Six <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-fighters-double-as-reporters-to-wage-afghan-digital-war-217700&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiH07PzlqDiAhUFuI8KHf7GCKMQFjAJegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1i-hr0wZtfNMFM9EBLJ21Y">Taliban </a>terrorists, including a key commander of the group, were killed in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Balkh province on Thursday.

Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched the anti-terrorism raid in surrounding areas of Balkh district, Balkh province.

The security forces received hostile fire from the militants.

''Six <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-intelligence-chief-caught-by-afghan-and-us-forces-in-baghlan-218333&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiH07PzlqDiAhUFuI8KHf7GCKMQFjAIegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3JHSqq_hYJnLA83FEVup1B">Taliban terrorists</a> were killed in the return fire by the security forces," Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement.

The key Taliban commander who was killed in the operation has been identified as Mullah Shader.

"A Taliban outfit member named Mohammad Sarwar was arrested and eight villages were cleared of the militants during the raid," the statement added.

The security forces also destroyed vehicles belonging to the militants, reported Xinhua.

The relatively peaceful Balkh province has been witnessing scenes of clashes between security forces and Taliban militants since early this year.

The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces have beefed up operations against anti-establishment armed militants who have carried out terror activities across Afghanistan.

So far, the Taliban has not released any statement regarding the operation.&nbsp;

Six Taliban terrorists, including a key commander of the group, were killed in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Balkh province on Thursday.

Six Taliban terrorists, including a key commander of the group, were killed in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Balkh province on Thursday. Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched the anti-terrorism raid in surrounding areas of Balkh district, Balkh province. The security forces received hostile fire from the militants. ''Six Taliban terrorists were killed in the return fire by the security forces," Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement. The key Taliban commander who was killed in the operation has been identified as Mullah Shader. "A Taliban outfit member named Mohammad Sarwar was arrested and eight villages were cleared of the militants during the raid," the statement added. The security forces also destroyed vehicles belonging to the militants, reported Xinhua. The relatively peaceful Balkh province has been witnessing scenes of clashes between security forces and Taliban militants since early this year. The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces have beefed up operations against anti-establishment armed militants who have carried out terror activities across Afghanistan. So far, the Taliban has not released any statement regarding the operation.

Afghanistan: Key Taliban commander among 6 terrorists killed in anti-terrorism operation

Four inmates lost their lives while 33 others, including 20 police officers, were injured after riots broke out at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul&nbsp;on Tuesday (local time).

The clash began after the police started searching some cells at the prison, according to Afghanistan`s Ministry of Interior Affairs.

"Attorney General Office and Ministry of Interior Affairs had ordered a search of Special Narcotics Blocks of Pul-e-Charkhi Prison. Four buildings were searched in the morning. But later violence broke out at midday during the search of remaining buildings after a group of prisoners attacked police, injuring 10 police officers," Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman from the ministry, told Xinhua.

The police personnel fired in the air during the face-off, which saw the inmates trying to grab the police forces` weapons. The situation was later brought under control.

Investigations have been launched into the incident.

Four inmates lost their lives while 33 others, including 20 police officers, were injured after riots broke out at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul on Tuesday (local time).

Four inmates lost their lives while 33 others, including 20 police officers, were injured after riots broke out at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul on Tuesday (local time). The clash began after the police started searching some cells at the prison, according to Afghanistan`s Ministry of Interior Affairs. "Attorney General Office and Ministry of Interior Affairs had ordered a search of Special Narcotics Blocks of Pul-e-Charkhi Prison. Four buildings were searched in the morning. But later violence broke out at midday during the search of remaining buildings after a group of prisoners attacked police, injuring 10 police officers," Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman from the ministry, told Xinhua. The police personnel fired in the air during the face-off, which saw the inmates trying to grab the police forces` weapons. The situation was later brought under control. Investigations have been launched into the incident.

Afghanistan: Prison riot kills 4 inmates, 33 injured including police

At least three people are dead and 20 were wounded in a series of blasts in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad on Monday, an official said.

At least three dead, 20 wounded after series of blast in Afghanistan

The UN's Afghanistan mission said Monday it was probing allegations of civilian casualties resulting from US air strikes against purported drug-making facilities in western Afghanistan.

The allegations centre on strikes conducted earlier this month in Farah and Nimroz provinces, where dozens of structures said to have been used to produce heroin and other illegal drugs were destroyed.

According to interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi, "150 Taliban terrorists were killed, 40 wounded" in the Farah operations.

But the Taliban have denied the facilities were used for drugs and claimed "up to 100" civilians were killed.

In a statement, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it was "actively looking into allegations of civilian casualties resulting from International Military Forces' aerial operations in Farah and Nimroz provinces against reported drug manufacturing facilities".

"The locations are not easily accessible and there are numerous operational challenges to the verification" of civilians being harmed, UNAMA added.

The US-led NATO mission in Kabul did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last month, UNAMA published a report saying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-intelligence-chief-caught-by-afghan-and-us-forces-in-baghlan-218333">Afghan civilians</a> are for the first time being killed in greater numbers by US and pro-government forces than by the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

It also chastised the Taliban for an increase in deadly violence across Afghanistan during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The war-torn nation has seen continued violence since the start of Ramadan last week as the Taliban and the US were engaged in talks to try to find an end to the war.&nbsp;

The Taliban claimed responsibility for a May 8 attack on a US-funded aid group in Kabul that claimed the lives of nine civilians and Afghan security officials.

"There can be absolutely no justification for deliberate or indiscriminate attacks against civilians," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said in the UNAMA statement.

"It is particularly egregious that a premeditated act of extreme violence was conducted against a development agency where civilians were striving to improve the lives of all citizens."

An earlier attack by the Taliban just before Ramadan saw at least 13 people killed and dozens more wounded after a suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in Pul-i-Khumri in northern Afghanistan.

The UN's Afghanistan mission said Monday it was probing allegations of civilian casualties resulting from US air strikes against purported drug-making facilities in western Afghanistan.

The UN's Afghanistan mission said Monday it was probing allegations of civilian casualties resulting from US air strikes against purported drug-making facilities in western Afghanistan. The allegations centre on strikes conducted earlier this month in Farah and Nimroz provinces, where dozens of structures said to have been used to produce heroin and other illegal drugs were destroyed. According to interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi, "150 Taliban terrorists were killed, 40 wounded" in the Farah operations. But the Taliban have denied the facilities were used for drugs and claimed "up to 100" civilians were killed. In a statement, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it was "actively looking into allegations of civilian casualties resulting from International Military Forces' aerial operations in Farah and Nimroz provinces against reported drug manufacturing facilities". "The locations are not easily accessible and there are numerous operational challenges to the verification" of civilians being harmed, UNAMA added. The US-led NATO mission in Kabul did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Last month, UNAMA published a report saying Afghan civilians are for the first time being killed in greater numbers by US and pro-government forces than by the Taliban and other insurgent groups. It also chastised the Taliban for an increase in deadly violence across Afghanistan during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The war-torn nation has seen continued violence since the start of Ramadan last week as the Taliban and the US were engaged in talks to try to find an end to the war. The Taliban claimed responsibility for a May 8 attack on a US-funded aid group in Kabul that claimed the lives of nine civilians and Afghan security officials. "There can be absolutely no justification for deliberate or indiscriminate attacks against civilians," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said in the UNAMA statement. "It is particularly egregious that a premeditated act of extreme violence was conducted against a development agency where civilians were striving to improve the lives of all citizens." An earlier attack by the Taliban just before Ramadan saw at least 13 people killed and dozens more wounded after a suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in Pul-i-Khumri in northern Afghanistan.

UN probes casualty claims from US strikes in Afghanistan

US defence ministry said today that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-fighters-double-as-reporters-to-wage-afghan-digital-war-217700">Afghan and US forces</a> had caught Haji Mohammad Ramin, the intelligence chief of Taliban for northern Baghlan province.

"Taliban intelligence chief for Baghlan, Haji Mohammad Ramin was caught alive by Afghan and US forces in Baghlan province," the Ministry of defence said in a statement.

“He was hiding in a bathroom,&nbsp;ten of his bodyguards were killed,” the statement added.

The Taliban is yet to give its side on the capture of the Ramin. The development comes even as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/relentless-taliban-violence-casts-a-pall-over-slow-afghan-talks-217529">US talks are underway </a>with the Taliban in Doha.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-intel-chief-haji-ramin-arrested-218227/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

US special envoy on Afghanistan &nbsp;Zalmay Khalilzad had said on Saturday that America was ready for all sides involved to lay down their arms in the Afghan conflict.

Earlier, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had said he was ready to call an immediate ceasefire but the Taliban did not respond. As a gesture of goodwill, Ghani offered to release 175 prisoners.

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had said in a tweet that America should "forget about the idea of us putting down our arms".

US and Taliban negotiators had wrapped up their sixth round of peace talks last Thursday. A day earlier, a Taliban attack on a US-based aid group in Kabul killed at least nine people as Taliban forces battled against security forces.

At least 20 civilians were wounded in the attack with Taliban gunmen storming the Counterpoint International office.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US defence ministry said today that Afghan and US forces had caught Haji Mohammad Ramin, the intelligence chief of Taliban for northern Baghlan province. "Taliban intelligence chief for Baghlan, Haji Mohammad Ramin was caught alive by Afghan and US forces in Baghlan province," the Ministry of defence said in a statement.

US defence ministry said today that Afghan and US forces had caught Haji Mohammad Ramin, the intelligence chief of Taliban for northern Baghlan province. "Taliban intelligence chief for Baghlan, Haji Mohammad Ramin was caught alive by Afghan and US forces in Baghlan province," the Ministry of defence said in a statement. “He was hiding in a bathroom, ten of his bodyguards were killed,” the statement added. The Taliban is yet to give its side on the capture of the Ramin. The development comes even as US talks are underway with the Taliban in Doha. US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad had said on Saturday that America was ready for all sides involved to lay down their arms in the Afghan conflict. Earlier, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had said he was ready to call an immediate ceasefire but the Taliban did not respond. As a gesture of goodwill, Ghani offered to release 175 prisoners. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had said in a tweet that America should "forget about the idea of us putting down our arms". US and Taliban negotiators had wrapped up their sixth round of peace talks last Thursday. A day earlier, a Taliban attack on a US-based aid group in Kabul killed at least nine people as Taliban forces battled against security forces. At least 20 civilians were wounded in the attack with Taliban gunmen storming the Counterpoint International office.

Afghan Taliban intelligence chief caught in Baghlan

India and China on Friday agreed to work closely on the ongoing efforts to bring peace and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/afghan-peace-talks-india-must-update-its-contingency-plans-to-prevent-talibans-takeover-of-kabul-207911">stability in Afghanistan</a>.

The commitment came after Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun was on a visit to New Delhi, where he met Indian officials to discuss Afghanistan's current situation.

The Chinese diplomat also met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

"Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun today held discussions with Indian officials on the situation in Afghanistan, including peace and reconciliation efforts. He also called on Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale," Kumar wrote on his Twitter handle.

"The two sides agreed to consult closely on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and carry forward the decision taken by the leadership of the two countries on joint cooperation in Afghanistan," read another tweet.

In April last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met in Wuhan.

During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to collaborate on Afghanistan's peace efforts in order to boost mutual trust between New Delhi and Beijing, following the 73-day standoff in Bhutan's Doklam plateau in 2017, which strained bilateral ties.

The US has been leading efforts to pressurise the Taliban to lay down their arms and end the nearly two-decades-long civil war in Afghanistan. Both sides have participated in several rounds of meeting in Qatar in an effort to chalk out a peace agreement.

On Tuesday, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held consultations with Indian government officials and other stakeholders, including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi.

Khalilzad, who was on a recent two-day visit to India, also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, and India's Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar, among others.

During his meetings, Khalilzad welcomed India's support for the Afghan peace process, which "strengthens an emerging international consensus for peace efforts."

He also recognised that many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan's development.

India has been a key stakeholder in Afghanistan's peace and reconciliation process and has been pushing for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process.

In November last year, India had participated in talks on 'Afghanistan peace process'&nbsp;in Moscow at a non-official level.

India sent two former diplomats to the meeting, which was also attended by Taliban leaders even though New Delhi has a policy on not engaging with the terror group.&nbsp;

India and China on Friday agreed to work closely on the ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The commitment came after Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun was on a visit to New Delhi, where he met Indian officials to discuss Afghanistan's current situation.

India and China on Friday agreed to work closely on the ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The commitment came after Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun was on a visit to New Delhi, where he met Indian officials to discuss Afghanistan's current situation. The Chinese diplomat also met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. "Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun today held discussions with Indian officials on the situation in Afghanistan, including peace and reconciliation efforts. He also called on Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale," Kumar wrote on his Twitter handle. "The two sides agreed to consult closely on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and carry forward the decision taken by the leadership of the two countries on joint cooperation in Afghanistan," read another tweet. In April last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met in Wuhan. During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to collaborate on Afghanistan's peace efforts in order to boost mutual trust between New Delhi and Beijing, following the 73-day standoff in Bhutan's Doklam plateau in 2017, which strained bilateral ties. The US has been leading efforts to pressurise the Taliban to lay down their arms and end the nearly two-decades-long civil war in Afghanistan. Both sides have participated in several rounds of meeting in Qatar in an effort to chalk out a peace agreement. On Tuesday, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held consultations with Indian government officials and other stakeholders, including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi. Khalilzad, who was on a recent two-day visit to India, also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, and India's Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar, among others. During his meetings, Khalilzad welcomed India's support for the Afghan peace process, which "strengthens an emerging international consensus for peace efforts." He also recognised that many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan's development. India has been a key stakeholder in Afghanistan's peace and reconciliation process and has been pushing for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process. In November last year, India had participated in talks on 'Afghanistan peace process' in Moscow at a non-official level. India sent two former diplomats to the meeting, which was also attended by Taliban leaders even though New Delhi has a policy on not engaging with the terror group.

India, China to cooperate closely on Afghanistan's peace efforts

A landmine explosion killed seven children and wounded two others in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said, as war ordnance again claimed civilian lives.

The blast occurred in Ghazni province, south of the capital Kabul when the children stepped on a landmine while playing near the main road, provincial spokesman Aref Noori told AFP.

"The mine was planted by the Taliban on the main road to inflict casualties on security forces," he said.

The Taliban did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The insurgents often use roadside bombs and landmines to target <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/10-civilians-rescued-from-taliban-prison-in-afghanistan-217803">Afghan security forces</a>, but the lethal weapons also inflict casualties on civilians.

Amanullah Kamrani, a member of Ghazni provincial council, said the children were aged between seven and nine and at least four of them belonged to one family.&nbsp;

Years of conflict have left Afghanistan strewn with landmines, unexploded mortars, rockets and homemade bombs -- and many are picked up by curious children.

Last month, seven children were killed and 10 more wounded in the eastern province of Laghman when a mortar shell exploded while they were playing with it.&nbsp;

According to the United Nations, 3,804 civilians -- including more than 900 children-- were killed in Afghanistan in 2018, with another 7,000 wounded. It was the deadliest year to date for civilians in Afghanistan's conflict.

A landmine explosion killed seven children and wounded two others in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said, as war ordnance again claimed civilian lives.

A landmine explosion killed seven children and wounded two others in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said, as war ordnance again claimed civilian lives. The blast occurred in Ghazni province, south of the capital Kabul when the children stepped on a landmine while playing near the main road, provincial spokesman Aref Noori told AFP. "The mine was planted by the Taliban on the main road to inflict casualties on security forces," he said. The Taliban did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The insurgents often use roadside bombs and landmines to target Afghan security forces, but the lethal weapons also inflict casualties on civilians. Amanullah Kamrani, a member of Ghazni provincial council, said the children were aged between seven and nine and at least four of them belonged to one family. Years of conflict have left Afghanistan strewn with landmines, unexploded mortars, rockets and homemade bombs -- and many are picked up by curious children. Last month, seven children were killed and 10 more wounded in the eastern province of Laghman when a mortar shell exploded while they were playing with it. According to the United Nations, 3,804 civilians -- including more than 900 children-- were killed in Afghanistan in 2018, with another 7,000 wounded. It was the deadliest year to date for civilians in Afghanistan's conflict.

Landmine explosion kills seven children in Afghanistan

An Afghani journalist and a cultural adviser&nbsp;to the Parliament was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the eastern part of Kabul on Sunday.

Mina Mangal, who had worked as a news presenter for three local TV networks, was attacked by gunmen on Sunday morning, reported Tolo News.

One or possibly more assailants escaped from the scene, report saod.

Kabul police have launched an investigation.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Kabul police said it was not clear whether the murder was a terror act or the result of a personal dispute. Both Islamic State and Taliban militants regularly carry out attacks in the capital.

According to a report, a total of 15 journalists were killed in a series of bombings that began early this year, with nine of them in a single day.&nbsp;

An Afghani journalist and a cultural adviser to the Parliament was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the eastern part of Kabul on Sunday. Mina Mangal, who had worked as a news presenter for three local TV networks, was attacked by gunmen on Sunday morning, reported Tolo News.

An Afghani journalist and a cultural adviser to the Parliament was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the eastern part of Kabul on Sunday. Mina Mangal, who had worked as a news presenter for three local TV networks, was attacked by gunmen on Sunday morning, reported Tolo News. One or possibly more assailants escaped from the scene, report saod. Kabul police have launched an investigation. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Kabul police said it was not clear whether the murder was a terror act or the result of a personal dispute. Both Islamic State and Taliban militants regularly carry out attacks in the capital. According to a report, a total of 15 journalists were killed in a series of bombings that began early this year, with nine of them in a single day.

Afghanistan: Journalist shot dead by unidentified gunmen

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed in a drone strike by the US military in Laman area of Afghanistan on Saturday.

According to Geo News, two missiles hit a house in the area, killing five militants affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur terror group.

The group is a faction of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-faction-claims-responsibility-for-blast-in-lahore-216950"> Pakistan`s Taliban</a>. A top commander, identified as Asadullah alias Shingri, of the group was among the dead. Last month, US President Donald Trump revoked a policy that asked the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to publish the number of civilians killed from drone strikes.

The policy was formulated by the Obama administration in 2016 following the pressure from the international community for more transparency. Last month, the US military also acknowledged that civilians were killed during a strike in Somalia. Amnesty International had accused the US of killing civilians during a drone strike in Somalian in 2018.&nbsp;

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed in a drone strike by the US military in Laman area of Afghanistan on Saturday. According to Geo News, two missiles hit a house in the area, killing five militants affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur terror group.

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed in a drone strike by the US military in Laman area of Afghanistan on Saturday. According to Geo News, two missiles hit a house in the area, killing five militants affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur terror group. The group is a faction of Pakistan`s Taliban. A top commander, identified as Asadullah alias Shingri, of the group was among the dead. Last month, US President Donald Trump revoked a policy that asked the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to publish the number of civilians killed from drone strikes. The policy was formulated by the Obama administration in 2016 following the pressure from the international community for more transparency. Last month, the US military also acknowledged that civilians were killed during a strike in Somalia. Amnesty International had accused the US of killing civilians during a drone strike in Somalian in 2018.

Afghanistan: 5 Talibani militants killed in drone strike by US

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariffs-will-bring-in-far-more-wealth-to-our-country-than-even-phenomenal-deal-of-traditional-kind-donald-trump-217507">Trump defends latest tariff hike on China, says it 'will bring in far more wealth to US'</a>

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the tariffs on Chinese goods will bring more wealth to America "that even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind". "We have lost 500 billion dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!," his tweet read.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/whether-on-land-sky-or-in-space-will-protect-indians-against-any-threat-to-nation-pm-modi-217481">Whether on land, sky or in space, will protect Indians against any threat to nation: PM Modi&nbsp;</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is bound to protect India and its citizens.&nbsp;

Answering a series of questions during his interaction with media in Haryana's Rohtak, the prime minister said that action will be taken against "any threat to the nation, be it by people or any system".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/we-will-form-the-next-government-2019-will-not-be-1996-nitin-gadkari-to-wion-217517">We will form the next government, 2019 will not be like 1996: Nitin Gadkari to WION</a>

Speaking exclusively to WION, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said that he does not harbour prime ministerial ambition and that he is confident that the BJP will form the next government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/relentless-taliban-violence-casts-a-pall-over-slow-afghan-talks-217529">Relentless Taliban violence casts a pall over 'slow' Afghan talks</a>

Talks with the Taliban on ending Afghanistan's war are making steady but slow progress, the chief US envoy involved in the negotiations said on Friday while signalling growing frustration with relentless militant violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lankan-court-orders-dna-test-to-verify-death-of-easter-bombings-mastermind-217506">Sri Lankan court orders DNA test to verify death of Easter bombings mastermind</a>

A Sri Lankan court has ordered a DNA test before May 15 to verify the death of Mohamed Cassim Zahran, the ring leader of the local Islamist extremist group NTJ which the government blamed carried out the devastating Easter Sunday bombings killing over 250 people.

Trump defends latest tariff hike on China, says it 'will bring in far more wealth to US' US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the tariffs on Chinese goods will bring more wealth to America "that even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind".

Trump defends latest tariff hike on China, says it 'will bring in far more wealth to US' US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the tariffs on Chinese goods will bring more wealth to America "that even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind". "We have lost 500 billion dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!," his tweet read. Whether on land, sky or in space, will protect Indians against any threat to nation: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is bound to protect India and its citizens. Answering a series of questions during his interaction with media in Haryana's Rohtak, the prime minister said that action will be taken against "any threat to the nation, be it by people or any system". We will form the next government, 2019 will not be like 1996: Nitin Gadkari to WION Speaking exclusively to WION, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said that he does not harbour prime ministerial ambition and that he is confident that the BJP will form the next government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Relentless Taliban violence casts a pall over 'slow' Afghan talks Talks with the Taliban on ending Afghanistan's war are making steady but slow progress, the chief US envoy involved in the negotiations said on Friday while signalling growing frustration with relentless militant violence. Sri Lankan court orders DNA test to verify death of Easter bombings mastermind A Sri Lankan court has ordered a DNA test before May 15 to verify the death of Mohamed Cassim Zahran, the ring leader of the local Islamist extremist group NTJ which the government blamed carried out the devastating Easter Sunday bombings killing over 250 people.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ghani-urges-taliban-to-accept-ramadan-ceasefire-offer-216621">Talks with the Taliban</a> on ending Afghanistan's war are making steady but slow progress, the chief US envoy involved in the negotiations said on Friday while signalling growing frustration with relentless militant violence.

The sixth round of talks ended on Thursday in Qatar with "some progress" on a draft agreement on the withdrawal of foreign troops, a Taliban official said.

The United States is seeking a Taliban guarantee they won't let militants use Afghanistan to stage attacks.

The talks, the most sustained effort to end the 18-year conflict - America's longest war - began last year.

The sixth round got going on April 30 in Qatar's capital, Doha, but wound up early in response to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-aid-groups-reel-after-nine-killed-in-taliban-attack-217275">Taliban attack on an aid group in the capital, Kabul</a>, on Wednesday, a senior official with knowledge of the talks said.

The chief US envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, did not say if the talks had ended early, in comments he posted on Twitter, but expressed frustration with Taliban violence that has shown no sign of easing.

"We made steady but slow progress on aspects of the framework for ending the Afghan war. We are getting into the 'nitty-gritty.' The devil is always in the details," Khalilzad said.

"However, the current pace of talks isn't sufficient when so much conflict rages and innocent people die. We need more and faster progress. Our proposal for all sides to reduce violence also remains on the table."

Nine people were killed and at least 20 were wounded when Taliban fighters set off a big bomb at the gate of the Counterpart International aid group's office in Kabul, and then battled Afghan security forces for seven hours.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his fighters attacked the group because it promoted "Western culture", including the mixing of the genders.

Officials from the aid group were not available for comment.

The attack in Kabul triggered a sense of unease between the US and Taliban negotiators in Qatar, three senior officials said.

"The original plan was to continue the talks," said one of the officials, who declined to be identified. "It ended abruptly due to the attack."

''What's the point?"

Last year, US President Donald Trump's administration accelerated efforts to find a political settlement in Afghanistan and reduce the US troop presence there.

About 17,000 foreign troops are based in Afghanistan - most of them American - as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations.

But the Taliban have repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire, and they also refuse to talk to the US-backed Afghan government, and have instead stepped up their attacks.

"They are clearly giving a message that they can continue war and peace talks at the same time and are engaged in negotiations from a position of strength," said a Western diplomat in Kabul.

But the level of violence was putting pressure on the US side to come up with a plan to end it, the diplomat said.

"There is no time left for fake bonhomie when people were dying every hour."

An aide to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani questioned the entire process, given the Taliban rejection of a ceasefire.

"He appeals for a reduction in violence but clearly the Taliban are not listening," the presidential aide said, referring to Khalilzad.

"So we wonder, what's the point of holding talks?"

Talks with the Taliban on ending Afghanistan's war are making steady but slow progress, the chief US envoy involved in the negotiations said on Friday while signalling growing frustration with relentless militant violence.

Talks with the Taliban on ending Afghanistan's war are making steady but slow progress, the chief US envoy involved in the negotiations said on Friday while signalling growing frustration with relentless militant violence. The sixth round of talks ended on Thursday in Qatar with "some progress" on a draft agreement on the withdrawal of foreign troops, a Taliban official said. The United States is seeking a Taliban guarantee they won't let militants use Afghanistan to stage attacks. The talks, the most sustained effort to end the 18-year conflict - America's longest war - began last year. The sixth round got going on April 30 in Qatar's capital, Doha, but wound up early in response to a Taliban attack on an aid group in the capital, Kabul, on Wednesday, a senior official with knowledge of the talks said. The chief US envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, did not say if the talks had ended early, in comments he posted on Twitter, but expressed frustration with Taliban violence that has shown no sign of easing. "We made steady but slow progress on aspects of the framework for ending the Afghan war. We are getting into the 'nitty-gritty.' The devil is always in the details," Khalilzad said. "However, the current pace of talks isn't sufficient when so much conflict rages and innocent people die. We need more and faster progress. Our proposal for all sides to reduce violence also remains on the table." Nine people were killed and at least 20 were wounded when Taliban fighters set off a big bomb at the gate of the Counterpart International aid group's office in Kabul, and then battled Afghan security forces for seven hours. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his fighters attacked the group because it promoted "Western culture", including the mixing of the genders. Officials from the aid group were not available for comment. The attack in Kabul triggered a sense of unease between the US and Taliban negotiators in Qatar, three senior officials said. "The original plan was to continue the talks," said one of the officials, who declined to be identified. "It ended abruptly due to the attack." ''What's the point?" Last year, US President Donald Trump's administration accelerated efforts to find a political settlement in Afghanistan and reduce the US troop presence there. About 17,000 foreign troops are based in Afghanistan - most of them American - as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations. But the Taliban have repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire, and they also refuse to talk to the US-backed Afghan government, and have instead stepped up their attacks. "They are clearly giving a message that they can continue war and peace talks at the same time and are engaged in negotiations from a position of strength," said a Western diplomat in Kabul. But the level of violence was putting pressure on the US side to come up with a plan to end it, the diplomat said. "There is no time left for fake bonhomie when people were dying every hour." An aide to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani questioned the entire process, given the Taliban rejection of a ceasefire. "He appeals for a reduction in violence but clearly the Taliban are not listening," the presidential aide said, referring to Khalilzad. "So we wonder, what's the point of holding talks?"

Relentless Taliban violence casts a pall over 'slow' Afghan talks

U.S. and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their sixth round of peace talks on Thursday with “some progress” made on a draft agreement for when foreign troops might withdraw from Afghanistan.

Sixth round of Taliban-U.S. peace talks end

Pakistan has an important role to play in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-states-to-consult-india-on-afghan-peace-process-216789">Afghan peace process</a>, the Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told lawmakers Wednesday with another top American general opposing any move to withdraw troops from the war-torn country.

General Joseph Dunford, the Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed with Shanahan during a Senate Committee hearing on the country's defence budget for the fiscal year 2020 beginning October 1, when Senator Lindsay Graham asked a question on the ongoing Afghan peace process.

"It's in our national security interest to have a counterterrorism platform. Do you agree that we'll never get a peaceful resolution until Pakistan denies the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-says-india-pakistan-clashes-will-affect-afghan-peace-process-200007">Taliban</a>'s safe haven?" Graham asked during the Congressional hearing.

"I believe Pakistan plays an important role," Shanahan said in response.&nbsp;

"I do (agree), senator," Dunford said.

Responding to a question, Shanahan agreed ISISK is getting larger, not smaller in Afghanistan and a counterterrorism platform is still required in the war-torn country. Shanahan said the current South Asia strategy of President Trump offers the best chance for peace in Afghanistan. "Our current policy remains the South Asia strategy. Our best chance for peace and this is probably the best in 40 years, is taking place right now. I would say our policy is to fight and talk. We're fighting the Taliban to pressure them into a reduction in violence," he said.

The United States is making progress on its South Asia policy, he said.

"Do you anticipate US forces coming home from Afghanistan anytime soon, or are we looking at an indefinite garrison type situation? How would you explain our current policy and the conditions for US withdrawal for the American people in a clear and simple way?" Senator Tom Udall asked.

General Dunford insisted that the US policy should be to put pressure on terrorist groups that pose threat to the US. "It's my judgment today, based on the threat from South Asia, that we need to continue to put pressure on those terrorist groups or they'll pose a threat to the United States," he said.

"I know it's frustrating to you and the American people for us to be there for such a long period of time. It's just my judgment right now that the conditions for a complete withdrawal aren't there," he said.&nbsp;

"The conditions for continuing to decrease our presence in the region as we have and increase the responsibility of, in this case, the Afghan forces to provide security for themselves, I think we can expect that to happen," he added.

"While I'm not anything other than realistic about the current negotiations we have and the peace process, it is the first time in many, many years where we've had some opportunity now to pursue a peaceful resolution to the war in Afghanistan. And at the end of the day, I don't believe there is a military solution, and I think will need to maintain a counterterrorism presence as long as an insurgency continues in Afghanistan," Dunford said.

Dunford said that there are about 20 groups in the region that he would describe as violent extremist groups. A handful of those groups have clearly demonstrated the intent to attack the homeland and to attack American citizens. The pressure that US's counterterrorism efforts have put on those groups over the last years have prevented another 9/11, he noted.

"Difficult to prove, but from the time I've spent Afghanistan -- I have been a commander there -- I am confident, if you want to think about this in terms of term insurance, once you stop paying the premium, you no longer have insurance. What we are doing in Afghanistan today, in my judgment, is a commensurate level of effort to threat," Dunford told the lawmakers.&nbsp;

Pakistan has an important role to play in the ongoing Afghan peace process, the Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told lawmakers Wednesday with another top American general opposing any move to withdraw troops from the war-torn country.

Pakistan has an important role to play in the ongoing Afghan peace process, the Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told lawmakers Wednesday with another top American general opposing any move to withdraw troops from the war-torn country. General Joseph Dunford, the Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed with Shanahan during a Senate Committee hearing on the country's defence budget for the fiscal year 2020 beginning October 1, when Senator Lindsay Graham asked a question on the ongoing Afghan peace process. "It's in our national security interest to have a counterterrorism platform. Do you agree that we'll never get a peaceful resolution until Pakistan denies the Taliban's safe haven?" Graham asked during the Congressional hearing. "I believe Pakistan plays an important role," Shanahan said in response. "I do (agree), senator," Dunford said. Responding to a question, Shanahan agreed ISISK is getting larger, not smaller in Afghanistan and a counterterrorism platform is still required in the war-torn country. Shanahan said the current South Asia strategy of President Trump offers the best chance for peace in Afghanistan. "Our current policy remains the South Asia strategy. Our best chance for peace and this is probably the best in 40 years, is taking place right now. I would say our policy is to fight and talk. We're fighting the Taliban to pressure them into a reduction in violence," he said. The United States is making progress on its South Asia policy, he said. "Do you anticipate US forces coming home from Afghanistan anytime soon, or are we looking at an indefinite garrison type situation? How would you explain our current policy and the conditions for US withdrawal for the American people in a clear and simple way?" Senator Tom Udall asked. General Dunford insisted that the US policy should be to put pressure on terrorist groups that pose threat to the US. "It's my judgment today, based on the threat from South Asia, that we need to continue to put pressure on those terrorist groups or they'll pose a threat to the United States," he said. "I know it's frustrating to you and the American people for us to be there for such a long period of time. It's just my judgment right now that the conditions for a complete withdrawal aren't there," he said. "The conditions for continuing to decrease our presence in the region as we have and increase the responsibility of, in this case, the Afghan forces to provide security for themselves, I think we can expect that to happen," he added. "While I'm not anything other than realistic about the current negotiations we have and the peace process, it is the first time in many, many years where we've had some opportunity now to pursue a peaceful resolution to the war in Afghanistan. And at the end of the day, I don't believe there is a military solution, and I think will need to maintain a counterterrorism presence as long as an insurgency continues in Afghanistan," Dunford said. Dunford said that there are about 20 groups in the region that he would describe as violent extremist groups. A handful of those groups have clearly demonstrated the intent to attack the homeland and to attack American citizens. The pressure that US's counterterrorism efforts have put on those groups over the last years have prevented another 9/11, he noted. "Difficult to prove, but from the time I've spent Afghanistan -- I have been a commander there -- I am confident, if you want to think about this in terms of term insurance, once you stop paying the premium, you no longer have insurance. What we are doing in Afghanistan today, in my judgment, is a commensurate level of effort to threat," Dunford told the lawmakers.

Pakistan plays important role in Afghan peace process: Acting US Defence Secretary

Humanitarian groups were reeling Thursday from yet another attack targeting aid workers in Afghanistan, as officials confirmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-attack-at-ngo-kills-at-least-9-in-kabul-217215">nine people had been killed in a Taliban attack in Kabul a day earlier</a>.

Wednesday's attack outside Counterpart International, a non-profit group working with marginalised people in Afghanistan, began with an immense blast from a car bomb in a busy commercial area in central Kabul.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the death toll had risen to nine, including five members of the Afghan security forces, a guard at Counterpoint and three civilians.

Anti-poverty group CARE, which has offices close to Counterpart International, said three of its workers -- a driver, a watchman and a technical advisor -- were killed in the blast.

"This attack reflects the increasing dangers of humanitarian work in conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan and the unfortunate daily reality of violence for many Afghan families," CARE said in a statement.

In addition, 20 civilians were wounded in the attack, which saw several Taliban gunmen storm the Counterpoint compound after the blast. They were all killed after Afghan commandos led an hours-long clearance operation.

Wednesday's massive explosion felled trees and toppled dense concrete blast walls on the street outside Counterpart.

The blast radius extended hundreds of metres (yards) in all directions, blowing out windows in nearby homes and businesses.&nbsp;

Dozens of workers could be seen sweeping debris and broken glass from streets in the popular Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood in central Kabul, which is home to shops, restaurants and hotels.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying Counterpart International was targeted because it promoted the "inter-mixing" of men and women.

Insurgent spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter the aid group had mentored "Kabul admin workers in various aspects of brutality, oppression, terror, anti-Islamic ideology &amp; promotion of western culture."&nbsp;

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 30 aid workers were killed last year in Afghanistan -- one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarians.

Afghanistan was once a hub of foreign aid but deteriorating security has seen international groups downgrade their presence, making it even more difficult to deliver crucial help to the war-torn country's most vulnerable citizens.

Several aid groups, including Save the Children, have been the target of terror attacks and have suspended operations in the wake of the assaults.

Wednesday's attack came even as US and Taliban officials were meeting in Qatar for peace talks. 
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Humanitarian groups were reeling Thursday from yet another attack targeting aid workers in Afghanistan, as officials confirmed nine people had been killed in a Taliban attack in Kabul a day earlier.

Humanitarian groups were reeling Thursday from yet another attack targeting aid workers in Afghanistan, as officials confirmed nine people had been killed in a Taliban attack in Kabul a day earlier. Wednesday's attack outside Counterpart International, a non-profit group working with marginalised people in Afghanistan, began with an immense blast from a car bomb in a busy commercial area in central Kabul. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the death toll had risen to nine, including five members of the Afghan security forces, a guard at Counterpoint and three civilians. Anti-poverty group CARE, which has offices close to Counterpart International, said three of its workers -- a driver, a watchman and a technical advisor -- were killed in the blast. "This attack reflects the increasing dangers of humanitarian work in conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan and the unfortunate daily reality of violence for many Afghan families," CARE said in a statement. In addition, 20 civilians were wounded in the attack, which saw several Taliban gunmen storm the Counterpoint compound after the blast. They were all killed after Afghan commandos led an hours-long clearance operation. Wednesday's massive explosion felled trees and toppled dense concrete blast walls on the street outside Counterpart. The blast radius extended hundreds of metres (yards) in all directions, blowing out windows in nearby homes and businesses. Dozens of workers could be seen sweeping debris and broken glass from streets in the popular Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood in central Kabul, which is home to shops, restaurants and hotels. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying Counterpart International was targeted because it promoted the "inter-mixing" of men and women. Insurgent spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter the aid group had mentored "Kabul admin workers in various aspects of brutality, oppression, terror, anti-Islamic ideology & promotion of western culture." According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 30 aid workers were killed last year in Afghanistan -- one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarians. Afghanistan was once a hub of foreign aid but deteriorating security has seen international groups downgrade their presence, making it even more difficult to deliver crucial help to the war-torn country's most vulnerable citizens. Several aid groups, including Save the Children, have been the target of terror attacks and have suspended operations in the wake of the assaults. Wednesday's attack came even as US and Taliban officials were meeting in Qatar for peace talks.

Kabul aid groups reel after nine killed in Taliban attack

At least four civilians were killed, and 25 others wounded after suicide bombers attacked an aid agency in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul on Wednesday.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack shortly after the deadly attack.

The five assailants were all killed during a counter-attack conducted by Afghan elite police forces that lasted nearly six hours.

The attack took place at midday when the attackers detonated an explosive-laden vehicle at the gates of non-governmental organisation Counterpart International in the Afghan capital. Following the blast, a plume of black smoke could be seen rising over the city.

Afghan security forces evacuated about 200 people from the targeted building and nearby offices, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement. The security forces reportedly seized another vehicle at the scene and defused the bombs.

The blast shattered windows even 200 meters away.

"After the explosion, huge clouds of dust rose in the air, and the debris was blown over to this area and the park. Then another blast happened and there were huge clouds of dust again. The security forces arrived after that," said Ramsh, a witness at the scene.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, UN mission in the country and Afghans strongly condemned the attack which occurred on the third day of Muslim's fasting month of Ramadan.

At least four civilians were killed, and 25 others wounded after suicide bombers attacked an aid agency in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul on Wednesday. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack shortly after the deadly attack.

At least four civilians were killed, and 25 others wounded after suicide bombers attacked an aid agency in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul on Wednesday. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack shortly after the deadly attack. The five assailants were all killed during a counter-attack conducted by Afghan elite police forces that lasted nearly six hours. The attack took place at midday when the attackers detonated an explosive-laden vehicle at the gates of non-governmental organisation Counterpart International in the Afghan capital. Following the blast, a plume of black smoke could be seen rising over the city. Afghan security forces evacuated about 200 people from the targeted building and nearby offices, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement. The security forces reportedly seized another vehicle at the scene and defused the bombs. The blast shattered windows even 200 meters away. "After the explosion, huge clouds of dust rose in the air, and the debris was blown over to this area and the park. Then another blast happened and there were huge clouds of dust again. The security forces arrived after that," said Ramsh, a witness at the scene. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, UN mission in the country and Afghans strongly condemned the attack which occurred on the third day of Muslim's fasting month of Ramadan.

Taliban attack at NGO kills at least 9 in Kabul

Big diplomatic victory for India after the US said in a statement that it will consult India on the Afghan Peace process. Watch full video to know more.

US to consult India on the Afghan Peace process

An&nbsp;explosion occurred&nbsp;in Afghanistan's capital&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;on Wednesday.

The blast occurred near the Attorney General's office in Shahr-e Naw.

Police have confirmed the explosion, however, there were no reports of any casualties.

"I can confirm an explosion in the Shar-e-Naw area of Kabul. We are checking the details," Ferdaws Framurz, a spokesman for the city's police force, told AFP.

The blast comes as the US and Taliban representatives continue negotiations in Qatar aimed at bringing an end to the nearly 18-year-old conflict. &nbsp;

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An explosion occurred in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Wednesday. The blast occurred near the Attorney General's office in Shahr-e Naw. Police have confirmed the explosion, however, there were no reports of any casualties.

An explosion occurred in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Wednesday. The blast occurred near the Attorney General's office in Shahr-e Naw. Police have confirmed the explosion, however, there were no reports of any casualties. "I can confirm an explosion in the Shar-e-Naw area of Kabul. We are checking the details," Ferdaws Framurz, a spokesman for the city's police force, told AFP. The blast comes as the US and Taliban representatives continue negotiations in Qatar aimed at bringing an end to the nearly 18-year-old conflict.

Afghanistan: Bomb blast near Attorney General's office in Kabul

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/clashes-in-farah-kill-20-army-personnel-216445">Taliban to accept the demand of a Ramadan ceasefire</a> offered by the government in an effort to fast track the peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

He said that the ceasefire was on behalf of the grand council, the 'Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace'&nbsp;comprising over 3,200 delegates, adding that Ramadan is a month of peace and reconciliation.

"I once again call on the Taliban to respect this holy month and address the demand of Afghans for peace and reconciliation which was reflected at the Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace," Ghani was quoted by TOLOnews as saying.

"I want to assure the people that the resolution of the peace Jirga will make a big part of the peace policy of the government," he added.

Last week, the Taliban rejected a similar ceasefire agreement proposed by Ghani and US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad.

The militant group said they will not stop "jihad" as it will have more "benefits" during the Ramadan month.

In response, Khalilzad had lashed out at the Taliban for rejecting his call for laying down their arms and stopping the violence as a part of efforts to move forward the ongoing peace process.

"All sides laying down arms is the outcome of any peace process. All sides agreeing to reduce violence is a necessary step toward achieving that outcome and the morally responsible choice to make. We stand ready," he had tweeted.

Khalilzad`s remarks came after Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Khalilzad should "forget about the idea of putting down our arms.

"Instead of such fantasies, he should ponder upon how to "end the use of force and incurring further human and financial losses for the Kabul administration," TOLOnews had quoted Mujahid as saying.

Last year, the Taliban had announced a surprise three-day ceasefire with the Afghan government for the duration of Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.&nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged the Taliban to accept the demand of a Ramadan ceasefire offered by the government in an effort to fast track the peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged the Taliban to accept the demand of a Ramadan ceasefire offered by the government in an effort to fast track the peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country. He said that the ceasefire was on behalf of the grand council, the 'Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace' comprising over 3,200 delegates, adding that Ramadan is a month of peace and reconciliation. "I once again call on the Taliban to respect this holy month and address the demand of Afghans for peace and reconciliation which was reflected at the Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace," Ghani was quoted by TOLOnews as saying. "I want to assure the people that the resolution of the peace Jirga will make a big part of the peace policy of the government," he added. Last week, the Taliban rejected a similar ceasefire agreement proposed by Ghani and US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad. The militant group said they will not stop "jihad" as it will have more "benefits" during the Ramadan month. In response, Khalilzad had lashed out at the Taliban for rejecting his call for laying down their arms and stopping the violence as a part of efforts to move forward the ongoing peace process. "All sides laying down arms is the outcome of any peace process. All sides agreeing to reduce violence is a necessary step toward achieving that outcome and the morally responsible choice to make. We stand ready," he had tweeted. Khalilzad`s remarks came after Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Khalilzad should "forget about the idea of putting down our arms. "Instead of such fantasies, he should ponder upon how to "end the use of force and incurring further human and financial losses for the Kabul administration," TOLOnews had quoted Mujahid as saying. Last year, the Taliban had announced a surprise three-day ceasefire with the Afghan government for the duration of Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

Afghan President Ghani urges Taliban to accept Ramadan ceasefire offer

For the first time Afghanistan publically raised the continued closure of Pakistan airspace for Afghan planes coming to India. The Deputy Afghan Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman met with the Pakistani Ambassador to Kabul Zahed Nasrullah Khan in Kabul and raised the matter.

A readout from Afghan foreign ministry said Deputy Minister Zaman "expressed the Afghan Government’s concern regarding the closure of Pakistani aerial space for Afghanistan’s flights."

The readout further said, "Pakistani Ambassador promised that the Pakistani Government will soon decide on reopening the aerial space."

The Pakistan govt had closed its air space on February 27 after launching strikes on Indian military installations in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir in response to India's counter-terror strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan.

Since then Pakistan govt has partially opened its airspace in the west side of the country, but airspace along the Indian border continues to be closed. No flights going from India to westwards or coming from Afghanistan or beyond to India are allowed to use Pakistan air space by Islamabad.

WION had on Monday first broke the story that Afghanistan, through the official channel, raised the matter with Islamabad on the closure of its Airspace for Afghan planes.

An Afghanistan govt source told WION on Monday that Afghan govt raised the matter through its officials and "will raise it again". The source, when asked if Kabul is hopeful Pakistan will open its airspace, replied, "We are negotiating".

Closure of Pak airspace has particularly impacted Afghan airlines, who not only have to take a longer route over Iran and also spend more on fuel, increasing the cost of the ticket. Delhi to Kabul flight that used to take less than 2 hours before now takes more than five hours.

Cost of a one-way ticket from Afghanistan to India for Afghan airlines such as Ariana and Kam Air stands at $200 and $300 respectively. This was previously $ 145 for Ariana and $160 for Kam air.

For the first time Afghanistan publically raised the continued closure of Pakistan airspace for Afghan planes coming to India. The Deputy Afghan Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman met with the Pakistani Ambassador to Kabul Zahed Nasrullah Khan in Kabul and raised the matter.

For the first time Afghanistan publically raised the continued closure of Pakistan airspace for Afghan planes coming to India. The Deputy Afghan Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman met with the Pakistani Ambassador to Kabul Zahed Nasrullah Khan in Kabul and raised the matter. A readout from Afghan foreign ministry said Deputy Minister Zaman "expressed the Afghan Government’s concern regarding the closure of Pakistani aerial space for Afghanistan’s flights." The readout further said, "Pakistani Ambassador promised that the Pakistani Government will soon decide on reopening the aerial space." The Pakistan govt had closed its air space on February 27 after launching strikes on Indian military installations in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir in response to India's counter-terror strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. Since then Pakistan govt has partially opened its airspace in the west side of the country, but airspace along the Indian border continues to be closed. No flights going from India to westwards or coming from Afghanistan or beyond to India are allowed to use Pakistan air space by Islamabad. WION had on Monday first broke the story that Afghanistan, through the official channel, raised the matter with Islamabad on the closure of its Airspace for Afghan planes. An Afghanistan govt source told WION on Monday that Afghan govt raised the matter through its officials and "will raise it again". The source, when asked if Kabul is hopeful Pakistan will open its airspace, replied, "We are negotiating". Closure of Pak airspace has particularly impacted Afghan airlines, who not only have to take a longer route over Iran and also spend more on fuel, increasing the cost of the ticket. Delhi to Kabul flight that used to take less than 2 hours before now takes more than five hours. Cost of a one-way ticket from Afghanistan to India for Afghan airlines such as Ariana and Kam Air stands at $200 and $300 respectively. This was previously $ 145 for Ariana and $160 for Kam air.

Closure of Pakistan airspace: Afghanistan government expresses concern

The US has said that it will consult New Delhi as the Afghan peace process goes forward even as it called for "inclusive and legitimate process" that preserves the gains made in the last 18 years.

A statement issued by the American embassy in Delhi on US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad's second day India visit, said, "Ambassador Khalilzad and his counterparts also discussed that Afghanistan’s political future is for Afghans to decide through an inclusive and legitimate process."

During his second visit in 2019 to Delhi, he met, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale &amp; India’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar.

The statement said during the meet they "agreed that Afghan gains of the last 18 years must be preserved and built upon."

This is an important development for New Delhi since it is not in favour of an interim administration to replace the political structure arrived in the last 18 years. This was conveyed during Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's US visit in March during which he met Zalmay Khalilzad in Washington.

Taliban during its talks with the US has been calling for an interim administration in Kabul which will replace the existing govt, something India is against as it back Afghan President Ghani's govt.

Washington also "recognized the many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan’s development." This development comes months after US President Donald Trump took a jibe against development aid to Afghanistan.

US President in the 1st cabinet meet of the year in January had said even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" but Trump "Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

India has built large scale infrastructure projects in Afghanistan like Parliament building in Kabul, Salma Dam in Herat to Capacity Building by providing training to 3500 afghans to connectivity by Chabahar project and India Afghanistan air corridor.

The US has said that it will consult New Delhi as the Afghan peace process goes forward even as it called for "inclusive and legitimate process" that preserves the gains made in the last 18 years.

The US has said that it will consult New Delhi as the Afghan peace process goes forward even as it called for "inclusive and legitimate process" that preserves the gains made in the last 18 years. A statement issued by the American embassy in Delhi on US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad's second day India visit, said, "Ambassador Khalilzad and his counterparts also discussed that Afghanistan’s political future is for Afghans to decide through an inclusive and legitimate process." During his second visit in 2019 to Delhi, he met, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale & India’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar. The statement said during the meet they "agreed that Afghan gains of the last 18 years must be preserved and built upon." This is an important development for New Delhi since it is not in favour of an interim administration to replace the political structure arrived in the last 18 years. This was conveyed during Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's US visit in March during which he met Zalmay Khalilzad in Washington. Taliban during its talks with the US has been calling for an interim administration in Kabul which will replace the existing govt, something India is against as it back Afghan President Ghani's govt. Washington also "recognized the many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan’s development." This development comes months after US President Donald Trump took a jibe against development aid to Afghanistan. US President in the 1st cabinet meet of the year in January had said even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" but Trump "Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan". India has built large scale infrastructure projects in Afghanistan like Parliament building in Kabul, Salma Dam in Herat to Capacity Building by providing training to 3500 afghans to connectivity by Chabahar project and India Afghanistan air corridor.

United States to consult India on Afghan peace process

An attack by the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/taliban-must-agree-to-a-ceasefire-and-join-the-intra-afghan-peace-talks-215289&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQ-oLH9obiAhUQSo8KHe2HD5kQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2etSSK5ZfBN5aRVi7UVJ0R">Taliban</a> in Farah's Gulistan district claimed the lives of at least 20 army soldiers on Monday, according to a member of the Farah Provincial Council.

Around 11 Taliban militants were also killed in the clashes, while an airstrike in Bakwa killed 18 Taliban militants on the same day.

Around 25 militants were wounded in the same attack, according to TOLOnews.

Official confirmation of the army personnel's death is awaited. Farah Police Spokesman Mohibullah Mohib added that 50 drug processing centres, belonging to the Taliban, were also destroyed in the airstrike at Bakwa.

Shah Mahmoud Naeemi, a member of Farah Provincial Council, claimed that 50 civilians have affected in the airstrikes -- a claim which has been dismissed by the police.&nbsp;

An attack by the Taliban in Farah's Gulistan district claimed the lives of at least 20 army soldiers on Monday, according to a member of the Farah Provincial Council.

An attack by the Taliban in Farah's Gulistan district claimed the lives of at least 20 army soldiers on Monday, according to a member of the Farah Provincial Council. Around 11 Taliban militants were also killed in the clashes, while an airstrike in Bakwa killed 18 Taliban militants on the same day. Around 25 militants were wounded in the same attack, according to TOLOnews. Official confirmation of the army personnel's death is awaited. Farah Police Spokesman Mohibullah Mohib added that 50 drug processing centres, belonging to the Taliban, were also destroyed in the airstrike at Bakwa. Shah Mahmoud Naeemi, a member of Farah Provincial Council, claimed that 50 civilians have affected in the airstrikes -- a claim which has been dismissed by the police.

Afghanistan: At least 20 soldiers dead in attack by Taliban

Talks between the Taliban and the US have become bogged down over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman told AFP on Sunday.

The Taliban and US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad have met repeatedly in the Qatari capital Doha in recent months in a bid to finally end Afghanistan's gruelling war.

Central to negotiations is the fundamental question of a timetable for when US and foreign forces might leave Afghanistan, after more than 17 years of conflict.&nbsp;

While Khalilzad in February sounded an optimistic tone, suggesting a deal was within reach by July, the two foes have hit a sticking point.

Before the US announces a withdrawal timeline, it is demanding the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire and other commitments.

But the insurgents insist they won't do a thing until the US announces that timeline.

In an interview with AFP, Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's political spokesman in Doha, said the two sides are grappling with "one point, and to narrow the differences and have an agreement on a timetable which is acceptable to both sides".

"That has not been achieved so far," Shaheen said.

Asked if that meant nothing would move forward until America announced a withdrawal timetable, Shaheen said: "In principal, yes", adding that the issue might not be resolved in this round of talks.

"If we are not able to finalise it in this round, then ... peace would be far away rather than being closer," Shaheen said.&nbsp;

It was not clear if the talks were to continue Monday, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

Peace mega-summit

Many Afghans are aghast at the prospect of the US making a deal with the Taliban, and see the United States as desperate to leave a country that has cost it more than $1 trillion and the lives of some 2,400 troops.&nbsp;

They fear an emboldened Taliban would try to seize power and reintroduce its extreme version of Islam, wiping out years of gains by women, the media and others.

Khalilzad has tried to reassure Afghans by meeting with representatives from across the diverse country, and stressing America will not quit until a permanent ceasefire is in place.&nbsp;

Thousands of tribal elders and other figures met in Kabul last week to express their red lines for a deal with the Taliban.

Women in Kabul scoff at the idea that the insurgents, who once stoned women to death on flimsy allegations of adultery, have adapted to more modern times.&nbsp;

But Shaheen insisted the Taliban do "not have any problem with women's rights," though he said they would be based on "Islamic values."

"We have a different culture and different values. Our values, Afghan values are different from that of Western values", he said.

At the end of last week's mega-summit, President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire.

The insurgents rebuffed the move, and on Sunday launched a suicide and gunman attack at a police station in northern Afghanistan, killing at least thirteen people.

Despite the ongoing peace talks, violence in Afghanistan continues.&nbsp;

US forces train Afghan partners on the ground and strike the Taliban from the air, sometimes killing hundreds of the insurgents in a week, in a bid to push the war to a political settlement.

The insurgents have steadfastly refused to talk to Ghani, who they view as a US puppet, and talks thus far have cut out his government.

The negotiations between the Taliban and the US are incredibly complex.

Taliban chief negotiator Abbas Stanakzai is leading a 13-member team, while Khalilzad has about two dozen officials with him. The Qatari government is also participating.&nbsp;

Negotiations move slowly, with interactions translated back and forth into Pashto and English, while negotiators often pause to confer with higher ups.&nbsp;

The central guarantee the US want from the Taliban is that they never again allow Afghanistan to be used as a safe haven for terror groups.&nbsp;

Shaheen said the Taliban was ready to provide the US with the security guarantees it seeks.

Khalilzad has repeatedly stressed that nothing would be finalised until all issues have been addressed.

Talks between the Taliban and the US have become bogged down over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman told AFP on Sunday.

Talks between the Taliban and the US have become bogged down over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman told AFP on Sunday. The Taliban and US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad have met repeatedly in the Qatari capital Doha in recent months in a bid to finally end Afghanistan's gruelling war. Central to negotiations is the fundamental question of a timetable for when US and foreign forces might leave Afghanistan, after more than 17 years of conflict. While Khalilzad in February sounded an optimistic tone, suggesting a deal was within reach by July, the two foes have hit a sticking point. Before the US announces a withdrawal timeline, it is demanding the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire and other commitments. But the insurgents insist they won't do a thing until the US announces that timeline. In an interview with AFP, Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's political spokesman in Doha, said the two sides are grappling with "one point, and to narrow the differences and have an agreement on a timetable which is acceptable to both sides". "That has not been achieved so far," Shaheen said. Asked if that meant nothing would move forward until America announced a withdrawal timetable, Shaheen said: "In principal, yes", adding that the issue might not be resolved in this round of talks. "If we are not able to finalise it in this round, then ... peace would be far away rather than being closer," Shaheen said. It was not clear if the talks were to continue Monday, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. Peace mega-summit Many Afghans are aghast at the prospect of the US making a deal with the Taliban, and see the United States as desperate to leave a country that has cost it more than $1 trillion and the lives of some 2,400 troops. They fear an emboldened Taliban would try to seize power and reintroduce its extreme version of Islam, wiping out years of gains by women, the media and others. Khalilzad has tried to reassure Afghans by meeting with representatives from across the diverse country, and stressing America will not quit until a permanent ceasefire is in place. Thousands of tribal elders and other figures met in Kabul last week to express their red lines for a deal with the Taliban. Women in Kabul scoff at the idea that the insurgents, who once stoned women to death on flimsy allegations of adultery, have adapted to more modern times. But Shaheen insisted the Taliban do "not have any problem with women's rights," though he said they would be based on "Islamic values." "We have a different culture and different values. Our values, Afghan values are different from that of Western values", he said. At the end of last week's mega-summit, President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire. The insurgents rebuffed the move, and on Sunday launched a suicide and gunman attack at a police station in northern Afghanistan, killing at least thirteen people. Despite the ongoing peace talks, violence in Afghanistan continues. US forces train Afghan partners on the ground and strike the Taliban from the air, sometimes killing hundreds of the insurgents in a week, in a bid to push the war to a political settlement. The insurgents have steadfastly refused to talk to Ghani, who they view as a US puppet, and talks thus far have cut out his government. The negotiations between the Taliban and the US are incredibly complex. Taliban chief negotiator Abbas Stanakzai is leading a 13-member team, while Khalilzad has about two dozen officials with him. The Qatari government is also participating. Negotiations move slowly, with interactions translated back and forth into Pashto and English, while negotiators often pause to confer with higher ups. The central guarantee the US want from the Taliban is that they never again allow Afghanistan to be used as a safe haven for terror groups. Shaheen said the Taliban was ready to provide the US with the security guarantees it seeks. Khalilzad has repeatedly stressed that nothing would be finalised until all issues have been addressed.

Talks with US stumble over troop withdrawal: Taliban

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said.

He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The administration has started an investigation into the incident to know about the causes behind the murder.

Pakistan is one of the three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where polio is still endemic.

Militant groups have killed nearly 100 polio workers and their guards since 2012 on the pretext that they could be Western spies.&nbsp;

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan. The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said.

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan. The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said. He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The administration has started an investigation into the incident to know about the causes behind the murder. Pakistan is one of the three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where polio is still endemic. Militant groups have killed nearly 100 polio workers and their guards since 2012 on the pretext that they could be Western spies.

Polio officer killed by gunmen in northwest Pakistan

The Afghan foreign ministry on Saturday summoned Pakistan's Chargé d'affaires in Kabul in the aftermath of April 30 and May 1, 2019 incident in which Pakistan forces launched an attack in Afghan territory killing four civilians.

The Afghan foreign ministry in a release, tweeted by the spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi condemned Pakistani forces violating the "Afghan airspace and launching rockets."

The Afghan government asked Pakistan to act on terror, something which Kabul and New Delhi have been asking Islamabad to do for a long time.

The statement said, "Afghanistan once again encouraged Pakistan to honestly fight these groups without distinction".

The Pakistani government has also confirmed that a summoning happened. &nbsp;

The Pakistani forces started shelling at 9 pm local time on April 30 and according to Afghan media reports, targetted Sarkot, Pakha Mela and Afghan Dubai villages in Spera district in Khost Province that borders Pakistan's restive North Waziristan.

Pakistan had summoned Afghan's Charge d' Affaires on May 1 to protest about the incident. While Islamabad maintains, "terrorist" from the Afghan territory launched an attack on its forces killing three&nbsp;Pakistani soldiers, Kabul told Pakistan to take immediate action against the elements on its territory and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

This is not for the first time a Pakistani diplomat has been summed this year. Afghanistan summoned Pak diplomats many times in the last few months after Pakistani prime minister made comments about the Afghan peace process which Kabul saw as interference.

In March, Speaking at a public gathering in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's&nbsp;Bajaur, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said, "A good government will soon be established in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

Afghanistan has also complained to the United Nations security council (UNSC) against Islamabad due to its engagement with the Taliban and attempts to subvert the Afghan peace process.

The Afghan foreign ministry on Saturday summoned Pakistan's Chargé d'affaires in Kabul in the aftermath of April 30 and May 1, 2019 incident in which Pakistan forces launched an attack in Afghan territory killing four civilians.

The Afghan foreign ministry on Saturday summoned Pakistan's Chargé d'affaires in Kabul in the aftermath of April 30 and May 1, 2019 incident in which Pakistan forces launched an attack in Afghan territory killing four civilians. The Afghan foreign ministry in a release, tweeted by the spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi condemned Pakistani forces violating the "Afghan airspace and launching rockets." The Afghan government asked Pakistan to act on terror, something which Kabul and New Delhi have been asking Islamabad to do for a long time. The statement said, "Afghanistan once again encouraged Pakistan to honestly fight these groups without distinction". The Pakistani government has also confirmed that a summoning happened. The Pakistani forces started shelling at 9 pm local time on April 30 and according to Afghan media reports, targetted Sarkot, Pakha Mela and Afghan Dubai villages in Spera district in Khost Province that borders Pakistan's restive North Waziristan. Pakistan had summoned Afghan's Charge d' Affaires on May 1 to protest about the incident. While Islamabad maintains, "terrorist" from the Afghan territory launched an attack on its forces killing three Pakistani soldiers, Kabul told Pakistan to take immediate action against the elements on its territory and ensure that such incidents are not repeated. This is not for the first time a Pakistani diplomat has been summed this year. Afghanistan summoned Pak diplomats many times in the last few months after Pakistani prime minister made comments about the Afghan peace process which Kabul saw as interference. In March, Speaking at a public gathering in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said, "A good government will soon be established in Afghanistan". Afghanistan has also complained to the United Nations security council (UNSC) against Islamabad due to its engagement with the Taliban and attempts to subvert the Afghan peace process.

Afghanistan summons Pakistan diplomat over border situation 

A Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing at least four people and wounding 40 more, according to the insurgents and Afghan officials.

The attack occurred two days after President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins Monday.

The insurgents rebuffed the offer that came at the end of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-tell-us-to-lay-down-arms-tell-the-americans-afghan-taliban-215626">peace talks in Kabul</a>, and as the Taliban meet with the US at separate talks in Qatar.

Sunday's attack started with a massive blast at the police facility in Pul-i-Khumri, about 250 kilometres (155 miles) north of Kabul, sending a huge plume of smoke into the sky.

The explosion was followed up by gunmen storming the police compound, according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

In a tweet, he said a suicide bomber had detonated a bomb inside an armoured personnel carrier, "flattening most of the building".

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said "two terrorists were gunned down" in the attack, while "the rest of the attackers were besieged by the Afghan forces."

At least four people had been killed and another 40 wounded, said Baghan provincial health director Mohibullah Habib.

A Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing at least four people and wounding 40 more, according to the insurgents and Afghan officials.

A Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing at least four people and wounding 40 more, according to the insurgents and Afghan officials. The attack occurred two days after President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins Monday. The insurgents rebuffed the offer that came at the end of peace talks in Kabul, and as the Taliban meet with the US at separate talks in Qatar. Sunday's attack started with a massive blast at the police facility in Pul-i-Khumri, about 250 kilometres (155 miles) north of Kabul, sending a huge plume of smoke into the sky. The explosion was followed up by gunmen storming the police compound, according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. In a tweet, he said a suicide bomber had detonated a bomb inside an armoured personnel carrier, "flattening most of the building". Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said "two terrorists were gunned down" in the attack, while "the rest of the attackers were besieged by the Afghan forces." At least four people had been killed and another 40 wounded, said Baghan provincial health director Mohibullah Habib.

Taliban attack a police headquarters in Afghanistan

India has not shown an inclination to pursue a deeper defence relationship with Afghanistan even as it has been the largest regional contributor to the war-torn country's reconstruction, according to a US Congressional report.

US President Donald Trump in his South Asia speech in 2017 encouraged India to play a greater role in Afghanistan's economic development, the latest report on Afghanistan by the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) said.

"India has been the largest regional contributor to Afghan reconstruction but New Delhi has not shown an inclination to pursue a deeper defence relationship with Kabul," according to the report dated May 1.

"This, along with other administration messaging, has compounded Pakistani concerns over Indian activity in Afghanistan," said the bipartisan research wing of the US Congress which prepares period reports on issues of interest for the members of the Congress.

CRS reports are prepared for US lawmakers to take informed decisions. These are not an official report of the US Congress.

Regional dynamics and the involvement of outside powers are central to the conflict in Afghanistan, it said.

The neighbouring state widely considered most important in this regard is Pakistan, which has played an active, and by many accounts negative role in Afghan affairs for decades, the CRS report said.

The CRS report said that Trump has directly accused Pakistan of "housing the very terrorists that we are fighting".

Afghan leaders, along with US military commanders, attribute much of the insurgency's power and longevity either directly or indirectly to Pakistan.

Experts debate the extent to which Pakistan is committed to Afghan stability or is attempting to exert control in Afghanistan through ties to insurgent groups, most notably the Haqqani Network, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) that has become an official, semiautonomous component of the Taliban, it said.

US officials have repeatedly identified militant safe havens in Pakistan as a threat to security in Afghanistan, though some observers question the validity of that charge in light of the Taliban's increased territorial control within Afghanistan itself.

Pakistan, it said, may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by a Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large and restive Pashtun minority).

However, at least some Pakistani leaders have stated that instability in Afghanistan could rebound to Pakistan's detriment; Pakistan has struggled with indigenous Islamist militants of its own, it said.

"Pakistan sees Afghanistan as potentially providing strategic depth against India, but may also anticipate that improved relations with Afghanistan's leadership could limit India's influence in Afghanistan.

"Indian interest in Afghanistan stems largely from India's broader regional rivalry with Pakistan, which impedes Indian efforts to establish stronger and more direct commercial and political relations with Central Asia," the CRS report added.&nbsp;

India has not shown an inclination to pursue a deeper defence relationship with Afghanistan even as it has been the largest regional contributor to the war-torn country's reconstruction, according to a US Congressional report.

India has not shown an inclination to pursue a deeper defence relationship with Afghanistan even as it has been the largest regional contributor to the war-torn country's reconstruction, according to a US Congressional report. US President Donald Trump in his South Asia speech in 2017 encouraged India to play a greater role in Afghanistan's economic development, the latest report on Afghanistan by the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) said. "India has been the largest regional contributor to Afghan reconstruction but New Delhi has not shown an inclination to pursue a deeper defence relationship with Kabul," according to the report dated May 1. "This, along with other administration messaging, has compounded Pakistani concerns over Indian activity in Afghanistan," said the bipartisan research wing of the US Congress which prepares period reports on issues of interest for the members of the Congress. CRS reports are prepared for US lawmakers to take informed decisions. These are not an official report of the US Congress. Regional dynamics and the involvement of outside powers are central to the conflict in Afghanistan, it said. The neighbouring state widely considered most important in this regard is Pakistan, which has played an active, and by many accounts negative role in Afghan affairs for decades, the CRS report said. The CRS report said that Trump has directly accused Pakistan of "housing the very terrorists that we are fighting". Afghan leaders, along with US military commanders, attribute much of the insurgency's power and longevity either directly or indirectly to Pakistan. Experts debate the extent to which Pakistan is committed to Afghan stability or is attempting to exert control in Afghanistan through ties to insurgent groups, most notably the Haqqani Network, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) that has become an official, semiautonomous component of the Taliban, it said. US officials have repeatedly identified militant safe havens in Pakistan as a threat to security in Afghanistan, though some observers question the validity of that charge in light of the Taliban's increased territorial control within Afghanistan itself. Pakistan, it said, may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by a Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large and restive Pashtun minority). However, at least some Pakistani leaders have stated that instability in Afghanistan could rebound to Pakistan's detriment; Pakistan has struggled with indigenous Islamist militants of its own, it said. "Pakistan sees Afghanistan as potentially providing strategic depth against India, but may also anticipate that improved relations with Afghanistan's leadership could limit India's influence in Afghanistan. "Indian interest in Afghanistan stems largely from India's broader regional rivalry with Pakistan, which impedes Indian efforts to establish stronger and more direct commercial and political relations with Central Asia," the CRS report added.

India hasn't shown inclination to pursue deeper defence ties with Afghanistan: US report 

A historic<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-call-for-ceasefire-as-huge-peace-summit-wraps-up-215328&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0mZG4mf_hAhV18HMBHXMRDuIQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1-0hDYqH93LQaK3zuR0N1I"> "loya jirga" peace summit</a> in Kabul ended Friday with delegates from across Afghanistan demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire&nbsp;and President Ashraf Ghani said he was conditionally prepared to implement the call.

This week's loya jirga, or grand assembly, saw about 3,200 religious and tribal leaders, politicians and representatives try to find a breakthrough in Afghanistan's gruelling conflict, which is now in its 18th year.

"The government of the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/17th-legislative-term-of-afghan-parliament-inaugurated-213759&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQh6ugmv_hAhWs7XMBHac9Bf84ChAWMAd6BAgEEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ZGilIo76DKffus0k8IKqk"> Islamic Republic of Afghanistan</a> and the Taliban movement should declare and implement an immediate and permanent ceasefire," delegates said in a declaration at the end of the jirga.

They said the ceasefire should start at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, which gets underway in the coming days.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was "prepared to implement the fair and legitimate demand" for a ceasefire but stressed it "cannot be one-sided".

"If the Taliban are fully ready for a ceasefire, then we can talk about the technical details," Ghani said in a speech.

There was no immediate response from the Taliban, who currently are negotiating in separate talks with a US peace envoy in Qatar.

The insurgent group has so far refused to even speak with Ghani, who they view as an American stooge.

However, last year the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire at the end of Ramadan after Ghani declared a unilateral ceasefire for eight days earlier in the month.

It was first formal nationwide ceasefire since the US-led invasion of 2001 and saw unprecedented scenes of reconciliation and jubilation in Kabul and across the country.

This week's jirga was a remarkable gathering of Afghans from many walks of life.

Emotions rode high with attendees sharing tears, recriminations and at least one fist fight as they revisited the horrors of Afghanistan's recent past.

&nbsp;Taliban talks in Doha&nbsp;

The talks between the Taliban and US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad this week focus on a potential deal that would see the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in return for the Taliban guaranteeing terrorist groups could no longer operate in the country.

Huge swathes of Afghan society worry that if the US does make a deal with the Taliban, the militant Islamists would try to seize power and undo advances in women's rights, media freedoms, and legal protections.

Such concerns were prominent at the jirga, where hundreds of women were in attendance outlining their "red lines" for any negotiations with the Taliban.

"We don't want such a peace that women's rights are not respected, freedom of expression are not ensured, elections are not held," committee member Faizullah Jalal told the summit.

Khalilzad said on Twitter that he told the Taliban "that the Afghan people, who are their brothers &amp; sisters, want this war to end. It is time to put down arms, stop the violence, &amp; embrace peace."

The jirga proved controversial, with opposition figures slamming it as an election campaign event for Ghani.&nbsp;

Among those boycotting were Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a notorious former warlord.

Both men are running for president in elections slated for September.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's war rages on, with thousands of civilians and fighters being killed each year.

US forces continue to train Afghan partners on the ground and strike the Taliban from the air, in a bid to push the war to a political settlement.

A historic "loya jirga" peace summit in Kabul ended Friday with delegates from across Afghanistan demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire and President Ashraf Ghani said he was conditionally prepared to implement the call.

A historic "loya jirga" peace summit in Kabul ended Friday with delegates from across Afghanistan demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire and President Ashraf Ghani said he was conditionally prepared to implement the call. This week's loya jirga, or grand assembly, saw about 3,200 religious and tribal leaders, politicians and representatives try to find a breakthrough in Afghanistan's gruelling conflict, which is now in its 18th year. "The government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban movement should declare and implement an immediate and permanent ceasefire," delegates said in a declaration at the end of the jirga. They said the ceasefire should start at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, which gets underway in the coming days. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was "prepared to implement the fair and legitimate demand" for a ceasefire but stressed it "cannot be one-sided". "If the Taliban are fully ready for a ceasefire, then we can talk about the technical details," Ghani said in a speech. There was no immediate response from the Taliban, who currently are negotiating in separate talks with a US peace envoy in Qatar. The insurgent group has so far refused to even speak with Ghani, who they view as an American stooge. However, last year the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire at the end of Ramadan after Ghani declared a unilateral ceasefire for eight days earlier in the month. It was first formal nationwide ceasefire since the US-led invasion of 2001 and saw unprecedented scenes of reconciliation and jubilation in Kabul and across the country. This week's jirga was a remarkable gathering of Afghans from many walks of life. Emotions rode high with attendees sharing tears, recriminations and at least one fist fight as they revisited the horrors of Afghanistan's recent past. Taliban talks in Doha The talks between the Taliban and US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad this week focus on a potential deal that would see the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in return for the Taliban guaranteeing terrorist groups could no longer operate in the country. Huge swathes of Afghan society worry that if the US does make a deal with the Taliban, the militant Islamists would try to seize power and undo advances in women's rights, media freedoms, and legal protections. Such concerns were prominent at the jirga, where hundreds of women were in attendance outlining their "red lines" for any negotiations with the Taliban. "We don't want such a peace that women's rights are not respected, freedom of expression are not ensured, elections are not held," committee member Faizullah Jalal told the summit. Khalilzad said on Twitter that he told the Taliban "that the Afghan people, who are their brothers & sisters, want this war to end. It is time to put down arms, stop the violence, & embrace peace." The jirga proved controversial, with opposition figures slamming it as an election campaign event for Ghani. Among those boycotting were Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a notorious former warlord. Both men are running for president in elections slated for September. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's war rages on, with thousands of civilians and fighters being killed each year. US forces continue to train Afghan partners on the ground and strike the Taliban from the air, in a bid to push the war to a political settlement.

Afghanistan loya jirga demands 'immediate and permanent' ceasefire

By Deedar Raheem Khudaidad

The Afghan government has been calling for peace talks for many years, yet only in November 2018 did the Taliban agree to meet face-to-face with the US envoys for finding a peaceful solution to nearly 18 years of bloodshed. So far, US officials and the Taliban have had five rounds of peace talks in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

During the fifth round in March, both parties “agreed in principle” that the US would withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, with the Taliban promising to ensure that the country will not be used by foreign militant groups that pose an international security threat.

The sixth round of talks, which was supposed to take place in Doha on April 20, was cancelled due to “mismanagement,” leading to the intra-Afghan talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban to also be postponed.

Since 2011, the United States has been formally engaged in peace talks with the Taliban. With President Barack Obama confirming the preliminary discussions in June 2011, the United Nations Security Council first split the sanctions list between members of al-Qaeda and the Taliban and then removed sanctions against 14 key Taliban members. To facilitate the reconciliation process, the US and Afghan governments opened a political office for the Taliban in Qatar’s capital, Doha.

In 2013, the Taliban officially opened its own office in Doha and flew its flag above the sign designating the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan’s then-president, Hamid Karzai, immediately reacted and insisted on closing the Doha office on the basis that the Taliban was trying to present itself as a government in exile. Following the assassination of the Afghan chief negotiator, Burhanuddin Rabbani, in September 2013, Karzai suspended the peace talks. In reaction, the Taliban increased its violent campaign across the country. The targeting of a Lebanese restaurant in Kabul in February, the attack on the Serena hotel in March and the bombing of a military bus in July made 2014 a deadly year not only for Afghans, but also many foreigners and UN staff.

Part of the process

In 2017, President Donald Trump outlined an intention to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, depending on the conditions on the ground rather than according to a fixed timeline. Trump insisted on “open-ended military commitment” in Afghanistan to “prevent the emergence of a vacuum for terrorists.” In retaliation, the Taliban carried out a series of terror attacks in Kabul and other provinces that killed hundreds of people. The Afghan government, with the support of US forces, increased air strikes against the Taliban, targeting its opium labs in an attempt to sever the group’s financial lifeline. Besides, the Trump administration cut off security assistance worth billions of dollars to Pakistan for its “deceit” in harbouring Taliban militants.

So far, only the Taliban has benefited from the peace talks. Just recently, the United Nations had removed sanctions on further 14 key Taliban members, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Anas Haqqani, Abbas Stanikzai and other members of the group’s political office in Qatar. The release of Taliban members from prison, receiving passports and immunity to travel, as well as having lavish homes with access to Afghan consulate services in Qatar are being enjoyed by the Taliban as part of the peace process.

On the other hand, the Taliban has not made any evident commitment either to the US or the Afghan government. Despite the US peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, having recently announced that the Taliban had agreed in principle to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a “platform for international terrorist groups or individuals,” the group is keeping up its campaign of violence. The Taliban had recently launched its Al-Fath (Victory) offensive to increase its areas of control.

A similar promise that the Taliban will not let Afghanistan be used as a base to threaten other countries was made by the group in 2010, but the country turned into ground zero for 20-plus insurgent groups who support the Taliban financially and militarily and embrace its campaign of violence and bloodshed. For example, the Haqqani Network joined the Taliban in 1995 and has since carried out many high-profile attacks in Afghanistan, including the January 2008 storming of the Serena hotel, the June 2011 attack on the Intercontinental hotel and the September 2011 attack on the US Embassy in Kabul.

Peace Initiative

The peace initiative rests firmly in the hands of the Afghan government. In February 2018, at the Second Kabul Process for Peace and Security Cooperation, President Ashraf Ghani offered unconditional peace talks to the Taliban and asked the group to renounce violence, accept the rule of law and enter into peace negotiations. President Ghani’s offer to the Taliban also included the release of Taliban prisoners, granting passports and visas to family members and a removal of sanctions imposed on the group’s leaders. Although these offers fulfilled the Taliban’s previous preconditions for peace talks, the group did not respond.

Receiving no response from the Taliban, the Afghan government threatened it with the closure of its political office in Doha. While discussion over the measure continued in Kabul, the Taliban unexpectedly called for direct talks with the US by publishing a 10-page “Letter to the American People” and “peace-loving congressmen” to pressure the Trump administration into a “peace dialogue.”

In June 2018, a ceasefire initiated by the Afghan government for the duration of the Eid al-Fitr holiday increased the momentum for peace talks. A month later, Taliban officials led by Abbas Stanikzai secretly met with a senior US diplomat, Alice Wells, of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, for a preliminary discussion in Doha to set up a channel between the US officials and the Taliban ahead of future face-to-face talks.

In November 2018, the US envoy held three-days talks with the Taliban officials in Qatar to discuss the withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan and pave the way for intra-Afghan talks. Since then, four more rounds of talks were held, with the last meeting lasting 16 days between the US team led by Khalilzad and the Taliban officials led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

Two phases

The Taliban will not enter into intra-Afghan talks until it reaches an agreement with the US. Following the release of an open letter in February of last year, Taliban officials based in Qatar announced that the group will initiate the talks in two phases. In the first phase, which has already begun, the Taliban will be meeting with US diplomats to set up a timetable for the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan. The Taliban believes that only the US has the power to decide and implement a decision to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan.

The Taliban considers Afghanistan an occupied country and has not shown a willingness to talk with the Afghan government without entering into an agreement with the US first. Once the Taliban reaches a preliminary decision with the United States, the group will start the second phase of talks with the Afghan government to discuss other domestic issues, such as how to implement the peace deal, enter a power-sharing agreement and form a new government in Afghanistan.

A long-lasting peace agreement will have to include all warring parties, society (including ethnic minorities, women and youth) and major regional and international stakeholders. Having learned from the 1988 Geneva Accords, which excluded the mujahedeen groups from direct participation in the peace talks, the Peshawar Accord of 1992, which excluded the northern militias and reserved “a modest share in power for the Shia Mujahidin of Hizb-e Wahdat” in the new government, and the 2001 Bonn Agreement that excluded the Taliban from participation and formation of the post-2001 government, the current peace talks must provide sufficient space for the participation and involvement of all warring parties, the wider Afghan society and major regional and international powers.

On April 29, President Ashraf Ghani opened the four-day Loya Jirga, or grand assembly. Notably missing from it are the country’s chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council, Karim Khalili, as well as many other high-ranking officials such as former President Hamid Karzai and former national security adviser Hanif Atmar. The Jirga is the last attempt by the Afghan government to find common ground on how to approach the Taliban and obtain the support of tribal elders to strengthen Kabul’s position during the peace talks. However, the Taliban has already dismissed the Jirga’s outcome, knowing that it is just a consultative assembly with no binding legal authority.

It is clear that the last five rounds of talks have increased the momentum for resolution, but the prospect of a peaceful Afghanistan is only realistic if the Taliban breaks ties with other terrorist groups and sponsors of terrorism, agrees to a ceasefire and joins the intra-Afghan peace talks. As the Taliban and Afghan government forces actively fight for control over more territory in order to gain leverage in the peace talks, all eyes are on the conclusion of the Loya Jirga to establish a peace map for talks between the government in Kabul and the Taliban.

 
(Deedar Raheem Khudaidad is the founding editor of FutureOutlooks.com, based in Melbourne)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/central_south_asia/taliban-peace-talks-loya-jirga-afghanistan-security-news-15281/">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;

By Deedar Raheem Khudaidad The Afghan government has been calling for peace talks for many years, yet only in November 2018 did the Taliban agree to meet face-to-face with the US envoys for finding a peaceful solution to nearly 18 years of bloodshed.

By Deedar Raheem Khudaidad The Afghan government has been calling for peace talks for many years, yet only in November 2018 did the Taliban agree to meet face-to-face with the US envoys for finding a peaceful solution to nearly 18 years of bloodshed. So far, US officials and the Taliban have had five rounds of peace talks in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. During the fifth round in March, both parties “agreed in principle” that the US would withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, with the Taliban promising to ensure that the country will not be used by foreign militant groups that pose an international security threat. The sixth round of talks, which was supposed to take place in Doha on April 20, was cancelled due to “mismanagement,” leading to the intra-Afghan talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban to also be postponed. Since 2011, the United States has been formally engaged in peace talks with the Taliban. With President Barack Obama confirming the preliminary discussions in June 2011, the United Nations Security Council first split the sanctions list between members of al-Qaeda and the Taliban and then removed sanctions against 14 key Taliban members. To facilitate the reconciliation process, the US and Afghan governments opened a political office for the Taliban in Qatar’s capital, Doha. In 2013, the Taliban officially opened its own office in Doha and flew its flag above the sign designating the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan’s then-president, Hamid Karzai, immediately reacted and insisted on closing the Doha office on the basis that the Taliban was trying to present itself as a government in exile. Following the assassination of the Afghan chief negotiator, Burhanuddin Rabbani, in September 2013, Karzai suspended the peace talks. In reaction, the Taliban increased its violent campaign across the country. The targeting of a Lebanese restaurant in Kabul in February, the attack on the Serena hotel in March and the bombing of a military bus in July made 2014 a deadly year not only for Afghans, but also many foreigners and UN staff. Part of the process In 2017, President Donald Trump outlined an intention to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, depending on the conditions on the ground rather than according to a fixed timeline. Trump insisted on “open-ended military commitment” in Afghanistan to “prevent the emergence of a vacuum for terrorists.” In retaliation, the Taliban carried out a series of terror attacks in Kabul and other provinces that killed hundreds of people. The Afghan government, with the support of US forces, increased air strikes against the Taliban, targeting its opium labs in an attempt to sever the group’s financial lifeline. Besides, the Trump administration cut off security assistance worth billions of dollars to Pakistan for its “deceit” in harbouring Taliban militants. So far, only the Taliban has benefited from the peace talks. Just recently, the United Nations had removed sanctions on further 14 key Taliban members, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Anas Haqqani, Abbas Stanikzai and other members of the group’s political office in Qatar. The release of Taliban members from prison, receiving passports and immunity to travel, as well as having lavish homes with access to Afghan consulate services in Qatar are being enjoyed by the Taliban as part of the peace process. On the other hand, the Taliban has not made any evident commitment either to the US or the Afghan government. Despite the US peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, having recently announced that the Taliban had agreed in principle to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a “platform for international terrorist groups or individuals,” the group is keeping up its campaign of violence. The Taliban had recently launched its Al-Fath (Victory) offensive to increase its areas of control. A similar promise that the Taliban will not let Afghanistan be used as a base to threaten other countries was made by the group in 2010, but the country turned into ground zero for 20-plus insurgent groups who support the Taliban financially and militarily and embrace its campaign of violence and bloodshed. For example, the Haqqani Network joined the Taliban in 1995 and has since carried out many high-profile attacks in Afghanistan, including the January 2008 storming of the Serena hotel, the June 2011 attack on the Intercontinental hotel and the September 2011 attack on the US Embassy in Kabul. Peace Initiative The peace initiative rests firmly in the hands of the Afghan government. In February 2018, at the Second Kabul Process for Peace and Security Cooperation, President Ashraf Ghani offered unconditional peace talks to the Taliban and asked the group to renounce violence, accept the rule of law and enter into peace negotiations. President Ghani’s offer to the Taliban also included the release of Taliban prisoners, granting passports and visas to family members and a removal of sanctions imposed on the group’s leaders. Although these offers fulfilled the Taliban’s previous preconditions for peace talks, the group did not respond. Receiving no response from the Taliban, the Afghan government threatened it with the closure of its political office in Doha. While discussion over the measure continued in Kabul, the Taliban unexpectedly called for direct talks with the US by publishing a 10-page “Letter to the American People” and “peace-loving congressmen” to pressure the Trump administration into a “peace dialogue.” In June 2018, a ceasefire initiated by the Afghan government for the duration of the Eid al-Fitr holiday increased the momentum for peace talks. A month later, Taliban officials led by Abbas Stanikzai secretly met with a senior US diplomat, Alice Wells, of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, for a preliminary discussion in Doha to set up a channel between the US officials and the Taliban ahead of future face-to-face talks. In November 2018, the US envoy held three-days talks with the Taliban officials in Qatar to discuss the withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan and pave the way for intra-Afghan talks. Since then, four more rounds of talks were held, with the last meeting lasting 16 days between the US team led by Khalilzad and the Taliban officials led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. Two phases The Taliban will not enter into intra-Afghan talks until it reaches an agreement with the US. Following the release of an open letter in February of last year, Taliban officials based in Qatar announced that the group will initiate the talks in two phases. In the first phase, which has already begun, the Taliban will be meeting with US diplomats to set up a timetable for the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan. The Taliban believes that only the US has the power to decide and implement a decision to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan. The Taliban considers Afghanistan an occupied country and has not shown a willingness to talk with the Afghan government without entering into an agreement with the US first. Once the Taliban reaches a preliminary decision with the United States, the group will start the second phase of talks with the Afghan government to discuss other domestic issues, such as how to implement the peace deal, enter a power-sharing agreement and form a new government in Afghanistan. A long-lasting peace agreement will have to include all warring parties, society (including ethnic minorities, women and youth) and major regional and international stakeholders. Having learned from the 1988 Geneva Accords, which excluded the mujahedeen groups from direct participation in the peace talks, the Peshawar Accord of 1992, which excluded the northern militias and reserved “a modest share in power for the Shia Mujahidin of Hizb-e Wahdat” in the new government, and the 2001 Bonn Agreement that excluded the Taliban from participation and formation of the post-2001 government, the current peace talks must provide sufficient space for the participation and involvement of all warring parties, the wider Afghan society and major regional and international powers. On April 29, President Ashraf Ghani opened the four-day Loya Jirga, or grand assembly. Notably missing from it are the country’s chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council, Karim Khalili, as well as many other high-ranking officials such as former President Hamid Karzai and former national security adviser Hanif Atmar. The Jirga is the last attempt by the Afghan government to find common ground on how to approach the Taliban and obtain the support of tribal elders to strengthen Kabul’s position during the peace talks. However, the Taliban has already dismissed the Jirga’s outcome, knowing that it is just a consultative assembly with no binding legal authority. It is clear that the last five rounds of talks have increased the momentum for resolution, but the prospect of a peaceful Afghanistan is only realistic if the Taliban breaks ties with other terrorist groups and sponsors of terrorism, agrees to a ceasefire and joins the intra-Afghan peace talks. As the Taliban and Afghan government forces actively fight for control over more territory in order to gain leverage in the peace talks, all eyes are on the conclusion of the Loya Jirga to establish a peace map for talks between the government in Kabul and the Taliban. (Deedar Raheem Khudaidad is the founding editor of FutureOutlooks.com, based in Melbourne) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. 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 must agree to a ceasefire and join the intra-Afghan peace talks

The US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan has stopped releasing key data on how much of the country falls under insurgent or government control, a US watchdog said Wednesday, the latest war metric to fall from public view.

NATO's Resolute Support mission previously gave a running tally on who controlled or was contesting Afghanistan's districts, and the percentage of the Afghan population this reflected.

US officials would frequently refer to the data to underscore battlefield success, but according to the US <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-military-stops-tracking-key-metric-on-afghan-war-as-situation-deteriorates-214936&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjc_q-QvPzhAhUKwI8KHXHaBZkQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Z9CE4R3xyzy4gUtZt1dJH">Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR)</a>, Resolute Support (RS) now says these district-stability assessments are "of limited decision-making value to the (mission) commander".

The last data RS provided showed the percentage of Afghans living in areas controlled or influenced by the Kabul government slipping from 65.2 per cent to 63.5 per cent.

The downward slide undermined predictions that 80 per cent of the population would be under government control by the end of this year.

SIGAR head John Sopko said the decision to withhold the data nurtured suspicion.

"When you start hiding things like this, over-classifying... You tend to create cynicism in your populace and everybody else that you're losing, or it's bad news," Sopko told journalists ahead of the SIGAR report's release.

At the request of the Afghan government, RS has also agreed to stop publishing casualty figures for Afghan security forces.&nbsp;

The numbers showed massive losses for the local forces, reaching several thousand per year.

SIGAR's report also noted that violence in Afghanistan had increased 19 per cent between November 2018 and the end of January, compared to the previous quarter.&nbsp;

The uptick comes even as the United States tries to negotiate a peace settlement with the Taliban.

A new round of talks between the insurgents and US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is expected to start in Qatar on Wednesday, according to the Taliban.

A possible deal to end the 17-year-old war would see foreign forces leave Afghanistan in return for the Taliban guaranteeing the country could not be used as a safe haven for terror groups.

But for enduring peace, any deal must include the Afghan government, and so far they have not been included in talks.

The US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan has stopped releasing key data on how much of the country falls under insurgent or government control, a US watchdog said Wednesday, the latest war metric to fall from public view.

The US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan has stopped releasing key data on how much of the country falls under insurgent or government control, a US watchdog said Wednesday, the latest war metric to fall from public view. NATO's Resolute Support mission previously gave a running tally on who controlled or was contesting Afghanistan's districts, and the percentage of the Afghan population this reflected. US officials would frequently refer to the data to underscore battlefield success, but according to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), Resolute Support (RS) now says these district-stability assessments are "of limited decision-making value to the (mission) commander". The last data RS provided showed the percentage of Afghans living in areas controlled or influenced by the Kabul government slipping from 65.2 per cent to 63.5 per cent. The downward slide undermined predictions that 80 per cent of the population would be under government control by the end of this year. SIGAR head John Sopko said the decision to withhold the data nurtured suspicion. "When you start hiding things like this, over-classifying... You tend to create cynicism in your populace and everybody else that you're losing, or it's bad news," Sopko told journalists ahead of the SIGAR report's release. At the request of the Afghan government, RS has also agreed to stop publishing casualty figures for Afghan security forces. The numbers showed massive losses for the local forces, reaching several thousand per year. SIGAR's report also noted that violence in Afghanistan had increased 19 per cent between November 2018 and the end of January, compared to the previous quarter. The uptick comes even as the United States tries to negotiate a peace settlement with the Taliban. A new round of talks between the insurgents and US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is expected to start in Qatar on Wednesday, according to the Taliban. A possible deal to end the 17-year-old war would see foreign forces leave Afghanistan in return for the Taliban guaranteeing the country could not be used as a safe haven for terror groups. But for enduring peace, any deal must include the Afghan government, and so far they have not been included in talks.

NATO drops another Afghanistan war metric: US watchdog

Islamic State fighters who waged a bloody campaign in Syria and Iraq are heading to Afghanistan to continue their jihad and help plot "spectacular" attacks against America, a US official has told AFP.

The warning comes as IS seeks to assert a regional influence after the loss of its self-proclaimed Middle East "caliphate", and as South Asia reels from a series of devastating attacks.

"We know some have already made their way back here and are trying to transfer the knowledge, skills and experience they learned over there," a senior US intelligence official in Kabul told AFP in a recent interview.

"If we don't continue counterterrorism pressure against (IS in Afghanistan), there will be an attack in our homeland -- and a spectacular attack -- probably within the year," added the official, who asked not to be named for security reasons.

The official did not describe the nature of any plot, but IS has been linked to or inspired several big attacks in America, including a 2016 mass shooting in Florida.

The gunman, who had sworn allegiance to IS, killed 49 people in an Orlando nightclub.

A recent UN report said IS in Afghanistan has between 2,500 and 4,000 members -- about the same number the Pentagon was citing two years ago, even though officials say thousands of jihadists have been killed.&nbsp;

US Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said after a recent visit to Afghanistan that IS in the Khorasan, or IS-K as the local affiliate is known, had grown in both numbers and capabilities.

In 2017, the Pentagon offered a rosy assessment that IS-K could be wiped out by the end of that year. But Resolute Support, the NATO mission in Afghanistan, underestimated the group's tenacity.

"Resolute Support realised that this was bigger than a little problem in southern Nangarhar and instead would take something more to address it," the official said, referring to IS-K's bastion in eastern Afghanistan.

The official and a team of experts arrived in Kabul over the past year to help General Scott Miller -- the four-star general in charge of US and NATO forces -- tackle IS-K.

He did not say how many former "caliphate" fighters are in Afghanistan, but argued "any number is significant".

Europeans -- including from Britain and France -- are among those who have joined IS-K, he added.

Their presence could complicate any peace deal with the Taliban, who have pledged to prevent terrorists using Afghanistan as a haven to plot foreign attacks.&nbsp;

"Unless or until we get the Taliban to work and address this problem as well, they will never be able to keep this land free from outwardly facing organisations," the official said.

Baghdadi is back

The US has led an unrelenting air campaign, including famously dropping the so-called Mother Of All Bombs (MOAB), the Pentagon's largest non-nuclear bomb, to smash jihadist tunnels and bunkers.

But the well-funded group has replenished its ranks with foreign fighters and local recruits looking for a decent wage.

IS-K has suffered losses in the northern Jowzjan province but maintains strongholds in Nangarhar and Kunar in the east, where they have beaten back Taliban forces and displaced thousands of locals.

Internationally, IS claimed responsibility for a string of recent attacks, including the Easter Sunday bombings that killed 253 people in churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

On Monday, the jihadists' elusive leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi apparently resurfaced in a propaganda video, his first purported appearance since 2014.

IS-K conducted six high-profile attacks in Kabul in 2016, according to the US. In 2017 that number grew to 18, and last year there were 24. On April 20, IS claimed a suicide attack on a government ministry.

Some Afghan officials question whether IS always oversees such assaults, or if the Taliban and Pakistan groups such as the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Haqqani network are responsible.

"These attacks are carried out mostly by these Afghan and Pakistani groups, while the credit goes to Daesh who is ready to jump and claim it," an Afghan security official told AFP, using the Arabic name for IS.

New recruits

Disillusioned Taliban insurgents sometimes switch to IS-K over spats or for ideological reasons, viewing the Taliban as not austere enough in their interpretation of Islam.

Tech-savvy recruiters track and groom potential jihadists through social media and in Kabul's universities, where middle-class and upwardly mobile students are sometimes targeted.

They are "looking for men who ... have been taug ht at schools paid for by this coalition. That's a little aggravating," the official said.

Thomas Joscelyn, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and editor of its Long War Journal, said that while the US military had failed to beat IS-K, it "probably stymied their growth and disrupted their operations at times."

"But it hasn't taken them out of the game," he told AFP.

Islamic State fighters who waged a bloody campaign in Syria and Iraq are heading to Afghanistan to continue their jihad and help plot "spectacular" attacks against America, a US official has told AFP.

Islamic State fighters who waged a bloody campaign in Syria and Iraq are heading to Afghanistan to continue their jihad and help plot "spectacular" attacks against America, a US official has told AFP. The warning comes as IS seeks to assert a regional influence after the loss of its self-proclaimed Middle East "caliphate", and as South Asia reels from a series of devastating attacks. "We know some have already made their way back here and are trying to transfer the knowledge, skills and experience they learned over there," a senior US intelligence official in Kabul told AFP in a recent interview. "If we don't continue counterterrorism pressure against (IS in Afghanistan), there will be an attack in our homeland -- and a spectacular attack -- probably within the year," added the official, who asked not to be named for security reasons. The official did not describe the nature of any plot, but IS has been linked to or inspired several big attacks in America, including a 2016 mass shooting in Florida. The gunman, who had sworn allegiance to IS, killed 49 people in an Orlando nightclub. A recent UN report said IS in Afghanistan has between 2,500 and 4,000 members -- about the same number the Pentagon was citing two years ago, even though officials say thousands of jihadists have been killed. US Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said after a recent visit to Afghanistan that IS in the Khorasan, or IS-K as the local affiliate is known, had grown in both numbers and capabilities. In 2017, the Pentagon offered a rosy assessment that IS-K could be wiped out by the end of that year. But Resolute Support, the NATO mission in Afghanistan, underestimated the group's tenacity. "Resolute Support realised that this was bigger than a little problem in southern Nangarhar and instead would take something more to address it," the official said, referring to IS-K's bastion in eastern Afghanistan. The official and a team of experts arrived in Kabul over the past year to help General Scott Miller -- the four-star general in charge of US and NATO forces -- tackle IS-K. He did not say how many former "caliphate" fighters are in Afghanistan, but argued "any number is significant". Europeans -- including from Britain and France -- are among those who have joined IS-K, he added. Their presence could complicate any peace deal with the Taliban, who have pledged to prevent terrorists using Afghanistan as a haven to plot foreign attacks. "Unless or until we get the Taliban to work and address this problem as well, they will never be able to keep this land free from outwardly facing organisations," the official said. Baghdadi is back The US has led an unrelenting air campaign, including famously dropping the so-called Mother Of All Bombs (MOAB), the Pentagon's largest non-nuclear bomb, to smash jihadist tunnels and bunkers. But the well-funded group has replenished its ranks with foreign fighters and local recruits looking for a decent wage. IS-K has suffered losses in the northern Jowzjan province but maintains strongholds in Nangarhar and Kunar in the east, where they have beaten back Taliban forces and displaced thousands of locals. Internationally, IS claimed responsibility for a string of recent attacks, including the Easter Sunday bombings that killed 253 people in churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. On Monday, the jihadists' elusive leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi apparently resurfaced in a propaganda video, his first purported appearance since 2014. IS-K conducted six high-profile attacks in Kabul in 2016, according to the US. In 2017 that number grew to 18, and last year there were 24. On April 20, IS claimed a suicide attack on a government ministry. Some Afghan officials question whether IS always oversees such assaults, or if the Taliban and Pakistan groups such as the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Haqqani network are responsible. "These attacks are carried out mostly by these Afghan and Pakistani groups, while the credit goes to Daesh who is ready to jump and claim it," an Afghan security official told AFP, using the Arabic name for IS. New recruits Disillusioned Taliban insurgents sometimes switch to IS-K over spats or for ideological reasons, viewing the Taliban as not austere enough in their interpretation of Islam. Tech-savvy recruiters track and groom potential jihadists through social media and in Kabul's universities, where middle-class and upwardly mobile students are sometimes targeted. They are "looking for men who ... have been taug ht at schools paid for by this coalition. That's a little aggravating," the official said. Thomas Joscelyn, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and editor of its Long War Journal, said that while the US military had failed to beat IS-K, it "probably stymied their growth and disrupted their operations at times." "But it hasn't taken them out of the game," he told AFP.

After 'caliphate' collapse, jihadists head to Afghanistan to plot attacks: US officials

Thousands of Afghans congregated in Kabul on Monday (April 29) for a rare consultative meeting aimed at finding ways to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban that would end the ongoing war.

Afghan President opens grand assembly in final push to hold peace talks with the Taliban

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