At least 66 civilians were injured after series of blast struck Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported citing local media. Watch this video to know more.

At least 34 injured after serial blasts hit Afghanistan, Jalalabad

A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, wounding at least 34 people, officials said, as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence.

No group claimed responsibility for the 10 bombs but both Islamic State (IS) and the Taliban militants operate in the area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">IS claimed responsibility</a> for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through-wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">weekend bomb attack</a> on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul, in which 63 people were killed and nearly 200 wounded.

The Jalalabad bombs were planted near a market where hundreds of people had congregated after attending Independence Day events. Senior health official Fahim Bashari said at least 34 people were wounded.

President Ashraf Ghani, in an Independence Day address in Kabul, called on the international community to stand with Afghanistan to eradicate the militants' "nests".

"Our fight against the Daesh will continue," he said, referring to IS.

"The Taliban have laid the foundation for such brutal killings."

Ghani did not refer in his speech to negotiations between the United States and the Taliban on a deal by which US&nbsp;troops can withdraw in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

The United States also wants a Taliban commitment on power-sharing talks with Ghani's government and a ceasefire. The Taliban have refused to talk to the government.

But there are concerns among Afghan officials and US&nbsp;national security aides about a US&nbsp;withdrawal, with fears Afghanistan could be plunged into a new civil war that could herald a return of Taliban rule and international militants, including Islamic State, finding a refuge.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is hoping to withdraw all US&nbsp;troops from Afghanistan before the 2020 presidential election.

Trump on Sunday called the Kabul bomb attack horrible and expressed optimism about the talks.

He said the United States would seek to get troop levels below 13,000 but leave "very significant" intelligence capabilities behind.

The US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan train and advise Afghan security forces and conduct counterinsurgency operations.

The Taliban said in an Independence Day statement they were looking forward to the departure of all foreign forces.

"The day approaches closer when these invaders shall completely leave our country, akin to the British and Soviets before them," they said.

While never part of the British empire, Afghanistan gained complete independence from Britain on August&nbsp;19, 1919.

Independence Day ceremonies in Kabul were curtailed out of respect for those who died in the Saturday night bomb, the government said.

A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, wounding at least 34 people, officials said, as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence.

A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, wounding at least 34 people, officials said, as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence. No group claimed responsibility for the 10 bombs but both Islamic State (IS) and the Taliban militants operate in the area. IS claimed responsibility for a weekend bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul, in which 63 people were killed and nearly 200 wounded. The Jalalabad bombs were planted near a market where hundreds of people had congregated after attending Independence Day events. Senior health official Fahim Bashari said at least 34 people were wounded. President Ashraf Ghani, in an Independence Day address in Kabul, called on the international community to stand with Afghanistan to eradicate the militants' "nests". "Our fight against the Daesh will continue," he said, referring to IS. "The Taliban have laid the foundation for such brutal killings." Ghani did not refer in his speech to negotiations between the United States and the Taliban on a deal by which US troops can withdraw in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. The United States also wants a Taliban commitment on power-sharing talks with Ghani's government and a ceasefire. The Taliban have refused to talk to the government. But there are concerns among Afghan officials and US national security aides about a US withdrawal, with fears Afghanistan could be plunged into a new civil war that could herald a return of Taliban rule and international militants, including Islamic State, finding a refuge. US President Donald Trump is hoping to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan before the 2020 presidential election. Trump on Sunday called the Kabul bomb attack horrible and expressed optimism about the talks. He said the United States would seek to get troop levels below 13,000 but leave "very significant" intelligence capabilities behind. The US troops in Afghanistan train and advise Afghan security forces and conduct counterinsurgency operations. The Taliban said in an Independence Day statement they were looking forward to the departure of all foreign forces. "The day approaches closer when these invaders shall completely leave our country, akin to the British and Soviets before them," they said. While never part of the British empire, Afghanistan gained complete independence from Britain on August 19, 1919. Independence Day ceremonies in Kabul were curtailed out of respect for those who died in the Saturday night bomb, the government said.

Serial blasts in Afghanistan's Jalalabad on Independence Day, 34 injured

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday condemned the suicide attack in the Darulaman area of Kabul city <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through-wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">which killed at least 63 people</a>.

''I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall in Kabul last night. My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack. On behalf of the nation I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were martyred,'' Ghani tweeted.

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For those who are wounded, I pray for your speedy recovery. I have ordered the relevant authorities to urgently assist in managing the wounded. In response to this targeted attack I have called an extraordinary security meeting to review and prevent such security lapses.
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1162969354654355456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ghani also said that the Taliban cannot escape the blame for that attack.

"<meta charset="utf-8" />Taliban cannot absolve themselves of blame, for they provide platform for terrorists. Today is the day of mourning, hence <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateBuilder?src=hashtag_click" target="_blank">#StateBuilder</a> have cancelled today's gathering at the Loya Jirga tent," Ghani said in a post on Twitter.

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Taliban cannot absolve themselves of blame, for they provide platform for terrorists. Today is the day of mourning, hence <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateBuilder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StateBuilder</a> have cancelled today's gathering at the Loya Jirga tent.
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1162969356780867590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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At least 63 people were killed and over 182 were injured following the attack.

Most of the injured were later taken to a hospital in the city.

According to eyewitnesses, the suicide bomber laid explosives among the wedding participants and detonated them.

People say that almost a thousand people were invited to the ceremony.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dozens-killed-injured-in-kabul-wedding-hall-explosion-243744/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There are reports that this could end up being the deadliest attack on Kabul in recent times.

The blast happened in western Kabul, a predominantly Shia locality. The Shia minority has been targeted by the Taliban multiple times over the years.

These attacks come at a time when the United States are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan, a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday condemned the suicide attack in the Darulaman area of Kabul city which killed at least 63 people. ''I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall in Kabul last night.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday condemned the suicide attack in the Darulaman area of Kabul city which killed at least 63 people. ''I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall in Kabul last night. My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack. On behalf of the nation I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were martyred,'' Ghani tweeted. For those who are wounded, I pray for your speedy recovery. I have ordered the relevant authorities to urgently assist in managing the wounded. In response to this targeted attack I have called an extraordinary security meeting to review and prevent such security lapses. — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) August 18, 2019 × Ghani also said that the Taliban cannot escape the blame for that attack. " Taliban cannot absolve themselves of blame, for they provide platform for terrorists. Today is the day of mourning, hence #StateBuilder have cancelled today's gathering at the Loya Jirga tent," Ghani said in a post on Twitter. Taliban cannot absolve themselves of blame, for they provide platform for terrorists. Today is the day of mourning, hence #StateBuilder have cancelled today's gathering at the Loya Jirga tent. — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) August 18, 2019 × At least 63 people were killed and over 182 were injured following the attack. Most of the injured were later taken to a hospital in the city. According to eyewitnesses, the suicide bomber laid explosives among the wedding participants and detonated them. People say that almost a thousand people were invited to the ceremony. There are reports that this could end up being the deadliest attack on Kabul in recent times. The blast happened in western Kabul, a predominantly Shia locality. The Shia minority has been targeted by the Taliban multiple times over the years. These attacks come at a time when the United States are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan, a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani condemns Kabul suicide attack that killed 63, says Taliban can't escape blame

At least 63&nbsp;people are feared dead and over 182&nbsp;injured following a deadly suicide-bomb blast in Darulaman area of Kabul city on Saturday night, a senior Afghan official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-in-limbo-ahead-of-independence-day-amid-concerns-over-election-us-taliban-talks-243720">Afghan Interior Ministry</a> confirmed the attack and said the explosion took place at around 10:40 pm, reported Tolo news.&nbsp;

According to eyewitnesses, the suicide bomber laid explosives among the wedding participants and detonated them.

People say that almost a thousand people were invited to the ceremony.

There are reports that this could end up being the deadliest attack on Kabul in recent times.

While the Taliban is the obvious candidate to have carried out the attack, the group has not released any statements yet.

The blast happened in western Kabul, a predominantly Shia locality.

The Shia minority has been targeted by the Taliban multiple times over the years.

Most of the injured were later taken to a hospital in the city.

There has been a slew of attacks in Afghanistan in recent times.

Most of which have been claimed by the Taliban.

10 days back, they had attacked a police headquarters, killing 14 people and injuring more than a hundred.

These attacks come at a time when the united states are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan — a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

The latest blast at the wedding comes ahead of Afghanistan's 100th independence day celebrations tomorrow, and shortly after the festival of Eid al-Adha.

Meanwhile, Taliban sources indicate that the younger brother of a prominent Afghan Taliban leader was killed in a bomb blast near a mosque in Pakistan.

But the Taliban leadership has promised that his killing will not affect the progress of the peace talks with the united states.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 63 people are feared dead and over 182 injured following a deadly suicide-bomb blast in Darulaman area of Kabul city on Saturday night, a senior Afghan official said.

At least 63 people are feared dead and over 182 injured following a deadly suicide-bomb blast in Darulaman area of Kabul city on Saturday night, a senior Afghan official said. Afghan Interior Ministry confirmed the attack and said the explosion took place at around 10:40 pm, reported Tolo news. According to eyewitnesses, the suicide bomber laid explosives among the wedding participants and detonated them. People say that almost a thousand people were invited to the ceremony. There are reports that this could end up being the deadliest attack on Kabul in recent times. While the Taliban is the obvious candidate to have carried out the attack, the group has not released any statements yet. The blast happened in western Kabul, a predominantly Shia locality. The Shia minority has been targeted by the Taliban multiple times over the years. Most of the injured were later taken to a hospital in the city. There has been a slew of attacks in Afghanistan in recent times. Most of which have been claimed by the Taliban. 10 days back, they had attacked a police headquarters, killing 14 people and injuring more than a hundred. These attacks come at a time when the united states are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan — a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms. The latest blast at the wedding comes ahead of Afghanistan's 100th independence day celebrations tomorrow, and shortly after the festival of Eid al-Adha. Meanwhile, Taliban sources indicate that the younger brother of a prominent Afghan Taliban leader was killed in a bomb blast near a mosque in Pakistan. But the Taliban leadership has promised that his killing will not affect the progress of the peace talks with the united states. (With inputs from agencies)

63 killed, 182 injured as blast rips through wedding party in Afghanistan's Kabul

The Islamic State group on Sunday claimed responsibility for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-condemns-kabul-suicide-attack-says-taliban-cant-escape-blame-243788">suicide attack on a wedding in Kabul</a> which Afghan authorities said killed at least 63 people.

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.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-condemns-kabul-suicide-attack-says-taliban-cant-escape-blame-243788">Ashraf Ghani later in the day condemned the incident</a> and said, "My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack."&nbsp;

''I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall in Kabul last night. My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack. On behalf of the nation I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were martyred,'' Ghani tweeted.

At least 63 people were killed and over 182 were injured following the attack.

Most of the injured were later taken to a hospital in the city.

According to eyewitnesses, the suicide bomber laid explosives among the wedding participants and detonated them.

People say that almost a thousand people were invited to the ceremony.

There are reports that this could end up being the deadliest attack on Kabul in recent times.

The blast happened in western Kabul, a predominantly Shia locality. The Shia minority has been targeted by the Taliban multiple times over the years.

These attacks come at a time when the United States are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan, a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

The Islamic State group on Sunday claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a wedding in Kabul which Afghan authorities said killed at least 63 people. 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.

The Islamic State group on Sunday claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a wedding in Kabul which Afghan authorities said killed at least 63 people. 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. President Ashraf Ghani later in the day condemned the incident and said, "My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack." ''I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall in Kabul last night. My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack. On behalf of the nation I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were martyred,'' Ghani tweeted. At least 63 people were killed and over 182 were injured following the attack. Most of the injured were later taken to a hospital in the city. According to eyewitnesses, the suicide bomber laid explosives among the wedding participants and detonated them. People say that almost a thousand people were invited to the ceremony. There are reports that this could end up being the deadliest attack on Kabul in recent times. The blast happened in western Kabul, a predominantly Shia locality. The Shia minority has been targeted by the Taliban multiple times over the years. These attacks come at a time when the United States are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan, a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

Afghanistan: Islamic State claims responsibility for wedding suicide attack in Kabul

An Afghanistan peace agreement that the US seems close to reaching with the Taliban has prompted worries that President Donald Trump's desire to quickly withdraw US troops could further plunge the country into civil war.

Trump said Friday he was pleased with talks on ending the war, 18 years after the September 11, attacks that prompted the US invasion of Afghanistan in the first place.

In recent days several US officials have suggested that an accord could be imminent in discussions with the Taliban in Qatar.

The US negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, is expected to return to the region very soon in hopes of sealing an agreement with the Afghan rebel force.

Such a potentially historic accord has raised an outcry from an eclectic assortment of critics in Washington, ranging from neo-conservatives to former Democratic administration officials to ex-military heroes.

In tweets, interviews and op-ed pieces in newspapers, they are cautioning against hastily bringing home the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, a warning which some hope will also score points ahead of next year's presidential election.

And they are calling on Trump to treat this war as he did North Korea and its nuclear weapons and insist on no deal rather than a bad deal.

"Under no circumstances should the Trump administration repeat the mistake its predecessor made in Iraq and agree to a total withdrawal of combat forces from Afghanistan," retired general David Petraeus, who used to command those soldiers, warned in a piece for The Wall Street Journal.

He was referring to Barack Obama and how the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq helped fuel the emergence of the Islamic State group.

The main points of the peace accord being negotiated with the Taliban are known: US soldiers would withdraw in exchange for a pledge from them not to let Al-Qaida or the Islamic State group operate in the territory that the Taliban controls.

There would also be an immediate ceasefire, and the Taliban would begin talks with the Afghan government, with which the rebels have until now refused all dialogue.

A 'messy, forever war'

Withdrawal of US troops is sought by the American public, has been promised by Trump and is a talking point of several Democratic presidential hopefuls. The risk is that it will intensify the war.

This "will depend on the details," said Laurel Miller, former senior US State Department official responsible for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

There is much speculation as to what those details might entail.

For instance, it seems the Taliban are prepared to call a ceasefire with US troops but not with the Afghan army.

A total, absolute withdrawal of US forces has at least been on the negotiating table and it has never been ruled out in Washington.

"If we leave Afghanistan without a counter-terrorism force, without intelligence-gathering capabilities, ISIS will re-emerge, al Qaida will come back, they will occupy safe havens in Afghanistan, they will hit the homeland, they will come after us all over the world," Senator Lindsey Graham told Fox News.

Graham, who takes credit for persuading Trump to keep some troops in Syria after announcing a total pullout, insisted that Afghanistan needs a "continuing US presence" and America requires a "meaningful counter-terrorism force" there.

Trump has promised only a strong intelligence-gathering presence. And some in his administration want any future counter-terrorism operations to be launched from other countries.

"Effective counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan -- and, just as important, in neighbouring tribal areas of Pakistan -- will prove all but impossible absent an enduring US footprint on Afghan soil," Petraeus wrote in a piece co-signed by Afghanistan expert Vance Serchuk.

Another issue is the timetable of a US withdrawal. Trump, seeking a second term in office, wants to announce the pullout before the election in November 2020.

But there have been signs in recent days pointing to a withdrawal actually completed around the time of the election.

Setting a timetable now "means the Taliban will enter subsequent talks among Afghans having already achieved their main goal and with their stature and bargaining position thereby enhanced," Miller wrote in Foreign Policy.

She argued that there should be a phased US withdrawal linked to specific progress in the Afghan peace process, such as the adoption of a revised constitution with power-sharing features and subsequent elections.

Without a clear pledge from the Taliban to repudiate Al-Qaida and respect women's rights, among others, and without verification mechanisms, "we will not be ending the war -- we will be retreating and ceding the battlefield to our enemies, including the organization that harboured the terrorists responsible for killing nearly 3,000 Americans on 9/11," said Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney.

At the Pentagon, officials are cautious.&nbsp;

"It's an ugly, messy, forever war. It is probably going to be messy to get out," one military source at the Pentagon said.

An Afghanistan peace agreement that the US seems close to reaching with the Taliban has prompted worries that President Donald Trump's desire to quickly withdraw US troops could further plunge the country into civil war.

An Afghanistan peace agreement that the US seems close to reaching with the Taliban has prompted worries that President Donald Trump's desire to quickly withdraw US troops could further plunge the country into civil war. Trump said Friday he was pleased with talks on ending the war, 18 years after the September 11, attacks that prompted the US invasion of Afghanistan in the first place. In recent days several US officials have suggested that an accord could be imminent in discussions with the Taliban in Qatar. The US negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, is expected to return to the region very soon in hopes of sealing an agreement with the Afghan rebel force. Such a potentially historic accord has raised an outcry from an eclectic assortment of critics in Washington, ranging from neo-conservatives to former Democratic administration officials to ex-military heroes. In tweets, interviews and op-ed pieces in newspapers, they are cautioning against hastily bringing home the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, a warning which some hope will also score points ahead of next year's presidential election. And they are calling on Trump to treat this war as he did North Korea and its nuclear weapons and insist on no deal rather than a bad deal. "Under no circumstances should the Trump administration repeat the mistake its predecessor made in Iraq and agree to a total withdrawal of combat forces from Afghanistan," retired general David Petraeus, who used to command those soldiers, warned in a piece for The Wall Street Journal. He was referring to Barack Obama and how the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq helped fuel the emergence of the Islamic State group. The main points of the peace accord being negotiated with the Taliban are known: US soldiers would withdraw in exchange for a pledge from them not to let Al-Qaida or the Islamic State group operate in the territory that the Taliban controls. There would also be an immediate ceasefire, and the Taliban would begin talks with the Afghan government, with which the rebels have until now refused all dialogue. A 'messy, forever war' Withdrawal of US troops is sought by the American public, has been promised by Trump and is a talking point of several Democratic presidential hopefuls. The risk is that it will intensify the war. This "will depend on the details," said Laurel Miller, former senior US State Department official responsible for Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is much speculation as to what those details might entail. For instance, it seems the Taliban are prepared to call a ceasefire with US troops but not with the Afghan army. A total, absolute withdrawal of US forces has at least been on the negotiating table and it has never been ruled out in Washington. "If we leave Afghanistan without a counter-terrorism force, without intelligence-gathering capabilities, ISIS will re-emerge, al Qaida will come back, they will occupy safe havens in Afghanistan, they will hit the homeland, they will come after us all over the world," Senator Lindsey Graham told Fox News. Graham, who takes credit for persuading Trump to keep some troops in Syria after announcing a total pullout, insisted that Afghanistan needs a "continuing US presence" and America requires a "meaningful counter-terrorism force" there. Trump has promised only a strong intelligence-gathering presence. And some in his administration want any future counter-terrorism operations to be launched from other countries. "Effective counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan -- and, just as important, in neighbouring tribal areas of Pakistan -- will prove all but impossible absent an enduring US footprint on Afghan soil," Petraeus wrote in a piece co-signed by Afghanistan expert Vance Serchuk. Another issue is the timetable of a US withdrawal. Trump, seeking a second term in office, wants to announce the pullout before the election in November 2020. But there have been signs in recent days pointing to a withdrawal actually completed around the time of the election. Setting a timetable now "means the Taliban will enter subsequent talks among Afghans having already achieved their main goal and with their stature and bargaining position thereby enhanced," Miller wrote in Foreign Policy. She argued that there should be a phased US withdrawal linked to specific progress in the Afghan peace process, such as the adoption of a revised constitution with power-sharing features and subsequent elections. Without a clear pledge from the Taliban to repudiate Al-Qaida and respect women's rights, among others, and without verification mechanisms, "we will not be ending the war -- we will be retreating and ceding the battlefield to our enemies, including the organization that harboured the terrorists responsible for killing nearly 3,000 Americans on 9/11," said Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney. At the Pentagon, officials are cautious. "It's an ugly, messy, forever war. It is probably going to be messy to get out," one military source at the Pentagon said.

Fears in US of bad peace deal with the Taliban

At least 20 people were wounded in a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-ied-blast-targets-bus-in-kabul-at-least-10-wounded-221867"> blast</a> at a Kabul wedding late Saturday, a local hospital said, while a witness said he had seen many <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-vice-president-candidate-injured-as-kabul-blast-kills-two-wounds-another-25-239058">dead bodies</a> at the scene.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-death-toll-in-blast-near-kabul-university-mounts-to-8-dozens-wounded-237097">explosion</a> came just as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-in-limbo-ahead-of-independence-day-amid-concerns-over-election-us-taliban-talks-243720">US and the Taliban </a>are widely expected to sign off on a deal that would see American troops begin to depart Afghanistan in return for various security assurances from the insurgents.

"#Kabul #Afghanistan explosion in a hotel during a wedding party, about 20 patients arrived up to now at our hospital #masscasualty," the Italian-run Emergency hospital of Kabul said on Twitter.

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🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> explosion in a hotel during a wedding party, about 20 patients arrived up to now at our hospital <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/masscasualty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#masscasualty</a>
— EMERGENCY (@emergency_ong) <a href="https://twitter.com/emergency_ong/status/1162808274749722624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the blast occurred in a west Kabul wedding hall around 10:40 pm (1810 GMT).

He shared on Facebook photos showing several apparent bodies inside a dining area.

Afghan weddings are epic and vibrant affairs, with hundreds or often thousands of guests celebrating inside industrial-scale wedding halls where the men are usually segregated from the women and children.

Mohammad Farhag, who had been at the wedding, said he had been in the women's section when he heard a huge blast in the men's area.&nbsp;

"Everyone ran outside shouting and crying," he said.

"For about 20 minutes the hall was full of smoke. Almost everyone in the men's section is either dead or wounded. Now, two hours after the blast, they are still taking bodies out of the hall."

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

Little security

Government spokesman Feroz Bashari said the blast was "a clear sign that terrorists can't see Afghans express happiness."

"You can't make them bow by killing them. The perpetrators of tonight's attack shall be held responsible," he wrote on Twitter.

Insurgents have periodically struck Afghan weddings, which are seen as easy targets because they frequently lack rigorous security precautions.

On July 12, at least six people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked a wedding ceremony in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar. The Islamic State group, which has a growing footprint in the region, claimed the blast.

Expectations are rising for a deal in which the US would start withdrawing its approximately 14,000 soldiers from Afghanistan after a two-decade war that has turned into a stalemate.

US President Donald Trump has said since the start of his presidency that he wants troops out of the country where Washington has spent more than $1 trillion on military operations and reconstruction since 2001.

In return for the US departure, the Taliban would commit to various security guarantees, including that the Islamist hardliners who long harboured Al-Qaeda would not allow Afghanistan to once again become a jihadist haven.

On Friday, Ahmadullah Azkhundzada, brother of Afghan Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, was among four people killed in a blast at a mosque in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan, a senior official with the provincial government said.

At least 20 people were wounded in a blast at a Kabul wedding late Saturday, a local hospital said, while a witness said he had seen many dead bodies at the scene.

At least 20 people were wounded in a blast at a Kabul wedding late Saturday, a local hospital said, while a witness said he had seen many dead bodies at the scene. The explosion came just as the US and the Taliban are widely expected to sign off on a deal that would see American troops begin to depart Afghanistan in return for various security assurances from the insurgents. "#Kabul #Afghanistan explosion in a hotel during a wedding party, about 20 patients arrived up to now at our hospital #masscasualty," the Italian-run Emergency hospital of Kabul said on Twitter. 🔴 #Kabul #Afghanistan explosion in a hotel during a wedding party, about 20 patients arrived up to now at our hospital #masscasualty — EMERGENCY (@emergency_ong) August 17, 2019 × Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the blast occurred in a west Kabul wedding hall around 10:40 pm (1810 GMT). He shared on Facebook photos showing several apparent bodies inside a dining area. Afghan weddings are epic and vibrant affairs, with hundreds or often thousands of guests celebrating inside industrial-scale wedding halls where the men are usually segregated from the women and children. Mohammad Farhag, who had been at the wedding, said he had been in the women's section when he heard a huge blast in the men's area. "Everyone ran outside shouting and crying," he said. "For about 20 minutes the hall was full of smoke. Almost everyone in the men's section is either dead or wounded. Now, two hours after the blast, they are still taking bodies out of the hall." No group immediately claimed responsibility. Little security Government spokesman Feroz Bashari said the blast was "a clear sign that terrorists can't see Afghans express happiness." "You can't make them bow by killing them. The perpetrators of tonight's attack shall be held responsible," he wrote on Twitter. Insurgents have periodically struck Afghan weddings, which are seen as easy targets because they frequently lack rigorous security precautions. On July 12, at least six people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked a wedding ceremony in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar. The Islamic State group, which has a growing footprint in the region, claimed the blast. Expectations are rising for a deal in which the US would start withdrawing its approximately 14,000 soldiers from Afghanistan after a two-decade war that has turned into a stalemate. US President Donald Trump has said since the start of his presidency that he wants troops out of the country where Washington has spent more than $1 trillion on military operations and reconstruction since 2001. In return for the US departure, the Taliban would commit to various security guarantees, including that the Islamist hardliners who long harboured Al-Qaeda would not allow Afghanistan to once again become a jihadist haven. On Friday, Ahmadullah Azkhundzada, brother of Afghan Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, was among four people killed in a blast at a mosque in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan, a senior official with the provincial government said.

Many feared dead as bomb rips through wedding party in Afghanistan's Kabul

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-troop-withdrawal-in-afghan-before-2020-election-us-state-secretary-mike-pompeo-239310">US&nbsp;troops</a> to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through -wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">suicide bomber blew himself</a> up late on Saturday in a packed wedding hall, bringing new carnage to a country plagued by decades of violence.

Many women and children were among the dead and 182 wounded, officials said.

"Peace with whom? With those who bomb our weddings, schools, universities, offices and houses?" Twitter user Rada Akba wrote on the social media platform.

"Selling out this land and its people to those killers is sick and inhuman. History won't forget this," she wrote.

The Taliban denied responsibility for the blast at a west Kabul wedding hall in a minority Shi'ite neighbourhood and condemned it.

Islamic State militants also operate in Afghanistan and have carried out bloody attacks in towns and cities, some against Shi'ites.

Journalist Sana Safi said she doubted the Taliban denial.

"Who else is capable of carrying out such brutality?" she asked.

"So 'peace agreement' with the Taliban isn’t going to end the bloodshed for ordinary Afghans?"

Tawab Ghorzang, an adviser at the ministry of transport, said negotiations with the Taliban gave them legitimacy.

"If thousands of times the Taliban are given legitimacy on the platform of peace talks, their war crimes and a crime against humanity will go on," he wrote on Facebook.

The Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meeting-advisers-on-afghan-peace-plan-243511">an agreement on the withdrawal of US&nbsp;forces </a>in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed&nbsp;government.

Both sides have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year.

Under the expected deal on a staggered withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops, the Taliban would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said.

The government has not been involved in the negotiations - the Taliban refuse to talk to the administration they see as a US&nbsp;puppet - but the militants are expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks and agree to a ceasefire.

The government insists a ceasefire must be part of any deal.

Tabish Forugh, an Afghan journalist, also questioned the Taliban denial of responsibility for the Saturday's blast.

"They are responsible in the eyes of Afghans. They have turned a country of 30 million people into a slaughterhouse," Forugh wrote.

"We should not surrender to Taliban terror."

The European Union mission in Afghanistan condemned the blast saying those behind it were "enemies of humanity".

The Kabul blast followed a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan on Friday that killed four people, including a brother of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, and wounded about 20.

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting US troops to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul.

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting US troops to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul. A suicide bomber blew himself up late on Saturday in a packed wedding hall, bringing new carnage to a country plagued by decades of violence. Many women and children were among the dead and 182 wounded, officials said. "Peace with whom? With those who bomb our weddings, schools, universities, offices and houses?" Twitter user Rada Akba wrote on the social media platform. "Selling out this land and its people to those killers is sick and inhuman. History won't forget this," she wrote. The Taliban denied responsibility for the blast at a west Kabul wedding hall in a minority Shi'ite neighbourhood and condemned it. Islamic State militants also operate in Afghanistan and have carried out bloody attacks in towns and cities, some against Shi'ites. Journalist Sana Safi said she doubted the Taliban denial. "Who else is capable of carrying out such brutality?" she asked. "So 'peace agreement' with the Taliban isn’t going to end the bloodshed for ordinary Afghans?" Tawab Ghorzang, an adviser at the ministry of transport, said negotiations with the Taliban gave them legitimacy. "If thousands of times the Taliban are given legitimacy on the platform of peace talks, their war crimes and a crime against humanity will go on," he wrote on Facebook. The Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate an agreement on the withdrawal of US forces in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed government. Both sides have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year. Under the expected deal on a staggered withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said. The government has not been involved in the negotiations - the Taliban refuse to talk to the administration they see as a US puppet - but the militants are expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks and agree to a ceasefire. The government insists a ceasefire must be part of any deal. Tabish Forugh, an Afghan journalist, also questioned the Taliban denial of responsibility for the Saturday's blast. "They are responsible in the eyes of Afghans. They have turned a country of 30 million people into a slaughterhouse," Forugh wrote. "We should not surrender to Taliban terror." The European Union mission in Afghanistan condemned the blast saying those behind it were "enemies of humanity". The Kabul blast followed a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan on Friday that killed four people, including a brother of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, and wounded about 20.

Peace with whom? After blast, enraged Afghans question talks

Uncertainty in war-ravaged Afghanistan has been on the rise as neither the nearing presidential election nor the ongoing US-Taliban talks have so far shown much promise for lasting peace being anywhere near, as the country is set to celebrate the centennial of independence next week.

On Monday, the Taliban and the United States finished the eighth round of peace talks in Doha. Though the sides have been negotiating a peace deal since last year, no major breakthrough has been reached so far, despite regular claims of the Taliban and Washington about significant progress.

On Friday, President Donald Trump, who promises his electorate to continue <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-gets-update-from-aides-on-afghan-peace-plan-with-troop-pullout-possible-243530">US troop drawdown in Afghanistan</a>, even held a meeting with top security advisers and cabinet officials to review efforts with regard to the peace process in the conflict-torn country. The White House then said that the meeting "went very well," and negotiations are proceeding.

Trump later concluded that "many on the opposite side of this 19-year war, and us, are looking to make a deal – if possible."

Watch: US Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad meets S Jaishankar

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Amid the uncertainty over the US-Taliban talks, from which the Afghan government is excluded, the Islamic republic, meanwhile, gears up for the presidential election.

Electoral concerns

With almost a month remaining before the September 28 vote, the confrontation between the Taliban and the government shows no signs of abating. The Taliban have threatened to disrupt the election with all their force, while the government has vowed to safeguard the process.

"We want to put an end to the hopelessness and violence in the country. In peace, there is no winner or loser, the winner is Afghan children, women, older, Ulema [Islamic clerics] and all residents," Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in a Saturday campaign speech.

The ongoing US-Taliban peace talks, however, exclude the Afghan government, which the Taliban consider a US puppet. The issue of future governance, meanwhile, is obviously a core matter in these talks. The Taliban have said they want an Islamic type of government in Afghanistan named the Islamic Emirate, while the government wants it to remain a republic.

"We won’t let the black days come back, we want to go toward lightness, if they [Taliban] want to be part of the republic we welcome them otherwise we won’t allow the black days to come again, they have to accept election in last, but we won’t let them destroy our [future] generations," Ghani promised on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference the same day, Afghan presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi reiterated that "any peace agreement with the Taliban should mark the end of violence in Afghanistan," and guarantee that it will not be a safe haven for terrorists in the future.

He also said that Kabul would enter "crucial rounds of negotiations after the Taliban issue ceasefire."

Experts, meanwhile, doubt that any real peace process is possible without Kabul-Taliban direct talks.

"Peace process doesn’t make sense neither it will end the fighting until the government and the Taliban sit across each other and discuss the differences and the problems they have," Atiqullah Amarkhil, a prominent Afghan analyst and veteran army general, said.

Afghans not very enthusiastic

The growing uncertainty around the looming election and another round of the US-Taliban talks comes as Afghanistan is set to celebrate the centennial of its independence from the UK rule.

Despite the difficult security situation and Taliban threats, streets are decorated with flags and billboards.

"The centenary comes as we carry fear of death when we come out of home to work, we don’t know even we will make it back or not, but these all fashioned preparations doesn’t make sense while the bloodshed is ongoing," Kabul resident Ahmad Fahim, 35, told sputnik.

Kabul, a city with 5 million of pollution, is indeed the target of most bombings that have recently hit the country and caused massive civilian casualties. The capital has been under threat even during religious holidays and elections.

"The war is unfolding, neither I nor my family has registered to vote, we know this won’t work. We don’t know if an election is gonna happen first or peace, but peace is what each and every Afghan want," Khalid Mayar, a 27-year-old Kabul resident, told Sputnik.

Uncertainty in war-ravaged Afghanistan has been on the rise as neither the nearing presidential election nor the ongoing US-Taliban talks have so far shown much promise for lasting peace being anywhere near, as the country is set to celebrate the centennial of independence next week.

Uncertainty in war-ravaged Afghanistan has been on the rise as neither the nearing presidential election nor the ongoing US-Taliban talks have so far shown much promise for lasting peace being anywhere near, as the country is set to celebrate the centennial of independence next week. On Monday, the Taliban and the United States finished the eighth round of peace talks in Doha. Though the sides have been negotiating a peace deal since last year, no major breakthrough has been reached so far, despite regular claims of the Taliban and Washington about significant progress. On Friday, President Donald Trump, who promises his electorate to continue US troop drawdown in Afghanistan, even held a meeting with top security advisers and cabinet officials to review efforts with regard to the peace process in the conflict-torn country. The White House then said that the meeting "went very well," and negotiations are proceeding. Trump later concluded that "many on the opposite side of this 19-year war, and us, are looking to make a deal – if possible." Watch: US Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad meets S Jaishankar × Amid the uncertainty over the US-Taliban talks, from which the Afghan government is excluded, the Islamic republic, meanwhile, gears up for the presidential election. Electoral concerns With almost a month remaining before the September 28 vote, the confrontation between the Taliban and the government shows no signs of abating. The Taliban have threatened to disrupt the election with all their force, while the government has vowed to safeguard the process. "We want to put an end to the hopelessness and violence in the country. In peace, there is no winner or loser, the winner is Afghan children, women, older, Ulema [Islamic clerics] and all residents," Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in a Saturday campaign speech. The ongoing US-Taliban peace talks, however, exclude the Afghan government, which the Taliban consider a US puppet. The issue of future governance, meanwhile, is obviously a core matter in these talks. The Taliban have said they want an Islamic type of government in Afghanistan named the Islamic Emirate, while the government wants it to remain a republic. "We won’t let the black days come back, we want to go toward lightness, if they [Taliban] want to be part of the republic we welcome them otherwise we won’t allow the black days to come again, they have to accept election in last, but we won’t let them destroy our [future] generations," Ghani promised on Saturday. Speaking at a press conference the same day, Afghan presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi reiterated that "any peace agreement with the Taliban should mark the end of violence in Afghanistan," and guarantee that it will not be a safe haven for terrorists in the future. He also said that Kabul would enter "crucial rounds of negotiations after the Taliban issue ceasefire." Experts, meanwhile, doubt that any real peace process is possible without Kabul-Taliban direct talks. "Peace process doesn’t make sense neither it will end the fighting until the government and the Taliban sit across each other and discuss the differences and the problems they have," Atiqullah Amarkhil, a prominent Afghan analyst and veteran army general, said. Afghans not very enthusiastic The growing uncertainty around the looming election and another round of the US-Taliban talks comes as Afghanistan is set to celebrate the centennial of its independence from the UK rule. Despite the difficult security situation and Taliban threats, streets are decorated with flags and billboards. "The centenary comes as we carry fear of death when we come out of home to work, we don’t know even we will make it back or not, but these all fashioned preparations doesn’t make sense while the bloodshed is ongoing," Kabul resident Ahmad Fahim, 35, told sputnik. Kabul, a city with 5 million of pollution, is indeed the target of most bombings that have recently hit the country and caused massive civilian casualties. The capital has been under threat even during religious holidays and elections. "The war is unfolding, neither I nor my family has registered to vote, we know this won’t work. We don’t know if an election is gonna happen first or peace, but peace is what each and every Afghan want," Khalid Mayar, a 27-year-old Kabul resident, told Sputnik.

Afghans in limbo ahead of Independence Day amid concerns over election, US-Taliban talks

Afghan Taliban officials said on Saturday the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../brother-of-afghan-taliban-leader-killed-in- pakistan-mosque-blast-243513"> killing of the brother of their leader in a bomb attack </a>would not derail talks with the United States aimed at securing the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops after 18 years of war.

Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada was not in the mosque near the Pakistani city of Quetta when a bomb went off but his younger brother, Hafiz Ahmadullah, was leading Friday prayers and was among four people killed, several Taliban officials have said.

There was no claim of responsibility for the blast that came after both Taliban and US&nbsp;officials have reported progress in talks on an agreement centred on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee.

"If someone thinks martyring our leaders would stop us from our goal they're living in a fool's paradise," a Taliban leader said by telephone from an undisclosed location.

"We are close to our goals,” he said, referring to the talks with the United States. He declined to be identified.

The militants have been fighting to expel foreign forces and set up an Islamic state since they were ousted in October 2001, weeks after the September 11 attacks on the United States.

Both US&nbsp;negotiators and the Taliban have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-meeting-advisers-on-afghan-peace-plan- 243511">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump </a>has made no secret of his desire for a US&nbsp;pullout from Afghanistan and an end to America's longest war.

Top US&nbsp;national security advisers briefed Trump on Friday on the negotiations.

There are deep concerns among Afghan officials and U.S. national security aides about the talks led by US&nbsp;special representative to Afghanistan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-envoy-for-peace-in-afghanistan-zalmay- khalilzad-meets-jaishankar-241214">Zalmay Khalilzad</a>, who updated Trump.

A US pullout has raised fears Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give international militants a sanctuary.

Under the expected deal, the Taliban, in exchange for a US&nbsp;commitment on a withdrawal, would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said.

The Taliban are also expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks with the US-backed&nbsp;government and agree to a ceasefire.

Presidential spokesman Sediq Seddiqi told a news briefing any deal had to include a ceasefire and a US withdrawal would be based on conditions being met.

'FINAL ROUND'

A second Taliban official, speaking from Doha, where the Taliban have a political office and where the talks have been held, said preparations were being made for a meaningful final round.

"We've solved most issues, just a few remaining," said the official, who also declined to be identified.

No date has been set for more talks.

The Taliban were considering a ceasefire in places from which US&nbsp;forces withdraw, the second official said.

Some 14,000 US&nbsp;troops remain in Afghanistan, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations.

The war has ground into a stalemate with casualties rising among civilians as well as combatants.

Afghan Taliban officials said on Saturday the killing of the brother of their leader in a bomb attack would not derail talks with the United States aimed at securing the withdrawal of US troops after 18 years of war.

Afghan Taliban officials said on Saturday the killing of the brother of their leader in a bomb attack would not derail talks with the United States aimed at securing the withdrawal of US troops after 18 years of war. Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada was not in the mosque near the Pakistani city of Quetta when a bomb went off but his younger brother, Hafiz Ahmadullah, was leading Friday prayers and was among four people killed, several Taliban officials have said. There was no claim of responsibility for the blast that came after both Taliban and US officials have reported progress in talks on an agreement centred on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee. "If someone thinks martyring our leaders would stop us from our goal they're living in a fool's paradise," a Taliban leader said by telephone from an undisclosed location. "We are close to our goals,” he said, referring to the talks with the United States. He declined to be identified. The militants have been fighting to expel foreign forces and set up an Islamic state since they were ousted in October 2001, weeks after the September 11 attacks on the United States. Both US negotiators and the Taliban have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year. US President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for a US pullout from Afghanistan and an end to America's longest war. Top US national security advisers briefed Trump on Friday on the negotiations. There are deep concerns among Afghan officials and U.S. national security aides about the talks led by US special representative to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who updated Trump. A US pullout has raised fears Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give international militants a sanctuary. Under the expected deal, the Taliban, in exchange for a US commitment on a withdrawal, would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said. The Taliban are also expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks with the US-backed government and agree to a ceasefire. Presidential spokesman Sediq Seddiqi told a news briefing any deal had to include a ceasefire and a US withdrawal would be based on conditions being met. 'FINAL ROUND' A second Taliban official, speaking from Doha, where the Taliban have a political office and where the talks have been held, said preparations were being made for a meaningful final round. "We've solved most issues, just a few remaining," said the official, who also declined to be identified. No date has been set for more talks. The Taliban were considering a ceasefire in places from which US forces withdraw, the second official said. Some 14,000 US troops remain in Afghanistan, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations. The war has ground into a stalemate with casualties rising among civilians as well as combatants.

Taliban say killing of leader's brother will not derail US talks

An earthquake measuring 5.2 on Richter Scale struck off Jorm village in Badakhshan province in north-eastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/taliban-could-give-pakistan-a-short-term-win-in-afghanistan-243138">Afghanistan</a> early Friday morning.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred around 02:09 (UTC).&nbsp;

The epicentre was located at a depth of 210.3 kilometres southwest of Jorm, along the Hindu Kush region.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property as a result of the quake.

Last week the region was rattled by an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter Scale with its epicentre located 17 kilometres east of Farkhar, a province located in the northeast of the mountainous country close to the border with Tajikistan.

According to the India Meteorological Department, mild tremors of the earthquake were also felt in the Delhi-NCR region on the same day.

An earthquake measuring 5.2 on Richter Scale struck off Jorm village in Badakhshan province in north-eastern Afghanistan early Friday morning. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred around 02:09 (UTC).

An earthquake measuring 5.2 on Richter Scale struck off Jorm village in Badakhshan province in north-eastern Afghanistan early Friday morning. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred around 02:09 (UTC). The epicentre was located at a depth of 210.3 kilometres southwest of Jorm, along the Hindu Kush region. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property as a result of the quake. Last week the region was rattled by an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter Scale with its epicentre located 17 kilometres east of Farkhar, a province located in the northeast of the mountainous country close to the border with Tajikistan. According to the India Meteorological Department, mild tremors of the earthquake were also felt in the Delhi-NCR region on the same day.

5.2 magnitude quake hits northeast Afghanistan

Western intermediaries are trying to persuade arch-foes Iran and the United States to cooperate on bolstering security in Afghanistan as US President Donald Trump seeks to extract America from its longest war, according to three sources familiar with the efforts.

Western intermediaries are trying to persuade arch-foes Iran and the United States to cooperate on bolstering security in Afghanistan as US President Donald Trump seeks to extract America from its longest war, according to three sources familiar with the efforts. The intermediaries, the sources say, secretly have been relaying messages between Washington and Tehran for months in hopes of getting the sides talking at a time of heightened hostility on a range of issues. "Afghanistan is one area where there is common ground," one source with knowledge of the correspondence told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. The White House declined to comment and the US State Department did not respond to requests for comment. Iran officially denies any back-channel talks with the United States over any topic. The United States and Iran share an interest in ensuring that a departure of the more than 20,000 US-led foreign troops does not plunge Afghanistan into a civil war that restores the Taliban's harsh version of Islamic rule, and does not allow al Qaeda or other Sunni Muslim extremist groups to expand there. Moreover, with US sanctions hampering its economy, Tehran wants to avoid Afghans fleeing to neighbouring Iran if there was a surge in bloodletting, regional experts said, as has happened over decades of war in the central Asian country. Trump and Tehran have another shared interest: Both want US troops out of Afghanistan. There are no signs, however, that either Tehran or Washington are ready to put aside disputes over Iran's nuclear program and the US and Iranian activities and alliances in the Mideast to cooperate on Afghanistan. One message seen by Reuters and conveyed to Washington outlined Iran's concerns with the Trump administration's negotiations with the Taliban on a US troop withdrawal and intra-Afghan talks on a political settlement. Afghan-born veteran US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad has erred in taking "over-zealous shortcuts by talking directly to the Taliban," a senior Iranian official said in the message. This approach has given "political supremacy" to the Taliban as they are gaining militarily, the message said. Taliban leaders, it continued, have told their Iranian interlocutors they will not "accept anything less than a Taliban-dominated government" that rules "an Islamic emirate." Shi'ite Muslim-dominated Iran long has been wary of the Sunni Muslim Taliban. It nearly went to war during Taliban rule when the militants killed at least eight Iranian diplomats and an Iranian journalist in 1998. Back Channel Direct contact between Iran and the United States would be a stark contrast to the tensions that took them to the brink of military confrontation after Iran downed an unmanned US drone in the Gulf in June and Trump then halted a retaliatory air strike on Iran's coast. While Iran is open to talks, it wants at the very least a suspension of US sanctions designed to slash its oil exports to zero, Tehran's main source of income, according to two sources familiar with the US and Iranian positions. Iranian officials believe that a new peace process should be devised in which the Afghan government - which has been excluded from the US-Taliban talks in Qatar - played a "dominant" role, the message said. Several back-channel efforts, the sources said, are driven by a hope that cooperation on Afghanistan could lead to negotiations to lower the tensions ignited when Trump pulled the United States out of the 2015 international agreement designed to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon in exchange for sanctions relief. But one source familiar with the US and Iranian positions said as far as Iran was concerned, if Washington acknowledged common interests in Afghanistan "and is willing to talk to Iran based on equality about those common interests, then Iran will talk to the United States." Now all Iran is getting from the United States is that they have no common interests, the source added. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton oppose any sanctions relief for Iran and were opposed to any talks on Afghanistan, believing Tehran will give in to US demands, one of the sources said, who asked not to be identified. The US State Department declined to comment. One former Afghan official pointed out that since the 2001 US-led invasion to oust the Taliban government, Iran has built ties to the Taliban that it could use to help shape a peace settlement and a US troop withdrawal. Iran "could be very valuable," said Ali Jalali, who served as Afghanistan's first post-Taliban interior minister. "This is a very good opportunity for Iran." Tehran maintains high-level Taliban contacts and is a haven for some insurgent families. It has supplied limited quantities of weapons to the insurgents to keep the pressure on US forces near its border, according to Western officials. Pompeo has accused Iran of being a "co-conspirator" of the Taliban. But some regional experts counter that Tehran is hedging its bets in case the militants return to power. It also sees the Taliban as a counterforce to the Islamic State's Afghan affiliate. Tehran also wields influence in Kabul, having backed Afghan governments for nearly two decades. Iran maintains close ties with the Shi`ite Hazaras, Afghanistan’s third-largest ethnic group, and strongmen of other ethnic minorities. Washington and Tehran, regional experts said, also share the goal of preventing Afghanistan from reverting to a base of Sunni Muslim extremist groups, especially an affiliate of Islamic State, whose avowed enemies include the United States and Iran. Whether Iran can play a meaningful role in any peace effort, or that Washington would allow it to do so, is an open question, said Ryan Crocker, a former US ambassador to Kabul. "I'm pretty skeptical that they (the intermediaries) will get any traction ... because of the policy this administration has developed on Iran. I`m afraid that ship has sailed."

Shared Afghanistan interests create an opening for US-Iran backchannel: Report

Sixteen-year-old Madina still has nightmares about the day two huge blasts tore through her school in Kabul, showering shards of broken window glass on her and other students.&nbsp;

She survived, with lacerations to her arms and legs. The physical wounds are slowly healing, but she remains haunted by the stress of the attack.

Madina, like many of her generation in Afghanistan, has never known peace and experts warn the psychological impact of living in a country where schools are often on the front line, and counselling is in short supply, can be overwhelming.

"It was a scary day. I still have nightmares, I cannot focus, it was very hard to prepare for exams," Madina recalled.

She had to take her maths exam in the corridor at her shattered school as many classrooms have been left unusable.

The US and Taliban claim progress in ongoing peace talks, but little has changed for Afghans, and recent attacks underscore how children remain as vulnerable as ever in the grinding conflict.

A UN tally found last year was the deadliest on record, with at least 3,804 civilian deaths caused by the war -- including 927 children. And in the first six months of 2019, children accounted for nearly one-third of civilian casualties.

"In the first few days after the attack, you could see the trauma on students' faces, they would cry every minute," Madina's school director Niamatullah Hamdard said.

'Stressed out'

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the number of attacks against Afghan schools tripled last year compared to 2017. By the end of 2018, more than 1,000 Afghan schools had been shut due to conflict, denying about 500,000 Afghan kids access to education.

In the arid Deh Bala district of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, the Papen high school has been reduced to rubble amid fighting between government forces and the Islamic State group.

Kids sit on a rug outside for a class, frowning as a reporter approaches. Some of them have witnessed IS fighters beheading locals.

"When the students go to sleep at night, they dream about Daesh and they are haunted by these atrocities," school director Muhamad Wali said, using the local name for IS.

"They scream in their sleep, and when they come here they are so stressed out."

Omar Ghorzang, a school district official, said the stress takes a huge toll.&nbsp;

"When the teachers are talking to them, the kids talk among themselves and do bizarre things. They cannot pay attention", Ghorzang said.

Amir Gul, aged about 15, said he and his Papen classmates are constantly anxious.

"We are always afraid a bomb might go off. Everyone is scared and no one can study," he said.

Psychotherapist Bethan McEvoy, who works as an education advisor for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Kabul, said it can be tough to assess the prevalence of mental illness and emotional trauma resulting from school attacks.

That's because symptoms of psychological trauma often manifest only after the shock has subsided -- and in Afghanistan, people can spend years living through one stressful event after another.

"When we experience a high-stress event, there's a natural response in our body that turns into a survival response," she said. "When people are in a state of constant fear ... then it's very difficult to turn that response off."

How people are impacted in the long term depends on many factors including their background, family relations and support networks.

"If a school has something in place to provide that kind of support to the child then it can actually be very helpful," McEvoy said, noting that more can be done to provide services in Afghanistan.

- Counselling needed - 
At the Kabul school, much of the debris had been cleared, but twisted metal poked through a collapsed roof and the crunch of broken glass could still be felt underfoot in areas away from where the kids play.

Days after the Kabul attack, a Taliban car bomb targeted a government intelligence centre in the eastern city of Ghazni. The blast also hit a nearby school, wounding dozens of children.

Barely a day goes by without reports of children or families being killed or wounded.&nbsp;

It is not just insurgent groups responsible for the killing.&nbsp;

A recent Pentagon report found US forces in Afghanistan caused 134 civilian casualties in 2018. Of the 76 among them who died, 31 were children.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said war explosives account for 84 percent of all child casualties in Afghanistan.

"Physical injuries can pale in comparison to the emotional scars many children may carry with them for years," Save the Children's Afghanistan director Onno van Manen said after the Ghazni attack.

Wali, the school director in Nangarghar, said security risks made it hard for aid groups to offer counselling for his students.

But after the attack in Kabul, the ministry of health stepped in for a few days.

Madina said the therapy has helped.

She added: "It was useful, but it was too short."&nbsp;

Sixteen-year-old Madina still has nightmares about the day two huge blasts tore through her school in Kabul, showering shards of broken window glass on her and other students.

Sixteen-year-old Madina still has nightmares about the day two huge blasts tore through her school in Kabul, showering shards of broken window glass on her and other students. She survived, with lacerations to her arms and legs. The physical wounds are slowly healing, but she remains haunted by the stress of the attack. Madina, like many of her generation in Afghanistan, has never known peace and experts warn the psychological impact of living in a country where schools are often on the front line, and counselling is in short supply, can be overwhelming. "It was a scary day. I still have nightmares, I cannot focus, it was very hard to prepare for exams," Madina recalled. She had to take her maths exam in the corridor at her shattered school as many classrooms have been left unusable. The US and Taliban claim progress in ongoing peace talks, but little has changed for Afghans, and recent attacks underscore how children remain as vulnerable as ever in the grinding conflict. A UN tally found last year was the deadliest on record, with at least 3,804 civilian deaths caused by the war -- including 927 children. And in the first six months of 2019, children accounted for nearly one-third of civilian casualties. "In the first few days after the attack, you could see the trauma on students' faces, they would cry every minute," Madina's school director Niamatullah Hamdard said. 'Stressed out' According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the number of attacks against Afghan schools tripled last year compared to 2017. By the end of 2018, more than 1,000 Afghan schools had been shut due to conflict, denying about 500,000 Afghan kids access to education. In the arid Deh Bala district of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, the Papen high school has been reduced to rubble amid fighting between government forces and the Islamic State group. Kids sit on a rug outside for a class, frowning as a reporter approaches. Some of them have witnessed IS fighters beheading locals. "When the students go to sleep at night, they dream about Daesh and they are haunted by these atrocities," school director Muhamad Wali said, using the local name for IS. "They scream in their sleep, and when they come here they are so stressed out." Omar Ghorzang, a school district official, said the stress takes a huge toll. "When the teachers are talking to them, the kids talk among themselves and do bizarre things. They cannot pay attention", Ghorzang said. Amir Gul, aged about 15, said he and his Papen classmates are constantly anxious. "We are always afraid a bomb might go off. Everyone is scared and no one can study," he said. Psychotherapist Bethan McEvoy, who works as an education advisor for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Kabul, said it can be tough to assess the prevalence of mental illness and emotional trauma resulting from school attacks. That's because symptoms of psychological trauma often manifest only after the shock has subsided -- and in Afghanistan, people can spend years living through one stressful event after another. "When we experience a high-stress event, there's a natural response in our body that turns into a survival response," she said. "When people are in a state of constant fear ... then it's very difficult to turn that response off." How people are impacted in the long term depends on many factors including their background, family relations and support networks. "If a school has something in place to provide that kind of support to the child then it can actually be very helpful," McEvoy said, noting that more can be done to provide services in Afghanistan. - Counselling needed - At the Kabul school, much of the debris had been cleared, but twisted metal poked through a collapsed roof and the crunch of broken glass could still be felt underfoot in areas away from where the kids play. Days after the Kabul attack, a Taliban car bomb targeted a government intelligence centre in the eastern city of Ghazni. The blast also hit a nearby school, wounding dozens of children. Barely a day goes by without reports of children or families being killed or wounded. It is not just insurgent groups responsible for the killing. A recent Pentagon report found US forces in Afghanistan caused 134 civilian casualties in 2018. Of the 76 among them who died, 31 were children. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said war explosives account for 84 percent of all child casualties in Afghanistan. "Physical injuries can pale in comparison to the emotional scars many children may carry with them for years," Save the Children's Afghanistan director Onno van Manen said after the Ghazni attack. Wali, the school director in Nangarghar, said security risks made it hard for aid groups to offer counselling for his students. But after the attack in Kabul, the ministry of health stepped in for a few days. Madina said the therapy has helped. She added: "It was useful, but it was too short."

When school's not safe: Afghan war takes toll on kids

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-is-war-against-humanity-indias-policy-on-it-is-clear-pm-modi-243139">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday</a> wished Afghanistan Independence Day from the rampart of the Red Fort in Delhi during his speech on the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day. Afghanistan will celebrate its 100th Independence Day on August 19 this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/i-day-pm-narendra-modi-continues-turban-tradition-for-first-address-of-modi-20-243170">During the speech</a>, PM Modi said,&nbsp;"Our neighbour and a good friend after four days will celebrate its Independence Day.&nbsp;From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I give my greetings to the people of Afghanistan who are marking 100 years of freedom".

Afghanistan regained full independence from British rule on August 19, 1919, after the defeat of the latter in the third Anglo-Afghan war.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, in a statement, congratulated India on its Independence Day and said, "India has been a great and close friend of Afghanistan in moments of difficulty and tragedy and massively contributed to help maintain stability and security in the region and the world."

"As a close friend of India, Afghanistan is very keen to further strengthening its relationship and partnership with India, which rests on mutual trust between our countries and the historical bonds and enduring goodwill between our people," Ghani added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's Independence Day was celebrated in Afghanistan with Indian envoy Vinay Kumar unfurling the national flag at the Indian Mission in Kabul.&nbsp;

<img alt="Indian envoy Vinay Kumar at I Day festivities at Indian mission in Kabul. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Kabul)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="68bc3dae-23f9-4c4d-ae17-65f143926ed4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_4.jpg" />

[Indian envoy Vinay Kumar at I Day festivities at Indian mission in Kabul. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Kabul)]

<img alt="Consul-general Gajraj Bhati at I Day festivities at Indian consulate in Herat. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Herat)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7ce9196-919c-4f02-a333-14987ed60c4c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_2.jpg" />

[Consul-general Gajraj Bhati at I Day festivities at Indian consulate in Herat. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Herat)]

Consul-general&nbsp;Gajraj Bhati&nbsp;led the Independence Day festivities at the Indian Consulate in Herat, Afghanistan.&nbsp;Indian nationals in western Afghanistan, including some doctors, travelled to the Indian Consulate to participate in the function.&nbsp;

Ties between New Delhi and Kabul have improved since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. India became a major donor to the landlocked South Asian country. India has built the Afghan national parliament and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western Herat province.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wished Afghanistan Independence Day from the rampart of the Red Fort in Delhi during his speech on the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wished Afghanistan Independence Day from the rampart of the Red Fort in Delhi during his speech on the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day. Afghanistan will celebrate its 100th Independence Day on August 19 this year. During the speech, PM Modi said, "Our neighbour and a good friend after four days will celebrate its Independence Day. From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I give my greetings to the people of Afghanistan who are marking 100 years of freedom". Afghanistan regained full independence from British rule on August 19, 1919, after the defeat of the latter in the third Anglo-Afghan war. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, in a statement, congratulated India on its Independence Day and said, "India has been a great and close friend of Afghanistan in moments of difficulty and tragedy and massively contributed to help maintain stability and security in the region and the world." "As a close friend of India, Afghanistan is very keen to further strengthening its relationship and partnership with India, which rests on mutual trust between our countries and the historical bonds and enduring goodwill between our people," Ghani added. Meanwhile, India's Independence Day was celebrated in Afghanistan with Indian envoy Vinay Kumar unfurling the national flag at the Indian Mission in Kabul. [Indian envoy Vinay Kumar at I Day festivities at Indian mission in Kabul. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Kabul)] [Consul-general Gajraj Bhati at I Day festivities at Indian consulate in Herat. (Courtesy: Indian mission in Herat)] Consul-general Gajraj Bhati led the Independence Day festivities at the Indian Consulate in Herat, Afghanistan. Indian nationals in western Afghanistan, including some doctors, travelled to the Indian Consulate to participate in the function. Ties between New Delhi and Kabul have improved since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. India became a major donor to the landlocked South Asian country. India has built the Afghan national parliament and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western Herat province.

PM Modi extends Independence Day wishes to Afghanistan from ramparts of Red Fort

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/taliban-could-give-pakistan-a-short-term-win-in-afghanistan-243138">deal between the Taliban and the United States</a> for US&nbsp;forces to withdraw from their longest-ever war in Afghanistan could drive some diehard Taliban fighters into the arms of the Islamic State militant group, Afghan officials and militants say.

Such a deal is expected to see the United States agree to withdraw its forces in exchange for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-round-of-peace-talks-with-us-finished-taliban-242381">Taliban</a> promise they will not let Afghanistan be used to plot international militant attacks.

As part of the pact, the Taliban are expected to make a commitment to power-sharing talks with the US-backed government and work out a ceasefire.

The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), after an old name for the region, first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in 2014, and has since made inroads into other areas, particularly the north.

The US&nbsp;military estimates their strength at 2,000 fighters. Some Afghan officials estimated the number is higher and could be about to get a boost.

"It's a big opportunity for Daesh to recruit fighters from the Taliban, and, no doubt, many Taliban fighters will happily join," said Sohrab Qaderi, a member of the provincial council in Nangarhar province on the border with Pakistan, referring to IS.

IS militants, who battle government forces and the Taliban, and have carried out some of the deadliest attacks in urban centres, will not be part of the deal between the United States and the Taliban.

For some Taliban, IS will offer an opportunity to continue jihad against those they see as infidels and their supporters. For others, who fear retribution if they try to reintegrate into society, it could be a refuge.

"They've killed and been killed, they have feuds," Qaderi said of the Taliban. "Many fighters won't feel safe returning to normal life."

A spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani said there was a major concern about the growing strength of IS and their attraction for some Taliban.

"Most Daesh are ex-Taliban, and there could be a possibility of some Taliban joining," said the spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi.

"The Afghan government and the US&nbsp;have shared goals combating terrorism. We need the support of our international partners."

The government has a reintegration programme for insurgents who surrender but critics say it can take too long for people to be vetted and the care they get is inadequate.

From white to black&nbsp;

But a Taliban commander and some members of the group dismissed the possibility of fighters breaking ranks to join IS.

"The Taliban leadership has enough control over their fighters to given them orders, and they obey them," Mawlavi Jamal, a Taliban commander in the western province of Farah, told Reuters by telephone.

But a Taliban fighter in eastern Kunar province said he had no choice but to join IS, and he thought others would too.

"During the fighting local people got killed, many people have enemies," said the fighter, who declined to be identified.

He said had killed one of his father's cousins who opposed the Taliban and could not return to his village.

"To survive, I have to go to Daesh," he said. "Our aim is to fight the infidels and corruption, no matter under what name."

One former Taliban member who joined IS in Kunar two years ago denounced the Taliban for negotiating with "infidels".

"They're selling the precious lives we've sacrificed ... I'm sure more true mujahideen will soon join us," said the fighter, who spoke by telephone and sought anonymity.

A former senior Taliban member who has defected to the government said fighters might be inadvertently driven into the arms of IS if the government did not rehabilitate them properly.

"If nothing else makes Taliban fighters join Daesh, it'll be government negligence," he told Reuters in an interview in a safe house provided by the government in Kabul, the capital.

He said he had former Taliban comrades who had wanted to leave the Taliban but been unable to strike a deal with the government, so had joined IS instead.

Rivalries, feuds and the anger among some fighters over what they see as their leaders' compromise with the Americans were also likely to drive defections to IS, he said.

"It's the easiest thing, just change the white flag to a black one," he said, referring to the white Taliban flag and the black IS banner.

A deal between the Taliban and the United States for US forces to withdraw from their longest-ever war in Afghanistan could drive some diehard Taliban fighters into the arms of the Islamic State militant group, Afghan officials and militants say.

A deal between the Taliban and the United States for US forces to withdraw from their longest-ever war in Afghanistan could drive some diehard Taliban fighters into the arms of the Islamic State militant group, Afghan officials and militants say. Such a deal is expected to see the United States agree to withdraw its forces in exchange for a Taliban promise they will not let Afghanistan be used to plot international militant attacks. As part of the pact, the Taliban are expected to make a commitment to power-sharing talks with the US-backed government and work out a ceasefire. The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), after an old name for the region, first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in 2014, and has since made inroads into other areas, particularly the north. The US military estimates their strength at 2,000 fighters. Some Afghan officials estimated the number is higher and could be about to get a boost. "It's a big opportunity for Daesh to recruit fighters from the Taliban, and, no doubt, many Taliban fighters will happily join," said Sohrab Qaderi, a member of the provincial council in Nangarhar province on the border with Pakistan, referring to IS. IS militants, who battle government forces and the Taliban, and have carried out some of the deadliest attacks in urban centres, will not be part of the deal between the United States and the Taliban. For some Taliban, IS will offer an opportunity to continue jihad against those they see as infidels and their supporters. For others, who fear retribution if they try to reintegrate into society, it could be a refuge. "They've killed and been killed, they have feuds," Qaderi said of the Taliban. "Many fighters won't feel safe returning to normal life." A spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani said there was a major concern about the growing strength of IS and their attraction for some Taliban. "Most Daesh are ex-Taliban, and there could be a possibility of some Taliban joining," said the spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi. "The Afghan government and the US have shared goals combating terrorism. We need the support of our international partners." The government has a reintegration programme for insurgents who surrender but critics say it can take too long for people to be vetted and the care they get is inadequate. From white to black But a Taliban commander and some members of the group dismissed the possibility of fighters breaking ranks to join IS. "The Taliban leadership has enough control over their fighters to given them orders, and they obey them," Mawlavi Jamal, a Taliban commander in the western province of Farah, told Reuters by telephone. But a Taliban fighter in eastern Kunar province said he had no choice but to join IS, and he thought others would too. "During the fighting local people got killed, many people have enemies," said the fighter, who declined to be identified. He said had killed one of his father's cousins who opposed the Taliban and could not return to his village. "To survive, I have to go to Daesh," he said. "Our aim is to fight the infidels and corruption, no matter under what name." One former Taliban member who joined IS in Kunar two years ago denounced the Taliban for negotiating with "infidels". "They're selling the precious lives we've sacrificed ... I'm sure more true mujahideen will soon join us," said the fighter, who spoke by telephone and sought anonymity. A former senior Taliban member who has defected to the government said fighters might be inadvertently driven into the arms of IS if the government did not rehabilitate them properly. "If nothing else makes Taliban fighters join Daesh, it'll be government negligence," he told Reuters in an interview in a safe house provided by the government in Kabul, the capital. He said he had former Taliban comrades who had wanted to leave the Taliban but been unable to strike a deal with the government, so had joined IS instead. Rivalries, feuds and the anger among some fighters over what they see as their leaders' compromise with the Americans were also likely to drive defections to IS, he said. "It's the easiest thing, just change the white flag to a black one," he said, referring to the white Taliban flag and the black IS banner.

Taliban, US pact in Afghanistan could boost Islamic State: Afghan officials

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon.&nbsp;

During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon.&nbsp;

During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

During his bombastic 30-minute press conference with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, US President Donald Trump said he could end the Afghan war in 10 days, but wasn’t doing so because 10 million Afghans would be killed.&nbsp;

A stone-faced Khan listened as Trump rambled on about past Pakistani governments’ duplicity in Afghanistan. Khan, however, was in Washington in pursuit of a single-point agenda: to ensure that Trump doubled down on his promise to get US and NATO troops out of Afghanistan as quickly as possible.&nbsp;

Trump’s throwaway remark on mediation in Jammu &amp; Kashmir came as a bonus for Khan even though the subsequent readout of the Trump-Khan meeting in the White House made no mention of mediation. Following the invalidation of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution, Khan’s attempt to draw Trump into J&amp;K has run into a wall.&nbsp;

Khan, though, got what he wanted in Washington: a renewed promise that US and NATO troops would shortly exit Afghanistan, leaving the country at the mercy of a terror group the Pakistani military has armed, funded and nurtured for 25 years.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s chief of army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the new Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed left Washington satisfied that they had gamed the Americans once again. However, to Pakistan’s disappointment, the Taliban spokesman last week officially rejected Islamabad’s ploy to link Afghanistan with Kashmir stating: “Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan will not aid in improving the (Afghanistan) crisis.” &nbsp;

What next for Afghanistan? The Taliban’s lethal attack on presidential candidate Amrullah Saleh, Afghanistan’s former Interior Minister and an implacable foe of the terror group, killed 30 people. Saleh miraculously escaped with injuries and has vowed to continue his election campaign. But the Taliban’s gameplan, masterminded in Rawalpindi, is clear: mount terror attacks on Afghan politicians standing for election to cause yet another postponement of the September 28 poll. Pakistan and the Taliban would then seek to establish an interim government with Taliban representatives forming part of a patchwork administration.&nbsp;

This arrangement would suit Pakistan. With US and NATO troops gone (bar a small contingent), the strategic depth it has long sought in Afghanistan would be within reach.&nbsp;

The Ashraf Ghani government has been a roadblock for Rawalpindi. Withdrawal of US/NATO troops and &nbsp;collapse of the Ghani government will give Pakistan and the Taliban free rein over Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Ordinary Afghanis view the future under the Taliban and the Pakistani military with trepidation. At a recent conference in Mumbai, members of Afghan civil society said in an interview with a leading daily: “Everyone wants peace.

It is the most important thing for every Afghan. But we do not know the price of this peace. We had peace before when the Taliban were ruling Afghanistan. But we had no life then – no rights, no jobs, nothing. Will it be different this time? We don’t know. Because of what I do, I am going to be a target if the Taliban come back. Pakistan is the main concern. Pakistan has invited the Taliban, and when the Taliban return, Pakistan will not stop interfering.

They have invested a lot in keeping Afghanistan destabilised.” &nbsp;

For India a destabilised Afghanistan is a worrying prospect. Under an interim government with Taliban representation, the Sharia laws of 1996-2001 may return. India’s infrastructure projects could be in jeopardy. Yet, Pakistan could be biting off more than it can chew. The Taliban is faction-ridden. Dominated by Pashtuns, it does not recognise the colonial Durand Line that artificially splits Pashtuns across Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The demand for a united Pashtunistan, carved out of Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a potential nightmare for Islamabad, already facing an insurgency in Balochistan and deep unrest in Sindh.&nbsp;

The Taliban could give Pakistan a short-term win in Afghanistan. In the long term, however, it could prove the beginning of an end game for Pakistan itself. &nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-taliban-closer-to-power-2781814">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon. During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon. During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. During his bombastic 30-minute press conference with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, US President Donald Trump said he could end the Afghan war in 10 days, but wasn’t doing so because 10 million Afghans would be killed. A stone-faced Khan listened as Trump rambled on about past Pakistani governments’ duplicity in Afghanistan. Khan, however, was in Washington in pursuit of a single-point agenda: to ensure that Trump doubled down on his promise to get US and NATO troops out of Afghanistan as quickly as possible. Trump’s throwaway remark on mediation in Jammu & Kashmir came as a bonus for Khan even though the subsequent readout of the Trump-Khan meeting in the White House made no mention of mediation. Following the invalidation of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution, Khan’s attempt to draw Trump into J&K has run into a wall. Khan, though, got what he wanted in Washington: a renewed promise that US and NATO troops would shortly exit Afghanistan, leaving the country at the mercy of a terror group the Pakistani military has armed, funded and nurtured for 25 years. Pakistan’s chief of army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the new Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed left Washington satisfied that they had gamed the Americans once again. However, to Pakistan’s disappointment, the Taliban spokesman last week officially rejected Islamabad’s ploy to link Afghanistan with Kashmir stating: “Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan will not aid in improving the (Afghanistan) crisis.” What next for Afghanistan? The Taliban’s lethal attack on presidential candidate Amrullah Saleh, Afghanistan’s former Interior Minister and an implacable foe of the terror group, killed 30 people. Saleh miraculously escaped with injuries and has vowed to continue his election campaign. But the Taliban’s gameplan, masterminded in Rawalpindi, is clear: mount terror attacks on Afghan politicians standing for election to cause yet another postponement of the September 28 poll. Pakistan and the Taliban would then seek to establish an interim government with Taliban representatives forming part of a patchwork administration. This arrangement would suit Pakistan. With US and NATO troops gone (bar a small contingent), the strategic depth it has long sought in Afghanistan would be within reach. The Ashraf Ghani government has been a roadblock for Rawalpindi. Withdrawal of US/NATO troops and collapse of the Ghani government will give Pakistan and the Taliban free rein over Afghanistan. Ordinary Afghanis view the future under the Taliban and the Pakistani military with trepidation. At a recent conference in Mumbai, members of Afghan civil society said in an interview with a leading daily: “Everyone wants peace. It is the most important thing for every Afghan. But we do not know the price of this peace. We had peace before when the Taliban were ruling Afghanistan. But we had no life then – no rights, no jobs, nothing. Will it be different this time? We don’t know. Because of what I do, I am going to be a target if the Taliban come back. Pakistan is the main concern. Pakistan has invited the Taliban, and when the Taliban return, Pakistan will not stop interfering. They have invested a lot in keeping Afghanistan destabilised.” For India a destabilised Afghanistan is a worrying prospect. Under an interim government with Taliban representation, the Sharia laws of 1996-2001 may return. India’s infrastructure projects could be in jeopardy. Yet, Pakistan could be biting off more than it can chew. The Taliban is faction-ridden. Dominated by Pashtuns, it does not recognise the colonial Durand Line that artificially splits Pashtuns across Afghanistan and Pakistan. The demand for a united Pashtunistan, carved out of Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a potential nightmare for Islamabad, already facing an insurgency in Balochistan and deep unrest in Sindh. The Taliban could give Pakistan a short-term win in Afghanistan. In the long term, however, it could prove the beginning of an end game for Pakistan itself. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Taliban could give Pakistan a short-term win in Afghanistan

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday suspended the contract of Mohammad Shahzad for an indefinite period stating that the wicket-keeper batsman breached ACB's Code of Conduct.

"As per ACB's policies, any player travelling out of the country is required to seek the permission of ACB. Shahzad has not adhered to this, repetitively," ACB said in a statement.

Earlier, Shahzad was<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afghanistan-keeper-mohammad-shahzad-ruled-out-of-world-cup-2019-225176"> ruled out of the World Cup </a>on June 7 due to a knee injury.

However, Shahzad said that his injury was not severe and it is the board which needed to be blamed for his withdrawal from the team.

The cricketing body also said that the 31-year old has also breached the ACB Code of Conduct previously and was also called for questioning by the ACB Discipline Committee in relation to a disciplinary matter during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

"Mohammad Shahzad did not attend meetings scheduled with the Discipline Committee on 20th and 25th of the last month.

The Discipline Committee will meet after Eid-ul Adha holidays to assess the breaches by Mohammad Shahzad and make a decision to be publicized soon," the statement added.&nbsp;

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday suspended the contract of Mohammad Shahzad for an indefinite period stating that the wicket-keeper batsman breached ACB's Code of Conduct.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday suspended the contract of Mohammad Shahzad for an indefinite period stating that the wicket-keeper batsman breached ACB's Code of Conduct. "As per ACB's policies, any player travelling out of the country is required to seek the permission of ACB. Shahzad has not adhered to this, repetitively," ACB said in a statement. Earlier, Shahzad was ruled out of the World Cup on June 7 due to a knee injury. However, Shahzad said that his injury was not severe and it is the board which needed to be blamed for his withdrawal from the team. The cricketing body also said that the 31-year old has also breached the ACB Code of Conduct previously and was also called for questioning by the ACB Discipline Committee in relation to a disciplinary matter during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. "Mohammad Shahzad did not attend meetings scheduled with the Discipline Committee on 20th and 25th of the last month. The Discipline Committee will meet after Eid-ul Adha holidays to assess the breaches by Mohammad Shahzad and make a decision to be publicized soon," the statement added.

Afghanistan Cricket Board suspends Mohammad Shahzad

The leader of the Taliban said on Thursday the United States had raised a cloud of doubt and uncertainty about an expected deal aimed at allowing it to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and end its longest war.

The message from Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, to mark the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, came a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed 14 people and wounded 145 in Kabul in an attack the government said raised questions about the militants'&nbsp;commitment to peace despite the talks with the United States.

Akhundzada called for trust but did not refer to Wednesday's bombing in his message. He said the Taliban had taken "incredible strides" towards their goal of "ending the occupation and establishing an Islamic system".

Addressing American officials, Akhundzada said the Taliban were engaged in negotiations with them with "utmost seriousness" and called for sincerity to end the "18-year tragedy".

"However, the increasing blind and brutal bombings by America during the negotiation process, attacks on civilian areas and the contradictory statements by your military and political officials have generated a cloud of uncertainty about this process and raised doubts about your intentions," he said.

"Bilateral trust is the foundation of a successful negotiations process, therefore, it is imperative that such negative actions are ceased," Akhundzada said.

The negotiations, which began late last year in Qatar, have not brought a reduction in violence, with both the Taliban and Afghan government forces, assisted by US-led international troops, launching assaults against each other.

At the same time, the violence has had virtually no impact on the talks. Both sides reported significant progress this week in their efforts to forge a deal.&nbsp;

The expected pact will be centred on a timeline for the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for international terrorism, both sides have said.

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US&nbsp;forces carry out counter-terrorism operations.

The Taliban said Wednesday's bomb in Kabul was a response to daily attacks by government forces in the countryside.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US&nbsp;envoy negotiating with the Taliban, condemned the Kabul blast and said the focus should be on reducing violence to prepare "intra-Afghan negotiations that will produce a political roadmap and a permanent ceasefire".

A Taliban promise to talk peace with the US-backed government is likely to be part of any agreement with the United States, but many Afghan government officials fear their war with the Taliban will not end if and when the Americans leave.

The militants control more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001.

The leader of the Taliban said on Thursday the United States had raised a cloud of doubt and uncertainty about an expected deal aimed at allowing it to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and end its longest war.

The leader of the Taliban said on Thursday the United States had raised a cloud of doubt and uncertainty about an expected deal aimed at allowing it to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and end its longest war. The message from Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, to mark the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, came a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed 14 people and wounded 145 in Kabul in an attack the government said raised questions about the militants' commitment to peace despite the talks with the United States. Akhundzada called for trust but did not refer to Wednesday's bombing in his message. He said the Taliban had taken "incredible strides" towards their goal of "ending the occupation and establishing an Islamic system". Addressing American officials, Akhundzada said the Taliban were engaged in negotiations with them with "utmost seriousness" and called for sincerity to end the "18-year tragedy". "However, the increasing blind and brutal bombings by America during the negotiation process, attacks on civilian areas and the contradictory statements by your military and political officials have generated a cloud of uncertainty about this process and raised doubts about your intentions," he said. "Bilateral trust is the foundation of a successful negotiations process, therefore, it is imperative that such negative actions are ceased," Akhundzada said. The negotiations, which began late last year in Qatar, have not brought a reduction in violence, with both the Taliban and Afghan government forces, assisted by US-led international troops, launching assaults against each other. At the same time, the violence has had virtually no impact on the talks. Both sides reported significant progress this week in their efforts to forge a deal. The expected pact will be centred on a timeline for the withdrawal of US troops in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for international terrorism, both sides have said. About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations. The Taliban said Wednesday's bomb in Kabul was a response to daily attacks by government forces in the countryside. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy negotiating with the Taliban, condemned the Kabul blast and said the focus should be on reducing violence to prepare "intra-Afghan negotiations that will produce a political roadmap and a permanent ceasefire". A Taliban promise to talk peace with the US-backed government is likely to be part of any agreement with the United States, but many Afghan government officials fear their war with the Taliban will not end if and when the Americans leave. The militants control more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001.

Afghan Taliban leader accuses US of creating doubts over pact

A Taliban suicide car bomber targeted a police station the Afghan capital on Wednesday, killing 14 people.

Explosion rocks Afghan capital of Kabul

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-pakistan-downgrades-ties-with-india-looks-towards-china-for-support-241399">India-Pakistan tensions</a> in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-35a-370-acted-as-a-tool-to-spread-terrorism-and-violence-in-valley-pm-modi-241575">special status for Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

The group in a release, while expressing its concerns on India's decision, urged both "India and Pakistan to refrain from taking steps that could pave a way for violence and complications in the region" 
&nbsp; 
The group explained that it&nbsp;"having gained bitter experiences from war and conflict"&nbsp;requests&nbsp;"peace and use of rational pathways to solve regional issues.

Taliban which&nbsp;controlled&nbsp;a major portion of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 also slammed&nbsp;Islamabad for linking the Afghan peace process with developments in Kashmir.&nbsp;

It said, "Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan by some parties will not aid in improving the crisis at hand because the issue is not related nor should Afghanistan be turned into the theatre of competition between other countries."

Remember earlier this month Pakistan linked Afghan peace process with the situation at the line of control.

Speaking to a Pakistani media channel, Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi&nbsp;said, "Afghan&nbsp;peace process is going through a critical stage...the action by the Indian army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace."

The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pakistani envoy to&nbsp;Afghanistan.

In February, in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by Indian army impacting the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace process.

Taliban is currently in talks with the US in Doha over an agreement that can see American troops leaving the landlock south Asian country. US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who is leading the talks from American side was recently in Delhi and said India has an important role to play in the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a special status for Jammu and Kashmir. The group in a release, while expressing its concerns on India's decision, urged both "India and Pakistan to refrain from taking steps that could pave a way for violence and complications in the region" The group explained that it "having gained bitter experiences from war and conflict" requests "peace and use of rational pathways to solve regional issues. Taliban which controlled a major portion of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 also slammed Islamabad for linking the Afghan peace process with developments in Kashmir. It said, "Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan by some parties will not aid in improving the crisis at hand because the issue is not related nor should Afghanistan be turned into the theatre of competition between other countries." Remember earlier this month Pakistan linked Afghan peace process with the situation at the line of control. Speaking to a Pakistani media channel, Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi said, "Afghan peace process is going through a critical stage...the action by the Indian army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace." The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pakistani envoy to Afghanistan. In February, in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by Indian army impacting the Afghan peace process. Taliban is currently in talks with the US in Doha over an agreement that can see American troops leaving the landlock south Asian country. US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who is leading the talks from American side was recently in Delhi and said India has an important role to play in the Afghan peace process.

Taliban slams Pakistan for linking Kashmir with Afghan peace process

An Afghan politician once seen as a top contender to stop President Ashraf Ghani winning a second term suspended his campaign on Thursday amid worsening violence and problems on his team.

Hanif Atmar, the former national security advisor to Ghani, had hoped to beat his former boss in elections set for September 28.

Official campaign season started July 28 but was immediately beset by deadly violence, when Ghani's running mate Amrullah Saleh was targeted in an attack in Kabul that killed at least 20 people.

Atmar highlighted the violence in his decision to suspend his campaign, and also attacked Ghani for using his presidential bully pulpit to an unfair and "illegal" advantage.

"Threats against the election process have increased with each passing day," Atmar said.&nbsp;

"This is not only threatening the election teams and their campaigns, but also endangers the lives of millions of Afghans who participle in the election."

Atmar's campaign was also beset by rumours of an internal rift with one of his running mates.

With Atmar's at least temporary departure, only Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah remains as a serious opponent.&nbsp;

The election race is off to a lacklustre start and many observers think the poll will be postponed again -- it has already been pushed back twice this year -- to create space for a peace deal to be finalised between the US and the Taliban.

Of the 18 candidates running, many have not bothered launching their campaigns and at least one has already abandoned the race completely.

Atmar cited the need to focus on peace as another reason he paused his campaign.

A possible deal between the US and the Taliban is widely viewed as entering its final phase, but questions remain about what happens next and when a ceasefire might kick in.

In a message Thursday ahead of next week's Eid al-Adha festival, top Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada avoided any mention of a ceasefire and taunted American and foreign troops.

"We believe the time of demise and humiliation of these tyrants has come near, Allah willing," Akhundzada said.

His message also criticised the Afghan and US militaries for killing Afghans, even though the Taliban continue to strike urban areas packed with civilians.

On Wednesday, a Taliban bomb killed at least 14 people and wounded 145 more in an attack on a Kabul police station. Most of the dead and wounded were civilians, authorities said.

Even if an election goes ahead, Afghans are pessimistic about whether it will be fair or safe, after violence and widespread fraud allegations tainted previous polls.

A survey released Thursday by the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan found that 57 percent of Afghans have no intention of voting.

An Afghan politician once seen as a top contender to stop President Ashraf Ghani winning a second term suspended his campaign on Thursday amid worsening violence and problems on his team.

An Afghan politician once seen as a top contender to stop President Ashraf Ghani winning a second term suspended his campaign on Thursday amid worsening violence and problems on his team. Hanif Atmar, the former national security advisor to Ghani, had hoped to beat his former boss in elections set for September 28. Official campaign season started July 28 but was immediately beset by deadly violence, when Ghani's running mate Amrullah Saleh was targeted in an attack in Kabul that killed at least 20 people. Atmar highlighted the violence in his decision to suspend his campaign, and also attacked Ghani for using his presidential bully pulpit to an unfair and "illegal" advantage. "Threats against the election process have increased with each passing day," Atmar said. "This is not only threatening the election teams and their campaigns, but also endangers the lives of millions of Afghans who participle in the election." Atmar's campaign was also beset by rumours of an internal rift with one of his running mates. With Atmar's at least temporary departure, only Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah remains as a serious opponent. The election race is off to a lacklustre start and many observers think the poll will be postponed again -- it has already been pushed back twice this year -- to create space for a peace deal to be finalised between the US and the Taliban. Of the 18 candidates running, many have not bothered launching their campaigns and at least one has already abandoned the race completely. Atmar cited the need to focus on peace as another reason he paused his campaign. A possible deal between the US and the Taliban is widely viewed as entering its final phase, but questions remain about what happens next and when a ceasefire might kick in. In a message Thursday ahead of next week's Eid al-Adha festival, top Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada avoided any mention of a ceasefire and taunted American and foreign troops. "We believe the time of demise and humiliation of these tyrants has come near, Allah willing," Akhundzada said. His message also criticised the Afghan and US militaries for killing Afghans, even though the Taliban continue to strike urban areas packed with civilians. On Wednesday, a Taliban bomb killed at least 14 people and wounded 145 more in an attack on a Kabul police station. Most of the dead and wounded were civilians, authorities said. Even if an election goes ahead, Afghans are pessimistic about whether it will be fair or safe, after violence and widespread fraud allegations tainted previous polls. A survey released Thursday by the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan found that 57 percent of Afghans have no intention of voting.

Top opponent suspends campaign to unseat Afghan president

Two consecutive explosions injured at least nine people, including two police personnel, in Khost city, capital of Afghanistan`s eastern Khost province on Thursday, provincial police spokesman Haider Adil said.

The first blast, with a magnetic mine, targeted a car at around 11:20 am (local time) next to Spin Jumat locality.&nbsp;

The second one went off a few minutes later, almost in the same area, injuring nine people, including two police personnel, Adil was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.No group has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Today`s blasts come two days after the city of Khost was targeted by a magnetic bomb blast that killed at least one person and injured two others.

The incident comes at a time when the Taliban and the United States are engaged in conducting the eighth round of talks in Doha aimed at achieving ever-lasting peace after decades of war in Afghanistan.

In his Eid message to the US, Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada today said that the group is taking forward the peace process "thoroughly" and that the former should move forward "honestly" to take effective steps to resolve the country`s issues and end 18 years of war.

Akhundzada also ordered members of the group to take all necessary steps to protect people of his country during Eid days.

He said that while the war is ongoing, the political efforts have also increased aimed at ending the "occupation of Afghanistan".

However, reacting on his comments, Afghan presidential spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, during a press briefing, earlier in the day, said, "Afghans have no need to hear Taliban`s message. Taliban`s message is still a message of panic, a message of fear and message of war."

"The Taliban are the main cause of destruction and killing of civilians. The people of Afghanistan want the Taliban to renounce war and destruction," he added.&nbsp;

Two consecutive explosions injured at least nine people, including two police personnel, in Khost city, capital of Afghanistan`s eastern Khost province on Thursday, provincial police spokesman Haider Adil said.

Two consecutive explosions injured at least nine people, including two police personnel, in Khost city, capital of Afghanistan`s eastern Khost province on Thursday, provincial police spokesman Haider Adil said. The first blast, with a magnetic mine, targeted a car at around 11:20 am (local time) next to Spin Jumat locality. The second one went off a few minutes later, almost in the same area, injuring nine people, including two police personnel, Adil was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.No group has claimed responsibility for the bombings. Today`s blasts come two days after the city of Khost was targeted by a magnetic bomb blast that killed at least one person and injured two others. The incident comes at a time when the Taliban and the United States are engaged in conducting the eighth round of talks in Doha aimed at achieving ever-lasting peace after decades of war in Afghanistan. In his Eid message to the US, Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada today said that the group is taking forward the peace process "thoroughly" and that the former should move forward "honestly" to take effective steps to resolve the country`s issues and end 18 years of war. Akhundzada also ordered members of the group to take all necessary steps to protect people of his country during Eid days. He said that while the war is ongoing, the political efforts have also increased aimed at ending the "occupation of Afghanistan". However, reacting on his comments, Afghan presidential spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, during a press briefing, earlier in the day, said, "Afghans have no need to hear Taliban`s message. Taliban`s message is still a message of panic, a message of fear and message of war." "The Taliban are the main cause of destruction and killing of civilians. The people of Afghanistan want the Taliban to renounce war and destruction," he added.

Twin blasts in east Afghanistan injure nine

A large explosion occurred in&nbsp;Kabul on Wednesday morning, sending massive plume of smoke over the capital and shattering shop windows far from the blast site.

The blast occurred around 9:00 am(local time) during morning rush hour in western Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP.

The Taliban said a "recruitment centre" had been attacked by one of their suicide bombers while claiming responsibility for the attack.

"A large number of soldiers and police were killed or wounded," the Taliban said in a statement.

The bomb went off when a vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint outside the police station, said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi.

Health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said at least 95 people, mostly civilians and including women and children, had been taken to hospital.

On August 4, two people were killed in a bus bomb attack in the Afghan capital. The interior ministry had said homemade&nbsp;"sticky bomb" was used to carry out the attack.

The blast targeted local TV station employees, the ministry had said.

No group had claimed responsibility for the attack. 
&nbsp;

(Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

A large explosion occurred in Kabul on Wednesday morning, sending massive plume of smoke over the capital and shattering shop windows far from the blast site. The blast occurred around 9:00 am(local time) during morning rush hour in western Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP.

A large explosion occurred in Kabul on Wednesday morning, sending massive plume of smoke over the capital and shattering shop windows far from the blast site. The blast occurred around 9:00 am(local time) during morning rush hour in western Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP. The Taliban said a "recruitment centre" had been attacked by one of their suicide bombers while claiming responsibility for the attack. "A large number of soldiers and police were killed or wounded," the Taliban said in a statement. The bomb went off when a vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint outside the police station, said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi. Health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said at least 95 people, mostly civilians and including women and children, had been taken to hospital. On August 4, two people were killed in a bus bomb attack in the Afghan capital. The interior ministry had said homemade "sticky bomb" was used to carry out the attack. The blast targeted local TV station employees, the ministry had said. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack. (Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

At least 95 people injured in Kabul blast; Taliban claims responsibility

Amid Pakistan's continuing struggle to exit from Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list, a European researcher has said that jihadists are still considered by Pakistan's security sector agents as an 'asset' against India and Afghanistan.

Dr Siegfried O Wolf, Director of Research at South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF) in Brussels said, "It remains highly unlikely that Pakistan will conduct satisfactory action against banned organizations."

"Even if the civilian government of PM Imran Khan is considering respective actions against the country's jihadists, one must expect that the army top brass and the ISI will undermine any substantial or decisive action against them," he added.

Wolf believes that there is the threat among Pakistan's leadership that actions against 'jihadists' will provoke severe backlashes, especially in the form of attacks against CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects, which will harm the economic interests of the military, as well as the country's relations with China.

In recent years, Islamabad had pinned hopes of mainstreaming the militant groups, particularly the Lashkar-e-Taiba, into politics. However, their poor performance in the elections vandalised their political ambitions as they were not supported by the people.

"The so-called 'political mainstreaming' of Islamist organisations is an extremely dangerous step which led to additional truncations of democracy in Pakistan," said Wolf.

"This will further entrench Islamist agenda in the political process and help religious fundamentalists to broaden their social support base," he added.

Groupings like the Milli Muslim League Pakistan (MML) or the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) are not political parties in the common sense of the term. They are anti-democratic forces which will fight the democratic system from within.

"Islamists are rejecting democracy and consensus-based political decision-making," said the researcher.

On Wednesday, the United States asked Pakistan to show tangible and satisfactory actions against banned organisations and their leaderships to pacify more countries towards supporting its case to move out of the grey list of FATF.

"Being listed on the FATF list, especially when one is blacklisted, has severe consequences for Pakistan. Perhaps not so much in the short-term perspective but definitely in the middle-to-long term perspective," said Wolf.

"The country's financial sector will be affected the most. In addition, the external sector (trade) will face difficulties due to sanctions and/or restrictions by international institutions. It will be even more difficult to get bailouts (loans) from organisations like the IMF or the World Bank," he added.

The researcher believes that most harmful for Pakistan will be the reputational damage of being blacklisted.

"This will gain momentum especially in the context of the CPEC, which in coming years will enter its second phase of implementation, focusing on the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The success of such SEZs depends heavily on the country's ability to attract foreign companies to invest in these zones," said Wolf.

"But being blacklisted will make such an undertaking more difficult. Last but not least, one should mention that blacklisting of Pakistan by the FATF will strengthen the critical voices within Europe to reassess Pakistan GSP+ (Generalised System of Preferences) status through which the European Union (EU) grants the country special trade preferences," he added.

Wolf concluded saying that removal of GSP+ will have severe consequences for Pakistan's export industry, especially the textile sector.

According to Pakistani newspaper Dawn, being on the FATF grey list is already causing an estimated loss of $10 billion per year to Pakistan.

Amid Pakistan's continuing struggle to exit from Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list, a European researcher has said that jihadists are still considered by Pakistan's security sector agents as an 'asset' against India and Afghanistan.

Amid Pakistan's continuing struggle to exit from Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list, a European researcher has said that jihadists are still considered by Pakistan's security sector agents as an 'asset' against India and Afghanistan. Dr Siegfried O Wolf, Director of Research at South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF) in Brussels said, "It remains highly unlikely that Pakistan will conduct satisfactory action against banned organizations." "Even if the civilian government of PM Imran Khan is considering respective actions against the country's jihadists, one must expect that the army top brass and the ISI will undermine any substantial or decisive action against them," he added. Wolf believes that there is the threat among Pakistan's leadership that actions against 'jihadists' will provoke severe backlashes, especially in the form of attacks against CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects, which will harm the economic interests of the military, as well as the country's relations with China. In recent years, Islamabad had pinned hopes of mainstreaming the militant groups, particularly the Lashkar-e-Taiba, into politics. However, their poor performance in the elections vandalised their political ambitions as they were not supported by the people. "The so-called 'political mainstreaming' of Islamist organisations is an extremely dangerous step which led to additional truncations of democracy in Pakistan," said Wolf. "This will further entrench Islamist agenda in the political process and help religious fundamentalists to broaden their social support base," he added. Groupings like the Milli Muslim League Pakistan (MML) or the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) are not political parties in the common sense of the term. They are anti-democratic forces which will fight the democratic system from within. "Islamists are rejecting democracy and consensus-based political decision-making," said the researcher. On Wednesday, the United States asked Pakistan to show tangible and satisfactory actions against banned organisations and their leaderships to pacify more countries towards supporting its case to move out of the grey list of FATF. "Being listed on the FATF list, especially when one is blacklisted, has severe consequences for Pakistan. Perhaps not so much in the short-term perspective but definitely in the middle-to-long term perspective," said Wolf. "The country's financial sector will be affected the most. In addition, the external sector (trade) will face difficulties due to sanctions and/or restrictions by international institutions. It will be even more difficult to get bailouts (loans) from organisations like the IMF or the World Bank," he added. The researcher believes that most harmful for Pakistan will be the reputational damage of being blacklisted. "This will gain momentum especially in the context of the CPEC, which in coming years will enter its second phase of implementation, focusing on the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The success of such SEZs depends heavily on the country's ability to attract foreign companies to invest in these zones," said Wolf. "But being blacklisted will make such an undertaking more difficult. Last but not least, one should mention that blacklisting of Pakistan by the FATF will strengthen the critical voices within Europe to reassess Pakistan GSP+ (Generalised System of Preferences) status through which the European Union (EU) grants the country special trade preferences," he added. Wolf concluded saying that removal of GSP+ will have severe consequences for Pakistan's export industry, especially the textile sector. According to Pakistani newspaper Dawn, being on the FATF grey list is already causing an estimated loss of $10 billion per year to Pakistan.

Pakistan considers jihadists 'asset' against India, Afghanistan, says researcher

US Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad meets S Jaishankar in which India shared its views on Afghanistan and also backs Afghanistan-led peace process

US Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad meets S Jaishankar

US Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad meets S.Jaishankar in which India shared its views on Afghanistan and also backs Afghanistan-led peace process

US Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad meets S.Jaishankar

The US and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-movement-240573">Taliban</a> have made "excellent progress" in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-round-of-us-taliban-talks-in-doha-hope-for-peace-deal-rise-240401">latest round of talks in Doha </a>to craft a peace deal, Washington's&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;envoy said on Monday.

The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

In return, the United States is demanding that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda.

"Building on excellent progress in Kabul last week, I've spent the last few days in Doha, focused on the remaining issues in completing a potential deal with the Taliban," tweeted US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

The conclusion of a deal "would allow for a conditions-based troop withdrawal," he wrote adding that "we have made excellent progress."

The Taliban did not immediately respond to requests to comment on the talks' progress.

Watch: 8th round of US-Taliban peace talks

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Khalilzad said that he was flying to New Delhi "for pre-scheduled meetings to further build international consensus in support of the Afghan Peace Process".

A deal between the two sides could pave the way for direct talks between the government of President Ashraf Ghani, although the insurgents view his administration as illegitimate.

"My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a succesful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working toward since my appointment," Khalilzad tweeted.&nbsp;

"Agreement on these details is essential," the US envoy added.

The four pillars of any deal would be a US withdrawal from&nbsp;Afghanistan, a commitment by the militants not to shelter jihadists, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a ceasefire.

'We're talking'

The US invaded&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in 2001 and toppled the Taliban, accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people.

But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban has waged a formidable insurgency, bogging down US troops for years.

Washington wants to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by the end of this month -- ahead of&nbsp;Afghanistan's presidential election that is slated for September 28.

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House last week that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking".

However, even if the US and the Taliban come to an agreement, massive questions remain over what would follow an accord.

The US has said any withdrawal of its troops would be "conditions-based", whereas the Taliban is insisting on a full pullout of foreign forces before making commitments of its own.&nbsp;

Washington sees an agreement with the Taliban as a precursor to the insurgents then striking a peace deal with&nbsp;Afghanistan's government.

The Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for talks with the insurgents that diplomats hope could be held later this month.

The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;jumped back to record levels last month, after a dip earlier in the year.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017.

The US and the Taliban have made "excellent progress" in the latest round of talks in Doha to craft a peace deal, Washington's Afghanistan envoy said on Monday. The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in Afghanistan.

The US and the Taliban have made "excellent progress" in the latest round of talks in Doha to craft a peace deal, Washington's Afghanistan envoy said on Monday. The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in Afghanistan. In return, the United States is demanding that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda. "Building on excellent progress in Kabul last week, I've spent the last few days in Doha, focused on the remaining issues in completing a potential deal with the Taliban," tweeted US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. The conclusion of a deal "would allow for a conditions-based troop withdrawal," he wrote adding that "we have made excellent progress." The Taliban did not immediately respond to requests to comment on the talks' progress. Watch: 8th round of US-Taliban peace talks × Khalilzad said that he was flying to New Delhi "for pre-scheduled meetings to further build international consensus in support of the Afghan Peace Process". A deal between the two sides could pave the way for direct talks between the government of President Ashraf Ghani, although the insurgents view his administration as illegitimate. "My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a succesful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working toward since my appointment," Khalilzad tweeted. "Agreement on these details is essential," the US envoy added. The four pillars of any deal would be a US withdrawal from Afghanistan, a commitment by the militants not to shelter jihadists, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a ceasefire. 'We're talking' The US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and toppled the Taliban, accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people. But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban has waged a formidable insurgency, bogging down US troops for years. Washington wants to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by the end of this month -- ahead of Afghanistan's presidential election that is slated for September 28. US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House last week that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking". However, even if the US and the Taliban come to an agreement, massive questions remain over what would follow an accord. The US has said any withdrawal of its troops would be "conditions-based", whereas the Taliban is insisting on a full pullout of foreign forces before making commitments of its own. Washington sees an agreement with the Taliban as a precursor to the insurgents then striking a peace deal with Afghanistan's government. The Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for talks with the insurgents that diplomats hope could be held later this month. The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates in Afghanistan jumped back to record levels last month, after a dip earlier in the year. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017.

US Afghan envoy praises 'excellent progress' in Taliban talks

The Taliban on Tuesday denounced as a sham a presidential election due next month, saying their fighters would do everything they could to block it, while urging people to stay away from rallies that could be attacked.

Instead of the September&nbsp;28 election, the Taliban said, the focus should be efforts to negotiate a deal with the United States that is expected to see a US&nbsp;commitment on the withdrawal of its troops in exchange for a Taliban promise the country will not be used to plot terrorist attacks.

"This election process is nothing more than a ploy to deceive the common people ... for satisfying the ego of a limited number of sham politicians," the Taliban said in a statement.

President Ashraf Ghani is widely expected to win a second term and has insisted the vote must go ahead as scheduled.

The US-trained former World Bank official came to power in 2014 after winning a bitterly disputed election marred by accusations of cheating.

The Taliban called for a boycott and said fighters would do all they could to block the vote.

"To prevent losses ... from being incurred by our fellow compatriots, they must stay away from gatherings and rallies that could become potential targets," the militants said.

Foreign backers of the election should focus on "ending the occupation of Afghanistan and establishing true peace so that ... the ongoing peace process in these critical moments is not sabotaged for a few figures", they added.

The US peace envoy leading talks with the Taliban, which are being held in Qatar, said on Monday excellent progress was being made in the talks on a four-part pact.

"Agreement on these details is essential," the envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, said on Twitter. He did not elaborate.

The Taliban said they were expecting a positive outcome.

"Extraordinary progress has been made," said Suhail Shaheen, the spokesman for the Taliban political office in Qatar.

Shaheen said "a complete Islamic system" had been the goal over 40 years of war and the question of elections would be discussed in so-called intra-Afghan dialogue, which is meant to take place after a deal is struck with the United States.

Ghani and his government are not involved in the peace talks because the Taliban refuse to deal with a government they say is a US&nbsp;puppet.

Despite the talks, there has been no let-up in violence.

Four people were killed and 25 wounded in a bomb blast in the western city of Herat on Monday, provincial authorities said.

The Taliban on Tuesday denounced as a sham a presidential election due next month, saying their fighters would do everything they could to block it, while urging people to stay away from rallies that could be attacked.

The Taliban on Tuesday denounced as a sham a presidential election due next month, saying their fighters would do everything they could to block it, while urging people to stay away from rallies that could be attacked. Instead of the September 28 election, the Taliban said, the focus should be efforts to negotiate a deal with the United States that is expected to see a US commitment on the withdrawal of its troops in exchange for a Taliban promise the country will not be used to plot terrorist attacks. "This election process is nothing more than a ploy to deceive the common people ... for satisfying the ego of a limited number of sham politicians," the Taliban said in a statement. President Ashraf Ghani is widely expected to win a second term and has insisted the vote must go ahead as scheduled. The US-trained former World Bank official came to power in 2014 after winning a bitterly disputed election marred by accusations of cheating. The Taliban called for a boycott and said fighters would do all they could to block the vote. "To prevent losses ... from being incurred by our fellow compatriots, they must stay away from gatherings and rallies that could become potential targets," the militants said. Foreign backers of the election should focus on "ending the occupation of Afghanistan and establishing true peace so that ... the ongoing peace process in these critical moments is not sabotaged for a few figures", they added. The US peace envoy leading talks with the Taliban, which are being held in Qatar, said on Monday excellent progress was being made in the talks on a four-part pact. "Agreement on these details is essential," the envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, said on Twitter. He did not elaborate. The Taliban said they were expecting a positive outcome. "Extraordinary progress has been made," said Suhail Shaheen, the spokesman for the Taliban political office in Qatar. Shaheen said "a complete Islamic system" had been the goal over 40 years of war and the question of elections would be discussed in so-called intra-Afghan dialogue, which is meant to take place after a deal is struck with the United States. Ghani and his government are not involved in the peace talks because the Taliban refuse to deal with a government they say is a US puppet. Despite the talks, there has been no let-up in violence. Four people were killed and 25 wounded in a bomb blast in the western city of Herat on Monday, provincial authorities said.

Taliban denounce Afghan election, warn rallies face attack

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The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-special-representative-arrives-in-doha-for-us-taliban-peace-talks-240395"> US and the Taliban </a>will seek to thrash out elements of a deal to bring a close to Afghanistan's 18-year conflict in the second day of renewed talks in Doha on Sunday.

The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-indicated-a-willingness-to-strike-a-peace-deal-khalilzad-240391">Taliban</a> in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops and turn the page on its longest-ever war.

But it would first seek assurances from the insurgents that they would renounce Al-Qaeda and stop other militants like the Islamic State group using the country as a haven.

The talks, now in their eighth round, began on Saturday and were due to resume Sunday morning after pausing overnight, US and Taliban sources told AFP.

A Taliban source also said efforts were underway to organise a direct meeting between US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar, who heads the movement's political wing.

A coalition led by Washington ousted the Taliban in late 2001 accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people.

But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban have proved formidable insurgents, bogging down US troops for years.

Washington is hoping to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential elections due in 2020.

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking".&nbsp;

"We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement, a peace agreement that enables withdrawal," Khalilzad tweeted on Friday as he arrived in Doha after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.

"Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based."

In another sign of progress, the Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for separate peace talks with the Taliban that diplomats hope could be held as early as later this month.

- 'Negotiations will be tough' -

The Washington Post reported Thursday that an initial deal to end the war would see the US force in Afghanistan reduced to as low as 8,000 from the current level of around 14,000.

In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire, renounce Al-Qaeda, and talk to the Kabul administration.

An Afghan official hinted last week that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced.

"We have no preconditions to begin talks, but the peace agreement is not without conditions," Ghani wrote in Pashto on his Facebook page on Friday ahead of the talks.

"We want a republic government not an emirate," he said, a challenge to the Taliban which has insisted on reverting to the "Islamic Emirate" name Afghanistan bore under its rule.

"The negotiations will be tough, and the Taliban should know that no Afghan is inferior in religion or courage to them."

The thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration also remain unresolved.

The latest US-Taliban encounter follows last month's talks between influential Afghans and the Taliban which agreed a "roadmap for peace" -- but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire.

Kabul resident Somaya Mustafa, 20, said her country desperately needed a peace deal, but only one in which the Taliban "accept women and their achievements".&nbsp;

"It is a total mess in our country right now. And if it continues, women will suffer more than anyone else."&nbsp;

The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates across Afghanistan matched record levels last month, following a dip earlier in the year.

The US and the Taliban will seek to thrash out elements of a deal to bring a close to Afghanistan's 18-year conflict in the second day of renewed talks in Doha on Sunday.

The US and the Taliban will seek to thrash out elements of a deal to bring a close to Afghanistan's 18-year conflict in the second day of renewed talks in Doha on Sunday. The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops and turn the page on its longest-ever war. But it would first seek assurances from the insurgents that they would renounce Al-Qaeda and stop other militants like the Islamic State group using the country as a haven. The talks, now in their eighth round, began on Saturday and were due to resume Sunday morning after pausing overnight, US and Taliban sources told AFP. A Taliban source also said efforts were underway to organise a direct meeting between US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar, who heads the movement's political wing. A coalition led by Washington ousted the Taliban in late 2001 accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people. But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban have proved formidable insurgents, bogging down US troops for years. Washington is hoping to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential elections due in 2020. US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking". "We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement, a peace agreement that enables withdrawal," Khalilzad tweeted on Friday as he arrived in Doha after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. "Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based." In another sign of progress, the Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for separate peace talks with the Taliban that diplomats hope could be held as early as later this month. - 'Negotiations will be tough' - The Washington Post reported Thursday that an initial deal to end the war would see the US force in Afghanistan reduced to as low as 8,000 from the current level of around 14,000. In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire, renounce Al-Qaeda, and talk to the Kabul administration. An Afghan official hinted last week that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced. "We have no preconditions to begin talks, but the peace agreement is not without conditions," Ghani wrote in Pashto on his Facebook page on Friday ahead of the talks. "We want a republic government not an emirate," he said, a challenge to the Taliban which has insisted on reverting to the "Islamic Emirate" name Afghanistan bore under its rule. "The negotiations will be tough, and the Taliban should know that no Afghan is inferior in religion or courage to them." The thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration also remain unresolved. The latest US-Taliban encounter follows last month's talks between influential Afghans and the Taliban which agreed a "roadmap for peace" -- but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire. Kabul resident Somaya Mustafa, 20, said her country desperately needed a peace deal, but only one in which the Taliban "accept women and their achievements". "It is a total mess in our country right now. And if it continues, women will suffer more than anyone else." The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates across Afghanistan matched record levels last month, following a dip earlier in the year.

US, Taliban push for peace in day 2 of renewed talks in Doha

Pakistan foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-peace-process-shared-responsibility-pakistan-do-it-alone-shah-mehmood-qureshi-239467">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> has linked the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-touts-afghan-peace-progress-but-warns-can-kill-millions-240335">Afghan peace process</a> with the situation at the Line of Control (LoC) saying the action taken by the Indian Army is a "distraction".

Speaking to a Pak media channel, he said, "On one hand the Afghan peace process is going through a critical stage, US Special Representative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-indicated-a-willingness-to-strike-a-peace-deal-khalilzad-240391">Zalmay Khalilzad</a> has reached Doha after a successful visit to Islamabad. He has an important meeting in Doha.&nbsp;The action by the Indian Army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace."

The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pak envoy to Afghanistan.

In February, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, Pakistan's envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by the Indian Army to have been impacting the Afghan peace process.

On Trump's Kashmir comments the Pak FM said, "US President understands the sensitivity of the issue and that how greatly it is associated with peace and stability in South Asia and therefore he offers to mediate".

Pakistan looks emboldened by Trump's mediation offer and with Washington eager to leave Afghanistan, Islamabad is sensing an opportunity to create trouble.

Kanwal Sibal, former foreign secretary told WION, "Imran Khan is playing the old game of linking India’s legitimate actions in Jammu and Kashmir to curb Pak-supported terrorism to its complying with US's demands to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to promote the so-called&nbsp;peace process in Afghanistan which is a sham."

"He is trying to capitalise on Trump’s thoughtless comments on mediation on the Kashmir issue. Imran Khan will not succeed in this usual Pakistan duplicity," he added.

India's former envoy to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha, told WION, "There is no connection between Pakistan's cooperation on Taliban and what is happening in India.&nbsp;I guess they are just seeking a way out of their commitments made to President Trump.&nbsp;Tough for Pakistan to cut its umbilical cord with terror groups including the Taliban."

US President Donald Trump in the last 10 days has raked up the Kashmir issue twice. In both cases, India has reminded him that it can only be discussed with Islamabad, if at all warranted. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has linked the ongoing Afghan peace process with the situation at the Line of Control (LoC) saying the action taken by the Indian Army is a "distraction".

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has linked the ongoing Afghan peace process with the situation at the Line of Control (LoC) saying the action taken by the Indian Army is a "distraction". Speaking to a Pak media channel, he said, "On one hand the Afghan peace process is going through a critical stage, US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad has reached Doha after a successful visit to Islamabad. He has an important meeting in Doha. The action by the Indian Army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace." The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pak envoy to Afghanistan. In February, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, Pakistan's envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by the Indian Army to have been impacting the Afghan peace process. On Trump's Kashmir comments the Pak FM said, "US President understands the sensitivity of the issue and that how greatly it is associated with peace and stability in South Asia and therefore he offers to mediate". Pakistan looks emboldened by Trump's mediation offer and with Washington eager to leave Afghanistan, Islamabad is sensing an opportunity to create trouble. Kanwal Sibal, former foreign secretary told WION, "Imran Khan is playing the old game of linking India’s legitimate actions in Jammu and Kashmir to curb Pak-supported terrorism to its complying with US's demands to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to promote the so-called peace process in Afghanistan which is a sham." "He is trying to capitalise on Trump’s thoughtless comments on mediation on the Kashmir issue. Imran Khan will not succeed in this usual Pakistan duplicity," he added. India's former envoy to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha, told WION, "There is no connection between Pakistan's cooperation on Taliban and what is happening in India. I guess they are just seeking a way out of their commitments made to President Trump. Tough for Pakistan to cut its umbilical cord with terror groups including the Taliban." US President Donald Trump in the last 10 days has raked up the Kashmir issue twice. In both cases, India has reminded him that it can only be discussed with Islamabad, if at all warranted.

Pakistan's foreign minister links Afghan peace process with situation at LoC

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