Two U.S. service members were killed and several others were injured when a man in Afghan uniform opened fire with a machine gun on them in eastern Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Two U.S. service members killed, several injured

Two American soldiers were killed while six others were injured after an Afghan soldier armed with a machine gun opened fire, news agency AFP reported quoting US military on Sunday.

Two American soldiers were killed while six others were injured after an Afghan soldier armed with a machine gun opened fire, news agency AFP reported quoting US military on Sunday. The incident took place late Saturday in Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan when US and Afghan commandos were conducting a "key-leader engagement" at a base in Sherzad district. "Current reports indicate an individual in an Afghan uniform opened fire on the combined US and Afghan force with a machine gun," the report stated US Forces-Afghanistan spokesman Sonny Leggett as saying in a statement. Provincial governor Shah Mahmood Meyakil said in an audio message to reporters that three Afghan commandos were wounded. He said it was not immediately clear if the incident was a deliberate act by an "infiltrator" or an accident. "It was not a clash between the forces. We are investigating," Meyakil said. Leggett also stressed the cause or motive behind the attack were not immediately known. “Several 7th SFG(A) Soldiers were injured or killed during combat operations in Afghanistan on February 8, 2020. The families of the deceased and wounded are being notified. In accordance with DoD policy, the names of the causalities are being withheld until 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/R22ilulOcx — 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) (@7thForces) February 9, 2020 × In a tweet, the US Army's 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) said "several" of its soldiers had been killed or injured during combat operations in Afghanistan. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. (With inputs from AFP)

Afghanistan: Two US soldiers killed by Afghan soldier in Nangarhar province 

#SouthAsiaDiary | Watch these stories as @MaroWardak brings issues from world's most under-reported region. +Rising nos of oral cancer cases in #Pakistan +Snowboarding in war-torn #Afghanistan +Diving into #Maldives' 'Midnight Zone' +Changing with time: #Nepal

South Asia Diary: Watch these stories from world's most under-reported region

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Pakistan </a>Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Imran Khan</a> continues to harp about the rights of the people of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Kashmir</a>, he is now facing protests about Pakistan's continued interference in Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir.

People from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Afghanistan </a>protested outside the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Pakistan </a>embassy in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Kabul </a>against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Islamabad</a>'s continued interference in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Kashmir </a>and in Afghanistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Calling Imran Khan’s bluff: India needs to realign its Pakistan policy</a>

The protesters were seen carrying placards like ''down with Pakistan'' and ''Pakistan is enemy''.

They also demanded the release of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Manzoor Pashteen</a>, the chief of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Pashtun Tahafuz Movement</a>, a movement for the protection of ethnic Pashtun people in Pakistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army</a>

The 27-year-old activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Pashteen</a>, was arrested along with nine supporters in Peshawar last month and has been sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand.

The protests dampened the embassy's plans to hold the so-called Kashmir solidarity day which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Pakistan </a>observes every year on February 5.

Pakistan has been marking this day since 1990 by calling for the secession of Kashmir from India.

While Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to harp about the rights of the people of Kashmir, he is now facing protests about Pakistan's continued interference in Jammu and Kashmir.

While Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to harp about the rights of the people of Kashmir, he is now facing protests about Pakistan's continued interference in Jammu and Kashmir. People from Afghanistan protested outside the Pakistan embassy in Kabul against Islamabad's continued interference in Kashmir and in Afghanistan. Also read: Calling Imran Khan’s bluff: India needs to realign its Pakistan policy The protesters were seen carrying placards like ''down with Pakistan'' and ''Pakistan is enemy''. They also demanded the release of Manzoor Pashteen, the chief of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, a movement for the protection of ethnic Pashtun people in Pakistan. Also read: Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army The 27-year-old activist Pashteen, was arrested along with nine supporters in Peshawar last month and has been sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand. The protests dampened the embassy's plans to hold the so-called Kashmir solidarity day which Pakistan observes every year on February 5. Pakistan has been marking this day since 1990 by calling for the secession of Kashmir from India.

Afghans protest outside Pakistan embassy in Kabul

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-police-foils-terror-plot-arrests-three-taliban-terrorists-278421">Taliban</a> lashed out at the Trump administration&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday, accusing the US of holding up negotiations over a potential withdrawal deal that would see the Americans end their 18-year war in Afghanistan.

The US&nbsp;and the Taliban are still wrangling over a possible deal that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-for-taliban-talks-back-in-kabul-official-278071">US envoy for Taliban talks back in Kabul: Official</a>

However, there appears to have been little progress in reaching a deal in recent weeks, prompting the insurgents to saddle blame on the White House and what they say are a growing list of demands by the Americans.

The Taliban "has the intention &amp; capacity for a resolution," said spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reaction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reaction</a> 
IEA has the intention &amp; capacity for a resolution. Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump's tweet, numerous US demands &amp; quarrel b/w US &amp; Kabul officials.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> should refrain from blame-shifting. Our stance in principled &amp; concerted - unlike them.
— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33/status/1224647135746043905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump's tweet, numerous US demands &amp; quarrel b/w US &amp; Kabul officials. Secretary Pompeo should refrain from blame-shifting. Our stance in principled &amp; concerted - unlike them," he added.

The Taliban's remarks came a day after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the insurgents must make "demonstrable evidence of their will and capacity to reduce violence" in order to reach an agreement during a meeting with Central Asian officials in Uzbekistan.

The tweet also came days after Zalmay Khalilzad -&nbsp;the US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban launched a new round of shuttle diplomacy by travelling to both Pakistan and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-bombing-of-afghanistan-hits-10-year-high-us-air-force-277324">Afghanistan</a> to brief officials on the status of the talks.

In recent weeks, the US has been largely been quiet on the exact status of the negotiations, while the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-violence-rises-amid-us-taliban-talks-watchdog-277677">Taliban </a>has&nbsp;insisted they were prepared to reduce fighting to move talks forward.

The US and Taliban had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September last year&nbsp;when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence.

Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

The Taliban lashed out at the Trump administration on Wednesday, accusing the US of holding up negotiations over a potential withdrawal deal that would see the Americans end their 18-year war in Afghanistan.

The Taliban lashed out at the Trump administration on Wednesday, accusing the US of holding up negotiations over a potential withdrawal deal that would see the Americans end their 18-year war in Afghanistan. The US and the Taliban are still wrangling over a possible deal that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. Also read: US envoy for Taliban talks back in Kabul: Official However, there appears to have been little progress in reaching a deal in recent weeks, prompting the insurgents to saddle blame on the White House and what they say are a growing list of demands by the Americans. The Taliban "has the intention & capacity for a resolution," said spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in a tweet. #Reaction IEA has the intention & capacity for a resolution. Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump's tweet, numerous US demands & quarrel b/w US & Kabul officials.@SecPompeo should refrain from blame-shifting. Our stance in principled & concerted - unlike them. — Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) February 4, 2020 × "Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump's tweet, numerous US demands & quarrel b/w US & Kabul officials. Secretary Pompeo should refrain from blame-shifting. Our stance in principled & concerted - unlike them," he added. The Taliban's remarks came a day after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the insurgents must make "demonstrable evidence of their will and capacity to reduce violence" in order to reach an agreement during a meeting with Central Asian officials in Uzbekistan. The tweet also came days after Zalmay Khalilzad - the US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban launched a new round of shuttle diplomacy by travelling to both Pakistan and Afghanistan to brief officials on the status of the talks. In recent weeks, the US has been largely been quiet on the exact status of the negotiations, while the Taliban has insisted they were prepared to reduce fighting to move talks forward. The US and Taliban had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September last year when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump and US demands: Taliban

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-calls-juan-guaido-as-true-president-of-venezuela-278669">Donald Trump</a> reiterated&nbsp;his vow to negotiate troop withdrawal from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-taliban-takes-to-twitter-accuses-us-government-of-halting-peace-talks-278705">Afghanistan </a>in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-calls-juan-guaido-as-true-president-of-venezuela-278669">State of the Union address</a> on Wednesday.

He said that he will put an end to ''America's longest war'' as he had no desire to kill "hundreds of thousands" in an endless fight.

Trump said that his administration is working on bringing the US troops back home.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-taliban-takes-to-twitter-accuses-us-government-of-halting-peace-talks-278705">Taliban takes to Twitter; accuses US Government of halting peace talks</a>

"I am not looking to kill hundreds of thousands of people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-taliban-takes-to-twitter-accuses-us-government-of-halting-peace-talks-278705">Afghanistan</a>, many of them totally innocent," Trump said during his address at Capitol Hill.

Trump has questioned the wisdom of keeping troops overseas for a long time and has described the war in Afghanistan as a ''drain on blood and treasure''.

The US had launched attacks on the country in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York and Washington.

The US president was planning to withdraw about half of the 14,000 US forces in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-taliban-takes-to-twitter-accuses-us-government-of-halting-peace-talks-278705">Afghanistan </a>last year even as he tried to secure a&nbsp;peace agreement with the Taliban which finally fell through in the end.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-slams-us-for-stalling-peace-talks-278581">Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump and US demands: Taliban</a>

Trump&nbsp;abruptly called off the talks to end the 18-year-long war in September last year after an attack killed a US soldier.&nbsp;

The talks resumed but were interrupted again in December after a suicide attack on a US base outside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-slams-us-for-stalling-peace-talks-278581">Kabul </a>in which two civilians were killed.

He later allowed US negotiator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-slams-us-for-stalling-peace-talks-278581">Zalmay Khalilzad </a>to resume talks, which had taken place for months in Qatar.

Under a draft deal, the United States will withdraw troops&nbsp;and the Taliban will promise not to allow extremists to use Afghanistan as a base as well as to open talks with the internationally recognized government in Kabul.

US President Donald Trump reiterated his vow to negotiate troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in his State of the Union address on Wednesday. He said that he will put an end to ''America's longest war'' as he had no desire to kill "hundreds of thousands" in an endless fight.

US President Donald Trump reiterated his vow to negotiate troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in his State of the Union address on Wednesday. He said that he will put an end to ''America's longest war'' as he had no desire to kill "hundreds of thousands" in an endless fight. Trump said that his administration is working on bringing the US troops back home. Also read: Taliban takes to Twitter; accuses US Government of halting peace talks "I am not looking to kill hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan, many of them totally innocent," Trump said during his address at Capitol Hill. Trump has questioned the wisdom of keeping troops overseas for a long time and has described the war in Afghanistan as a ''drain on blood and treasure''. The US had launched attacks on the country in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York and Washington. The US president was planning to withdraw about half of the 14,000 US forces in Afghanistan last year even as he tried to secure a peace agreement with the Taliban which finally fell through in the end. Also read: Negotiation process has been harmed by Trump and US demands: Taliban Trump abruptly called off the talks to end the 18-year-long war in September last year after an attack killed a US soldier. The talks resumed but were interrupted again in December after a suicide attack on a US base outside Kabul in which two civilians were killed. He later allowed US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad to resume talks, which had taken place for months in Qatar. Under a draft deal, the United States will withdraw troops and the Taliban will promise not to allow extremists to use Afghanistan as a base as well as to open talks with the internationally recognized government in Kabul.

Trump reiterates pledge to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan in State of the Union addresss

Afghanistan contributes to just about 0.1 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions but it goes not mean that the country is not facing a threat of climate change. Experts say that Afghanistan is one of the country that is most vulnerable to climate change. The shift in the weather patterns has already taken a toll on the countries sheep farmers and carpet weavers. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Carpet weavers mull livelihood change in Afghanistan

At least seven members of a family, including four children and two women, were killed in a mortar shell fired from Afghanistan in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, officials said.

The mortar shell hit the family's home at border village Baatwar Bangro in Salarzai tehsil, 137 kilometres from here.

The local people, district administration officials, security forces, ambulances and rescue teams rushed to the site and retrieved the bodies, officials said. The house was destroyed in the mortar attack.

The shell was fired from the adjacent Kunar province of Afghanistan, an official said.&nbsp;

At least seven members of a family, including four children and two women, were killed in a mortar shell fired from Afghanistan in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, officials said.

At least seven members of a family, including four children and two women, were killed in a mortar shell fired from Afghanistan in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, officials said. The mortar shell hit the family's home at border village Baatwar Bangro in Salarzai tehsil, 137 kilometres from here. The local people, district administration officials, security forces, ambulances and rescue teams rushed to the site and retrieved the bodies, officials said. The house was destroyed in the mortar attack. The shell was fired from the adjacent Kunar province of Afghanistan, an official said.

Mortar shelling from Afghan side kills seven in Pakistan

The US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban was set to meet with the Afghan president Saturday, an official confirmed, in an apparent renewed push for talks on an agreement with the insurgents.

Washington and the Taliban are still wrangling over a possible deal that would see American troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. 
However, in recent weeks, the US has been largely quiet on the exact status of the talks.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad was prepared to hold talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in the afternoon, according to the leader's spokesman.

The details of what they were planning to discuss were unknown.

The US embassy in Kabul did not immediately comment on the envoy's arrival. Khalilzad's trip to Afghanistan comes a day after the envoy travelled to Pakistan where he met with a host of officials including the country's powerful top general Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year.

Khalilzad "welcomed Pakistan's ongoing efforts to support a reduction in violence that will pave the way for a US-Taliban agreement, intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in support of a sustainable peace", read a statement released by US officials in Pakistan.

The US and Taliban had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence.

Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

Taliban sources told AFP last month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days to help secure a deal, but there was no announcement of the details of the proposal by either party.

As talks have fluctuated, violent attacks in Afghanistan have raged, with the number of clashes jumping to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, according to a US government watchdog report released Friday.

The US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban was set to meet with the Afghan president Saturday, an official confirmed, in an apparent renewed push for talks on an agreement with the insurgents.

The US special envoy leading negotiations with the Taliban was set to meet with the Afghan president Saturday, an official confirmed, in an apparent renewed push for talks on an agreement with the insurgents. Washington and the Taliban are still wrangling over a possible deal that would see American troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. However, in recent weeks, the US has been largely quiet on the exact status of the talks. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad was prepared to hold talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in the afternoon, according to the leader's spokesman. The details of what they were planning to discuss were unknown. The US embassy in Kabul did not immediately comment on the envoy's arrival. Khalilzad's trip to Afghanistan comes a day after the envoy travelled to Pakistan where he met with a host of officials including the country's powerful top general Qamar Javed Bajwa. Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year. Khalilzad "welcomed Pakistan's ongoing efforts to support a reduction in violence that will pave the way for a US-Taliban agreement, intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in support of a sustainable peace", read a statement released by US officials in Pakistan. The US and Taliban had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan. Taliban sources told AFP last month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days to help secure a deal, but there was no announcement of the details of the proposal by either party. As talks have fluctuated, violent attacks in Afghanistan have raged, with the number of clashes jumping to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, according to a US government watchdog report released Friday.

US envoy for Taliban talks back in Kabul: Official

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-plane-crashes-in-afghanistan-top-us-intel-officers-dead-277184">conflict's continued toll</a> despite relative calm in Kabul. The nation's capital and other urban areas have enjoyed a rare stretch of more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-recovers-two-bodies-from-bombardier-aircraft-crash-site-in-afghanistan-277343">two </a>months without the sorts of large-scale bomb attack that frequently rock the city and cause mass causalities.

Despite the lull, which has come as the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/despite-defeats-the-islamic-state-remains-unbroken-and-defiant-around-the-world-277491"> US and the Taliban continue talks</a> over a possible deal for American forces to leave Afghanistan, fighting in rural provinces has continued unabated, with reports of skirmishes appearing daily. According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), "enemy-initiated attacks" rose sharply last year, with the fourth quarter seeing a total of 8,204 attacks -- up from 6,974 in the same period in 2018.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-bombing-of-afghanistan-hits-10-year-high-us-air-force-277324">United States bombing of Afghanistan hits 10-year high: US Air Force</a>

September, when the first round of presidential voting was held, saw the highest number of casualty-causing attacks since recording began in 2010. SIGAR noted that attacks appeared to mirror progress in US-Taliban talks, with incidents dropping earlier in the year, then picking up again after US President Donald Trump temporarily halted negotiations in September.

"A turbulent last six months resulted in increases in overall enemy attacks (6 per cent) and effective attacks (4 per cent) in 2019 compared to the already high levels reported in 2018," SIGAR said in its quarterly report to the US Congress. The Pentagon has also continued to up the tempo of operations, with American warplanes dropping more bombs on Afghanistan in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the US Air Force.

Washington and the Taliban are continuing to wrangle over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.&nbsp; The US has for months been calling on the militants to reduce violence, but both sides have said little in recent days about the status of talks and the Kabul government wants the US to push for a full ceasefire.

SIGAR's report also found that Afghanistan's security forces struggled to take the fight to the Taliban, relying on US support for more than half their ground operations. SIGAR also highlighted a slight increase in the number of casualties among Afghan military members, who have sustained massive losses over the past five years.

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the conflict's continued toll despite relative calm in Kabul.

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the conflict's continued toll despite relative calm in Kabul. The nation's capital and other urban areas have enjoyed a rare stretch of more than two months without the sorts of large-scale bomb attack that frequently rock the city and cause mass causalities. Despite the lull, which has come as the US and the Taliban continue talks over a possible deal for American forces to leave Afghanistan, fighting in rural provinces has continued unabated, with reports of skirmishes appearing daily. According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), "enemy-initiated attacks" rose sharply last year, with the fourth quarter seeing a total of 8,204 attacks -- up from 6,974 in the same period in 2018. Also Read: United States bombing of Afghanistan hits 10-year high: US Air Force September, when the first round of presidential voting was held, saw the highest number of casualty-causing attacks since recording began in 2010. SIGAR noted that attacks appeared to mirror progress in US-Taliban talks, with incidents dropping earlier in the year, then picking up again after US President Donald Trump temporarily halted negotiations in September. "A turbulent last six months resulted in increases in overall enemy attacks (6 per cent) and effective attacks (4 per cent) in 2019 compared to the already high levels reported in 2018," SIGAR said in its quarterly report to the US Congress. The Pentagon has also continued to up the tempo of operations, with American warplanes dropping more bombs on Afghanistan in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the US Air Force. Washington and the Taliban are continuing to wrangle over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. The US has for months been calling on the militants to reduce violence, but both sides have said little in recent days about the status of talks and the Kabul government wants the US to push for a full ceasefire. SIGAR's report also found that Afghanistan's security forces struggled to take the fight to the Taliban, relying on US support for more than half their ground operations. SIGAR also highlighted a slight increase in the number of casualties among Afghan military members, who have sustained massive losses over the past five years.

Amid US-Taliban peace talks, violence in Afghanistan rises: Watchdog

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the conflict's continued toll despite relative calm in Kabul.

The nation's capital and other urban areas have enjoyed a rare stretch of more than two months without the sorts of a large-scale bomb attack that frequently rock the city and cause mass causalities.

Despite the lull, which has come as the US and the Taliban continue talks over a possible deal for American forces to leave Afghanistan, fighting in rural provinces has continued unabated, with reports of skirmishes appearing daily.

According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), "enemy-initiated attacks" rose sharply last year, with the fourth quarter seeing a total of 8,204 attacks -- up from 6,974 in the same period in 2018.

September, when the first round of presidential voting was held, saw the highest number of casualty-causing attacks since recording began in 2010.

SIGAR noted that attacks appeared to mirror progress in US-Taliban talks, with incidents dropping earlier in the year, then picking up again after US President Donald Trump temporarily halted negotiations in September.

"A turbulent last six months resulted in increases in overall enemy attacks (6 per cent) and effective attacks (4 per cent) in 2019 compared to the already high levels reported in 2018," SIGAR said in its quarterly report to the US Congress.

The Pentagon has also continued to up the tempo of operations, with American warplanes dropping more bombs on Afghanistan in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the US Air Force.

Washington and the Taliban are continuing to wrangle over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.

The US has for months been calling on the militants to reduce violence, but both sides have said little in recent days about the status of talks and the Kabul government wants the US to push for a full ceasefire.

SIGAR's report also found that Afghanistan's security forces struggled to take the fight to the Taliban, relying on US support for more than half their ground operations.

SIGAR also highlighted a slight increase in the number of casualties among Afghan military members, who have sustained massive losses over the past five years.

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the conflict's continued toll despite relative calm in Kabul. The nation's capital and other urban areas have enjoyed a rare stretch of more than two months without the sorts of a large-scale bomb attack that frequently rock the city and cause mass causalities. Despite the lull, which has come as the US and the Taliban continue talks over a possible deal for American forces to leave Afghanistan, fighting in rural provinces has continued unabated, with reports of skirmishes appearing daily. According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), "enemy-initiated attacks" rose sharply last year, with the fourth quarter seeing a total of 8,204 attacks -- up from 6,974 in the same period in 2018. September, when the first round of presidential voting was held, saw the highest number of casualty-causing attacks since recording began in 2010. SIGAR noted that attacks appeared to mirror progress in US-Taliban talks, with incidents dropping earlier in the year, then picking up again after US President Donald Trump temporarily halted negotiations in September. "A turbulent last six months resulted in increases in overall enemy attacks (6 per cent) and effective attacks (4 per cent) in 2019 compared to the already high levels reported in 2018," SIGAR said in its quarterly report to the US Congress. The Pentagon has also continued to up the tempo of operations, with American warplanes dropping more bombs on Afghanistan in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the US Air Force. Washington and the Taliban are continuing to wrangle over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. The US has for months been calling on the militants to reduce violence, but both sides have said little in recent days about the status of talks and the Kabul government wants the US to push for a full ceasefire. SIGAR's report also found that Afghanistan's security forces struggled to take the fight to the Taliban, relying on US support for more than half their ground operations. SIGAR also highlighted a slight increase in the number of casualties among Afghan military members, who have sustained massive losses over the past five years.

Afghanistan violence rises amid US-Taliban talks: Watchdog

American warplanes dropped more bombs on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-ghazni-province-276876">Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-bill-to-support-tibet-warns-sanctions-on-chinese-officials-for-interfering-in-dalai-lamas-succession-277317">US</a> Air Force, as Washington intensified attacks in the country amid withdrawal talks with the Taliban.

In 2019 alone, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-us-troops-diagnosed-with-traumatic-brain-injury-after-iran-strike-pentagon-277276">US </a>dropped 7,423 separate munitions on targets in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-ghazni-province-276876">Afghanistan</a>, where the US has been enmeshed in fighting several militant groups since it invaded the country following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The figure published online by US Air Forces Central Command represents a dramatic surge in bombings in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;compared to the peak of President Barack Obama's "surge" in 2009 when 4,147 bombs were dropped.

Since President Donald Trump was elected in 2016

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-ghazni-province-276876">Plane crashes in Afghanistan's Ghazni province</a>

the US has ramped up bombing runs over&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;as the White House removed earlier restrictions that provided greater oversight over air raids aimed at preventing civilian casualties.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bigger-challenges-lie-ahead-as-un-completes-73-years-173140">UN</a> and rights groups have repeatedly voiced concerns that the increase in airstrikes across the country by US and Afghan forces have resulted in a major upswing in civilian casualties.

During the first half of 2019 pro-government forces, including the US, killed 717 civilians, an increase of 31 percent from a year earlier, the UN reported last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-us-troops-diagnosed-with-traumatic-brain-injury-after-iran-strike-pentagon-277276">50 US troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after Iran strike: Pentagon</a>

Most of the deaths came from US and Afghan airstrikes, often in support of national forces on the ground, the report said.

The increase in bombings comes as Washington and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/taliban-must-agree-to-a-ceasefire-and-join-the-intra-afghan-peace-talks-215289">Taliban</a> continue to wrangle over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in return for security guarantees.

The Taliban have been pushing to reach a withdrawal agreement with Washington by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing a deal, their chief spokesman said earlier this month.

The two sides had been negotiating an agreement for a year and were close to an announcement in September 2019 when US President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence.

Taliban sources said earlier this month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days in order to restart the talks formally, but there has been no announcement of the proposal by either party

American warplanes dropped more bombs on Afghanistan in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the US Air Force, as Washington intensified attacks in the country amid withdrawal talks with the Taliban.

American warplanes dropped more bombs on Afghanistan in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the US Air Force, as Washington intensified attacks in the country amid withdrawal talks with the Taliban. In 2019 alone, the US dropped 7,423 separate munitions on targets in Afghanistan, where the US has been enmeshed in fighting several militant groups since it invaded the country following the September 11, 2001 attacks. The figure published online by US Air Forces Central Command represents a dramatic surge in bombings in Afghanistan compared to the peak of President Barack Obama's "surge" in 2009 when 4,147 bombs were dropped. Since President Donald Trump was elected in 2016 Also read: Plane crashes in Afghanistan's Ghazni province the US has ramped up bombing runs over Afghanistan as the White House removed earlier restrictions that provided greater oversight over air raids aimed at preventing civilian casualties. The UN and rights groups have repeatedly voiced concerns that the increase in airstrikes across the country by US and Afghan forces have resulted in a major upswing in civilian casualties. During the first half of 2019 pro-government forces, including the US, killed 717 civilians, an increase of 31 percent from a year earlier, the UN reported last year. Also read: 50 US troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after Iran strike: Pentagon Most of the deaths came from US and Afghan airstrikes, often in support of national forces on the ground, the report said. The increase in bombings comes as Washington and the Taliban continue to wrangle over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. The Taliban have been pushing to reach a withdrawal agreement with Washington by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing a deal, their chief spokesman said earlier this month. The two sides had been negotiating an agreement for a year and were close to an announcement in September 2019 when US President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Taliban sources said earlier this month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days in order to restart the talks formally, but there has been no announcement of the proposal by either party

United States bombing of Afghanistan hits 10-year high: US Air Force

Now, Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash

A plane that crashed in Afghanistan’s central Ghazni province on Monday, reportedly killing everyone on board, has been confirmed as belonging to the U.S. Air Force.

US Air Force plane crashes in Afghanistan

The United Nations is seeking $730 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan this year, an increase on 2019 as poverty surges in a country worn down by war and drought, the U.N.`s deputy special representative for Afghanistan said on Monday.

Some 9.4 million Afghans are in need of basic food and housing this year, up from 6.5 million in 2019, when the U.N. sought more than $600 million from governments and other donors, as the economy stalls and the Taliban insurgency intensifies.

"Afghanistan remains the world`s deadliest conflict, and on top of the lingering effects of the drought in 2018, coupled with growing poverty, the need is up," Toby Lanzer, the U.N.'s deputy special representative for Afghanistan, told Reuters.

Lanzer is in Brussels and London this week after travelling to Ottawa, New York and Washington to urge donors to pledge cash for emergency support, which is separate from the billions of dollars of development aid for Afghanistan pledged in October 2016 at an international conference in Brussels.

That development aid runs out at the end of this year and the country will need billions of dollars more, Lanzer said. He said the U.N hopes to hold another donors` conference later this year to raise money for the 2021-2024 period.

The dependence on aid underscores the challenges facing the Western-backed government in Kabul, which needs economic growth to help replace foreign money and to provide jobs for the 450,000 people entering the labour market every year.

Lanzer said international financial support for Afghanistan was still strong but that a ceasefire, or at least a fall in violence, would have a significant impact on improving farming, water sources and education across the country.

"We would be available to work with the government in districts where the government isn`t present," he said.

Peace talks between the United States and the Taliban began last year but have been interrupted at least twice after Taliban attacks on U.S. military personnel in September and December.

Earlier this month, another round of talks kicked off with U.S. Special Representative on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, meeting repeatedly with the Taliban`s chief negotiator. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations is seeking $730 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan this year, an increase on 2019 as poverty surges in a country worn down by war and drought, the U.

The United Nations is seeking $730 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan this year, an increase on 2019 as poverty surges in a country worn down by war and drought, the U.N.`s deputy special representative for Afghanistan said on Monday. Some 9.4 million Afghans are in need of basic food and housing this year, up from 6.5 million in 2019, when the U.N. sought more than $600 million from governments and other donors, as the economy stalls and the Taliban insurgency intensifies. "Afghanistan remains the world`s deadliest conflict, and on top of the lingering effects of the drought in 2018, coupled with growing poverty, the need is up," Toby Lanzer, the U.N.'s deputy special representative for Afghanistan, told Reuters. Lanzer is in Brussels and London this week after travelling to Ottawa, New York and Washington to urge donors to pledge cash for emergency support, which is separate from the billions of dollars of development aid for Afghanistan pledged in October 2016 at an international conference in Brussels. That development aid runs out at the end of this year and the country will need billions of dollars more, Lanzer said. He said the U.N hopes to hold another donors` conference later this year to raise money for the 2021-2024 period. The dependence on aid underscores the challenges facing the Western-backed government in Kabul, which needs economic growth to help replace foreign money and to provide jobs for the 450,000 people entering the labour market every year. Lanzer said international financial support for Afghanistan was still strong but that a ceasefire, or at least a fall in violence, would have a significant impact on improving farming, water sources and education across the country. "We would be available to work with the government in districts where the government isn`t present," he said. Peace talks between the United States and the Taliban began last year but have been interrupted at least twice after Taliban attacks on U.S. military personnel in September and December. Earlier this month, another round of talks kicked off with U.S. Special Representative on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, meeting repeatedly with the Taliban`s chief negotiator.

U.N. seeks more emergency aid for Afghanistan as poverty grows

Hours after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-ghazni-province-276876">plane crashed in Afghanistan's Ghazni province</a>, Taliban claimed responsibility of the incident and confirmed that it was a US military aircraft, spokesperson of the insurgents' group said on Monday.&nbsp;

In the official statement, the spokesperson also announced that all the crew members on board have been killed in the crash.

"The plane, which was on an intelligence mission, was brought down in Ghazni province," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a Pashto-language statement.

So far, there is no confirmed report that how many people were on board the plane which came down at around 1:10 pm in Deh Yak district of Ghazni.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-us-soldiers-killed-in-afghanistan-bomb-attack-says-nato-mission-273657">Also read: Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan bomb attack, says NATO mission</a>

Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.

"We are heading towards the site of the plane which crashed due to technical issues. Afghan police, army and commandos are tasked to go to the area and assess the situation," Afghan Army commanded Turialal Hadi said.

Soon after the reports of the crash, there were also multiple media reports which claimed that the plane belonged to Ariana Afghan Airlines; however, the company denied the reports on social media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-us-soldiers-killed-in-afghanistan-bomb-attack-says-nato-mission-273657">Also read: Blast hits US army vehicle in Dand, Taliban claims responsibility</a>

"All the flights of Ariana Afghan Airlines have been completed normally," a statement on the carrier's verified Facebook page read.&nbsp;

On January 9, two military personnel were killed in a helicopter crash in Porchaman District of Farah province.

Crashes involving military flights, particularly helicopters, are common in Afghanistan where inclement weather and creaky aircraft are often pressed to their limits in the war-torn country -- and where insurgents have been known to target helicopters.&nbsp;

The last civilian flight to crash was in May 2010, when an ageing Pamir Airways plane went down in bad weather during a scheduled flight to Kabul from the northern province of Kunduz.

It was carrying six crew and 38 passengers when it crashed into a mountainside 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Kabul.

Hours after a plane crashed in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, Taliban claimed responsibility of the incident and confirmed that it was a US military aircraft, spokesperson of the insurgents' group said on Monday.

Hours after a plane crashed in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, Taliban claimed responsibility of the incident and confirmed that it was a US military aircraft, spokesperson of the insurgents' group said on Monday. In the official statement, the spokesperson also announced that all the crew members on board have been killed in the crash. "The plane, which was on an intelligence mission, was brought down in Ghazni province," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a Pashto-language statement. So far, there is no confirmed report that how many people were on board the plane which came down at around 1:10 pm in Deh Yak district of Ghazni. Also read: Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan bomb attack, says NATO mission Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter. "We are heading towards the site of the plane which crashed due to technical issues. Afghan police, army and commandos are tasked to go to the area and assess the situation," Afghan Army commanded Turialal Hadi said. Soon after the reports of the crash, there were also multiple media reports which claimed that the plane belonged to Ariana Afghan Airlines; however, the company denied the reports on social media. Also read: Blast hits US army vehicle in Dand, Taliban claims responsibility "All the flights of Ariana Afghan Airlines have been completed normally," a statement on the carrier's verified Facebook page read. On January 9, two military personnel were killed in a helicopter crash in Porchaman District of Farah province. Crashes involving military flights, particularly helicopters, are common in Afghanistan where inclement weather and creaky aircraft are often pressed to their limits in the war-torn country -- and where insurgents have been known to target helicopters. The last civilian flight to crash was in May 2010, when an ageing Pamir Airways plane went down in bad weather during a scheduled flight to Kabul from the northern province of Kunduz. It was carrying six crew and 38 passengers when it crashed into a mountainside 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Kabul.

US military plane brought down in Ghazni province, claims Taliban

A charismatic Pashtun rights leader who repeatedly accused the powerful military of abuse has been arrested in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar, police said Monday.

Manzoor Pashteen, chief of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mp-accuses-officials-of-lying-about-clash-between-activists-military-222491">Pashtun Protection Movement</a> (PTM), appeared before a magistrate after being detained shortly after midnight, said police official Shiraz Khan.

Khan said Pashteen would be transferred to another district where he is wanted on charges including sedition, hate speech, incitement against the state, and criminal conspiracy.

The former veterinary student and his PTM have rattled the military since 2018 with calls to end alleged abuses by security forces targeting ethnic Pashtuns in the restive tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.

The area, once plagued by militancy and unrest, is where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markles-father-it-would-be-great-to-see-you-even-in-court-276878">Washington</a> believes Pakistan is providing safe haven to militant groups including the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network.

The army has carried out many operations in the region, and security across Pakistan has dramatically improved in recent years.

The military maintains a heavy presence there, however, and the PTM has tapped into festering anger over alleged abuses against Pashtuns -- including enforced disappearances and targeted killings.

The movement remains peaceful but has been notable for its direct verbal attacks on the armed forces in a country where such criticism is largely seen as a red line.

Islamabad and the military have repeatedly denied the claims and arrested PTM activists.

A far-reaching media blackout has kept news and images of peaceful PTM rallies off TV screens and front pages nationwide.

An opinion piece written by Pashteen in the New York Times in 2019 was censored in Pakistan.

In December 2018 a military spokesman warned that the army would use force against PTM if they "cross the line".

Mohsin Dawar, a PTM member of parliament from the North Waziristan tribal district, confirmed Pashteen's arrest to AFP.

"He has been charged in many cases including sedition," Dawar said, who along with another PTM MP was detained by authorities for months last year. &nbsp;

On Twitter, Dawar demanded Pashteen's immediate release and asked PTM supporters to "remain calm".

Pashtuns are a fiercely independent ethnic group that straddles both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

They account for roughly 15 percent of Pakistan's population, with a majority of the 30 million-strong group living in the northwest.

A charismatic Pashtun rights leader who repeatedly accused the powerful military of abuse has been arrested in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar, police said Monday.

A charismatic Pashtun rights leader who repeatedly accused the powerful military of abuse has been arrested in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar, police said Monday. Manzoor Pashteen, chief of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), appeared before a magistrate after being detained shortly after midnight, said police official Shiraz Khan. Khan said Pashteen would be transferred to another district where he is wanted on charges including sedition, hate speech, incitement against the state, and criminal conspiracy. The former veterinary student and his PTM have rattled the military since 2018 with calls to end alleged abuses by security forces targeting ethnic Pashtuns in the restive tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan. The area, once plagued by militancy and unrest, is where Washington believes Pakistan is providing safe haven to militant groups including the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network. The army has carried out many operations in the region, and security across Pakistan has dramatically improved in recent years. The military maintains a heavy presence there, however, and the PTM has tapped into festering anger over alleged abuses against Pashtuns -- including enforced disappearances and targeted killings. The movement remains peaceful but has been notable for its direct verbal attacks on the armed forces in a country where such criticism is largely seen as a red line. Islamabad and the military have repeatedly denied the claims and arrested PTM activists. A far-reaching media blackout has kept news and images of peaceful PTM rallies off TV screens and front pages nationwide. An opinion piece written by Pashteen in the New York Times in 2019 was censored in Pakistan. In December 2018 a military spokesman warned that the army would use force against PTM if they "cross the line". Mohsin Dawar, a PTM member of parliament from the North Waziristan tribal district, confirmed Pashteen's arrest to AFP. "He has been charged in many cases including sedition," Dawar said, who along with another PTM MP was detained by authorities for months last year. On Twitter, Dawar demanded Pashteen's immediate release and asked PTM supporters to "remain calm". Pashtuns are a fiercely independent ethnic group that straddles both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They account for roughly 15 percent of Pakistan's population, with a majority of the 30 million-strong group living in the northwest.

Pakistan police arrest Pashtun rights leader critical of military

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has received top US and NATO representatives in Kabul and was briefed about the ongoing peace negotiations with the Taliban, presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Sunday.

"Yesterday, President Ghani met with Ross Wilson, Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Afghanistan, and General Scott Miller, Commander of the NATO Resolute Support mission. At the meeting, General Scott Miller briefed President Ghani on his trip to Qatar last week," Sediqqi said in a tweet that was accompanied by a photograph of the meeting.

According to Sediqqi, Miller also informed the President of a possible upcoming visit from US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, in the event of progress in negotiations with the Taliban.

"General Miller said that talks between Zalmay Khalilzad, the Special Representative of the US State Department and the Taliban are going on and in the event of any progress, Khalilzad will travel to Kabul and present information to the Afghan government," the spokesperson added.

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had earlier this week had said that Khalilzad and Miller held talks with senior Taliban officials in Doha, where the movement maintains a political office.

Last week, in an interview with Pakistani newspaper 'Dawn', Shaheen said that the US was close to signing a peace deal with the Taliban in January itself.

He also said that the sides had already agreed to reduce "military operations".

Since 2018, Washington and the Taliban have been attempting to negotiate a peace deal that would ensure the withdrawal of foreign troops in exchange for the movement's guarantee that the country would not become a safe haven for terrorists.

Last September, US President Donald Trump called off the talks with the group after a US service member was killed in an attack in Afghanistan. However, Trump announced the resumption of the negotiations in late November during his visit to Afghanistan.

 
&nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has received top US and NATO representatives in Kabul and was briefed about the ongoing peace negotiations with the Taliban, presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Sunday.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has received top US and NATO representatives in Kabul and was briefed about the ongoing peace negotiations with the Taliban, presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Sunday. "Yesterday, President Ghani met with Ross Wilson, Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Afghanistan, and General Scott Miller, Commander of the NATO Resolute Support mission. At the meeting, General Scott Miller briefed President Ghani on his trip to Qatar last week," Sediqqi said in a tweet that was accompanied by a photograph of the meeting. According to Sediqqi, Miller also informed the President of a possible upcoming visit from US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, in the event of progress in negotiations with the Taliban. "General Miller said that talks between Zalmay Khalilzad, the Special Representative of the US State Department and the Taliban are going on and in the event of any progress, Khalilzad will travel to Kabul and present information to the Afghan government," the spokesperson added. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had earlier this week had said that Khalilzad and Miller held talks with senior Taliban officials in Doha, where the movement maintains a political office. Last week, in an interview with Pakistani newspaper 'Dawn', Shaheen said that the US was close to signing a peace deal with the Taliban in January itself. He also said that the sides had already agreed to reduce "military operations". Since 2018, Washington and the Taliban have been attempting to negotiate a peace deal that would ensure the withdrawal of foreign troops in exchange for the movement's guarantee that the country would not become a safe haven for terrorists. Last September, US President Donald Trump called off the talks with the group after a US service member was killed in an attack in Afghanistan. However, Trump announced the resumption of the negotiations in late November during his visit to Afghanistan.

Afghan President briefed by US officials on peace talks with Taliban

Nooruddin watched helplessly as his flock of 100 sheep began to die from hunger and thirst on the dry drought-ravaged hillsides of Balkh province. &nbsp;

Rather than let more of the prized creatures die a slow death on the dry hillsides of Balkh province in the north, he made the decision to slaughter most of the rest.

"I cut their heads off," the 65-year-old herder said, adding that their malnourished frames meant their meat was "useless".

"We fed it to the dogs," Nooruddin told AFP.

He's one of many whose traditional livelihoods -- from farmers to carpet weavers -- are under threat as changing weather patterns wreak havoc.

Experts warn the situation will only get worse, with Afghanistan one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, even though it produces just 0.1 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

For many this latest drought is the worst they can recall.&nbsp;

"I've seen droughts before, but never as severe," said livestock trader Mirza, who like many residents only uses one name.

"A lot of sheep and animals died on the mountains and in the desert," the 45-year-old added.&nbsp;

Mohammed Aref, a 19-year-old shepherd who raises karakul sheep -- famed for their curly-haired lambs' pelts that are turned into traditional hats -- said shepherds sold off their emaciated animals for pittance to butchers.

"A lot of us had a big loss," Aref told AFP from the noisy livestock market outside Mazar-i-Sharif, on a crisp, early winter morning.

"Most of us can't afford to get more (livestock) and now our life is ruined."

Huge temperature rise&nbsp;

Aref and other Balkh residents have no notion of climate change as it is understood in places with better access to information and education, but all agreed things were changing.

The last big drought they remembered was about a decade ago. Before that, there hadn't been one for about 50 years, they said.

"We had a drought 12 years ago," recalled 68-year-old Aynoddin, another karakul sheep farmer, "but last year's was the worst".

According to the United Nations Development Programme, about 80 per cent of Afghans rely on rain-fed crop and animal farming for their incomes.

Over the next four decades in Afghanistan, scientists predict a decrease in rainfall and a rise in average temperatures of up to 4 degrees Celsius compared to 1999, the UNDP said.

The agency noted droughts could soon be considered the norm, unleashing further desertification and loss of arable land.

Problems are only compounded when rains do eventually come. Last spring, flash floods swept entire villages and fields away.

The UN said in an overview of last year's aid operations that nearly half of all rural residents now face some level of food insecurity in Afghanistan, a country where unemployment and poverty are already major drivers of the war.

While light rains in the autumn eased woes for some, the weather has since dried up again.&nbsp;

Asked if they worried for the coming year, several farmers gave a common Afghan response.

"If there is a drought, God will decide, so I don't worry," Aynoddin said.

Looming crisis for weavers

The Global Adaptation Initiative, run by the University of Notre Dame in the US, currently ranks Afghanistan 173 out of the 181 countries it scored in terms of a nation's vulnerability to climate change and its ability to adapt.

The human cost is plain to see at a camp for internally displaced people just outside Mazar-i-Sharif, where rows of white UN tents house hundreds of families and the main source of water is from a large communal tank.&nbsp;

Shamayel, a 35-year-old mother from Faryab province in the northwest, said her family came to the camp to escape conflict and the drought.

She used to weave colourful traditional kilim rugs, but increasing wool prices made it impossible.

Seven kilogrammes of wool previously cost about $19, she said, but the price rose to $31 in the past year or two.

Perhaps surprisingly, though, rising wool costs haven't caused a price jump for Afghan rugs and carpets.&nbsp;

Traders in Mazar complained the ongoing uncertainty and anxiety around delayed election results and talks between the Taliban and the US have essentially frozen the market.

Another former weaver at the camp, Ghulam Sakhi, 50, said he too had been forced to give up his trade when he arrived.

Nooruddin watched helplessly as his flock of 100 sheep began to die from hunger and thirst on the dry drought-ravaged hillsides of Balkh province. Rather than let more of the prized creatures die a slow death on the dry hillsides of Balkh province in the north, he made the decision to slaughter most of the rest.

Nooruddin watched helplessly as his flock of 100 sheep began to die from hunger and thirst on the dry drought-ravaged hillsides of Balkh province. Rather than let more of the prized creatures die a slow death on the dry hillsides of Balkh province in the north, he made the decision to slaughter most of the rest. "I cut their heads off," the 65-year-old herder said, adding that their malnourished frames meant their meat was "useless". "We fed it to the dogs," Nooruddin told AFP. He's one of many whose traditional livelihoods -- from farmers to carpet weavers -- are under threat as changing weather patterns wreak havoc. Experts warn the situation will only get worse, with Afghanistan one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, even though it produces just 0.1 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. For many this latest drought is the worst they can recall. "I've seen droughts before, but never as severe," said livestock trader Mirza, who like many residents only uses one name. "A lot of sheep and animals died on the mountains and in the desert," the 45-year-old added. Mohammed Aref, a 19-year-old shepherd who raises karakul sheep -- famed for their curly-haired lambs' pelts that are turned into traditional hats -- said shepherds sold off their emaciated animals for pittance to butchers. "A lot of us had a big loss," Aref told AFP from the noisy livestock market outside Mazar-i-Sharif, on a crisp, early winter morning. "Most of us can't afford to get more (livestock) and now our life is ruined." Huge temperature rise Aref and other Balkh residents have no notion of climate change as it is understood in places with better access to information and education, but all agreed things were changing. The last big drought they remembered was about a decade ago. Before that, there hadn't been one for about 50 years, they said. "We had a drought 12 years ago," recalled 68-year-old Aynoddin, another karakul sheep farmer, "but last year's was the worst". According to the United Nations Development Programme, about 80 per cent of Afghans rely on rain-fed crop and animal farming for their incomes. Over the next four decades in Afghanistan, scientists predict a decrease in rainfall and a rise in average temperatures of up to 4 degrees Celsius compared to 1999, the UNDP said. The agency noted droughts could soon be considered the norm, unleashing further desertification and loss of arable land. Problems are only compounded when rains do eventually come. Last spring, flash floods swept entire villages and fields away. The UN said in an overview of last year's aid operations that nearly half of all rural residents now face some level of food insecurity in Afghanistan, a country where unemployment and poverty are already major drivers of the war. While light rains in the autumn eased woes for some, the weather has since dried up again. Asked if they worried for the coming year, several farmers gave a common Afghan response. "If there is a drought, God will decide, so I don't worry," Aynoddin said. Looming crisis for weavers The Global Adaptation Initiative, run by the University of Notre Dame in the US, currently ranks Afghanistan 173 out of the 181 countries it scored in terms of a nation's vulnerability to climate change and its ability to adapt. The human cost is plain to see at a camp for internally displaced people just outside Mazar-i-Sharif, where rows of white UN tents house hundreds of families and the main source of water is from a large communal tank. Shamayel, a 35-year-old mother from Faryab province in the northwest, said her family came to the camp to escape conflict and the drought. She used to weave colourful traditional kilim rugs, but increasing wool prices made it impossible. Seven kilogrammes of wool previously cost about $19, she said, but the price rose to $31 in the past year or two. Perhaps surprisingly, though, rising wool costs haven't caused a price jump for Afghan rugs and carpets. Traders in Mazar complained the ongoing uncertainty and anxiety around delayed election results and talks between the Taliban and the US have essentially frozen the market. Another former weaver at the camp, Ghulam Sakhi, 50, said he too had been forced to give up his trade when he arrived.

Afghan drought forces shepherds into desperate measures

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani described his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump as "excellent" during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22. Ghani said he is one of the few leaders that has such a relationship with Trump, who he said engages in "disruptive change".

Afghanistan's Ghani says relationship with Trump is 'excellent'

Difference of opinions among <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/wont-stake-claim-in-lok-sabha-for-leader-of-opposition-congress-223378">Congress</a> leaders have started coming to fore over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in States of the country following the passing of resolution against the new legislation by the Assemblies of Kerala and Punjab.

After Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-kerala-punjab-now-maharashtra-mulls-resolution-against-citizenship-amendment-act-275185">Kapil Sibal</a>, party colleague and former Haryana chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bs-hooda-appointed-as-haryana-congress-legislature-party-leader-259457">Bhupinder Singh Hooda</a> also said that a State cannot refuse to implement a law passed by Parliament.

"Once a law or act is passed by the Parliament, I think that the constitutional view is that, any state can't and should not say no but this has to be legally examined," Hooda told ANI on Sunday.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who is also a renowned lawyer, had said that no State can say that it will not implement the Citizenship Amendment Act, as doing so will be unconstitutional.

Former union minister and party leader Salman Khurshid also backed Sibal and said 'if something is on the statute book, you have to obey the law'.

"If the SC doesn't interfere, it'll remain on the statute book. If something is on the statute book, you have to obey the law, else there are consequences. It is a matter where the state governments have a very serious difference of opinion with the Centre as far as this (CAA) law is concerned. So, we would wait for the final pronouncement made by the SC. Ultimately, the SC will decide and till then everything said, done, not done is provisional and tentative," he said.

However, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that that his party is thinking about bringing a resolution against the CAA in Congress-ruled states.

"After Punjab, we are thinking about bringing a resolution against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-have-to-implement-caa-under-article-254-kerala-governor-275122">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. It would be a clear message to the Central Government to reconsider the Act," he said.

Several Opposition parties including Congress are opposing the CAA grants citizenship to the non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Several petitions have also been filed against the new Act in the Supreme Court.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also announced that his government will be joining the Kerala government in the Apex Court against CAA.

Difference of opinions among Congress leaders have started coming to fore over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in States of the country following the passing of resolution against the new legislation by the Assemblies of Kerala and Punjab.

Difference of opinions among Congress leaders have started coming to fore over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in States of the country following the passing of resolution against the new legislation by the Assemblies of Kerala and Punjab. After Congress leader Kapil Sibal, party colleague and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda also said that a State cannot refuse to implement a law passed by Parliament. "Once a law or act is passed by the Parliament, I think that the constitutional view is that, any state can't and should not say no but this has to be legally examined," Hooda told ANI on Sunday. Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who is also a renowned lawyer, had said that no State can say that it will not implement the Citizenship Amendment Act, as doing so will be unconstitutional. Former union minister and party leader Salman Khurshid also backed Sibal and said 'if something is on the statute book, you have to obey the law'. "If the SC doesn't interfere, it'll remain on the statute book. If something is on the statute book, you have to obey the law, else there are consequences. It is a matter where the state governments have a very serious difference of opinion with the Centre as far as this (CAA) law is concerned. So, we would wait for the final pronouncement made by the SC. Ultimately, the SC will decide and till then everything said, done, not done is provisional and tentative," he said. However, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that that his party is thinking about bringing a resolution against the CAA in Congress-ruled states. "After Punjab, we are thinking about bringing a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. It would be a clear message to the Central Government to reconsider the Act," he said. Several Opposition parties including Congress are opposing the CAA grants citizenship to the non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Several petitions have also been filed against the new Act in the Supreme Court. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also announced that his government will be joining the Kerala government in the Apex Court against CAA.

Congress divided over CAA implementation

Taiban said on Friday that the insurgent group is "optimistic" of signing a deal with the United States by the end of this month.

Taliban had also agreed to "scale down" military operations in Afghanistan in order to provide a safe environment for withdrawal of foreign forces from the region, Taliban chief spokesperson Suhail Shaheen told&nbsp;Pakistani daily Dawn.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-open-to-10-day-ceasefire-with-us-talks-with-afghan-government-report-275076">Taliban open to 10-day ceasefire with US, talks with Afghan government: Report</a>

“We have agreed to scale down military operations in days leading up to the signing of the peace agreement with the United States,” Shaheen, said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-special-envoy-zalmay-khalilzad-briefs-pakistan-on-taliban-peace-talks-268258">US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad briefs Pakistan on Taliban peace talks</a>

Shaheen said that the purpose behind the move is "to provide safe environment to foreign forces to withdraw from Afghanistan”. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-announces-a-pause-in-peace-talks-with-taliban-after-airbase-attack-267989">US announces a pause in peace talks with Taliban after airbase attack</a>

The chief spokesperson's comments came after Taliban is in talks with the US this week in Doha.&nbsp;

Shaheen, however, said that there is no agreement on ceasefire.&nbsp;

"The scaling down will be blanket and shall include all forces including state forces,” Shaheen added.&nbsp;

Shaheen also said that the draft peace agreement is ready.&nbsp;

“It’s now a matter of days", said the spokesperson, adding that the group is "optimistic" that the deal could be signed before the end of this month.&nbsp;

Afghan Presidential Palace said that it is unaware of the deal and affirmed that they need to be taken into confidence before finalising any agreement.&nbsp;

Taliban and the US had been working on a peace deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump called off the process after a US soldier was killed in an attack.&nbsp;

Talks were restarted late in November 2019 after Trump made a surprise visit to Afghanistan. However, an attack near the Bagram military base once again halted the talks. &nbsp;

So far, the Taliban has not negotiated with the Afghanistan government as it considers the regime as "illegitimate".&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Taiban said on Friday that the insurgent group is "optimistic" of signing a deal with the United States by the end of this month. Taliban had also agreed to "scale down" military operations in Afghanistan in order to provide a safe environment for withdrawal of foreign forces from the region, Taliban chief spokesperson Suhail Shaheen told Pakistani daily Dawn.

Taiban said on Friday that the insurgent group is "optimistic" of signing a deal with the United States by the end of this month. Taliban had also agreed to "scale down" military operations in Afghanistan in order to provide a safe environment for withdrawal of foreign forces from the region, Taliban chief spokesperson Suhail Shaheen told Pakistani daily Dawn. Also read: Taliban open to 10-day ceasefire with US, talks with Afghan government: Report “We have agreed to scale down military operations in days leading up to the signing of the peace agreement with the United States,” Shaheen, said. Also read: US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad briefs Pakistan on Taliban peace talks Shaheen said that the purpose behind the move is "to provide safe environment to foreign forces to withdraw from Afghanistan”. Also read: US announces a pause in peace talks with Taliban after airbase attack The chief spokesperson's comments came after Taliban is in talks with the US this week in Doha. Shaheen, however, said that there is no agreement on ceasefire. "The scaling down will be blanket and shall include all forces including state forces,” Shaheen added. Shaheen also said that the draft peace agreement is ready. “It’s now a matter of days", said the spokesperson, adding that the group is "optimistic" that the deal could be signed before the end of this month. Afghan Presidential Palace said that it is unaware of the deal and affirmed that they need to be taken into confidence before finalising any agreement. Taliban and the US had been working on a peace deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump called off the process after a US soldier was killed in an attack. Talks were restarted late in November 2019 after Trump made a surprise visit to Afghanistan. However, an attack near the Bagram military base once again halted the talks. So far, the Taliban has not negotiated with the Afghanistan government as it considers the regime as "illegitimate". (with inputs from agencies)

Taliban says deal with US can be signed before end of this month: Report

The Taliban will implement a 10-day ceasefire with US&nbsp;troops, a reduction in violence with Afghan forces and discussions with Afghan government officials if it reaches a deal with US&nbsp;negotiators in talks in Doha, two sources have said.

If an agreement is sealed, it could revive hopes for a long-term solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.

Taliban and US&nbsp;negotiators met on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the signing of a peace deal, according to a spokesman for the Taliban office in Qatar. The talks were "useful" and would continue for a few days, the spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, said on Twitter early on Friday.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had called off the stop-start talks to end the 18-year war in September after an US&nbsp;soldier was killed in an attack by the militant group.

They resumed but were interrupted again in December after the Taliban launched a suicide attack on a US&nbsp;base outside Kabul killing two civilians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-taliban-show-willingness-to-reduce-afghan-violence-274717">Taliban showing willingness to reduce Afghan violence - Pakistan</a>

Two sources close to the matter told Reuters on Wednesday that the Taliban's top leadership had now agreed to implement a 10-day ceasefire with US troops once a deal was signed in Doha, and to "reduce" attacks against the Afghan government.

A senior Taliban commander said: "The US&nbsp;wanted us to announce a ceasefire during the peace talks which we had rejected. Our shura (council) has agreed to a ceasefire the day the peace accord is signed."

Once an agreement is in place, the Taliban and Afghan government could meet face to face in Germany, said the commander. Previously, the Taliban had refused to engage in talks with the Afghan government.

The US&nbsp;team in Doha had demanded a ceasefire "which we had declined due to some issues," the Taliban commander said. "Now most of our reservations have been addressed." Another source close to the talks confirmed the commander's version of events.

A signing date has not been fixed, but the Taliban commander said he expected it to be "very soon."

Both sources asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

A US&nbsp;State Department spokeswoman declined to comment and the Pentagon referred queries to the State Department.

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Pakistan warns on withdrawal

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who was visiting top US&nbsp;officials in Washington, said Islamabad had been facilitating the dialogue and had played its role in helping get the negotiations getting this far.

Qureshi noted that the Taliban ultimately sought the withdrawal of the roughly 13,000 American troops from Afghanistan in any agreement.

Qureshi stressed that Pakistan, which fears greater instability in neighbouring Afghanistan, did not want a precipitous US&nbsp;withdrawal.

"The Taliban want withdrawal of foreign forces. What we are saying is, yes, they should be withdrawn, but the withdrawal should be a responsible one," Qureshi said. "Let's not forget that there are forces, there are elements in Afghanistan that can take advantage if there is anarchy ... if there is some kind of civil war."

An Afghan presidency spokesman said a ceasefire was the only way to achieve sustainable and dignified peace. "Any plan which proposes a ceasefire as a basic step will be acceptable for the government," Sediqi Sediqqi tweeted on Friday.

Violence in Afghanistan rose after the breakdown of talks in September.

The Taliban's readiness to reduce violence revives odds of the peace process moving forward before the militant group launches what is usually an annual spring offensive around early April.

The Taliban will implement a 10-day ceasefire with US troops, a reduction in violence with Afghan forces and discussions with Afghan government officials if it reaches a deal with US negotiators in talks in Doha, two sources have said.

The Taliban will implement a 10-day ceasefire with US troops, a reduction in violence with Afghan forces and discussions with Afghan government officials if it reaches a deal with US negotiators in talks in Doha, two sources have said. If an agreement is sealed, it could revive hopes for a long-term solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. Taliban and US negotiators met on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the signing of a peace deal, according to a spokesman for the Taliban office in Qatar. The talks were "useful" and would continue for a few days, the spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, said on Twitter early on Friday. US President Donald Trump had called off the stop-start talks to end the 18-year war in September after an US soldier was killed in an attack by the militant group. They resumed but were interrupted again in December after the Taliban launched a suicide attack on a US base outside Kabul killing two civilians. Also read: Taliban showing willingness to reduce Afghan violence - Pakistan Two sources close to the matter told Reuters on Wednesday that the Taliban's top leadership had now agreed to implement a 10-day ceasefire with US troops once a deal was signed in Doha, and to "reduce" attacks against the Afghan government. A senior Taliban commander said: "The US wanted us to announce a ceasefire during the peace talks which we had rejected. Our shura (council) has agreed to a ceasefire the day the peace accord is signed." Once an agreement is in place, the Taliban and Afghan government could meet face to face in Germany, said the commander. Previously, the Taliban had refused to engage in talks with the Afghan government. The US team in Doha had demanded a ceasefire "which we had declined due to some issues," the Taliban commander said. "Now most of our reservations have been addressed." Another source close to the talks confirmed the commander's version of events. A signing date has not been fixed, but the Taliban commander said he expected it to be "very soon." Both sources asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. A US State Department spokeswoman declined to comment and the Pentagon referred queries to the State Department. × Pakistan warns on withdrawal Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who was visiting top US officials in Washington, said Islamabad had been facilitating the dialogue and had played its role in helping get the negotiations getting this far. Qureshi noted that the Taliban ultimately sought the withdrawal of the roughly 13,000 American troops from Afghanistan in any agreement. Qureshi stressed that Pakistan, which fears greater instability in neighbouring Afghanistan, did not want a precipitous US withdrawal. "The Taliban want withdrawal of foreign forces. What we are saying is, yes, they should be withdrawn, but the withdrawal should be a responsible one," Qureshi said. "Let's not forget that there are forces, there are elements in Afghanistan that can take advantage if there is anarchy ... if there is some kind of civil war." An Afghan presidency spokesman said a ceasefire was the only way to achieve sustainable and dignified peace. "Any plan which proposes a ceasefire as a basic step will be acceptable for the government," Sediqi Sediqqi tweeted on Friday. Violence in Afghanistan rose after the breakdown of talks in September. The Taliban's readiness to reduce violence revives odds of the peace process moving forward before the militant group launches what is usually an annual spring offensive around early April.

Taliban open to 10-day ceasefire with US, talks with Afghan government: Report

According to an intelligence bureau report a plot has been hatched to bound the Indian missions in Afghanistan. The intelligence report states that Pakistan’s ISI is forging a partnership between LeT and Islamic State to carry out car bomb suicide attacks on Indian missions in Afghanistan. #ISI #IntelligenceReport #Afghanistan #PakistanISI #SuicideAttacks

Intel report reveals Indian missions to be targeted in Afghanistan

In a conservative war-torn country, where women are generally considered taboo to dance in front of men, a recently formed dance troupe breaks up the frontiers in sama dancing with female dancers.

Afghanistan: Female dancer breaks taboo, stands up for equality

Pakistan's foreign minister on Thursday said the Taliban has shown "a willingness" to reduce violence in war-torn Afghanistan after more than 18 years fighting the US, sparking speculation that a potential breakthrough in talks with the Americans may be near.

Also see-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-china-trade-deal-biggest-winners-losers-in-phase-1-274683">US-China trade deal: Biggest winners &amp; losers in phase 1</a>

Negotiations between the Taliban and the US have repeatedly stalled, with Washington calling on the insurgent group to reduce violence before they can resume.

"Today, positive progress has been made, the Taliban have shown their willingness to reduce the violence, which was a demand... it's a step towards the peace agreement," said Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a video statement.

He gave no further details.&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid, the official Taliban spokesman, told AFP the Taliban was looking into the comments.&nbsp;

The Taliban and the US were on the brink of announcing a withdrawal deal in September last year when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence.

Talks were later restarted between the two sides in December in Qatar but were paused following an attack near the Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year, seeking an agreement that would pave the way for a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for various security promises from the insurgents.

Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Islamabad denies the accusation.

Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars&nbsp;an American withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists.

The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason cited for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago.

The Taliban have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime, raising fears that fighting will continue regardless of any deal ironed out with the Americans.

Pakistan's foreign minister on Thursday said the Taliban has shown "a willingness" to reduce violence in war-torn Afghanistan after more than 18 years fighting the US, sparking speculation that a potential breakthrough in talks with the Americans may be near.

Pakistan's foreign minister on Thursday said the Taliban has shown "a willingness" to reduce violence in war-torn Afghanistan after more than 18 years fighting the US, sparking speculation that a potential breakthrough in talks with the Americans may be near. Also see- US-China trade deal: Biggest winners & losers in phase 1 Negotiations between the Taliban and the US have repeatedly stalled, with Washington calling on the insurgent group to reduce violence before they can resume. "Today, positive progress has been made, the Taliban have shown their willingness to reduce the violence, which was a demand... it's a step towards the peace agreement," said Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a video statement. He gave no further details. Zabihullah Mujahid, the official Taliban spokesman, told AFP the Taliban was looking into the comments. The Taliban and the US were on the brink of announcing a withdrawal deal in September last year when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Talks were later restarted between the two sides in December in Qatar but were paused following an attack near the Bagram military base in Afghanistan. Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year, seeking an agreement that would pave the way for a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for various security promises from the insurgents. Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies the accusation. Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars an American withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason cited for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. The Taliban have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime, raising fears that fighting will continue regardless of any deal ironed out with the Americans.

Taliban showing willingness to reduce Afghan violence: Pak

Calling India a "key partner" of Afghanistan, the country's NSA Hamdullah Mohib on Wednesday said that opening of air freight corridor has "increased" trade between New Delhi and Kabul.

"With India, we have increased trade significantly, by opening the air trade corridor. India has been a key partner, able to recognise and share our vision for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan," said Mohib during an event in Delhi.

India and Afghanistan established first air freight corridor connecting Kabul to New Delhi in June 2017, with an aim to improve landlocked Afghanistan's connectivity to key markets abroad and boost the growth prospects of its dry fruits and carpet industries.

The decision to open the air corridor was taken during the 2016 visit of Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani.

While talking about the condition in Afghanistan, Mohib asserted that a ceasefire is the only solution to bring peace in the war-torn nation, adding that the Afghan government looks 2020 with hope.

"In the midst of conflict, we continue to think positively and creatively. We continue to passionately and practically pursue peace. We continue to strengthen our democracy. We look to this year with hope," Mohib said.

"A ceasefire is necessary to create a conducive environment for talks. Violence and terrorism have no constituencies in Afghanistan," he added.&nbsp;

Calling India a "key partner" of Afghanistan, the country's NSA Hamdullah Mohib on Wednesday said that opening of air freight corridor has "increased" trade between New Delhi and Kabul.

Calling India a "key partner" of Afghanistan, the country's NSA Hamdullah Mohib on Wednesday said that opening of air freight corridor has "increased" trade between New Delhi and Kabul. "With India, we have increased trade significantly, by opening the air trade corridor. India has been a key partner, able to recognise and share our vision for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan," said Mohib during an event in Delhi. India and Afghanistan established first air freight corridor connecting Kabul to New Delhi in June 2017, with an aim to improve landlocked Afghanistan's connectivity to key markets abroad and boost the growth prospects of its dry fruits and carpet industries. The decision to open the air corridor was taken during the 2016 visit of Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani. While talking about the condition in Afghanistan, Mohib asserted that a ceasefire is the only solution to bring peace in the war-torn nation, adding that the Afghan government looks 2020 with hope. "In the midst of conflict, we continue to think positively and creatively. We continue to passionately and practically pursue peace. We continue to strengthen our democracy. We look to this year with hope," Mohib said. "A ceasefire is necessary to create a conducive environment for talks. Violence and terrorism have no constituencies in Afghanistan," he added.

India a key partner, shares Kabul vision of peaceful Afghanistan: NSA Hamdullah Mohib

How climate change is unleashing nature's fury on the world

A severe cold snap killed at least 17 people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-is-losing-the-iran-plot-273676">Afghanistan</a> on Saturday, government officials said, as heavy snowfall and rain continued to lash parts of the country.

Afghanistan is no stranger to extreme winter weather, during which various warring groups in the country have historically ceased hostilities, but this year has been particularly harsh, according to the country's meteorological department.

The officials said the death toll could rise further, with Afghanistan's Natural Disaster Management Authority still trying to compile a total figure.

"We were not expecting such a bad cold wave in the country," Tamim Azimi, a spokesman for the Natural Disaster Management team told reporters.

"We have received reports that heavy snowfall has caused casualties, but at the moment we don't have information on the exact number," he said.

Saturday's deaths bring the number of casualties from this year's cold snap to at least 24, as temperatures in parts of the country dropped to minus 12 degrees Celsius.

Heavy snowfall has closed many key roads since the New Year, including the Salang Tunnel connecting central Afghanistan with the north of the country, and the Kabul-Kandahar highway.

Afghanistan's western province of Herat has also been hit badly. On Saturday, heavy snow caused the roofs of two houses to collapse, killing at least eight people, including women and children, a spokesman for the province's governor said.

Other parts of the country have experienced heavy rainfall.

"We're now expecting more cold waves in the coming weeks," said Mohammad Nasim Muradi, the head of the forecasting wing of the meteorological department.

The United Nations had previously estimated that at least nine million Afghans are in need of humanitarian aid, including basic food and housing amid a drawn out war that has so far displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

A severe cold snap killed at least 17 people in Afghanistan on Saturday, government officials said, as heavy snowfall and rain continued to lash parts of the country.

A severe cold snap killed at least 17 people in Afghanistan on Saturday, government officials said, as heavy snowfall and rain continued to lash parts of the country. Afghanistan is no stranger to extreme winter weather, during which various warring groups in the country have historically ceased hostilities, but this year has been particularly harsh, according to the country's meteorological department. The officials said the death toll could rise further, with Afghanistan's Natural Disaster Management Authority still trying to compile a total figure. "We were not expecting such a bad cold wave in the country," Tamim Azimi, a spokesman for the Natural Disaster Management team told reporters. "We have received reports that heavy snowfall has caused casualties, but at the moment we don't have information on the exact number," he said. Saturday's deaths bring the number of casualties from this year's cold snap to at least 24, as temperatures in parts of the country dropped to minus 12 degrees Celsius. Heavy snowfall has closed many key roads since the New Year, including the Salang Tunnel connecting central Afghanistan with the north of the country, and the Kabul-Kandahar highway. Afghanistan's western province of Herat has also been hit badly. On Saturday, heavy snow caused the roofs of two houses to collapse, killing at least eight people, including women and children, a spokesman for the province's governor said. Other parts of the country have experienced heavy rainfall. "We're now expecting more cold waves in the coming weeks," said Mohammad Nasim Muradi, the head of the forecasting wing of the meteorological department. The United Nations had previously estimated that at least nine million Afghans are in need of humanitarian aid, including basic food and housing amid a drawn out war that has so far displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

Afghanistan: At least 17 killed due to extreme rain and snow

Heavy snowfalls, rains and flash floods had struck many parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan causing disruption in their daily lives and transport problems.

According to local media reports, in Pakistan, at least 25 people were killed. Out of the 25 deaths, &nbsp;14 died in the southwestern parts of Balochistan in past 24 hours mainly because of roofs collapsing ahead of heavy snowfalls, the chief of provincial disaster management, Imran Zakron had said.

A heavy snowfall had forced the closures of many highways and some parts of the province were under six inches of snow.&nbsp;

Authorities, on the other hand, struggled to clear and reopen the highways and evacuate people to safer places as severe weather continues to soar.

According to the provincial officials of Afghanistan, at least 18 people, including women and children, were killed due to severe weather.&nbsp;

Of all the casualties reported, eight people were killed in southern Kandahar, seven people including a family of five were killed in Herat province, and three people were killed in Helmand province.

Hasibullah Shaikhani, a press officer with the Afghan's state ministry for disaster management said most of the highways in Afghanistan were closed due to heavy snowfalls and fear of avalanches.

Against heavy snowfalls and severe weather, natives of Kabul were seen struggling to get to work through snow-covered roads. 
&nbsp;

Heavy snowfalls, rains and flash floods had struck many parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan causing disruption in their daily lives and transport problems. According to local media reports, in Pakistan, at least 25 people were killed.

Heavy snowfalls, rains and flash floods had struck many parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan causing disruption in their daily lives and transport problems. According to local media reports, in Pakistan, at least 25 people were killed. Out of the 25 deaths, 14 died in the southwestern parts of Balochistan in past 24 hours mainly because of roofs collapsing ahead of heavy snowfalls, the chief of provincial disaster management, Imran Zakron had said. A heavy snowfall had forced the closures of many highways and some parts of the province were under six inches of snow. Authorities, on the other hand, struggled to clear and reopen the highways and evacuate people to safer places as severe weather continues to soar. According to the provincial officials of Afghanistan, at least 18 people, including women and children, were killed due to severe weather. Of all the casualties reported, eight people were killed in southern Kandahar, seven people including a family of five were killed in Herat province, and three people were killed in Helmand province. Hasibullah Shaikhani, a press officer with the Afghan's state ministry for disaster management said most of the highways in Afghanistan were closed due to heavy snowfalls and fear of avalanches. Against heavy snowfalls and severe weather, natives of Kabul were seen struggling to get to work through snow-covered roads.

Dozens dead in Pakistan, Afghanistan due to heavy rains and snowfall

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesco-suspends-chinese-supplier-after-suspected-prisoner-message-269636">British Heart Foundation</a> (BHF) has warned that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/17-people-killed-in-kabul-due-to-air-pollution-271306">air pollution</a> can become the cause of 1,60,000 deaths in the next ten years.

"In the UK, approximately 40 individuals die daily due to heart and blood circulation problems caused by toxic air throughout the next ten years.&nbsp; 
At present, the yearly number of deaths is 11,000 and that figure is anticipated to ascend during the decade," the foundation said.

Air contamination is known to mess breathing up, however, the proof has indicated that it likewise harmfully affects the heart and veins, aggravating existing heart conditions and expanding the danger of cardiovascular failure or stroke.

It has recommended the United Kingdom (UK) to follow the guidelines issued by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/with-purifiers-and-lawsuits-pakistanis-fight-back-against-smog-270903">World Health Organisation</a> (WHO) and fulfil them 2030.

UK meets limit set by the European Union (EU) for fine particulate matter pollution which is an annual average of 25μg/m3

Whereas, the limits set by WHO is an annual average of 10μg/m3.

PM2.5 can have a ''extremely detrimental effect to the heart'' can further <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-remains-in-very-poor-category-overall-air-quality-index-332-270470">deteriorate</a> the existing health problems.

''Each day, toxic particles are inhaled by millions of people. These enter the bloodstream and then get stuck there. This leads to an increment in the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The current air quality is below par of what it should be and this is a public health emergency. Appropriate measures have not been taken to tackle this problem'', said the BHF expert.

''It should be ensured that guidelines which are more stern and health-based are incorporated by the law to protect the health of people'', he also added.

Across the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-crisis-to-be-part-of-school-education-in-new-zealand-273868">United Kingdom</a>, 37 cities persistently display illegal levels of air pollution.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has warned that air pollution can become the cause of 1,60,000 deaths in the next ten years. "In the UK, approximately 40 individuals die daily due to heart and blood circulation problems caused by toxic air throughout the next ten years.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has warned that air pollution can become the cause of 1,60,000 deaths in the next ten years. "In the UK, approximately 40 individuals die daily due to heart and blood circulation problems caused by toxic air throughout the next ten years. At present, the yearly number of deaths is 11,000 and that figure is anticipated to ascend during the decade," the foundation said. Air contamination is known to mess breathing up, however, the proof has indicated that it likewise harmfully affects the heart and veins, aggravating existing heart conditions and expanding the danger of cardiovascular failure or stroke. It has recommended the United Kingdom (UK) to follow the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and fulfil them 2030. UK meets limit set by the European Union (EU) for fine particulate matter pollution which is an annual average of 25μg/m3 Whereas, the limits set by WHO is an annual average of 10μg/m3. PM2.5 can have a ''extremely detrimental effect to the heart'' can further deteriorate the existing health problems. ''Each day, toxic particles are inhaled by millions of people. These enter the bloodstream and then get stuck there. This leads to an increment in the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The current air quality is below par of what it should be and this is a public health emergency. Appropriate measures have not been taken to tackle this problem'', said the BHF expert. ''It should be ensured that guidelines which are more stern and health-based are incorporated by the law to protect the health of people'', he also added. Across the United Kingdom, 37 cities persistently display illegal levels of air pollution.

Toxic air to cause 160,000 deaths in the UK over the next 10 years: British Heart Foundation

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