The clock is certainly ticking, in three days all foreign troops will leave Afghanistan as per the deadline set for US troops withdrawal after 20 years of war but the world is dreading a thought that what will happen after August 31 in Afghanistan? WION brings you a report.

Taliban vows 'consequences' if deadline not met

Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen recently blamed Ashraf Ghani for the chaos that the country has to go through and said that he did a mistake by abandoning the government all of a sudden.

Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen recently blamed Ashraf Ghani for the chaos that the country has to go through and said that he did a mistake by abandoning the government all of a sudden. In an exclusive interview to Doha News, the spokesperson said on August 15, when the Taliban were 'looking forward to' a peaceful transfer of power and the fighters were waiting outside the gate of Kabul, Ashraf Ghani suddenly fled. "He made a mistake of abandoning the government...This is what resulted in the sudden vacuum, plundering and shooting," the Taliban spokesperson said. 🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Taliban’s political spokesperson in Qatar, @SuhailShaheen1 says Afghan President Ashraf Ghani must return “the money of the people of Afghanistan”#afghanistan #taliban #qatar #dohanews WATCH ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/v7E2xdIIYD — Doha News (@dohanews) August 29, 2021 × On the other hand, Ashraf Ghani refuted reports of both fleeing the country and fleeing with money. He gave a message saying that that he was forced to leave the country to avoid bloodshed. He did not even have the time to change his slippers, he said, adding that there was no question of taking 'tonnes of money'. Meanwhile, a little after US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan. Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15. The source of the explosion was a rocket that has hit a house near the north gate of Kabul airport. However, the airport has not been hit. US officials have told news agency Reuters that the US has carried out a strike in Kabul and it is understood that the same rocket strike landed in the residential area. However, the claim is yet to be confirmed. The officials have claimed that the US was targeting some ISIS-K members through a fresh military strike. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed in a text message to journalists that on Sunday the US was targeting a suicide bomber of ISIS-K in a vehicle who was about to attack the Kabul airport. Following the explosion, Taliban have increased security in the area. This explosion happened a few hours after the US President Joe Biden warned that there is a possibility of another attack near the Kabul airport and the US embassy in Kabul had urged its citizens to stay away from the clear vicinity of the airport.

Taliban accuses Ashraf Ghani of fleeing the country with money

Gravitas Plus with WION's Palki Sharma | Who will be the next leader of Afghanistan? Who is Akhundzada? Who is Mohammad Yaqoob? Who is Abdul Ghani Baradar? These names are new, but we must familiarise ourselves with these faces if we are to understand the Afghanistan story.

Gravitas Plus | Afghanistan: 5 faces to watch out for

Nick Cannon is now the father of 12 children. Cannon and his girlfriend, Alyssa Scott, welcomed their second child, a baby girl, on December 14. On December 29th, Scott shared the good news with the world via her Instagram handle.

Nick Cannon is now the father of 12 children. Cannon and his girlfriend, Alyssa Scott, welcomed their second child, a baby girl, on December 14. On December 29th, Scott shared the good news with the world via her Instagram handle. Sharing a heartwarming video in which the model remembered her late son Zen, Scott penned a touching note as she revealed the name of their baby girl, i.e., Halo Marie Cannon. Vivienne Westwood dies, Victoria Beckham, Claudia Schiffer and others pay tribute: 'A talented dame' ''December 14, 2022, Our lives are forever changed. Zen is in every breath I take. I know his spirit was with us in the room that morning. I know he is watching down on us; he shows me signs every day. I will hold on to this memory forever. I will remember the sound of Nick's voice saying "It’s a girl" and the look of everything we’ve been through flashing across his face. I will remember the sound of her crying out with her first breath and feeling her heartbeat against mine. My sweet girl, I got my surprise!! We love you, Halo Marie Cannon!" Alyssa captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alyssa (@itsalyssaemm) × Nick and Alyssa's first child, Zen, died in December 2021 due to a brain tumour. Scott is also a mother of a four-year-old daughter Zeela. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alyssa (@itsalyssaemm) × In November, Alyssa revealed that she was expecting her second child with Nick. Sharing a photo from their maternity shoot, Alyssa wrote: "This is a MIRACLE & a BLESSING.'' Nick Cannon welcomed his 11th child, a baby girl, in November this year. The 'Masked Singer' announced the birth of his baby girl, Beautiful Zeppelin Cannon, with model Abby De La Rosa. Cannon and Rosa are already parents of twins, Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alyssa (@itsalyssaemm) × Andy Cohen will still be drinking on-air during New Year's Eve telecast despite drinking ban In September, Brittany Bell gave birth to her third child and Nick's 10th, Rise Messiah Cannon. Bell and Nichol also share a son, Golden, and a daughter, Powerful Queen. This year, Cannon also welcomed a daughter, Onyx, with model Lanisha Cole. This year, in July, Nick welcomed his eighth child, a baby boy with model Bre Tiesi. He was previously married to singer Mariah Carey from 2008 to 2016, and with her, he has two children: a son, Moroccan, and a daughter, Monroe.

Taliban kill Afghan folk singer days after having tea with him

France and Britain will on Monday urge the United Nations to work for the creation of a "safe zone" in the Afghan capital Kabul to protect humanitarian operations, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

"This is very important. This would provide a framework for the United Nations to act in an emergency," Macron said in comments published in the weekly Journal du Dimanche.

Above all such a safe zone would allow the international community "to maintain pressure on the Taliban," who are now in power in Afghanistan, the French leader added.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council, France, Britain, the US, Russia and China, will meet on Monday to discuss the Afghanistan situation.&nbsp;

Paris and London will take the opportunity to present a draft resolution which "aims to define, under UN control, a 'safe zone'&nbsp;in Kabul, that will allow humanitarian operations to continue", Macron said.

"This project is completely feasible," he said on a visit to Mosul in Iraq, after vowing to keep troops in the country.&nbsp;

"I am very hopeful that it will be successful, I don't see who could be against making humanitarian projects secure."

His comments come as international efforts to airlift foreign nationals and vulnerable Afghanis out of the country come to an end.&nbsp;

France ended its evacuation efforts on Friday and the United Kingdom followed suit on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-visits-us-air-base-to-pay-tribute-to-service-personnel-killed-in-kabul-409232">Also read |&nbsp;Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul</a>

US troops have been scrambling in dangerous and chaotic conditions to complete a massive evacuation operation from the Kabul airport by an August 31 deadline.

Macron announced on Saturday that discussions had been "started with the Taliban" to "protect and repatriate" Afghan nationals at risk beyond August 31.

Speaking to reporters in Iraq, where he was attending a meeting of key regional leaders, Macron added that with help from Qatar, which maintains good relations with the Taliban, there was a possibility of further airlift operations.

He added that France had evacuated 2,834 people from Afghanistan since August 17.

In the article published by the French Sunday newspaper, Macron also took aim at the kind of talk going on in some quarters in France which "stir fears" about the arrival of Afghan refugees in France.

"My role is not to stir up fears among our compatriots, it is to provide solutions to resolve them," he added, assuring that he aims to manage migratory pressures with "humanity, firmness, with an ability to protect our borders as necessary".

France and Britain will on Monday urge the United Nations to work for the creation of a "safe zone" in the Afghan capital Kabul to protect humanitarian operations, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

France and Britain will on Monday urge the United Nations to work for the creation of a "safe zone" in the Afghan capital Kabul to protect humanitarian operations, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "This is very important. This would provide a framework for the United Nations to act in an emergency," Macron said in comments published in the weekly Journal du Dimanche. Above all such a safe zone would allow the international community "to maintain pressure on the Taliban," who are now in power in Afghanistan, the French leader added. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council, France, Britain, the US, Russia and China, will meet on Monday to discuss the Afghanistan situation. Paris and London will take the opportunity to present a draft resolution which "aims to define, under UN control, a 'safe zone' in Kabul, that will allow humanitarian operations to continue", Macron said. "This project is completely feasible," he said on a visit to Mosul in Iraq, after vowing to keep troops in the country. "I am very hopeful that it will be successful, I don't see who could be against making humanitarian projects secure." His comments come as international efforts to airlift foreign nationals and vulnerable Afghanis out of the country come to an end. France ended its evacuation efforts on Friday and the United Kingdom followed suit on Saturday. Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul US troops have been scrambling in dangerous and chaotic conditions to complete a massive evacuation operation from the Kabul airport by an August 31 deadline. Macron announced on Saturday that discussions had been "started with the Taliban" to "protect and repatriate" Afghan nationals at risk beyond August 31. Speaking to reporters in Iraq, where he was attending a meeting of key regional leaders, Macron added that with help from Qatar, which maintains good relations with the Taliban, there was a possibility of further airlift operations. He added that France had evacuated 2,834 people from Afghanistan since August 17. In the article published by the French Sunday newspaper, Macron also took aim at the kind of talk going on in some quarters in France which "stir fears" about the arrival of Afghan refugees in France. "My role is not to stir up fears among our compatriots, it is to provide solutions to resolve them," he added, assuring that he aims to manage migratory pressures with "humanity, firmness, with an ability to protect our borders as necessary".

Macron calls for Kabul 'safe zone'

As the deadline of withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan draws near,&nbsp;US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has announced that the Taliban will allow a safe passage even after August 31.

"The Taliban have made commitments to us...and we have leverage to hold them to those commitment," Sullivan claimed.

However, he also announced that the US will not have a physical presence in Afghanistan from September, but the US will consider "more strikes, other operations" against the ISIS-K — the terrorist group which attacked the Kabul airport a week ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-as-us-official-admits-military-strike-carried-out-in-same-area-409224">Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US official admits military strike carried out in same area</a>

"The US is capable of suppressing the terrorism threat in Afghanistan without a permanent military presence on the ground," Sullivan said.

Sullivan's assurance has come as the&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that only 300 American citizens are left to be evacuated from Afghanistan now.

"We have about 300 American citizens left, who have indicated to us that they want to leave. We are very actively working to help them get to the airport, get on a plane and get out of Afghanistan," he told ABC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-visits-us-air-base-to-pay-tribute-to-service-personnel-killed-in-kabul-409232">Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul</a>

The issue of Taliban providing a safe passage to US citizens after August 31 deadline came as some American citizens have decided to stay back in Afghanistan for now. Assuring that these American citizens "are not going to be stuck in Afghanistan", Blinken assured that the US government has&nbsp;"a mechanism to get them out."

This announcement by the US officials have come as another loud explosion was heard across the Kabul city. After the explosion, smoke was seen rising from the residential area of the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15 — an area that is few kilometres away from the north gate of Kabul airport.

Meanwhile, US President&nbsp;Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden paid respects to the 13 members of the US troops who were killed in the deadly Kabul airport attack that took place last week.&nbsp;

As the deadline of withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan draws near, US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has announced that the Taliban will allow a safe passage even after August 31.

As the deadline of withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan draws near, US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has announced that the Taliban will allow a safe passage even after August 31. "The Taliban have made commitments to us...and we have leverage to hold them to those commitment," Sullivan claimed. However, he also announced that the US will not have a physical presence in Afghanistan from September, but the US will consider "more strikes, other operations" against the ISIS-K — the terrorist group which attacked the Kabul airport a week ago. Also read | Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US official admits military strike carried out in same area "The US is capable of suppressing the terrorism threat in Afghanistan without a permanent military presence on the ground," Sullivan said. Sullivan's assurance has come as the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that only 300 American citizens are left to be evacuated from Afghanistan now. "We have about 300 American citizens left, who have indicated to us that they want to leave. We are very actively working to help them get to the airport, get on a plane and get out of Afghanistan," he told ABC. Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul The issue of Taliban providing a safe passage to US citizens after August 31 deadline came as some American citizens have decided to stay back in Afghanistan for now. Assuring that these American citizens "are not going to be stuck in Afghanistan", Blinken assured that the US government has "a mechanism to get them out." This announcement by the US officials have come as another loud explosion was heard across the Kabul city. After the explosion, smoke was seen rising from the residential area of the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15 — an area that is few kilometres away from the north gate of Kabul airport. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden paid respects to the 13 members of the US troops who were killed in the deadly Kabul airport attack that took place last week.

Blinken says only 300 Americans left to evacuate; Sullivan assures Taliban to provide safe passage after August 31

Two athletes from Afghanistan finally arrived in Tokyo on Saturday (August 28) to participate in the ongoing Paralympics Games after one of them made a video appeal for help to leave Kabul so she could take part in the Games.&nbsp;

Taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi and discus thrower Hossain Rasouli were evacuated from the Afghan capital a week ago and landed in Tokyo on a flight from Paris, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said in a statement.

When they reached Tokyo, they were tested for COVID-19 before being taken to the athletes' village.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-killed-two-high-profile-isis-targets-in-afghanistan-drone-strike-pentagon-409060">US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon</a>

"Through their participation in the Games and performances on the field-of-play, the athletes call for hope, peace and solidarity for the people of Afghanistan and the world," the IPC said.

The athletes were due to arrive in Tokyo on August 17 but they could not travel to Japan after the Taliban took control over the country, routing government forces.&nbsp;

They had missed the&nbsp;opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games on Tuesday (August 24), however, their country's flag was carried during the event, spreading a "message of solidarity and peace".&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-venice-film-festival-afghan-film-director-sahraa-karimi-to-talk-about-her-countrys-plight-408951">Venice Film Festival: Afghan film director Sahraa Karimi to talk about her country's plight</a>

"I request from you all, that I am an Afghan woman and as a representative of Afghan women ask for you to help me," Khudadadi said in her video appeal, which was sent to Reuters by the Afghanistan Paralympic Committee.

Paralympic officials had said initially that the Afghan athletes would be unable to attend the Games&nbsp;and promised to help them participate in the next Games in 2024 in Paris.

Watch:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-sharia-law-409052/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"That announcement kickstarted a major global operation that led to their safe evacuation from Afghanistan ... and now their safe arrival in Tokyo," IPC President Andrew Parsons said in a separate statement.

Khudadadi, Afghanistan's first female athlete at the Paralympic Games since Athens 2004, is due to compete in the women's Taekwondo event on September 2.

Rasouli will participate in the heats of the men's 400 metres the following day, the IPC said.

(inputs from agencies)

Two athletes from Afghanistan finally arrived in Tokyo on Saturday (August 28) to participate in the ongoing Paralympics Games after one of them made a video appeal for help to leave Kabul so she could take part in the Games.

Two athletes from Afghanistan finally arrived in Tokyo on Saturday (August 28) to participate in the ongoing Paralympics Games after one of them made a video appeal for help to leave Kabul so she could take part in the Games. Taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi and discus thrower Hossain Rasouli were evacuated from the Afghan capital a week ago and landed in Tokyo on a flight from Paris, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said in a statement. When they reached Tokyo, they were tested for COVID-19 before being taken to the athletes' village. ALSO READ | US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon "Through their participation in the Games and performances on the field-of-play, the athletes call for hope, peace and solidarity for the people of Afghanistan and the world," the IPC said. The athletes were due to arrive in Tokyo on August 17 but they could not travel to Japan after the Taliban took control over the country, routing government forces. They had missed the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games on Tuesday (August 24), however, their country's flag was carried during the event, spreading a "message of solidarity and peace". ALSO READ | Venice Film Festival: Afghan film director Sahraa Karimi to talk about her country's plight "I request from you all, that I am an Afghan woman and as a representative of Afghan women ask for you to help me," Khudadadi said in her video appeal, which was sent to Reuters by the Afghanistan Paralympic Committee. Paralympic officials had said initially that the Afghan athletes would be unable to attend the Games and promised to help them participate in the next Games in 2024 in Paris. Watch: × "That announcement kickstarted a major global operation that led to their safe evacuation from Afghanistan ... and now their safe arrival in Tokyo," IPC President Andrew Parsons said in a separate statement. Khudadadi, Afghanistan's first female athlete at the Paralympic Games since Athens 2004, is due to compete in the women's Taekwondo event on September 2. Rasouli will participate in the heats of the men's 400 metres the following day, the IPC said. (inputs from agencies)

Tokyo Paralympics: Afghanistan athletes to compete in Games after evacuation

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.”

Like the United States, UK has also been facing criticism for failing to pre-empt the quick takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban forces and not making adequate preparations for the smooth evacuation of British nationals and vulnerable Afghans.

In a video clip uploaded to Twitter, he said, “UK troops and officials have worked around the clock to a remorseless deadline in harrowing conditions. They have expended all the patience and care and thought they possess to help people in fear for their lives.”

“They’ve seen at first-hand barbaric terrorist attacks on the queues of people they were trying to comfort, as well as on our American friends. They didn't flinch. They kept calm. They got on with the job. It’s thanks to their colossal exertions that this country has now processed, checked, vetted and airlifted more than 15,000 people to safety in less than two weeks.”

On Saturday, the final British troops and diplomatic staff were airlifted from Kabul, culminating a chaotic two weeks&nbsp;of the evacuation process which saw thousands of Afghans fleeing, fearing the Taliban rule.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-few-hours-after-bidens-warning-409224">Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning</a>

However, as per reports, over 150 British nationals and more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted the western forces have been left behind.&nbsp;

Johnson said however that while Britain would not have wished to leave Afghanistan in the way it did, the armed forces should still be proud of their achievements.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said it had worked tirelessly to evacuate people but it had always cautioned that it would not be able to help everyone. The spokesperson declined to give any further details on the process.

Britain`s defence minister, Ben Wallace, predicted last week that time had run out to evacuate around 1,000 Afghans who were eligible to come to Britain, including former staff to the UK.

(with inputs from agencies)

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.” Like the United States, UK has also been facing criticism for failing to pre-empt the quick takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban forces and not making adequate preparations for the smooth evacuation of British nationals and vulnerable Afghans. In a video clip uploaded to Twitter, he said, “UK troops and officials have worked around the clock to a remorseless deadline in harrowing conditions. They have expended all the patience and care and thought they possess to help people in fear for their lives.” “They’ve seen at first-hand barbaric terrorist attacks on the queues of people they were trying to comfort, as well as on our American friends. They didn't flinch. They kept calm. They got on with the job. It’s thanks to their colossal exertions that this country has now processed, checked, vetted and airlifted more than 15,000 people to safety in less than two weeks.” On Saturday, the final British troops and diplomatic staff were airlifted from Kabul, culminating a chaotic two weeks of the evacuation process which saw thousands of Afghans fleeing, fearing the Taliban rule. Also read | Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning However, as per reports, over 150 British nationals and more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted the western forces have been left behind. Johnson said however that while Britain would not have wished to leave Afghanistan in the way it did, the armed forces should still be proud of their achievements. A Foreign Office spokesperson said it had worked tirelessly to evacuate people but it had always cautioned that it would not be able to help everyone. The spokesperson declined to give any further details on the process. Britain`s defence minister, Ben Wallace, predicted last week that time had run out to evacuate around 1,000 Afghans who were eligible to come to Britain, including former staff to the UK. (with inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson defends Kabul evacuation amid criticism

The US is in its final stage of leaving Kabul with just about a thousand civilians left at the airport to be airlifted. With this, the Taliban is set to take control of the Kabul airport.

US Troop withdrawal starts, last 1000 civilians to be airlifted

Days after a deadly attack at the Kabul airport killed scores of civilians, America has warned of another terror attack that is likely to hit the Kabul airport. US President Joe Biden has issued a statement where he has warned that the situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous and a new attack on Kabul airport is highly likely in 24 to 36 hours.

US President Joe Biden: Kabul airport attack 'highly likely' soon

Afghanistan plunges into deeper turmoil with an imminent threat to the neighboring nations. India is stepping up efforts to be on the safe side and in the latest development Indian Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his US counterpart Anthony Blinken over the phone.

Jaishankar discusses afghan crisis with US Secy of State

US President Joe Biden Warns, this strike was not the last

The rivalry between two extremist movements the Taliban and the Islamic State is now at the far front of Afghanistan following the suicide bomb attack at the Kabul airport claimed by is Khorasan.

Report: 6 Islamic state operatives, including 2 Malaysians arrested

The Taliban are preparing a new cabinet as the US-led evacuation nears its end. The Taliban may announce their new cabinet within the next two weeks.

Afghanistan: The Taliban to announce new cabinet in 2 weeks?

'He would've been the best dad,' said the young widow of a US Marine, who died in the devastating&nbsp;ISIS-K suicide blast in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Thursday (August 26), in a&nbsp;heartwrenching note.&nbsp;

The 20-year-old US Marine Rylee McCollum was one of the 13&nbsp;troops killed in&nbsp;horrific suicide bombing outside&nbsp;the Kabul airport, which also claimed the lives of over 170 Afghans.&nbsp;

His wife Jiennah Crayton, who is expecting their first child next month, paid an emotional tribute to her husband.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-joe-biden-demanding-answers-over-afghanistan-china-terrorism-nuclear-weapon-and-more-409006">US lawmakers write to Joe Biden demanding answers over Afghanistan, China, terrorism, nuclear weapon and more</a>

<img alt="Rylee McCollum " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a20db32-0b77-4b3e-9e17-0f42b2cfa445" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rylee%20McCollum_0.jpg" />

(Image Source: Facebook/Jiennah Crayton)

"i lost my best friend. and nothing will ever make that hurt less. he would’ve been the best dad," Jiennah Crayton posted on the Facebook accout.&nbsp;

She added, "i wish he could see how much of an impact he made on this world. i’m so proud to call him my husband."

"but i just wanted to say thank you for all the love and support i’ve received today. times like this it’s all i can ask for. much love to the other families affected by this. they are all heroes forever," Jiennah further wrote.&nbsp;

<img alt="Jiennah Crayton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1812b95-52db-4c8a-ad6e-b7479d3ff520" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kabul.PNG" />

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="738" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjiennah.crayton%2Fposts%2F4441115189278465&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jiennah Crayton's mother told The Sun: "I hadn't known (my daughter) to be so happy until she married (McCollum) and found out she was pregnant. It was like she was complete."

Rylee was looking forward to return home in October to his newborn child. The US is evacuating as many people from Afghanistan as possible before an August 31 deadline after announcing troops withdrawal from the region.&nbsp;

When the suicide bomb blasts rocked Kabul, McCollum was manning a checkpoint at Hamid Karzai International Airport.&nbsp;

It was McCollum's first-ever military deployment.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-guard-kabul-airport-as-nato-troops-leave-afghanistan-409149">Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan</a>

Watch:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kabuliwala-worry-about-their-relatives-in-kabul-409073/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Rylee's father, Jim, told The New York Times that McCollum was "the most patriotic kid you could find". He added that his son "loved America, loved the military. Tough as nails with a heart of gold".

The Daily Mail has reported that Rylee and Jiennah met in San Diego while McCollum was in training and married in February of this year.&nbsp;

The Pentagon has released the names of the 13 American service members killed in the blasts. They include 11 Marines, one Navy sailor who was assigned to a Marine Corps unit, and an Army Special Forces soldier.&nbsp;

'He would've been the best dad,' said the young widow of a US Marine, who died in the devastating ISIS-K suicide blast in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Thursday (August 26), in a heartwrenching note.

'He would've been the best dad,' said the young widow of a US Marine, who died in the devastating ISIS-K suicide blast in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Thursday (August 26), in a heartwrenching note. The 20-year-old US Marine Rylee McCollum was one of the 13 troops killed in horrific suicide bombing outside the Kabul airport, which also claimed the lives of over 170 Afghans. His wife Jiennah Crayton, who is expecting their first child next month, paid an emotional tribute to her husband. ALSO READ | US lawmakers write to Joe Biden demanding answers over Afghanistan, China, terrorism, nuclear weapon and more (Image Source: Facebook/Jiennah Crayton) "i lost my best friend. and nothing will ever make that hurt less. he would’ve been the best dad," Jiennah Crayton posted on the Facebook accout. She added, "i wish he could see how much of an impact he made on this world. i’m so proud to call him my husband." "but i just wanted to say thank you for all the love and support i’ve received today. times like this it’s all i can ask for. much love to the other families affected by this. they are all heroes forever," Jiennah further wrote. × Jiennah Crayton's mother told The Sun: "I hadn't known (my daughter) to be so happy until she married (McCollum) and found out she was pregnant. It was like she was complete." Rylee was looking forward to return home in October to his newborn child. The US is evacuating as many people from Afghanistan as possible before an August 31 deadline after announcing troops withdrawal from the region. When the suicide bomb blasts rocked Kabul, McCollum was manning a checkpoint at Hamid Karzai International Airport. It was McCollum's first-ever military deployment. ALSO READ | Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan Watch: × Rylee's father, Jim, told The New York Times that McCollum was "the most patriotic kid you could find". He added that his son "loved America, loved the military. Tough as nails with a heart of gold". The Daily Mail has reported that Rylee and Jiennah met in San Diego while McCollum was in training and married in February of this year. The Pentagon has released the names of the 13 American service members killed in the blasts. They include 11 Marines, one Navy sailor who was assigned to a Marine Corps unit, and an Army Special Forces soldier.

'Best dad': Pregnant wife of US Marine killed in Kabul pays emotional tribute

Almost two weeks have passed since the Taliban took over Afghanistan. Now Afghan economy is on the brink of collapse, the country is facing an acute financial crunch.

Afghan economy on brink of collapse after Taliban takeover

''US President Joe Biden made the wrong call in Afghanistan,'' says Fred Fleitz, President of Center For Security Policy & Former NSC Chief of Staff in a conversation with WION's. He also added that Biden chose to withdraw abruptly without working with the Afghan army.

'Biden chose to withdraw abruptly without working with Afghan army', says Fred Fleitz

As the deadline for the US troops' withdrawal nears, the world is rushing to evacuate its citizens and vulnerable Afghans and the forefront is the United States. WION brings you all about the final phase of evacuation in Kabul.

As clock ticks countries rush to evacuate nationals from Afghanistan

Osama bin Laden was found & killed in Pakistan. Taliban leader Mullah Baradar was arrested from Pakistan. Designated terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar still live in Pakistan. How did Pakistan become the world capital of terrorism? WION's Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas | Pakistan: Terror capital of the world

The Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has led to a massive exodus -with thousands of Afghans fleeing the war-torn nation. West Asia is the first to bear the brunt of this refugee crisis. On The West Asia Post tonight, Ghadi Francis tells you more about this crisis.

The West Asia Post: West Asia braces for Afghan migrant wave

The Haqqani Network is the most-feared terror group in Afghanistan. It has a reputation for ruthlessness. The Haqqanis have attacked the Indian embassy, tried to assassinate then-Afghan President Hamid Karzai. How did this terror group become so powerful?

Gravitas: The rise of the Haqqanis

They are called the Afghan branch of the Islamic State. They accuse the Taliban of 'not being radical enough'. And they have claimed responsibility for the Kabul blasts. Who are ISIS-K - the extremists putting Taliban to shame? WION's Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: ISIS-K: Group behind the Kabul blasts

US Intelligence inputs claim that 7 ISIS terrorists are on the loose after the Kabul airport attack. They left from a mosque in central Kabul after the Friday prayers. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the latest with WION Correspondent Anas Mallick.

Gravitas: 7 ISIS terrorists on the loose after Kabul Airport Bombing

Gravitas | A civil war in Afghanistan looks imminent. Terrorists of all hues want influence in the Taliban's 'Emirate'. They're united against the west but divided on how to rule Afghanistan. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the Taliban will be unable to control them.

Gravitas: Terror groups fight for control in Afghanistan

A day after an attack outside Kabul’s airport, the United States has announced that it carried out a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan against a “planner” of an ISIL-affiliated group. The unmanned airstrike occurred in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan.

United States announces that it carried out a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan

The United States has announced that it carried out a drone attack in eastern Afghanistan against a “planner” of an ISIL-affiliated group, a day after an attack outside Kabul’s airport that killed at least 175 people and 13 US troops.

United States conducts airstrike in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province

Taliban has ramped up security at Kabul airport. The city is in mourning mode after Taliban's capture and the subsequent bombings in Kabul.

Deserted look in Kabul after recent bombings near Hamid Karzai International Airport

The Taliban on Saturday condemned a drone strike by the US against the militant of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) which took credit for the suicide attack outside the Kabul airport, terming, the operation as a “clear attack on Afghan territory”.

On Friday, the US military said it carried out a drone strike against a "planner" of the IS-K following the deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport.

“The unmanned airstrike occurred in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan. Initial indications are that we killed the target," said Captain Bill Urban of the Central Command.

“We know of no civilian casualties,” he added in a statement announcing the first reported US strike since the attack.

The strike, launched from outside of Afghanistan, came as the airlift of evacuees from Kabul airport continued under much-heightened security after Thursday's attack.

At least 78 people were killed, including 13 US troops, when a suicide attacker exploded a bomb in the dense crowd in front of the airport's Abbey Gate. Some media reported that fatalities numbered close to 200.

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid Mujahid said the militant organisation is expected to take full control of Kabul airport very shortly, once US forces leave, and would announce a full cabinet in the coming days.

He said officials had already been appointed to run key institutions including the ministries of public health and education and the central bank.

He also said he expected the serious economic turbulence which has hit the Afghani currency to ease soon.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban on Saturday condemned a drone strike by the US against the militant of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) which took credit for the suicide attack outside the Kabul airport, terming, the operation as a “clear attack on Afghan territory”.

The Taliban on Saturday condemned a drone strike by the US against the militant of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) which took credit for the suicide attack outside the Kabul airport, terming, the operation as a “clear attack on Afghan territory”. On Friday, the US military said it carried out a drone strike against a "planner" of the IS-K following the deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport. “The unmanned airstrike occurred in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan. Initial indications are that we killed the target," said Captain Bill Urban of the Central Command. “We know of no civilian casualties,” he added in a statement announcing the first reported US strike since the attack. The strike, launched from outside of Afghanistan, came as the airlift of evacuees from Kabul airport continued under much-heightened security after Thursday's attack. At least 78 people were killed, including 13 US troops, when a suicide attacker exploded a bomb in the dense crowd in front of the airport's Abbey Gate. Some media reported that fatalities numbered close to 200. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid Mujahid said the militant organisation is expected to take full control of Kabul airport very shortly, once US forces leave, and would announce a full cabinet in the coming days. He said officials had already been appointed to run key institutions including the ministries of public health and education and the central bank. He also said he expected the serious economic turbulence which has hit the Afghani currency to ease soon. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul airport blasts: Taliban condemn US drone attack on IS-K militant

Joe Saboe pressed his fingers against his brow in exhaustion and leaned over a laptop as he tried to do what had been drilled into him over and over when he was an Army infantry officer: Leave no one behind.

“Roger, I’ve got six AmCits, at least six,” he said into his cellphone, using shorthand for American citizens, while simultaneously texting with a military source in Kabul, Afghanistan. “I can get them to the rally point at wheels up, but they’re not going to leave without their families, I need to make that happen.”

Saboe, 36, deployed to Iraq years ago and now is the chief executive of a small startup and a youth soccer coach. But this past week he became an unofficial commander in an impromptu network of veterans and citizen volunteers who came together to execute an ad hoc mission to get American citizens and Afghan allies safely out of Kabul before the American airlift ends.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-killed-two-high-profile-isis-targets-in-afghanistan-drone-strike-pentagon-409060" hreflang="en">US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghan drone strike: Pentagon</a>

His group of about 200 volunteers, which calls itself Team America, is one of several grassroots efforts that sprang out of the chaos of the US withdrawal. The swift collapse of Afghanistan was deeply troubling to many in the United States, but military veterans felt a whole different level of anguish as they started getting pleas for help from Afghan interpreters and others they worked with.

They organized what many call a “digital Dunkirk.” Using software often designed for mundane office work, along with satellite maps and encrypted messaging apps, the groups act like guide services for escaping Afghans. They channel information to hundreds on the ground trying to get on a flight, providing real-time intelligence on the best routes to avoid Taliban checkpoints, sending them through overlooked alleys and sometimes through sewage canals.

“It’s really an underground railroad,” Scott Mann, a retired Army Special Forces officer leading a different group, which calls itself Task Force Pineapple, said in a video message to supporters on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoint-acting-higher-education-minister-director-of-sports-federation-409067">Taliban appoint higher education minister, director of sport’s federation</a>

In many cases, the groups are in contact with the military and State Department officials at the Kabul airport, alerting them when American citizens and green card holders arrive and providing physical descriptions so troops at the gates can pluck the evacuees out of the throng.

Together, these groups have helped thousands to safety.

“This was born out of desperation,” Saboe said as he scrolled through his latest list of Afghans trying to get out. “A lot of us knew people who needed to get out, and there was no one in the American government who seemed to be giving any guidance. There has been almost no coordination.”

It was 1 a.m. in Kabul, and in his home office on a suburban street of white picket fences, running on almost no sleep, he was coordinating a covert pickup from a neighborhood 7,200 miles away.

The group’s secure digital feed was full of photos and videos sent by Afghans coordinating movements and posting the current conditions at gates and checkpoints, but Saboe was guarded about specific methods and routes, saying he did not want to endanger people who still needed help.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-joe-biden-demanding-answers-over-afghanistan-china-terrorism-nuclear-weapon-and-more-409006">US lawmakers write to Biden demanding answers over Afghanistan, China and more</a>

On Thursday, suicide bomb blasts hit one of the airport gates. Before the attack, Team America had acted on intelligence warnings and moved 300 family groups back from the area. But others had stayed near the airport and been injured. A few hours later, the group got word from a military source that the gate was open again, and began coordinating between an official inside the airport and families preparing to make an attempt to get there.

“I’ll give you the grid. The lift is coming for them at 0400, so we need them to be ready, immediate family only, they won’t take anyone else,” Saboe said on a conference call to a small group of volunteers scattered across the country who were communicating directly with Afghan families.

One of the people trying to get out of Kabul this past week was Nemat, who worked for years as an interpreter for the Marine Corps. He got a green card in 2015 and is now attending college in Texas, but he was visiting family in Kabul when the Taliban took over.

“I was scared to death,” he said. “If any of the Taliban recognized me, it would be the end of my life.”

Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-officer-seeks-accountability-over-afghanistan-gets-relieved-of-duties-409034" hreflang="en">US officer seeks ‘accountability’ over Afghanistan, gets relieved of duties</a>

Civilian flights out of the country were canceled. Nemat, who did not want to use his last name because he feared retaliation by the Taliban, stripped off his American clothes and put on a traditional Afghan long shirt and turban. He hid the paperwork showing he worked with the United States in a well. He tried to contact the State Department but got no response, so he texted the Marines he used to work with.

His message reached Phil Porter, a project manager in North Carolina who had served with him as a Marine officer.

“The terps we worked with are heroes; we could not have done our mission without them,” Porter said, using a military shorthand for interpreter. “We knew we had to help in any way we could.”

Porter found Team America, and together sources were able to guide Nemat on the safest route to the airport. He passed through Taliban checkpoints with his American passport hidden in his mother’s clothes and arrived at an airport gate.

“My brother pushed me through the crowd, I was holding up my passport and the Marines pulled me over the wire,” Nemat said on Thursday. “I looked back and saw my mother crying, my brother, too. I am happy to be safe but I am very worried for them.”

Porter was so thankful for the work the group had done for Nemat that he joined the effort and is now helping others.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/heart-wrenching-details-of-some-of-the-13-us-troops-killed-in-afghan-bombings-409001" hreflang="en">Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings</a>

“It is the least we can do,” he said. “There are people who saved American lives.”

The groups trying to rescue Afghans are growing increasingly desperate as the August&nbsp;31 pullout draws near. Many have pushed for the deadline to be extended, but on Thursday, in the wake of bombings that killed 13 United States military members and more than 170 Afghans, President Joe Biden reiterated that he would hold to the date.

Early Friday morning, Team America guided a group of 40 Afghans, many of them American citizens, to a gate at the airport. When they arrived, Saboe said, American officials refused to let them in, directing them to another, more dangerous gate. After several frantic calls, Saboe was able to talk directly to an official at the original gate. There, 19 Afghans went through. Many of their family members were turned away.

“There is no mercy at this point; it’s becoming increasingly hard. Nothing is coordinated and the security situation has made everything worse,” Saboe said, sounding exhausted. “And we still have so many people waiting. We just need more time.”

Joe Saboe pressed his fingers against his brow in exhaustion and leaned over a laptop as he tried to do what had been drilled into him over and over when he was an Army infantry officer: Leave no one behind.

Joe Saboe pressed his fingers against his brow in exhaustion and leaned over a laptop as he tried to do what had been drilled into him over and over when he was an Army infantry officer: Leave no one behind. “Roger, I’ve got six AmCits, at least six,” he said into his cellphone, using shorthand for American citizens, while simultaneously texting with a military source in Kabul, Afghanistan. “I can get them to the rally point at wheels up, but they’re not going to leave without their families, I need to make that happen.” Saboe, 36, deployed to Iraq years ago and now is the chief executive of a small startup and a youth soccer coach. But this past week he became an unofficial commander in an impromptu network of veterans and citizen volunteers who came together to execute an ad hoc mission to get American citizens and Afghan allies safely out of Kabul before the American airlift ends. Also read | US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghan drone strike: Pentagon His group of about 200 volunteers, which calls itself Team America, is one of several grassroots efforts that sprang out of the chaos of the US withdrawal. The swift collapse of Afghanistan was deeply troubling to many in the United States, but military veterans felt a whole different level of anguish as they started getting pleas for help from Afghan interpreters and others they worked with. They organized what many call a “digital Dunkirk.” Using software often designed for mundane office work, along with satellite maps and encrypted messaging apps, the groups act like guide services for escaping Afghans. They channel information to hundreds on the ground trying to get on a flight, providing real-time intelligence on the best routes to avoid Taliban checkpoints, sending them through overlooked alleys and sometimes through sewage canals. “It’s really an underground railroad,” Scott Mann, a retired Army Special Forces officer leading a different group, which calls itself Task Force Pineapple, said in a video message to supporters on Thursday. Also read | Taliban appoint higher education minister, director of sport’s federation In many cases, the groups are in contact with the military and State Department officials at the Kabul airport, alerting them when American citizens and green card holders arrive and providing physical descriptions so troops at the gates can pluck the evacuees out of the throng. Together, these groups have helped thousands to safety. “This was born out of desperation,” Saboe said as he scrolled through his latest list of Afghans trying to get out. “A lot of us knew people who needed to get out, and there was no one in the American government who seemed to be giving any guidance. There has been almost no coordination.” It was 1 a.m. in Kabul, and in his home office on a suburban street of white picket fences, running on almost no sleep, he was coordinating a covert pickup from a neighborhood 7,200 miles away. The group’s secure digital feed was full of photos and videos sent by Afghans coordinating movements and posting the current conditions at gates and checkpoints, but Saboe was guarded about specific methods and routes, saying he did not want to endanger people who still needed help. Also read | US lawmakers write to Biden demanding answers over Afghanistan, China and more On Thursday, suicide bomb blasts hit one of the airport gates. Before the attack, Team America had acted on intelligence warnings and moved 300 family groups back from the area. But others had stayed near the airport and been injured. A few hours later, the group got word from a military source that the gate was open again, and began coordinating between an official inside the airport and families preparing to make an attempt to get there. “I’ll give you the grid. The lift is coming for them at 0400, so we need them to be ready, immediate family only, they won’t take anyone else,” Saboe said on a conference call to a small group of volunteers scattered across the country who were communicating directly with Afghan families. One of the people trying to get out of Kabul this past week was Nemat, who worked for years as an interpreter for the Marine Corps. He got a green card in 2015 and is now attending college in Texas, but he was visiting family in Kabul when the Taliban took over. “I was scared to death,” he said. “If any of the Taliban recognized me, it would be the end of my life.” Also watch | US officer seeks ‘accountability’ over Afghanistan, gets relieved of duties Civilian flights out of the country were canceled. Nemat, who did not want to use his last name because he feared retaliation by the Taliban, stripped off his American clothes and put on a traditional Afghan long shirt and turban. He hid the paperwork showing he worked with the United States in a well. He tried to contact the State Department but got no response, so he texted the Marines he used to work with. His message reached Phil Porter, a project manager in North Carolina who had served with him as a Marine officer. “The terps we worked with are heroes; we could not have done our mission without them,” Porter said, using a military shorthand for interpreter. “We knew we had to help in any way we could.” Porter found Team America, and together sources were able to guide Nemat on the safest route to the airport. He passed through Taliban checkpoints with his American passport hidden in his mother’s clothes and arrived at an airport gate. “My brother pushed me through the crowd, I was holding up my passport and the Marines pulled me over the wire,” Nemat said on Thursday. “I looked back and saw my mother crying, my brother, too. I am happy to be safe but I am very worried for them.” Porter was so thankful for the work the group had done for Nemat that he joined the effort and is now helping others. Also read | Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings “It is the least we can do,” he said. “There are people who saved American lives.” The groups trying to rescue Afghans are growing increasingly desperate as the August 31 pullout draws near. Many have pushed for the deadline to be extended, but on Thursday, in the wake of bombings that killed 13 United States military members and more than 170 Afghans, President Joe Biden reiterated that he would hold to the date. Early Friday morning, Team America guided a group of 40 Afghans, many of them American citizens, to a gate at the airport. When they arrived, Saboe said, American officials refused to let them in, directing them to another, more dangerous gate. After several frantic calls, Saboe was able to talk directly to an official at the original gate. There, 19 Afghans went through. Many of their family members were turned away. “There is no mercy at this point; it’s becoming increasingly hard. Nothing is coordinated and the security situation has made everything worse,” Saboe said, sounding exhausted. “And we still have so many people waiting. We just need more time.”

A digital Dunkirk: Veterans online scramble to get people out of Afghanistan

Major General William Taylor said, 'US airstrike in Afghanistan killed two high-profile ISIS-K targets and injured another. Watch this report to know more.

News Alert: US conducted a drone strike against an IS-K member

As the Afghan crisis worsens and US troops move towards the August 31 deadline, the French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that France will stay back in Iraq even if the US troops withdraw.

His announcement came at a regional summit on Saturday in Iraq, that he attended as the threat of Taliban is spreading in the nearby areas of Afghanistan.

"No matter what choices the Americans make, we will maintain our presence in Iraq to fight against terrorism," Macron told a news conference in Baghdad.&nbsp;"We have the operational capacity to ensure this presence."

"We all know that we must not lower our guard, because Daesh (the Islamic State group) remains a threat, and I know that the fight against these terrorist groups is a priority of your government," Macron said.

He also added that&nbsp;France is in talks with the Taliban on humanitarian operations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-announces-that-it-carried-out-a-drone-strike-in-eastern-afghanistan-408941">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-announces-that-it-carried-out-a-drone-strike-in-eastern-afghanistan-408941/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Along with Macron,&nbsp;Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also attended the Baghdad summit.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">This summit comes at an important time when the Taliban has started its regime in Afghanistan, as the US withdraws its troops from the country. Meanwhile, ISIS-K has expressed its displeasure of Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan by launching deadly attacks that have taken more than 160 lives of locals in Kabul.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">However, the summit got overshadowed by the happenings in Afghanistan. However, Macron said that "given the geopolitical events, this conference has taken a special turn".</div>

As the Afghan crisis worsens and US troops move towards the August 31 deadline, the French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that France will stay back in Iraq even if the US troops withdraw.

As the Afghan crisis worsens and US troops move towards the August 31 deadline, the French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that France will stay back in Iraq even if the US troops withdraw. His announcement came at a regional summit on Saturday in Iraq, that he attended as the threat of Taliban is spreading in the nearby areas of Afghanistan. "No matter what choices the Americans make, we will maintain our presence in Iraq to fight against terrorism," Macron told a news conference in Baghdad. "We have the operational capacity to ensure this presence." "We all know that we must not lower our guard, because Daesh (the Islamic State group) remains a threat, and I know that the fight against these terrorist groups is a priority of your government," Macron said. He also added that France is in talks with the Taliban on humanitarian operations. WATCH | Along with Macron, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also attended the Baghdad summit. This summit comes at an important time when the Taliban has started its regime in Afghanistan, as the US withdraws its troops from the country. Meanwhile, ISIS-K has expressed its displeasure of Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan by launching deadly attacks that have taken more than 160 lives of locals in Kabul. However, the summit got overshadowed by the happenings in Afghanistan. However, Macron said that "given the geopolitical events, this conference has taken a special turn".

France to stay in Iraq even if US troops withdraw: Emmanuel Macron

afghanistan-0

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

afghanistan 0