<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-fate-hangs-in-balance-amid-crucial-fatf-review-meet-in-bangkok-today-248745">Pakistan</a> has spent billions of rupees on proscribed terror outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), admitted the country's interior minister on national television.

Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmed Shah said that the Imran Khan government has spent billions of Rupees on the terror outfit to attach them to the mainstream.

Speaking to journalist Nadeem Malik, during a talk show aired on a Pakistani private news channel Hum News, the minister said, "We have spent millions of rupees on JuD. We need to demotivate the members of the proscribed organisation and bring them down to the mainstream."

Earlier, during his maiden visit to the United States in July, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had made a similar revelation that his country still has about 30,000 to 40,000 militants "who have been trained and fought in some part of Afghanistan or Kashmir."

Khan had also said that before his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government came into power, the governments did not have the "political will" to disarm militant groups operating on their soil. During a separate event, the Pakistani Prime Minister also said that they had 40 different militant groups operating within its borders.

Minister Shah's comments seem to be a face-saving measure ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Paris-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lobbies-for-support-ahead-of-fatf-plenary-action-248089">Financial Action Task Force</a>&nbsp;(FATF) in October.

The watchdog is expected to submit its final evaluation report on Islamabad's action plan to curb terror financing next month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-efforts-to-act-against-terror-groups-money-laundering-questioned-at-asia-pacific-group-meet-in-china-219422">Last month</a>, the FATF's regional affiliate Asia-Pacific Group (APG) had put Pakistan in the enhanced expedited follow-up list, a category reserved for countries having major deficiencies in their anti-money-laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework and implementation.

In another major embarrassing admission during the talk show, the minister also stated that Islamabad has failed to get support from the international community over its stand on the Kashmir issue.

Shah, in his remarks, blamed Pakistan "ruling elite" including Khan for "destroying" the image of the country, a day after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, during the 42nd UNHRC session in Geneva, claimed that India has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into the largest "caged prison in this planet" after the abrogation of Article 370 and that the human rights were being "trampled with impunity" there.

Pakistan has spent billions of rupees on proscribed terror outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), admitted the country's interior minister on national television. Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmed Shah said that the Imran Khan government has spent billions of Rupees on the terror outfit to attach them to the mainstream.

Pakistan has spent billions of rupees on proscribed terror outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), admitted the country's interior minister on national television. Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmed Shah said that the Imran Khan government has spent billions of Rupees on the terror outfit to attach them to the mainstream. Speaking to journalist Nadeem Malik, during a talk show aired on a Pakistani private news channel Hum News, the minister said, "We have spent millions of rupees on JuD. We need to demotivate the members of the proscribed organisation and bring them down to the mainstream." Earlier, during his maiden visit to the United States in July, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had made a similar revelation that his country still has about 30,000 to 40,000 militants "who have been trained and fought in some part of Afghanistan or Kashmir." Khan had also said that before his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government came into power, the governments did not have the "political will" to disarm militant groups operating on their soil. During a separate event, the Pakistani Prime Minister also said that they had 40 different militant groups operating within its borders. Minister Shah's comments seem to be a face-saving measure ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in October. The watchdog is expected to submit its final evaluation report on Islamabad's action plan to curb terror financing next month. Last month, the FATF's regional affiliate Asia-Pacific Group (APG) had put Pakistan in the enhanced expedited follow-up list, a category reserved for countries having major deficiencies in their anti-money-laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework and implementation. In another major embarrassing admission during the talk show, the minister also stated that Islamabad has failed to get support from the international community over its stand on the Kashmir issue. Shah, in his remarks, blamed Pakistan "ruling elite" including Khan for "destroying" the image of the country, a day after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, during the 42nd UNHRC session in Geneva, claimed that India has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into the largest "caged prison in this planet" after the abrogation of Article 370 and that the human rights were being "trampled with impunity" there.

Pakistan has spent billions of rupees on JuD, admits its minister

President Donald Trump said Monday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-us-taliban-talks-cancelled-impact-on-india-248667">negotiations with the Taliban “are dead”</a> and indicated that he had no further interest in meeting with the group over an end to the Afghanistan war.

The weakness of the US-Taliban negotiations resided in the fact that they concentrated on relatively narrow War on Terror yardsticks including withdrawal of American forces, a cease-fire, intra-Afghan negotiations to follow, and guarantees by the Taliban not to harbor terrorist groups.

It was a list of exit criteria, not a strategy for addressing the regional nation-state dynamics of which the Afghan conflict is fundamentally a biproduct.

The War in Afghanistan has its origins in the decades-old antagonism between Pakistan and India spawned by the violence-punctuated partition of the British Indian Empire in August 1947.

Since partition, Pakistan and India have fought three wars (1947, 1965, 1971), clashed in the 1999 Kargil Conflict and engaged in many other armed skirmishes, particularly along the Line of Control in Kashmir.

Pakistan has always viewed Afghanistan as a necessary client-state, a security buffer against what they consider potential Indian encirclement and as a springboard to extend their own influence into the resource-rich areas of Central Asia.

Not surprisingly, Pakistani interference in Afghanistan long pre-dated Soviet and American involvement during the 1980s.

As early as the 1950s, Pakistan began inserting into Afghanistan Islamists associated with the its Jamaat-e-Islami party.

In 1974, then Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto set up a cell within Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate (ISI) to begin managing dissident Islamists in Afghanistan, which mounted two failed Islamist coups in 1974 and 1975.

During the late 1970s, under President Zia ul-Haq, Pakistan pursued a policy of aggressive “Islamization” with the proliferation of religious schools “madrasas” and religious political parties, resulting in a society that became ever more extreme and intolerant.

Two parallel experiences have had significant influence on Pakistan’s present-day foreign policy: (1) the successful 1980s mujahideen war to oust the Soviet Union from Afghanistan with the subsequent Pakistan-sponsored Taliban control of Afghanistan and (2) Pakistan’s 1998 development of nuclear weapons.

That is, Islamist fighters were found to be useful proxies for the Pakistani military and the ISI, particularly against India and Afghanistan and that retaliation for the use of those 4th generation warfare operations could be largely “immunized” by Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella.

That joint policy has led to years of attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists against India.

The prelude to America’s current involvement in Afghanistan and the main failure of the Reagan Administration’s Afghanistan policy was letting the Central Intelligence Agency blindly outsource mujahideen funding to Pakistan’s ISI, which funneled American money and arms, not to Afghan nationalists like Ahmad Shah Massoud, but to pro-Pakistani Islamists such as Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and Jalaluddin Haqqani.

It is an undisputed fact that the Taliban were created by the ISI beginning in 1994 as a means to intervene in the Afghan civil war and influence the outcome in favor of Pakistani national interests when its previous favored Islamist, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, failed in that effort.

If anything, Pakistan’s behavior has been consistent. It has successfully exploited US&nbsp;short-term goals while pursuing its long-term regional interests, mostly those contrary to our own.

While the US&nbsp;has been fighting the War on Terror in Afghanistan since 2001, Pakistan has been using the Taliban as a proxy to control Afghanistan as part of its struggle with India and to promote the foreign policy ambitions of its “all weather” ally, China.

Even within the context of US-Taliban negotiations, Pakistan attempted to leverage its position by pushing for the Taliban to have an outsize political role in Kabul once foreign forces leave and to press for foreign intervention in its conflict with India over Kashmir, something India rejects.

The contents of the US-Taliban agreement that appeared publicly did not adequately address future strategic challenges. The de facto surrendering of Afghanistan to the control of Pakistan’s Taliban proxy could have dangerous, perhaps even conflicting ramifications.

First, Pakistan, not Afghanistan, is the epicenter of regional Islamic militancy and an exporter of jihad.

Second, China’s growing geopolitical strength and its increased presence in Pakistan have changed the strategic dynamics of the region, largely rendering whatever remains of US South Asian policy obsolete.&nbsp;

The future threat is from China in the form of the Chinese-Pakistani alliance. China’s aim is to dominate South Asia, first economically based on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and then militarily using its alliance with Pakistan to establish military bases, particularly on Pakistan’s Arabian Sea coast, thus controlling vital maritime lanes and the mouth of the Persian Gulf.

Those bases would provide a critical link between China’s military facilities in the South China Sea and its naval base in Djibouti at the entrance of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

The only bargaining chip the US&nbsp;has had in the Afghan negotiations is our diminishing “presence,” which is clearly unsustainable, given the Taliban’s continuing pursuit of a military solution and the prospect of a “Dien Bien Phu” at Bagram airbase.

Between now and the beginning of a final withdrawal, the US&nbsp;should be identifying additional forms of influence as a basis for a new South Asian strategy.

A new strategy for South Asia should focus on preventing Chinese-Pakistani domination of the region or any US&nbsp;adversary from benefitting from our withdrawal by using all the elements of US power – diplomatic, informational, military and economic.

From a politico-military standpoint, two approaches, operating in parallel, are required.

We should adopt a traditional containment policy, applying regional diplomacy, especially greater cooperation with India and augmenting US&nbsp;naval and air power projection to counter Chinese attempts to box-in US forces in the Persian Gulf area and outflank the US naval base at Diego Garcia.

Additionally, increased financial and economic pressure needs to be applied to Pakistan to restrain its use of terrorist proxies as an element of its foreign policy.

In order to maintain a balance of power, the US should use strategic disruption, not of China directly, but of its plans to dominate the region.

Tactically, that would involve managing and, when necessary, exploiting the inherent conflicts in South Asia including state-to-state disputes, the Sunni-Shia divide and ethnic separatism within Pakistan such as the Balochistan independence insurgency and the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement fighting for civil rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

The center of gravity and also the weakest link of the China-Pakistan alliance is CPEC, which is the flagship of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a collection of infrastructure projects and a network of commercial agreements designed to link the entire world directly to the Chinese economy through inter-connected land-based and maritime routes.

The guarantor of that soft power approach is the hard power of Chinesemilitary expansion including Chinese bases to control the northern Indian Ocean.

CPEC transits two volatile regions, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, long disputed by India, and Balochistan, home of a festering ethnic insurgency since the partition of India in 1947, when the region was forcibly incorporated into Pakistan. Both are targets of opportunity for strategic disruption of Chinese-Pakistani regional ambitions.

It is late, but there may still be time to defeat Chinese South Asian ambitions “on the beaches.”

President Donald Trump said Monday that negotiations with the Taliban “are dead” and indicated that he had no further interest in meeting with the group over an end to the Afghanistan war.

President Donald Trump said Monday that negotiations with the Taliban “are dead” and indicated that he had no further interest in meeting with the group over an end to the Afghanistan war. The weakness of the US-Taliban negotiations resided in the fact that they concentrated on relatively narrow War on Terror yardsticks including withdrawal of American forces, a cease-fire, intra-Afghan negotiations to follow, and guarantees by the Taliban not to harbor terrorist groups. It was a list of exit criteria, not a strategy for addressing the regional nation-state dynamics of which the Afghan conflict is fundamentally a biproduct. The War in Afghanistan has its origins in the decades-old antagonism between Pakistan and India spawned by the violence-punctuated partition of the British Indian Empire in August 1947. Since partition, Pakistan and India have fought three wars (1947, 1965, 1971), clashed in the 1999 Kargil Conflict and engaged in many other armed skirmishes, particularly along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Pakistan has always viewed Afghanistan as a necessary client-state, a security buffer against what they consider potential Indian encirclement and as a springboard to extend their own influence into the resource-rich areas of Central Asia. Not surprisingly, Pakistani interference in Afghanistan long pre-dated Soviet and American involvement during the 1980s. As early as the 1950s, Pakistan began inserting into Afghanistan Islamists associated with the its Jamaat-e-Islami party. In 1974, then Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto set up a cell within Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate (ISI) to begin managing dissident Islamists in Afghanistan, which mounted two failed Islamist coups in 1974 and 1975. During the late 1970s, under President Zia ul-Haq, Pakistan pursued a policy of aggressive “Islamization” with the proliferation of religious schools “madrasas” and religious political parties, resulting in a society that became ever more extreme and intolerant. Two parallel experiences have had significant influence on Pakistan’s present-day foreign policy: (1) the successful 1980s mujahideen war to oust the Soviet Union from Afghanistan with the subsequent Pakistan-sponsored Taliban control of Afghanistan and (2) Pakistan’s 1998 development of nuclear weapons. That is, Islamist fighters were found to be useful proxies for the Pakistani military and the ISI, particularly against India and Afghanistan and that retaliation for the use of those 4th generation warfare operations could be largely “immunized” by Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella. That joint policy has led to years of attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists against India. The prelude to America’s current involvement in Afghanistan and the main failure of the Reagan Administration’s Afghanistan policy was letting the Central Intelligence Agency blindly outsource mujahideen funding to Pakistan’s ISI, which funneled American money and arms, not to Afghan nationalists like Ahmad Shah Massoud, but to pro-Pakistani Islamists such as Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and Jalaluddin Haqqani. It is an undisputed fact that the Taliban were created by the ISI beginning in 1994 as a means to intervene in the Afghan civil war and influence the outcome in favor of Pakistani national interests when its previous favored Islamist, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, failed in that effort. If anything, Pakistan’s behavior has been consistent. It has successfully exploited US short-term goals while pursuing its long-term regional interests, mostly those contrary to our own. While the US has been fighting the War on Terror in Afghanistan since 2001, Pakistan has been using the Taliban as a proxy to control Afghanistan as part of its struggle with India and to promote the foreign policy ambitions of its “all weather” ally, China. Even within the context of US-Taliban negotiations, Pakistan attempted to leverage its position by pushing for the Taliban to have an outsize political role in Kabul once foreign forces leave and to press for foreign intervention in its conflict with India over Kashmir, something India rejects. The contents of the US-Taliban agreement that appeared publicly did not adequately address future strategic challenges. The de facto surrendering of Afghanistan to the control of Pakistan’s Taliban proxy could have dangerous, perhaps even conflicting ramifications. First, Pakistan, not Afghanistan, is the epicenter of regional Islamic militancy and an exporter of jihad. Second, China’s growing geopolitical strength and its increased presence in Pakistan have changed the strategic dynamics of the region, largely rendering whatever remains of US South Asian policy obsolete. The future threat is from China in the form of the Chinese-Pakistani alliance. China’s aim is to dominate South Asia, first economically based on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and then militarily using its alliance with Pakistan to establish military bases, particularly on Pakistan’s Arabian Sea coast, thus controlling vital maritime lanes and the mouth of the Persian Gulf. Those bases would provide a critical link between China’s military facilities in the South China Sea and its naval base in Djibouti at the entrance of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The only bargaining chip the US has had in the Afghan negotiations is our diminishing “presence,” which is clearly unsustainable, given the Taliban’s continuing pursuit of a military solution and the prospect of a “Dien Bien Phu” at Bagram airbase. Between now and the beginning of a final withdrawal, the US should be identifying additional forms of influence as a basis for a new South Asian strategy. A new strategy for South Asia should focus on preventing Chinese-Pakistani domination of the region or any US adversary from benefitting from our withdrawal by using all the elements of US power – diplomatic, informational, military and economic. From a politico-military standpoint, two approaches, operating in parallel, are required. We should adopt a traditional containment policy, applying regional diplomacy, especially greater cooperation with India and augmenting US naval and air power projection to counter Chinese attempts to box-in US forces in the Persian Gulf area and outflank the US naval base at Diego Garcia. Additionally, increased financial and economic pressure needs to be applied to Pakistan to restrain its use of terrorist proxies as an element of its foreign policy. In order to maintain a balance of power, the US should use strategic disruption, not of China directly, but of its plans to dominate the region. Tactically, that would involve managing and, when necessary, exploiting the inherent conflicts in South Asia including state-to-state disputes, the Sunni-Shia divide and ethnic separatism within Pakistan such as the Balochistan independence insurgency and the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement fighting for civil rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The center of gravity and also the weakest link of the China-Pakistan alliance is CPEC, which is the flagship of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a collection of infrastructure projects and a network of commercial agreements designed to link the entire world directly to the Chinese economy through inter-connected land-based and maritime routes. The guarantor of that soft power approach is the hard power of Chinesemilitary expansion including Chinese bases to control the northern Indian Ocean. CPEC transits two volatile regions, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, long disputed by India, and Balochistan, home of a festering ethnic insurgency since the partition of India in 1947, when the region was forcibly incorporated into Pakistan. Both are targets of opportunity for strategic disruption of Chinese-Pakistani regional ambitions. It is late, but there may still be time to defeat Chinese South Asian ambitions “on the beaches.”

The now dead US-Taliban talks lacked strategic vision

9/11 attacks in US: Afghan civilians suffer as 'war on terror' drags on

A powerful explosion occurred near the US Embassy in Kabul on Wednesday.

Images circulated on social media showed smoke billowing near the embassy building, where several embassies are located.

The explosion took place on 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attack.

The blast was a rocket blast, Xinhua reported citing local journalist Jawad Jalali.

No casualties have been reported.

No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack. But it has come just a day after the Taliban pledged to retaliate after US President Donald Trump ended the peace talks abruptly.

A powerful explosion occurred near the US Embassy in Kabul on Wednesday. Images circulated on social media showed smoke billowing near the embassy building, where several embassies are located.

A powerful explosion occurred near the US Embassy in Kabul on Wednesday. Images circulated on social media showed smoke billowing near the embassy building, where several embassies are located. The explosion took place on 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attack. The blast was a rocket blast, Xinhua reported citing local journalist Jawad Jalali. No casualties have been reported. No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack. But it has come just a day after the Taliban pledged to retaliate after US President Donald Trump ended the peace talks abruptly.

Explosion occurs in Kabul near US embassy; no casualties

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-calls-on-pakistan-to-immediately-end-support-to-all-terrorist-groups-white-house-197523">United States </a>on Tuesday (local time) designated the leader of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unsc-hails-masood-azhars-designation-as-global-terrorist-a-notable-achievement-220333">Pakistan</a>-based terror organisation, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as a terrorist.

TTP, also known as Pakistan Taliban, in an alliance of the terror group.

The group is responsible for carrying out multiple suicide bombings, and have killed hundreds of civilians.

TTP was earlier designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the Department of State.

Noor Wali, also known as Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, was named the leader of TTP in June 2018 following the death of former TTP leader Mullah Fazlullah.&nbsp;

"Under Noor Wali`s leadership, TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly terrorist attacks across Pakistan," said US state department in a statement.

The decision by the state department was taken to deny the terrorist group "the resources to plan and carry out attacks".

According to the United Nations, the TPP is associated with Al-Qaida. It is responsible for "financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of, supplying, selling or transferring arms and related materiel to, recruiting for or otherwise supporting acts or activities of" Al-Qaida.

This comes as another blow to Pakistan which has been repeatedly called out by the world community for supporting the terrorist groups.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been under the FATF radar for its complicity towards terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) among others.

The FATF had given a stern message to Pakistan to expedite its action plan for curbing terror financing by October or face the prospect of getting blacklisted, which could aggravate problems for its stagnant economy.&nbsp;

The present action by the US might adversely impact Islamabad case in front of the FATF.

Along with the TPP, the state department also listed leaders of Hizballah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, ISIS, ISIS-Philippines and ISIS-West Africa.

The department also designated an al-Qa`ida affiliate in Syria- Hurras al-Din-- as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

"The State Department is moving aggressively to implement these new authorities. Today, the Department has designated one terrorist group - Hurras al-Din, an al-Qa`ida affiliate in Syria - as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT)," the statement said.

"The Department has also designated as SDGTs 12 leaders of previously designated groups, including Hizballah, HAMAS, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, ISIS, ISIS-Philippines, ISIS-West Africa, and Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan. In addition to these actions, the Department of the Treasury has designated 15 additional terrorists affiliated with ISIS, ISIS-Philippines, ISIS-Khorasan, al-Qa`ida, HAMAS, and Iran`s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force under the same authority," the added.

The new order puts foreign financial institutions on notice that they risk sanctions if they knowingly "conduct or facilitate any significant transactions on behalf of designated terrorists".&nbsp;

The United States on Tuesday (local time) designated the leader of Pakistan-based terror organisation, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as a terrorist. TTP, also known as Pakistan Taliban, in an alliance of the terror group.

The United States on Tuesday (local time) designated the leader of Pakistan-based terror organisation, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as a terrorist. TTP, also known as Pakistan Taliban, in an alliance of the terror group. The group is responsible for carrying out multiple suicide bombings, and have killed hundreds of civilians. TTP was earlier designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the Department of State. Noor Wali, also known as Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, was named the leader of TTP in June 2018 following the death of former TTP leader Mullah Fazlullah. "Under Noor Wali`s leadership, TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly terrorist attacks across Pakistan," said US state department in a statement. The decision by the state department was taken to deny the terrorist group "the resources to plan and carry out attacks". According to the United Nations, the TPP is associated with Al-Qaida. It is responsible for "financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of, supplying, selling or transferring arms and related materiel to, recruiting for or otherwise supporting acts or activities of" Al-Qaida. This comes as another blow to Pakistan which has been repeatedly called out by the world community for supporting the terrorist groups. Pakistan has been under the FATF radar for its complicity towards terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) among others. The FATF had given a stern message to Pakistan to expedite its action plan for curbing terror financing by October or face the prospect of getting blacklisted, which could aggravate problems for its stagnant economy. The present action by the US might adversely impact Islamabad case in front of the FATF. Along with the TPP, the state department also listed leaders of Hizballah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, ISIS, ISIS-Philippines and ISIS-West Africa. The department also designated an al-Qa`ida affiliate in Syria- Hurras al-Din-- as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. "The State Department is moving aggressively to implement these new authorities. Today, the Department has designated one terrorist group - Hurras al-Din, an al-Qa`ida affiliate in Syria - as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT)," the statement said. "The Department has also designated as SDGTs 12 leaders of previously designated groups, including Hizballah, HAMAS, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, ISIS, ISIS-Philippines, ISIS-West Africa, and Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan. In addition to these actions, the Department of the Treasury has designated 15 additional terrorists affiliated with ISIS, ISIS-Philippines, ISIS-Khorasan, al-Qa`ida, HAMAS, and Iran`s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force under the same authority," the added. The new order puts foreign financial institutions on notice that they risk sanctions if they knowingly "conduct or facilitate any significant transactions on behalf of designated terrorists".

US designates leader of Pak-based terror group as terrorist

Huge Setback For Peace Process In Afghanistan.

Gravitas: Peace Talks Between U.S. And Taliban Cancelled

Here's Why The Afghan Peace Process Failed.

Gravitas: Afghan Peace Talks: Why It Fell Apart

How Will The U.S. Decision To Cancel Talks With Taliban Impact The U.S., Taliban & Peace In Afghanistan...

Gravitas: End Of Afghan Peace Talks: Implications For The Stakeholders

Rashid Khan claimed 6-49 and completed his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket as Afghanistan overcame rain&nbsp;and fading light to crush Bangladesh by 224 runs in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Monday.

In only his country's third Test match, Rashid took three of the last four wickets to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets, helping Afghanistan bowl out Bangladesh for 173 runs in the second innings.

With four wickets in hand, the hosts were given 18.3 overs to survive after play resumed in the final session following a rain break but they succumbed with three overs to spare.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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WHAT. A. FINISH. 
 
Afghanistan will enjoy that for a long time! <a href="https://t.co/fO98U8SWEX">pic.twitter.com/fO98U8SWEX</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1171021691092373505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rashid Khan claims the final wicket – that of Soumya Sarkar – as Afghanistan secure a 224-run victory! 
 
What a brilliant performance by the captain, who finishes with 11 wickets for the match 🔥 
 
Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvAFG</a> blog for live updates ⏬<a href="https://t.co/kHXVx32oOc">https://t.co/kHXVx32oOc</a> <a href="https://t.co/RNBDXvWd2K">pic.twitter.com/RNBDXvWd2K</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1171020830601617408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Brief scores: Afghanistan first innings 342 all out (Rahmat Shah 102, Asghar Afghan 92, Rashid Khan 51; Taijul Islam 4-116) and 260 all out (Ibrahim Zadran 87, Asghar Afgan 50; Shakib Al Hasan 3-58) vs Bangladesh first innings 205 (Mominul Haque 52; Rashid Khan 5-55, Mohammad Nabi 3-56) and 173 in 61.2 overs (Rashid Khan 6-49, Zahir Khan 3-59)

Rashid Khan claimed 6-49 and completed his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket as Afghanistan overcame rain and fading light to crush Bangladesh by 224 runs in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Monday.

Rashid Khan claimed 6-49 and completed his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket as Afghanistan overcame rain and fading light to crush Bangladesh by 224 runs in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Monday. In only his country's third Test match, Rashid took three of the last four wickets to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets, helping Afghanistan bowl out Bangladesh for 173 runs in the second innings. With four wickets in hand, the hosts were given 18.3 overs to survive after play resumed in the final session following a rain break but they succumbed with three overs to spare. WHAT. A. FINISH. Afghanistan will enjoy that for a long time! pic.twitter.com/fO98U8SWEX — ICC (@ICC) September 9, 2019 × Rashid Khan claims the final wicket – that of Soumya Sarkar – as Afghanistan secure a 224-run victory! What a brilliant performance by the captain, who finishes with 11 wickets for the match 🔥 Follow #BANvAFG blog for live updates ⏬https://t.co/kHXVx32oOc pic.twitter.com/RNBDXvWd2K — ICC (@ICC) September 9, 2019 × Brief scores: Afghanistan first innings 342 all out (Rahmat Shah 102, Asghar Afghan 92, Rashid Khan 51; Taijul Islam 4-116) and 260 all out (Ibrahim Zadran 87, Asghar Afgan 50; Shakib Al Hasan 3-58) vs Bangladesh first innings 205 (Mominul Haque 52; Rashid Khan 5-55, Mohammad Nabi 3-56) and 173 in 61.2 overs (Rashid Khan 6-49, Zahir Khan 3-59)

Afghanistan thrash Bangladesh by 224 runs in one-off Test

The United States and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-say-us-will-be-harmed-more-than-anyone-after-trump-halts-talks-248470">Afghanistan's Taliban</a> on Sunday both left the door open to fresh talks after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-donald-trump-calls-off-peace-talks-secret-summit-with-taliban-over-terror-attacks-248340">President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled</a> a secret summit, but the insurgents warned of inflicting greater costs.

The United States also said it would not relent in fighting the militants as Trump cited a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier for scuttling the unprecedented meeting.

Trump said he had invited Taliban leaders, as well as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, for talks Sunday at the presidential retreat of Camp David on a draft deal that would see the United States pull out thousands of troops and wind down its longest-ever war.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a series of television interviews Sunday, did not rule out a return to talks but said the United States needed a "significant commitment" from the Taliban.

"I'm not pessimistic," Pompeo told NBC. "I've watched the Taliban do things and say things they've not been permitted to do before."

"I hope it's the case the Taliban will change their behavior," he said on ABC.&nbsp;

"In the end, this will be resolved through a series of conversations," he added, urging the Taliban to drop its long-running refusal to negotiate with Ghani's internationally recognized government.

He said that Trump had not decided whether to go ahead with a withdrawal, which under the draft deal would pull 5,000 of the roughly 13,000 US troops from Afghanistan next year.

But he warned that the United States was also inflicting a toll on the Taliban, saying that US forces had killed more than 1,000 insurgents in the past 10 days alone.

"If the Taliban don't behave, if they don't deliver on the commitments they made to us for weeks and in some cases months, the president of the United States is not going to reduce the pressure," Pompeo said on CNN.

'Americans will be harmed'

Veteran US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad had spent a year meeting with the Taliban, who confirmed that they considered the deal finished.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Trump showed "neither experience nor patience."

"Americans will be harmed more than any other" by Trump's decision, a Taliban statement warned.

US "credibility will be harmed, their anti-peace stance will become more visible to the world, their casualties and financial losses will increase, and the US role in international political interaction will be discredited even further," it said.

But the spokesman said that the Taliban still believe "that the American side will come back to this position" of talks that seek "the complete end of the occupation."

The office of Ghani, whose government is rejected by the Taliban as illegitimate, cautiously saluted the "sincere efforts of its allies" after Trump called off the summit.

The Afghan presidency in a statement also "insisted that a real peace can only be achieved if the Taliban stop killing Afghans and accept a ceasefire, and face-to-face talks with the Afghan government."

Trump's dramatic about-face came weeks before Afghanistan holds presidential elections, raising fears that the Taliban will step up their campaign of violence to disrupt voting.

Criticism ahead of 9/11

Trump relishes dramatic gestures, such as meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the idea of inviting Taliban leaders to US soil still stunned Washington.

The would-be talks angered even some allies of Trump, who noted that the Taliban would be visiting three days before the 18th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which triggered the US invasion of Afghanistan.

"Camp David is where America's leaders met to plan our response after Al-Qaeda, supported by the Taliban, killed 3,000 Americans on 9/11. No member of the Taliban should set foot there. Ever," tweeted Liz Cheney, a Republican congresswoman and daughter of former vice president Dick Cheney.

Considering Trump's penchant for bombast, some questioned if the summit was even set to take place.

"I'm still looking for confirmation an actual, physical trip to Camp David was planned," Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro told CNN, while adding: "It's very odd to invite a terrorist organization like that to Camp David."

Pompeo said that Trump had said of the Taliban, "I want to look them in the eyes, I want to see if we can get to the final outcome that we need so we could sign off on the deal."

On the eve of the canceled summit, Pompeo traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the return of the remains of the US soldier killed in Kabul, Elis Barreto Ortiz.

The United States and Afghanistan's Taliban on Sunday both left the door open to fresh talks after President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled a secret summit, but the insurgents warned of inflicting greater costs.

The United States and Afghanistan's Taliban on Sunday both left the door open to fresh talks after President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled a secret summit, but the insurgents warned of inflicting greater costs. The United States also said it would not relent in fighting the militants as Trump cited a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier for scuttling the unprecedented meeting. Trump said he had invited Taliban leaders, as well as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, for talks Sunday at the presidential retreat of Camp David on a draft deal that would see the United States pull out thousands of troops and wind down its longest-ever war. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a series of television interviews Sunday, did not rule out a return to talks but said the United States needed a "significant commitment" from the Taliban. "I'm not pessimistic," Pompeo told NBC. "I've watched the Taliban do things and say things they've not been permitted to do before." "I hope it's the case the Taliban will change their behavior," he said on ABC. "In the end, this will be resolved through a series of conversations," he added, urging the Taliban to drop its long-running refusal to negotiate with Ghani's internationally recognized government. He said that Trump had not decided whether to go ahead with a withdrawal, which under the draft deal would pull 5,000 of the roughly 13,000 US troops from Afghanistan next year. But he warned that the United States was also inflicting a toll on the Taliban, saying that US forces had killed more than 1,000 insurgents in the past 10 days alone. "If the Taliban don't behave, if they don't deliver on the commitments they made to us for weeks and in some cases months, the president of the United States is not going to reduce the pressure," Pompeo said on CNN. 'Americans will be harmed' Veteran US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad had spent a year meeting with the Taliban, who confirmed that they considered the deal finished. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Trump showed "neither experience nor patience." "Americans will be harmed more than any other" by Trump's decision, a Taliban statement warned. US "credibility will be harmed, their anti-peace stance will become more visible to the world, their casualties and financial losses will increase, and the US role in international political interaction will be discredited even further," it said. But the spokesman said that the Taliban still believe "that the American side will come back to this position" of talks that seek "the complete end of the occupation." The office of Ghani, whose government is rejected by the Taliban as illegitimate, cautiously saluted the "sincere efforts of its allies" after Trump called off the summit. The Afghan presidency in a statement also "insisted that a real peace can only be achieved if the Taliban stop killing Afghans and accept a ceasefire, and face-to-face talks with the Afghan government." Trump's dramatic about-face came weeks before Afghanistan holds presidential elections, raising fears that the Taliban will step up their campaign of violence to disrupt voting. Criticism ahead of 9/11 Trump relishes dramatic gestures, such as meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the idea of inviting Taliban leaders to US soil still stunned Washington. The would-be talks angered even some allies of Trump, who noted that the Taliban would be visiting three days before the 18th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which triggered the US invasion of Afghanistan. "Camp David is where America's leaders met to plan our response after Al-Qaeda, supported by the Taliban, killed 3,000 Americans on 9/11. No member of the Taliban should set foot there. Ever," tweeted Liz Cheney, a Republican congresswoman and daughter of former vice president Dick Cheney. Considering Trump's penchant for bombast, some questioned if the summit was even set to take place. "I'm still looking for confirmation an actual, physical trip to Camp David was planned," Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro told CNN, while adding: "It's very odd to invite a terrorist organization like that to Camp David." Pompeo said that Trump had said of the Taliban, "I want to look them in the eyes, I want to see if we can get to the final outcome that we need so we could sign off on the deal." On the eve of the canceled summit, Pompeo traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the return of the remains of the US soldier killed in Kabul, Elis Barreto Ortiz.

US, Taliban keep open door to talks after summit scrapped

Secret talks called off over Kabul Blast. U.S Soldier was killed in Taliban Blast.

Kabul asks Taliban to end violence

President Ashraf Ghani's office on Sunday said real peace in Afghanistan was only possible when the Taliban stopped their violence and held direct talks with the government.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-donald-trump-calls-off-peace-talks-secret-summit-with-taliban-over-terror-attacks-248340">cancelled peace talks with the Taliban</a>'s "major leaders" at a presidential compound in Camp David, Maryland after the insurgent group claimed responsibility for an attack in Kabul last week that killed an American soldier and 11 other people.

Taliban fighters, who now control more territory than at any time since the war started in 2001, launched assaults on the northern cities of Kunduz and Pul-e Khumri over the past week and carried out two major suicide bombings in the capital Kabul.

"Real peace will come when Taliban agree to a ceasefire," Ghani's officials said in a statement in response to Trump's cancellation of secret peace talks

Trump said he had also planned to meet with Afghanistan's president.

Trump's surprise announcement left in doubt the future of a draft peace accord worked out last week by Zalmay Khalilzad, the special US envoy for peace in Afghanistan.

Under the draft accord some 5,000 US troops would be withdrawn over the coming months in exchange for guarantees Afghanistan would not be used as a base for militant attacks on the United States and its allies.

A full peace agreement to end more than 18 years of war would depend on "intra Afghan" talks involving officials and civil society leaders as well as further agreement on issues including the remainder of the roughly 14,000-strong US forces as well as thousands of other NATO troops.

The Taliban currently refuse to talk directly with the Afghan government.

Ghani's office said it was committed to working together with the United States and allies for a "dignified and long-lasting peace", and emphasised the holding of the presidential election this month.

Ghani is seeking a second tenure in elections scheduled for Sept. 28, but the Taliban want the elections to be cancelled as a precondition to signing a peace accord with the Americans.

"A strong, legitimate and a legal government through the upcoming elections to take the ongoing peace process forward with complete accuracy and prudence," said the Ghani statement.

The Taliban spokesmen were not available for a comment.

The Taliban's strategy of fresh assaults appears to be based on the assumption that battlefield success would strengthen their hand in future negotiations with US and Afghan officials.

Some of their field commanders have also said they are determined not to surrender gains when they are close to victory, suggesting the leadership is under internal pressure not to concede a ceasefire.

President Ashraf Ghani's office on Sunday said real peace in Afghanistan was only possible when the Taliban stopped their violence and held direct talks with the government.

President Ashraf Ghani's office on Sunday said real peace in Afghanistan was only possible when the Taliban stopped their violence and held direct talks with the government. US President Donald Trump on Saturday cancelled peace talks with the Taliban's "major leaders" at a presidential compound in Camp David, Maryland after the insurgent group claimed responsibility for an attack in Kabul last week that killed an American soldier and 11 other people. Taliban fighters, who now control more territory than at any time since the war started in 2001, launched assaults on the northern cities of Kunduz and Pul-e Khumri over the past week and carried out two major suicide bombings in the capital Kabul. "Real peace will come when Taliban agree to a ceasefire," Ghani's officials said in a statement in response to Trump's cancellation of secret peace talks Trump said he had also planned to meet with Afghanistan's president. Trump's surprise announcement left in doubt the future of a draft peace accord worked out last week by Zalmay Khalilzad, the special US envoy for peace in Afghanistan. Under the draft accord some 5,000 US troops would be withdrawn over the coming months in exchange for guarantees Afghanistan would not be used as a base for militant attacks on the United States and its allies. A full peace agreement to end more than 18 years of war would depend on "intra Afghan" talks involving officials and civil society leaders as well as further agreement on issues including the remainder of the roughly 14,000-strong US forces as well as thousands of other NATO troops. The Taliban currently refuse to talk directly with the Afghan government. Ghani's office said it was committed to working together with the United States and allies for a "dignified and long-lasting peace", and emphasised the holding of the presidential election this month. Ghani is seeking a second tenure in elections scheduled for Sept. 28, but the Taliban want the elections to be cancelled as a precondition to signing a peace accord with the Americans. "A strong, legitimate and a legal government through the upcoming elections to take the ongoing peace process forward with complete accuracy and prudence," said the Ghani statement. The Taliban spokesmen were not available for a comment. The Taliban's strategy of fresh assaults appears to be based on the assumption that battlefield success would strengthen their hand in future negotiations with US and Afghan officials. Some of their field commanders have also said they are determined not to surrender gains when they are close to victory, suggesting the leadership is under internal pressure not to concede a ceasefire.

Afghan government says real peace will come when Taliban stop violence, hold direct talks

Omaid Sharifi, who heads a Kabul-based art collective, sits in his studio and leafs through a stack of dozens of hand-written letters, reading out sentences at random.

A line in one missive, written in Dari and spelt out in huge letters, states simply, "We want peace," Sharifi says.

"By peace, they just mean a ceasefire, just stop this nonsense violence," he explains.

The letters are the fruit of a recent initiative by ArtLords, a not-for-profit group that Sharifi co-founded and runs, which aims to give a voice to young Afghans who feel ignored and powerless as the war rages on.

In a pilot project in Kabul, where more than 30 people were killed by blasts in the past week, ArtLords is building on the Afghan tradition of penning "dard-e-dil" -- letters of pain.

The scheme allows people living in an ultra-conservative society to find freedom by sharing their passions and emotions in written form.

Sharifi and his team have placed six large wooden letter boxes -- painted white and decorated with love hearts -- in high schools, universities and cafes around the Afghan capital and invited people to share their stories.

"Whenever you want to share your deep thoughts, you write letters," Sharifi says.&nbsp;

"So we asked the youngsters to write letters about their fears, about their solutions, about their hopes."

Within the first two weeks of the project, they had more than 300 letters, Sharifi says.

He reads from another, this one addressed to the Kabul government.

"'We are in a very bad situation,'" he quotes.

"'We need your attention because every single day we are dying from the fear of explosions and the fear that I might die today -- in the car, in the office, in the university...' He says nowhere is safe."

Watch: 'US Troops Would Remain in Afghanistan' says Donald Trump

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Angry and ignored

The project launched a few weeks ago, just as talks between the US and the Taliban seemed to be entering their final stages.

They are working on a deal that would see the Pentagon pull about 5,000 troops from Afghanistan by early next year, in return for various security guarantees from the insurgents.

But so far, the negotiations have all but excluded the Afghan government, and many Afghans -- particularly educated young people in urban cores -- feel angry and ignored.

The US says it is up to the Kabul government and Afghan society at large to forge an eventual peace deal with the Taliban that protects basic freedoms.

But many fear a jaded America is selling out their interests in its bid to quit Afghanistan after 18 years of grinding and costly war.

The young letter writers want "an inclusive peace process that takes into consideration all realities of Afghanistan," Sharif told AFP at ArtLords' colourful base in Kabul, where artworks cover the walls and where anyone can walk in and paint a picture.

The 32-year-old artist is well known around Kabul and across Afghanistan thanks to ArtLords' prolific output, which centres mainly on the painting of huge murals on the capital's labyrinth of blast walls that divide the city into militarised ghettos.

The latest mural project ArtLords has undertaken is to paint one red tulip for each and every Afghan civilian killed in the war -- some 35,000 in all since 2001.

Each "one of these tulips is a story of someone," Sharifi said. Many of the flowers will be painted at the scene of the explosion or attack that claimed an innocent life.

Sharifi hopes to expand the letter-writing campaign across Afghanistan. He said the contents of all the letters would be shared with President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, the US and even the Taliban.

"I know that the president has read all of the letters ... and he is aware of what the young ones are expecting of him in that whole peace process," Sharifi said

Omaid Sharifi, who heads a Kabul-based art collective, sits in his studio and leafs through a stack of dozens of hand-written letters, reading out sentences at random.

Omaid Sharifi, who heads a Kabul-based art collective, sits in his studio and leafs through a stack of dozens of hand-written letters, reading out sentences at random. A line in one missive, written in Dari and spelt out in huge letters, states simply, "We want peace," Sharifi says. "By peace, they just mean a ceasefire, just stop this nonsense violence," he explains. The letters are the fruit of a recent initiative by ArtLords, a not-for-profit group that Sharifi co-founded and runs, which aims to give a voice to young Afghans who feel ignored and powerless as the war rages on. In a pilot project in Kabul, where more than 30 people were killed by blasts in the past week, ArtLords is building on the Afghan tradition of penning "dard-e-dil" -- letters of pain. The scheme allows people living in an ultra-conservative society to find freedom by sharing their passions and emotions in written form. Sharifi and his team have placed six large wooden letter boxes -- painted white and decorated with love hearts -- in high schools, universities and cafes around the Afghan capital and invited people to share their stories. "Whenever you want to share your deep thoughts, you write letters," Sharifi says. "So we asked the youngsters to write letters about their fears, about their solutions, about their hopes." Within the first two weeks of the project, they had more than 300 letters, Sharifi says. He reads from another, this one addressed to the Kabul government. "'We are in a very bad situation,'" he quotes. "'We need your attention because every single day we are dying from the fear of explosions and the fear that I might die today -- in the car, in the office, in the university...' He says nowhere is safe." Watch: 'US Troops Would Remain in Afghanistan' says Donald Trump × Angry and ignored The project launched a few weeks ago, just as talks between the US and the Taliban seemed to be entering their final stages. They are working on a deal that would see the Pentagon pull about 5,000 troops from Afghanistan by early next year, in return for various security guarantees from the insurgents. But so far, the negotiations have all but excluded the Afghan government, and many Afghans -- particularly educated young people in urban cores -- feel angry and ignored. The US says it is up to the Kabul government and Afghan society at large to forge an eventual peace deal with the Taliban that protects basic freedoms. But many fear a jaded America is selling out their interests in its bid to quit Afghanistan after 18 years of grinding and costly war. The young letter writers want "an inclusive peace process that takes into consideration all realities of Afghanistan," Sharif told AFP at ArtLords' colourful base in Kabul, where artworks cover the walls and where anyone can walk in and paint a picture. The 32-year-old artist is well known around Kabul and across Afghanistan thanks to ArtLords' prolific output, which centres mainly on the painting of huge murals on the capital's labyrinth of blast walls that divide the city into militarised ghettos. The latest mural project ArtLords has undertaken is to paint one red tulip for each and every Afghan civilian killed in the war -- some 35,000 in all since 2001. Each "one of these tulips is a story of someone," Sharifi said. Many of the flowers will be painted at the scene of the explosion or attack that claimed an innocent life. Sharifi hopes to expand the letter-writing campaign across Afghanistan. He said the contents of all the letters would be shared with President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, the US and even the Taliban. "I know that the president has read all of the letters ... and he is aware of what the young ones are expecting of him in that whole peace process," Sharifi said

Sidelined young Afghans pen 'letters of pain' as war rages

The Taliban launched an offensive Friday against a key city in western Afghanistan, officials said, the latest in a surge of attacks as the US pushes for a deal that would allow it to begin withdrawing troops.

Dozens of Taliban fighters assaulted Farah city, the capital of Farah province, early in the day and seized an Afghan army recruitment centre, Farooq Barakzai, the spokesman for Farah's provincial governor, told AFP.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi meanwhile said a "massive operation" was underway in the province.

The remote poppy-growing region that borders Iran has been the scene of intense fighting in recent years, and there have long been fears that its capital is vulnerable.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the Taliban had suffered "heavy blows" and would be "eliminated very soon".

In May last year, the Taliban made a major attempt to capture Farah city but were eventually driven back by Afghan and US forces.

The Taliban have been stepping up operations in recent days even as they negotiate with Washington for a deal that would see the US pull troops from Afghanistan in return for various security guarantees.

On Saturday, the group attempted to seize the provincial capital of Kunduz in the north and sporadic fighting continued on the outskirts all week.

And on Sunday, they launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province.

The capital Kabul too has been rocked by back-to-back bombings this week that have claimed dozens of lives.

The Taliban launched an offensive Friday against a key city in western Afghanistan, officials said, the latest in a surge of attacks as the US pushes for a deal that would allow it to begin withdrawing troops.

The Taliban launched an offensive Friday against a key city in western Afghanistan, officials said, the latest in a surge of attacks as the US pushes for a deal that would allow it to begin withdrawing troops. Dozens of Taliban fighters assaulted Farah city, the capital of Farah province, early in the day and seized an Afghan army recruitment centre, Farooq Barakzai, the spokesman for Farah's provincial governor, told AFP. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi meanwhile said a "massive operation" was underway in the province. The remote poppy-growing region that borders Iran has been the scene of intense fighting in recent years, and there have long been fears that its capital is vulnerable. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the Taliban had suffered "heavy blows" and would be "eliminated very soon". In May last year, the Taliban made a major attempt to capture Farah city but were eventually driven back by Afghan and US forces. The Taliban have been stepping up operations in recent days even as they negotiate with Washington for a deal that would see the US pull troops from Afghanistan in return for various security guarantees. On Saturday, the group attempted to seize the provincial capital of Kunduz in the north and sporadic fighting continued on the outskirts all week. And on Sunday, they launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province. The capital Kabul too has been rocked by back-to-back bombings this week that have claimed dozens of lives.

Taliban assault provincial capital in west Afghanistan

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday.

According to the source, a 13-member delegation will accompany the Afghan leader.

The visit will come as Washington and the Taliban movement are making attempts to agree on a peace deal, under which US forces will withdraw from the country, while all the parties involved have concerns.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday. According to the source, a 13-member delegation will accompany the Afghan leader. The visit will come as Washington and the Taliban movement are making attempts to agree on a peace deal, under which US forces will withdraw from the country, while all the parties involved have concerns.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to hold talks with Trump on September 7 in Washington: Report

A Taliban attack on a housing complex used by international organisations in the Afghan capital Kabul late on Monday killed at least 16 people and angered local residents who demanded the heavily fortified compound be moved.&nbsp;

The blast, which shook buildings several kilometres away, happened just as Zalmay Khalilzad, the special US&nbsp;envoy for peace in Afghanistan, was outlining details of a draft accord with the insurgents in a television interview.&nbsp;

Following major Taliban attacks on two northern cities over the weekend, the bombing of the Green Village compound in a mixed business and residential area added to questions around the peace deal reached between US&nbsp;and Taliban negotiators in the Qatari capital, Doha.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-withdraw-5000-troops-from-afghanistan-close-bases-zalmay-khalilzad-247234">US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Afghanistan, close bases: Zalmay Khalilzad</a>&nbsp;

It was condemned by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and prompted an urgent call from the top United Nations official in Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, for an end to the violence and a negotiated intra-Afghan settlement to the conflict.

"Meaningful steps must take place now to obtain an immediate and nationwide halt to violence. The United Nations stands ready to help," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

Monday's attack left wreckage strewn around the area, destroying cars and badly damaging the concrete blast walls protecting the Green Village complex located off a major road in an area of houses, shops and warehouses.&nbsp;

Habib Jan, who was in his house nearby when the blast occurred, said residents wanted the compound, used mainly by foreign staff of international groups including aid organisations, moved to another location.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/committed-to-supporting-afghan-forces-nato-chief-stoltenberg-247361">Committed to supporting Afghan forces, says NATO chief Stoltenberg</a>

"This isn't once or twice, it's the fourth or fifth time, all by the Taliban. A lot of my friends, a lot of my family have been wounded or killed," he said as smoke spiralled into the sky from burning tyres lit by protesters demanding that the complex be moved.

"Our young people have been killed, our children have been killed, our old men have been killed, our girls have been killed. What can we do?"

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the blast was caused by a tractor packed with explosives but that armed attackers, who planned to follow up the blast, were killed by security forces. Around 400 foreign nationals were evacuated.

Like other compounds built to house the thousands of foreign contractors and agency staff who work in Kabul, Green Village is a fortified complex of concrete blast walls and steel gates protected by armed guards.

While such compounds have been attacked repeatedly over the years, the main victims are often Afghan civilians living in the surrounding area.

The timing of the attack, as Khalilzad's interview was still being broadcast, appeared to be deliberate. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid declared the blast had destroyed rooms and offices and caused countless casualties among "invaders".

"Enemy claims of civilian losses are false as no civilians were allowed close to the site of the attack," he said in a tweet.

Khalilzad, a veteran Afghan-born diplomat who has been leading US&nbsp;negotiations, said almost 5,000 US&nbsp;troops would be pulled out and five bases closed in exchange for Taliban guarantees that Afghanistan would not be used as a base for militant attacks on the United States and its allies.

But the deal did not include a formal ceasefire and Monday's attacks, as well as major assaults on the northern cities of Kunduz and Pul-e Khumri, underlined doubts about whether it would really bring an end to violence.

On the other side, officials in the southern province of Helmand, one of the Taliban's main strongholds, said 15 insurgents, including the commander and deputy commander of a special operations unit, were killed by US&nbsp;air strikes.

A Taliban attack on a housing complex used by international organisations in the Afghan capital Kabul late on Monday killed at least 16 people and angered local residents who demanded the heavily fortified compound be moved.

A Taliban attack on a housing complex used by international organisations in the Afghan capital Kabul late on Monday killed at least 16 people and angered local residents who demanded the heavily fortified compound be moved. The blast, which shook buildings several kilometres away, happened just as Zalmay Khalilzad, the special US envoy for peace in Afghanistan, was outlining details of a draft accord with the insurgents in a television interview. Following major Taliban attacks on two northern cities over the weekend, the bombing of the Green Village compound in a mixed business and residential area added to questions around the peace deal reached between US and Taliban negotiators in the Qatari capital, Doha. Also Read: US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Afghanistan, close bases: Zalmay Khalilzad It was condemned by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and prompted an urgent call from the top United Nations official in Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, for an end to the violence and a negotiated intra-Afghan settlement to the conflict. "Meaningful steps must take place now to obtain an immediate and nationwide halt to violence. The United Nations stands ready to help," he said in a statement. Monday's attack left wreckage strewn around the area, destroying cars and badly damaging the concrete blast walls protecting the Green Village complex located off a major road in an area of houses, shops and warehouses. Habib Jan, who was in his house nearby when the blast occurred, said residents wanted the compound, used mainly by foreign staff of international groups including aid organisations, moved to another location. Also Read: Committed to supporting Afghan forces, says NATO chief Stoltenberg "This isn't once or twice, it's the fourth or fifth time, all by the Taliban. A lot of my friends, a lot of my family have been wounded or killed," he said as smoke spiralled into the sky from burning tyres lit by protesters demanding that the complex be moved. "Our young people have been killed, our children have been killed, our old men have been killed, our girls have been killed. What can we do?" Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the blast was caused by a tractor packed with explosives but that armed attackers, who planned to follow up the blast, were killed by security forces. Around 400 foreign nationals were evacuated. Like other compounds built to house the thousands of foreign contractors and agency staff who work in Kabul, Green Village is a fortified complex of concrete blast walls and steel gates protected by armed guards. While such compounds have been attacked repeatedly over the years, the main victims are often Afghan civilians living in the surrounding area. The timing of the attack, as Khalilzad's interview was still being broadcast, appeared to be deliberate. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid declared the blast had destroyed rooms and offices and caused countless casualties among "invaders". "Enemy claims of civilian losses are false as no civilians were allowed close to the site of the attack," he said in a tweet. Khalilzad, a veteran Afghan-born diplomat who has been leading US negotiations, said almost 5,000 US troops would be pulled out and five bases closed in exchange for Taliban guarantees that Afghanistan would not be used as a base for militant attacks on the United States and its allies. But the deal did not include a formal ceasefire and Monday's attacks, as well as major assaults on the northern cities of Kunduz and Pul-e Khumri, underlined doubts about whether it would really bring an end to violence. On the other side, officials in the southern province of Helmand, one of the Taliban's main strongholds, said 15 insurgents, including the commander and deputy commander of a special operations unit, were killed by US air strikes.

Deadly Taliban attack in Afghan capital casts shadow on peace deal

The US military is set to pull troops from five Afghan bases under a proposed deal with the Taliban, the US envoy leading talks with the insurgents said Monday, in some of the first confirmed details of a much-anticipated accord.

Zalmay Khalilzad, who has spent about a year negotiating with the Taliban, said the draw-down would occur within about four months of a final deal being approved -- provided the Taliban stick to their commitments.

"We have agreed that if the conditions proceed according to the agreement, we will leave within 135 days five bases in which we are present now," Khalilzad told Tolo News, according to an excerpt of an interview the Afghan TV station published on Twitter.

The Afghan-born envoy was speaking in Dari, and Tolo said the full interview would be broadcast later Monday.

Khalilzad was in Kabul following the latest round of talks with the Taliban in Doha, after which he said the two sides were at the "threshold" of a deal. He met Monday with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and showed him the draft of a proposed agreement.

The prospective deal centres on US troop reductions in return for several security guarantees from the Taliban, as well as broader peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government and an eventual ceasefire.

Still, even if many of 13,000 or so US troops in Afghanistan leave soon after the deal, President Donald Trump last week said America would maintain a permanent presence -- with 8,600 troops initially -- even after a deal is reached with the Taliban.

Khalilzad's discussions with Ghani are key because the Afghan government has until now been largely sidelined from talks, though any eventual deal would require the Taliban to talk to the Afghan leader.

"The efforts of the US and other partners will yield results when the Taliban enters direct negotiations with the Afghan government," Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told reporters.

"We hope these efforts will lead to an end to the conflict."

When asked to describe the deal, Sediqqi demurred, saying "the most important thing is that the Taliban's violence stops".

Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said in a statement he too had been briefed and assured of "a thorough and sustainable peace in Afghanistan".

'Threshold' of a deal

Ghani has appointed a 15-member delegation to meet with the Taliban at "intra-Afghan" talks slated to take place in Norway in the coming weeks.

On Sunday, Khalilzad said the US and the Taliban were closing in on a deal that would reduce violence and pave the way for "sustainable" peace.

But even as negotiations have entered their apparent final stage, violence has continued apace across Afghanistan.

On Saturday, the Taliban attempted to seize Kunduz in the north, and on Sunday, they launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province.

Afghan officials on Monday said Pul-e Khumri had been cleared of Taliban fighters and fighting restricted to the outskirts.

Afghan forces, backed by local and US airpower, were able to stop Kunduz falling and repel the Taliban, who briefly seized the city in 2015.

Afghan officials claimed Monday the city was back to normal but in the afternoon a suicide bomber detonated himself near a security-forces base in the outskirts of Kunduz, killing six troops and wounding 15 other people.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan said mechanical problems had caused a coalition drone to crash in Ghor province.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has previously said he hoped a peace deal would be finalised before September 1, ahead of Afghan polls set for September 28.

Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's spokesman in Doha, said Saturday a deal was "near to finalised" but did not specify what obstacles remain.

All of the last-minute deal-making comes less than a month before the presidential elections are due.

Despite Ghani's repeated insistence, the polls will go ahead, many in Afghanistan are sceptical they will happen as planned.

The US military is set to pull troops from five Afghan bases under a proposed deal with the Taliban, the US envoy leading talks with the insurgents said Monday, in some of the first confirmed details of a much-anticipated accord.

The US military is set to pull troops from five Afghan bases under a proposed deal with the Taliban, the US envoy leading talks with the insurgents said Monday, in some of the first confirmed details of a much-anticipated accord. Zalmay Khalilzad, who has spent about a year negotiating with the Taliban, said the draw-down would occur within about four months of a final deal being approved -- provided the Taliban stick to their commitments. "We have agreed that if the conditions proceed according to the agreement, we will leave within 135 days five bases in which we are present now," Khalilzad told Tolo News, according to an excerpt of an interview the Afghan TV station published on Twitter. The Afghan-born envoy was speaking in Dari, and Tolo said the full interview would be broadcast later Monday. Khalilzad was in Kabul following the latest round of talks with the Taliban in Doha, after which he said the two sides were at the "threshold" of a deal. He met Monday with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and showed him the draft of a proposed agreement. The prospective deal centres on US troop reductions in return for several security guarantees from the Taliban, as well as broader peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government and an eventual ceasefire. Still, even if many of 13,000 or so US troops in Afghanistan leave soon after the deal, President Donald Trump last week said America would maintain a permanent presence -- with 8,600 troops initially -- even after a deal is reached with the Taliban. Khalilzad's discussions with Ghani are key because the Afghan government has until now been largely sidelined from talks, though any eventual deal would require the Taliban to talk to the Afghan leader. "The efforts of the US and other partners will yield results when the Taliban enters direct negotiations with the Afghan government," Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told reporters. "We hope these efforts will lead to an end to the conflict." When asked to describe the deal, Sediqqi demurred, saying "the most important thing is that the Taliban's violence stops". Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said in a statement he too had been briefed and assured of "a thorough and sustainable peace in Afghanistan". 'Threshold' of a deal Ghani has appointed a 15-member delegation to meet with the Taliban at "intra-Afghan" talks slated to take place in Norway in the coming weeks. On Sunday, Khalilzad said the US and the Taliban were closing in on a deal that would reduce violence and pave the way for "sustainable" peace. But even as negotiations have entered their apparent final stage, violence has continued apace across Afghanistan. On Saturday, the Taliban attempted to seize Kunduz in the north, and on Sunday, they launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province. Afghan officials on Monday said Pul-e Khumri had been cleared of Taliban fighters and fighting restricted to the outskirts. Afghan forces, backed by local and US airpower, were able to stop Kunduz falling and repel the Taliban, who briefly seized the city in 2015. Afghan officials claimed Monday the city was back to normal but in the afternoon a suicide bomber detonated himself near a security-forces base in the outskirts of Kunduz, killing six troops and wounding 15 other people. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan said mechanical problems had caused a coalition drone to crash in Ghor province. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has previously said he hoped a peace deal would be finalised before September 1, ahead of Afghan polls set for September 28. Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's spokesman in Doha, said Saturday a deal was "near to finalised" but did not specify what obstacles remain. All of the last-minute deal-making comes less than a month before the presidential elections are due. Despite Ghani's repeated insistence, the polls will go ahead, many in Afghanistan are sceptical they will happen as planned.

US-Taliban deal would see US pull troops from five bases: US envoy

At least six security personnel were killed in an explosion in Kunduz city, reported Tolo News.&nbsp;

The city has been a battleground between the Afghan government`s forces and the Taliban for hours, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday.

No group has so far taken the responsibility of the attack.

The blast has come a day after 10 people were killed in an explosion in the city.

Kunduz has been rocked by fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban's militants who staged an attack on the city last night.

While the Afghan government claims that the attack has been successfully repelled, the Sputnik correspondent reports that the fighting continues and there are fears that if the battle is not over till night, the Taliban might have a chance to seize the city, reported Sputnik.

At least six security personnel were killed in an explosion in Kunduz city, reported Tolo News. The city has been a battleground between the Afghan government`s forces and the Taliban for hours, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday.

At least six security personnel were killed in an explosion in Kunduz city, reported Tolo News. The city has been a battleground between the Afghan government`s forces and the Taliban for hours, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday. No group has so far taken the responsibility of the attack. The blast has come a day after 10 people were killed in an explosion in the city. Kunduz has been rocked by fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban's militants who staged an attack on the city last night. While the Afghan government claims that the attack has been successfully repelled, the Sputnik correspondent reports that the fighting continues and there are fears that if the battle is not over till night, the Taliban might have a chance to seize the city, reported Sputnik.

Afghanistan: At least six security personnel killed in explosion in Kunduz city

The US envoy leading efforts to forge a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-on-threshold-of-deal-us-afghan-envoy-246925">deal with the Taliban</a> has met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul, an official said Monday, as a historic agreement with the insurgents appeared close.

Zalmay Khalilzad has spent about a year meeting with the Taliban in Doha in a series of talks aimed at ending America's 18-year-old war in Afghanistan.

The deal centres on a US troop withdrawal in return for several security guarantees from the Taliban, broader peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government, and an eventual ceasefire.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official told AFP that Khalilzad arrived in Kabul Sunday evening and met with Ghani to discuss the latest developments after a ninth round of talks wrapped up in the Qatari capital.

Consultations were expected to continue Monday with other Afghan officials, probably again including Ghani, the official said.

The discussions are significant because the Afghan government has been largely sidelined from talks until now, though any eventual deal would require the Taliban to talk to Ghani, whom they view as a US stooge.

On Sunday, Khalilzad said the US and the Taliban were at the "threshold" of a deal that would reduce violence and pave the way for "sustainable" peace.

But even as negotiations have entered their apparent final stage, violence has continued apace across Afghanistan.

On Saturday, the Taliban attempted to seize Kunduz in the north, and on Sunday, they launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province.

Afghan officials Monday said Pul-e Khumri had been cleared of Taliban fighters.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has previously said he hoped a peace deal would be finalised before September 1, ahead of Afghan polls due September 28.

Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's spokesman in Doha, said Saturday a deal was "near to finalised" but did not specify what obstacles remain.

The US envoy leading efforts to forge a deal with the Taliban has met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul, an official said Monday, as a historic agreement with the insurgents appeared close.

The US envoy leading efforts to forge a deal with the Taliban has met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul, an official said Monday, as a historic agreement with the insurgents appeared close. Zalmay Khalilzad has spent about a year meeting with the Taliban in Doha in a series of talks aimed at ending America's 18-year-old war in Afghanistan. The deal centres on a US troop withdrawal in return for several security guarantees from the Taliban, broader peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government, and an eventual ceasefire. Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official told AFP that Khalilzad arrived in Kabul Sunday evening and met with Ghani to discuss the latest developments after a ninth round of talks wrapped up in the Qatari capital. Consultations were expected to continue Monday with other Afghan officials, probably again including Ghani, the official said. The discussions are significant because the Afghan government has been largely sidelined from talks until now, though any eventual deal would require the Taliban to talk to Ghani, whom they view as a US stooge. On Sunday, Khalilzad said the US and the Taliban were at the "threshold" of a deal that would reduce violence and pave the way for "sustainable" peace. But even as negotiations have entered their apparent final stage, violence has continued apace across Afghanistan. On Saturday, the Taliban attempted to seize Kunduz in the north, and on Sunday, they launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province. Afghan officials Monday said Pul-e Khumri had been cleared of Taliban fighters. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has previously said he hoped a peace deal would be finalised before September 1, ahead of Afghan polls due September 28. Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's spokesman in Doha, said Saturday a deal was "near to finalised" but did not specify what obstacles remain.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad meets Afghan president in Kabul

A total of 56 Taliban militants were killed in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-at-least-eight-killed-in-roadside-bomb-blast-in-farah-province-247017"> Afghanistan</a>'s northern city of Kunduz following<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/scores-killed-as-taliban-afghan-forces-clash-in-kunduz-despite-peace-talks-246903"> clashes between the group and government forces</a>, the Afghan Interior Ministry said.

On Saturday, the Taliban attacked Kunduz, with Afghan forces repelling the attack. After the government reclaimed control of the city later that day, it said that at least 35 Taliban fighters had been killed.

"[Afghanistan's] National Directorate of Security and Commando Force conducted joint clearance operations in Kunduz province on Saturday night. In the meantime, the city of Kunduz has been completely cleared and 56 Taliban have been killed," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that 20 Afghan security forces and five civilians were killed and 85 civilians and soldiers were injured as a result of the military operation in Kunduz.

On Sunday, the Afghan government also released information that parallel to the attack on Kunduz, the Taliban had launched an attack on the nearby city of Pul-i-Khumri, where clashes currently continue.

Conflict-struck Afghanistan has long been torn by fighting between government troops and the Taliban, who earlier on Sunday concluded the ninth round of peace negotiations with the United States.

A total of 56 Taliban militants were killed in Afghanistan's northern city of Kunduz following clashes between the group and government forces, the Afghan Interior Ministry said.

A total of 56 Taliban militants were killed in Afghanistan's northern city of Kunduz following clashes between the group and government forces, the Afghan Interior Ministry said. On Saturday, the Taliban attacked Kunduz, with Afghan forces repelling the attack. After the government reclaimed control of the city later that day, it said that at least 35 Taliban fighters had been killed. "[Afghanistan's] National Directorate of Security and Commando Force conducted joint clearance operations in Kunduz province on Saturday night. In the meantime, the city of Kunduz has been completely cleared and 56 Taliban have been killed," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry added that 20 Afghan security forces and five civilians were killed and 85 civilians and soldiers were injured as a result of the military operation in Kunduz. On Sunday, the Afghan government also released information that parallel to the attack on Kunduz, the Taliban had launched an attack on the nearby city of Pul-i-Khumri, where clashes currently continue. Conflict-struck Afghanistan has long been torn by fighting between government troops and the Taliban, who earlier on Sunday concluded the ninth round of peace negotiations with the United States.

56 Taliban militants killed in military operation in Kunduz: Afghan Interior Ministry

At least eight people, including six civilians, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Anar Dara district of Farah province on Sunday, the provincial police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib said.

No group has so far taken the responsibility of the attack.

Earlier in the day, at least 10 people were killed in an explosion that rocked the Afghan city of Kunduz.

At least eight people, including six civilians, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Anar Dara district of Farah province on Sunday, the provincial police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib said.

At least eight people, including six civilians, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Anar Dara district of Farah province on Sunday, the provincial police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib said. No group has so far taken the responsibility of the attack. Earlier in the day, at least 10 people were killed in an explosion that rocked the Afghan city of Kunduz.

Afghanistan: At least eight killed in roadside bomb blast in Farah province

US and Taliban negotiators are "at the threshold of an agreement" to end 18 years of conflict between them, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-donald-trumps-team-misgivings-emerge-over-any-deal-with-taliban-in-afghanistan-us-officials-246901">Washington</a>'s top negotiator said Sunday as he concluded their latest talks.

The foes have been meeting in Doha to conclude a deal under which the Taliban would give security guarantees in return for sharp reductions to the 13,000-strong US force in Afghanistan.

"We are at the threshold of an agreement that will reduce violence and open the door for Afghans to sit together to negotiate an honourable and sustainable peace," tweeted Washington's special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are at the threshold of an agreement that will reduce violence and open the door for Afghans to sit together to negotiate an honorable &amp; sustainable peace and a unified, sovereign Afghanistan that does not threaten the United States, its allies, or any other country.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1167945304290672642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Khalilzad added that he would travel to Kabul later Sunday "for consultations" following the end of the eighth and final day of the latest round of talks.

US troops were first sent to Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda, which was sheltered by the former Taliban regime.&nbsp;

Washington now wants to end its military involvement -- the longest in its history -- and has been talking to the Taliban since at least 2018.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo previously said he hoped a deal would be finalised before September 1 ahead of Afghan polls due later this month, and next year's US presidential vote.

The Taliban's spokesman in Doha Suhail Shaheen said Saturday that a deal "is near to finalised" but did not specify what obstacles remain to its conclusion.

The agreement will centre on the US withdrawing troops in exchange for a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used as a jihadist safe haven.

Negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government, and an eventual ceasefire, will also be key pillars of any deal.

Such a deal would help foster "a unified, sovereign Afghanistan that does not threaten the United States, its allies, or any other country," Khalilzad added in his Sunday tweet.

The apparent final phase of talks follows an excruciating few months for Afghans.

The war-torn nation's people have watched on largely voiceless as US negotiators cut a deal with the Taliban while largely sidelining the government of President Ashraf Ghani.

This ninth round of talks has also progressed to a backdrop of persistent violence with the Taliban staging a brazen attack on the northern city of Kunduz on Saturday.

Afghan security forces say they have "repelled" the coordinated assault.

US and Taliban negotiators are "at the threshold of an agreement" to end 18 years of conflict between them, Washington's top negotiator said Sunday as he concluded their latest talks.

US and Taliban negotiators are "at the threshold of an agreement" to end 18 years of conflict between them, Washington's top negotiator said Sunday as he concluded their latest talks. The foes have been meeting in Doha to conclude a deal under which the Taliban would give security guarantees in return for sharp reductions to the 13,000-strong US force in Afghanistan. "We are at the threshold of an agreement that will reduce violence and open the door for Afghans to sit together to negotiate an honourable and sustainable peace," tweeted Washington's special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad. We are at the threshold of an agreement that will reduce violence and open the door for Afghans to sit together to negotiate an honorable & sustainable peace and a unified, sovereign Afghanistan that does not threaten the United States, its allies, or any other country. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) August 31, 2019 × Khalilzad added that he would travel to Kabul later Sunday "for consultations" following the end of the eighth and final day of the latest round of talks. US troops were first sent to Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda, which was sheltered by the former Taliban regime. Washington now wants to end its military involvement -- the longest in its history -- and has been talking to the Taliban since at least 2018. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo previously said he hoped a deal would be finalised before September 1 ahead of Afghan polls due later this month, and next year's US presidential vote. The Taliban's spokesman in Doha Suhail Shaheen said Saturday that a deal "is near to finalised" but did not specify what obstacles remain to its conclusion. The agreement will centre on the US withdrawing troops in exchange for a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used as a jihadist safe haven. Negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government, and an eventual ceasefire, will also be key pillars of any deal. Such a deal would help foster "a unified, sovereign Afghanistan that does not threaten the United States, its allies, or any other country," Khalilzad added in his Sunday tweet. The apparent final phase of talks follows an excruciating few months for Afghans. The war-torn nation's people have watched on largely voiceless as US negotiators cut a deal with the Taliban while largely sidelining the government of President Ashraf Ghani. This ninth round of talks has also progressed to a backdrop of persistent violence with the Taliban staging a brazen attack on the northern city of Kunduz on Saturday. Afghan security forces say they have "repelled" the coordinated assault.

US, Taliban on 'threshold' of deal: US Afghan envoy

Sources said that heavy clashes are ongoing between security forces and Taliban militants on the outskirts of Kunduz city since midnight.

Taliban Attacks Kunduz City, 7 people killed in clashes

Taliban insurgents on Saturday launched a multi-pronged attack on Kunduz, a strategically important city in northern Afghanistan that has come under frequent assault since 2015.

The ongoing attack came as the US and the Taliban continue to seek an agreement in Doha that would see thousands of American troops leave Afghanistan in return for various security guarantees.

Officials said the attack started around 1:00 am (2030 GMT Friday), when Taliban fighters assaulted the city from several directions.

"So far, eight Taliban fighters have been killed in the east and west of Kunduz," Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, Kunduz police spokesman, told AFP.&nbsp;

"The fighting is ongoing. Commando forces have arrived and are trying to repel the Taliban attacks."

An AFP reporter in Kunduz said small-arms and heavy-weapons fire could be heard in four areas of the city.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Saturday's attack had resulted in the capture of several important structures.

"The Taliban attacked Kunduz city from several directions this morning. We are in the city now capturing government buildings one after the other," he told reporters.

In late September 2015, the Taliban attacked Kunduz, located near the border with Tajikistan.

The insurgents overwhelmed local forces and briefly seized the city, and it was only through extensive US air support that the Taliban were repelled.

The fall of Kunduz underscored the vulnerability of Afghan security forces and played a role in stopping the pull-out of US forces under president Barack Obama.

Since then, the city has come under frequent Taliban attack but the insurgents have not been able to repeat a full capture. 
&nbsp;

Taliban insurgents on Saturday launched a multi-pronged attack on Kunduz, a strategically important city in northern Afghanistan that has come under frequent assault since 2015.

Taliban insurgents on Saturday launched a multi-pronged attack on Kunduz, a strategically important city in northern Afghanistan that has come under frequent assault since 2015. The ongoing attack came as the US and the Taliban continue to seek an agreement in Doha that would see thousands of American troops leave Afghanistan in return for various security guarantees. Officials said the attack started around 1:00 am (2030 GMT Friday), when Taliban fighters assaulted the city from several directions. "So far, eight Taliban fighters have been killed in the east and west of Kunduz," Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, Kunduz police spokesman, told AFP. "The fighting is ongoing. Commando forces have arrived and are trying to repel the Taliban attacks." An AFP reporter in Kunduz said small-arms and heavy-weapons fire could be heard in four areas of the city. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Saturday's attack had resulted in the capture of several important structures. "The Taliban attacked Kunduz city from several directions this morning. We are in the city now capturing government buildings one after the other," he told reporters. In late September 2015, the Taliban attacked Kunduz, located near the border with Tajikistan. The insurgents overwhelmed local forces and briefly seized the city, and it was only through extensive US air support that the Taliban were repelled. The fall of Kunduz underscored the vulnerability of Afghan security forces and played a role in stopping the pull-out of US forces under president Barack Obama. Since then, the city has come under frequent Taliban attack but the insurgents have not been able to repeat a full capture.

Taliban attack Afghan city of Kunduz: Officials

As negotiators work to nail down an agreement with the Taliban to withdraw US&nbsp;troops from Afghanistan, misgivings have grown among some Trump administration officials and lawmakers that it will erode the United States' ability to thwart attacks from there, US officials said.

Their concerns collide with US President Donald Trump's impatience to secure a deal to draw down 14,000 troops and end America's longest war, allowing him to claim a foreign policy victory as he campaigns for re-election in 2020.

On Thursday, Trump appeared to reflect some of his aides' caution, telling Fox News Radio that US troops would initially be reduced&nbsp;and "then we make a determination from there as to what happens."

Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born US diplomat, has led nine rounds of talks with Taliban leaders on ending a conflict triggered by the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States that were hatched by al Qaeda from what was then Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

In return for the US drawdown, the Taliban would renounce ties with al Qaeda and guarantee Afghanistan would not be used to plot operations against the United States or its allies. They also would open talks on a political settlement with the Afghan government, opposition parties and civil society.

US officials say a US withdrawal would be "conditions-based" and would stop if the Taliban reneged on the agreement.

However, some US&nbsp;officials, commanders and lawmakers neither trust the Taliban and its elite operations arm, the Haqqani network, to break with al Qaeda nor believe they can keep their ally from plotting attacks, US&nbsp;officials and regional experts said.

"We cannot just wish these wars away unfortunately," said Republican Representative Michael Waltz, a former Green Beret officer who commanded U.S. special forces in Afghanistan. "They will follow us home."

"Even if you believe Taliban assurances (of) denying safe haven to al Qaeda, I don't see how they even have the capability to do so," said Waltz, a House of Representatives Armed Services Committee member.

A State Department spokeswoman said the United States was not taking the Taliban on trust.

"We're well aware of the history of the Taliban, including the Haqqani network and its complicated history with al Qaeda, which is exactly why any deal, if one is reached, will be so stringently monitored and verified," she said. "The agreement we’re working on is not based on trust."

Secrecy

Among the factors unsettling US&nbsp;officials is the secrecy with which details of negotiations has been held, the fact that they have not been hashed out among the affected US&nbsp;agencies and uncertainty as to whether Trump himself has read the proposed agreement.

Weighing on Waltz, other lawmakers and some US&nbsp;officials is the 2011 US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from Iraq. In 2014, the Islamic State militant group seized swathes of Iraq and Syria, forcing US&nbsp;troops to redeploy.

Those critical about the Afghanistan talks included Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, according to knowledgeable sources.

Bolton was initially not invited to an August&nbsp;16 meeting at Trump's New Jersey golf club where the president was briefed on Khalilzad's negotiations, sources told Reuters.

Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney then invited Bolton because his exclusion was seen as a highly unusual slight and because Trump likes hearing a wide array of voices, said one source.

The secrecy of the negotiations has led congressional committees to halt State Department plans to halve the number of staff at the US&nbsp;Embassy in Kabul, said a congressional aide.

US&nbsp;officials and lawmakers also worry that as the US&nbsp;troop level drops, US-backed Afghan security forces will be harder pressed to contain Islamic State's local affiliate, Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K). The affiliate is gaining control of more territory as its ranks swell with irreconcilable Taliban fighters, U.S. officials and experts said.

The Pentagon warned in a June report that even if an accord is reached, al Qaeda, Islamic State and Taliban "hard-liners" would remain "a substantial threat."

"A lot of people are very nervous about this," said a former Pentagon official who requested anonymity. "US intelligence suggests a robust terrorist presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan and lots of risk in a substantial reduction in the US presence."

The former official said al Qaeda had embedded its personnel inside Taliban units, intermarried with Taliban families and "it would be stunning to see the Taliban suddenly throw an important ally under the bus."

US officials say the accord would provide for monitoring and verifying Taliban compliance. That, most likely, would be done by the CIA and Trump on Thursday said the United States would retain a "high intelligence" presence in Afghanistan as troops withdraw.

However, the CIA mainly relies on US troops for protection and as their number dwindles, US intelligence agencies would have to consolidate into fewer bases, limiting their ability to track threats and forcing increased reliance on proxy militias whose heavy-handedness has made them unpopular, experts said.

"That’s risky and challenging but not impossible," said a former senior intelligence official, who requested anonymity. "The question is how much are you going to miss if you are heavy in Kabul and not so much out in provinces controlled by the Taliban, ISIS and al Qaeda?"

As negotiators work to nail down an agreement with the Taliban to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, misgivings have grown among some Trump administration officials and lawmakers that it will erode the United States' ability to thwart attacks from there, US officials said.

As negotiators work to nail down an agreement with the Taliban to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, misgivings have grown among some Trump administration officials and lawmakers that it will erode the United States' ability to thwart attacks from there, US officials said. Their concerns collide with US President Donald Trump's impatience to secure a deal to draw down 14,000 troops and end America's longest war, allowing him to claim a foreign policy victory as he campaigns for re-election in 2020. On Thursday, Trump appeared to reflect some of his aides' caution, telling Fox News Radio that US troops would initially be reduced and "then we make a determination from there as to what happens." Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born US diplomat, has led nine rounds of talks with Taliban leaders on ending a conflict triggered by the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States that were hatched by al Qaeda from what was then Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. In return for the US drawdown, the Taliban would renounce ties with al Qaeda and guarantee Afghanistan would not be used to plot operations against the United States or its allies. They also would open talks on a political settlement with the Afghan government, opposition parties and civil society. US officials say a US withdrawal would be "conditions-based" and would stop if the Taliban reneged on the agreement. However, some US officials, commanders and lawmakers neither trust the Taliban and its elite operations arm, the Haqqani network, to break with al Qaeda nor believe they can keep their ally from plotting attacks, US officials and regional experts said. "We cannot just wish these wars away unfortunately," said Republican Representative Michael Waltz, a former Green Beret officer who commanded U.S. special forces in Afghanistan. "They will follow us home." "Even if you believe Taliban assurances (of) denying safe haven to al Qaeda, I don't see how they even have the capability to do so," said Waltz, a House of Representatives Armed Services Committee member. A State Department spokeswoman said the United States was not taking the Taliban on trust. "We're well aware of the history of the Taliban, including the Haqqani network and its complicated history with al Qaeda, which is exactly why any deal, if one is reached, will be so stringently monitored and verified," she said. "The agreement we’re working on is not based on trust." Secrecy Among the factors unsettling US officials is the secrecy with which details of negotiations has been held, the fact that they have not been hashed out among the affected US agencies and uncertainty as to whether Trump himself has read the proposed agreement. Weighing on Waltz, other lawmakers and some US officials is the 2011 US troop withdrawal from Iraq. In 2014, the Islamic State militant group seized swathes of Iraq and Syria, forcing US troops to redeploy. Those critical about the Afghanistan talks included Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, according to knowledgeable sources. Bolton was initially not invited to an August 16 meeting at Trump's New Jersey golf club where the president was briefed on Khalilzad's negotiations, sources told Reuters. Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney then invited Bolton because his exclusion was seen as a highly unusual slight and because Trump likes hearing a wide array of voices, said one source. The secrecy of the negotiations has led congressional committees to halt State Department plans to halve the number of staff at the US Embassy in Kabul, said a congressional aide. US officials and lawmakers also worry that as the US troop level drops, US-backed Afghan security forces will be harder pressed to contain Islamic State's local affiliate, Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K). The affiliate is gaining control of more territory as its ranks swell with irreconcilable Taliban fighters, U.S. officials and experts said. The Pentagon warned in a June report that even if an accord is reached, al Qaeda, Islamic State and Taliban "hard-liners" would remain "a substantial threat." "A lot of people are very nervous about this," said a former Pentagon official who requested anonymity. "US intelligence suggests a robust terrorist presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan and lots of risk in a substantial reduction in the US presence." The former official said al Qaeda had embedded its personnel inside Taliban units, intermarried with Taliban families and "it would be stunning to see the Taliban suddenly throw an important ally under the bus." US officials say the accord would provide for monitoring and verifying Taliban compliance. That, most likely, would be done by the CIA and Trump on Thursday said the United States would retain a "high intelligence" presence in Afghanistan as troops withdraw. However, the CIA mainly relies on US troops for protection and as their number dwindles, US intelligence agencies would have to consolidate into fewer bases, limiting their ability to track threats and forcing increased reliance on proxy militias whose heavy-handedness has made them unpopular, experts said. "That’s risky and challenging but not impossible," said a former senior intelligence official, who requested anonymity. "The question is how much are you going to miss if you are heavy in Kabul and not so much out in provinces controlled by the Taliban, ISIS and al Qaeda?"

In Donald Trump's team, misgivings emerge over any deal with Taliban in Afghanistan: US officials

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Trump made a remark to reporters at the White House before leaving for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland.

Trump said on Thursday US troop levels in Afghanistan were being reduced to 8,600 but that American forces would remain in the country even if Washington reaches an agreement with the Taliban to end the 18-year war.

The Taliban said on Wednesday it was close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise that the country would not become a haven for international militants.

Both US and Taliban negotiators have reported progress in their talks in recent weeks, raising the prospect of an end to the conflict. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, was due to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Afghan leaders.

The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and ousted its Taliban leaders after they refused to hand over members of the al Qaeda militant group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump made a remark to reporters at the White House before leaving for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland. Trump said on Thursday US troop levels in Afghanistan were being reduced to 8,600 but that American forces would remain in the country even if Washington reaches an agreement with the Taliban to end the 18-year war. The Taliban said on Wednesday it was close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise that the country would not become a haven for international militants. Both US and Taliban negotiators have reported progress in their talks in recent weeks, raising the prospect of an end to the conflict. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, was due to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Afghan leaders. The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and ousted its Taliban leaders after they refused to hand over members of the al Qaeda militant group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Trump says US has good negotiations with Taliban but no deal yet

A suicide blast ripped through the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul on Friday evening, state media reported.&nbsp;

As many as four civilians are reported as injured in the explosion. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;More details are awaited.&nbsp;

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At least four people were wounded in an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/explosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#explosion</a> in the 2nd Street of Taimani in Kabul's PD4, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, Nusrat Rahimi, said.
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The blast comes days after nearly 80 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at a wedding reception in Afghanistan's Kabul earlier this month.&nbsp;

President Ashraf Ghani had condemned the incident and said, "My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">The Islamic State</a> had claimed the responsibility of the attack.&nbsp;

IS said one of its fighters blew himself up at a "large gathering" in Kabul while others "detonated a parked explosives-laden vehicle" when security forces arrived, in a statement posted on the Telegram messaging app.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kills-14-pro-government-militia-in-afghanistan-officials-246178">Taliban militants killed</a> at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan. The incidents come in the backdrop of Taliban and US officials nearing a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-drop-troop-level-but-permanent-presence-to-remain-in-afghanistan-trump-246453">US President Donald Trump on Thursday said</a> that US troop levels will drop to 8,600 in Afghanistan if a peace deal is reached with the Taliban and that a permanent presence will remain.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A suicide blast ripped through the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul on Friday evening, state media reported. As many as four civilians are reported as injured in the explosion.

A suicide blast ripped through the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul on Friday evening, state media reported. As many as four civilians are reported as injured in the explosion. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. More details are awaited. At least four people were wounded in an #explosion in the 2nd Street of Taimani in Kabul's PD4, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, Nusrat Rahimi, said. — TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) August 30, 2019 × The blast comes days after nearly 80 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at a wedding reception in Afghanistan's Kabul earlier this month. President Ashraf Ghani had condemned the incident and said, "My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack." The Islamic State had claimed the responsibility of the attack. IS said one of its fighters blew himself up at a "large gathering" in Kabul while others "detonated a parked explosives-laden vehicle" when security forces arrived, in a statement posted on the Telegram messaging app. On Wednesday, Taliban militants killed at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan. The incidents come in the backdrop of Taliban and US officials nearing a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that US troop levels will drop to 8,600 in Afghanistan if a peace deal is reached with the Taliban and that a permanent presence will remain. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Suicide blast kills at least 4 in Kabul city

The United States intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 to rid Al-Qaeda of its sanctuaries following the 9/11 terror attacks.

After Washington announced on Thursday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-troops-would-remain-in-afghanistan-says-donald-trump-246505">US troop levels in Afghanistan</a> will drop to 8,600 from 13,000 if a deal is reached with the Taliban, here is a timeline of developments.

'War on terror'

On October 7, 2001 -- less than a month after the September 11 attacks that killed around 3,000 people in New York and Washington -- President George W. Bush launches operation "Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan.

The country's fundamentalist Taliban regime had been sheltering Osama bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda movement, accused of the attacks.

The operation opens a military front in the US "war on terrorism".

Within weeks US-led forces overthrow the Taliban, in power since 1996.

Besides carrying out air strikes, Washington also lends support to the Afghan Northern Alliance fighting the Taliban, contributing paramilitary teams from the CIA and special forces.

About 1,000 American soldiers are on the ground by November 2001, rising to 10,000 the next year.

Forgotten war

US attention is diverted from Afghanistan when US forces invade Iraq in 2003 to oust dictator Saddam Hussein, accused of harboring weapons of mass destruction.

The Taliban and other Islamist outfits regroup in their strongholds in southern and eastern Afghanistan, from where they can easily travel between their bases in Pakistan's tribal zones, and launch an insurgency.

In 2008 the US command in Afghanistan calls for more manpower. Bush sends additional soldiers and about 48,500 US troops are deployed.

Peak of 100,000 troops

In 2009 Barack Obama -- elected president on campaign promises to end the Iraq and Afghanistan wars -- boosts the US deployment to around 68,000. In December he sends another 30,000.&nbsp;

The objective is to put brakes on the growing Taliban insurgency and to strengthen Afghan institutions.

By 2012 more than 150,000 foreign soldiers are deployed in Afghanistan, of which 100,000 are American.

Bin Laden killed

Bin Laden is killed on May 2, 2011 in a US special forces operation in Pakistan.

Combat operations end

On December 31, 2014 the NATO alliance ends its combat mission in Afghanistan. But, under agreements reached a few months earlier, 12,500 foreign soldiers -- of which 9,800 are American -- remain to train Afghan troops and conduct anti-terrorist operations.

Security in Afghanistan degenerates as the Taliban's insurgency spreads, with the Islamic State (IS) group also becoming active in early 2015.

In July 2016, Obama slows the planned pace of withdrawal of US troops, saying 8,400 will remain into 2017.

MSF clinic bombed

&nbsp;In October 2015, during intense fighting for the northeastern provincial capital Kunduz, a US airstrike hits a Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) hospital, killing 42 people, including 24 patients.

Mega bomb against IS

In April 2017, the US military drops the largest non-nuclear bomb it has ever used in combat on an Islamic State network of tunnels and caves in eastern Afghanistan. Afghan officials say it killed 96 jihadists.

US reinforcements

In August 2017, the new US President Donald Trump scraps any timetables for a US pullout and re-commits thousands more soldiers.

In mid-November, some 3,000 soldiers arrive to reinforce the 11,000 troops already deployed.

However, deadly attacks multiply, especially against Afghan forces. The US steps up airstrikes dramatically.

Talks

In mid-2018, Washington and Taliban representatives discreetly open talks in Doha focused on slashing the US military footprint in Afghanistan.

In return, the US demands that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda. Talks are also focusing on a ceasefire and the opening of talks with the Kabul government. 
&nbsp;

The United States intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 to rid Al-Qaeda of its sanctuaries following the 9/11 terror attacks. After Washington announced on Thursday that US troop levels in Afghanistan will drop to 8,600 from 13,000 if a deal is reached with the Taliban, here is a timeline of developments.

The United States intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 to rid Al-Qaeda of its sanctuaries following the 9/11 terror attacks. After Washington announced on Thursday that US troop levels in Afghanistan will drop to 8,600 from 13,000 if a deal is reached with the Taliban, here is a timeline of developments. 'War on terror' On October 7, 2001 -- less than a month after the September 11 attacks that killed around 3,000 people in New York and Washington -- President George W. Bush launches operation "Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan. The country's fundamentalist Taliban regime had been sheltering Osama bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda movement, accused of the attacks. The operation opens a military front in the US "war on terrorism". Within weeks US-led forces overthrow the Taliban, in power since 1996. Besides carrying out air strikes, Washington also lends support to the Afghan Northern Alliance fighting the Taliban, contributing paramilitary teams from the CIA and special forces. About 1,000 American soldiers are on the ground by November 2001, rising to 10,000 the next year. Forgotten war US attention is diverted from Afghanistan when US forces invade Iraq in 2003 to oust dictator Saddam Hussein, accused of harboring weapons of mass destruction. The Taliban and other Islamist outfits regroup in their strongholds in southern and eastern Afghanistan, from where they can easily travel between their bases in Pakistan's tribal zones, and launch an insurgency. In 2008 the US command in Afghanistan calls for more manpower. Bush sends additional soldiers and about 48,500 US troops are deployed. Peak of 100,000 troops In 2009 Barack Obama -- elected president on campaign promises to end the Iraq and Afghanistan wars -- boosts the US deployment to around 68,000. In December he sends another 30,000. The objective is to put brakes on the growing Taliban insurgency and to strengthen Afghan institutions. By 2012 more than 150,000 foreign soldiers are deployed in Afghanistan, of which 100,000 are American. Bin Laden killed Bin Laden is killed on May 2, 2011 in a US special forces operation in Pakistan. Combat operations end On December 31, 2014 the NATO alliance ends its combat mission in Afghanistan. But, under agreements reached a few months earlier, 12,500 foreign soldiers -- of which 9,800 are American -- remain to train Afghan troops and conduct anti-terrorist operations. Security in Afghanistan degenerates as the Taliban's insurgency spreads, with the Islamic State (IS) group also becoming active in early 2015. In July 2016, Obama slows the planned pace of withdrawal of US troops, saying 8,400 will remain into 2017. MSF clinic bombed In October 2015, during intense fighting for the northeastern provincial capital Kunduz, a US airstrike hits a Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) hospital, killing 42 people, including 24 patients. Mega bomb against IS In April 2017, the US military drops the largest non-nuclear bomb it has ever used in combat on an Islamic State network of tunnels and caves in eastern Afghanistan. Afghan officials say it killed 96 jihadists. US reinforcements In August 2017, the new US President Donald Trump scraps any timetables for a US pullout and re-commits thousands more soldiers. In mid-November, some 3,000 soldiers arrive to reinforce the 11,000 troops already deployed. However, deadly attacks multiply, especially against Afghan forces. The US steps up airstrikes dramatically. Talks In mid-2018, Washington and Taliban representatives discreetly open talks in Doha focused on slashing the US military footprint in Afghanistan. In return, the US demands that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda. Talks are also focusing on a ceasefire and the opening of talks with the Kabul government.

Timeline of two decades of US intervention in Afghanistan 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-economic-crisis-countrys-debts-liabilities-exceed-the-size-of-its-gdp-245554">Pakistan</a> on Thursday carried out night training launch of&nbsp;surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan.

The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night.

The missile has a reported distance capability of 290 kilometres.It can deliver multiple types of warheads.

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Pakistan successfully carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, capable of delivering multiple types of warheads upto 290 KMs. CJCSC &amp; Services Chiefs congrat team. President &amp; PM conveyed appreciation to team &amp; congrats to the nation. <a href="https://t.co/hmoUKRPWev">pic.twitter.com/hmoUKRPWev</a>
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1166955085924130816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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These tests are a last-ditch effort by Pakistan to try and internationalise Jammu and Kashmir — something it has failed to do multiple times over the last few weeks.

Pakistan has closed its airspace form August 28 to August 31, and now it seems clear as to why this decision was taken.

The airspace closure was probably in light of the reported missile tests.

Pakistan had issued a notice to airmen that the Sonmiani base in Balochistan has been activated and all ships were asked to steer clear due to an incoming missile.

Reports indicate that Pakistan had informed India about the missile tests on August 26, keeping with the confidence-building measures adopted between the two countries in 2005.

According to the agreement, both countries are supposed to inform each other about missile tests three days before the actual testing.But, the Indian government seems unperturbed by the possible missile tests.

The tests have reportedly been attributed to the huge pressure on Imran Khan from anti-India elements within his country to take some sort of action.So the missile tests are nothing but a continuation of the Pakistan government's false call for help.

Pakistan on Thursday carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan. The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night.

Pakistan on Thursday carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan. The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night. The missile has a reported distance capability of 290 kilometres.It can deliver multiple types of warheads. Pakistan successfully carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, capable of delivering multiple types of warheads upto 290 KMs. CJCSC & Services Chiefs congrat team. President & PM conveyed appreciation to team & congrats to the nation. pic.twitter.com/hmoUKRPWev — DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 29, 2019 × These tests are a last-ditch effort by Pakistan to try and internationalise Jammu and Kashmir — something it has failed to do multiple times over the last few weeks. Pakistan has closed its airspace form August 28 to August 31, and now it seems clear as to why this decision was taken. The airspace closure was probably in light of the reported missile tests. Pakistan had issued a notice to airmen that the Sonmiani base in Balochistan has been activated and all ships were asked to steer clear due to an incoming missile. Reports indicate that Pakistan had informed India about the missile tests on August 26, keeping with the confidence-building measures adopted between the two countries in 2005. According to the agreement, both countries are supposed to inform each other about missile tests three days before the actual testing.But, the Indian government seems unperturbed by the possible missile tests. The tests have reportedly been attributed to the huge pressure on Imran Khan from anti-India elements within his country to take some sort of action.So the missile tests are nothing but a continuation of the Pakistan government's false call for help.

After failure at diplomatic front, Pakistan test-fires Ghaznavi missile

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-economic-crisis-countrys-debts-liabilities-exceed-the-size-of-its-gdp-245554">Imran Khan</a> is on a desperate mission to draw international attention to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-kashmir-issue-third-time-246030">Kashmir,</a> and to satisfy the jihadi elements within his own country.

After failed diplomatic efforts, threats of nuclear war Pakistan is reportedly going to test its Ghaznavi surface-to-surface missile from a flight test range in Balochistan.

The test will be tracked at the national development complex ground control station in Sindh.

These tests are a last-ditch effort from Pakistan to try and internationalise Kashmir — something it has failed to do multiple times over the last few weeks.

Now Pakistan had closed its airspace for the period from August twenty-eight to August thirty-first, and now it seems clear as to why this decision was taken.

The airspace closure was probably in light of the reported missile tests.

Pakistan had issued a notice to airmen that the Sonmiani base in Balochistan has been activated and all ships were asked to steer clear due to an incoming missile.

Reports also indicate that Pakistan had informed India about the missile tests on August twenty-sixth, keeping with the confidence-building measures adopted between the two countries in 2005.

According to the agreement, both countries are supposed to inform each other about missile tests, three days before the actual testing.

The Indian government, however, seems unperturbed by the possible missile tests.

The tests have reportedly been attributed to the huge pressure on Imran Khan from anti-India elements within his country to take some sort of action.

So the missile tests are nothing but a continuation of the Pakistan government's false call for help.

Imran Khan is on a desperate mission to draw international attention to Kashmir, and to satisfy the jihadi elements within his own country. After failed diplomatic efforts, threats of nuclear war Pakistan is reportedly going to test its Ghaznavi surface-to-surface missile from a flight test range in Balochistan.

Imran Khan is on a desperate mission to draw international attention to Kashmir, and to satisfy the jihadi elements within his own country. After failed diplomatic efforts, threats of nuclear war Pakistan is reportedly going to test its Ghaznavi surface-to-surface missile from a flight test range in Balochistan. The test will be tracked at the national development complex ground control station in Sindh. These tests are a last-ditch effort from Pakistan to try and internationalise Kashmir — something it has failed to do multiple times over the last few weeks. Now Pakistan had closed its airspace for the period from August twenty-eight to August thirty-first, and now it seems clear as to why this decision was taken. The airspace closure was probably in light of the reported missile tests. Pakistan had issued a notice to airmen that the Sonmiani base in Balochistan has been activated and all ships were asked to steer clear due to an incoming missile. Reports also indicate that Pakistan had informed India about the missile tests on August twenty-sixth, keeping with the confidence-building measures adopted between the two countries in 2005. According to the agreement, both countries are supposed to inform each other about missile tests, three days before the actual testing. The Indian government, however, seems unperturbed by the possible missile tests. The tests have reportedly been attributed to the huge pressure on Imran Khan from anti-India elements within his country to take some sort of action. So the missile tests are nothing but a continuation of the Pakistan government's false call for help.

After failed diplomatic efforts and nuke threats Pakistan to test ballistic missile

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's main challenger in an election next month has said he is ready to abandon his bid for power for the sake of peace, raising more questions about prospects for an election the Taliban have vowed to block.

The twice-delayed presidential election comes as the United States and the Taliban are trying to seal an agreement under which US&nbsp;forces will withdraw in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee and a promise of power-sharing talks with Ghani's government.

The Taliban have denounced the election as a sham and vowed to attack rallies. Ghani is insisting an election he looks set to win should go ahead.

Ghani's main challenger, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, told a campaign rally on Wednesday he would drop out of the race if that could help secure peace.

"My team is ready to quit elections for the sake of peace," Abdullah said, according to his office.

The Taliban want the election cancelled as a condition for so-called intra-Afghan dialogue - talks after the agreement with the United States is struck on how power can be shared and the country organised - and a ceasefire.

Abdullah, a former foreign minister, was Ghani's main challenger in the last election, in 2014.

That vote was marred by extensive fraud and Ghani became president after US&nbsp;Secretary of State John Kerry brokered a deal creating the post of chief executive for Abdullah.

Ghani has rejected a suggestion put forward by Western allies to postpone the election and form an interim government, perhaps with Taliban representative, after the militants strike their deal with the United States.

Ghani has said the people must be allowed to choose their leader and peace can only be secured under a democratic system.

But the departure of his main challenger could undermine the legitimacy of the election.

Boycott?

This month, another main contender, Hanif Atmar, a former interior minister who also served as Ghani's national security adviser, suspended his campaign, citing the level of violence in the country.

The campaign opened in July with an insurgent attack on the Kabul office of Ghani's running mate, Amrullah Saleh. At least 20 people were killed and 50 wounded.

"With Atmar out of the race and Abdullah now giving preference to the peace deal instead of elections, it is quite clear that Ghani will have to realign his stance," said a Western diplomat in Kabul.

Opposition party sources said many of the 17 candidates in the race were considering a boycott because they believed Ghani was using state apparatus to help him win.

With both the Taliban and US negotiators reporting progress in their talks in recent weeks and raising the prospect of an end to the 18-year war, the election has yet to capture much attention from the public.

The US&nbsp;special representative for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been leading the talks with the Taliban since last year, is scheduled to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Ghani.

Two sources with knowledge of the talks, said the United States will press Ghani to agree to postpone the election.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's main challenger in an election next month has said he is ready to abandon his bid for power for the sake of peace, raising more questions about prospects for an election the Taliban have vowed to block.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's main challenger in an election next month has said he is ready to abandon his bid for power for the sake of peace, raising more questions about prospects for an election the Taliban have vowed to block. The twice-delayed presidential election comes as the United States and the Taliban are trying to seal an agreement under which US forces will withdraw in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee and a promise of power-sharing talks with Ghani's government. The Taliban have denounced the election as a sham and vowed to attack rallies. Ghani is insisting an election he looks set to win should go ahead. Ghani's main challenger, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, told a campaign rally on Wednesday he would drop out of the race if that could help secure peace. "My team is ready to quit elections for the sake of peace," Abdullah said, according to his office. The Taliban want the election cancelled as a condition for so-called intra-Afghan dialogue - talks after the agreement with the United States is struck on how power can be shared and the country organised - and a ceasefire. Abdullah, a former foreign minister, was Ghani's main challenger in the last election, in 2014. That vote was marred by extensive fraud and Ghani became president after US Secretary of State John Kerry brokered a deal creating the post of chief executive for Abdullah. Ghani has rejected a suggestion put forward by Western allies to postpone the election and form an interim government, perhaps with Taliban representative, after the militants strike their deal with the United States. Ghani has said the people must be allowed to choose their leader and peace can only be secured under a democratic system. But the departure of his main challenger could undermine the legitimacy of the election. Boycott? This month, another main contender, Hanif Atmar, a former interior minister who also served as Ghani's national security adviser, suspended his campaign, citing the level of violence in the country. The campaign opened in July with an insurgent attack on the Kabul office of Ghani's running mate, Amrullah Saleh. At least 20 people were killed and 50 wounded. "With Atmar out of the race and Abdullah now giving preference to the peace deal instead of elections, it is quite clear that Ghani will have to realign his stance," said a Western diplomat in Kabul. Opposition party sources said many of the 17 candidates in the race were considering a boycott because they believed Ghani was using state apparatus to help him win. With both the Taliban and US negotiators reporting progress in their talks in recent weeks and raising the prospect of an end to the 18-year war, the election has yet to capture much attention from the public. The US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been leading the talks with the Taliban since last year, is scheduled to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Ghani. Two sources with knowledge of the talks, said the United States will press Ghani to agree to postpone the election.

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