Just two days back Western forces were warned against extending the August 31 deadline for airlifts. The Taliban had asked the US to stop evacuating Afghans. A flight with a seating capacity of 345 people left Kabul near-empty. Are the Taliban not letting Afghans board flights?

Charter flights leaving Kabul nearly empty despite desperate attempts to evacuate

The Pentagon has said that the Kabul blast was carried out by only one suicide bomber adding that there was no second explosion. The Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby added that the US believed that there are still specific credible threats.

Pentagon: Do not believe there was a second explosion

The deadly attack on the Kabul airport is being blamed on the ISIS-K or Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). WION tells you more about this terrorist organization.

Reports: ISIS-Khorasan behind Kabul airport blasts that killed dozens

After asking working women in Afghanistan to stay at home in its second press conference on August 24, the Taliban is now requesting that all female health department employees in the centre and provinces attend their duties on a regular basis.&nbsp;

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted on Friday that the Islamic Emirate's Ministry of Public Health advises all female employees in the centre and provinces to attend to their duties on a regular basis. Women's work is not restricted in the Islamic Emirate.&nbsp;

This comes amid concerns that the Taliban will restrict women's freedom in the country, as they did during their previous tenure. 
 
<img alt="Zabihullah Mujahid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="00a7b2ea-109f-43c9-bc95-c27c4528e52b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/111.JPG" />

Even though the insurgent group has stated that they will not restrict women from working or deny girls the right to education this time, and will ensure their freedom under Sharia law, women in Afghanistan remain concerned.

The Taliban's treatment of women and girls, according to UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet, would be a "fundamental red line."

During the Taliban's rule from 1996 to 2001, women were not allowed to work, had to cover their faces, and had to be accompanied by a male relative if they wanted to leave their homes.

(With inputs from agencies)

After asking working women in Afghanistan to stay at home in its second press conference on August 24, the Taliban is now requesting that all female health department employees in the centre and provinces attend their duties on a regular basis.

After asking working women in Afghanistan to stay at home in its second press conference on August 24, the Taliban is now requesting that all female health department employees in the centre and provinces attend their duties on a regular basis. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted on Friday that the Islamic Emirate's Ministry of Public Health advises all female employees in the centre and provinces to attend to their duties on a regular basis. Women's work is not restricted in the Islamic Emirate. This comes amid concerns that the Taliban will restrict women's freedom in the country, as they did during their previous tenure. Even though the insurgent group has stated that they will not restrict women from working or deny girls the right to education this time, and will ensure their freedom under Sharia law, women in Afghanistan remain concerned. The Taliban's treatment of women and girls, according to UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet, would be a "fundamental red line." During the Taliban's rule from 1996 to 2001, women were not allowed to work, had to cover their faces, and had to be accompanied by a male relative if they wanted to leave their homes. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban ask female health department employees to return to work

President Joe Biden vowed on Thursday to complete the evacuation of American citizens and others from Afghanistan despite a deadly suicide bomb attack at Kabul airport which took the lives of more than a dozen US service members and many Afghans.

Biden vows complete Afghan evacuation despite Kabul airport blast, avenge US deaths

In Afghanistan the situation has now gotten much worse. In the Kabul airport blast, 13 US troops and at least 90 Afghan civilians have been killed. The deadline of August 31 is fast approaching. US President Joe Biden has vowed to hunt down those responsible for the twin explosions at the Kabul airport. But what will happen to all the Afghan civilians who are left behind?

Afghans worried about families, friends under Taliban rule

A group of US lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to prevent the Taliban, Afghanistan's de facto rulers, from destabilising Pakistan and acquiring nuclear weapons.

The lawmakers demanded that Biden answer critical questions about what happened in Afghanistan and his plans for the future.

"Are you willing to provide military support to regional allies if the Taliban militarise the Afghan border?"

In a letter addressed to Biden on Wednesday, a group of 68 lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives asked, "What is your plan to help ensure that the Taliban do not destabilise its nuclear neighbour Pakistan?" 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-blasts-joe-biden-says-no-sign-of-collusion-between-taliban-and-islamic-state-in-attacks-408695">Kabul blasts: Joe Biden says no sign of 'collusion' between Taliban and Islamic State in attacks</a> 
 
The lawmakers stated that in recent weeks, the world has watched in astonishment as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, as a result of "unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of US personnel and Afghan partners."

According to them, the situation in Afghanistan has rapidly "metastasized" into Taliban rule, with reintroduced oppression of women and girls, repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes, whom the Taliban then uses force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by strengthening ties with the Taliban. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-blasts-more-than-90-dead-as-joe-biden-vows-to-hunt-down-those-responsible-408741">Also read | Kabul blasts: More than 90 dead as Joe Biden vows to 'hunt down' those responsible</a> 
 
The lawmakers stated that the consequences of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan are not limited to that country or even the Middle East region, and that the action has already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades.

"Dealing with these consequences necessitates immediate action to chart the course for American strategy, even as we deal with the immediate ramifications of this self-inflicted crisis in Afghanistan. To that end, we write to request that you outline your strategy for moving America forward," they wrote.

The group emphasised in the letter that the effect of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years has consequences not only in the specific nation, or even the Middle East, but also has strategic and geographical consequences that have already begun to unravel and will continue for decades. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A group of US lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to prevent the Taliban, Afghanistan's de facto rulers, from destabilising Pakistan and acquiring nuclear weapons.

A group of US lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to prevent the Taliban, Afghanistan's de facto rulers, from destabilising Pakistan and acquiring nuclear weapons. The lawmakers demanded that Biden answer critical questions about what happened in Afghanistan and his plans for the future. "Are you willing to provide military support to regional allies if the Taliban militarise the Afghan border?" In a letter addressed to Biden on Wednesday, a group of 68 lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives asked, "What is your plan to help ensure that the Taliban do not destabilise its nuclear neighbour Pakistan?" ALSO READ | Kabul blasts: Joe Biden says no sign of 'collusion' between Taliban and Islamic State in attacks The lawmakers stated that in recent weeks, the world has watched in astonishment as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, as a result of "unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of US personnel and Afghan partners." According to them, the situation in Afghanistan has rapidly "metastasized" into Taliban rule, with reintroduced oppression of women and girls, repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes, whom the Taliban then uses force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by strengthening ties with the Taliban. Also read | Kabul blasts: More than 90 dead as Joe Biden vows to 'hunt down' those responsible The lawmakers stated that the consequences of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan are not limited to that country or even the Middle East region, and that the action has already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades. "Dealing with these consequences necessitates immediate action to chart the course for American strategy, even as we deal with the immediate ramifications of this self-inflicted crisis in Afghanistan. To that end, we write to request that you outline your strategy for moving America forward," they wrote. The group emphasised in the letter that the effect of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years has consequences not only in the specific nation, or even the Middle East, but also has strategic and geographical consequences that have already begun to unravel and will continue for decades. (With inputs from agencies)

What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden

At least 90 Afghan civilians and 13 US service members have died following the twin bomb blasts in Kabul. Two explosions had occurred outside Kabul airport on Thursday.

News Alert: United States ramps up Afghan evacuation efforts

According to reports, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) chief Abdullah Abdullah are under house arrest in Kabul after the Taliban took away their security teams.

Report: Taliban puts Hamid Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah under house arrest

A few hours after the blasts hit Kabul airport huge crowd gathered outside the airport to the point of breathlessness. Airport authorities have resorted to firing tear gas to control the crowd. WION's Anas Mallick brings you a ground report.

Panic, fear & the western apathy as twin blasts rock Kabul airport

President Joe Biden remains undeterred from the US' mission to evacuate thousands of American and Afghan civilians from Afghanistan despite the Kabul airport blast.

Joe Biden reaffirms August 31 troop pullout deadline despite Kabul airport blast

The deadly attack on the Kabul airport is being blamed on ISIS-K which is mainly active in Central Asia. Watch this report to know more about this organization.

Reports: ISIS-K behind Kabul blasts

As the Afghanistan crisis worsens, there are reports surfacing that claim the US officials had provided the Taliban with a list of names of American citizens, green card holders and Afghan allies.

An exclusive report from Politico claims that US officials gave a list of names of American citizens, green card holders and Afghan allies to make sure the terrorist group allows the, a safe passage to the Kabul airport.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/preach-about-importance-of-obeying-rulers-at-friday-prayers-taliban-to-afghan-imams-408861">Preach about importance of obeying rulers at Friday prayers: Taliban to Afghan imams</a>

This move, as per three US and congressional officials quoted by Politico, was designed to make sure that tens of thousands of US citizens in Afghanistan are able to leave the country safely.

While the US might have had good intentions behind taking Taliban’s support for safe passage of American citizens, this move has attracted a lot of criticism from lawmakers and military officials.

"Basically, they just put all those Afghans on a kill list," a defense official told Politico on condition of anonymity. "It’s just appalling and shocking and makes you feel unclean."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-your-strategy-to-stop-taliban-from-acquiring-nuclear-weapons-us-lawmakers-to-biden-408837">What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden</a>

While there has been no official confirmation on existence of such a list, the US President Joe Biden has also not denied the possibility of it. When a reporter questioned Biden about this media report, Biden did not confirm or deny the allegation.

"There have been occasions when our military has contacted their military counterparts in the Taliban and said this, for example, this bus is coming through with X number of people on it, made up of the following group of people. We want you to let that bus or that group through," he was quoted saying by Politico. "So, yes there have been occasions like that. To the best of my knowledge, in those cases, the bulk of that has occurred and they have been let through.

"I can't tell you with any certitude that there's actually been a list of names," he added, as per Politico. "There may have been. But I know of no circumstance. It doesn't mean that it doesn't exist, that here's the names of 12 people, they're coming, let them through. It could very well have happened."

As the Afghanistan crisis worsens, there are reports surfacing that claim the US officials had provided the Taliban with a list of names of American citizens, green card holders and Afghan allies.

As the Afghanistan crisis worsens, there are reports surfacing that claim the US officials had provided the Taliban with a list of names of American citizens, green card holders and Afghan allies. An exclusive report from Politico claims that US officials gave a list of names of American citizens, green card holders and Afghan allies to make sure the terrorist group allows the, a safe passage to the Kabul airport. Also read | Preach about importance of obeying rulers at Friday prayers: Taliban to Afghan imams This move, as per three US and congressional officials quoted by Politico, was designed to make sure that tens of thousands of US citizens in Afghanistan are able to leave the country safely. While the US might have had good intentions behind taking Taliban’s support for safe passage of American citizens, this move has attracted a lot of criticism from lawmakers and military officials. "Basically, they just put all those Afghans on a kill list," a defense official told Politico on condition of anonymity. "It’s just appalling and shocking and makes you feel unclean." Also read | What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden While there has been no official confirmation on existence of such a list, the US President Joe Biden has also not denied the possibility of it. When a reporter questioned Biden about this media report, Biden did not confirm or deny the allegation. "There have been occasions when our military has contacted their military counterparts in the Taliban and said this, for example, this bus is coming through with X number of people on it, made up of the following group of people. We want you to let that bus or that group through," he was quoted saying by Politico. "So, yes there have been occasions like that. To the best of my knowledge, in those cases, the bulk of that has occurred and they have been let through. "I can't tell you with any certitude that there's actually been a list of names," he added, as per Politico. "There may have been. But I know of no circumstance. It doesn't mean that it doesn't exist, that here's the names of 12 people, they're coming, let them through. It could very well have happened."

Kill list? Biden says US troops 'may' have handed a list of American citizens to Taliban

The UK's defence chief promised Friday to “get to the bottom of” a security lapse that saw documents identifying Afghan staff members and job applicants left behind at the abandoned British Embassy in Kabul.

Times of London reporter Anthony Loyd said he found the papers scattered on the ground as he toured Kabul's abandoned diplomatic district with a Taliban escort this week.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said “clearly it's not good enough” that the documents were left unsecured. He said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson “will be asking some questions” about what had happened.

“We'll find out and get to the bottom of it,” Wallace told LBC radio.

Thousands of citizens who worked with Western forces have been trying to leave Afghanistan, fearing reprisals now that the Taliban control the country.

Loyd said the documents included the name and address of a senior embassy staff member, the contact details for other employees and the resumes and addresses of people applying to be interpreters.

He called the phone numbers he found and learned that some of the staffers had already left Afghanistan but others were still in the country, including three Afghan employees and eight family members stranded outside Kabul's airport as they tried to leave.

The government said they were eventually found and taken to safety. The Times said the fate of at least two of the job applicants remains unknown.

The House of Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee said it would hold an inquiry into how the documents got abandoned during the hurried departure of U.K. diplomats from the embassy as the Taliban advanced on Kabul earlier this month.

The Foreign Office said in a statement that “during the drawdown of our embassy every effort was made to destroy sensitive material.”

The UK's defence chief promised Friday to “get to the bottom of” a security lapse that saw documents identifying Afghan staff members and job applicants left behind at the abandoned British Embassy in Kabul.

The UK's defence chief promised Friday to “get to the bottom of” a security lapse that saw documents identifying Afghan staff members and job applicants left behind at the abandoned British Embassy in Kabul. Times of London reporter Anthony Loyd said he found the papers scattered on the ground as he toured Kabul's abandoned diplomatic district with a Taliban escort this week. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said “clearly it's not good enough” that the documents were left unsecured. He said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson “will be asking some questions” about what had happened. “We'll find out and get to the bottom of it,” Wallace told LBC radio. Thousands of citizens who worked with Western forces have been trying to leave Afghanistan, fearing reprisals now that the Taliban control the country. Loyd said the documents included the name and address of a senior embassy staff member, the contact details for other employees and the resumes and addresses of people applying to be interpreters. He called the phone numbers he found and learned that some of the staffers had already left Afghanistan but others were still in the country, including three Afghan employees and eight family members stranded outside Kabul's airport as they tried to leave. The government said they were eventually found and taken to safety. The Times said the fate of at least two of the job applicants remains unknown. The House of Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee said it would hold an inquiry into how the documents got abandoned during the hurried departure of U.K. diplomats from the embassy as the Taliban advanced on Kabul earlier this month. The Foreign Office said in a statement that “during the drawdown of our embassy every effort was made to destroy sensitive material.”

Afghanistan staff details left behind at UK Kabul embassy: Report

Reports: 28 Taliban members among those killed

Twelve days into the rush evacuation from Kabul and five days before its scheduled completion deadly suicide attacks have rocked Kabul airport but US President Joe Biden remains undeterred from the US mission to evacuate thousands of Americans and Afghan civilians from the country.

Joe Biden remains undeterred from the US evacuation mission

The deadly twin blast outside the Kabul airport has shaken the US administration to its core. US officials initially said that 11 marines and one navy medic had died in the attack. When US President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the White House his voice was cracking. He bowed his head for a moment of silence before taking questions from the press.

Political pressure builds on US President Joe Biden

The Taliban urged Afghan preachers to emphasise the importance of obeying rulers in their sermons during Friday prayers, according to Reuters, citing a statement issued by the Islamist hardline group.

This follows the suicide bombings outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport on Thursday, which killed over 100 people and injured dozens more.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Taliban urged Afghan imams last week to try to counter negative media reports about the movement and persuade people not to flee the country ahead of the first Friday prayers since the seizure of Kabul on August 15. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-your-strategy-to-stop-taliban-from-acquiring-nuclear-weapons-us-lawmakers-to-biden-408837">Also read | What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden</a> 
 
The Taliban said in a message that it hoped all imams in Kabul and the provinces would promote the benefits of the Islamic system and urge unity as massive crowds gathered outside Kabul airport for flights out of the country.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Reports: ISIS-K behind Kabul blasts

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-isis-k-behind-kabul-blasts-408825/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It stated that they should "encourage our compatriots to work for the development of the country, rather than attempting to leave the country," as well as respond to "the enemy's negative propaganda."

As popular opposition to the Taliban grew, flag-waving protesters took to the streets of more Afghan cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban urged Afghan preachers to emphasise the importance of obeying rulers in their sermons during Friday prayers, according to Reuters, citing a statement issued by the Islamist hardline group.

The Taliban urged Afghan preachers to emphasise the importance of obeying rulers in their sermons during Friday prayers, according to Reuters, citing a statement issued by the Islamist hardline group. This follows the suicide bombings outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport on Thursday, which killed over 100 people and injured dozens more. According to reports, the Taliban urged Afghan imams last week to try to counter negative media reports about the movement and persuade people not to flee the country ahead of the first Friday prayers since the seizure of Kabul on August 15. Also read | What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden The Taliban said in a message that it hoped all imams in Kabul and the provinces would promote the benefits of the Islamic system and urge unity as massive crowds gathered outside Kabul airport for flights out of the country. Watch | Reports: ISIS-K behind Kabul blasts It stated that they should "encourage our compatriots to work for the development of the country, rather than attempting to leave the country," as well as respond to "the enemy's negative propaganda." As popular opposition to the Taliban grew, flag-waving protesters took to the streets of more Afghan cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Preach about importance of obeying rulers at Friday prayers: Taliban to Afghan imams

90 Afghans civilians, 13 US troops killed in suicide bomb attack

Since the Taliban started taking control over Afghanistan, there have been nothing but stories and images that depict the sadness and the catastrophe that has taken over the country.<o:p></o:p>

Amidst these heartbreaking images and stories, one picture has surface that has brightened everybody’s social media feed and has given a ray of hope to thousands of people stuck in the war-torn country.<o:p></o:p>

An image of a young girl, captured by a Reuters photographer Johanna Geron, has won the hearts of many people around the world.

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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This is what happens when you protect refugees... 
 
Welcome to Belgium, little girl ! 
 
Wonderful <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Reuters</a> picture via <a href="https://twitter.com/POLITICOEurope?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POLITICOEurope</a> <a href="https://t.co/v1127frvf9">pic.twitter.com/v1127frvf9</a>
— Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) <a href="https://twitter.com/guyverhofstadt/status/1430787436481761280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Johanna Geron saw a young girl skipping in the air with her family after safely landing at the Melsbroek military airport. She can be seen following two adults and one younger child, while she is carrying a piece of cloth and is dressed in yellow and smiles.

While the expressions on the faces of her&nbsp;parents are a little grim, the girl can be seen smiling and skipping out of happiness.<o:p></o:p>

Many people took to the social media platform Twitter to share the image and talk about the importance of saving refugees from war-torn countries. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Several users shared the image and urged countries to welcome refugees from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan to help the young people gain a better and safer future.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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That skip though ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/GeMxj4t4qv">https://t.co/GeMxj4t4qv</a>
— AOPatrick (@newyorkerxpat) <a href="https://twitter.com/newyorkerxpat/status/1430925390663532547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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People in the west sometimes forget the struggle refugees have been thru. Please be kind, welcome them and dont make their life any harder than it already is! <a href="https://t.co/ZJVwrJiisA">https://t.co/ZJVwrJiisA</a>
— Benjaro Tae (@alvarezbenjaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/alvarezbenjaro/status/1430963538231693316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Striking contrast between looking forward and looking back. <a href="https://t.co/is4KinYlj2">https://t.co/is4KinYlj2</a>
— Vedamsh (@Vedamsh21) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vedamsh21/status/1431167530513559552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15 as the then-President Ashraf Ghani flee the country to safety, leaving behind thousands of locals under the control of the terrorist group. Since then there have been stories, images and videos of Afghan locals suffering under the rule of Taliban, especially women and minority groups.

Since the Taliban started taking control over Afghanistan, there have been nothing but stories and images that depict the sadness and the catastrophe that has taken over the country.

Since the Taliban started taking control over Afghanistan, there have been nothing but stories and images that depict the sadness and the catastrophe that has taken over the country. Amidst these heartbreaking images and stories, one picture has surface that has brightened everybody’s social media feed and has given a ray of hope to thousands of people stuck in the war-torn country. An image of a young girl, captured by a Reuters photographer Johanna Geron, has won the hearts of many people around the world. This is what happens when you protect refugees... Welcome to Belgium, little girl ! Wonderful @Reuters picture via @POLITICOEurope pic.twitter.com/v1127frvf9 — Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) August 26, 2021 × Johanna Geron saw a young girl skipping in the air with her family after safely landing at the Melsbroek military airport. She can be seen following two adults and one younger child, while she is carrying a piece of cloth and is dressed in yellow and smiles. While the expressions on the faces of her parents are a little grim, the girl can be seen smiling and skipping out of happiness. Many people took to the social media platform Twitter to share the image and talk about the importance of saving refugees from war-torn countries. Several users shared the image and urged countries to welcome refugees from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan to help the young people gain a better and safer future. That skip though ❤️ https://t.co/GeMxj4t4qv — AOPatrick (@newyorkerxpat) August 26, 2021 × People in the west sometimes forget the struggle refugees have been thru. Please be kind, welcome them and dont make their life any harder than it already is! https://t.co/ZJVwrJiisA — Benjaro Tae (@alvarezbenjaro) August 26, 2021 × Striking contrast between looking forward and looking back. https://t.co/is4KinYlj2 — Vedamsh (@Vedamsh21) August 27, 2021 × Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15 as the then-President Ashraf Ghani flee the country to safety, leaving behind thousands of locals under the control of the terrorist group. Since then there have been stories, images and videos of Afghan locals suffering under the rule of Taliban, especially women and minority groups.

Yellow and smiles: Young Afghan girl seen skipping out of happiness after leaving Taliban regime

Up to half a million Afghans could flee their homeland by year-end, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday, appealing to all neighbouring countries to keep their borders open for those seeking safety. 
 
As a crisis unfolds in the country, a few thousand Afghans have been recorded as entering Iran daily, while traders continue going back and forth from Afghanistan to Pakistan, said Kelly Clements, deputy U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. 
 
"In terms of numbers we are preparing for around 500,000 new refugees in the region. This is a worst case scenario," Clements told a Geneva news briefing. 
 
"While we have not seen large outflows of Afghans at this point, the situation inside Afghanistan has evolved more rapidly than anyone expected," she added. 
 
There had been a "small uptick" in the outflow to Pakistan in the recent days, she said. 
 
UNHCR`s contingency planning figure of half a million Afghan refugees over the next four months includes departures to Iran and Pakistan and to countries of Central Asia, Clements said. 
 
She did not elaborate on what developments might trigger such a sudden increase in refugee numbers where an Islamic State attack on Thursday killed 85 people outside Kabul airport. 
 
Filippo Grandi, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, has held talks with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other donors regarding financial support for the agency`s plan to shelter and care for new arrivals, she added. 
 
People are calling an Afghan crisis helpline, reporting "executions and beatings and clampdowns on media and radio stations", said Najeeba Wazedafost, CEO of the Asia Pacific Refugee Network, who voiced special concern for women`s safety. 
 
"They tell us their fear of being killed simply for being a female," she said.

Up to half a million Afghans could flee their homeland by year-end, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday, appealing to all neighbouring countries to keep their borders open for those seeking safety.

Up to half a million Afghans could flee their homeland by year-end, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday, appealing to all neighbouring countries to keep their borders open for those seeking safety. As a crisis unfolds in the country, a few thousand Afghans have been recorded as entering Iran daily, while traders continue going back and forth from Afghanistan to Pakistan, said Kelly Clements, deputy U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. "In terms of numbers we are preparing for around 500,000 new refugees in the region. This is a worst case scenario," Clements told a Geneva news briefing. "While we have not seen large outflows of Afghans at this point, the situation inside Afghanistan has evolved more rapidly than anyone expected," she added. There had been a "small uptick" in the outflow to Pakistan in the recent days, she said. UNHCR`s contingency planning figure of half a million Afghan refugees over the next four months includes departures to Iran and Pakistan and to countries of Central Asia, Clements said. She did not elaborate on what developments might trigger such a sudden increase in refugee numbers where an Islamic State attack on Thursday killed 85 people outside Kabul airport. Filippo Grandi, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, has held talks with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other donors regarding financial support for the agency`s plan to shelter and care for new arrivals, she added. People are calling an Afghan crisis helpline, reporting "executions and beatings and clampdowns on media and radio stations", said Najeeba Wazedafost, CEO of the Asia Pacific Refugee Network, who voiced special concern for women`s safety. "They tell us their fear of being killed simply for being a female," she said.

Half a million Afghans could flee across borders: UNHCR

Medical staff at Kabul`s Emergency Hospital worked through the night into Friday treating casualties from the twin blasts that tore through crowds waiting outside the airport. They are fearful about what comes next. 
 
At least 85 people were killed in the attack, claimed by Islamic State in a terrifying return of suicide bombings that were a regular part of life before the Taliban`s conquest of the city less than two weeks ago. 
 
"Everybody is concerned at this moment in Kabul, nobody knows what to expect in the coming hours," said Rossella Miccio, president of the Italian aid group that runs the hospital. 
 
She said staff in its three operating theatres had worked into the early hours of the morning to handle more than 60 patients, of whom 16 died of their injuries as they arrived. 
 
"It was very tiring, exhausting. They finished with the last patient around 4 a.m. this morning, so the three theatres have been working all night long basically," she said. 
 
"Fortunately all the colleagues that were supposed to come to work today are ... there and they didn`t face any major problem on the way to the hospital." 
 
But with rumours circulating that numbers of Islamic State may be at large in Kabul, the mood in the city was tense, with some expecting more attacks to come as the chaotic evacuation continued at the airport. 
 
While the Taliban have been dismantling the concrete blast walls put up around the city over the years, the airport attack was a bitter reminder that the fall of the Western-backed government may not mean the end of suicide bombings in Kabul. 
 
"I think people are scared that there is a sort of suspended feeling, atmosphere, people are so scared of going around," said Miccio.

Medical staff at Kabul`s Emergency Hospital worked through the night into Friday treating casualties from the twin blasts that tore through crowds waiting outside the airport.

Medical staff at Kabul`s Emergency Hospital worked through the night into Friday treating casualties from the twin blasts that tore through crowds waiting outside the airport. They are fearful about what comes next. At least 85 people were killed in the attack, claimed by Islamic State in a terrifying return of suicide bombings that were a regular part of life before the Taliban`s conquest of the city less than two weeks ago. "Everybody is concerned at this moment in Kabul, nobody knows what to expect in the coming hours," said Rossella Miccio, president of the Italian aid group that runs the hospital. She said staff in its three operating theatres had worked into the early hours of the morning to handle more than 60 patients, of whom 16 died of their injuries as they arrived. "It was very tiring, exhausting. They finished with the last patient around 4 a.m. this morning, so the three theatres have been working all night long basically," she said. "Fortunately all the colleagues that were supposed to come to work today are ... there and they didn`t face any major problem on the way to the hospital." But with rumours circulating that numbers of Islamic State may be at large in Kabul, the mood in the city was tense, with some expecting more attacks to come as the chaotic evacuation continued at the airport. While the Taliban have been dismantling the concrete blast walls put up around the city over the years, the airport attack was a bitter reminder that the fall of the Western-backed government may not mean the end of suicide bombings in Kabul. "I think people are scared that there is a sort of suspended feeling, atmosphere, people are so scared of going around," said Miccio.

Exhausted Kabul hospital staff fear more attacks may come

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the deadly bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26) as reported by AFP. The suicide attacks killed more than 60 people including, 13 US soldiers as told by Afghan and US officials.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the deadly bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26) as reported by AFP. The suicide attacks killed more than 60 people including, 13 US soldiers as told by Afghan and US officials. The US Defense Department said that the number of American troops killed in the suicide bomb blasts at Kabul airport rose by one to 13 as earlier, there were reports that 12 US soldiers have lost their lives. "A thirteenth US service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate," Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement. ALSO READ | ISIS- Khorasan: What you should know Reports and eyewitnesses have claimed that suicide bombers and gunmen attacked people outside Kabul airport, who were desperate to flee Afghanistan — a country now ruled by the Taliban. In a tragic turn of events, the blasts on Thursday transformed the already tensed scenes at Kabul airport into complete chaos and horror as several videos and photos, allegedly from Kabul airport, surfaced on social media that displayed devastating scenes. As per reports, some Western officials had warned of a major attack hours before the suicide bomb blasts took place and people were urged to leave the airport area but those who were desperate to leave the country stayed. ALSO READ | Pakistan is second home to the Taliban, says spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid The airport blasts came as the August 31 deadline looms for the United States to withdraw its troops, and for it and other Western countries to end a massive airlift that has already evacuated nearly 100,000 people. Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), an affiliate of militants who previously battled US forces in Syria and Iraq, claimed responsibility for the attack. Watch: × Joe Biden condemned the blasts US President Joe Biden condemned the suicide attacks and promised that the United States would hunt down those responsible for the explosions. "We will not forgive, we will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said in remarks at the White House. Biden promised US evacuations would continue as he did not indicate of a change in next Tuesday's US pullout target. Watch as I deliver remarks on the terror attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and the U.S. service members and Afghan victims killed and wounded. https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm — President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2021 × The American service members who gave their lives were heroes. Heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others. We have a continuing obligation — a sacred obligation — to their families that will last forever. — President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2021 × "I have also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities. We will respond with force and precision at our time, at the place we choose and the moment of our choosing," Biden said. Biden appeared to be fighting back tears and his voice cracked with emotion as he talked about the American "heroes" who died. "It's been a tough day," he said. The president said he had told the U.S. military that he would grant additional force if they needed it: "Whatever they need, if they need additional force, I will grant it." (with inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: ISIS claim responsibility for Kabul blasts that killed dozens, including 13 US soldiers

The exact number of Indians still in Afghanistan is unknown, according to the ministry of external affairs on Friday. However, it stated that it had evacuated the majority of those who wished to return.

"The figures are constantly changing. In our opinion, the vast majority of Indians who wish to return have been evacuated. More are likely to be present in Afghanistan.I don't have an exact figure for you "Arindam Bagchi, the ministry's spokesperson stated.

"We were able to bring out some Afghan nationals as well as nationals from other countries. Of these, many of them were Sikhs and Hindus. Primarily, our focus will be on Indian nationals, but we'll also stand by Afghans who stood by us," Bagchi said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-stop-140-afghan-sikh-and-hindu-pilgrims-from-leaving-kabul-sikh-community-leaders-408526">Also read | Taliban stop 140 Afghan Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from leaving Kabul: Sikh community leaders</a>

Bagchi stated that India had evacuated over 550 people in six separate flights, all of which originated in Kabul or Dushanbe.

"Over 260 of them were Indians. The Indian government also assisted in the evacuation of Indian nationals through other agencies. We communicated with a number of countries, including the United States and Tajikistan."&nbsp;

According to him, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has announced six-month emergency e-visas for Afghan refugees who want to come to India.&nbsp;

This briefing comes a day after Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar stated on Thursday that India's priority is evacuation and that the government is doing everything possible to evacuate people from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The exact number of Indians still in Afghanistan is unknown, according to the ministry of external affairs on Friday. However, it stated that it had evacuated the majority of those who wished to return.

The exact number of Indians still in Afghanistan is unknown, according to the ministry of external affairs on Friday. However, it stated that it had evacuated the majority of those who wished to return. "The figures are constantly changing. In our opinion, the vast majority of Indians who wish to return have been evacuated. More are likely to be present in Afghanistan.I don't have an exact figure for you "Arindam Bagchi, the ministry's spokesperson stated. "We were able to bring out some Afghan nationals as well as nationals from other countries. Of these, many of them were Sikhs and Hindus. Primarily, our focus will be on Indian nationals, but we'll also stand by Afghans who stood by us," Bagchi said. Also read | Taliban stop 140 Afghan Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from leaving Kabul: Sikh community leaders Bagchi stated that India had evacuated over 550 people in six separate flights, all of which originated in Kabul or Dushanbe. "Over 260 of them were Indians. The Indian government also assisted in the evacuation of Indian nationals through other agencies. We communicated with a number of countries, including the United States and Tajikistan." According to him, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has announced six-month emergency e-visas for Afghan refugees who want to come to India. This briefing comes a day after Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar stated on Thursday that India's priority is evacuation and that the government is doing everything possible to evacuate people from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. (With inputs from agencies)

Don't know exact number of Indians left in Afghanistan, most evacuated: MEA spokesperson 

Pakistan's National Security Advisor, Moeed Yusuf interacted virtually on Thursday (August 26) with a wide spectrum of British leadership as he opened up on the ongoing Taliban crisis, stating Afghanistan is at risk of a "security vacuum" without an international push for an "inclusive government".&nbsp;

Yusuf also said that the West has "embarrassed" itself by refusing to listen to Pakistan over its take on Afghanistan's ousted government led by Ashraf Ghani. He added that&nbsp;the West should help Afghans by engaging with the Taliban to ensure a "governance model".&nbsp;

In a speech to the Conservative thinktank Policy Exchange and as reported by The Guardian, Yusuf called for an internationally coordinated effort to establish the Taliban government. He mentioned that there's a need to have "an inclusive government, rights protected, a moderate governance model".&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-is-second-home-to-the-taliban-says-spokesperson-zabihullah-mujahid-408534">Pakistan is second home to the Taliban, says spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid</a>

Yusuf dismissed the claims that Islamabad had allowed a porous border to give Taliban access in Pakistan, hiding from US forces.&nbsp;

However, this comes immediately after the controversial statement made by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid who claimed that Pakistan is like the "second home" of the organisation and that activities that are not in line with the interests of neighbouring countries are not allowed on the territory of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

'Mistakes of the 90s'

Pakistan NSA warned that if the world repeats the "mistakes of the 90s", the results will not be better than last time. He said, "If we again find the easy path and say 'we are done and out of here,' the international legitimacy of the western world will disappear in one second."&nbsp;

"We will have a humanitarian crisis, we will have instability and we will have a security vacuum that terrorists may fill, again targeting Pakistan first and the western world second," he said.&nbsp;

He also accused the West of turning Pakistan into a "scapegoat" and said that the "world should stand up" now and say we will learn lessons, something has gone wrong.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/biden-has-blood-on-his-hands-donald-trump-and-republican-lawmakers-slam-us-president-after-kabul-blasts-408722">'Biden has blood on his hands': Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers slam US president after Kabul blasts</a>

"When the real problems on the ground – a lack of trust, corruption, an army not able to stand up – were completely ignored," said Pakistan's NSA.&nbsp;

Pakistan's National Security Advisor, Moeed Yusuf interacted virtually on Thursday (August 26) with a wide spectrum of British leadership as he opened up on the ongoing Taliban crisis, stating Afghanistan is at risk of a "security vacuum" without an international push for an "inclusive government".

Pakistan's National Security Advisor, Moeed Yusuf interacted virtually on Thursday (August 26) with a wide spectrum of British leadership as he opened up on the ongoing Taliban crisis, stating Afghanistan is at risk of a "security vacuum" without an international push for an "inclusive government". Yusuf also said that the West has "embarrassed" itself by refusing to listen to Pakistan over its take on Afghanistan's ousted government led by Ashraf Ghani. He added that the West should help Afghans by engaging with the Taliban to ensure a "governance model". In a speech to the Conservative thinktank Policy Exchange and as reported by The Guardian, Yusuf called for an internationally coordinated effort to establish the Taliban government. He mentioned that there's a need to have "an inclusive government, rights protected, a moderate governance model". ALSO READ | Pakistan is second home to the Taliban, says spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid Yusuf dismissed the claims that Islamabad had allowed a porous border to give Taliban access in Pakistan, hiding from US forces. However, this comes immediately after the controversial statement made by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid who claimed that Pakistan is like the "second home" of the organisation and that activities that are not in line with the interests of neighbouring countries are not allowed on the territory of Afghanistan. 'Mistakes of the 90s' Pakistan NSA warned that if the world repeats the "mistakes of the 90s", the results will not be better than last time. He said, "If we again find the easy path and say 'we are done and out of here,' the international legitimacy of the western world will disappear in one second." "We will have a humanitarian crisis, we will have instability and we will have a security vacuum that terrorists may fill, again targeting Pakistan first and the western world second," he said. He also accused the West of turning Pakistan into a "scapegoat" and said that the "world should stand up" now and say we will learn lessons, something has gone wrong. ALSO READ | 'Biden has blood on his hands': Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers slam US president after Kabul blasts "When the real problems on the ground – a lack of trust, corruption, an army not able to stand up – were completely ignored," said Pakistan's NSA.

Pakistan's NSA wants the West to 'engage' with Taliban for 'inclusive government'

Afghanistan evacuations: Latest situation on the ground

The world is eyeing the kabul international airport in the aftermath of the twin blasts and a humanitarian crisis unfolding foreign countries continue to evacuate their nationals and Afghans. Spain is the latest country to end their evacuation process in Afghanistan.

Spain Govt: Last two military flights have landed

World leaders have reacted to the coordinated explosions at Kabul airport. United States President Joe Biden expresses heartbreak. The site of the explosion continues to be flocked by the thousands who are still hoping to board flights to safety.

World leaders react to the coordinated explosions at Kabul airport

At least 90 Afghanscivilians and 13 US service members have died following the twin bomb blasts in Kabul. Two explosions had occurred outside Kabul airport on Thursday.

Over 100 people killed in Kabul airport blast just days ahead of August 31 deadline

The Taliban has pledged that women's rights will be protected as they remain within the boundaries of Sharia Law but reports from the ground paint a completely different picture altogether. Afghanistan's former Minister of Mines and Petroleum Nargis Nehan speaks exclusively to WION over the situation in the war-torn country.

People are scared of Taliban rule in Afghanistan: Nargis Nehan, Former Afghan Minister

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the terrorist attack at the Kabul airport. He also called a meeting of the permanent members of the Security Council amidst the security collapse in Afghanistan.

UN Chief condemns Kabul airport blasts, calls permanent members' meet

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