Pakistan continues to use Afghan Taliban as a hedge against India, a top American commander has told lawmakers, as he expressed the US frustration over Islamabad's failure to take concrete steps to deny safe havens to terrorist groups.&nbsp;

Marine Corps Lt Genenral Kenneth McKenzie's remarks came days after US President Donald Trump sought Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's help in the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

The Trump administration, in the recent months, has intensified its efforts to seek a negotiated settlement of America's longest war in Afghanistan where the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers since late 2001, when it invaded the country after the 9/11 terror attacks.

The Taliban are fighting to flush out US-led international forces and re-establish their regime in Afghanistan after their ouster in 2001.&nbsp;

"Pakistan is an essential element in long-term stability in Afghanistan," McKenzie told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday during his confirmation hearing for commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Pakistan could play a key role in facilitating talks between the Taliban and government of Afghanistan, he said.

"Pakistan does not appear to be using the full extent of its influence to encourage the Taliban to come to the table," he said.

"We continue to see the Taliban being utilised as a hedge against India rather than as part of a stable, reconciled Afghanistan," McKenzie said.

His answers to the Senate Armed Services Committee come after it became public that Trump has written a letter to Imran Khan, seeking his help in the Afghan peace process.

"President Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Khan, requesting Pakistan's full support to the US-led Afghan peace process and Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad's upcoming trip to the region," a spokesperson of the National Security Council, White House, told PTI.

"In the letter, the President recognises that Pakistan has the ability to deny the Taliban sanctuary on its territory," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"The letter also makes it clear that Pakistan's assistance with the Afghan peace process is fundamental to building an enduring US-Pakistan partnership," the spokesperson said.

McKenzie told lawmakers that he did not see much of a change in Pakistan's behaviour towards Afghanistan or its stand against terrorist groups. 
Despite Pakistan's positive rhetoric in support of the US' South Asia Strategy, violent extremist organisations (VEOs) operate along its border with Afghanistan, he said.

"While Pakistan has conducted some operations against VEOs in the country, they must continue to expand these operations and remain aggressively engaged," McKenzie said.

"Taking concrete steps that deny VEO safe havens in Pakistan, as well as VEO freedom of movement from Pakistan to Afghanistan, remains an important task that Pakistan needs to fulfil. Pakistan must leverage their influence over the Taliban leadership to help compel them to come to the table for reconciliation negotiations," he added.&nbsp;

McKenzie said the US CENTCOM would continue to support the State Department as it works towards a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Afghanistan which includes ensuring that Islamabad's equities are acknowledged in any future agreement.

"Pakistan's action or inaction, as it relates to stability in Afghanistan, has often led to US's frustration," he said, adding that stability in the South Asia region remains the most important mutual strategic interest for both the US and Pakistan.

"We must continue to engage with the Pakistani leadership to realise how we can achieve this mutual interest," McKenzie said.&nbsp;

"I do believe that any solution in Afghanistan is going to require the assistance of Pakistan. It has to be a regional solution, not just a solution centred in Afghanistan," he said.&nbsp;

It is in Pakistan's long-term interest to have a government in Afghanistan that is stable, and that that they can do business with, he said.&nbsp;

"So I think Pakistan has not shown indications, by and large over the last few years, of being a serious partner in this regard," McKenzie said.&nbsp;

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad. McKenzie said that the meeting was to see if the US can find some way forward. It will be hard to reach a settlement without some form of assistance or Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Probably Pakistan knows very clearly that their assistance will be required to reach an end-state in Afghanistan. I think the task that we have is to make it attractive to them so that they see that it is in their best interest to do that,"McKenzie said.

Pakistan continues to use Afghan Taliban as a hedge against India, a top American commander has told lawmakers, as he expressed the US frustration over Islamabad's failure to take concrete steps to deny safe havens to terrorist groups.

Pakistan continues to use Afghan Taliban as a hedge against India, a top American commander has told lawmakers, as he expressed the US frustration over Islamabad's failure to take concrete steps to deny safe havens to terrorist groups. Marine Corps Lt Genenral Kenneth McKenzie's remarks came days after US President Donald Trump sought Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's help in the Afghan peace process. The Trump administration, in the recent months, has intensified its efforts to seek a negotiated settlement of America's longest war in Afghanistan where the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers since late 2001, when it invaded the country after the 9/11 terror attacks. The Taliban are fighting to flush out US-led international forces and re-establish their regime in Afghanistan after their ouster in 2001. "Pakistan is an essential element in long-term stability in Afghanistan," McKenzie told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday during his confirmation hearing for commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Pakistan could play a key role in facilitating talks between the Taliban and government of Afghanistan, he said. "Pakistan does not appear to be using the full extent of its influence to encourage the Taliban to come to the table," he said. "We continue to see the Taliban being utilised as a hedge against India rather than as part of a stable, reconciled Afghanistan," McKenzie said. His answers to the Senate Armed Services Committee come after it became public that Trump has written a letter to Imran Khan, seeking his help in the Afghan peace process. "President Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Khan, requesting Pakistan's full support to the US-led Afghan peace process and Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad's upcoming trip to the region," a spokesperson of the National Security Council, White House, told PTI. "In the letter, the President recognises that Pakistan has the ability to deny the Taliban sanctuary on its territory," the spokesperson said. "The letter also makes it clear that Pakistan's assistance with the Afghan peace process is fundamental to building an enduring US-Pakistan partnership," the spokesperson said. McKenzie told lawmakers that he did not see much of a change in Pakistan's behaviour towards Afghanistan or its stand against terrorist groups. Despite Pakistan's positive rhetoric in support of the US' South Asia Strategy, violent extremist organisations (VEOs) operate along its border with Afghanistan, he said. "While Pakistan has conducted some operations against VEOs in the country, they must continue to expand these operations and remain aggressively engaged," McKenzie said. "Taking concrete steps that deny VEO safe havens in Pakistan, as well as VEO freedom of movement from Pakistan to Afghanistan, remains an important task that Pakistan needs to fulfil. Pakistan must leverage their influence over the Taliban leadership to help compel them to come to the table for reconciliation negotiations," he added. McKenzie said the US CENTCOM would continue to support the State Department as it works towards a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Afghanistan which includes ensuring that Islamabad's equities are acknowledged in any future agreement. "Pakistan's action or inaction, as it relates to stability in Afghanistan, has often led to US's frustration," he said, adding that stability in the South Asia region remains the most important mutual strategic interest for both the US and Pakistan. "We must continue to engage with the Pakistani leadership to realise how we can achieve this mutual interest," McKenzie said. "I do believe that any solution in Afghanistan is going to require the assistance of Pakistan. It has to be a regional solution, not just a solution centred in Afghanistan," he said. It is in Pakistan's long-term interest to have a government in Afghanistan that is stable, and that that they can do business with, he said. "So I think Pakistan has not shown indications, by and large over the last few years, of being a serious partner in this regard," McKenzie said. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad. McKenzie said that the meeting was to see if the US can find some way forward. It will be hard to reach a settlement without some form of assistance or Pakistan. "Probably Pakistan knows very clearly that their assistance will be required to reach an end-state in Afghanistan. I think the task that we have is to make it attractive to them so that they see that it is in their best interest to do that,"McKenzie said.

Pakistan continues to use Afghan Taliban as hedge against India: US commander

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad will primarily focus on accelerating the peace process in Afghanistan by trying to bring the Taliban to a point of negotiation as he departs for an eight-nation tour from December 2 (local time) to 20.

Khalilzad will meet with Afghan government officials and other interested parties to support and facilitate an inclusive peace process in the country, empowering the Afghan people to decide their nation's fate.

He will be in contact with President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other Afghan stakeholders to coordinate closely on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government.

On his last trip to the region in November, Khalilzad met with men and women active in the civil society and peace efforts, members of the media, and other governmental and non-governmental officials.

He stressed that all Afghans must have a say in the creation of sustainable peace for Afghanistan.

The US envoy will also travel to Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar with an inter-agency delegation.

"The United States remains committed to supporting the Afghan people's desire for peace, and to facilitating a political settlement between the Afghan government and the Taliban that ensures Afghanistan never serves as a platform for international terrorism again," a statement from the State Department read.

For the past several years, Washington has been trying to persuade the Taliban to come to the negotiating table and formulate a peace process to end the 17-year-old conflict in Afghanistan.

However, the group asserted that the presence of foreign troops in the war-torn nation was a hindrance to achieving long-lasting peace.&nbsp;

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad will primarily focus on accelerating the peace process in Afghanistan by trying to bring the Taliban to a point of negotiation as he departs for an eight-nation tour from December 2 (local time) to 20.

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad will primarily focus on accelerating the peace process in Afghanistan by trying to bring the Taliban to a point of negotiation as he departs for an eight-nation tour from December 2 (local time) to 20. Khalilzad will meet with Afghan government officials and other interested parties to support and facilitate an inclusive peace process in the country, empowering the Afghan people to decide their nation's fate. He will be in contact with President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other Afghan stakeholders to coordinate closely on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government. On his last trip to the region in November, Khalilzad met with men and women active in the civil society and peace efforts, members of the media, and other governmental and non-governmental officials. He stressed that all Afghans must have a say in the creation of sustainable peace for Afghanistan. The US envoy will also travel to Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar with an inter-agency delegation. "The United States remains committed to supporting the Afghan people's desire for peace, and to facilitating a political settlement between the Afghan government and the Taliban that ensures Afghanistan never serves as a platform for international terrorism again," a statement from the State Department read. For the past several years, Washington has been trying to persuade the Taliban to come to the negotiating table and formulate a peace process to end the 17-year-old conflict in Afghanistan. However, the group asserted that the presence of foreign troops in the war-torn nation was a hindrance to achieving long-lasting peace.

US envoy embarks on tour to facilitate peace process in Afghanistan

A top commander of the Taliban has been killed in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand in a joint operation by Afghan and US Special Forces, Afghan officials and Taliban members said on Sunday.

Abdul Manan, who was in charge of Helmand province for the insurgent group, was killed along with 29 others by an air strike on Saturday while he was meeting local commanders and fighters in the Nawzad district, Helmand provincial governor Mohammad Yasin Khan said.

His death was confirmed by Taliban members in Helmand and neighbouring Kandahar province but there was no initial confirmation from the US military, which said it was looking into the incident.

The death of Mullah Manan, who commanded Taliban fighters as they steadily increased their control over Helmand in the years following the end of most international combat missions in 2014, was seen as a major success by Afghan officials.

"He was the most senior Taliban commander in the south and his death will have an overall impact on security," one senior security official in Kabul said.

The report of Manan`s death comes as both the Western-backed security forces and the Taliban have pushed to gain the momentum at the same time as efforts have stepped up to find a peaceful settlement to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan.

Although contacts have started between US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives, there has been no let-up in the fighting, with both sides aiming to build a favourable position in advance of any peace talks.

A top commander of the Taliban has been killed in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand in a joint operation by Afghan and US Special Forces, Afghan officials and Taliban members said on Sunday.

A top commander of the Taliban has been killed in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand in a joint operation by Afghan and US Special Forces, Afghan officials and Taliban members said on Sunday. Abdul Manan, who was in charge of Helmand province for the insurgent group, was killed along with 29 others by an air strike on Saturday while he was meeting local commanders and fighters in the Nawzad district, Helmand provincial governor Mohammad Yasin Khan said. His death was confirmed by Taliban members in Helmand and neighbouring Kandahar province but there was no initial confirmation from the US military, which said it was looking into the incident. The death of Mullah Manan, who commanded Taliban fighters as they steadily increased their control over Helmand in the years following the end of most international combat missions in 2014, was seen as a major success by Afghan officials. "He was the most senior Taliban commander in the south and his death will have an overall impact on security," one senior security official in Kabul said. The report of Manan`s death comes as both the Western-backed security forces and the Taliban have pushed to gain the momentum at the same time as efforts have stepped up to find a peaceful settlement to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan. Although contacts have started between US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives, there has been no let-up in the fighting, with both sides aiming to build a favourable position in advance of any peace talks.

Senior Afghan Taliban commander killed in air strike: Officials

U.S. displays new evidence of Iranian weaponry in Yemen, Afghanistan

A United Nations investigation has found that at least 23 Afghan civilians, most of them women and children, were killed in a US airstrike in the southern province of Helmand this week, the latest in a growing toll of casualties from air operations.

The US military says it is investigating the incident on Tuesday in which a helicopter hit a compound during a joint operation with US and Afghan forces in Garmsir district in Helmand.

Local residents said at least 30 people were killed in the strike ,which came amid a surge in air operations as the US military takes a more aggressive approach to force the Taliban towards peace negotiations.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan noted a sharp increase in civilian casualties from air strikes and said it was particularly concerned that children have been hit.

"Initial findings indicate that the vast majority of the victims were women and children," it said in a statement on the latest incident in Helmand.

"The Mission is actively working to verify information indicating up to 10 children were killed along with eight women, and three children were injured, including an eight-year-old boy."

According to UN figures, there were 649 civilian casualties from air strikes in the first nine months of the year, more than in any entire year since at least 2009, when UNAMA began systematic documentation of casualty figures.

In the first nine months of the year, US aircraft released 5,213 weapons, more than in any other year since 2011 when there were more than 100,000 US troops in Afghanistan.

A United Nations investigation has found that at least 23 Afghan civilians, most of them women and children, were killed in a US airstrike in the southern province of Helmand this week, the latest in a growing toll of casualties from air operations.

A United Nations investigation has found that at least 23 Afghan civilians, most of them women and children, were killed in a US airstrike in the southern province of Helmand this week, the latest in a growing toll of casualties from air operations. The US military says it is investigating the incident on Tuesday in which a helicopter hit a compound during a joint operation with US and Afghan forces in Garmsir district in Helmand. Local residents said at least 30 people were killed in the strike ,which came amid a surge in air operations as the US military takes a more aggressive approach to force the Taliban towards peace negotiations. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan noted a sharp increase in civilian casualties from air strikes and said it was particularly concerned that children have been hit. "Initial findings indicate that the vast majority of the victims were women and children," it said in a statement on the latest incident in Helmand. "The Mission is actively working to verify information indicating up to 10 children were killed along with eight women, and three children were injured, including an eight-year-old boy." According to UN figures, there were 649 civilian casualties from air strikes in the first nine months of the year, more than in any entire year since at least 2009, when UNAMA began systematic documentation of casualty figures. In the first nine months of the year, US aircraft released 5,213 weapons, more than in any other year since 2011 when there were more than 100,000 US troops in Afghanistan.

At least 23 Afghan civilians killed in US, Helmand air strike: United Nations

The new strategy of United States in Afghanistan, announced by President Donald Trump last summer, has been a game changer for the advancement of the country`s peace process, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-forms-team-to-negotiate-peace-with-taliban-179970">Afghan President Ashraf Ghani </a>said in Geneva on Wednesday.

Sputnik quoted Ghani saying in a statement during the Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan, "We would like to specifically recognize the commitment and blood and treasure that the United States has shown since 2001 as our key ally. The South Asia strategy of President Trump has been a game changer allowing us to focus in earnest on self-reliance, reforms and peace because it is a condition-based strategy."

The two-day Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan began in the Swiss city of Geneva on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the key consultations as part of the event are being held.

Last August, Trump unveiled his new strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia. Among the changes provided in the document were the increase of the number of the US troops on the ground and the lifting of restrictions on the US forces attacking Taliban militants and other terrorist formations in Afghanistan which had been previously imposed by the administration of former US President Barack Obama.

Addressing the situation in the country, John Sopko, head of the Special Inspector General on Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), stated that `after 17 years of US and coalition effort and financial largesse, Afghanistan remains one of the poorest, least educated and most corrupt countries in the world`, Sputnik reported.

According to SIGAR, earlier this year Afghan authorities controlled or influenced a mere 55.5 per cent of the country, which was the lowest figure since the government oversight authority began keeping tabs on it in November 2015.

The new strategy of United States in Afghanistan, announced by President Donald Trump last summer, has been a game changer for the advancement of the country`s peace process, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in Geneva on Wednesday.

The new strategy of United States in Afghanistan, announced by President Donald Trump last summer, has been a game changer for the advancement of the country`s peace process, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in Geneva on Wednesday. Sputnik quoted Ghani saying in a statement during the Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan, "We would like to specifically recognize the commitment and blood and treasure that the United States has shown since 2001 as our key ally. The South Asia strategy of President Trump has been a game changer allowing us to focus in earnest on self-reliance, reforms and peace because it is a condition-based strategy." The two-day Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan began in the Swiss city of Geneva on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the key consultations as part of the event are being held. Last August, Trump unveiled his new strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia. Among the changes provided in the document were the increase of the number of the US troops on the ground and the lifting of restrictions on the US forces attacking Taliban militants and other terrorist formations in Afghanistan which had been previously imposed by the administration of former US President Barack Obama. Addressing the situation in the country, John Sopko, head of the Special Inspector General on Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), stated that `after 17 years of US and coalition effort and financial largesse, Afghanistan remains one of the poorest, least educated and most corrupt countries in the world`, Sputnik reported. According to SIGAR, earlier this year Afghan authorities controlled or influenced a mere 55.5 per cent of the country, which was the lowest figure since the government oversight authority began keeping tabs on it in November 2015.

Trump strategy a 'game changer' for peace process in Afghanistan: Ashraf Ghani

Australian police have opened an investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by Australian military personnel in Afghanistan, officials said Thursday.

A spokesman for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said they had received a "referral" concerning the war crimes allegations in June and has "accepted the matters for investigation".

"As this investigation is ongoing, the AFP will not confirm or deny the specific incidents or the identity of those subject to the investigation," the spokesman said.

The spokesman would not provide additional details or say who referred the allegations to the police.

Three other inquiries have already been launched into reports of abuses by special forces who served in Afghanistan as part of a US-led coalition between 2001 and 2014.

That includes one investigation being conducted by the inspector general of the Australian Defence Force since 2016.

A separate classified defence department investigation leaked to the press in June quoted testimony from special forces insiders saying some troops engaged in the "unsanctioned and illegal application of violence on operations" in Afghanistan with "a disregard for human dignity".

Government officials confirmed at the time that investigations were under way concerning Australian troop conduct in Afghanistan, but would not provide any details.&nbsp;

Australian police have opened an investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by Australian military personnel in Afghanistan, officials said Thursday.

Australian police have opened an investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by Australian military personnel in Afghanistan, officials said Thursday. A spokesman for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said they had received a "referral" concerning the war crimes allegations in June and has "accepted the matters for investigation". "As this investigation is ongoing, the AFP will not confirm or deny the specific incidents or the identity of those subject to the investigation," the spokesman said. The spokesman would not provide additional details or say who referred the allegations to the police. Three other inquiries have already been launched into reports of abuses by special forces who served in Afghanistan as part of a US-led coalition between 2001 and 2014. That includes one investigation being conducted by the inspector general of the Australian Defence Force since 2016. A separate classified defence department investigation leaked to the press in June quoted testimony from special forces insiders saying some troops engaged in the "unsanctioned and illegal application of violence on operations" in Afghanistan with "a disregard for human dignity". Government officials confirmed at the time that investigations were under way concerning Australian troop conduct in Afghanistan, but would not provide any details.

Australian police join probes into alleged Afghanistan war crimes

The United States on Thursday displayed pieces of what it said were Iranian weapons deployed to militants in Yemen and Afghanistan, a tactic by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-g20-meeting-with-xi-trump-says-billions-of-dollar-pouring-into-us-due-to-tariffs-on-china-180279">President Donald Trump</a>'s administration to pressure Tehran to curb its regional activities.

The second presentation of Iranian weapons by the Pentagon, many of which were handed over by Saudi Arabia, coincides with growing concern in Congress over US military support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war, which has led to a deep humanitarian crisis.

Members of Congress have escalated their opposition to Saudi Arabia after the October 2 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul consulate. Despite administration pleas to stick with the Saudis and thereby counter Iran, the Senate voted on Wednesday to advance a resolution to end military support for the Saudis in Yemen.

If Iran were found to be shipping arms to Yemen, Afghanistan and other countries, it would be in violation of United Nations resolutions.

Reuters was given advanced access to the military hangar at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling just outside of Washington where the US Defense Department put the fragments of weaponry on display and explained how it concluded that they came from Iran.

"We want there to be no doubt across the world that this is a priority for the United States and that it's in international interest to address it," said Katie Wheelbarger, the principal deputy assistant secretary of defence for international security affairs.

The presentation, the second such one in the last year, is part of a government-wide effort to follow through on Trump's policy to take a far harder line toward Tehran. He pulled the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions, in part for its "malign" regional activities.

Iran has denied supplying the Houthis in Yemen with such weaponry and described the Pentagon's previous arms display as "fabricated."

WEAPONS TO YEMEN

The Pentagon offered a detailed explanation of why it believed the arms on display came from Iran, noting what it said were Iranian corporate logos on arms fragments and the unique nature of the designs of Iranian weaponry.

The United States acknowledged it could not say precisely when the weapons were transferred to the Houthis, and, in some cases, could not say when they were used. There was no immediate way to independently verify where the weapons were made or employed.

This included a "Sayyad-2" surface to air missile (SAM), which the Pentagon said had been interdicted by the Saudi government in early 2018 en route to Houthi militants in Yemen.

The Pentagon cited a corporate logo of an Iranian defence firm in the warhead section, which was not displayed, and writing in Farsi along the missile as evidence that it was Iranian.

A US defence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the Pentagon did not know if the Houthis had actually used this type of missile before.

The Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital Sanaa, have fired dozens of missiles into Saudi Arabia in recent months, part of a three-year-old conflict widely seen as a proxy battle between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Under a UN resolution that enshrines the Iran nuclear deal with world powers, Tehran is prohibited from supplying, selling or transferring weapons outside the country unless approved by the UN Security Council. A separate UN resolution on Yemen bans the supply of weapons to Houthi leaders.

WAR IN AFGHANISTAN

The United States has long accused Iran of providing weapons to Taliban militants in Afghanistan. In October, Washington targeted two individuals linked to the Quds Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for providing material and financial support to the Taliban.

The Pentagon displayed a number of "Fadjr" rockets, that it said had been provided to the Taliban. It said they were Iranian because of the unique markings on the rockets and the paint scheme, along with the markings on them.

The Taliban is known to buy weapons on the black market and defence officials could not say why they were sure these missiles had not been simply bought by the Taliban.

The United States on Thursday displayed pieces of what it said were Iranian weapons deployed to militants in Yemen and Afghanistan, a tactic by President Donald Trump's administration to pressure Tehran to curb its regional activities.

The United States on Thursday displayed pieces of what it said were Iranian weapons deployed to militants in Yemen and Afghanistan, a tactic by President Donald Trump's administration to pressure Tehran to curb its regional activities. The second presentation of Iranian weapons by the Pentagon, many of which were handed over by Saudi Arabia, coincides with growing concern in Congress over US military support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war, which has led to a deep humanitarian crisis. Members of Congress have escalated their opposition to Saudi Arabia after the October 2 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul consulate. Despite administration pleas to stick with the Saudis and thereby counter Iran, the Senate voted on Wednesday to advance a resolution to end military support for the Saudis in Yemen. If Iran were found to be shipping arms to Yemen, Afghanistan and other countries, it would be in violation of United Nations resolutions. Reuters was given advanced access to the military hangar at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling just outside of Washington where the US Defense Department put the fragments of weaponry on display and explained how it concluded that they came from Iran. "We want there to be no doubt across the world that this is a priority for the United States and that it's in international interest to address it," said Katie Wheelbarger, the principal deputy assistant secretary of defence for international security affairs. The presentation, the second such one in the last year, is part of a government-wide effort to follow through on Trump's policy to take a far harder line toward Tehran. He pulled the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions, in part for its "malign" regional activities. Iran has denied supplying the Houthis in Yemen with such weaponry and described the Pentagon's previous arms display as "fabricated." WEAPONS TO YEMEN The Pentagon offered a detailed explanation of why it believed the arms on display came from Iran, noting what it said were Iranian corporate logos on arms fragments and the unique nature of the designs of Iranian weaponry. The United States acknowledged it could not say precisely when the weapons were transferred to the Houthis, and, in some cases, could not say when they were used. There was no immediate way to independently verify where the weapons were made or employed. This included a "Sayyad-2" surface to air missile (SAM), which the Pentagon said had been interdicted by the Saudi government in early 2018 en route to Houthi militants in Yemen. The Pentagon cited a corporate logo of an Iranian defence firm in the warhead section, which was not displayed, and writing in Farsi along the missile as evidence that it was Iranian. A US defence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the Pentagon did not know if the Houthis had actually used this type of missile before. The Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital Sanaa, have fired dozens of missiles into Saudi Arabia in recent months, part of a three-year-old conflict widely seen as a proxy battle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Under a UN resolution that enshrines the Iran nuclear deal with world powers, Tehran is prohibited from supplying, selling or transferring weapons outside the country unless approved by the UN Security Council. A separate UN resolution on Yemen bans the supply of weapons to Houthi leaders. WAR IN AFGHANISTAN The United States has long accused Iran of providing weapons to Taliban militants in Afghanistan. In October, Washington targeted two individuals linked to the Quds Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for providing material and financial support to the Taliban. The Pentagon displayed a number of "Fadjr" rockets, that it said had been provided to the Taliban. It said they were Iranian because of the unique markings on the rockets and the paint scheme, along with the markings on them. The Taliban is known to buy weapons on the black market and defence officials could not say why they were sure these missiles had not been simply bought by the Taliban.

US touts new evidence of Iranian weaponry in Yemen, Afghanistan

At least 10 people were killed and 19 were wounded in an attack on a compound of the British security group G4S in the Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, a health ministry spokesman said.

An interior ministry official said an unknown number of gunmen had entered the compound after a car bomb exploded near the facility and were battling security forces.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

A senior security official said the blast happened close to a compound of British security contractor group G4S, near an industrial park on the main road leading out of Kabul towards eastern Afghanistan.

The explosion came only hours after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-forms-team-to-negotiate-peace-with-taliban-179970">Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a> told a UN-sponsored conference in Geneva of plans to seek a peace agreement with the Taliban.

As efforts to open peace talks with the Taliban have picked up following the appointment of US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, there has been no slackening in the violence which kills thousands of people in Afghanistan every year.

Three US service members were killed close to the central city of Ghazni on Tuesday and at least 30 Afghan civilians were killed in a US air strike overnight, officials and local residents said.

At least 10 people were killed and 19 were wounded in an attack on a compound of the British security group G4S in the Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, a health ministry spokesman said.

At least 10 people were killed and 19 were wounded in an attack on a compound of the British security group G4S in the Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, a health ministry spokesman said. An interior ministry official said an unknown number of gunmen had entered the compound after a car bomb exploded near the facility and were battling security forces. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. A senior security official said the blast happened close to a compound of British security contractor group G4S, near an industrial park on the main road leading out of Kabul towards eastern Afghanistan. The explosion came only hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani told a UN-sponsored conference in Geneva of plans to seek a peace agreement with the Taliban. As efforts to open peace talks with the Taliban have picked up following the appointment of US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, there has been no slackening in the violence which kills thousands of people in Afghanistan every year. Three US service members were killed close to the central city of Ghazni on Tuesday and at least 30 Afghan civilians were killed in a US air strike overnight, officials and local residents said.

Afghanistan: At least 10 dead, 19 wounded in attack on G4S site in Kabul

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-makes-investment-pitch-at-un-conference-179818">Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani </a>has formed a 12-strong negotiating team to seek a peace agreement that would include the Taliban in a democratic and inclusive society that respects the rights of women, he told a UN conference on Wednesday.

"I'm pleased to announce today that after several months of intensive consultation with our citizens across the country, we have formulated a roadmap for peace negotiations," Ghani said.

"We have formed the required bodies and mechanisms to pursue a peace agreement. We are now moving ahead into the next chapter of the peace process."

Ghani made an investment pitch at a UN conference on Tuesday, describing the business opportunities and challenges in a country where millions are displaced or close to starvation.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has formed a 12-strong negotiating team to seek a peace agreement that would include the Taliban in a democratic and inclusive society that respects the rights of women, he told a UN conference on Wednesday.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has formed a 12-strong negotiating team to seek a peace agreement that would include the Taliban in a democratic and inclusive society that respects the rights of women, he told a UN conference on Wednesday. "I'm pleased to announce today that after several months of intensive consultation with our citizens across the country, we have formulated a roadmap for peace negotiations," Ghani said. "We have formed the required bodies and mechanisms to pursue a peace agreement. We are now moving ahead into the next chapter of the peace process." Ghani made an investment pitch at a UN conference on Tuesday, describing the business opportunities and challenges in a country where millions are displaced or close to starvation.

Afghan president forms team to negotiate peace with Taliban

At least 22 police were killed in a Taliban ambush in western Afghanistan, a health official said Monday, in another blow to Afghan forces already suffering record casualties.&nbsp;

The attack on the police convoy in Farah province on Sunday also wounded at least two officers, said Shir Ahmad Weda, director of the public hospital in the provincial capital.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a WhatsApp message, saying 25 police were killed and four wounded.

"Four vehicles were destroyed and a large quantity of weapons were seized," Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the militants, added.

The Taliban have stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces in recent months, inflicting record casualties even as efforts to engage the militants in peace talks intensify.&nbsp;

At least 22 police were killed in a Taliban ambush in western Afghanistan, a health official said Monday, in another blow to Afghan forces already suffering record casualties.

At least 22 police were killed in a Taliban ambush in western Afghanistan, a health official said Monday, in another blow to Afghan forces already suffering record casualties. The attack on the police convoy in Farah province on Sunday also wounded at least two officers, said Shir Ahmad Weda, director of the public hospital in the provincial capital. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a WhatsApp message, saying 25 police were killed and four wounded. "Four vehicles were destroyed and a large quantity of weapons were seized," Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the militants, added. The Taliban have stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces in recent months, inflicting record casualties even as efforts to engage the militants in peace talks intensify.

At least 22 Afghan police killed in Taliban ambush: Official

Three US soldiers were killed and three wounded by a bomb in Afghanistan Tuesday, NATO said, taking the number of American service personnel to die in the war-torn country this year to 12.&nbsp;

NATO's Resolute Support mission would not immediately release any details about the soldiers, but said they had been killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near Ghazni city in central Afghanistan.

An American contractor was also wounded, it said, adding that the four injured in the blast were receiving medical care.&nbsp;

The casualties come just days after another US soldier was killed in Afghanistan's Nimroz province on Saturday.

An initial review showed the soldier was "likely accidentally shot by our Afghan partner force", a NATO statement said Tuesday, adding that the "tragic" incident occurred as they engaged in a battle with al Qaeda militants.

"There are no indications he was shot intentionally," the statement added, naming the soldier as Sgt Jasso without giving a first name.

General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, said Jasso was killed "defending our nation, fighting al Qaeda alongside our Afghan partners".

Jasso's death follows a spate of so-called "insider attacks" that have rattled foreign troops tasked with training and assisting Afghanistan's military.

More than 2,200 American soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the 2001 US-led invasion that toppled the Taliban regime from power. 
The number of American casualties has fallen dramatically since the end of 2014 when Afghan forces took over from US-led NATO combat troops to secure the country.&nbsp;

Since the start of 2015, 58 Americans have been killed, President Ashraf Ghani said earlier this month.

In the same time period, nearly 30,000 Afghan police and soldiers have died, Ghani said -- a figure much higher than any previously acknowledged. 
The shocking mortality rate, which some experts warn is unsustainable, has sent already shaky morale to new lows.

The Taliban have intensified attacks on Afghan forces even as the United States ratchets up efforts to engage the militants in peace talks. 
Washington is trying to find a way out of the conflict more than 17 years since it began.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban before Afghanistan's presidential election, scheduled for April next year though officials have said it could be postponed until July.&nbsp; 
A Taliban delegation met with Khalilzad in Doha in October and November to discuss ending the Afghan conflict. Khalilzad has said he is "cautiously optimistic" for an end to the conflict.&nbsp;

Three US soldiers were killed and three wounded by a bomb in Afghanistan Tuesday, NATO said, taking the number of American service personnel to die in the war-torn country this year to 12.

Three US soldiers were killed and three wounded by a bomb in Afghanistan Tuesday, NATO said, taking the number of American service personnel to die in the war-torn country this year to 12. NATO's Resolute Support mission would not immediately release any details about the soldiers, but said they had been killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near Ghazni city in central Afghanistan. An American contractor was also wounded, it said, adding that the four injured in the blast were receiving medical care. The casualties come just days after another US soldier was killed in Afghanistan's Nimroz province on Saturday. An initial review showed the soldier was "likely accidentally shot by our Afghan partner force", a NATO statement said Tuesday, adding that the "tragic" incident occurred as they engaged in a battle with al Qaeda militants. "There are no indications he was shot intentionally," the statement added, naming the soldier as Sgt Jasso without giving a first name. General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, said Jasso was killed "defending our nation, fighting al Qaeda alongside our Afghan partners". Jasso's death follows a spate of so-called "insider attacks" that have rattled foreign troops tasked with training and assisting Afghanistan's military. More than 2,200 American soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the 2001 US-led invasion that toppled the Taliban regime from power. The number of American casualties has fallen dramatically since the end of 2014 when Afghan forces took over from US-led NATO combat troops to secure the country. Since the start of 2015, 58 Americans have been killed, President Ashraf Ghani said earlier this month. In the same time period, nearly 30,000 Afghan police and soldiers have died, Ghani said -- a figure much higher than any previously acknowledged. The shocking mortality rate, which some experts warn is unsustainable, has sent already shaky morale to new lows. The Taliban have intensified attacks on Afghan forces even as the United States ratchets up efforts to engage the militants in peace talks. Washington is trying to find a way out of the conflict more than 17 years since it began. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban before Afghanistan's presidential election, scheduled for April next year though officials have said it could be postponed until July. A Taliban delegation met with Khalilzad in Doha in October and November to discuss ending the Afghan conflict. Khalilzad has said he is "cautiously optimistic" for an end to the conflict.

Three US soldiers killed in Afghanistan: NATO

At least 22 policemen were killed in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-plans-to-take-part-in-moscow-talks-on-afghanistan-on-september-4-160710">Taliban ambush</a> in Afghanistan's western province of Farah late on Sunday, officials said, adding to the growing casualty toll on Afghan security forces fighting an increasingly confident insurgency.

Taliban fighters ambushed a security forces' convoy in Lash-e Joveyn district of Farah, a remote and sparsely populated province on the border with Iran where the Taliban have control of large parts of the countryside.

Police spokesman Mohebullah Moheb confirmed the ambush but gave no details. A spokesman at the provincial hospital said 22 bodies had been brought in from the incident.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said 25 police, including senior commanders, had been killed and four vehicles were destroyed in the attack. Large quantities of weapons were captured, he said.

Afghan authorities no longer release detailed figures but U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis recently confirmed casualties have been running at some 500 a month, a figure many officials in Kabul say understates the real toll.

The losses have been mounting even while U.S. diplomatic efforts to begin peace talks with the Taliban have picked up with the appointment by Washington of Zalmay Khalilzad, a former U.S. ambassador to Kabul, as special peace envoy.

At least 22 policemen were killed in a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan's western province of Farah late on Sunday, officials said, adding to the growing casualty toll on Afghan security forces fighting an increasingly confident insurgency.

At least 22 policemen were killed in a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan's western province of Farah late on Sunday, officials said, adding to the growing casualty toll on Afghan security forces fighting an increasingly confident insurgency. Taliban fighters ambushed a security forces' convoy in Lash-e Joveyn district of Farah, a remote and sparsely populated province on the border with Iran where the Taliban have control of large parts of the countryside. Police spokesman Mohebullah Moheb confirmed the ambush but gave no details. A spokesman at the provincial hospital said 22 bodies had been brought in from the incident. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said 25 police, including senior commanders, had been killed and four vehicles were destroyed in the attack. Large quantities of weapons were captured, he said. Afghan authorities no longer release detailed figures but U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis recently confirmed casualties have been running at some 500 a month, a figure many officials in Kabul say understates the real toll. The losses have been mounting even while U.S. diplomatic efforts to begin peace talks with the Taliban have picked up with the appointment by Washington of Zalmay Khalilzad, a former U.S. ambassador to Kabul, as special peace envoy.

At least 22 Afghan policemen killed in Taliban ambush: Officials

A leader of Afghanistan`s highest religious body was assassinated in Kabul on Saturday, a senior interior ministry official said, an attack that came four days after 55 religious scholars were killed in a suicide attack in the capital.

Mawlawi Abdul Basir Haqqani, the leader of Kabul Ulema Council was shot dead. His body was found near a residential area of Kabul, a senior police official said on conditions of anonymity.&nbsp;

Haqqani`s murder comes when members of the council are coping with the aftermath of a devastating suicide attack that killed 55 religious scholars and wounded over 90 men who had gathered in a banquet hall in Kabul to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad.

Afghanistan`s Ulema Council is a government-funded, but autonomous body of religious clerics. It was set up after the fall of the Taliban in 2002 and has a presence across 34 provinces of Afghanistan. Haqqani was leading the Kabul chapter of the council.

As of 2018, the council had more than 2,500 members — religious scholars and clerics, both Sunni and Shi`ite.

Their role is mainly to perform religious ceremonies, advise the government on matters of Islamic jurisprudence. Members of the council have supported a peaceful solution to the Afghan war, but the Taliban views them as "religious puppets of the Western-backed government".&nbsp;

On Friday, 27 members of Afganistan`s army were killed when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives inside a mosque during Friday prayers in southeastern Khost province.

A leader of Afghanistan`s highest religious body was assassinated in Kabul on Saturday, a senior interior ministry official said, an attack that came four days after 55 religious scholars were killed in a suicide attack in the capital.

A leader of Afghanistan`s highest religious body was assassinated in Kabul on Saturday, a senior interior ministry official said, an attack that came four days after 55 religious scholars were killed in a suicide attack in the capital. Mawlawi Abdul Basir Haqqani, the leader of Kabul Ulema Council was shot dead. His body was found near a residential area of Kabul, a senior police official said on conditions of anonymity. Haqqani`s murder comes when members of the council are coping with the aftermath of a devastating suicide attack that killed 55 religious scholars and wounded over 90 men who had gathered in a banquet hall in Kabul to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Afghanistan`s Ulema Council is a government-funded, but autonomous body of religious clerics. It was set up after the fall of the Taliban in 2002 and has a presence across 34 provinces of Afghanistan. Haqqani was leading the Kabul chapter of the council. As of 2018, the council had more than 2,500 members — religious scholars and clerics, both Sunni and Shi`ite. Their role is mainly to perform religious ceremonies, advise the government on matters of Islamic jurisprudence. Members of the council have supported a peaceful solution to the Afghan war, but the Taliban views them as "religious puppets of the Western-backed government". On Friday, 27 members of Afganistan`s army were killed when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives inside a mosque during Friday prayers in southeastern Khost province.

Senior cleric in Afghanistan's top religious body killed

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an explosion at a mosque in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province that killed and wounded scores of people, its Amaq news agency reported on Saturday.

"Around 50 of the Afghan army were killed and 110 were wounded when a martyr blew himself up on Friday," the agency said.

Security officials in the area said on Friday that the blast at a mosque in an army base had killed at least 26 people and wounded 50.

The Taliban, who are waging a war to oust the Western-backed Afghan government and expel foreign forces from Afghanistan, have launched a series of high-profile attacks Taliban against Afghan security forces in recent weeks.

Hundreds of Afghan security guards have been killed, their checkpoints destroyed and weapons seized by the hardline Islamist fighters.

Friday's attack came three days after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a gathering of religious scholars in Kabul, the capital.

Officials said 55 scholars marking the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad were killed and more than 90 injured in the blast in a banquet hall.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an explosion at a mosque in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province that killed and wounded scores of people, its Amaq news agency reported on Saturday.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an explosion at a mosque in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province that killed and wounded scores of people, its Amaq news agency reported on Saturday. "Around 50 of the Afghan army were killed and 110 were wounded when a martyr blew himself up on Friday," the agency said. Security officials in the area said on Friday that the blast at a mosque in an army base had killed at least 26 people and wounded 50. The Taliban, who are waging a war to oust the Western-backed Afghan government and expel foreign forces from Afghanistan, have launched a series of high-profile attacks Taliban against Afghan security forces in recent weeks. Hundreds of Afghan security guards have been killed, their checkpoints destroyed and weapons seized by the hardline Islamist fighters. Friday's attack came three days after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a gathering of religious scholars in Kabul, the capital. Officials said 55 scholars marking the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad were killed and more than 90 injured in the blast in a banquet hall.

Islamic State claims responsibility for blast at Afghanistan mosque

Afghanistan has a better chance of finding peace than it has for many years, with more coordination in international peace efforts and willingness to include all parties, the top UN humanitarian official in the country said on Friday.

Taliban leaders met US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad at their political headquarters in Qatar last week for the second time in the past month, and President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States was in "very strong" peace negotiations.

The Taliban, who are waging a war to oust the Western-backed Afghan government and expel foreign forces from Afghanistan, have launched a series of high-profile attacks against Afghan security forces in recent weeks.

"There are new-found opportunities in Afghanistan and there are very well founded hopes for peace," UN resident coordinator Toby Lanzer told reporters in Geneva.&nbsp;

"It sounds like a paradox but there are better opportunities today than there have been in many, many, many years for Afghanistan to be at peace with itself and with its key neighbours."

He declined to go into detail, but said discussions would go on in the coming days, weeks and months.

"What I can tell you is there is more coordination amongst the international community than we’ve witnessed in recent times. And there is more openness in certain sectors of the international community to make sure that everyone is part of the conversation. And those are two very important changes."

The turning point came in February when the Afghan government said it was ready for talks without preconditions, and since then there had been as low but steady outreach to parties with a stake in what was going on in Afghanistan, as well as to the Taliban, he said.

But after 40 years of instability, tremendous progress would not come within months.

"And I think that while this happens there will be spoilers, and there will people who want to derail things," he said, adding that the Islamic State armed group had exerted itself more in 2018 than in 2017 and would have to be dealt with.

&nbsp;

Afghanistan has a better chance of finding peace than it has for many years, with more coordination in international peace efforts and willingness to include all parties, the top UN humanitarian official in the country said on Friday.

Afghanistan has a better chance of finding peace than it has for many years, with more coordination in international peace efforts and willingness to include all parties, the top UN humanitarian official in the country said on Friday. Taliban leaders met US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad at their political headquarters in Qatar last week for the second time in the past month, and President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States was in "very strong" peace negotiations. The Taliban, who are waging a war to oust the Western-backed Afghan government and expel foreign forces from Afghanistan, have launched a series of high-profile attacks against Afghan security forces in recent weeks. "There are new-found opportunities in Afghanistan and there are very well founded hopes for peace," UN resident coordinator Toby Lanzer told reporters in Geneva. "It sounds like a paradox but there are better opportunities today than there have been in many, many, many years for Afghanistan to be at peace with itself and with its key neighbours." He declined to go into detail, but said discussions would go on in the coming days, weeks and months. "What I can tell you is there is more coordination amongst the international community than we’ve witnessed in recent times. And there is more openness in certain sectors of the international community to make sure that everyone is part of the conversation. And those are two very important changes." The turning point came in February when the Afghan government said it was ready for talks without preconditions, and since then there had been as low but steady outreach to parties with a stake in what was going on in Afghanistan, as well as to the Taliban, he said. But after 40 years of instability, tremendous progress would not come within months. "And I think that while this happens there will be spoilers, and there will people who want to derail things," he said, adding that the Islamic State armed group had exerted itself more in 2018 than in 2017 and would have to be dealt with.

UN says hopes for peace in Afghanistan are well founded

The second season of the T10 League has already made headlines after Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad made T10 cricket history by slamming 74 runs off just 16 deliveries.

Getting off to a sensational start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Shahzad slammed eight sixes and six boundaries, setting the record for fastest fifty in the 10-over format.

His destructive inning took Rajputs to a 10-wicket victory against the Sindhis with six overs to spare in Sharjah.

Chasing 95 to win, Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman opened the innings with captain Brendon McCullum and single-handedly decimated Sindhis' bowling attack.

Mohammad Nawaz, Jofra Archer, Thisara Perera and Fawad Ahmed all bowled one over each and went for more than 20 runs.

McCullum, who stitched together an opening stand of 96 runs with Shahzad, scored 21 off just 8 deliveries.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EwRHz3C-Y2M" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He was a silent spectator to Shahzad's brilliance on the other end.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Power. Destruction. Brutality. 
 
Mohammad Shahzad showed it all tonight! 💪🏻🔥😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T10League?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T10League</a> <a href="https://t.co/dPXcCoiRuw">pic.twitter.com/dPXcCoiRuw</a>
— T10 League (@T10League) <a href="https://twitter.com/T10League/status/1065291472084205568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Batting first, Shane Watson's Sindhis posted a challenging 94/6 in 10 overs with the help of 20-ball 42 from the skipper.&nbsp;

Munaf Patel, who recently announced his retirement, was the best bowler for the Rajputs as he took 20/3 in his two overs.&nbsp;

The second season of the T10 League has already made headlines after Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad made T10 cricket history by slamming 74 runs off just 16 deliveries.

The second season of the T10 League has already made headlines after Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad made T10 cricket history by slamming 74 runs off just 16 deliveries. Getting off to a sensational start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Shahzad slammed eight sixes and six boundaries, setting the record for fastest fifty in the 10-over format. His destructive inning took Rajputs to a 10-wicket victory against the Sindhis with six overs to spare in Sharjah. Chasing 95 to win, Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman opened the innings with captain Brendon McCullum and single-handedly decimated Sindhis' bowling attack. Mohammad Nawaz, Jofra Archer, Thisara Perera and Fawad Ahmed all bowled one over each and went for more than 20 runs. McCullum, who stitched together an opening stand of 96 runs with Shahzad, scored 21 off just 8 deliveries. × He was a silent spectator to Shahzad's brilliance on the other end. Power. Destruction. Brutality. Mohammad Shahzad showed it all tonight! 💪🏻🔥😍#T10League pic.twitter.com/dPXcCoiRuw — T10 League (@T10League) November 21, 2018 × Batting first, Shane Watson's Sindhis posted a challenging 94/6 in 10 overs with the help of 20-ball 42 from the skipper. Munaf Patel, who recently announced his retirement, was the best bowler for the Rajputs as he took 20/3 in his two overs.

Watch: Afghan's Mohammad Shahzad slams 74 runs in 16 balls in T10 League

Afghan authorities were struggling on Wednesday to identify the group behind a suicide bomb attack that killed at least 55 people attending a gathering of religious scholars in Kabul after the Taliban denied any responsibility.

The victims included religious delegates from various parts of the country, invited by the Afghan Ulema Council to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad on Tuesday.

Without knowing who was behind the attack, it was unclear whether the aim was simply to undermine President Ashraf Ghani's government, or whether it was part of a strategy to keep the pressure on his government and its Western allies while they pursued talks with the Taliban, to end the 17-year long war.

"As of now we don't know which militant outfit could be behind the attack. Investigations are at a preliminary stage," said a senior security official who was at the blast site on Wednesday morning to collect forensic evidence.

The council, the country’s largest religious organisation, brought together scholars from the Sunni sect, but it was uncertain whether the attack could have had a sectarian dimension.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gGK8sFibt7o" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Though Sunni themselves, Taliban and Islamic State fighters have targeted religious scholars aligned with the Afghan government in the past.

This time, the Taliban quickly denied its involvement and condemned the attack on religious preachers and scholars.

Last week, Taliban leaders met US&nbsp;special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad at their political headquarters in Qatar in an effort to pave the way for peace talks. The three-day meeting was the second in the past month.

Khalilzad has declared a deadline of April 20, when Afghanistan's presidential election falls due, to end the war, but the country's security situation has worsened since NATO formally ended combat operations in 2014.

During recent days, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has angered neighbouring Pakistan, which Afghan intelligence and Western military leaders have long suspected of giving succour to the Taliban.

Over the weekend, Trump said in an interview Pakistan doesn't "do a damn thing" for the United States despite billions of dollars in US&nbsp;aid, and alleged Pakistani officials knew of former al Qaeda leader bin Laden's location before his killing by US&nbsp;troops in a raid inside Pakistan in 2011.

The toll from Tuesday's attack could easily rise as most of the 80 wounded suffered severe injuries, hospital and government officials said early Wednesday, giving the latest casualty figures.

Investigators said the bomber had sneaked into a banquet hall on the first floor of a large building close to the Kabul airport, where some 200 people were gathered.

The explosion left body parts strewn all over the carpeted floor and copies of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, were scattered around burnt furniture.

"I was reciting verses from the Quran near the gate of the crowded banquet room when a loud explosion occurred. It was like a volcano," said Syed Usman, a Muslim scholar who had travelled from the outskirts of Kabul to attend.

Doctors at government and private hospitals in Kabul struggled to assist the badly wounded victims, many burned beyond recognition.

"The situation is really horrendous," said Mohammad Qaseem, a surgeon at the Kabul hospital.

Afghan authorities were struggling on Wednesday to identify the group behind a suicide bomb attack that killed at least 55 people attending a gathering of religious scholars in Kabul after the Taliban denied any responsibility.

Afghan authorities were struggling on Wednesday to identify the group behind a suicide bomb attack that killed at least 55 people attending a gathering of religious scholars in Kabul after the Taliban denied any responsibility. The victims included religious delegates from various parts of the country, invited by the Afghan Ulema Council to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad on Tuesday. Without knowing who was behind the attack, it was unclear whether the aim was simply to undermine President Ashraf Ghani's government, or whether it was part of a strategy to keep the pressure on his government and its Western allies while they pursued talks with the Taliban, to end the 17-year long war. "As of now we don't know which militant outfit could be behind the attack. Investigations are at a preliminary stage," said a senior security official who was at the blast site on Wednesday morning to collect forensic evidence. The council, the country’s largest religious organisation, brought together scholars from the Sunni sect, but it was uncertain whether the attack could have had a sectarian dimension. Though Sunni themselves, Taliban and Islamic State fighters have targeted religious scholars aligned with the Afghan government in the past. This time, the Taliban quickly denied its involvement and condemned the attack on religious preachers and scholars. Last week, Taliban leaders met US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad at their political headquarters in Qatar in an effort to pave the way for peace talks. The three-day meeting was the second in the past month. Khalilzad has declared a deadline of April 20, when Afghanistan's presidential election falls due, to end the war, but the country's security situation has worsened since NATO formally ended combat operations in 2014. During recent days, US President Donald Trump has angered neighbouring Pakistan, which Afghan intelligence and Western military leaders have long suspected of giving succour to the Taliban. Over the weekend, Trump said in an interview Pakistan doesn't "do a damn thing" for the United States despite billions of dollars in US aid, and alleged Pakistani officials knew of former al Qaeda leader bin Laden's location before his killing by US troops in a raid inside Pakistan in 2011. The toll from Tuesday's attack could easily rise as most of the 80 wounded suffered severe injuries, hospital and government officials said early Wednesday, giving the latest casualty figures. Investigators said the bomber had sneaked into a banquet hall on the first floor of a large building close to the Kabul airport, where some 200 people were gathered. The explosion left body parts strewn all over the carpeted floor and copies of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, were scattered around burnt furniture. "I was reciting verses from the Quran near the gate of the crowded banquet room when a loud explosion occurred. It was like a volcano," said Syed Usman, a Muslim scholar who had travelled from the outskirts of Kabul to attend. Doctors at government and private hospitals in Kabul struggled to assist the badly wounded victims, many burned beyond recognition. "The situation is really horrendous," said Mohammad Qaseem, a surgeon at the Kabul hospital.

Afghans try to identify group behind attack on clerics, toll climbs to 55

A massive explosion which killed at least 43 people and injured at least 89 was reported at an Afghan religious gathering, the country's health ministry said.&nbsp;

As per Tolo News, the explosion targeted an Ulema Council gathering at a wedding hall on Kabul's Airport road. The council had gathered to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. &nbsp;

A manager of Uranus Wedding Palace, which also hosts political and religious functions, told AFP a suicide bomber blew himself up in the middle of the gathering of religious scholars.&nbsp;

"The suicide bomber detonated himself inside the hall during a ceremony by religious scholar," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said, confirming the casualty toll.

There was no immediate claim&nbsp;of responsibility for the blast.

Officials at Kabul's Emergency Hospital said 30 ambulances had rushed to the blast site. The victims were taken to Kabul Emergency Hospital.&nbsp;

It follows a wave of violence across war-torn Afghanistan in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people as militants step up attacks.&nbsp;

It is the bloodiest assault in the Afghan capital since a twin bomb attack on a wrestling club in September that killed at least 26 people.

Last month's parliamentary elections sparked a wave of deadly violence across the country, with hundreds killed or wounded in poll-related attacks.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad expressed hopes in Kabul on Sunday that a peace deal to end the 17-year war could be struck before the Afghan presidential election, scheduled for April.

His comments underscore an apparent increasing sense of urgency in the White House and among American diplomats for a peace deal to be done quickly.

A massive explosion which killed at least 43 people and injured at least 89 was reported at an Afghan religious gathering, the country's health ministry said. As per Tolo News, the explosion targeted an Ulema Council gathering at a wedding hall on Kabul's Airport road.

A massive explosion which killed at least 43 people and injured at least 89 was reported at an Afghan religious gathering, the country's health ministry said. As per Tolo News, the explosion targeted an Ulema Council gathering at a wedding hall on Kabul's Airport road. The council had gathered to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. A manager of Uranus Wedding Palace, which also hosts political and religious functions, told AFP a suicide bomber blew himself up in the middle of the gathering of religious scholars. "The suicide bomber detonated himself inside the hall during a ceremony by religious scholar," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said, confirming the casualty toll. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast. Officials at Kabul's Emergency Hospital said 30 ambulances had rushed to the blast site. The victims were taken to Kabul Emergency Hospital. It follows a wave of violence across war-torn Afghanistan in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people as militants step up attacks. It is the bloodiest assault in the Afghan capital since a twin bomb attack on a wrestling club in September that killed at least 26 people. Last month's parliamentary elections sparked a wave of deadly violence across the country, with hundreds killed or wounded in poll-related attacks. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad expressed hopes in Kabul on Sunday that a peace deal to end the 17-year war could be struck before the Afghan presidential election, scheduled for April. His comments underscore an apparent increasing sense of urgency in the White House and among American diplomats for a peace deal to be done quickly.

Afghanistan: Over 40 killed in suicide attack on religious gathering in Kabul

The Trump administration has suspended <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-remains-a-critical-partner-to-us-south-asia-strategy-pentagon-178292">security assistance to Pakistan</a>&nbsp;because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

"The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI.

"Because Pakistan failed to address the problem, the Administration suspended security assistance," the official said, requesting anonymity.

"We remain hopeful that Pakistan will realize it is in its own interest to cooperate with the US strategy in Afghanistan," said the official responding to Pakistani <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-lost-over-123-billion-by-joining-us-war-on-terror-aid-received-was-minuscule-20-bn-imran-khan-on-trumps-tirade-178222">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> accusing President Donald Trump of false assertion in his country's fight against terror.

First in an interview to Fox News on Sunday and then in two tweets on Monday, Trump had accused Pakistan of not doing "a damn thing" for the United States.&nbsp;

He alleged that Pakistan knew that Osama bin Laden, the al Qaida leader, was living in a mansion on the outskirts of its garrison city of Abbottabad and all the aid being given to Pakistan, which is $1.3 billion per annum, was a waste.

As a result, Trump defended his decision to cut all security assistance to Pakistan.

The Pakistani prime minister responded with a tweet saying that his country had suffered enough by fighting terrorism on behalf of the United States.&nbsp;

"Now we will do what is best for our people &amp; our interests," the cricketer-turned-politician said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Trump's latest interview and tweets, which were a statement of fact being said and felt by top US officials for long, has furthered deteriorated US-Pak relationship.&nbsp;

Senator Rand Paul, who has for the last several years, sought to cut all assistance to Pakistan, supported Trump's decision.&nbsp;

"I agree completely. That's why we should push hard on Pakistan to let persecuted Christian Asia Bibi find asylum in America," he said retweeting Trump's posts.

Paul has urged Trump to grant political asylum and refugee status to Asia Bibi.

"Until Asia Bibi is freed, Pakistan should not receive a penny of US&nbsp;Aid! Not one penny should go to any nation that persecutes or kills Christians!" Paul wrote in an op-ed in Breitbart News.

"During my time in Congress, I have introduced legislation to directly go after Pakistan's foreign aid and turn up the pressure on them to release Asia Bibi and stop persecuting religious minorities," he said.

In fact, over the past few years, a consensus seems to have emerged in the US Congress, think-tank and the administration that Pakistan has not been doing enough in the fight against terrorism and that it is playing a double game.

"Because they enjoy safe haven in Pakistan. Next question," Jeff M Smith of The Heritage Foundation think-tank said responding to a tweet from Imran Khan in which he said that "Instead of making Pakistan a scapegoat for their failures, the US should do a serious assessment of why, despite 140000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops &amp; reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan, the Taliban today are stronger than before."&nbsp;

The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said. "The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI. "Because Pakistan failed to address the problem, the Administration suspended security assistance," the official said, requesting anonymity. "We remain hopeful that Pakistan will realize it is in its own interest to cooperate with the US strategy in Afghanistan," said the official responding to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan accusing President Donald Trump of false assertion in his country's fight against terror. First in an interview to Fox News on Sunday and then in two tweets on Monday, Trump had accused Pakistan of not doing "a damn thing" for the United States. He alleged that Pakistan knew that Osama bin Laden, the al Qaida leader, was living in a mansion on the outskirts of its garrison city of Abbottabad and all the aid being given to Pakistan, which is $1.3 billion per annum, was a waste. As a result, Trump defended his decision to cut all security assistance to Pakistan. The Pakistani prime minister responded with a tweet saying that his country had suffered enough by fighting terrorism on behalf of the United States. "Now we will do what is best for our people & our interests," the cricketer-turned-politician said on Twitter. Trump's latest interview and tweets, which were a statement of fact being said and felt by top US officials for long, has furthered deteriorated US-Pak relationship. Senator Rand Paul, who has for the last several years, sought to cut all assistance to Pakistan, supported Trump's decision. "I agree completely. That's why we should push hard on Pakistan to let persecuted Christian Asia Bibi find asylum in America," he said retweeting Trump's posts. Paul has urged Trump to grant political asylum and refugee status to Asia Bibi. "Until Asia Bibi is freed, Pakistan should not receive a penny of US Aid! Not one penny should go to any nation that persecutes or kills Christians!" Paul wrote in an op-ed in Breitbart News. "During my time in Congress, I have introduced legislation to directly go after Pakistan's foreign aid and turn up the pressure on them to release Asia Bibi and stop persecuting religious minorities," he said. In fact, over the past few years, a consensus seems to have emerged in the US Congress, think-tank and the administration that Pakistan has not been doing enough in the fight against terrorism and that it is playing a double game. "Because they enjoy safe haven in Pakistan. Next question," Jeff M Smith of The Heritage Foundation think-tank said responding to a tweet from Imran Khan in which he said that "Instead of making Pakistan a scapegoat for their failures, the US should do a serious assessment of why, despite 140000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops & reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan, the Taliban today are stronger than before."

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US

Pakistan's powerful Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday that his country "has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country", in an apparent reference to the US which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 to restore peace in the war-torn nation.

Gen Bajwa's remarks came in the midst of a war of words between Pakistan and US after President Donald Trump berated Islamabad for lack of cooperation in the war on terror.

Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted General Bajwa's views about Afghanistan and the war on terror.

"Pakistan has successfully fought against terrorism while also contributing to regional peace. Pakistan has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country," Gen Bajwa said.

He said Pakistan has "paid the highest military, economic, political and social cost and the world should acknowledge that".

"We shall continue to contribute towards peace in Afghanistan," the army chief said, "but Pakistan's honour and Pakistan's security shall always stay premier".

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted sharply to President Trump's remarks, saying that instead of making Pakistan a "scapegoat" for its failures in

Afghanistan, the US should find out why the Taliban has emerged stronger than before.

Pakistan on Tuesday summoned US charge d'affaires Paul Jones to register a strong protest over Trump's "baseless allegations" on harbouring al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, saying it was a "closed chapter of history" and could seriously undermine bilateral ties.

Trump on Sunday defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to slain al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.

The US, which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 in Afghanistan, continues to seek an exit strategy from the troubled country and in recent months

Washington has held direct talks with the Taliban representatives to end the 17 year long war.

Pakistan's powerful Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday that his country "has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country", in an apparent reference to the US which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 to restore peace in the war-torn nation.

Pakistan's powerful Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday that his country "has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country", in an apparent reference to the US which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 to restore peace in the war-torn nation. Gen Bajwa's remarks came in the midst of a war of words between Pakistan and US after President Donald Trump berated Islamabad for lack of cooperation in the war on terror. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted General Bajwa's views about Afghanistan and the war on terror. "Pakistan has successfully fought against terrorism while also contributing to regional peace. Pakistan has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country," Gen Bajwa said. He said Pakistan has "paid the highest military, economic, political and social cost and the world should acknowledge that". "We shall continue to contribute towards peace in Afghanistan," the army chief said, "but Pakistan's honour and Pakistan's security shall always stay premier". Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted sharply to President Trump's remarks, saying that instead of making Pakistan a "scapegoat" for its failures in Afghanistan, the US should find out why the Taliban has emerged stronger than before. Pakistan on Tuesday summoned US charge d'affaires Paul Jones to register a strong protest over Trump's "baseless allegations" on harbouring al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, saying it was a "closed chapter of history" and could seriously undermine bilateral ties. Trump on Sunday defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to slain al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. The US, which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 in Afghanistan, continues to seek an exit strategy from the troubled country and in recent months Washington has held direct talks with the Taliban representatives to end the 17 year long war.

Pakistan has done more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country: General Bajwa

The meeting in Moscow last week, which saw the participation of a Taliban delegation and officials from nearly a dozen countries, was the first and positive step towards ensuring a long-lasting peace in Afghanistan, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said.

Karzai told Kazakhstan State TV on Friday that no representative from the Afghan government had participated in direct negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar. He also expressed hope that such meetings would break the ice in ending the decades-long war in the country, TOLOnews reported.

"In the peace talks in Moscow, which was the first time such a talk was taking place in a major regional capital of the world with the neighbours of Afghanistan all present there including from Kazakhstan and where delegations of the Taliban and delegations of the Afghan Peace Council sat together, the Afghan ambassador was there in that meeting, so, we see it as a positive step, a first step, that will definitely give us results and we hope it will continue to keep convening and keep looking for a solution eventually that suits all of us," Karzai elaborated in the interview.

Karzai's comments came as Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador, who is on a four-nation visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20, held the second round of talks pertaining to the Afghan peace process.

Khalizad is slated to visit Afghanistan later on Saturday after concluding the deliberations with Afghan, Emirati and Saudi officials in Abu Dhabi. The US envoy also met with Taliban representatives in Doha earlier this week.

During the meeting that was held in Moscow on November 9, the Taliban said that the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan is the only way for maintaining peace and security in the region. Quoting sources, Tolo News reported that the statement was passed by the Taliban representatives who attended the meeting.

A delegation of Afghanistan's High Peace Council (HPC) members, which also attended the summit, in addition, said that the Afghan government would not need the help of any foreign power after peace is established.

The meeting was inaugurated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov who looked forward to establishing direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban.

He said that the meeting was aimed at removing the Islamic State (IS) terrorists entirely from Afghanistan that has almost become a permanent base point from where terrorist attacks are being carried out in Central Asia and further.

The Afghan foreign ministry said that the Ashraf Ghani administration would welcome efforts by any country that could help in establishing peace and stability in the war-torn country.

The meeting in Moscow last week, which saw the participation of a Taliban delegation and officials from nearly a dozen countries, was the first and positive step towards ensuring a long-lasting peace in Afghanistan, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said.

The meeting in Moscow last week, which saw the participation of a Taliban delegation and officials from nearly a dozen countries, was the first and positive step towards ensuring a long-lasting peace in Afghanistan, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said. Karzai told Kazakhstan State TV on Friday that no representative from the Afghan government had participated in direct negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar. He also expressed hope that such meetings would break the ice in ending the decades-long war in the country, TOLOnews reported. "In the peace talks in Moscow, which was the first time such a talk was taking place in a major regional capital of the world with the neighbours of Afghanistan all present there including from Kazakhstan and where delegations of the Taliban and delegations of the Afghan Peace Council sat together, the Afghan ambassador was there in that meeting, so, we see it as a positive step, a first step, that will definitely give us results and we hope it will continue to keep convening and keep looking for a solution eventually that suits all of us," Karzai elaborated in the interview. Karzai's comments came as Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador, who is on a four-nation visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20, held the second round of talks pertaining to the Afghan peace process. Khalizad is slated to visit Afghanistan later on Saturday after concluding the deliberations with Afghan, Emirati and Saudi officials in Abu Dhabi. The US envoy also met with Taliban representatives in Doha earlier this week. During the meeting that was held in Moscow on November 9, the Taliban said that the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan is the only way for maintaining peace and security in the region. Quoting sources, Tolo News reported that the statement was passed by the Taliban representatives who attended the meeting. A delegation of Afghanistan's High Peace Council (HPC) members, which also attended the summit, in addition, said that the Afghan government would not need the help of any foreign power after peace is established. The meeting was inaugurated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov who looked forward to establishing direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban. He said that the meeting was aimed at removing the Islamic State (IS) terrorists entirely from Afghanistan that has almost become a permanent base point from where terrorist attacks are being carried out in Central Asia and further. The Afghan foreign ministry said that the Ashraf Ghani administration would welcome efforts by any country that could help in establishing peace and stability in the war-torn country.

'Moscow summit first step towards peace in Afghanistan', says former president

Major assaults by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan`s western province of Farah bordering Iran, mounted with the aim of weakening the government`s grip on the region, have killed at least 30 Afghan security forces, officials said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Taliban have ramped up attacks in strategic provinces in their battle to expel foreign forces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law.

The latest attack comes four days after the Taliban killed 50 police and soldiers at checkpoints in Farah city and nearby districts.

"Unfortunately, many of our men have lost their lives in Farah," said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry in Kabul, the capital.

Danish said more than 30 policemen had been killed since Wednesday and additional forces were being deployed.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the clashes in Farah, which are widely seen as forming part of their strategy to step up battlefield pressure while seeking a political settlement with the United States.

Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the hardline militant group, said its fighters killed 35 security personnel, arrested two security officials, destroyed government vehicles and seized a large cache of weapons in Farah.

US commanders have said they expect the Taliban to step up military efforts to improve their position while they maintain contacts with U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad aimed at opening peace negotiations.

Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former US ambassador to Kabul, met President Ashraf Ghani and other officials at the weekend, in his latest round of meetings following an initial meeting last month with Taliban officials in Qatar.

Fighting in Farah highlights the pressure on Afghanistan’s overstretched security forces, which are suffering from their highest level of casualties ever, estimates from the NATO-led Resolute Support mission show.

The government no longer releases precise casualty figures, but officials say at least 500 men are being killed every month and hundreds more wounded, a tally many consider an underestimate.

Major assaults by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan`s western province of Farah bordering Iran, mounted with the aim of weakening the government`s grip on the region, have killed at least 30 Afghan security forces, officials said on Thursday.

Major assaults by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan`s western province of Farah bordering Iran, mounted with the aim of weakening the government`s grip on the region, have killed at least 30 Afghan security forces, officials said on Thursday. The Taliban have ramped up attacks in strategic provinces in their battle to expel foreign forces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law. The latest attack comes four days after the Taliban killed 50 police and soldiers at checkpoints in Farah city and nearby districts. "Unfortunately, many of our men have lost their lives in Farah," said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry in Kabul, the capital. Danish said more than 30 policemen had been killed since Wednesday and additional forces were being deployed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the clashes in Farah, which are widely seen as forming part of their strategy to step up battlefield pressure while seeking a political settlement with the United States. Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the hardline militant group, said its fighters killed 35 security personnel, arrested two security officials, destroyed government vehicles and seized a large cache of weapons in Farah. US commanders have said they expect the Taliban to step up military efforts to improve their position while they maintain contacts with U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad aimed at opening peace negotiations. Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former US ambassador to Kabul, met President Ashraf Ghani and other officials at the weekend, in his latest round of meetings following an initial meeting last month with Taliban officials in Qatar. Fighting in Farah highlights the pressure on Afghanistan’s overstretched security forces, which are suffering from their highest level of casualties ever, estimates from the NATO-led Resolute Support mission show. The government no longer releases precise casualty figures, but officials say at least 500 men are being killed every month and hundreds more wounded, a tally many consider an underestimate.

Taliban attacks in western Afghanistan kill at least 30 security forces

Asserting that Islamabad's support to violence has not benefitted either Pakistan or Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that the "undeclared war" between the two neighbours must end.

Ghani said the spectre of violence needs to be removed and that Pakistan needs to support direct discussions between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

"The undeclared war between Afghanistan and Pakistan must end," he told a Washington audience through video conference from Kabul.

"We have not supported any movement against Pakistan from Afghanistan. The Afghan soil is not being used. We've exercised immense restraint and control because we seek a cooperative relationship," Ghani said in response to a question at the School of Advanced international Studies of the John Hopkins University on Monday.

Of the view that there is a need to define "what is a normal relationship" between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said Kabul can offer a lot in the way of cooperation. "We are the key to Central Asia. How will Pakistan get to Central Asia without a stable Afghanistan?" he asked.

Ghani said Afghanistan and Pakistan need to together agree with the US and the rest of the world community on counter terrorism. These three sets of relationship, he said are the key.

"From the day that President Donald Trump announced the South Asia strategy, I extended the hand of friendship. We have engaged in several rounds of discussion," he said, adding that Afghanistan and the US have arrived at a document on what is their expectation, what needs to be done to translate commitments into reality and to help reduce the level of violence in moving forward to lasting peace.

Ghani said that he has not seen "urgency" from the new Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding holding concrete dialogue with Afghanistan to fight terrorism or to assist in holding fruitful talks with the Taliban.

"We have not yet seen the sense of urgency. We hope that sense of urgency can be brought to the picture. We have a framework which is a Afghanistan-Pakistan agreement. The key is to move from talking to taking action," Ghani said.

"Our national interest is to keep engaging with Pakistan. We seek a stable Pakistan. We need to see substantive and measurable change. As of now that substantive and measurable change with the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been seen. This is what needs to take place," said the Afghan president.

Ghani said that the Taliban is not in a winning position. "Let them disclose their casualties. Let them answer to the mothers who have lost their children. Let them answer to the wounded and let them answer to communities that because of their interference, have been deprived of education, of health, of services. Where is the positive model of the strength?" he said.

Asserting that Islamabad's support to violence has not benefitted either Pakistan or Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that the "undeclared war" between the two neighbours must end.

Asserting that Islamabad's support to violence has not benefitted either Pakistan or Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that the "undeclared war" between the two neighbours must end. Ghani said the spectre of violence needs to be removed and that Pakistan needs to support direct discussions between the Afghan government and the Taliban. "The undeclared war between Afghanistan and Pakistan must end," he told a Washington audience through video conference from Kabul. "We have not supported any movement against Pakistan from Afghanistan. The Afghan soil is not being used. We've exercised immense restraint and control because we seek a cooperative relationship," Ghani said in response to a question at the School of Advanced international Studies of the John Hopkins University on Monday. Of the view that there is a need to define "what is a normal relationship" between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said Kabul can offer a lot in the way of cooperation. "We are the key to Central Asia. How will Pakistan get to Central Asia without a stable Afghanistan?" he asked. Ghani said Afghanistan and Pakistan need to together agree with the US and the rest of the world community on counter terrorism. These three sets of relationship, he said are the key. "From the day that President Donald Trump announced the South Asia strategy, I extended the hand of friendship. We have engaged in several rounds of discussion," he said, adding that Afghanistan and the US have arrived at a document on what is their expectation, what needs to be done to translate commitments into reality and to help reduce the level of violence in moving forward to lasting peace. Ghani said that he has not seen "urgency" from the new Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding holding concrete dialogue with Afghanistan to fight terrorism or to assist in holding fruitful talks with the Taliban. "We have not yet seen the sense of urgency. We hope that sense of urgency can be brought to the picture. We have a framework which is a Afghanistan-Pakistan agreement. The key is to move from talking to taking action," Ghani said. "Our national interest is to keep engaging with Pakistan. We seek a stable Pakistan. We need to see substantive and measurable change. As of now that substantive and measurable change with the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been seen. This is what needs to take place," said the Afghan president. Ghani said that the Taliban is not in a winning position. "Let them disclose their casualties. Let them answer to the mothers who have lost their children. Let them answer to the wounded and let them answer to communities that because of their interference, have been deprived of education, of health, of services. Where is the positive model of the strength?" he said.

'Undeclared war' between Afghanistan, Pak must end: Ashraf Ghani

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the death of a senior police officer who disappeared from Islamabad last month and whose body was found in Afghanistan.

The body of Tahir Dawar, a superintendent of police in the northwestern city of Peshawar, was recovered on Tuesday in the Afghan province of Nangarhar, nearly three weeks after he went missing.

Khan said he had ordered authorities to carry out "an inquiry immediately".

Pakistan's foreign office said it had twice summoned the Afghan Charge d'Affaires to "seek clarity". Afghan officials were not immediately available for comment.

"His abduction, move to (Afghanistan), murder and follow up behaviour of (Afghan) authorities raise questions which indicate involvement or resources more than a terrorist organisation," military spokesman Major General Asif Ghrafoor said on Twitter.

It was not immediately clear how he knew Dawar had been adducted and murdered.

The governor’s office in Nangarhar said it had delivered the body to tribal elders near the Pakistani border.

Rights activists have questioned how Dawar, who was visiting family in Islamabad from Peshawar on October 26, came to be in Afghanistan.

"The police cannot tell us anything and the entire state is silent about the investigation," parliamentarian Mohsin Dawar (no relation) told Reuters.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the death of a senior police officer who disappeared from Islamabad last month and whose body was found in Afghanistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the death of a senior police officer who disappeared from Islamabad last month and whose body was found in Afghanistan. The body of Tahir Dawar, a superintendent of police in the northwestern city of Peshawar, was recovered on Tuesday in the Afghan province of Nangarhar, nearly three weeks after he went missing. Khan said he had ordered authorities to carry out "an inquiry immediately". Pakistan's foreign office said it had twice summoned the Afghan Charge d'Affaires to "seek clarity". Afghan officials were not immediately available for comment. "His abduction, move to (Afghanistan), murder and follow up behaviour of (Afghan) authorities raise questions which indicate involvement or resources more than a terrorist organisation," military spokesman Major General Asif Ghrafoor said on Twitter. It was not immediately clear how he knew Dawar had been adducted and murdered. The governor’s office in Nangarhar said it had delivered the body to tribal elders near the Pakistani border. Rights activists have questioned how Dawar, who was visiting family in Islamabad from Peshawar on October 26, came to be in Afghanistan. "The police cannot tell us anything and the entire state is silent about the investigation," parliamentarian Mohsin Dawar (no relation) told Reuters.

Pakistan PM orders probe after policeman found dead in Afghanistan

A top police officer of Pakistan's Peshawar city has been found dead in Afghanistan, 18 days after he was abducted to the war-torn country by unidentified militants, authorities said Wednesday.

Superintendent of Police (Peshawar) Tahir Khan Dawar left his residence in Islamabad for an evening walk on October 27 but did not return home.

His mobile phone's last location was traced somewhere in Jhelum city of Punjab province. After being contacted, he said that he was fine and there was no threat to his life.

The Islamabad police had constituted various teams to trace him.

Peshawar city police in a statement said that the officer had been on a short leave to Islamabad to meet his family.

His abductors released a picture of him along with a letter of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan's Khurasani group claiming responsibility for the kidnapping and the killing.

Information Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shaukat Yusafzai said that Dawar was ruthlessly killed by the abductors in Afghanistan. He was in captivity for 18 days.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry has confirmed the recovery of a body with the service card of Dawar.

The ministry has informed the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul that the body was found by local people in Dur Baba district of Nangarhar province&nbsp;Tuesday.

The body, being transferred to Jalalabad by the Afghan authorities, was yet to be received by the Consul General of Pakistan in Jalalabad. It would be subsequently transferred to Pakistan via Torkham border.

TTP Spokesman Muhammad Khalid khurasani has denied that Dawar was killed by the Taliban.

In a statement, he said that some journalists for cheap popularity attributed the murder of the Pakistani police officer to the TTP.

He said that the TTP has its own channels and websites to claim responsibility of any incident.

"We are not afraid of anyone," he said, warning the journalists of dire consequences for attributing fabricated news to the TTP.

Though nobody claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and killing, the letter found along with the body carried the name of Wilayat Khorasan, which is used by the militants of the Islamic State (IS) for border regions of&nbsp;Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The letter claimed that Dawar arrested and killed several militants and warned other officials of the same fate.&nbsp;

A top police officer of Pakistan's Peshawar city has been found dead in Afghanistan, 18 days after he was abducted to the war-torn country by unidentified militants, authorities said Wednesday.

A top police officer of Pakistan's Peshawar city has been found dead in Afghanistan, 18 days after he was abducted to the war-torn country by unidentified militants, authorities said Wednesday. Superintendent of Police (Peshawar) Tahir Khan Dawar left his residence in Islamabad for an evening walk on October 27 but did not return home. His mobile phone's last location was traced somewhere in Jhelum city of Punjab province. After being contacted, he said that he was fine and there was no threat to his life. The Islamabad police had constituted various teams to trace him. Peshawar city police in a statement said that the officer had been on a short leave to Islamabad to meet his family. His abductors released a picture of him along with a letter of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan's Khurasani group claiming responsibility for the kidnapping and the killing. Information Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shaukat Yusafzai said that Dawar was ruthlessly killed by the abductors in Afghanistan. He was in captivity for 18 days. The Afghan Foreign Ministry has confirmed the recovery of a body with the service card of Dawar. The ministry has informed the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul that the body was found by local people in Dur Baba district of Nangarhar province Tuesday. The body, being transferred to Jalalabad by the Afghan authorities, was yet to be received by the Consul General of Pakistan in Jalalabad. It would be subsequently transferred to Pakistan via Torkham border. TTP Spokesman Muhammad Khalid khurasani has denied that Dawar was killed by the Taliban. In a statement, he said that some journalists for cheap popularity attributed the murder of the Pakistani police officer to the TTP. He said that the TTP has its own channels and websites to claim responsibility of any incident. "We are not afraid of anyone," he said, warning the journalists of dire consequences for attributing fabricated news to the TTP. Though nobody claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and killing, the letter found along with the body carried the name of Wilayat Khorasan, which is used by the militants of the Islamic State (IS) for border regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The letter claimed that Dawar arrested and killed several militants and warned other officials of the same fate.

SP Peshawar found dead in Afghanistan 18 days after being abducted: Authorities

Thousands&nbsp;of&nbsp;Afghans&nbsp;have fled to Ghazni city to escape&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;in two&nbsp;Hazara-dominated&nbsp;districts, with some describing the violence Tuesday as the worst they had seen in the 17-year conflict.

The Taliban have been battling members of Afghanistan's special forces and ethnic&nbsp;Hazara&nbsp;militia in the previously safe&nbsp;districts&nbsp;of Jaghori and Malistan in the southeastern province of Ghazni for nearly a week.

Hundreds of people, including civilians, militia, commandos and militants, have been killed, according to figures provided by locals and government officials.

Many families have fled to the provincial capital, some leaving their homes in the middle of the night and travelling on side roads to avoid Taliban checkpoints.

"We were scared, other people were fleeing so we decided to leave too," said a woman called Zainab, who drove with her five children for 12 hours on dirt roads from her home in Jaghori district to Ghazni city.&nbsp;

"We have never seen this kind of war and my children and I were scared," she told AFP, adding her husband had stayed behind to protect their property.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 2,000 families displaced by the&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;are living in mosques and hostels in Ghazni city, said Abdul Haleem Noori, director of the Afghan Red Crescent Society in Ghazni.&nbsp;

Others are staying with relatives as they wait out the&nbsp;fighting.

Afghan security forces have stepped up ground and air offensives in the restive region, and US Forces also have launched air support, including aerial surveillance.

The escalation in&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity to convince the Taliban to negotiate an end to the war.

Jaghori district "is surrounded by Taliban and there are a lot of them", Mohammad Ali told AFP in a mosque where he is staying with nine family members.

"They were very well equipped with night-vision goggles and heavy weapons."

Fighting&nbsp;in the area has been ongoing since Wednesday. There are growing fears the violence could be rooted in ethnic or sectarian differences.

Most Hazaras belong to the Shiite branch of Islam.&nbsp;

The Taliban, which are Sunni and largely ethnic Pashtuns, have been accused of committing human rights violations against the group during their oppressive 1996-2001 rule.&nbsp;

As displaced families continued to arrive in Ghazni city on Tuesday, provincial police spokesman Ahmad Khan Sirat told AFP the "situation is under control".

"Commando forces have been deployed in both Jaghori and Malistan," Sirat said.

"We have reports of sporadic&nbsp;fighting."&nbsp;

The Afghan Red Crescent Society has dispatched food, warm clothes and medicine to hundreds of families still in Jaghori and Malistan&nbsp;districts.

The&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;has angered many Hazaras, who blame the government for failing to protect the minority ethnic group.

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Kabul in the past two days to demand the deployment of military reinforcements to the&nbsp;Hazara&nbsp;districts&nbsp;under Taliban attack.

A suicide bomber blew himself up near the protesters on Monday, killing at least six people and wounding 20 in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Thousands of Afghans have fled to Ghazni city to escape fighting in two Hazara-dominated districts, with some describing the violence Tuesday as the worst they had seen in the 17-year conflict.

Thousands of Afghans have fled to Ghazni city to escape fighting in two Hazara-dominated districts, with some describing the violence Tuesday as the worst they had seen in the 17-year conflict. The Taliban have been battling members of Afghanistan's special forces and ethnic Hazara militia in the previously safe districts of Jaghori and Malistan in the southeastern province of Ghazni for nearly a week. Hundreds of people, including civilians, militia, commandos and militants, have been killed, according to figures provided by locals and government officials. Many families have fled to the provincial capital, some leaving their homes in the middle of the night and travelling on side roads to avoid Taliban checkpoints. "We were scared, other people were fleeing so we decided to leave too," said a woman called Zainab, who drove with her five children for 12 hours on dirt roads from her home in Jaghori district to Ghazni city. "We have never seen this kind of war and my children and I were scared," she told AFP, adding her husband had stayed behind to protect their property. Around 2,000 families displaced by the fighting are living in mosques and hostels in Ghazni city, said Abdul Haleem Noori, director of the Afghan Red Crescent Society in Ghazni. Others are staying with relatives as they wait out the fighting. Afghan security forces have stepped up ground and air offensives in the restive region, and US Forces also have launched air support, including aerial surveillance. The escalation in fighting comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity to convince the Taliban to negotiate an end to the war. Jaghori district "is surrounded by Taliban and there are a lot of them", Mohammad Ali told AFP in a mosque where he is staying with nine family members. "They were very well equipped with night-vision goggles and heavy weapons." Fighting in the area has been ongoing since Wednesday. There are growing fears the violence could be rooted in ethnic or sectarian differences. Most Hazaras belong to the Shiite branch of Islam. The Taliban, which are Sunni and largely ethnic Pashtuns, have been accused of committing human rights violations against the group during their oppressive 1996-2001 rule. As displaced families continued to arrive in Ghazni city on Tuesday, provincial police spokesman Ahmad Khan Sirat told AFP the "situation is under control". "Commando forces have been deployed in both Jaghori and Malistan," Sirat said. "We have reports of sporadic fighting." The Afghan Red Crescent Society has dispatched food, warm clothes and medicine to hundreds of families still in Jaghori and Malistan districts. The fighting has angered many Hazaras, who blame the government for failing to protect the minority ethnic group. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Kabul in the past two days to demand the deployment of military reinforcements to the Hazara districts under Taliban attack. A suicide bomber blew himself up near the protesters on Monday, killing at least six people and wounding 20 in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

Thousands of Afghans flee fighting in Hazara districts

An explosion rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Monday, news agency ANI reported quoting TOLO News.

Afghanistan's&nbsp;ministry of interior confirmed the blast to have been carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated explosives close to a police checkpoint in Kabul city center, TOLO News reported. Six people were killed in the explosion, said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry. Ten policemen and civilians, including women, were injured in the blast, news agency Reuters reported.

According to reports, the explosion reportedly happened close to Pashtunistan Square in Kabul, TOLO News reported, adding that the blast occurred close to a site where demonstrators have been holding protests against the government's failure to prevent attacks by Taliban militants in two provinces.

Police spokesman Basir Mujahid said he was about 20 m (66 ft) away from the blast, near where a demonstration had broken up some 30 minutes before.

"I took four bodies away but there were more on the ground," he told Reuters, without giving further details.

"The suicide attacker on foot wanted to target protesters, but he was stopped at a security checkpoint some 200 metres (yards) from the site," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi was quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"It was a huge blast near Istiqlal high school, very close to where the demonstrators were gathering," witness Qais Nawabi told AFP.

The Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack, its propaganda agency Amaq said. IS has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Blast at a city centre in Kabul. Casualties feared: TOLO News <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061911945765380101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The explosion came as Afghan security forces have been suffering scores of casualties in heavy fighting with Taliban militants in two provinces.&nbsp;

As many fifteen Afghan civilians and 10 commandos, who were sent to reinforce Shi'ite militia forces fighting Taliban in the central province of Ghazni, were killed on Sunday, as a days-long battle with threatening ethnic overtones continued, news agency Reuters reported.

The fighting in Jaghori district, an area inhabited mainly by Shi'ite ethnic Hazaras, has been going on since Wednesday, when Taliban fighters attacked the district and the government sent special forces units to back up local militia forces.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An explosion rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Monday, news agency ANI reported quoting TOLO News. Afghanistan's ministry of interior confirmed the blast to have been carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated explosives close to a police checkpoint in Kabul city center, TOLO News reported.

An explosion rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Monday, news agency ANI reported quoting TOLO News. Afghanistan's ministry of interior confirmed the blast to have been carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated explosives close to a police checkpoint in Kabul city center, TOLO News reported. Six people were killed in the explosion, said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry. Ten policemen and civilians, including women, were injured in the blast, news agency Reuters reported. According to reports, the explosion reportedly happened close to Pashtunistan Square in Kabul, TOLO News reported, adding that the blast occurred close to a site where demonstrators have been holding protests against the government's failure to prevent attacks by Taliban militants in two provinces. Police spokesman Basir Mujahid said he was about 20 m (66 ft) away from the blast, near where a demonstration had broken up some 30 minutes before. "I took four bodies away but there were more on the ground," he told Reuters, without giving further details. "The suicide attacker on foot wanted to target protesters, but he was stopped at a security checkpoint some 200 metres (yards) from the site," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi was quoted by news agency AFP. "It was a huge blast near Istiqlal high school, very close to where the demonstrators were gathering," witness Qais Nawabi told AFP. The Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack, its propaganda agency Amaq said. IS has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months. Blast at a city centre in Kabul. Casualties feared: TOLO News #Afghanistan — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × The explosion came as Afghan security forces have been suffering scores of casualties in heavy fighting with Taliban militants in two provinces. As many fifteen Afghan civilians and 10 commandos, who were sent to reinforce Shi'ite militia forces fighting Taliban in the central province of Ghazni, were killed on Sunday, as a days-long battle with threatening ethnic overtones continued, news agency Reuters reported. The fighting in Jaghori district, an area inhabited mainly by Shi'ite ethnic Hazaras, has been going on since Wednesday, when Taliban fighters attacked the district and the government sent special forces units to back up local militia forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Suicide bomber attacks Kabul city centre, Ministry of Interior says at least 6 dead

The Islamic State group claimed a suicide attack that killed six people in Kabul on Monday and wounded 20 others, its propaganda agency Amaq said.

"A suicide attacker wearing an explosives belt hits a gathering of Shiites near the presidential palace... in Kabul," Amaq said.

Afghan interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said at least six people were killed in the blast, which struck in front of a high school in the downtown area of the Afghan capital, near the presidential palace.

Initial reports indicated most of the victims were members of the security forces, but Danish said civilians, including several women, had borne the brunt of the carnage.

The attack hit close to where scores of Afghans had been protesting Taliban attacks on the minority Hazara ethnic group, most of whom belong to the Shiite branch of Islam.&nbsp;

"The suicide attacker on foot wanted to target protesters, but he was stopped at a security checkpoint some 200 metres (660 feet) from the site," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said.

IS has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months.

On October 31, an IS suicide bomber targeting a bus carrying employees of Afghanistan's biggest prison -- also in Kabul -- killed at least seven people.

That attack came days after a suicide bomber blew himself up near the entrance of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission in the capital, killing at least one person.

The Islamic State group claimed a suicide attack that killed six people in Kabul on Monday and wounded 20 others, its propaganda agency Amaq said. "A suicide attacker wearing an explosives belt hits a gathering of Shiites near the presidential palace.

The Islamic State group claimed a suicide attack that killed six people in Kabul on Monday and wounded 20 others, its propaganda agency Amaq said. "A suicide attacker wearing an explosives belt hits a gathering of Shiites near the presidential palace... in Kabul," Amaq said. Afghan interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said at least six people were killed in the blast, which struck in front of a high school in the downtown area of the Afghan capital, near the presidential palace. Initial reports indicated most of the victims were members of the security forces, but Danish said civilians, including several women, had borne the brunt of the carnage. The attack hit close to where scores of Afghans had been protesting Taliban attacks on the minority Hazara ethnic group, most of whom belong to the Shiite branch of Islam. "The suicide attacker on foot wanted to target protesters, but he was stopped at a security checkpoint some 200 metres (660 feet) from the site," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said. IS has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months. On October 31, an IS suicide bomber targeting a bus carrying employees of Afghanistan's biggest prison -- also in Kabul -- killed at least seven people. That attack came days after a suicide bomber blew himself up near the entrance of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission in the capital, killing at least one person.

IS claims deadly Kabul attack: Propaganda agency

Afghan security forces suffered scores of casualties in heavy fighting, officials said on Monday, as Taliban militants step up battlefield pressure while seeking a political settlement with the United States.

About 50 security forces were killed in attacks late on Sunday by Taliban fighters on checkposts around the southwestern city of Farah and nearby districts that triggered hours of fighting, regional officials said.

At the same time, about 25 Afghan commandos were killed in the central province of Ghazni, where the Taliban have been battling militia from the mainly Shi'ite Hazara community in the districts of Malistan and Jaghori, a conflict coloured by hostility between ethnic Hazaras and Pashtuns.

"Fresh troops have been sent to Malistan and Jaghori but the people are also cooperating and have stood up against the insurgents," Army General Chief of Staff, Mohammad Sharif Yaftali, told reporters.

Some commandos had been killed or wounded, he added, but gave no details.

US&nbsp;commanders have said they expect the Taliban to step up military efforts to secure the best possible position while they maintain contacts with US&nbsp;special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad aimed at opening peace negotiations.

Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former US&nbsp;ambassador to Kabul, met President Ashraf Ghani and other officials at the weekend, in his latest round of meetings following an initial meeting last month with Taliban officials in Qatar.

But Sunday's fighting underscores the pressure on Afghanistan's overstretched security forces, suffering from their highest level of casualties ever, estimates from the NATO-led Resolute Support mission show.

The government no longer releases exact casualty figures but officials say at least 500 men are being killed each month and hundreds more wounded, a tally many consider an underestimate.

Ghazni, briefly overrun by the Taliban in August, sits on the highway linking Kabul, the capital, to the major southern city of Kandahar. It is also a gateway into the mountainous central provinces of Hazarajat, home mainly to Hazara people.

Security officials said heavy fighting in Malistan took a major toll of commandos unfamiliar with the terrain after they came under Taliban attack.

The Ghazni fighting prompted demonstrations in Kabul and Ghazni by Hazaras demanding more government help.

Late on Sunday, Taliban fighters also attacked Farah city as well as checkpoints in the nearby districts of Khaki Safed and Bala Buluk, said Shah Mahmood Rahimi, deputy head of the Farah Provincial Council.

He said 45 Afghan local police were killed in the fighting, along with five soldiers.

Local police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib confirmed attacks on several security checkposts, adding that a Taliban commander and five of his fighters were killed but said he had no information on casualties.

Remote and sparsely populated Farah, criss-crossed by smuggling routes into neighbouring Iran, is under heavy pressure from the Taliban, who control much of the countryside and who briefly overran the city in May.

Afghan security forces suffered scores of casualties in heavy fighting, officials said on Monday, as Taliban militants step up battlefield pressure while seeking a political settlement with the United States.

Afghan security forces suffered scores of casualties in heavy fighting, officials said on Monday, as Taliban militants step up battlefield pressure while seeking a political settlement with the United States. About 50 security forces were killed in attacks late on Sunday by Taliban fighters on checkposts around the southwestern city of Farah and nearby districts that triggered hours of fighting, regional officials said. At the same time, about 25 Afghan commandos were killed in the central province of Ghazni, where the Taliban have been battling militia from the mainly Shi'ite Hazara community in the districts of Malistan and Jaghori, a conflict coloured by hostility between ethnic Hazaras and Pashtuns. "Fresh troops have been sent to Malistan and Jaghori but the people are also cooperating and have stood up against the insurgents," Army General Chief of Staff, Mohammad Sharif Yaftali, told reporters. Some commandos had been killed or wounded, he added, but gave no details. US commanders have said they expect the Taliban to step up military efforts to secure the best possible position while they maintain contacts with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad aimed at opening peace negotiations. Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former US ambassador to Kabul, met President Ashraf Ghani and other officials at the weekend, in his latest round of meetings following an initial meeting last month with Taliban officials in Qatar. But Sunday's fighting underscores the pressure on Afghanistan's overstretched security forces, suffering from their highest level of casualties ever, estimates from the NATO-led Resolute Support mission show. The government no longer releases exact casualty figures but officials say at least 500 men are being killed each month and hundreds more wounded, a tally many consider an underestimate. Ghazni, briefly overrun by the Taliban in August, sits on the highway linking Kabul, the capital, to the major southern city of Kandahar. It is also a gateway into the mountainous central provinces of Hazarajat, home mainly to Hazara people. Security officials said heavy fighting in Malistan took a major toll of commandos unfamiliar with the terrain after they came under Taliban attack. The Ghazni fighting prompted demonstrations in Kabul and Ghazni by Hazaras demanding more government help. Late on Sunday, Taliban fighters also attacked Farah city as well as checkpoints in the nearby districts of Khaki Safed and Bala Buluk, said Shah Mahmood Rahimi, deputy head of the Farah Provincial Council. He said 45 Afghan local police were killed in the fighting, along with five soldiers. Local police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib confirmed attacks on several security checkposts, adding that a Taliban commander and five of his fighters were killed but said he had no information on casualties. Remote and sparsely populated Farah, criss-crossed by smuggling routes into neighbouring Iran, is under heavy pressure from the Taliban, who control much of the countryside and who briefly overran the city in May.

Afghan forces suffer heavy causalities as Taliban steps up attack

WION Gravitas: India participates in Afghan peace summit at 'non-official' level

afghanistan-0

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

afghanistan 0