. No matter what tactics they employ to de-rail the peace process, they cannot be allowed to succeed."

UNAMA urged the Taliban and Afghan authorities not to target civilians and push on with efforts to de-escalate the conflict ahead of upcoming talks.

Under the US-Taliban deal, the insurgents were originally supposed to begin peace talks with the Kabul government in March. No start date has been announced. 
&nbsp;

More than 800 people were killed or wounded in "deliberate attacks" targeting civilians in Afghanistan during the first half of 2020, the UN said Thursday, raising concerns the rising violence was aimed at derailing planned peace talks.

More than 800 people were killed or wounded in "deliberate attacks" targeting civilians in Afghanistan during the first half of 2020, the UN said Thursday, raising concerns the rising violence was aimed at derailing planned peace talks. While violence dropped in the run-up to the signing of a deal between the US and the Taliban in February, and immediately after a three-day ceasefire in May, attacks have since been increasing across the country. Also read | Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor "In the first six months of 2020, preliminary figures indicate more than 800 civilians were killed and injured in deliberate attacks against civilians," the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement. The mission said the Taliban were responsible for half of those casualties. The insurgents and Afghan forces have regularly clashed across provinces, but in recent weeks attacks have targeted prosecutors, religious leaders, worshippers, journalists, healthcare and human rights workers. In May, a brazen daylight assault on a hospital in Kabul saw armed men rampaging through a maternity ward, killing 25 people including 16 mothers. The Taliban have denied responsibility for this and many other attacks, but acknowledge fighting government forces in the provinces. The bloodshed comes as the Taliban and Afghan authorities prepare to launch much-delayed peace talks aimed at ending the country's nearly two-decade-old war. "It's taken enormous work and some brave decisions for Afghans to reach the point of being on the eve of unprecedented intra-Afghan negotiations," UNAMA chief Deborah Lyons said. "There are spoilers who do not wish to see an end to war. No matter what tactics they employ to de-rail the peace process, they cannot be allowed to succeed." UNAMA urged the Taliban and Afghan authorities not to target civilians and push on with efforts to de-escalate the conflict ahead of upcoming talks. Under the US-Taliban deal, the insurgents were originally supposed to begin peace talks with the Kabul government in March. No start date has been announced.

UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that&nbsp;he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US&nbsp;troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014.

Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, after he left the briefing, tweeted that the payments went back to his service in Afghanistan.

He was deployed in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel in 2014 and 2015, according to his official biography, and he&nbsp;currently serves in the US&nbsp;Navy Reserve as a Supply Corps officer.&nbsp;

''Having served in Afghanistan during the time the alleged bounties were placed, no one is angrier about this than me,'' he wrote.&nbsp;

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The&nbsp;New York Times, which broke the story on Friday, indicated from their intelligence sources that the bounties went back to 2019 or possibly 2018.&nbsp;

This comes as Senate Republicans are calling for a tougher posture against Russia following reports that the country’s military spy unit offered to pay Taliban-linked militants to attack US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan, putting the GOP lawmakers once again potentially at odds with President Trump over how to combat Moscow’s aggression toward the United States.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Trump and the White House repeatedly denied Monday that the president had been briefed on the efforts against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which are believed to have led to the deaths of several U.S. service members

A group of House Democrats will be briefed at the White House at 8 am on Tuesday, according to an aide for Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the majority leader.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said he would be attending the White House briefing on Tuesday.

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014.

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014. Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, after he left the briefing, tweeted that the payments went back to his service in Afghanistan. He was deployed in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel in 2014 and 2015, according to his official biography, and he currently serves in the US Navy Reserve as a Supply Corps officer. ''Having served in Afghanistan during the time the alleged bounties were placed, no one is angrier about this than me,'' he wrote. The New York Times, which broke the story on Friday, indicated from their intelligence sources that the bounties went back to 2019 or possibly 2018. This comes as Senate Republicans are calling for a tougher posture against Russia following reports that the country’s military spy unit offered to pay Taliban-linked militants to attack US troops in Afghanistan, putting the GOP lawmakers once again potentially at odds with President Trump over how to combat Moscow’s aggression toward the United States. Meanwhile, Trump and the White House repeatedly denied Monday that the president had been briefed on the efforts against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which are believed to have led to the deaths of several U.S. service members A group of House Democrats will be briefed at the White House at 8 am on Tuesday, according to an aide for Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the majority leader. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said he would be attending the White House briefing on Tuesday.

Republican congressman knew about Russia's bounty offer to kill US troops in 2014

Two employees of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) were killed in an IED explosion.

Two staffers of Human Rights Organisation killed in Kabul IED explosion

Armoured vehicles are gaining popularity in Afghanistan due to surge in bombings. Watch this video to know more.

Afghanistan: Armoured vehicles gain popularity amid bombings

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan. The Russian embassy in Washington DC called these accusations "baseless".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-offered-taliban-linked-militants-bounties-to-kill-us-troops-in-afghanistan-report-308914" hreflang="en">Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report</a>

On Friday, the newspaper reported that bounties were offered by spies of the Russian military intelligence service. It gave incentives to militants who attacked the American troops during the time when the forces are being withdrawed to end &nbsp;America's longest war.

The "baseless and anonymous accusations," published by the newspaper, had "already led to direct threats to the life of employees of the Russian Embassies in Washington D.C. and London," the Russian Embassy in Washington wrote on Twitter.

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Stop producing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fakenews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fakenews</a> that provoke life threats, <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a>. 
 
We demand the relevant <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> authorities take effective measures to ensure the fulfillment of their international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHSgov</a> ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/Ows7srg3IH">https://t.co/Ows7srg3IH</a>
— Russia in USA 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbUSA/status/1276696044399669248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes," it added in a later tweet.&nbsp;

Russia has had a rough history in Afghanistan, they were struck by heavy losses by Islamist guerrillas, then backed by Washington.

But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban.

According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal.

(Inputs from AFP)

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan.

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan. The Russian embassy in Washington DC called these accusations "baseless". Also read: Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report On Friday, the newspaper reported that bounties were offered by spies of the Russian military intelligence service. It gave incentives to militants who attacked the American troops during the time when the forces are being withdrawed to end America's longest war. The "baseless and anonymous accusations," published by the newspaper, had "already led to direct threats to the life of employees of the Russian Embassies in Washington D.C. and London," the Russian Embassy in Washington wrote on Twitter. Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes. We demand the relevant #US authorities take effective measures to ensure the fulfillment of their international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. @StateDept @FBI @DHSgov ⬇️ https://t.co/Ows7srg3IH — Russia in USA 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbUSA) June 27, 2020 × "Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes," it added in a later tweet. Russia has had a rough history in Afghanistan, they were struck by heavy losses by Islamist guerrillas, then backed by Washington. But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban. According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal. (Inputs from AFP)

'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces

Afghan's National Security Council has claimed that Taliban militants have carried out several attacks over the last week in 18 provinces killing 42 civilians and injuring about 105 others.

Taliban killed 42 civilians last week and injured over 100 people

Increased Taliban attacks are jeopardising the peace process, the Afghan government said on Tuesday after hundreds of security force personnel were killed over the past week by the Islamist insurgents.&nbsp;

The Taliban, fighting to reintroduce strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster from power, signed a troop withdrawal agreement with the United States in February designed to pave the way for peace talks with the Afghan government.

“Recent attacks by terrorist groups and the Taliban have hurt the peace process and it is condemnable," Afghan Presidential Palace spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told a news conference.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-killed-291-afghan-security-personnel-in-past-week-307669" hreflang="en">Taliban killed 291 Afghan security personnel in past week</a>

There was a sharp reduction in violence following the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr last month, which officials hoped would pave the way for talks.

However, the past week has been alarming for Afghan officials with more than 400 Taliban attacks nationwide killing 291 security force members, Javid Faisal, spokesman for the government’s National Security Council, said on Monday.

“The Taliban's actions are inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace,” he said.

The main hurdle remaining for the launch of peace talks is disagreement over the release of few hundred Taliban prisoners involved in high-profile attacks against civilians.&nbsp;

Afghan officials say they believe the upsurge in violence is because the Taliban want to push the government to release those prisoners and have the upper hand in future talks.

The Taliban deny that they have stepped up attacks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-releases-14-hostages-amid-prisoner-release-agreement-307671" hreflang="en">Taliban releases 14 hostages amid prisoner-release agreement</a>

A senior government official said talks which could have started this month were likely to be delayed once again because of the spike in attacks.&nbsp;

The northeastern province of Takhar had been hit particularly hard by violence in the last few days, with attacks on security checkpoints and an explosion at a religious school in which seven students died.

Nevertheless, peacemaking efforts were continuing. The U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, met in recent days with the Taliban’s deputy leader Mullah Baradar in the Qatari capital Doha.

Increased Taliban attacks are jeopardising the peace process, the Afghan government said on Tuesday after hundreds of security force personnel were killed over the past week by the Islamist insurgents.

Increased Taliban attacks are jeopardising the peace process, the Afghan government said on Tuesday after hundreds of security force personnel were killed over the past week by the Islamist insurgents. The Taliban, fighting to reintroduce strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster from power, signed a troop withdrawal agreement with the United States in February designed to pave the way for peace talks with the Afghan government. “Recent attacks by terrorist groups and the Taliban have hurt the peace process and it is condemnable," Afghan Presidential Palace spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told a news conference. Also read: Taliban killed 291 Afghan security personnel in past week There was a sharp reduction in violence following the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr last month, which officials hoped would pave the way for talks. However, the past week has been alarming for Afghan officials with more than 400 Taliban attacks nationwide killing 291 security force members, Javid Faisal, spokesman for the government’s National Security Council, said on Monday. “The Taliban's actions are inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace,” he said. The main hurdle remaining for the launch of peace talks is disagreement over the release of few hundred Taliban prisoners involved in high-profile attacks against civilians. Afghan officials say they believe the upsurge in violence is because the Taliban want to push the government to release those prisoners and have the upper hand in future talks. The Taliban deny that they have stepped up attacks. Also read: Taliban releases 14 hostages amid prisoner-release agreement A senior government official said talks which could have started this month were likely to be delayed once again because of the spike in attacks. The northeastern province of Takhar had been hit particularly hard by violence in the last few days, with attacks on security checkpoints and an explosion at a religious school in which seven students died. Nevertheless, peacemaking efforts were continuing. The U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, met in recent days with the Taliban’s deputy leader Mullah Baradar in the Qatari capital Doha.

Hundreds killed in further Taliban attacks with peace talks ahead

The United Nations (UN) on Sunday lambasted the Taliban and Afghan security forces, blaming them for "deliberately" carrying out attacks on healthcare workers and facilities at a time when the country&nbsp;is struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

"At a time when an urgent humanitarian response was required to protect every life in Afghanistan, both the Taliban and Afghan national security forces carried out deliberate acts of violence that undermined healthcare operations," United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) chief Deborah Lyons said in a statement, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-kidnap-dozens-of-civilians-amid-peace-efforts-officials-say-307535">Afghan Taliban kidnap dozens of civilians amid peace efforts, officials say</a>

The UNAMA said it had registered 12 such incidents of violence between March 11 and May 23 against medical professionals and facilities.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/western-powers-support-afghanistans-decision-to-not-release-taliban-prisoners-307334">Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners</a>

Out of the 12 attacks, the UN agency held the Taliban responsible for eight of these and blamed Afghan forces for three attacks.&nbsp;

Amongst all the attacks, one of the deadliest was the one on a Kabul-based maternity hospital on May 12, which so far remains unclaimed.&nbsp;

As many as 25 people died, including 16 mothers, in the attack on the maternity ward of Dasht e-Barchi hospital in Kabul, according to international charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF).&nbsp;

This report came at a time when Afghanistan is struggling to contain the cases of coronavirus, which has so far infected 28,833 people, including 581 deaths in the country.&nbsp;

"Perpetrating targetted attacks on healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when health resources are already stretched and of critical importance to the civilian population, is particularly reprehensible," Fiona Frazer, UNAMA Chief of Human Rights, said.&nbsp;

The United Nations (UN) on Sunday lambasted the Taliban and Afghan security forces, blaming them for "deliberately" carrying out attacks on healthcare workers and facilities at a time when the country is struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

The United Nations (UN) on Sunday lambasted the Taliban and Afghan security forces, blaming them for "deliberately" carrying out attacks on healthcare workers and facilities at a time when the country is struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic. "At a time when an urgent humanitarian response was required to protect every life in Afghanistan, both the Taliban and Afghan national security forces carried out deliberate acts of violence that undermined healthcare operations," United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) chief Deborah Lyons said in a statement, reported AFP. Also read | Afghan Taliban kidnap dozens of civilians amid peace efforts, officials say The UNAMA said it had registered 12 such incidents of violence between March 11 and May 23 against medical professionals and facilities. Also read | Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners Out of the 12 attacks, the UN agency held the Taliban responsible for eight of these and blamed Afghan forces for three attacks. Amongst all the attacks, one of the deadliest was the one on a Kabul-based maternity hospital on May 12, which so far remains unclaimed. As many as 25 people died, including 16 mothers, in the attack on the maternity ward of Dasht e-Barchi hospital in Kabul, according to international charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF). This report came at a time when Afghanistan is struggling to contain the cases of coronavirus, which has so far infected 28,833 people, including 581 deaths in the country. "Perpetrating targetted attacks on healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when health resources are already stretched and of critical importance to the civilian population, is particularly reprehensible," Fiona Frazer, UNAMA Chief of Human Rights, said.

UN blames Afghan forces, Taliban for 'deliberately' targetting healthcare

A Sikh man was kidnapped from the Paktia province in Eastern Afghanistan four days ago, confirmed the Afghan Sikh community living in the United States.

The man identified as Nidhan Singh from Tsamkani district in the Paktia province and was employed as a Gurusewak (helper) at the local Gurudwara.

After his abduction, the Afghan Sikh community living in the United States has again urged the Government of India to help in the resettlement of the Sikhs living in Afghanistan.

They have appealed to India to make special arrangements under Vande Bharat Mission for over 600 Sikhs.

"I have spoken to Sikh Member of Parliament Narinder Singh and he confirmed that officials in the Afghan Government have promised to help and find Nidhan," Paramjit Singh Bedi, Chairman of the Afghan Sikh community in New Jersey told ANI.

"Narinder Singh has also reached out to the Taliban leaders and has been assured that all efforts will be made to ensure his release," Mr Bedi further said.

Mr Bedi and other community members will send written appeals to former diplomat and Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Indian envoy to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

Worried for the lives of the Sikh minorities living in Kabul, Jalalabad and Ghazni, the Sikh community, has been constantly seeking support from India.

Encouraged by the steps taken in the past by the Indian government, leaders of the Afghan Sikh community leaders have made several appeals to India to accommodate the Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan and grant them legal entry with long term residency multiple entry visas.

The community leaders living in the United States said it is imperative to alleviate the dire situation of religious minorities in Afghanistan who look to India as the only safe haven in the region.

In May, expressing concerns over the safety and security of religious minorities in Afghanistan, twenty-six US Congressmen urged Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, to take all available steps to facilitate the "safe and expeditious relocation" of members of the Sikh and Hindu communities trapped in the war-hit country.

In the letter dated May 4, Congressman John Garamendi, co-chair of Sikh Caucus, and twenty-five others stated that the Sikh community continues to be under "grave" threat from Islamic State terrorist attacks directed at Sikhs.&nbsp;

Once a thriving community of nearly 250,000 people, the Sikh and Hindu community in Afghanistan has endured years of discrimination and violence from extremists, and the community is now estimated to comprise fewer than 100 families across the country, the letter said.

A Sikh man was kidnapped from the Paktia province in Eastern Afghanistan four days ago, confirmed the Afghan Sikh community living in the United States. The man identified as Nidhan Singh from Tsamkani district in the Paktia province and was employed as a Gurusewak (helper) at the local Gurudwara.

A Sikh man was kidnapped from the Paktia province in Eastern Afghanistan four days ago, confirmed the Afghan Sikh community living in the United States. The man identified as Nidhan Singh from Tsamkani district in the Paktia province and was employed as a Gurusewak (helper) at the local Gurudwara. After his abduction, the Afghan Sikh community living in the United States has again urged the Government of India to help in the resettlement of the Sikhs living in Afghanistan. They have appealed to India to make special arrangements under Vande Bharat Mission for over 600 Sikhs. "I have spoken to Sikh Member of Parliament Narinder Singh and he confirmed that officials in the Afghan Government have promised to help and find Nidhan," Paramjit Singh Bedi, Chairman of the Afghan Sikh community in New Jersey told ANI. "Narinder Singh has also reached out to the Taliban leaders and has been assured that all efforts will be made to ensure his release," Mr Bedi further said. Mr Bedi and other community members will send written appeals to former diplomat and Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Indian envoy to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Worried for the lives of the Sikh minorities living in Kabul, Jalalabad and Ghazni, the Sikh community, has been constantly seeking support from India. Encouraged by the steps taken in the past by the Indian government, leaders of the Afghan Sikh community leaders have made several appeals to India to accommodate the Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan and grant them legal entry with long term residency multiple entry visas. The community leaders living in the United States said it is imperative to alleviate the dire situation of religious minorities in Afghanistan who look to India as the only safe haven in the region. In May, expressing concerns over the safety and security of religious minorities in Afghanistan, twenty-six US Congressmen urged Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, to take all available steps to facilitate the "safe and expeditious relocation" of members of the Sikh and Hindu communities trapped in the war-hit country. In the letter dated May 4, Congressman John Garamendi, co-chair of Sikh Caucus, and twenty-five others stated that the Sikh community continues to be under "grave" threat from Islamic State terrorist attacks directed at Sikhs. Once a thriving community of nearly 250,000 people, the Sikh and Hindu community in Afghanistan has endured years of discrimination and violence from extremists, and the community is now estimated to comprise fewer than 100 families across the country, the letter said.

Sikh abducted in Afghanistan, Afghan American Sikhs seek India's support

The Taliban killed at least 291 Afghan security personnel over the past week, a top government official said Monday, accusing the insurgents of unleashing a wave of violence ahead of potential talks. 
 
The past week was the "deadliest" in the country's 19 years of conflict, said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, even as the insurgents dismissed the latest figures. 
 
The Taliban carried out 422 attacks in 32 provinces in the past week, killing 291 security force personnel and wounding 550 others, Faisal said on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-blames-afghan-forces-taliban-for-deliberately-targetting-healthcare-307559" hreflang="en">UN blames Afghan forces, Taliban for 'deliberately' targetting healthcare</a> 
 
"Taliban's commitment to reduce violence is meaningless, and their actions inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace," he said. 
 
The Taliban rejected the latest government figures. 
 
"The enemy aims to hurt the peace process and intra-Afghan talks by releasing such false reports," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's spokesman in Afghanistan, told AFP. 
 
"We did have some attacks last week, but they were mostly in defence."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/western-powers-support-afghanistans-decision-to-not-release-taliban-prisoners-307334" hreflang="en">Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners</a> 
 
Violence had dropped across much of Afghanistan since the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire on May 24 to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday, but officials have accused the insurgents of stepping up attacks in recent weeks. 
 
The latest government accusations come as Kabul and Taliban have signalled that they were getting closer to launching much-delayed peace talks. 
 
President Ashraf Ghani has vowed to complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to beginning the peace negotiations with the insurgents aimed at ending nearly two decades of war. 
 
The authorities have already released about 3,000 Taliban prisoners, and plan to further free 2,000 as stipulated in the insurgents' deal with Washington signed in February. 
 
The Taliban have said they are ready for peace talks but only after the release of the remaining 2,000 insurgents.

The Taliban killed at least 291 Afghan security personnel over the past week, a top government official said Monday, accusing the insurgents of unleashing a wave of violence ahead of potential talks.

The Taliban killed at least 291 Afghan security personnel over the past week, a top government official said Monday, accusing the insurgents of unleashing a wave of violence ahead of potential talks. The past week was the "deadliest" in the country's 19 years of conflict, said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, even as the insurgents dismissed the latest figures. The Taliban carried out 422 attacks in 32 provinces in the past week, killing 291 security force personnel and wounding 550 others, Faisal said on Twitter. Also read: UN blames Afghan forces, Taliban for 'deliberately' targetting healthcare "Taliban's commitment to reduce violence is meaningless, and their actions inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace," he said. The Taliban rejected the latest government figures. "The enemy aims to hurt the peace process and intra-Afghan talks by releasing such false reports," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's spokesman in Afghanistan, told AFP. "We did have some attacks last week, but they were mostly in defence." Also read: Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners Violence had dropped across much of Afghanistan since the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire on May 24 to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday, but officials have accused the insurgents of stepping up attacks in recent weeks. The latest government accusations come as Kabul and Taliban have signalled that they were getting closer to launching much-delayed peace talks. President Ashraf Ghani has vowed to complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to beginning the peace negotiations with the insurgents aimed at ending nearly two decades of war. The authorities have already released about 3,000 Taliban prisoners, and plan to further free 2,000 as stipulated in the insurgents' deal with Washington signed in February. The Taliban have said they are ready for peace talks but only after the release of the remaining 2,000 insurgents.

Taliban killed 291 Afghan security personnel in past week

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday.

"What I would tell you now is we have met our part of the agreement," General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, told a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-freed-taliban-prisoners-seek-return-to-battlefield-304988">Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield</a>

"We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days," McKenzie said. "We're at that number now."&nbsp;

Under the February deal reached with the Taliban, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan from 12,000 troops to 8,600 by mid-July.

The agreement calls for all US and foreign troops to quit Afghanistan by mid-2021, nearly 20 years after Washington invaded the country following the September 11 attacks by al-Qaeda on New York and Washington.&nbsp;

McKenzie stressed that while the goal of a complete withdrawal by May 2021 was "aspirational," it was also conditional.

It is a "conditions-based approach," the general said, and "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan."

"We all know already that (the Taliban) are no friends of ISIS," McKenzie said of the Islamic State group.

"What we need to see is what they're going to do against al-Qaeda," he said of the group responsible for 9/11. "And we need to see that in deeds and not words."&nbsp;

"And so we're very focused on what the Taliban is doing, how they're participating in these negotiations as we go forward," he said. "The jury is still very much out."&nbsp;

President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election in November, has said repeatedly that he wants US troops out of Afghanistan as soon as possible.

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday.

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday. "What I would tell you now is we have met our part of the agreement," General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, told a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute. Also read | Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield "We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days," McKenzie said. "We're at that number now." Under the February deal reached with the Taliban, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan from 12,000 troops to 8,600 by mid-July. The agreement calls for all US and foreign troops to quit Afghanistan by mid-2021, nearly 20 years after Washington invaded the country following the September 11 attacks by al-Qaeda on New York and Washington. McKenzie stressed that while the goal of a complete withdrawal by May 2021 was "aspirational," it was also conditional. It is a "conditions-based approach," the general said, and "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan." "We all know already that (the Taliban) are no friends of ISIS," McKenzie said of the Islamic State group. "What we need to see is what they're going to do against al-Qaeda," he said of the group responsible for 9/11. "And we need to see that in deeds and not words." "And so we're very focused on what the Taliban is doing, how they're participating in these negotiations as we go forward," he said. "The jury is still very much out." President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election in November, has said repeatedly that he wants US troops out of Afghanistan as soon as possible.

We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander

Taliban fighters killed at least 12 Afghan security personnel Wednesday in a pre-dawn raid on a northern checkpoint, officials said, the latest violence claimed by the insurgents. 
 
Four security force members were also captured by the militants in the attack in Jawezjan province, said Maroof Azar, spokesman to the governor. 
 
"Twelve security personnel including army soldiers were killed, five were injured and four were captured by the Taliban," he told AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghanistan-and-myanmar-drown-in-chinas-loans-afghanistan-rejects-loan-306145" hreflang="en">Afghanistan and Myanmar drown in China's loans; Afghanistan rejects loan</a> 
 
He said five Taliban fighters were killed in the fighting, which ended after Afghan security reinforcements arrived at the scene, Azar said. 
 
The ministry of defence confirmed the attack and said six of its soldiers were among the dead.&nbsp; 
 
The Taliban spokesman for the group's fighting forces, Zabihullah Mujahib, claimed the attack but gave a higher toll.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghan-government-taliban-agree-to-doha-as-venue-for-first-peace-talks-306103" hreflang="en">Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks</a> 
 
The latest bloodshed comes as the insurgents and the Afghan government appear to be moving closer towards potential peace negotiations. 
 
The much-delayed talks aimed at ending the conflict are expected to begin once the two sides complete an ongoing prisoner swap accelerated after a brief ceasefire last month. 
 
Officials claim the Taliban have stepped up attacks in recent days, although there has been an overall drop in violence across the country since the ceasefire ended.&nbsp;

Taliban fighters killed at least 12 Afghan security personnel Wednesday in a pre-dawn raid on a northern checkpoint, officials said, the latest violence claimed by the insurgents.

Taliban fighters killed at least 12 Afghan security personnel Wednesday in a pre-dawn raid on a northern checkpoint, officials said, the latest violence claimed by the insurgents. Four security force members were also captured by the militants in the attack in Jawezjan province, said Maroof Azar, spokesman to the governor. "Twelve security personnel including army soldiers were killed, five were injured and four were captured by the Taliban," he told AFP. Also read: Afghanistan and Myanmar drown in China's loans; Afghanistan rejects loan He said five Taliban fighters were killed in the fighting, which ended after Afghan security reinforcements arrived at the scene, Azar said. The ministry of defence confirmed the attack and said six of its soldiers were among the dead. The Taliban spokesman for the group's fighting forces, Zabihullah Mujahib, claimed the attack but gave a higher toll. Also read: Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks The latest bloodshed comes as the insurgents and the Afghan government appear to be moving closer towards potential peace negotiations. The much-delayed talks aimed at ending the conflict are expected to begin once the two sides complete an ongoing prisoner swap accelerated after a brief ceasefire last month. Officials claim the Taliban have stepped up attacks in recent days, although there has been an overall drop in violence across the country since the ceasefire ended.

Taliban raid on Afghan security post kills 12

Coronavirus may not have been the only virus that China is responsible for. Carried through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has successfully spread the virus of debt too.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-afghanistan-myanmar-say-no-to-chinese-loans-306143/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Touted as the greatest plan in modern history to revive global trade, the BRI has been the biggest vehicle for China's chequebook diplomacy.

The loans have crippled many poor economies and now, some of them are waking up to this fact -- for instance Afghanista and Myanmar..&nbsp;

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China claims to have signed agreements with 138 countries. Estimates say the BRI projects will cost over a trillion dollars.

China is running this lending operation for access and power.

While many countries are already drowning in Chinese debt without realizing it, Afghanistan and Myanmar have taken the first step by&nbsp;rejecting Chinese loans.

China's renewed push in Afghanistan is a curious case. At first, China wanted nothing to do with this country as ridden by violence, it made no business sense.

However, Beijing sensed an opportunity as soon as Trump said he wanted to exit Afghanistan. Ever since, China has been trying to take CPEC into Afghanistan.

But Kabul sees the pitfalls. Afghanistan's national debt stand at over 1.3 billion dollars, and China wants to give more loans to Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani has declined the loan.

In Myanmar, the auditor general has cautioned the government against Chinese loans.

Myanmar is already busy paying back loans taken during decades of misgovernance under the military junta. But, Myanmar is firmly in China's grip. So, saying no to chinese loans won't be easy...

China is Myanmar's largest lender, and its biggest trading partner.

Myanmar's current national debt stands at 10 billion dollars -- 40 percent of this debt is already owed to China.

From 1988 to 2010, China gave out massive loans to Myanmar. These loans have been coming due since 2018, and&nbsp;Myanmar is paying back around 500 million dollars per year, including principal and four percent interest rate.

This is a classic example of China's preadatory lending.

The auditor general has pointed out that loans from China come at higher interest rates compared to loans from financial institutions like the world bank or the IMF. He said, "I would like to remind government ministries to be more restrained in using Chinese loans."

However, will the government listen?

In January, Chinese President Xi&nbsp;Jinping and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi agreed to speed up projects under the BRI. This resulted in 33 agreements, from mega power projects to railways.

Myanmar has already suffered once, it must not repeat the mistake again.

China's gameplan

Chinese financial institutions lend money for BRI projects. Construction contracts are awarded to mostly Chinese firms.

A Chinese company receives much of the proceeds of the loan and then projects tend to suffer delays or cancellations. There are corruption concerns, and the host country ends up with a massive pile of debt.

Coronavirus may not have been the only virus that China is responsible for. Carried through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has successfully spread the virus of debt too.

Coronavirus may not have been the only virus that China is responsible for. Carried through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has successfully spread the virus of debt too. Touted as the greatest plan in modern history to revive global trade, the BRI has been the biggest vehicle for China's chequebook diplomacy. The loans have crippled many poor economies and now, some of them are waking up to this fact -- for instance Afghanista and Myanmar.. Also read| Australian sentenced to death in China for smuggling meth in checked flight luggage China claims to have signed agreements with 138 countries. Estimates say the BRI projects will cost over a trillion dollars. China is running this lending operation for access and power. While many countries are already drowning in Chinese debt without realizing it, Afghanistan and Myanmar have taken the first step by rejecting Chinese loans. China's renewed push in Afghanistan is a curious case. At first, China wanted nothing to do with this country as ridden by violence, it made no business sense. However, Beijing sensed an opportunity as soon as Trump said he wanted to exit Afghanistan. Ever since, China has been trying to take CPEC into Afghanistan. But Kabul sees the pitfalls. Afghanistan's national debt stand at over 1.3 billion dollars, and China wants to give more loans to Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani has declined the loan. In Myanmar, the auditor general has cautioned the government against Chinese loans. Myanmar is already busy paying back loans taken during decades of misgovernance under the military junta. But, Myanmar is firmly in China's grip. So, saying no to chinese loans won't be easy... China is Myanmar's largest lender, and its biggest trading partner. Myanmar's current national debt stands at 10 billion dollars -- 40 percent of this debt is already owed to China. From 1988 to 2010, China gave out massive loans to Myanmar. These loans have been coming due since 2018, and Myanmar is paying back around 500 million dollars per year, including principal and four percent interest rate. This is a classic example of China's preadatory lending. The auditor general has pointed out that loans from China come at higher interest rates compared to loans from financial institutions like the world bank or the IMF. He said, "I would like to remind government ministries to be more restrained in using Chinese loans." However, will the government listen? In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi agreed to speed up projects under the BRI. This resulted in 33 agreements, from mega power projects to railways. Myanmar has already suffered once, it must not repeat the mistake again. China's gameplan Chinese financial institutions lend money for BRI projects. Construction contracts are awarded to mostly Chinese firms. A Chinese company receives much of the proceeds of the loan and then projects tend to suffer delays or cancellations. There are corruption concerns, and the host country ends up with a massive pile of debt.

Afghanistan and Myanmar drown in China's loans; Afghanistan rejects loan

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday.

The talks, known as the intra-Afghan dialogue, will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after years of fighting.

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No date has been announced for the meeting, but it is expected to take place after the two sides settle differences on the release by the Afghan government of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, which could be as soon as the end of next week.

"The first intra-Afghan meeting will happen in Doha," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Reuters, adding that the Islamist group was ready to hold intra-Afghan talks within a week of the release of 5,000 prisoners.

The Afghan government has released 3,000 Taliban prisoners so far under an agreement signed between the United States and the insurgent group in February.

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That deal outlined a roadmap for withdrawing foreign forces from Afghanistan and peace talks to end the 19-year war.

The government wants talks to begin as soon as possible but has issues with the release of a few hundred high-profile Taliban prisoners, a senior government official told Reuters.

The official said the government had offered an alternative prisoner release list to the Taliban.

The spokesman for the Afghan Presidential Palace, Sediq Sediqqi, said on Twitter that Doha had been agreed as the venue for the first talks but said no permanent venue had been agreed.

The Qatari capital was the venue for signing the deal between the United States and Taliban. The insurgent group has had a political office in Doha since 2013.

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday.

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday. The talks, known as the intra-Afghan dialogue, will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after years of fighting. Also read: Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case No date has been announced for the meeting, but it is expected to take place after the two sides settle differences on the release by the Afghan government of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, which could be as soon as the end of next week. "The first intra-Afghan meeting will happen in Doha," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Reuters, adding that the Islamist group was ready to hold intra-Afghan talks within a week of the release of 5,000 prisoners. The Afghan government has released 3,000 Taliban prisoners so far under an agreement signed between the United States and the insurgent group in February. Also read: Attacks on checkpoint in various Afghan regions leave scores of terrorists dead, injured That deal outlined a roadmap for withdrawing foreign forces from Afghanistan and peace talks to end the 19-year war. The government wants talks to begin as soon as possible but has issues with the release of a few hundred high-profile Taliban prisoners, a senior government official told Reuters. The official said the government had offered an alternative prisoner release list to the Taliban. The spokesman for the Afghan Presidential Palace, Sediq Sediqqi, said on Twitter that Doha had been agreed as the venue for the first talks but said no permanent venue had been agreed. The Qatari capital was the venue for signing the deal between the United States and Taliban. The insurgent group has had a political office in Doha since 2013.

Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks

Two Democratic senators on Monday asked US Defense Secretary Mike Esper what happened to $1 billion in aid for Afghanistan the Trump administration said it would cut nearly three months ago, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.

Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, demanded Esper explain whether the funds had been cut and if so from which accounts.

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"Will the execution of such funding cuts impact the US military presence on the ground in Afghanistan?" they asked in the letter, requesting a reply by June 26.

"If the administration has determined that this cut in security assistance does not diminish our ability to pursue our national security objectives, what conditions have changed to create such a sizeable surplus?" they added.

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Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the reduction on March 23 to try to force Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah to end a feud that had helped stall US-led peace-making efforts in Afghanistan.

Ghani and Abdullah on May 17 signed a power-sharing deal, raising questions whether Washington would reduce the funding.

After nearly two decades of fighting the Taliban, the United States is looking to extricate itself and to achieve peace between the US-backed government and the militant group. But despite the pact between Ghani and Abdullah, peace talks between the government and the Taliban have yet to occur.

Reuters reported on April 5 the reduction would come from funds for Afghan security forces and, on May 20, that the Pentagon had not withheld the money despite Pompeo`s March 23 vow to cut it "immediately."

On June 1, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said he thought the money had been cut and referred questions to the Pentagon.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the letter.

Two Democratic senators on Monday asked US Defense Secretary Mike Esper what happened to $1 billion in aid for Afghanistan the Trump administration said it would cut nearly three months ago, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.

Two Democratic senators on Monday asked US Defense Secretary Mike Esper what happened to $1 billion in aid for Afghanistan the Trump administration said it would cut nearly three months ago, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, demanded Esper explain whether the funds had been cut and if so from which accounts. Also watch: New Polio cases reported in Afghanistan | Balkh, Herat, Badakhshan "Will the execution of such funding cuts impact the US military presence on the ground in Afghanistan?" they asked in the letter, requesting a reply by June 26. "If the administration has determined that this cut in security assistance does not diminish our ability to pursue our national security objectives, what conditions have changed to create such a sizeable surplus?" they added. Also read: Eight killed in armed attack on clinic in Eastern Afghanistan, including political figure Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the reduction on March 23 to try to force Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah to end a feud that had helped stall US-led peace-making efforts in Afghanistan. Ghani and Abdullah on May 17 signed a power-sharing deal, raising questions whether Washington would reduce the funding. After nearly two decades of fighting the Taliban, the United States is looking to extricate itself and to achieve peace between the US-backed government and the militant group. But despite the pact between Ghani and Abdullah, peace talks between the government and the Taliban have yet to occur. Reuters reported on April 5 the reduction would come from funds for Afghan security forces and, on May 20, that the Pentagon had not withheld the money despite Pompeo`s March 23 vow to cut it "immediately." On June 1, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said he thought the money had been cut and referred questions to the Pentagon. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the letter.

US senators ask Pentagon if $1 billion in Afghan aid was cut

The threat of coronavirus is not the only concern for Afghanistan as the country recently detected polio in regions which were earlier declared free of this life-threatening disease.&nbsp;

The provinces of Balkh, Herat and Badakhshan have reported one case each of polio.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polio-immunisation-suspended-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-290494">Polio immunisation suspended amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

Jan Rasekh, a spokesperson of Afghanistan's polio eradication programme, said that these three provinces have not reported a single case for up to five years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-faces-fresh-polio-cases-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-289450">Pakistan faces fresh polio cases amid coronavirus outbreak</a>

Although the overall cases this year, 14, were less compared to 26 that were reported last year, however, the areas where polio is spreading remain a concern.&nbsp;

"We had worked hard for years and cornered polio to a limited geography," Rasekh said, reported AFP.&nbsp;

"The coronavirus has helped polio spread beyond its endemic region of south and southeast, and now threatens people across the country."

The UN children's agency UNICEF last month suspended polio eradication drives in dozens of nations, while measles vaccination campaigns were also put on hold in 27 countries.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two nations remaining in the world where polio virus is still not eradicated.

However, the polio immunisation drive in Afghanistan was halted to prevent the spread of coronavirus.&nbsp;

Rasekh said that only two immunisation drive could take place in country, which usually conducts up to 10 such drives each year.&nbsp;

He hopes that such campaigns would be resumed by July.&nbsp;

Taliban also acts as a hurdle, as Rasekh adds that they don't allow house-to-house campaigns in the areas under them.&nbsp;

Also, Taliban and religious organisations see vaccines as a Western conspiracy to sterile Muslim children and believe immunisation drives are used to spy on militant activities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The threat of coronavirus is not the only concern for Afghanistan as the country recently detected polio in regions which were earlier declared free of this life-threatening disease.

The threat of coronavirus is not the only concern for Afghanistan as the country recently detected polio in regions which were earlier declared free of this life-threatening disease. The provinces of Balkh, Herat and Badakhshan have reported one case each of polio. Also read | Polio immunisation suspended amid coronavirus pandemic Jan Rasekh, a spokesperson of Afghanistan's polio eradication programme, said that these three provinces have not reported a single case for up to five years. Also read | Pakistan faces fresh polio cases amid coronavirus outbreak Although the overall cases this year, 14, were less compared to 26 that were reported last year, however, the areas where polio is spreading remain a concern. "We had worked hard for years and cornered polio to a limited geography," Rasekh said, reported AFP. "The coronavirus has helped polio spread beyond its endemic region of south and southeast, and now threatens people across the country." The UN children's agency UNICEF last month suspended polio eradication drives in dozens of nations, while measles vaccination campaigns were also put on hold in 27 countries. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two nations remaining in the world where polio virus is still not eradicated. However, the polio immunisation drive in Afghanistan was halted to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Rasekh said that only two immunisation drive could take place in country, which usually conducts up to 10 such drives each year. He hopes that such campaigns would be resumed by July. Taliban also acts as a hurdle, as Rasekh adds that they don't allow house-to-house campaigns in the areas under them. Also, Taliban and religious organisations see vaccines as a Western conspiracy to sterile Muslim children and believe immunisation drives are used to spy on militant activities.

Concerns rise after fresh polio cases emerge in Afghanistan

Eight people were killed in an attack on a clinic in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province, district police spokesman Adil Haidar said Saturday.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, which took place in the Alisher district Friday night.

Among the victims was prominent Hizb-i-Islami member and former parliamentary candidate Abdul Wali Ikhlas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-in-kabul-mosque-blast-several-wounded-305428">Also read:&nbsp;Four killed in Kabul mosque blast; several wounded</a>

Hizb-i-Islami is a former militia that fought against the US invasion and the Afghan government but in 2016 laid down its weapons in a peace deal and began remoulding itself as a political party.

Separately, gunmen broke into a house in the Logar district and killed four members of one family, a mother and three daughters, Didar Lawang, a spokesman for the provincial governor, announced on Saturday.

The attack also left another man and a woman injured, according to Lawang.

Eight people were killed in an attack on a clinic in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province, district police spokesman Adil Haidar said Saturday. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, which took place in the Alisher district Friday night.

Eight people were killed in an attack on a clinic in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province, district police spokesman Adil Haidar said Saturday. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, which took place in the Alisher district Friday night. Among the victims was prominent Hizb-i-Islami member and former parliamentary candidate Abdul Wali Ikhlas. Also read: Four killed in Kabul mosque blast; several wounded Hizb-i-Islami is a former militia that fought against the US invasion and the Afghan government but in 2016 laid down its weapons in a peace deal and began remoulding itself as a political party. Separately, gunmen broke into a house in the Logar district and killed four members of one family, a mother and three daughters, Didar Lawang, a spokesman for the provincial governor, announced on Saturday. The attack also left another man and a woman injured, according to Lawang.

Eight killed in armed attack on clinic in Eastern Afghanistan, including political figure

Two separate attacks in Afghanistan have killed at least 18 people amid a wave of violence across the country, local Afghan officials said on Saturday.

A local police chief in western Ghor, Fakhrudin, said Taliban insurgents stormed a police checkpoint late Friday night and killed ten police officers.

He added that one policeman was wounded and another one was still missing after the attack in the remote village in the Pasaband district.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-in-kabul-mosque-blast-several-wounded-305428" hreflang="en">Four killed in Kabul mosque blast; several wounded</a>

The police officials blamed the Taliban for the attack who have a strong presence in the area, especially in the Pasaband district. The Taliban have not commented on the attack in Ghor.

Meanwhile in the eastern Khost province, unknown gunmen targeting a former warlord killed at least eight people in the province's Ali Sher district, said Adel Haider, spokesman for the provincial police chief.

The police spokesman said that the target of the attack was among the dead. Abdul Wali Ekhlas, a candidate in last year's parliamentary elections who didn't win a seat.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks in Khost province. Violence has spiked in recent weeks in Afghanistan with most of the attacks claimed by the local Islamic State group affiliate.

On Friday, a bomb explosion inside a mosque in the capital, Kabul, killed at least four people, including the prayer leader. 
The Taliban strongly condemned the mosque attack.

The United States blamed the IS affiliate for a horrific attack last month on a maternity hospital in the capital that killed 24 people, including two infants and several new mothers.

The IS group, which reviles Shiites as heretics, has declared war on the country's minority Shiite Muslims, but has also attacked Sunni Muslim mosques.

Two separate attacks in Afghanistan have killed at least 18 people amid a wave of violence across the country, local Afghan officials said on Saturday. A local police chief in western Ghor, Fakhrudin, said Taliban insurgents stormed a police checkpoint late Friday night and killed ten police officers.

Two separate attacks in Afghanistan have killed at least 18 people amid a wave of violence across the country, local Afghan officials said on Saturday. A local police chief in western Ghor, Fakhrudin, said Taliban insurgents stormed a police checkpoint late Friday night and killed ten police officers. He added that one policeman was wounded and another one was still missing after the attack in the remote village in the Pasaband district. Also read: Four killed in Kabul mosque blast; several wounded The police officials blamed the Taliban for the attack who have a strong presence in the area, especially in the Pasaband district. The Taliban have not commented on the attack in Ghor. Meanwhile in the eastern Khost province, unknown gunmen targeting a former warlord killed at least eight people in the province's Ali Sher district, said Adel Haider, spokesman for the provincial police chief. The police spokesman said that the target of the attack was among the dead. Abdul Wali Ekhlas, a candidate in last year's parliamentary elections who didn't win a seat. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks in Khost province. Violence has spiked in recent weeks in Afghanistan with most of the attacks claimed by the local Islamic State group affiliate. On Friday, a bomb explosion inside a mosque in the capital, Kabul, killed at least four people, including the prayer leader. The Taliban strongly condemned the mosque attack. The United States blamed the IS affiliate for a horrific attack last month on a maternity hospital in the capital that killed 24 people, including two infants and several new mothers. The IS group, which reviles Shiites as heretics, has declared war on the country's minority Shiite Muslims, but has also attacked Sunni Muslim mosques.

Attacks on checkpoint in various Afghan regions leave scores of terrorists dead, injured

Afghanistan's government will soon complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents, President Ashraf Ghani said Thursday.

Under the terms of a US-Taliban deal signed in February, Kabul has pledged to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners in a swap that would see the insurgents release 1,000 Afghan security force captives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-freed-taliban-prisoners-seek-return-to-battlefield-304988">Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield</a>

Once the swap is done, the two sides have pledged to begin peace talks that could end nearly 19 years of war.

Kabul has already released 3,000 prisoners, with the remainder due to be freed shortly, Ghani said.

"The remaining commitment -- my colleagues and I have made the decision to release an additional 2,000 prisoners within a very short period. We will announce the date soon," Ghani said in a video interview with a Washington think tank.&nbsp;

Ghani, who this year started his second term after a bitterly contested election that was marred with fraud claims, complained that the Taliban had not been transparent about how many Afghan soldiers they still hold.&nbsp;

"The number keeps shifting. We need clarity regarding the fate of those that are with them and assurance that the last person remaining with them is released," Ghani told the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center and the US Institute for Peace.&nbsp;

Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter the prisoner release so far was "a positive step" and marked "good progress".

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US negotiator on Afghanistan, also called the latest developments "very positive" and said that intra-Afghan talks appeared closer than ever.

"All sides must work to get to the negotiations table ASAP and prevent spoilers from undermining the process and betraying the hopes and yearning of Afghan people for peace," he wrote on Twitter.

The Taliban and Afghan security forces observed a three-day ceasefire last month and have generally reduced violence across Afghanistan since then in an attempt to set the stage for peace talks.

Ghani said he would elaborate the next steps in the peace process next week and called for a "humanitarian ceasefire" to provide food and medical assistance during the coronavirus crisis.

"In terms of reduction of violence, there has been (one) but the casualty figures still average around 60-70 a day. The number of fatalities unfortunately are averaging 30," he said.

Ghani did not say if the casualties were civilians, fighters or a combination.

Ghani said women would form an important part of eventual peace negotiating teams.

Under the US-Taliban deal, American and foreign forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan over the coming months.

Afghanistan's government will soon complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents, President Ashraf Ghani said Thursday.

Afghanistan's government will soon complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents, President Ashraf Ghani said Thursday. Under the terms of a US-Taliban deal signed in February, Kabul has pledged to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners in a swap that would see the insurgents release 1,000 Afghan security force captives. Also read | Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield Once the swap is done, the two sides have pledged to begin peace talks that could end nearly 19 years of war. Kabul has already released 3,000 prisoners, with the remainder due to be freed shortly, Ghani said. "The remaining commitment -- my colleagues and I have made the decision to release an additional 2,000 prisoners within a very short period. We will announce the date soon," Ghani said in a video interview with a Washington think tank. Ghani, who this year started his second term after a bitterly contested election that was marred with fraud claims, complained that the Taliban had not been transparent about how many Afghan soldiers they still hold. "The number keeps shifting. We need clarity regarding the fate of those that are with them and assurance that the last person remaining with them is released," Ghani told the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center and the US Institute for Peace. Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter the prisoner release so far was "a positive step" and marked "good progress". Zalmay Khalilzad, the US negotiator on Afghanistan, also called the latest developments "very positive" and said that intra-Afghan talks appeared closer than ever. "All sides must work to get to the negotiations table ASAP and prevent spoilers from undermining the process and betraying the hopes and yearning of Afghan people for peace," he wrote on Twitter. The Taliban and Afghan security forces observed a three-day ceasefire last month and have generally reduced violence across Afghanistan since then in an attempt to set the stage for peace talks. Ghani said he would elaborate the next steps in the peace process next week and called for a "humanitarian ceasefire" to provide food and medical assistance during the coronavirus crisis. "In terms of reduction of violence, there has been (one) but the casualty figures still average around 60-70 a day. The number of fatalities unfortunately are averaging 30," he said. Ghani did not say if the casualties were civilians, fighters or a combination. Ghani said women would form an important part of eventual peace negotiating teams. Under the US-Taliban deal, American and foreign forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan over the coming months.

Afghan President says Taliban prisoner release to be completed soon

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