A roadside mine blast in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province on Monday killed at least eight people, including four children. 
 
According to police, "Four children, two women and two men were killed and six other civilians,&nbsp;including children,&nbsp;were wounded," as quoted by Tolo News. 
Soon after the blast, the victims were taken to a local hospital. 
 
The blast occurred at the Dand-e-Shahabuddin,&nbsp;the capital area of Baghlan province, officials at the provincial police headquarters confirmed. 
 
No group has so&nbsp;far claimed responsibility for the blast.

A roadside mine blast in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province on Monday killed at least eight people, including four children. According to police, "Four children, two women and two men were killed and six other civilians, including children, were wounded," as quoted by Tolo News.

A roadside mine blast in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province on Monday killed at least eight people, including four children. According to police, "Four children, two women and two men were killed and six other civilians, including children, were wounded," as quoted by Tolo News. Soon after the blast, the victims were taken to a local hospital. The blast occurred at the Dand-e-Shahabuddin, the capital area of Baghlan province, officials at the provincial police headquarters confirmed. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.

Roadside mine blast in northern Afghanistan kills eight

Hundreds of Afghans many needing urgent medical treatment&nbsp;gathered near the Pakistani embassy in Kabul on Monday, waiting for word of when the visa section might re-open.

The embassy announced late Sunday it was indefinitely shuttering its consular office in Kabul for security reasons after it said several staff members were harassed by unknown assailants on roads in the Afghan capital.

The visa section's closure comes as there were fresh tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which last week exchanged fire in a border area.

It also highlights the reliance many Afghans have on Pakistan, where they seek the type of medical care that is unavailable or unaffordable in Afghan hospitals.

"I am in a hurry to reach Pakistan, as the mother of my seven children is very ill, and I urgently need to take her to Pakistan for treatment," Abdullah Abded, who had travelled from Parwan province north of Kabul, told AFP.

"I feel desperate. I may have to tell my children that their mother may die because we cannot get the visa."

Pakistan's healthcare system is derided by critics as chaotic, corrupt and vastly under-resourced, yet when coming from Afghanistan, it can be a lifeline.

While the war-torn country has many health facilities, these are concentrated in the cities and access is often determined by wealth.

Specialist treatment in Kabul, for instance, can cost double what it would in Pakistan, people outside the embassy said.

"I have kidney disease and need to go to Pakistan on a regular basis for treatment or my kidneys will fail," said Nabi Yosufzai, a 26-year-old shopkeeper.

The consulate has closed in the past, usually for short periods. A sign on the consular section's door in Pashto on Monday said it had been closed until further notice.

Pakistan's foreign ministry on Sunday summoned the Afghan charge d'affaires to "convey serious concerns over the safety and security of the diplomatic personnel of the embassy of Pakistan, Kabul, and its submissions."

In a statement late Monday, the Afghan foreign ministry said it would "seriously investigate" the claim, but also expressed its "deepest objection" to the summoning of the Afghan envoy in Islamabad.

Selling pomegranates

An embassy spokesman told AFP the consular section gets about 2,000 applications daily, and is usually able to process about 1,500 visas within a 24- or 48-hour timeframe.

Apart from for medical help, Afghans seek Pakistan visas to visit loved ones, buy and sell goods and get university educations.

"I feed my big family by selling Afghan almonds or pomegranates in Pakistan in small amounts," said Kabul trader Nematullah, who only goes by one name.

"The profit is hardly enough for my family, but still better than the money you can make here."

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan,&nbsp;both Islamic republics,&nbsp;have long been fraught, with Afghans blaming Islamabad for any number of woes including allegedly supporting the Taliban. Pakistan denies it helps the insurgent group.

Tensions soured further last week after new clashes along the border in Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar. Such incidents happen periodically.

Both sides have accused each other's troops of cross-border shelling.

The Pakistani foreign ministry has said six Pakistani troops were wounded October 27 and 28 in "unprovoked mortar and heavy weapon firing" by Afghan soldiers.

Kunar deputy governor Gul Mohammad Bidar told AFP there had been no new shelling since last week. He said two women were killed and 11 more civilians were injured in Pakistani rocket fire during those exchanges.&nbsp;

Pakistani consular services remained open in Herat, Jalalabad and Mazar-i-Sharif.

Hundreds of Afghans many needing urgent medical treatment gathered near the Pakistani embassy in Kabul on Monday, waiting for word of when the visa section might re-open.

Hundreds of Afghans many needing urgent medical treatment gathered near the Pakistani embassy in Kabul on Monday, waiting for word of when the visa section might re-open. The embassy announced late Sunday it was indefinitely shuttering its consular office in Kabul for security reasons after it said several staff members were harassed by unknown assailants on roads in the Afghan capital. The visa section's closure comes as there were fresh tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which last week exchanged fire in a border area. It also highlights the reliance many Afghans have on Pakistan, where they seek the type of medical care that is unavailable or unaffordable in Afghan hospitals. "I am in a hurry to reach Pakistan, as the mother of my seven children is very ill, and I urgently need to take her to Pakistan for treatment," Abdullah Abded, who had travelled from Parwan province north of Kabul, told AFP. "I feel desperate. I may have to tell my children that their mother may die because we cannot get the visa." Pakistan's healthcare system is derided by critics as chaotic, corrupt and vastly under-resourced, yet when coming from Afghanistan, it can be a lifeline. While the war-torn country has many health facilities, these are concentrated in the cities and access is often determined by wealth. Specialist treatment in Kabul, for instance, can cost double what it would in Pakistan, people outside the embassy said. "I have kidney disease and need to go to Pakistan on a regular basis for treatment or my kidneys will fail," said Nabi Yosufzai, a 26-year-old shopkeeper. The consulate has closed in the past, usually for short periods. A sign on the consular section's door in Pashto on Monday said it had been closed until further notice. Pakistan's foreign ministry on Sunday summoned the Afghan charge d'affaires to "convey serious concerns over the safety and security of the diplomatic personnel of the embassy of Pakistan, Kabul, and its submissions." In a statement late Monday, the Afghan foreign ministry said it would "seriously investigate" the claim, but also expressed its "deepest objection" to the summoning of the Afghan envoy in Islamabad. Selling pomegranates An embassy spokesman told AFP the consular section gets about 2,000 applications daily, and is usually able to process about 1,500 visas within a 24- or 48-hour timeframe. Apart from for medical help, Afghans seek Pakistan visas to visit loved ones, buy and sell goods and get university educations. "I feed my big family by selling Afghan almonds or pomegranates in Pakistan in small amounts," said Kabul trader Nematullah, who only goes by one name. "The profit is hardly enough for my family, but still better than the money you can make here." Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, both Islamic republics, have long been fraught, with Afghans blaming Islamabad for any number of woes including allegedly supporting the Taliban. Pakistan denies it helps the insurgent group. Tensions soured further last week after new clashes along the border in Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar. Such incidents happen periodically. Both sides have accused each other's troops of cross-border shelling. The Pakistani foreign ministry has said six Pakistani troops were wounded October 27 and 28 in "unprovoked mortar and heavy weapon firing" by Afghan soldiers. Kunar deputy governor Gul Mohammad Bidar told AFP there had been no new shelling since last week. He said two women were killed and 11 more civilians were injured in Pakistani rocket fire during those exchanges. Pakistani consular services remained open in Herat, Jalalabad and Mazar-i-Sharif.

Sick Afghans await Pakistan visas as consular office shuts

At least nine members of Afghan security forces were killed and eight were injured in clashes with Taliban fighters in northeastern Afghanistan, media reported Sunday, citing local officials. 
 
The attack took place in the Nusai District in the northeastern province of Badakhshan early Saturday morning, according to the Afghan TOLOnews broadcaster. 
 
Officials said that fighting was still ongoing and that the militants were close to the district’s government compound. If reinforcements are not sent, they said, "the district may fall into the hands of the Taliban." 
 
The Taliban, in turn, claimed responsibility for the attack. 
 
Afghanistan has been suffering a prolonged confrontation between government forces and the militants of the radical Taliban movement, which had previously captured significant territory in rural areas of the country and launched attacks on large cities. Afghan National Defense and Security Forces regularly conduct joint counterterrorism operations across the country.

At least nine members of Afghan security forces were killed and eight were injured in clashes with Taliban fighters in northeastern Afghanistan, media reported Sunday, citing local officials.

At least nine members of Afghan security forces were killed and eight were injured in clashes with Taliban fighters in northeastern Afghanistan, media reported Sunday, citing local officials. The attack took place in the Nusai District in the northeastern province of Badakhshan early Saturday morning, according to the Afghan TOLOnews broadcaster. Officials said that fighting was still ongoing and that the militants were close to the district’s government compound. If reinforcements are not sent, they said, "the district may fall into the hands of the Taliban." The Taliban, in turn, claimed responsibility for the attack. Afghanistan has been suffering a prolonged confrontation between government forces and the militants of the radical Taliban movement, which had previously captured significant territory in rural areas of the country and launched attacks on large cities. Afghan National Defense and Security Forces regularly conduct joint counterterrorism operations across the country.

Nine Afghan security officers killed in Taliban ambush

At least eight militants from the Taliban Islamist movement were killed in a clash with security forces in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, Khawaja Yahya Alawi, a spokesman for the 205th Corps, said on Sunday. 
 
"At least eight Taliban insurgents were killed in a clash between Afghan forces and Taliban in the Spin Ghar area of the Shawalikot district of the Kandahar province last night," Alawi said. 
 
In a separate incident, a Taliban commander and 15 more militants died in a blast of their own mine that took place in the Khas Urozgan District of the central province of Urozgan, the spokesman added. 
 
The situation in Afghanistan escalated in the wake of the presidential election, which was held on September 28. The Taliban, which has been waging a war against the central government, vowed to disrupt the voting but, despite multiple attacks, failed to do so.

At least eight militants from the Taliban Islamist movement were killed in a clash with security forces in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, Khawaja Yahya Alawi, a spokesman for the 205th Corps, said on Sunday.

At least eight militants from the Taliban Islamist movement were killed in a clash with security forces in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, Khawaja Yahya Alawi, a spokesman for the 205th Corps, said on Sunday. "At least eight Taliban insurgents were killed in a clash between Afghan forces and Taliban in the Spin Ghar area of the Shawalikot district of the Kandahar province last night," Alawi said. In a separate incident, a Taliban commander and 15 more militants died in a blast of their own mine that took place in the Khas Urozgan District of the central province of Urozgan, the spokesman added. The situation in Afghanistan escalated in the wake of the presidential election, which was held on September 28. The Taliban, which has been waging a war against the central government, vowed to disrupt the voting but, despite multiple attacks, failed to do so.

At least 8 Taliban militants killed in clash with Afghan forces in Kandahar

Seven civilians were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Paktika, the provincial governor's spokesman told Sputnik on Saturday. 
 
"Today a roadside bomb killed seven civilians, that four of them from one family," Ziyar Khan Yad said. 
 
The explosion occurred in the Sultani area of Sarhoza district, he said, adding that the bomb was planted by the Taliban militants. 
 
The situation in Afghanistan has been tense for decades amid the insurgency of the radical Taliban movement and the Islamic State terrorist group

Seven civilians were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Paktika, the provincial governor's spokesman told Sputnik on Saturday.

Seven civilians were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Paktika, the provincial governor's spokesman told Sputnik on Saturday. "Today a roadside bomb killed seven civilians, that four of them from one family," Ziyar Khan Yad said. The explosion occurred in the Sultani area of Sarhoza district, he said, adding that the bomb was planted by the Taliban militants. The situation in Afghanistan has been tense for decades amid the insurgency of the radical Taliban movement and the Islamic State terrorist group

Seven civilians killed in roadside blast in Afghanistan's southeast

Pakistan suffered heavy casualties after its military clashed with Afghan border troops in the Chitral district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa recently. 
 
The media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the news and said that six of its soldiers sustained injuries while five citizens were also wounded in the clash, according to the EurAsian Times. 
 
The ISPR claimed that Afghan security forces fired mortars and heavy machineguns from Nari District, Kunar province. 
 
It further stated that the Afghan border post, from where the firing was initiated, suffered "substantial damage" in the retaliatory measures taken by its personnel. 
 
While Islamabad is building a fence on its border with Afghanistan, Kabul has remained wary of its neighbour. Pakistan had supported the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. 
 
Kabul also has objections regarding the exact path of the 'Durand Line' which is the border shared by the two nations that were marked out by the Britishers in 1890s.

Pakistan suffered heavy casualties after its military clashed with Afghan border troops in the Chitral district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa recently. The media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the news and said that six of its soldiers sustained injuries while five citizens were also wounded in the clash, according to the EurAsian Times.

Pakistan suffered heavy casualties after its military clashed with Afghan border troops in the Chitral district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa recently. The media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the news and said that six of its soldiers sustained injuries while five citizens were also wounded in the clash, according to the EurAsian Times. The ISPR claimed that Afghan security forces fired mortars and heavy machineguns from Nari District, Kunar province. It further stated that the Afghan border post, from where the firing was initiated, suffered "substantial damage" in the retaliatory measures taken by its personnel. While Islamabad is building a fence on its border with Afghanistan, Kabul has remained wary of its neighbour. Pakistan had supported the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Kabul also has objections regarding the exact path of the 'Durand Line' which is the border shared by the two nations that were marked out by the Britishers in 1890s.

Pakistan troops suffer casualties in border clash with Afghanistan forces

US-backed Afghan paramilitary groups operating with impunity are summarily executing civilians during botched nighttime raids and are responsible for the disappearances of suspects, a rights group said Thursday.

The secretive militias, whose support from America's Central Intelligence Agency is originally rooted in the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980s, have long hunted the Taliban across Afghanistan and have seen increasing activity as the war against the insurgents intensifies.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented 14 cases from late 2017 to mid-2019 in which it said CIA-backed "strike groups" committed serious abuses during night raids, such as one in the southeastern province of Paktia in which a paramilitary unit killed 11 men, including eight who were home for the Eid holidays.

In many cases, the raids, usually in Taliban-controlled areas, were accompanied by airstrikes that "indiscriminately or disproportionately" killed civilians, HRW said in a report.

Sometimes, troops detained men and didn't tell families where they were being held.

Night raids, where special forces troops blast doors and rush a building under the cover of darkness, are a popular tactic that combines surprise, overwhelming firepower and night-vision equipment to stun occupants.

"In ramping up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/11-taliban-terrorists-killed-9-wounded-in-afghanistans-jawzjan-province-258383">operations against the Taliban</a>, the CIA has enabled abusive Afghan forces to commit atrocities including extrajudicial executions and disappearances," said Patricia Gossman, the report author and HRW's associate Asia director.

"In case after case, these forces have simply shot people in their custody and consigned entire communities to the terror of abusive night raids and indiscriminate airstrikes."

Afghan authorities and US forces have increased the use of paramilitary groups to combat a resurgent Taliban that has been hammering Afghanistan's beleaguered national security forces.

Part of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), paramilitary forces do not fall under normal command chains and therefore, have less oversight.

Speaking to HRW, one diplomat referred to them as "death squads."

Afghan militias have largely been recruited, trained, equipped, and overseen by the CIA, according to the rights watchdog.

Ties date back to the 1980s, when the CIA was funnelling money and equipment to Afghan rebels and mujahideen fighting Soviet troops.

After a lull during the Taliban regime in the 1990s, the CIA re-established ties with warlords and militias fighting the insurgency following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The CIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US government watchdog, Afghan special forces conducted 2,531 ground operations from January–September this year, more than the total of 2,365 for all of 2018.

A<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-3000-afghan-civilians-killed-or-wounded-this-year-un-report-239373"> UN report </a>earlier this month found an unprecedented number of civilians was killed or wounded in Afghanistan from July to September this year.

The tally,1,174 deaths and 3,139 injured from July 1 until September 30, represents a 42 per cent increase over the same period last year.

US-backed Afghan paramilitary groups operating with impunity are summarily executing civilians during botched nighttime raids and are responsible for the disappearances of suspects, a rights group said Thursday.

US-backed Afghan paramilitary groups operating with impunity are summarily executing civilians during botched nighttime raids and are responsible for the disappearances of suspects, a rights group said Thursday. The secretive militias, whose support from America's Central Intelligence Agency is originally rooted in the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980s, have long hunted the Taliban across Afghanistan and have seen increasing activity as the war against the insurgents intensifies. Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented 14 cases from late 2017 to mid-2019 in which it said CIA-backed "strike groups" committed serious abuses during night raids, such as one in the southeastern province of Paktia in which a paramilitary unit killed 11 men, including eight who were home for the Eid holidays. In many cases, the raids, usually in Taliban-controlled areas, were accompanied by airstrikes that "indiscriminately or disproportionately" killed civilians, HRW said in a report. Sometimes, troops detained men and didn't tell families where they were being held. Night raids, where special forces troops blast doors and rush a building under the cover of darkness, are a popular tactic that combines surprise, overwhelming firepower and night-vision equipment to stun occupants. "In ramping up operations against the Taliban, the CIA has enabled abusive Afghan forces to commit atrocities including extrajudicial executions and disappearances," said Patricia Gossman, the report author and HRW's associate Asia director. "In case after case, these forces have simply shot people in their custody and consigned entire communities to the terror of abusive night raids and indiscriminate airstrikes." Afghan authorities and US forces have increased the use of paramilitary groups to combat a resurgent Taliban that has been hammering Afghanistan's beleaguered national security forces. Part of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), paramilitary forces do not fall under normal command chains and therefore, have less oversight. Speaking to HRW, one diplomat referred to them as "death squads." Afghan militias have largely been recruited, trained, equipped, and overseen by the CIA, according to the rights watchdog. Ties date back to the 1980s, when the CIA was funnelling money and equipment to Afghan rebels and mujahideen fighting Soviet troops. After a lull during the Taliban regime in the 1990s, the CIA re-established ties with warlords and militias fighting the insurgency following the September 11, 2001 attacks. The CIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US government watchdog, Afghan special forces conducted 2,531 ground operations from January–September this year, more than the total of 2,365 for all of 2018. A UN report earlier this month found an unprecedented number of civilians was killed or wounded in Afghanistan from July to September this year. The tally,1,174 deaths and 3,139 injured from July 1 until September 30, represents a 42 per cent increase over the same period last year.

Afghan militias killing civilians with impunity: Human Rights Watch

<div class="content" itemprop="articleBody">
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday appointed Idrees Zaman as the new acting Foreign Minister (FM) a week after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-acting-foreign-minister-salahuddin-rabbani-resigns-257775">Salahuddin Rabbani</a> stepped down from his position.

Zaman was previously appointed as the Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs by Ghani on October 21, 2018.

Sediq Sediqqi, Spokesperson for the President of Afghanistan confirmed Zaman's appointment as the new FM, reported TOLOnews.

Former Acting Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani resigned last week in a letter addressed to Ghani.

In his letter, Rabbani wrote that key institutions were pushed to the side and parallel structures had been created.

Rabbani also said that he was proud of serving his country but he had also faced serious challenges during his term.&nbsp;
</div>

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday appointed Idrees Zaman as the new acting Foreign Minister (FM) a week after Salahuddin Rabbani stepped down from his position.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday appointed Idrees Zaman as the new acting Foreign Minister (FM) a week after Salahuddin Rabbani stepped down from his position. Zaman was previously appointed as the Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs by Ghani on October 21, 2018. Sediq Sediqqi, Spokesperson for the President of Afghanistan confirmed Zaman's appointment as the new FM, reported TOLOnews. Former Acting Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani resigned last week in a letter addressed to Ghani. In his letter, Rabbani wrote that key institutions were pushed to the side and parallel structures had been created. Rabbani also said that he was proud of serving his country but he had also faced serious challenges during his term.

Afghan President appoints Idrees Zaman as acting foreign minister

At least seven civilians sustained injuries after a bomb-laden motorbike exploded in Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Wednesday, provincial police said. 
 
The incident took place at 1:11 pm (local time) in the bazaar of Spin Boldak district. The motorbike was parked in front of a hotel, Xinhua quoted provincial police spokesman Jamal Barikzai as saying. 
 
An investigation into the incident has been initiated. 
 
Further details are awaited.

At least seven civilians sustained injuries after a bomb-laden motorbike exploded in Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Wednesday, provincial police said. The incident took place at 1:11 pm (local time) in the bazaar of Spin Boldak district.

At least seven civilians sustained injuries after a bomb-laden motorbike exploded in Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Wednesday, provincial police said. The incident took place at 1:11 pm (local time) in the bazaar of Spin Boldak district. The motorbike was parked in front of a hotel, Xinhua quoted provincial police spokesman Jamal Barikzai as saying. An investigation into the incident has been initiated. Further details are awaited.

Seven injured as bomb-laden motorbike explodes in Afghanistan

Afghan army's airstrike in Afghanistan's Zabul province on Tuesday killed at least 47 Taliban terrorists and injured 15 others.

According to an army spokesperson, foreign troops aimed at the terrorist hideouts in Shinki and Nawbahar districts killing the district governor designated by the Taliban reported Sputnik.

Additionally, the strikes in Arghandab and Shah Wali Kot districts of Kandahar lead to the destruction of 10 mines.

Meanwhile, in another strike launched on Taliban bases in Gizab district of the Uruzgan province, 11 terrorists were killed.&nbsp;

Afghan army's airstrike in Afghanistan's Zabul province on Tuesday killed at least 47 Taliban terrorists and injured 15 others. According to an army spokesperson, foreign troops aimed at the terrorist hideouts in Shinki and Nawbahar districts killing the district governor designated by the Taliban reported Sputnik.

Afghan army's airstrike in Afghanistan's Zabul province on Tuesday killed at least 47 Taliban terrorists and injured 15 others. According to an army spokesperson, foreign troops aimed at the terrorist hideouts in Shinki and Nawbahar districts killing the district governor designated by the Taliban reported Sputnik. Additionally, the strikes in Arghandab and Shah Wali Kot districts of Kandahar lead to the destruction of 10 mines. Meanwhile, in another strike launched on Taliban bases in Gizab district of the Uruzgan province, 11 terrorists were killed.

Airstrikes in southeast Afghanistan kill 47 terrorists: Military spokesperson

A police checkpoint has collapsed in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province after a clash between law enforcers and the Taliban terrorist group, in which five soldiers have been killed, Hayatullah Amiri, the head of Kunduz's Khanabad district, told Sputnik on Wednesday.

"The district's Akhtar Tapi area [police] checkpoint collapsed last night during a fierce battle with the Taliban, five soldiers [were] killed and eight others soldiers the Taliban took to an unknown place," Amiri said.

According to Amiri, the attack was carried out by the Taliban's Red Group military unit. Terrorists seized weapons and equipment from the checkpoint, the official went on to say.

The Taliban assumed responsibility for the attack, saying that five soldiers were killed and eight others detained.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A police checkpoint has collapsed in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province after a clash between law enforcers and the Taliban terrorist group, in which five soldiers have been killed, Hayatullah Amiri, the head of Kunduz's Khanabad district, told Sputnik on Wednesday.

A police checkpoint has collapsed in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province after a clash between law enforcers and the Taliban terrorist group, in which five soldiers have been killed, Hayatullah Amiri, the head of Kunduz's Khanabad district, told Sputnik on Wednesday. "The district's Akhtar Tapi area [police] checkpoint collapsed last night during a fierce battle with the Taliban, five soldiers [were] killed and eight others soldiers the Taliban took to an unknown place," Amiri said. According to Amiri, the attack was carried out by the Taliban's Red Group military unit. Terrorists seized weapons and equipment from the checkpoint, the official went on to say. The Taliban assumed responsibility for the attack, saying that five soldiers were killed and eight others detained.

5 soldiers killed in Afghanistan's north in clash with Taliban

US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan along with other officials to discuss the Afghan peace process during his two-day visit to Pakistan on October 28 and 29.

On Wednesday, US Embassy in Pakistan put out a statement saying, "Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad visited Islamabad on October 28-29. In his meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other government officials, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the current status of the Afghan peace process and the importance of reducing violence."

On Sunday, Khalilzad was in Kabul to brief Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the recent developments in the peace process.

Soon after the brief, Afghan Presidential spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi reiterated Kabul's stand stating that it wants a peace process led by Afghan-owned government and that all stakeholders, including the US, should support the Afghan peace plan.

Following nine rounds of peace talks held in Qatar's capital city of Doha, the US and the Taliban had reached upon an agreement "in principle".

The negotiations, however, were called off in the aftermath of several Taliban-led terror attacks in Kabul that left scores dead, including a US soldier.&nbsp;

US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan along with other officials to discuss the Afghan peace process during his two-day visit to Pakistan on October 28 and 29.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan along with other officials to discuss the Afghan peace process during his two-day visit to Pakistan on October 28 and 29. On Wednesday, US Embassy in Pakistan put out a statement saying, "Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad visited Islamabad on October 28-29. In his meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other government officials, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the current status of the Afghan peace process and the importance of reducing violence." On Sunday, Khalilzad was in Kabul to brief Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the recent developments in the peace process. Soon after the brief, Afghan Presidential spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi reiterated Kabul's stand stating that it wants a peace process led by Afghan-owned government and that all stakeholders, including the US, should support the Afghan peace plan. Following nine rounds of peace talks held in Qatar's capital city of Doha, the US and the Taliban had reached upon an agreement "in principle". The negotiations, however, were called off in the aftermath of several Taliban-led terror attacks in Kabul that left scores dead, including a US soldier.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad meets Pak PM Imran Khan to discuss Afghan peace process

The United States on Monday welcomed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-invites-taliban-representatives-for-intra-afghan-conference-in-beijing-257677">China's proposal</a> to host a fresh meeting bringing together Afghan officials and the Taliban, after President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with the insurgents.

The Taliban last week said that China invited a delegation to talks in Beijing, the second such meeting after a dialogue in Qatar in July that was co-arranged with Germany.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-delegation-met-us-envoy-during-visit-to-islamabad-253681">Zalmay Khalilzad</a>, the US special envoy on Afghan peace, met with his colleagues from China, Russia and Pakistan last week in Moscow, where the four countries renewed support for a "comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement."

The four countries "welcomed the Chinese proposal to host the next intra-Afghan meeting in Beijing," said a joint statement released Monday by the United States.

The talks will include "a wide range of political figures" including "representatives of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, other Afghan leaders and the Taliban," it said.

There was however some confusion about when the talks might take place.

The Taliban last week said the conference would happen October 29-30, but on Monday an insurgent spokesman denied a report that said a Taliban delegation was in Beijing.

The Taliban have refused to negotiate formally with the Kabul government, but the Beijing and Doha gatherings are seen as fostering dialogue and planting the seeds of an eventual brokered solution.

Khalilzad negotiated for a year with the Taliban, reaching an agreement under which the United States would withdraw troops and end its longest war.

But Trump last month ended the talks, withdrawing an invitation he said he extended to the Taliban to meet near Washington, citing the killing of a US soldier.

The United States has frequently tried to blunt the global influence of China and Russia, but Khalilzad has frequently consulted with the two on his search for Afghan peace.

China shares a 76-kilometer&nbsp;border with Afghanistan and has voiced concern about a spread of Islamic extremism, while the Soviet Union in the 1980s led a disastrous intervention in the country against Islamic guerrillas then backed by Washington

For the second time, the three powers opted to include Pakistan, which was the main backer of the Taliban's 1996-2001 regime and maintains contacts with the fighters.

&nbsp;

The United States on Monday welcomed China's proposal to host a fresh meeting bringing together Afghan officials and the Taliban, after President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with the insurgents.

The United States on Monday welcomed China's proposal to host a fresh meeting bringing together Afghan officials and the Taliban, after President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with the insurgents. The Taliban last week said that China invited a delegation to talks in Beijing, the second such meeting after a dialogue in Qatar in July that was co-arranged with Germany. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy on Afghan peace, met with his colleagues from China, Russia and Pakistan last week in Moscow, where the four countries renewed support for a "comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement." The four countries "welcomed the Chinese proposal to host the next intra-Afghan meeting in Beijing," said a joint statement released Monday by the United States. The talks will include "a wide range of political figures" including "representatives of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, other Afghan leaders and the Taliban," it said. There was however some confusion about when the talks might take place. The Taliban last week said the conference would happen October 29-30, but on Monday an insurgent spokesman denied a report that said a Taliban delegation was in Beijing. The Taliban have refused to negotiate formally with the Kabul government, but the Beijing and Doha gatherings are seen as fostering dialogue and planting the seeds of an eventual brokered solution. Khalilzad negotiated for a year with the Taliban, reaching an agreement under which the United States would withdraw troops and end its longest war. But Trump last month ended the talks, withdrawing an invitation he said he extended to the Taliban to meet near Washington, citing the killing of a US soldier. The United States has frequently tried to blunt the global influence of China and Russia, but Khalilzad has frequently consulted with the two on his search for Afghan peace. China shares a 76-kilometer border with Afghanistan and has voiced concern about a spread of Islamic extremism, while the Soviet Union in the 1980s led a disastrous intervention in the country against Islamic guerrillas then backed by Washington For the second time, the three powers opted to include Pakistan, which was the main backer of the Taliban's 1996-2001 regime and maintains contacts with the fighters.

US welcomes proposed intra-Afghan talks in China

The Taliban should call a one-month ceasefire to prove they still control their forces, Afghanistan's national security advisor said Tuesday, amid signs the US wants to rekindle talks with the insurgents.

Hamdullah Mohib, a strong critic of earlier US-Taliban negotiations that excluded his government, said the Taliban no longer operate as a cohesive body and some commanders may have joined the Islamic State group.

"If the Taliban really want peace, they should prove how much control they have over their commanders and how much they really obey their commands," Mohib said at a press conference.

"Our suggestion is for a one-month ceasefire, followed by negotiations."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/on-again-off-again-erratic-history-of-talks-with-the-taliban-248439">On again, off again: Erratic history of US talks with the Taliban</a>

Observers have sometimes questioned whether there is a disconnect between the Taliban's political wing, based in Doha, and its military commanders in Afghanistan.

The insurgents have repeatedly rebuffed previous calls for a ceasefire, but last year they downed weapons for a historic, three-day truce.

Mohib, Afghanistan's former ambassador to the US, said any future negotiations should include his government, as well as Pakistan, which has long been accused of backing the Taliban.

"Pakistan should provide a guarantee that they will not support the Taliban or other groups like them and not give them safe havens," he said.

Pakistan denies it supports the Taliban.

The US spent the past year pushing for a deal with the Taliban that would have seen the Pentagon pull thousands of troops from Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.&nbsp;

But President Donald Trump cancelled talks last month as Taliban attacks continued, including one that killed a US soldier.&nbsp;

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading talks for Washington, has since spoken informally with Taliban officials in Pakistan, raising the possibility Washington seeks to resume dialogue.

Khalilzad was in Kabul on Sunday and visited Islamabad again Monday, though it was unclear if he spoke to Taliban officials on that visit.

Mohib in March infuriated the Trump administration by suggesting Afghan-born Khalilzad wanted to install a caretaker government and make himself "viceroy".

Even though Trump has declared the Taliban talks "dead", Khalilzad has continued criss-crossing the globe to build international consensus on a potential deal with the Taliban and an eventual end to America's longest war.

On Monday, he welcomed a proposal from China to host a fresh meeting bringing together Afghan officials and the Taliban, and last week the US and Europe issued a joint statement saying: "Sustainable peace can only be achieved through a negotiated political settlement."

The Taliban should call a one-month ceasefire to prove they still control their forces, Afghanistan's national security advisor said Tuesday, amid signs the US wants to rekindle talks with the insurgents.

The Taliban should call a one-month ceasefire to prove they still control their forces, Afghanistan's national security advisor said Tuesday, amid signs the US wants to rekindle talks with the insurgents. Hamdullah Mohib, a strong critic of earlier US-Taliban negotiations that excluded his government, said the Taliban no longer operate as a cohesive body and some commanders may have joined the Islamic State group. "If the Taliban really want peace, they should prove how much control they have over their commanders and how much they really obey their commands," Mohib said at a press conference. "Our suggestion is for a one-month ceasefire, followed by negotiations." Also read: On again, off again: Erratic history of US talks with the Taliban Observers have sometimes questioned whether there is a disconnect between the Taliban's political wing, based in Doha, and its military commanders in Afghanistan. The insurgents have repeatedly rebuffed previous calls for a ceasefire, but last year they downed weapons for a historic, three-day truce. Mohib, Afghanistan's former ambassador to the US, said any future negotiations should include his government, as well as Pakistan, which has long been accused of backing the Taliban. "Pakistan should provide a guarantee that they will not support the Taliban or other groups like them and not give them safe havens," he said. Pakistan denies it supports the Taliban. The US spent the past year pushing for a deal with the Taliban that would have seen the Pentagon pull thousands of troops from Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. But President Donald Trump cancelled talks last month as Taliban attacks continued, including one that killed a US soldier. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading talks for Washington, has since spoken informally with Taliban officials in Pakistan, raising the possibility Washington seeks to resume dialogue. Khalilzad was in Kabul on Sunday and visited Islamabad again Monday, though it was unclear if he spoke to Taliban officials on that visit. Mohib in March infuriated the Trump administration by suggesting Afghan-born Khalilzad wanted to install a caretaker government and make himself "viceroy". Even though Trump has declared the Taliban talks "dead", Khalilzad has continued criss-crossing the globe to build international consensus on a potential deal with the Taliban and an eventual end to America's longest war. On Monday, he welcomed a proposal from China to host a fresh meeting bringing together Afghan officials and the Taliban, and last week the US and Europe issued a joint statement saying: "Sustainable peace can only be achieved through a negotiated political settlement."

Taliban should call ceasefire to prove control of forces: Official

Hawa Alam Nuristani, chief of Independent Election Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan, on Sunday notified that the result of the Afghan Presidential election will be announced on November 14.

Earlier, the results of the election were scheduled to be announced on October 19, Tolo News reported.

According to the IEC, the announcement of the results was delayed for some technical issues and few necessary actions needed to maintain transparency.

Earlier, IEC commissioner Awrangzeb on Saturday said that there were some internal issued that are faced by the IEC and settled meetings are underway to settle the issue.

Over 1.9 million biometric votes were used in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-vote-in-presidential-election-amid-deadly-violence-252614">presidential elections</a> held on September 28.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hawa Alam Nuristani, chief of Independent Election Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan, on Sunday notified that the result of the Afghan Presidential election will be announced on November 14.

Hawa Alam Nuristani, chief of Independent Election Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan, on Sunday notified that the result of the Afghan Presidential election will be announced on November 14. Earlier, the results of the election were scheduled to be announced on October 19, Tolo News reported. According to the IEC, the announcement of the results was delayed for some technical issues and few necessary actions needed to maintain transparency. Earlier, IEC commissioner Awrangzeb on Saturday said that there were some internal issued that are faced by the IEC and settled meetings are underway to settle the issue. Over 1.9 million biometric votes were used in the presidential elections held on September 28.

Afghanistan presidential poll result to announced on November 14

Two construction workers were killed and five others sustained injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast at an under-construction school building in Afghanistan`s eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday morning, the provincial government has said.

The incident occurred at around 10:30 am (local time) in Bati Kot district, provincial government spokesman Attahullah Khogyani told Xinhua, adding that the blast damaged parts of the under-constructed building.

The spokesperson added that three of those wounded in the incident suffered serious injuries and were shifted to a hospital in the provincial capital Jalalabad.

An investigation into the blast has been initiated.No group has claimed the responsibility for the incident yet.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Two construction workers were killed and five others sustained injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast at an under-construction school building in Afghanistan`s eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday morning, the provincial government has said.

Two construction workers were killed and five others sustained injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast at an under-construction school building in Afghanistan`s eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday morning, the provincial government has said. The incident occurred at around 10:30 am (local time) in Bati Kot district, provincial government spokesman Attahullah Khogyani told Xinhua, adding that the blast damaged parts of the under-constructed building. The spokesperson added that three of those wounded in the incident suffered serious injuries and were shifted to a hospital in the provincial capital Jalalabad. An investigation into the blast has been initiated.No group has claimed the responsibility for the incident yet.

Afghanistan: 2 killed, 5 injured in IED blast in Nangarhar province

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting in Baku on Friday.

The two leaders are in Baku to attend the 18th summit of the NAM which kicked off on Friday, bringing together the heads of different countries.

The theme of this year's summit is 'Upholding Bandung Principles to ensure concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world'.

India is a founding member of NAM, which is one of the largest gatherings of world leaders.

Through the day, Naidu met several of these world leaders, including Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In his address at the summit, the Vice President called on all NAM countries to come together to forge a common front against terror in all its forms as there was no justification for violent extremist ideologies and terrorist actions that maim and murder innocents.

He also hit out at Pakistan for misusing the summit to justify Islamabad's longstanding policy of conducting cross-border terrorism against its neighbours.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting in Baku on Friday.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting in Baku on Friday. The two leaders are in Baku to attend the 18th summit of the NAM which kicked off on Friday, bringing together the heads of different countries. The theme of this year's summit is 'Upholding Bandung Principles to ensure concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world'. India is a founding member of NAM, which is one of the largest gatherings of world leaders. Through the day, Naidu met several of these world leaders, including Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In his address at the summit, the Vice President called on all NAM countries to come together to forge a common front against terror in all its forms as there was no justification for violent extremist ideologies and terrorist actions that maim and murder innocents. He also hit out at Pakistan for misusing the summit to justify Islamabad's longstanding policy of conducting cross-border terrorism against its neighbours.

Naidu, Jaishankar meet Afghan President on NAM Summit sidelines

Two police personnel were injured on Saturday in a suicide bomb attack in Uruzgan province in central Afghanistan, police told Sputnik.

The suicide bomber exploded himself in the Dehrawud district of the province.

"The suicide bomber was killed in the area, commander Shah [Mohammad] and one of his guards were injured," the district`s chief, Abdul Manan Alizai said.

The attack took place around 1 p.m. local time [8:30 GMT] near a local fruit market.

Two police personnel were injured on Saturday in a suicide bomb attack in Uruzgan province in central Afghanistan, police told Sputnik. The suicide bomber exploded himself in the Dehrawud district of the province.

Two police personnel were injured on Saturday in a suicide bomb attack in Uruzgan province in central Afghanistan, police told Sputnik. The suicide bomber exploded himself in the Dehrawud district of the province. "The suicide bomber was killed in the area, commander Shah [Mohammad] and one of his guards were injured," the district`s chief, Abdul Manan Alizai said. The attack took place around 1 p.m. local time [8:30 GMT] near a local fruit market.

Two police personnel injured in suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan

Representatives of Pakistan, China, and Russia on Friday called on the US and the Taliban to return to the negotiation table at the earliest and reach an agreement with an aim to end the 18-year long war in Afghanistan.

The discussion in this regard was held during the four-party consultations between representatives of US, China, Pakistan and Russia on the Afghan peace process, reported Radio Pakistan.

According to a joint statement released at the end of the meeting held in Moscow, the participants committed to working with Afghanistan and the Taliban to reach a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement between the two so as to end strife in the country.

Russia, China and Pakistan expressed their support for the earliest resumption of the negotiation process and an agreement between the US and the Taliban, which will pave the way for launching intra-Afghan talks.

They reaffirmed that any peace agreement must include protection for the rights of all Afghans.

Following nine rounds of peace talks held in Qatar`s capital city of Doha, the US and the Taliban had reached upon an agreement "in principle".

The negotiations, however, were called off in the aftermath of several Taliban-led terror attacks in Kabul that left scores dead, including a US soldier.&nbsp;

Representatives of Pakistan, China, and Russia on Friday called on the US and the Taliban to return to the negotiation table at the earliest and reach an agreement with an aim to end the 18-year long war in Afghanistan.

Representatives of Pakistan, China, and Russia on Friday called on the US and the Taliban to return to the negotiation table at the earliest and reach an agreement with an aim to end the 18-year long war in Afghanistan. The discussion in this regard was held during the four-party consultations between representatives of US, China, Pakistan and Russia on the Afghan peace process, reported Radio Pakistan. According to a joint statement released at the end of the meeting held in Moscow, the participants committed to working with Afghanistan and the Taliban to reach a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement between the two so as to end strife in the country. Russia, China and Pakistan expressed their support for the earliest resumption of the negotiation process and an agreement between the US and the Taliban, which will pave the way for launching intra-Afghan talks. They reaffirmed that any peace agreement must include protection for the rights of all Afghans. Following nine rounds of peace talks held in Qatar`s capital city of Doha, the US and the Taliban had reached upon an agreement "in principle". The negotiations, however, were called off in the aftermath of several Taliban-led terror attacks in Kabul that left scores dead, including a US soldier.

China, Russia, Pakistan call for early resumption of US-Taliban peace talks

Pakistan Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday announced that Islamabad will take part in the upcoming Afghan Peace talks scheduled to be held in Moscow.

"Pakistan had participated in the first round of four-party talks in Beijing in July this year," Faisal said at a media briefing as quoted by the News International.

Meanwhile, the United States' Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Sunday visited Kabul with the aim of reaching a peace agreement with Afghanistan.

In September, an agreement was reached "in principle" to withdraw over 5,000 troops from Afghanistan in exchange for guarantees by the Taliban.

However, US President Donald Trump called off the peace negotiations, citing the September 6 Kabul car bombing carried out by the terrorist group, which claimed 12 lives, including an American soldier.

Pakistan Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday announced that Islamabad will take part in the upcoming Afghan Peace talks scheduled to be held in Moscow.

Pakistan Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday announced that Islamabad will take part in the upcoming Afghan Peace talks scheduled to be held in Moscow. "Pakistan had participated in the first round of four-party talks in Beijing in July this year," Faisal said at a media briefing as quoted by the News International. Meanwhile, the United States' Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Sunday visited Kabul with the aim of reaching a peace agreement with Afghanistan. In September, an agreement was reached "in principle" to withdraw over 5,000 troops from Afghanistan in exchange for guarantees by the Taliban. However, US President Donald Trump called off the peace negotiations, citing the September 6 Kabul car bombing carried out by the terrorist group, which claimed 12 lives, including an American soldier.

Islamabad set to attend Afghanistan peace talks in Russia

Afghanistan conducted its presidential election on September 28th. Ever since the Taliban were toppled from power in 2001, every Afghan election has been marred by instances of fraud. But this year, measures meant to prevent a repeat of fraudulent elections has delayed the results. As the country waits for the outcome, WION spoke to Tahir Qadiry -Chargé d'Affaires of Afghanistan in India on the diplomacy show. Former diplomat and show host talked to Mr Qadiry on what does this election mean for Afghanistan?

The Diplomacy show with the Chargé d'Affaires of Afghanistan in India

Is China Seeking To Undermine India's Influence In Afghanistan?

WION Edit: Is India Out Of The Afghan Game?

Understanding China's Bid To Attain Supremacy In South Asia As the war winds down in Afghanistan, China seeks to gain footprint in the country.

Gravitas: China Gaining Foothold In Afghanistan

Afghanistan Peace Talks: China To Facilitate & Host Dialogue Between Rival Factions.

Gravitas: China: The New Mediator In Afghanistan?

Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on Wednesday resigned ahead of peace talks scheduled to be held in Moscow.

In a letter addressed to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Rabbani said he had seen parallel structures had been created and key institutions were pushed to the side.

"During my time, the working environment in the National Unity Government (NUG) wasn`t good from the start. I witnessed parallel structures being created and have seen essential institutions--key pillars of the system--pushed to the side," he said, according to Tolo News.

Rabbani wrote that he was proud of serving his country under the NUG over the past five years but he also faced serious challenges during his term.

He also thanked Ghani for the opportunity given to serve Afghanistan and said he worked responsibly to protect the country`s national interests.&nbsp;

Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on Wednesday resigned ahead of peace talks scheduled to be held in Moscow. In a letter addressed to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Rabbani said he had seen parallel structures had been created and key institutions were pushed to the side.

Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on Wednesday resigned ahead of peace talks scheduled to be held in Moscow. In a letter addressed to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Rabbani said he had seen parallel structures had been created and key institutions were pushed to the side. "During my time, the working environment in the National Unity Government (NUG) wasn`t good from the start. I witnessed parallel structures being created and have seen essential institutions--key pillars of the system--pushed to the side," he said, according to Tolo News. Rabbani wrote that he was proud of serving his country under the NUG over the past five years but he also faced serious challenges during his term. He also thanked Ghani for the opportunity given to serve Afghanistan and said he worked responsibly to protect the country`s national interests.

Afghan acting foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani resigns

China on Tuesday invited International Energy Agency (IEA) delegation led by Taliban leader M. Baradar Akhund to take part in the upcoming intra-Afghan conference to be held in Beijing.

"China invited the IEA delegation led by M. Baradar Akhund to participate in the conference. The meeting will be a continuation of Moscow and Qatar conferences," wrote Zabihullah, official spokesperson of the Taliban on Twitter.

"All attendees shall participate in an individual capacity and present personal views about finding a resolution to the Afghan issue," Zabihullah said.

Earlier in the day, Akhund also known as M. Abdul Gani Baradar, along with his delegation met with China's Special Representative for Afghanistan Deng Xijun and the Ambassador of China to Qatar.

Both the sides discussed upcoming intra-Afghan conference in Beijing and the ongoing peace process between the US and the Taliban. Ever since US President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled months-long talks between US officials and the Taliban, the terrorist group has approached various countries to make a breakthrough in the peace process.

Taliban has escalated its offensive after the collapse of talks. It has carried out various suicide bombings in several provinces of the country.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China on Tuesday invited International Energy Agency (IEA) delegation led by Taliban leader M. Baradar Akhund to take part in the upcoming intra-Afghan conference to be held in Beijing.

China on Tuesday invited International Energy Agency (IEA) delegation led by Taliban leader M. Baradar Akhund to take part in the upcoming intra-Afghan conference to be held in Beijing. "China invited the IEA delegation led by M. Baradar Akhund to participate in the conference. The meeting will be a continuation of Moscow and Qatar conferences," wrote Zabihullah, official spokesperson of the Taliban on Twitter. "All attendees shall participate in an individual capacity and present personal views about finding a resolution to the Afghan issue," Zabihullah said. Earlier in the day, Akhund also known as M. Abdul Gani Baradar, along with his delegation met with China's Special Representative for Afghanistan Deng Xijun and the Ambassador of China to Qatar. Both the sides discussed upcoming intra-Afghan conference in Beijing and the ongoing peace process between the US and the Taliban. Ever since US President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled months-long talks between US officials and the Taliban, the terrorist group has approached various countries to make a breakthrough in the peace process. Taliban has escalated its offensive after the collapse of talks. It has carried out various suicide bombings in several provinces of the country.

China invites Taliban representatives for intra-Afghan conference in Beijing

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper made a surprise visit to Afghanistan yesterday in a bid to revive talks with the Taliban after President Donald Trump broke off negotiations last month which was aimed at ending America's longest war.

Mark Esper made a surprise visit to Afghanistan

The US negotiator whose talks with the Taliban was halted by President Donald Trump is meeting with Russia, China and European allies on ending Afghanistan's war, the State Department said Monday.

Zalmay Khalilzad left Sunday on a trip to Brussels, Paris and Moscow as he looks for "how best to support accelerated efforts to reach peace in Afghanistan," a State Department statement said.

In Moscow, he will meet his Russian and Chinese counterparts to "discuss shared interests in seeing the war in Afghanistan come to an end," it said.

Khalilzad, a veteran US diplomat who was born in Afghanistan, led a year of talks with the Taliban to seek a deal that would see the United States withdraw most of its troops and end its longest-ever war.

Trump said in September that he had invited Taliban leaders to meet but then withdrew the invitation and ended the talks after an attack killed a US soldier.

Despite not reaching an agreement, General Scott Miller, who leads US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said Monday that the United States had pulled 2,000 troops from Afghanistan over the past year.

The United States has contentious relations with both Russia and China, but Khalilzad has repeatedly consulted the rival powers and appeared to find common ground on Afghanistan.

The Soviet Union fought then US-backed Islamic guerrillas in a disastrous intervention in Afghanistan in the 1980s, while China is keen to prevent any spread of extremism.

The US negotiator whose talks with the Taliban was halted by President Donald Trump is meeting with Russia, China and European allies on ending Afghanistan's war, the State Department said Monday.

The US negotiator whose talks with the Taliban was halted by President Donald Trump is meeting with Russia, China and European allies on ending Afghanistan's war, the State Department said Monday. Zalmay Khalilzad left Sunday on a trip to Brussels, Paris and Moscow as he looks for "how best to support accelerated efforts to reach peace in Afghanistan," a State Department statement said. In Moscow, he will meet his Russian and Chinese counterparts to "discuss shared interests in seeing the war in Afghanistan come to an end," it said. Khalilzad, a veteran US diplomat who was born in Afghanistan, led a year of talks with the Taliban to seek a deal that would see the United States withdraw most of its troops and end its longest-ever war. Trump said in September that he had invited Taliban leaders to meet but then withdrew the invitation and ended the talks after an attack killed a US soldier. Despite not reaching an agreement, General Scott Miller, who leads US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said Monday that the United States had pulled 2,000 troops from Afghanistan over the past year. The United States has contentious relations with both Russia and China, but Khalilzad has repeatedly consulted the rival powers and appeared to find common ground on Afghanistan. The Soviet Union fought then US-backed Islamic guerrillas in a disastrous intervention in Afghanistan in the 1980s, while China is keen to prevent any spread of extremism.

United States envoy consults Russia, China, EU on ending Afghan war

Afghans should not misconstrue America's sudden and contentious withdrawal from parts of Syria as a precursor to a similar move in Afghanistan, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday.

The Pentagon chief also hinted that some sort of residual US force might remain in Syria to protect oil fields, but stressed no decision had been taken.&nbsp;

The US last week announced the withdrawal of 1,000 American troops from northeast Syria, days after Turkey launched an offensive against the previously US-backed Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which Ankara considers a terrorist group.

The move provoked outrage from observers and even members of President Donald Trump's Republican Party, who saw the sudden withdrawal as a betrayal of the same Kurdish fighters the US had been training and arming for years to fight Islamic State jihadists in Syria.

Speaking at NATO's Resolute Support mission headquarters in Kabul, Esper said America maintains a "longstanding commitment" to Afghanistan, which it invaded in 2001 to oust the Taliban, and noted US policy direction for the country is completely different.

"All these things should reassure our Afghan allies and others that they should not misinterpret our actions in the recent week or so with regard to Syria and contrast that with Afghanistan," he said.

Underscoring America's will to stay in Afghanistan, Esper said, was that it still faces a "virulent terrorist threat that originated in the form of Al-Qaeda and now finds itself in the Taliban and ISIS-K and other groups".&nbsp;

ISIS-K is the abbreviation for the Afghan Islamic State affiliate.

The US and the Taliban were last month on the brink of signing a deal that would have seen some American forces begin to withdraw from Afghanistan in return for various insurgent security commitments.

But negotiations collapsed at the last minute when Trump declared talks "dead" following Taliban attacks including one that killed a US soldier.

Guarding Syria oil fields&nbsp;

On Syria, Esper said the withdrawal of US forces would take "weeks not days", and raised the possibility that some troops would stay for now in towns near oil fields as a way of preventing IS and other groups seizing them.

"We have troops in towns in northeast Syria that are located next to the oil fields. The troops in those towns are not in the present phase of withdrawal," Esper said.&nbsp;

"I've made no decision with regard to various options. Those are things that we would have to present to the president in due course".

General Scott Miller, who leads US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said over the past year the US has reduced its military footprint across the war-torn country by about 2,000 troops.&nbsp;

"As we work in Afghanistan with our partners, we are always looking to optimise the force," Miller said, speaking at the same press conference as Esper.&nbsp;

"Unbeknownst to the public, as part of our optimisation over the last year we have reduced our authorised strength by 2,000 here."

That force reduction is unrelated to any prospective deal with the Taliban.

US Forces-Afghanistan spokesman Colonel Sonny Leggett said the US now has around 13,000 troops in the country.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading negotiations, has spoken informally with Taliban officials in Pakistan, raising the possibility that Washington is seeking to resume talks, and Esper has said he supports a political agreement. 
&nbsp;

Afghans should not misconstrue America's sudden and contentious withdrawal from parts of Syria as a precursor to a similar move in Afghanistan, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday.

Afghans should not misconstrue America's sudden and contentious withdrawal from parts of Syria as a precursor to a similar move in Afghanistan, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday. The Pentagon chief also hinted that some sort of residual US force might remain in Syria to protect oil fields, but stressed no decision had been taken. The US last week announced the withdrawal of 1,000 American troops from northeast Syria, days after Turkey launched an offensive against the previously US-backed Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which Ankara considers a terrorist group. The move provoked outrage from observers and even members of President Donald Trump's Republican Party, who saw the sudden withdrawal as a betrayal of the same Kurdish fighters the US had been training and arming for years to fight Islamic State jihadists in Syria. Speaking at NATO's Resolute Support mission headquarters in Kabul, Esper said America maintains a "longstanding commitment" to Afghanistan, which it invaded in 2001 to oust the Taliban, and noted US policy direction for the country is completely different. "All these things should reassure our Afghan allies and others that they should not misinterpret our actions in the recent week or so with regard to Syria and contrast that with Afghanistan," he said. Underscoring America's will to stay in Afghanistan, Esper said, was that it still faces a "virulent terrorist threat that originated in the form of Al-Qaeda and now finds itself in the Taliban and ISIS-K and other groups". ISIS-K is the abbreviation for the Afghan Islamic State affiliate. The US and the Taliban were last month on the brink of signing a deal that would have seen some American forces begin to withdraw from Afghanistan in return for various insurgent security commitments. But negotiations collapsed at the last minute when Trump declared talks "dead" following Taliban attacks including one that killed a US soldier. Guarding Syria oil fields On Syria, Esper said the withdrawal of US forces would take "weeks not days", and raised the possibility that some troops would stay for now in towns near oil fields as a way of preventing IS and other groups seizing them. "We have troops in towns in northeast Syria that are located next to the oil fields. The troops in those towns are not in the present phase of withdrawal," Esper said. "I've made no decision with regard to various options. Those are things that we would have to present to the president in due course". General Scott Miller, who leads US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said over the past year the US has reduced its military footprint across the war-torn country by about 2,000 troops. "As we work in Afghanistan with our partners, we are always looking to optimise the force," Miller said, speaking at the same press conference as Esper. "Unbeknownst to the public, as part of our optimisation over the last year we have reduced our authorised strength by 2,000 here." That force reduction is unrelated to any prospective deal with the Taliban. US Forces-Afghanistan spokesman Colonel Sonny Leggett said the US now has around 13,000 troops in the country. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading negotiations, has spoken informally with Taliban officials in Pakistan, raising the possibility that Washington is seeking to resume talks, and Esper has said he supports a political agreement.

No Syria-type pullout planned for Afghanistan: Pentagon chief

A car bomb detonated near a police event in Maidan Shahr city of Wardak province on Sunday, which killed three policemen and injured two, according to Tolo News. 
 
The blast occurred at around 2:30 pm (local time) when the provincial Governor Muzafaruddin Yemen was attending an event at the police station in the capital city of the province. 
 
"The Governor escaped uninjured," said Mohibullah Sharifzai, a spokesperson for the governor. 
 
Sharifzai also claimed that the Governor's bodyguards were not injured, but some sources claimed otherwise, reported Tolo News. 
 
No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack. 
 
Earlier in the day, over 12 Taliban terrorists were killed and 16 villages were liberated from their capture in an operation carried out by the Afghan forces in the northern province of Baghlan.

A car bomb detonated near a police event in Maidan Shahr city of Wardak province on Sunday, which killed three policemen and injured two, according to Tolo News.

A car bomb detonated near a police event in Maidan Shahr city of Wardak province on Sunday, which killed three policemen and injured two, according to Tolo News. The blast occurred at around 2:30 pm (local time) when the provincial Governor Muzafaruddin Yemen was attending an event at the police station in the capital city of the province. "The Governor escaped uninjured," said Mohibullah Sharifzai, a spokesperson for the governor. Sharifzai also claimed that the Governor's bodyguards were not injured, but some sources claimed otherwise, reported Tolo News. No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack. Earlier in the day, over 12 Taliban terrorists were killed and 16 villages were liberated from their capture in an operation carried out by the Afghan forces in the northern province of Baghlan.

Car bomb in Afghanistan's Wardak province kills three cops

European Union officials called Sunday for a ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying the breakdown in talks between the US and the Taliban presented an opportunity to push anew for a truce.

US President Donald Trump last month declared talks with the insurgents "dead", citing a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier.

Negotiations had been in the final stages for a deal that would have seen the US pull troops from Afghanistan after 18 years in return for various Taliban guarantees.

But to the dismay of many Afghans and international observers, the deal included no immediate, comprehensive ceasefire, rather it would supposedly have paved the way for a reduction in violence and later talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

Roland Kobia, the EU special envoy for Afghanistan, said the talks' collapse provided a chance to push for a ceasefire which would, in turn, prove a large enough change in Afghanistan for Trump to consider resuming negotiations.

"It's the right moment and the right opportunity to maybe go one step beyond a simple reduction in violence and explore ways in which a ceasefire ... will take place," Kobia told Kabul journalists.

"The idea is really to see how we can move the ceasefire idea forward instead of leaving it for later.... There is an opportunity here today".

When asked how the EU, which has only a limited footprint in Afghanistan, could leverage a truce, Kobia suggested that the Taliban might return to power in "one form or another" within months so would entertain a truce to help normalise future relations with the European bloc.

"A ceasefire would be a token, a guarantee of goodwill and good preparation for the normalisation of these relationships," Kobia said.

The Taliban, for its part, has steadfastly ruled out an immediate ceasefire but last year downed weapons for a three-day truce.

Delayed election results

Afghanistan is currently in an uneasy waiting period following the first round of presidential elections on September 28.&nbsp;

Results were supposed to be released Saturday but have been indefinitely delayed due to "technical issues", the Independent Election Commission said.

Pierre Mayaudon, head of the EU delegation in Afghanistan, said a delay of a few days to finalise results was legitimate to ensure votes were fairly counted.

"But not many more days that again will go into weeks and will possibly raise the perception that something is happening," he told reporters.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper meanwhile arrived in Kabul on Sunday on an unannounced visit.

According to Fawad Aman, a spokesman for the Afghan defence ministry, Esper was due to meet with "key leaders and receive an operational update".

US Forces-Afghanistan, headquartered in Kabul, did not immediately return a request for comment on Esper's visit.

Since Trump ended talks with the Taliban, Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading negotiations, has spoken informally with insurgents in Pakistan, raising the possibility the US is seeking to resume discussions.

In the meantime, violence in Afghanistan continues unabated. On Friday, at least 70 people were killed when a mosque in Nangarhar province was bombed.

European Union officials called Sunday for a ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying the breakdown in talks between the US and the Taliban presented an opportunity to push anew for a truce.

European Union officials called Sunday for a ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying the breakdown in talks between the US and the Taliban presented an opportunity to push anew for a truce. US President Donald Trump last month declared talks with the insurgents "dead", citing a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier. Negotiations had been in the final stages for a deal that would have seen the US pull troops from Afghanistan after 18 years in return for various Taliban guarantees. But to the dismay of many Afghans and international observers, the deal included no immediate, comprehensive ceasefire, rather it would supposedly have paved the way for a reduction in violence and later talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Roland Kobia, the EU special envoy for Afghanistan, said the talks' collapse provided a chance to push for a ceasefire which would, in turn, prove a large enough change in Afghanistan for Trump to consider resuming negotiations. "It's the right moment and the right opportunity to maybe go one step beyond a simple reduction in violence and explore ways in which a ceasefire ... will take place," Kobia told Kabul journalists. "The idea is really to see how we can move the ceasefire idea forward instead of leaving it for later.... There is an opportunity here today". When asked how the EU, which has only a limited footprint in Afghanistan, could leverage a truce, Kobia suggested that the Taliban might return to power in "one form or another" within months so would entertain a truce to help normalise future relations with the European bloc. "A ceasefire would be a token, a guarantee of goodwill and good preparation for the normalisation of these relationships," Kobia said. The Taliban, for its part, has steadfastly ruled out an immediate ceasefire but last year downed weapons for a three-day truce. Delayed election results Afghanistan is currently in an uneasy waiting period following the first round of presidential elections on September 28. Results were supposed to be released Saturday but have been indefinitely delayed due to "technical issues", the Independent Election Commission said. Pierre Mayaudon, head of the EU delegation in Afghanistan, said a delay of a few days to finalise results was legitimate to ensure votes were fairly counted. "But not many more days that again will go into weeks and will possibly raise the perception that something is happening," he told reporters. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper meanwhile arrived in Kabul on Sunday on an unannounced visit. According to Fawad Aman, a spokesman for the Afghan defence ministry, Esper was due to meet with "key leaders and receive an operational update". US Forces-Afghanistan, headquartered in Kabul, did not immediately return a request for comment on Esper's visit. Since Trump ended talks with the Taliban, Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading negotiations, has spoken informally with insurgents in Pakistan, raising the possibility the US is seeking to resume discussions. In the meantime, violence in Afghanistan continues unabated. On Friday, at least 70 people were killed when a mosque in Nangarhar province was bombed.

European Union calls for Afghanistan ceasefire

afghanistan-0

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

afghanistan 0