Taliban murdered the Afghan government's senior media and communications officer in the capital city of Kabul on Friday, according to a spokesperson of the terrorist group.

The incident happened on Darul Aman Road in the west of Kabul on Friday afternoon. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-afghan-woman-dragged-out-of-car-killed-by-taliban-for-not-wearing-veil-403248">Also read | Return to dark days: Afghan woman dragged out of car, killed by Taliban for not wearing veil</a>

A spokesman from the federal interior ministry acknowledged that Dawa Khan Menapal, the chief of the Government Media and Information Centre (GMIC), had been assassinated, but declined to specify who was responsible.

"Unfortunately, the savage terrorists have committed a cowardly act once again and martyred a patriotic Afghan," interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai said of the death of Dawa Khan Menapal. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

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Menapal has been an outspoken opponent of Pakistan's government as well as the Taliban.

He recently took to Twitter to condemn the assassination of Taliban comedian Nazar Mohammad, also known as Khasha Zwan.&nbsp; 
 
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He served as deputy presidential spokesperson from 2016 until 2020 before taking over as director of the media and information department.
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In Kandahar, Menapal was also the head of the government's media and communication centre in 2015.

He is from the southern Afghan region of Zabul.

Kabul University awarded him a bachelor's degree in law and political science.&nbsp; 
 
For journalists, Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places on the planet.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a number of recent assaults on civilians, while the government usually blames the Taliban.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban murdered the Afghan government's senior media and communications officer in the capital city of Kabul on Friday, according to a spokesperson of the terrorist group.

Taliban murdered the Afghan government's senior media and communications officer in the capital city of Kabul on Friday, according to a spokesperson of the terrorist group. The incident happened on Darul Aman Road in the west of Kabul on Friday afternoon. Also read | Return to dark days: Afghan woman dragged out of car, killed by Taliban for not wearing veil A spokesman from the federal interior ministry acknowledged that Dawa Khan Menapal, the chief of the Government Media and Information Centre (GMIC), had been assassinated, but declined to specify who was responsible. "Unfortunately, the savage terrorists have committed a cowardly act once again and martyred a patriotic Afghan," interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai said of the death of Dawa Khan Menapal. Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing Menapal has been an outspoken opponent of Pakistan's government as well as the Taliban. He recently took to Twitter to condemn the assassination of Taliban comedian Nazar Mohammad, also known as Khasha Zwan. #KhashaVictimOfTalibanism pic.twitter.com/bddi5W2Npe — Dawa khan Menapal (@menapal1) July 28, 2021 × He served as deputy presidential spokesperson from 2016 until 2020 before taking over as director of the media and information department. In Kandahar, Menapal was also the head of the government's media and communication centre in 2015. He is from the southern Afghan region of Zabul. Kabul University awarded him a bachelor's degree in law and political science. For journalists, Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places on the planet. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a number of recent assaults on civilians, while the government usually blames the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

Terrorists assassinated Afghan govt media head who was critical of Pakistan, Taliban

As the US troop withdrawal in Afghanistan nears official completion, the Taliban has been ramping up its offensive across the country. The Taliban has killed hundreds of peopl so far. The situation is worsening with every passing day and now two of UK's former defence ministers have called on the Johnson administration to return British troops to Afghanistan. The two Tory leaders Tobias Ellwood and Johnny Mercer have urged the British Govt to show int'l leadership.

UK's former defence ministers ask Johnson administration to return British troops to Afghanistan

In their quest for power the Taliban insurgents are now fighting to take control over a string of cities in Afghanistan. In response to the increased US airstrikes, the insurgents are now attacking provincial cities. Meanwhile, Afghan forces have also launched a counteroffensive in Lashkar Gah.

Taliban insurgents infiltrate into key cities, Afghan forces launch counter attack

Taliban insurgents fight to take control over cities in Afghanistan after increased US airstrikes

Taliban terrorists shot a woman dead for not wearing a veil, as the Islamist fundamentalist organisation tries to reimpose oppressive regulations in the war-torn province.

According to the allegation, terrorists dragged Nazaneen, 21, from her car while she was driving to the Balkh district centre.&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, has denied these claims. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-taliban-impose-strict-restrictions-on-women-media-in-afghanistans-north-397124">Also read: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north</a>

Balkh is a dangerous region in the north, where the Taliban are active in many areas. Security troops and Taliban fighters have lately clashed in the province.&nbsp;

Afghan women have been subjected to harsh laws and practise since the Taliban implemented its version of Islamic Sharia law from 1996 to 2001. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

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The Taliban orders women to cover themselves from head to toe, forbids them from working outside the house, severely restricts girls' education, and requires them to leave their homes with a male relative only.

Taliban regulations prevent unaccompanied women from purchasing products from stores in several regions.

Residents claim that individuals who disobey the regulations are frequently punished.

Floggings in public were also a hallmark of Taliban governance.&nbsp;

According to the Long War Journal, which agrees with CNN's figures, the Taliban controls 223 districts across the country, with 116 disputed and 68 held by the government.

According to the report, the Taliban are threatening 17 of the 34 provincial capitals.&nbsp;

In the previous two months, the Taliban has made significant inroads across the nation, putting pressure on Afghanistan's IT and other fundamental infrastructures, such as dams, highways, and commerce facilities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Taliban terrorists shot a woman dead for not wearing a veil, as the Islamist fundamentalist organisation tries to reimpose oppressive regulations in the war-torn province.

Taliban terrorists shot a woman dead for not wearing a veil, as the Islamist fundamentalist organisation tries to reimpose oppressive regulations in the war-torn province. According to the allegation, terrorists dragged Nazaneen, 21, from her car while she was driving to the Balkh district centre. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, has denied these claims. Also read: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north Balkh is a dangerous region in the north, where the Taliban are active in many areas. Security troops and Taliban fighters have lately clashed in the province. Afghan women have been subjected to harsh laws and practise since the Taliban implemented its version of Islamic Sharia law from 1996 to 2001. Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing The Taliban orders women to cover themselves from head to toe, forbids them from working outside the house, severely restricts girls' education, and requires them to leave their homes with a male relative only. Taliban regulations prevent unaccompanied women from purchasing products from stores in several regions. Residents claim that individuals who disobey the regulations are frequently punished. Floggings in public were also a hallmark of Taliban governance. According to the Long War Journal, which agrees with CNN's figures, the Taliban controls 223 districts across the country, with 116 disputed and 68 held by the government. According to the report, the Taliban are threatening 17 of the 34 provincial capitals. In the previous two months, the Taliban has made significant inroads across the nation, putting pressure on Afghanistan's IT and other fundamental infrastructures, such as dams, highways, and commerce facilities. (With inputs from agencies)

Return to dark days: Afghan woman dragged out of car, killed by Taliban for not wearing veil

American troops handed the base over to Afghan security forces to bring an effective end to the longest war in US history. Watch this exclusive report form Bagram.

As Taliban offensives rises, security at Bagram heightened

Two Afghan soldiers and at least 36 Taliban militants were killed after government forces repelled an attack on Thursday in the country's eastern province of Nangarhar, a local official confirmed.

The attack erupted as hundreds of Taliban militants armed with guns and heavy weapons, including rocket propelled grenades, attacked Sherzad district while trying to capture the suburban district in the southeast of Nangarhar, provincial government spokesman Attahullah Khogiani told Xinhua news agency.

Four Afghan soldiers and 52 militants were also wounded during the fighting that had lasted for hours, he said.

In neighbouring Laghman province, the military retook control of Badpakh district early on Thursday after the Afghan Special Forces launched a cleanup operation late Wednesday night, evicting the militants from the district, according to Fawad Aman, deputy spokesperson of the Defence Ministry.

He wrote on his social media account that details about the liberation of Badpakh would be shared with the media soon.

Many Afghan provinces have been the scene of heavy battles in recent months as Taliban militants have reportedly captured about 200 districts since the start of the withdrawal of US-led troops in May this year.

Two Afghan soldiers and at least 36 Taliban militants were killed after government forces repelled an attack on Thursday in the country's eastern province of Nangarhar, a local official confirmed.

Two Afghan soldiers and at least 36 Taliban militants were killed after government forces repelled an attack on Thursday in the country's eastern province of Nangarhar, a local official confirmed. The attack erupted as hundreds of Taliban militants armed with guns and heavy weapons, including rocket propelled grenades, attacked Sherzad district while trying to capture the suburban district in the southeast of Nangarhar, provincial government spokesman Attahullah Khogiani told Xinhua news agency. Four Afghan soldiers and 52 militants were also wounded during the fighting that had lasted for hours, he said. In neighbouring Laghman province, the military retook control of Badpakh district early on Thursday after the Afghan Special Forces launched a cleanup operation late Wednesday night, evicting the militants from the district, according to Fawad Aman, deputy spokesperson of the Defence Ministry. He wrote on his social media account that details about the liberation of Badpakh would be shared with the media soon. Many Afghan provinces have been the scene of heavy battles in recent months as Taliban militants have reportedly captured about 200 districts since the start of the withdrawal of US-led troops in May this year.

2 soldiers, 36 Taliban militants killed after attack foiled in Afghanistan

Two days after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani blamed the role of US forces for worsening security situation in the country, Afghanistan President's special envoy Umer Daudzai slammed Ghani's remarks. "US decision to withdraw troops is a big mistake", says Afghanistan President's special envoy Umer Daudzai while speaking to WION and blamed the US for the Afghan security situation.

Afghanistan President's special envoy Umer Daudzai slams US

Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Afghan foreign minister, spoke to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday about holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the Taliban's brutality and crimes across Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India is the President of the United Nations Security Council for August and decides upon the work of the top United Nations body.&nbsp;

An Afghan government readout said Afghan FM called Dr S Jaishankar to "discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session on Afghanistan" and that the "UN &amp; international community must play a greater role in stopping the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan due to Taliban violence &amp; atrocities. Appreciate the lead role of India as the current UNSC President. "

The development comes even as the Taliban has increased offensives in many parts of the country, including Herat, Kandahar, and Helmand. The Afghan foreign minister also briefed the foreign envoys, including Indian envoy Rudrendra Tandon, on the situation in his country and how the Taliban is being supported by international terror groups, including the Pakistan-based anti-India Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

On Monday, UNSC President, &nbsp;Indian envoy to the UN, T S Tirumurti, said, "The situation in Afghanistan is of deep concern to all members of the Security Council. We have seen in recent days, violence is only increasing and targeted killing has increased". He made the comments at the customary presser by the UNSC President on the first working day of the council.

He highlighted that "India has supported every opportunity that could bring peace, security, and stability to Afghanistan. We should address the question of violence and targeted attacks. "

A UN report said that the number of casualties from May to June exceeded the number between January and April. Recently, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) compound in Herat came under attack, something that was condemned by the international community.

Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Afghan foreign minister, spoke to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday about holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the Taliban's brutality and crimes across Afghanistan.

Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Afghan foreign minister, spoke to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday about holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the Taliban's brutality and crimes across Afghanistan. India is the President of the United Nations Security Council for August and decides upon the work of the top United Nations body. An Afghan government readout said Afghan FM called Dr S Jaishankar to "discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session on Afghanistan" and that the "UN & international community must play a greater role in stopping the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan due to Taliban violence & atrocities. Appreciate the lead role of India as the current UNSC President. " The development comes even as the Taliban has increased offensives in many parts of the country, including Herat, Kandahar, and Helmand. The Afghan foreign minister also briefed the foreign envoys, including Indian envoy Rudrendra Tandon, on the situation in his country and how the Taliban is being supported by international terror groups, including the Pakistan-based anti-India Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). On Monday, UNSC President, Indian envoy to the UN, T S Tirumurti, said, "The situation in Afghanistan is of deep concern to all members of the Security Council. We have seen in recent days, violence is only increasing and targeted killing has increased". He made the comments at the customary presser by the UNSC President on the first working day of the council. He highlighted that "India has supported every opportunity that could bring peace, security, and stability to Afghanistan. We should address the question of violence and targeted attacks. " A UN report said that the number of casualties from May to June exceeded the number between January and April. Recently, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) compound in Herat came under attack, something that was condemned by the international community.

Taliban attacks: Afghan foreign minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar dials Dr S Jaishankar, calls for emergency UNSC session

A car bomb attack by the Taliban claimed 8 lives and wounded 20 others in Kabul's 'green zone'. Is the Taliban training its guns on Kabul? Can a spirited resistance by the Afghan citizens repel the terrorists?

Gravitas: Taliban claim attack targeting Defence Minister

Almost 200,000 people have been asked to evacuate as the army prepares its offensive against insurgents fighting to take control of a string of besieged cities across Afghanistan.

This comes a day after the country's defence minister escaped a botched assassination attempt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-afghan-defence-minister-in-kabul-claimed-by-taliban-402788">Attack on Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister in&nbsp;Kabul claimed by&nbsp;Taliban</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the first time in months, the war has reached the capital thanks to the attack on Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi.&nbsp;

Taliban militants warned Tuesday of more attacks against Afghan government leaders.&nbsp;

The Taliban's threat came after the Afghan military launched a counterattack in the southern city of&nbsp;Lashkar&nbsp;Gah, where insurgents have infiltrated several parts of the city in numbers.

Saleh Mohammad, a resident, said hundreds of families fled, but many were caught in the crossfire.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attacks-bear-the-hallmark-of-taliban-us-402696">Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US</a>

"There is no way to escape from the area because the fighting is ongoing. There is no guarantee that we will not be killed on the way,"&nbsp;Mohammad told news agency AFP.&nbsp;"The government and the Taliban are destroying us."

Taking advantage of the security vacuum left by the withdrawal of US forces, the insurgents have taken over vast swathes of the countryside and key border towns.

With fierce fighting taking place for a week around Herat, near the western border with Iran, as well as around Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south, the Taliban are now targeting cities.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-claim-responisibilty-for-major-attack-in-kabul-402906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Human Rights Watch has accused the Taliban of "summarily" executing captured officers, policemen, and civilians suspected of having ties to the government in territories&nbsp;they have seized.

Additionally, the group said it had obtained a list of 44 people killed by the Taliban in Spin Boldak, a town on the border with Pakistan which insurgents captured last month.

"Taliban commanders with oversight over such atrocities are also responsible for war crimes," Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at HRW, said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-responsible-for-outrageous-and-atrocious-acts-of-violence-us-state-department-402663">Taliban responsible for 'outrageous and atrocious acts of violence': US State Department</a>

Likewise, the United States and Britain have also accused the insurgents of committing atrocities they say may amount to "war crimes" in the town.

It would be a massive strategic and psychological blow for the Afghan government if Lashkar Gah were lost.

(With inputs from agencies)

Almost 200,000 people have been asked to evacuate as the army prepares its offensive against insurgents fighting to take control of a string of besieged cities across Afghanistan.

Almost 200,000 people have been asked to evacuate as the army prepares its offensive against insurgents fighting to take control of a string of besieged cities across Afghanistan. This comes a day after the country's defence minister escaped a botched assassination attempt. Also read | Attack on Afghan defence minister in Kabul claimed by Taliban For the first time in months, the war has reached the capital thanks to the attack on Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi. Taliban militants warned Tuesday of more attacks against Afghan government leaders. The Taliban's threat came after the Afghan military launched a counterattack in the southern city of Lashkar Gah, where insurgents have infiltrated several parts of the city in numbers. Saleh Mohammad, a resident, said hundreds of families fled, but many were caught in the crossfire. Also read | Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US "There is no way to escape from the area because the fighting is ongoing. There is no guarantee that we will not be killed on the way," Mohammad told news agency AFP. "The government and the Taliban are destroying us." Taking advantage of the security vacuum left by the withdrawal of US forces, the insurgents have taken over vast swathes of the countryside and key border towns. With fierce fighting taking place for a week around Herat, near the western border with Iran, as well as around Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south, the Taliban are now targeting cities. Human Rights Watch has accused the Taliban of "summarily" executing captured officers, policemen, and civilians suspected of having ties to the government in territories they have seized. Additionally, the group said it had obtained a list of 44 people killed by the Taliban in Spin Boldak, a town on the border with Pakistan which insurgents captured last month. "Taliban commanders with oversight over such atrocities are also responsible for war crimes," Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at HRW, said in a statement. Also read | Taliban responsible for 'outrageous and atrocious acts of violence': US State Department Likewise, the United States and Britain have also accused the insurgents of committing atrocities they say may amount to "war crimes" in the town. It would be a massive strategic and psychological blow for the Afghan government if Lashkar Gah were lost. (With inputs from agencies)

Residents asked to flee as fighting rages on in Afghanistan's Lashkar Gah

The&nbsp;UK&nbsp;government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;translators&nbsp;and their&nbsp;families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were committed to relocating the&nbsp;families&nbsp;of&nbsp;500&nbsp;staff who supported British troops in Afghanistan "as soon as possible", some&nbsp;2,500&nbsp;individuals in total.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attacks-bear-the-hallmark-of-taliban-us-402696">Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US</a>

The pledge came after published criticism from senior defence figures, urging a review of the relocation scheme in the face of escalating violence in Afghanistan and threats to former local staff.

"There has been considerable misreporting of the scheme in the media, feeding the impression the Government is not supporting our former and current&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff," Wallace and Patel wrote.

"This could not be further from the truth and since the US announced its withdrawal we have been at the forefront of nations relocating people," they added.

In response to pressure following the announcement of a US military withdrawal from Afghanistan,&nbsp; the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;accelerated its relocation scheme for&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;local staff in May.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-afghan-defence-minister-in-kabul-claimed-by-taliban-402788">Attack on Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister in&nbsp;Kabul claimed by&nbsp;Taliban</a>&nbsp;

Since the expansion was announced, 1,400&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;had been relocated, equalling the total number resettled in Britain since 2014.

Six former heads of the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;armed forces and other senior military figures voiced concern in a letter to The Times last week that&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff had been rejected for a relocation because of security concerns.

Often these individuals were deemed ineligible because they were dismissed from service.

The ministers asserted they needed to ensure a "balance between generosity and security" and would now offer relocation to 264 members of&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff who were dismissed for a "relatively minor administrative offence".&nbsp;

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Of these, they said, 121 individuals in that category have already been offered relocation.

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly bomb and gun attack on the capital, Kabul, amid a wider assault by the Islamist group on a string of provincial capitals.

Regular reprisals against&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;and interpreters and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;have escalated as the Taliban have seized vast swathes of the countryside in the weeks following the withdrawal announcement.

As humanitarian displacement from the conflict increases, the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;also said it would make further changes to its rules to allow former&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;to make applications for relocation outside Afghanistan.

The UK government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more Afghan translators and their families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough.

The UK government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more Afghan translators and their families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were committed to relocating the families of 500 staff who supported British troops in Afghanistan "as soon as possible", some 2,500 individuals in total. Also read | Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US The pledge came after published criticism from senior defence figures, urging a review of the relocation scheme in the face of escalating violence in Afghanistan and threats to former local staff. "There has been considerable misreporting of the scheme in the media, feeding the impression the Government is not supporting our former and current Afghan staff," Wallace and Patel wrote. "This could not be further from the truth and since the US announced its withdrawal we have been at the forefront of nations relocating people," they added. In response to pressure following the announcement of a US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the UK accelerated its relocation scheme for Afghan local staff in May. Also read | Attack on Afghan defence minister in Kabul claimed by Taliban Since the expansion was announced, 1,400 Afghan staff and their families had been relocated, equalling the total number resettled in Britain since 2014. Six former heads of the UK armed forces and other senior military figures voiced concern in a letter to The Times last week that Afghan staff had been rejected for a relocation because of security concerns. Often these individuals were deemed ineligible because they were dismissed from service. The ministers asserted they needed to ensure a "balance between generosity and security" and would now offer relocation to 264 members of Afghan staff who were dismissed for a "relatively minor administrative offence". Of these, they said, 121 individuals in that category have already been offered relocation. The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly bomb and gun attack on the capital, Kabul, amid a wider assault by the Islamist group on a string of provincial capitals. Regular reprisals against Afghan and interpreters and their families have escalated as the Taliban have seized vast swathes of the countryside in the weeks following the withdrawal announcement. As humanitarian displacement from the conflict increases, the UK also said it would make further changes to its rules to allow former Afghan staff and their families to make applications for relocation outside Afghanistan.

UK govt aims to relocate 2,500 Afghan translators and families

WION Ground Report: In the Afghan province of Laghman, the Taliban has taken 3 out of 5 districts. WION's Anas Mallick visited the province and found that the Afghan forces are now guarding a key highway and pushing back against the Taliban.

Gravitas: Exclusive: Locals caught in the middle of crossfire in Laghman

After blasts hit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/car-bomb-attack-at-afghanistan-defence-ministers-house-in-kabul-gunmen-enter-his-house-reports-402675">Kabul</a>, the United States said "it does bear all the hallmarks of the spate of Taliban attacks" even as US troops continue their pullout from the region.

A car bomb explosion had ripped Kabul on Tuesday including several blasts amid gunfire in the Afghan capital. At least four people were killed and 20 injured during the attack.

Afghanistan's defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi said it was a suicide car bomb attack targeting his house. The attack took place near the heavily fortified "Green Zone".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-panjshir-vows-to-resist-taliban-push-402670/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It's important for the Taliban to recognise that it cannot achieve its objectives by seizing power through violence," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Taliban has stepped its attacks in the rural areas and provinces in Afghanistan for the past two months seizing several districts amid heavy fighting with Afghan troops.

"We're not in a position to attribute it officially just yet but of course it does bear all the hallmarks of the spate of&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;attacks that we have seen in recent weeks," Ned Price said.

Reports say Herat is under siege by the Taliban as Afghan and US planes have carried out air raids even as the Taliban has continued to surge.

The talks in Doha have been deadlocked as the Taliban has made gains on the ground in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

US State Department spokesman Ned Price had recently said the militant group would become "international pariahs" if they&nbsp;gave up negotiations "and the concern on the part of all of us, one of the many concerns, is that the result will be civil war."

Ned Price said the US "unequivocally condemns the bombing" even as a security alert was sounded in the Afghan capital.

The UN Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it was deeply concerned for the Afghan civilians as fighting worsens while calling for an "immediate end to fighting in urban areas".

(With inputs from Agencies)

After blasts hit Kabul, the United States said "it does bear all the hallmarks of the spate of Taliban attacks" even as US troops continue their pullout from the region.

After blasts hit Kabul, the United States said "it does bear all the hallmarks of the spate of Taliban attacks" even as US troops continue their pullout from the region. A car bomb explosion had ripped Kabul on Tuesday including several blasts amid gunfire in the Afghan capital. At least four people were killed and 20 injured during the attack. Afghanistan's defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi said it was a suicide car bomb attack targeting his house. The attack took place near the heavily fortified "Green Zone". Watch: "It's important for the Taliban to recognise that it cannot achieve its objectives by seizing power through violence," State Department spokesman Ned Price said. Taliban has stepped its attacks in the rural areas and provinces in Afghanistan for the past two months seizing several districts amid heavy fighting with Afghan troops. "We're not in a position to attribute it officially just yet but of course it does bear all the hallmarks of the spate of Taliban attacks that we have seen in recent weeks," Ned Price said. Reports say Herat is under siege by the Taliban as Afghan and US planes have carried out air raids even as the Taliban has continued to surge. The talks in Doha have been deadlocked as the Taliban has made gains on the ground in Afghanistan. US State Department spokesman Ned Price had recently said the militant group would become "international pariahs" if they gave up negotiations "and the concern on the part of all of us, one of the many concerns, is that the result will be civil war." Ned Price said the US "unequivocally condemns the bombing" even as a security alert was sounded in the Afghan capital. The UN Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it was deeply concerned for the Afghan civilians as fighting worsens while calling for an "immediate end to fighting in urban areas". (With inputs from Agencies)

Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US

The car bomb attack targeted a guesthouse that belonged to the acting Defense Minister Bismillah Mohammadi who was not there when the explosion happened.

3 civilians, 3 attackers killed in Kabul explosion

Powerful blasts hit Kabul on Tuesday near the city’s heavily fortified “Green Zone”, an area home to government buildings and foreign embassies. At least 10 people were wounded and were taken to hospitals in the capital.

At least 10 people wounded after powerful blasts rocked Afghanistan's capital Kabul

There were no immediate reports of casualties but several smaller explosions could also be heard as well as small arms fire.

News Alert: Blast near Defence Minister's residence in kabul

The security situation has deteriorated rapidly. In the last six days alone, the Taliban has taken control of 38 of Afghanistan’s 407 districts – nearly 10 percent of the country. Watch this ground report.

Afghanistan: Panjshir vows to resist Taliban push

The US State Department spokesman Ned Price Monday on August 2 said that the Taliban is responsible for 'outrageous and atrocious acts of violence.'

Taliban fighters pushed deeper into the southern Afghan provincial capital of Lashkargah on Monday and closed in on government buildings, a senior official said, as the insurgents pressed a rapid advance.

Heavy fighting was raging close to the National Directorate of Security, the prison and the police headquarters in the main city in Helmand province, the government official said, asking not to be named.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-taliban-says-it-doesnt-have-ties-with-pak-based-terror-groups-like-let-jem-398814">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive:&nbsp;Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like&nbsp;LeT,&nbsp;JeM</a>

Taliban fighters have moved in on three provincial capitals in the last few days and seized territory nationwide since Washington said it planned a complete withdrawal of troops by September.

Most of their advances have focused on rural areas and they have yet to take full control of a major city.

Price engaged in a testy exchange about the situation in Afghanistan with a reporter at the State Department.

The US State Department spokesman Ned Price Monday on August 2 said that the Taliban is responsible for 'outrageous and atrocious acts of violence.' Taliban fighters pushed deeper into the southern Afghan provincial capital of Lashkargah on Monday and closed in on government buildings, a senior official said, as the insurgents pressed a rapid advance.

The US State Department spokesman Ned Price Monday on August 2 said that the Taliban is responsible for 'outrageous and atrocious acts of violence.' Taliban fighters pushed deeper into the southern Afghan provincial capital of Lashkargah on Monday and closed in on government buildings, a senior official said, as the insurgents pressed a rapid advance. Heavy fighting was raging close to the National Directorate of Security, the prison and the police headquarters in the main city in Helmand province, the government official said, asking not to be named. Also read | Exclusive: Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like LeT, JeM Taliban fighters have moved in on three provincial capitals in the last few days and seized territory nationwide since Washington said it planned a complete withdrawal of troops by September. Most of their advances have focused on rural areas and they have yet to take full control of a major city. Price engaged in a testy exchange about the situation in Afghanistan with a reporter at the State Department.

Taliban responsible for 'outrageous and atrocious acts of violence': US State Department

Helmand was the centrepiece of the US and British military campaign, and any Taliban gains there would be a blow for the Afghan government.

Intense clashes leads to severe casualties in Lashkar Gah

Afghan&nbsp;forces battled the Taliban for control of a key provincial capital Tuesday, as the United Nations warned "indiscriminate" gunfire and air strikes were&nbsp;hurting&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;the&nbsp;most.

Officials said insurgents had seized more than a dozen local radio and TV stations in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province and the scene of days of fierce&nbsp;fighting, leaving only one pro-Taliban channel broadcasting Islamic programming.

In Herat, another city under siege, hundreds of residents chanted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) from their rooftops after government forces repulsed the latest Taliban assault.

The hardline Islamist group has seized control of much of rural Afghanistan since foreign forces began the last stage of their withdrawal in early May, but are meeting resistance as they try to take provincial capitals.

That urban&nbsp;fighting, however, is taking its toll on&nbsp;civilians.

"Taliban ground offensive &amp; ANA air strikes causing&nbsp;most&nbsp;harm," the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) tweeted Tuesday, referring to the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;national army.

"Deep concerns about&nbsp;indiscriminate&nbsp;shooting &amp; damage to/occupation of health facilities &amp; civilian homes."

UNAMA said at least 10&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;were killed and 85 wounded in Lashkar Gah in the past three days.

"Fighting&nbsp;was intense this morning," said Sefatullah, director of Sukon radio in the city.

"The US B52 and&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;air force both pounded the Taliban positions," he said, adding that&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;was ongoing near the city's prison and a building housing the headquarters of police and intelligence agencies.

On Monday, the Ministry of Defence said that US air force had carried out air strikes in Lashkar Gah.

In recent days the US military has intensified air strikes across the country in a bid to stem Taliban advances.

Sefatullah said his radio station had "stopped broadcasting two days ago because the Taliban captured the building of our station."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-assassinations-of-afghan-pilots-worrisome-us-government-watchdog-says-401616">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots 'worrisome,' US government watchdog says</a>

Afghan&nbsp;officials said that 10 other radio and four television stations in Helmand had been seized by the Taliban,&nbsp;most&nbsp;in the provincial capital.

"Terrorists do not want the media to publish the facts and expose their injustices," the Ministry of Information and Culture said.

The loss of Lashkar Gah would be a massive strategic and psychological blow for the government, which has pledged to defend cities at all costs after losing much of the rural countryside to the Taliban over the summer.

In Herat,&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;officials said government forces had managed to push back the insurgents from several areas of the city -- including near the airport, which is vital for resupplies.

"Afghan&nbsp;security forces plus resistance forces launched a big operation in west of the city," Jailani Farhad, spokesman for Herat's governor, told AFP.

Another official said the US had carried out air strikes in Herat last night.

'War crimes'

Washington and London lashed out at the Taliban, accusing them of committing atrocities that may amount to "war crimes" in the town of Spin Boldak, which the insurgents captured last month along the border with Pakistan.

Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission earlier said the insurgents had indulged in revenge killings there, leaving at least 40 people dead.

"The Taliban chased and identified past and present government officials and killed these people who had no combat role in the conflict," the group said.

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken also slammed the militant leaders.

An Afghanistan without a democratic, inclusive government would be a "pariah state," he said, adding that the international recognition the group wants will not be possible if "seeks to take the country by force and commits the kind of atrocities that have been reported."

Fighting&nbsp;across the country, meanwhile, has displaced around 80,000 children from the start of June, humanitarian organisation Save the Children said Tuesday, adding that many schools and health facilities had also been damaged.

Afghan forces battled the Taliban for control of a key provincial capital Tuesday, as the United Nations warned "indiscriminate" gunfire and air strikes were hurting civilians the most.

Afghan forces battled the Taliban for control of a key provincial capital Tuesday, as the United Nations warned "indiscriminate" gunfire and air strikes were hurting civilians the most. Officials said insurgents had seized more than a dozen local radio and TV stations in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province and the scene of days of fierce fighting, leaving only one pro-Taliban channel broadcasting Islamic programming. In Herat, another city under siege, hundreds of residents chanted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) from their rooftops after government forces repulsed the latest Taliban assault. The hardline Islamist group has seized control of much of rural Afghanistan since foreign forces began the last stage of their withdrawal in early May, but are meeting resistance as they try to take provincial capitals. That urban fighting, however, is taking its toll on civilians. "Taliban ground offensive & ANA air strikes causing most harm," the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) tweeted Tuesday, referring to the Afghan national army. "Deep concerns about indiscriminate shooting & damage to/occupation of health facilities & civilian homes." UNAMA said at least 10 civilians were killed and 85 wounded in Lashkar Gah in the past three days. "Fighting was intense this morning," said Sefatullah, director of Sukon radio in the city. "The US B52 and Afghan air force both pounded the Taliban positions," he said, adding that fighting was ongoing near the city's prison and a building housing the headquarters of police and intelligence agencies. On Monday, the Ministry of Defence said that US air force had carried out air strikes in Lashkar Gah. In recent days the US military has intensified air strikes across the country in a bid to stem Taliban advances. Sefatullah said his radio station had "stopped broadcasting two days ago because the Taliban captured the building of our station." Also read | Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots 'worrisome,' US government watchdog says Afghan officials said that 10 other radio and four television stations in Helmand had been seized by the Taliban, most in the provincial capital. "Terrorists do not want the media to publish the facts and expose their injustices," the Ministry of Information and Culture said. The loss of Lashkar Gah would be a massive strategic and psychological blow for the government, which has pledged to defend cities at all costs after losing much of the rural countryside to the Taliban over the summer. In Herat, Afghan officials said government forces had managed to push back the insurgents from several areas of the city -- including near the airport, which is vital for resupplies. "Afghan security forces plus resistance forces launched a big operation in west of the city," Jailani Farhad, spokesman for Herat's governor, told AFP. Another official said the US had carried out air strikes in Herat last night. 'War crimes' Washington and London lashed out at the Taliban, accusing them of committing atrocities that may amount to "war crimes" in the town of Spin Boldak, which the insurgents captured last month along the border with Pakistan. Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission earlier said the insurgents had indulged in revenge killings there, leaving at least 40 people dead. "The Taliban chased and identified past and present government officials and killed these people who had no combat role in the conflict," the group said. Top US diplomat Antony Blinken also slammed the militant leaders. An Afghanistan without a democratic, inclusive government would be a "pariah state," he said, adding that the international recognition the group wants will not be possible if "seeks to take the country by force and commits the kind of atrocities that have been reported." Fighting across the country, meanwhile, has displaced around 80,000 children from the start of June, humanitarian organisation Save the Children said Tuesday, adding that many schools and health facilities had also been damaged.

'Indiscriminate' Afghan fighting hurting civilians the most, says UN

India's Permanent Representative to the UN and President of Security Council for the month of August TS Tirumurti said that the situation in Afghanistan is of deep concern to all members of the UN Security Council and underlined that "we cannot have terrorist camps" once again going back into the war-torn country and this will have a "direct impact" on India. Mr Tirumurti cited a UN report that said the number of casualties in Afghanistan during May-June exceeds the number between January and April.

India's Rep. to UN TS Tirumurti says situation in Afghanistan is of deep concern to members of UNSC

Aghan forces battled the Taliban in Lashkargah as the fighting intensified in the city in southern Helmand province. The clashes intensified just hours after the Aghan government announced the deployment of hundreds of commandos to the area.

Afghanistan security forces battle Taliban in Lashkargah

The Afghan Vice President has blamed Pakistan out in open for supporting the violent and deadly insurgency in Afghanistan. Watch this report to know more.

Afghan VP Saleh calls out Pakistan for funding terrorism

For the past two days, the insurgents and government forces have clashed on the outskirts of Herat, Afghanistan's third-largest city with 600,000 inhabitants.

Violence takes a toll on the journalism fraternity

Afghanistan has been witnessing a surge in violence since early May when US-led foreign forces began a final withdrawal and the Taliban has begun assaulting provincial capitals.

Afghan special forces, Taliban clashes in Herat

Security forces have hit back at the rising assaults of Taliban in Afghanistan. Afghan govt bombed Taliban's possessions after the insurgence swamped major cities. Taliban claimed the attack saying govt possessions were bombarding their positions from the airport.

Afghan security forces hit back at  rising assaults of Taliban in country

Pakistan cannot bear the burden of hosting more Afghan refugees, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf, while addressing a press conference in Washington DC. &nbsp;

Yusuf is on a visit the US for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan. It is a part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation.&nbsp;

On the matter, Yusuf said safe zones should be established within Afghanistan for the refugees. In response to a question, the NSA said, “Pakistan and the United States need to work together to address the security concern in Afghanistan.”&nbsp;

Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control.&nbsp;

US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan cannot bear the burden of hosting more Afghan refugees, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf, while addressing a press conference in Washington DC.

Pakistan cannot bear the burden of hosting more Afghan refugees, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf, while addressing a press conference in Washington DC. Yusuf is on a visit the US for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan. It is a part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation. On the matter, Yusuf said safe zones should be established within Afghanistan for the refugees. In response to a question, the NSA said, “Pakistan and the United States need to work together to address the security concern in Afghanistan.” Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan. Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control. US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak cannot bear burden of more refugees from Afghanistan, says NSA  

The people of Afghanistan have been historically fighting for the last 34 years, says Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, Ex-PM Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Former afghan PM Gulbuddin Hekmatyar Speaks to WION

As Taliban insurgents make gains in Afghanistan and security forces struggle to contain them, an international human rights monitor accused the Taliban insurgency there, of executing suspected government officials and security personnel, and sometimes even their family members.

Afghanistan: Taliban wages fierce battles, 3 major cities under attack

At least three&nbsp;rockets&nbsp;struck&nbsp;Kandahar&nbsp;airport&nbsp;in southern Afghanistan overnight, an official told AFP on Sunday, as the Taliban pressed on with their sweeping offensive across the country.

"Last night three&nbsp;rockets&nbsp;were fired at the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;and two of them&nbsp;hit&nbsp;the runway... Due to this all flights from the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;have been cancelled,"&nbsp;airport&nbsp;chief Massoud Pashtun told AFP.

Pashtun said work to repair the runway was underway and expected the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;to be operational later on Sunday.

An official at the civil aviation authority in Kabul confirmed the rocket attack.

The Taliban have for weeks launched withering assaults on the outskirts of&nbsp;Kandahar, stirring fears that the insurgents were on the verge of capturing the provincial capital.

Kandahar's air base is vital to providing the logistics and air support needed to keep the militants from overrunning Afghanistan's second-biggest city.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-senate-in-rare-saturday-session-on-1-trillion-infrastructure-bill-402098">Also read |&nbsp;US Senate in rare Saturday session on $1 trillion infrastructure bill</a>

The attack on the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;came as the Taliban inched closer to overrunning two other provincial capitals -- Herat in the west and Lashkar Gah in the south.

The Taliban's significant territorial gains during the final stages of the US military withdrawal have largely been in sparsely populated rural areas.

But in recent weeks they have brought increasing pressure on several provincial capitals and seized key border crossings.

The capture of any major urban centre would take their current offensive to another level and fuel concerns that the army is incapable of resisting the Taliban's battlefield gains.&nbsp;

The government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's steady territorial gains over the summer as lacking strategic value.&nbsp;

At least three rockets struck Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan overnight, an official told AFP on Sunday, as the Taliban pressed on with their sweeping offensive across the country.

At least three rockets struck Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan overnight, an official told AFP on Sunday, as the Taliban pressed on with their sweeping offensive across the country. "Last night three rockets were fired at the airport and two of them hit the runway... Due to this all flights from the airport have been cancelled," airport chief Massoud Pashtun told AFP. Pashtun said work to repair the runway was underway and expected the airport to be operational later on Sunday. An official at the civil aviation authority in Kabul confirmed the rocket attack. The Taliban have for weeks launched withering assaults on the outskirts of Kandahar, stirring fears that the insurgents were on the verge of capturing the provincial capital. Kandahar's air base is vital to providing the logistics and air support needed to keep the militants from overrunning Afghanistan's second-biggest city. Also read | US Senate in rare Saturday session on $1 trillion infrastructure bill The attack on the airport came as the Taliban inched closer to overrunning two other provincial capitals -- Herat in the west and Lashkar Gah in the south. The Taliban's significant territorial gains during the final stages of the US military withdrawal have largely been in sparsely populated rural areas. But in recent weeks they have brought increasing pressure on several provincial capitals and seized key border crossings. The capture of any major urban centre would take their current offensive to another level and fuel concerns that the army is incapable of resisting the Taliban's battlefield gains. The government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's steady territorial gains over the summer as lacking strategic value.

Rockets hit Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan

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