The American departure from Afghanistan has left the country in complete shambles. More and more districts are being taken by the Taliban. Afghan Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay speaks with WION about ongoing situation in Afghanistan.

Afghan Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay speaks with WION

According to Kandahar airport chief Massoud Pashtun, '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.

Rockets hit Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan

Afghan Taliban will not allow Daesh militants to penetrate into their country, said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. &nbsp;

The foreign minister made the statement while addressing a press conference at Multan's Raza Hall on Saturday. He added the Afghan forces have the capacity to combat Daesh, a report by The News said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Qureshi said peace in Afghanistan was important for regional stability. And Pakistan is in consultation with other countries in the region to ensure the development and prosperity of the war-torn country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Taliban have for weeks launched withering assaults in different parts of the country and are making significant territorial gains largely in sparsely populated rural areas as the US military withdrawal is at the final stages. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In recent weeks, they have brought increasing pressure on several provincial capitals and seized key border crossings.&nbsp;

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;&nbsp;

The government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's steady territorial gains over the summer as lacking strategic value.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Afghan Taliban will not allow Daesh militants to penetrate into their country, said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The foreign minister made the statement while addressing a press conference at Multan's Raza Hall on Saturday.

Afghan Taliban will not allow Daesh militants to penetrate into their country, said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The foreign minister made the statement while addressing a press conference at Multan's Raza Hall on Saturday. He added the Afghan forces have the capacity to combat Daesh, a report by The News said on Sunday. Qureshi said peace in Afghanistan was important for regional stability. And Pakistan is in consultation with other countries in the region to ensure the development and prosperity of the war-torn country. Meanwhile, the Taliban have for weeks launched withering assaults in different parts of the country and are making significant territorial gains largely in sparsely populated rural areas as the US military withdrawal is at the final stages. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak Foreign Minister says Taliban will not allow Daesh to resurge in Afghanistan 

A report suggests that Indian journalist Danish Siddiqui was not caught in a crossfire in Afghanistan, he was hunted and murdered by the Taliban. The terror group has also killed a popular Afghan comic and is holding many civilians captive. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas | Report: Journalist Danish Siddiqui was murdered by the Taliban

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.

US-based Human Rights Watch&nbsp;(HRW) condemned the Taliban's retaliatory actions in a statement, noting that the group had pledged they would not harm Afghan government employees or those assisting the&nbsp;United States and NATO troops.

The insurgent group has denied the allegations. 
 
HRW reports that among recent executions was one committed by the Taliban in southern Kandahar province earlier this month,&nbsp;Nazar Mohammad a.k.a Khasha Zwan a&nbsp;popular Kandahari comedian.&nbsp;

According to reports, the slain man who worked with the Afghan police had posted routines on TikTok that included songs and jokes.&nbsp;He was beaten and shot to death by Taliban fighters on July 22, 2021.

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Khasha Zwan was apparently executed by Taliban forces because he made fun of Taliban leaders, said Human Rights Watch's, Patrica Gossman.

Gossman alleged that his murder, along with other recent abuses, demonstrates the Taliban's willingness to brutally crush even the mildest of criticism or objection.

The Taliban didn't admit to killing Khasha Zwan until a video appeared online showing two men slapping and abusing him.

After a video of two&nbsp;insurgents&nbsp;physically abusing the detained comedian went viral on social media, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid acknowledged the incident was the work of insurgent fighters.

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Mujahid said the men responsible for killing Zwan have been arrested and will be tried, given that they were obligated to bring the comedian to a Taliban court rather than kill him. 
 
As well as holding scores of government and police associates in Kandahar, insurgent commanders are also accused of detaining a number of civilians. 
 
Taliban forces cannot use brute force against their critics as they advance, says Gossman adding that while the Taliban leadership often denies the abuses, it is their fighters behind these attacks, so it is their responsibility to stop the slaughter. 
 
US government also condemned the death of the comic.

Ross Wilson, acting US ambassador in Kabul, tweeted&nbsp;“Nazar Mohammad 'Khasha'&nbsp;was a beloved comedian, bringing laughter &amp; joy to his community even in dark times. The Taliban kidnapped &amp; lynched him, then gleefully published video evidence on Twitter. We condemn these sickening actions &amp; the Taliban leadership should too.”

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Nazar "Khasha" Mohammad was a beloved comedian, bringing laughter &amp; joy to his community even in dark times. The Taliban kidnapped &amp; lynched him, then gleefully published video evidence on Twitter. We condemn these sickening actions &amp; the Taliban leadership should too. <a href="https://t.co/hXROjj83eC">https://t.co/hXROjj83eC</a>
— Chargé d’Affaires Ross Wilson (@USAmbKabul) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbKabul/status/1420394331865747463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Afghanistan saw its latest wave of Taliban attacks in early May after the US&nbsp;and NATO began formally withdrawing the last of their remaining troops. 
 
Under President Joe Biden's orders, the process&nbsp;is scheduled to be completed by August 31.

Washington signed a deal with the Taliban in February 2020 that called for the insurgents to reduce violence and to negotiate a peace treaty with the Afghan government in return for the military withdrawal. 
 
Peace talks between the warring sides were supposed to begin in September in Qatar, however, the US-backed process to resolve the Afghan dispute has largely stalled and violence has escalated.

According to a United Nations report, civilian casualties in Afghanistan increased by 47 per cent in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period last year. 
 
The report warns that unless the warring parties negotiate urgently a peace deal in the next few months, Afghanistan could experience its highest-ever number of civilian casualties.

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While on a visit to India on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed his concern over the&nbsp;“deeply troubling”&nbsp;reports of increased attacks against Afghan civilians.

He called on the warring parties to proactively negotiate a peace settlement, "An Afghanistan that does not respect the rights of its people, an Afghanistan that commits atrocities against its own people would become a pariah state,".

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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. US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the Taliban's retaliatory actions in a statement, noting that the group had pledged they would not harm Afghan government employees or those assisting the United States and NATO troops. The insurgent group has denied the allegations. HRW reports that among recent executions was one committed by the Taliban in southern Kandahar province earlier this month, Nazar Mohammad a.k.a Khasha Zwan a popular Kandahari comedian. According to reports, the slain man who worked with the Afghan police had posted routines on TikTok that included songs and jokes. He was beaten and shot to death by Taliban fighters on July 22, 2021. Khasha Zwan was apparently executed by Taliban forces because he made fun of Taliban leaders, said Human Rights Watch's, Patrica Gossman. Gossman alleged that his murder, along with other recent abuses, demonstrates the Taliban's willingness to brutally crush even the mildest of criticism or objection. The Taliban didn't admit to killing Khasha Zwan until a video appeared online showing two men slapping and abusing him. After a video of two insurgents physically abusing the detained comedian went viral on social media, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid acknowledged the incident was the work of insurgent fighters. Mujahid said the men responsible for killing Zwan have been arrested and will be tried, given that they were obligated to bring the comedian to a Taliban court rather than kill him. As well as holding scores of government and police associates in Kandahar, insurgent commanders are also accused of detaining a number of civilians. Taliban forces cannot use brute force against their critics as they advance, says Gossman adding that while the Taliban leadership often denies the abuses, it is their fighters behind these attacks, so it is their responsibility to stop the slaughter. US government also condemned the death of the comic. Ross Wilson, acting US ambassador in Kabul, tweeted “Nazar Mohammad 'Khasha' was a beloved comedian, bringing laughter & joy to his community even in dark times. The Taliban kidnapped & lynched him, then gleefully published video evidence on Twitter. We condemn these sickening actions & the Taliban leadership should too.” Nazar "Khasha" Mohammad was a beloved comedian, bringing laughter & joy to his community even in dark times. The Taliban kidnapped & lynched him, then gleefully published video evidence on Twitter. We condemn these sickening actions & the Taliban leadership should too. https://t.co/hXROjj83eC — Chargé d’Affaires Ross Wilson (@USAmbKabul) July 28, 2021 × Afghanistan saw its latest wave of Taliban attacks in early May after the US and NATO began formally withdrawing the last of their remaining troops. Under President Joe Biden's orders, the process is scheduled to be completed by August 31. Washington signed a deal with the Taliban in February 2020 that called for the insurgents to reduce violence and to negotiate a peace treaty with the Afghan government in return for the military withdrawal. Peace talks between the warring sides were supposed to begin in September in Qatar, however, the US-backed process to resolve the Afghan dispute has largely stalled and violence has escalated. According to a United Nations report, civilian casualties in Afghanistan increased by 47 per cent in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period last year. The report warns that unless the warring parties negotiate urgently a peace deal in the next few months, Afghanistan could experience its highest-ever number of civilian casualties. While on a visit to India on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed his concern over the “deeply troubling” reports of increased attacks against Afghan civilians. He called on the warring parties to proactively negotiate a peace settlement, "An Afghanistan that does not respect the rights of its people, an Afghanistan that commits atrocities against its own people would become a pariah state,". (With inputs from agencies)

Human Rights Watch dismayed by mounting Taliban revenge killings

'Anti-government elements' in Afghanistan attacked the main UN&nbsp;compound in the capital of the western province of Herat on Friday and at least one security guard was killed, the UN&nbsp;Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said. 
 
The attack, involving rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire, happened hours after Taliban fighters penetrated deep into Herat city, and there were heavy clashes with Afghan security forces near the UNAMA provincial headquarters, officials said. 
 
It also came as US-led foreign forces near a complete withdrawal of troops and Afghan security forces struggle to hold back Taliban fighters in three major provincial capitals. 
 
In a statement following the attack, the United Nations said it was urgently seeking to establish a full picture of the assault and was in contact with the relevant parties. 
 
It was not immediately clear, who attacked the compound, but a Western security official told Reuters all diplomatic compounds in the city were put on high alert. 
 
"The United States strongly condemns the attack on the United Nations compound in Herat," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement, reiterating a US&nbsp;call for reduction in violence in Afghanistan. 
 
UNAMA said the attack was against the entrances of the compound that were clearly marked as a UN&nbsp;facility. 
 
“This attack against the United Nations is deplorable and we condemn it in the strongest terms,” said Deborah Lyons, the UN&nbsp;Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. 
 
UNAMA said no UN&nbsp;personnel were hurt. 
 
The Taliban put the incident down to possible crossfire. 
 
"It is possible that guards could have sustained harm in crossfire due to close proximity of the office to the fighting," the insurgents' spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Twitter. 
 
He added that Taliban fighters had 'arrived at the scene' and that the compound was 'not under any threat'. 
 
The Taliban have already captured swaths of the province of Herat, which borders Iran, before entering the capital.

'Anti-government elements' in Afghanistan attacked the main UN compound in the capital of the western province of Herat on Friday and at least one security guard was killed, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said.

'Anti-government elements' in Afghanistan attacked the main UN compound in the capital of the western province of Herat on Friday and at least one security guard was killed, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said. The attack, involving rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire, happened hours after Taliban fighters penetrated deep into Herat city, and there were heavy clashes with Afghan security forces near the UNAMA provincial headquarters, officials said. It also came as US-led foreign forces near a complete withdrawal of troops and Afghan security forces struggle to hold back Taliban fighters in three major provincial capitals. In a statement following the attack, the United Nations said it was urgently seeking to establish a full picture of the assault and was in contact with the relevant parties. It was not immediately clear, who attacked the compound, but a Western security official told Reuters all diplomatic compounds in the city were put on high alert. "The United States strongly condemns the attack on the United Nations compound in Herat," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement, reiterating a US call for reduction in violence in Afghanistan. UNAMA said the attack was against the entrances of the compound that were clearly marked as a UN facility. “This attack against the United Nations is deplorable and we condemn it in the strongest terms,” said Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. UNAMA said no UN personnel were hurt. The Taliban put the incident down to possible crossfire. "It is possible that guards could have sustained harm in crossfire due to close proximity of the office to the fighting," the insurgents' spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Twitter. He added that Taliban fighters had 'arrived at the scene' and that the compound was 'not under any threat'. The Taliban have already captured swaths of the province of Herat, which borders Iran, before entering the capital.

UN compound attacked in western Afghanistan, at least one guard killed

Attacks were carried out in the main U.N. compound in the capital of the western province of Herat on Friday. At least one security guard was killed in the attack. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned this attack.

At least one security guard killed in attack on UN compound in Herat

From Afghanistan to Iraq, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, America is cutting down its military presence & pulling back from conflicts it escalated. For a country that wants to be seen as a superpower, this retreat is humiliating. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: America is retreating from conflicts it escalated

Since the Taliban's offensive has begun, the world has focused on the violence and casualties. But, the streets of Kabul are bustling, businesses are open & people are out and about. Palki Sharma tells you how a resilient Kabul is pushing back against the Taliban.

Gravitas | Exclusive: A Bustling Kabul pushes back against Taliban

As the Taliban captures more and more territory in Afghanistan, WION goes behind the headlines. What is life like in the country right now and what do the security forces think about the latest Taliban advances? Join WION's Anas Mallick as he travels across the country to report from the heart of the conflict.

WION in Afghanistan: Taliban continues to make rapid advances

Afghanistan is witnessing violence like never before. The Taliban is making bold territorial gains compromising Afghans' faith in their government. Recently, the terror group admitted to the cold-blooded murder of Afghanistan's most popular comedian. All peace negotiations have failed to achieve any goal. WION tells you what impact the situation in Afghanistan is having on its people.

Afghan women fear they will lose hard won rights after Taliban's return

Imran Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, said on Tuesday that the Taliban were not some military outfit but 'normal civilians'.

Khan remarked that Pakistan, Afghanistan's eastern neighbour, shelters three million Afghan refugees during a TV interview with American network PBS.

Questioning the United States motive for the Afghan invasion he also said that the US has 'really messed it up in Afghanistan'.

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“When they say Pakistan handed the Taliban safe havens and sanctuaries, where are these safe-havens? When you mentioned there are three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, who are, by the way, the same ethnic group as the Taliban, Pashtuns, Imran Khan said, "Now there are camps of 500,000 people."

“There are camps of 100,000 people. And Taliban are not some military outfit. They are normal civilians. And if there are some civilians in these camps, how is Pakistan supposed to hunt these people down? How can you call them sanctuaries?” he added.

Pakistan has long been accused of assisting Taliban rebels against the Afghan National Security Forces with the military, logistical, financial, and intelligence support (ANSF). 
 
Due to his continuous support for the Taliban, Imran Khan has earned the moniker 'Taliban Khan' in Pakistan's politics.

Khan slammed the US for attempting to "find a military solution in Afghanistan when there was never one."

He commented on the situation, saying that "sadly, the negotiating power of the Americans or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces had gone" by the time the world powers realised there was no military option.

When questioned if he thought the Taliban's return was a good thing for Afghanistan, Imran Khan repeated that the only beneficial conclusion would be a political settlement "that is inclusive."

(With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, said on Tuesday that the Taliban were not some military outfit but 'normal civilians'. Khan remarked that Pakistan, Afghanistan's eastern neighbour, shelters three million Afghan refugees during a TV interview with American network PBS.

Imran Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, said on Tuesday that the Taliban were not some military outfit but 'normal civilians'. Khan remarked that Pakistan, Afghanistan's eastern neighbour, shelters three million Afghan refugees during a TV interview with American network PBS. Questioning the United States motive for the Afghan invasion he also said that the US has 'really messed it up in Afghanistan'. Due to his continuous support for the Taliban, Imran Khan has earned the moniker 'Taliban Khan' in Pakistan's politics. × “When they say Pakistan handed the Taliban safe havens and sanctuaries, where are these safe-havens? When you mentioned there are three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, who are, by the way, the same ethnic group as the Taliban, Pashtuns, Imran Khan said, "Now there are camps of 500,000 people." “There are camps of 100,000 people. And Taliban are not some military outfit. They are normal civilians. And if there are some civilians in these camps, how is Pakistan supposed to hunt these people down? How can you call them sanctuaries?” he added. Pakistan has long been accused of assisting Taliban rebels against the Afghan National Security Forces with the military, logistical, financial, and intelligence support (ANSF). Due to his continuous support for the Taliban, Imran Khan has earned the moniker 'Taliban Khan' in Pakistan's politics. Khan slammed the US for attempting to "find a military solution in Afghanistan when there was never one." He commented on the situation, saying that "sadly, the negotiating power of the Americans or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces had gone" by the time the world powers realised there was no military option. When questioned if he thought the Taliban's return was a good thing for Afghanistan, Imran Khan repeated that the only beneficial conclusion would be a political settlement "that is inclusive." (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban are 'normal civilians', Pakistan can't hunt them down: PM Imran Khan

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots detailed by Reuters this month mark another "worrisome development" for the Afghan Air Force as it reels from a surge in fighting, a US government watchdog said in a report released on Thursday (July 29). 
 
At least seven Afghan pilots have been assassinated off base in recent months, two senior Afghan government officials told Reuters, part of what the Islamist Taliban says is a campaign to see U.S.-trained Afghan pilots "targeted and eliminated." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-fighting-between-taliban-and-afghan-troops-russia-to-bolster-tajikistans-military-401156">Also read: Amid fighting between Taliban and Afghan troops, Russia to bolster Tajikistan's military</a> 
 
As the United States prepares to formally end its 20-year military mission in Afghanistan on Aug. 31, Taliban insurgents are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the U.S.-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to take the capital Kabul. 
 
The Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report to Congress covering the three-month period through June, broadly portrayed an Afghan Air Force (AAF) under growing strain from battling the Taliban amid the U.S. withdrawal - and becoming less ready to fight. 
 
The AAF`s fleet of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, for example, had a 39 percent readiness rate in June, about half the level of April and May. All Afghan airframes were flying at least 25 percent over their recommended scheduled-maintenance intervals, SIGAR reported. 
 
"All aircraft platforms are overtaxed due to increased requests for close air support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions and aerial resupply now that the (Afghan military) largely lacks U.S. air support," it wrote. 
 
At the same time, air crews remain over-tasked due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and a pace of operations that "has only increased”, it said. 
 
SIGAR also cited the Reuters report. 
 
"Another worrisome development concerning AAF aircrew was a (Reuters) report that the Taliban is deliberately targeting Afghan pilots," it said, before presenting the Reuters` findings without additional comment. 
 
Along with Afghanistan`s Special Forces, the Afghan Air Force is a pillar of the nation`s strategy for preventing a Taliban takeover of cities. But special operations forces are also being misused, SIGAR reported. 
 
It said most Afghan National Army corps refuse to execute missions without support from its elite commandos. Citing NATO data, SIGAR said that when Afghan commandos arrive, they are misused to perform tasks intended for conventional forces, including route clearance and checkpoint security. 
 
Still, the report cautioned that it was difficult to evaluate what constituted military misuse of the elite forces when the Afghan government "is fighting for its existence".

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots detailed by Reuters this month mark another "worrisome development" for the Afghan Air Force as it reels from a surge in fighting, a US government watchdog said in a report released on Thursday (July 29).

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots detailed by Reuters this month mark another "worrisome development" for the Afghan Air Force as it reels from a surge in fighting, a US government watchdog said in a report released on Thursday (July 29). At least seven Afghan pilots have been assassinated off base in recent months, two senior Afghan government officials told Reuters, part of what the Islamist Taliban says is a campaign to see U.S.-trained Afghan pilots "targeted and eliminated." Also read: Amid fighting between Taliban and Afghan troops, Russia to bolster Tajikistan's military As the United States prepares to formally end its 20-year military mission in Afghanistan on Aug. 31, Taliban insurgents are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the U.S.-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to take the capital Kabul. The Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report to Congress covering the three-month period through June, broadly portrayed an Afghan Air Force (AAF) under growing strain from battling the Taliban amid the U.S. withdrawal - and becoming less ready to fight. The AAF`s fleet of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, for example, had a 39 percent readiness rate in June, about half the level of April and May. All Afghan airframes were flying at least 25 percent over their recommended scheduled-maintenance intervals, SIGAR reported. "All aircraft platforms are overtaxed due to increased requests for close air support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions and aerial resupply now that the (Afghan military) largely lacks U.S. air support," it wrote. At the same time, air crews remain over-tasked due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and a pace of operations that "has only increased”, it said. SIGAR also cited the Reuters report. "Another worrisome development concerning AAF aircrew was a (Reuters) report that the Taliban is deliberately targeting Afghan pilots," it said, before presenting the Reuters` findings without additional comment. Along with Afghanistan`s Special Forces, the Afghan Air Force is a pillar of the nation`s strategy for preventing a Taliban takeover of cities. But special operations forces are also being misused, SIGAR reported. It said most Afghan National Army corps refuse to execute missions without support from its elite commandos. Citing NATO data, SIGAR said that when Afghan commandos arrive, they are misused to perform tasks intended for conventional forces, including route clearance and checkpoint security. Still, the report cautioned that it was difficult to evaluate what constituted military misuse of the elite forces when the Afghan government "is fighting for its existence".

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots 'worrisome,' US government watchdog says

The Taliban fought with Afghan government forces on the outskirts of Herat while scores of families were fleeing the city from the western Afghanistan city. The Taliban have tightened the noose around Herat.

The Taliban have already seized several districts on the outskirts of the city. They have also captured two border crossings in Herat province.

Violence has surged since early May, when US-led foreign forces began a final withdrawal which is now almost complete.

An AFP correspondent in Herat said the Taliban and government forces were fighting on the road leading to the city airport, while residents said clashes were also going on in the nearby districts of Injil and Guzara.

"People there are terrified," said local Abdul Rab Ansari, who fled to the city from Guzara.

"The fighting is heavy but they have not captured the district of Guzara so far," said Mohammad Allahyar, who also sought shelter in the city.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan told AFP that gunshots had been fired close to a UN facility in Herat.&nbsp;

"No UN personnel were engaged nor affected by the reported incident," it said.

Afghan forces and militiamen of veteran warlord and anti-Taliban commander Ismail Khan have been deployed around the city of about 600,000 inhabitants.

Khan, who previously fought the Soviet occupation forces in the 1980s and then the Taliban during their hardline regime in the 1990s, has vowed to fight the militants again to counter their staggering advances in recent months.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban fought with Afghan government forces on the outskirts of Herat while scores of families were fleeing the city from the western Afghanistan city. The Taliban have tightened the noose around Herat.

The Taliban fought with Afghan government forces on the outskirts of Herat while scores of families were fleeing the city from the western Afghanistan city. The Taliban have tightened the noose around Herat. The Taliban have already seized several districts on the outskirts of the city. They have also captured two border crossings in Herat province. Violence has surged since early May, when US-led foreign forces began a final withdrawal which is now almost complete. An AFP correspondent in Herat said the Taliban and government forces were fighting on the road leading to the city airport, while residents said clashes were also going on in the nearby districts of Injil and Guzara. "People there are terrified," said local Abdul Rab Ansari, who fled to the city from Guzara. "The fighting is heavy but they have not captured the district of Guzara so far," said Mohammad Allahyar, who also sought shelter in the city. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan told AFP that gunshots had been fired close to a UN facility in Herat. "No UN personnel were engaged nor affected by the reported incident," it said. Afghan forces and militiamen of veteran warlord and anti-Taliban commander Ismail Khan have been deployed around the city of about 600,000 inhabitants. Khan, who previously fought the Soviet occupation forces in the 1980s and then the Taliban during their hardline regime in the 1990s, has vowed to fight the militants again to counter their staggering advances in recent months. (With inputs from agencies)

Civilians flee as Taliban tighten grip around Herat

The crossing with Afghanistan was reopened after consultations with the Taliban who are the day-to-day affairs in areas under their control.

WION in Afghanistan: Traders and truckers pay twice at border

Amid the growing turmoil in Afghanistan, the United States has promised to help the country. The US has said that it is committed to helping those who helped them during their time in Afghanistan.

US offers support to Afghanistan, says it 'is committed to helping those who helped' them

Is the Chinese military planning to enter Afghanistan? Beijing says it wants to 'drive out terrorists'and conduct joint operations with Islamabad. Is this another recipe for disaster? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Is the Chinese military planning to enter Afghanistan?

Questioning the United States motive of Afghan invasion, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan said the US has 'really messed it up in Afghanistan'. &nbsp;

At first, he questioned Afghan invasion of the US and then the superpower’s several attempts of seeking a peaceful solution with the adversary Taliban from a position of weakness.&nbsp;

In an appearance on US news programme, PBS NewsHour, which was aired on Tuesday night, the prime minister said, "I think the US has really messed it up in Afghanistan."&nbsp;

Khan heavily criticised the US for trying to "look for a military solution in Afghanistan, when there never was one". &nbsp;

Commenting on the situation, PM said by the time, the global power realised that there was no military solution, "unfortunately, the bargaining power of the Americans or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) forces had gone." It happened due to the reduction in the forces on the ground. &nbsp;

"But once they had reduced the troops to barely 10,000, and then, when they gave an exit date, the Taliban thought they had won. And so, therefore, it was very difficult for now to get them to compromise," he said.&nbsp;

Questioning the United States motive of Afghan invasion, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan said the US has 'really messed it up in Afghanistan'. At first, he questioned Afghan invasion of the US and then the superpower’s several attempts of seeking a peaceful solution with the adversary Taliban from a position of weakness.

Questioning the United States motive of Afghan invasion, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan said the US has 'really messed it up in Afghanistan'. At first, he questioned Afghan invasion of the US and then the superpower’s several attempts of seeking a peaceful solution with the adversary Taliban from a position of weakness. In an appearance on US news programme, PBS NewsHour, which was aired on Tuesday night, the prime minister said, "I think the US has really messed it up in Afghanistan." Khan heavily criticised the US for trying to "look for a military solution in Afghanistan, when there never was one". Commenting on the situation, PM said by the time, the global power realised that there was no military solution, "unfortunately, the bargaining power of the Americans or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) forces had gone." It happened due to the reduction in the forces on the ground. "But once they had reduced the troops to barely 10,000, and then, when they gave an exit date, the Taliban thought they had won. And so, therefore, it was very difficult for now to get them to compromise," he said.

US really messed it up, says Pakistan PM over Afghanistan’s situation 

Afghanistan's delegation assured Chinese President Xi's regime on Wednesday that it will not use its soil as a base against another country.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-delegation-meets-chinese-foreign-minister-hold-talks-401109">Taliban</a> has been sweeping rural areas and provinces for the past two months as the US troops pull out from the region. President Biden had set August 31 deadline for the final troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-defence-secy-lloyd-austin-says-first-task-is-to-slow-talibans-momentum-400594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Chinese foreign ministry slammed the US saying, "The hasty withdrawal of the United States and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/deeply-challenging-nato-urges-negotiated-settlement-with-taliban-400954">NATO</a> troops from Afghanistan actually marks the failure of the US policy."

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told the Taliban that it is a "pivotal military and political force" in Afghanistan and was expected to play an important role in peaceful reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The talks come as the Taliban captured key districts in Badakhshan and Kandahar provinces amid heavy fighting with Afghan troops.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who is on a visit to India said that, "An Afghanistan that commits atrocities against its own people would become a pariah state," referring to the Taliban.

Blinken added that the Biden administration remains engaged in Afghanistan in providing various forms of assistance including security forces.

"There's only one path. And that's at the negotiating table to resolve the conflicts peacefully, and to have an Afghanistan emerge that is governed in a genuinely inclusive way, and that is representative of all its people," Blinken asserted.

Meanwhile, Russia said it will reinforce Tajikistan with military equipment as the Taliban surge continues in the border areas. The Russian defence forces will be conducting joint military exercises with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan along the border with Afghanistan next week.

Russia already has a military base in Tajikistan. Several Afghan soldiers had poured into Tajikistan after losing military posts along the border to the Taliban.

Reports say Tajikistan is ready to accept 100,000 refugees from Afghanistan who are feeling from areas annexed by the militant group.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan's delegation assured Chinese President Xi's regime on Wednesday that it will not use its soil as a base against another country. The Taliban has been sweeping rural areas and provinces for the past two months as the US troops pull out from the region.

Afghanistan's delegation assured Chinese President Xi's regime on Wednesday that it will not use its soil as a base against another country. The Taliban has been sweeping rural areas and provinces for the past two months as the US troops pull out from the region. President Biden had set August 31 deadline for the final troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Watch: The Chinese foreign ministry slammed the US saying, "The hasty withdrawal of the United States and NATO troops from Afghanistan actually marks the failure of the US policy." Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told the Taliban that it is a "pivotal military and political force" in Afghanistan and was expected to play an important role in peaceful reconciliation in Afghanistan. The talks come as the Taliban captured key districts in Badakhshan and Kandahar provinces amid heavy fighting with Afghan troops. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who is on a visit to India said that, "An Afghanistan that commits atrocities against its own people would become a pariah state," referring to the Taliban. Blinken added that the Biden administration remains engaged in Afghanistan in providing various forms of assistance including security forces. "There's only one path. And that's at the negotiating table to resolve the conflicts peacefully, and to have an Afghanistan emerge that is governed in a genuinely inclusive way, and that is representative of all its people," Blinken asserted. Meanwhile, Russia said it will reinforce Tajikistan with military equipment as the Taliban surge continues in the border areas. The Russian defence forces will be conducting joint military exercises with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan along the border with Afghanistan next week. Russia already has a military base in Tajikistan. Several Afghan soldiers had poured into Tajikistan after losing military posts along the border to the Taliban. Reports say Tajikistan is ready to accept 100,000 refugees from Afghanistan who are feeling from areas annexed by the militant group. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid fighting between Taliban and Afghan troops, Russia to bolster Tajikistan's military

Pakistan's double standard on Afghanistan has been exposed again. On one hand, Islamabad and Beijing are planning anti-terror operations in Afghanistan, and on the other hand, Pakistan continues to send terrorists to the country.

China & Pakistan to launch joint operations in Afghanistan to drive out terrorist forces

The US and NATO have promised to pay $4 billion a year until 2024 to finance Afghanistan's military and security forces, which are struggling to contain an advancing Taliban.

Already, the US has spent nearly $89 billion over the past 20 years to build, equip and train Afghan forces.

Yet America's own government watchdog says oversight of the money has been poor, hundreds of millions of dollars have been misspent and corruption is rife in the security apparatus.

Monitoring where the future funding goes will become virtually impossible after August 31, when the last coalition troops leave.

Here is a look at some of the issues:&nbsp;

​US SPENDING SINCE 2001&nbsp;

Nearly $83 billion has been spent to build, equip, train and sustain Afghanistan's National Defence and Security Forces, which include the military, national police and the elite special forces.

That figure covers a wide range of items.

For example, the US spent nearly $10 billion for vehicles and aircraft.

It spent $3.75 billion on fuel for the Afghan military between 2010-2020.

Separately, another $5.8 billion went into economic and government development and infrastructure since 2001, with the expressed goal of winning public support and blunting the Taliban insurgency.

The figures are from reports by John Sopko, the Special Inspector General on Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, tasked with monitoring how US taxpayer dollars are spent.

The US allocation for 2022 is $3.3 billion.

It will include $1 billion to support the Afghan Air Force and Special Mission Wing, $1 billion for fuel, ammunition and spare parts, and $700 million to pay salaries for Afghan soldiers.

It is difficult to see how the Afghan government will be able to pay to keep its military running after 2024.

More than 80% of the Afghan government budget is paid by the US and its allies, according to SIGAR.

Economic projections suggesting Kabul could carry more of the financial burden have been either wrong or vastly exaggerated, Sopko reported.

Afghanistan's growth rate was to be 3.4% in 2021 but instead shrunk by 2%.

In the last 4 of 7 years, Afghanistan has missed its economic growth targets.

WASTE AND CORRUPTION&nbsp;

Much of the billions injected into Afghanistan the past two decades has gone largely unmonitored, leading to runaway corruption by both Afghans and foreign contractors.

Sopko has issued dozens of reports identifying waste, mismanagement and outright corruption.

In one instance, the US spent $547 million to buy and refurbish 20 G222 military transport aircraft for the Afghan Air Force.

Sixteen of them were later sold as junk to Afghan scrap dealers for $40,257 because the American refurbishers delivered flawed and unsafe aircraft.

A retired US air force general, contrary to retirement rules, had links to the firm that refurbished the planes, according to a report by Sopko earlier this year.

The report said the Justice Department informed the watchdog agency in May 2020 that it would not prosecute any criminal or civil cases connected to the G222 programme.

Of $7.8 billion provided since 2008 to Afghan civilian authorities for buildings and vehicles, only $1.2 billion went to buildings and vehicles that were used as intended.

Only $343.2 million worth of what was acquired was maintained in good condition, Sopko said earlier this year.

The Afghan army and police force officially have around 320,000 members, but SIGAR says the number is closer to 280,000.

The discrepancy is attributed to the presence of so-called ghost soldiers, where corrupt officials pad the personnel numbers to collect money, reported SIGAR.

Sopko said in one of his reports that lack of oversight allowed bribery, fraud, extortion and nepotism, as well as the empowerment of abusive warlords and their militias.

"Corruption significantly undermined the US mission in Afghanistan by damaging the legitimacy of the Afghan government, strengthening popular support for the insurgency, and channeling material resources to insurgent groups."

WHAT KIND OF MILITARY IS LEFT?&nbsp;

For all the time, training and money funneled by the US into the Afghan military as a whole, the small, elite commando forces appear to be the only units capable of standing as a bulwark against the Taliban.

As Taliban swept through districts in recent weeks, regular army and police have in many instances either negotiated their surrender to Taliban or simply walked off their bases.

Often, their superiors left them without resupplies of ammunition, troops and sometimes even food as they faced the advancing insurgents.

Throughout the war, USair support has been a crucial edge for Afghan forces on the battlefield.

So building Afghan capabilities to carry out the role was vital, and the US spent more than $8.5 billion to support and develop the Afghan Air Force and the Special Mission Wing.

However, the Afghan air force risks being largely grounded once the coalition leaves.

The Afghans' fleet of fighter jets is serviced by US contractors, who are leaving along with the troops.

Afghan officials say the coalition never gave them the training or infrastructure to carry out maintenance themselves.

The same holds for much of the arsenal of armored vehicles and heavy weapons the Americans have left for the Afghan military.

Several Afghan officials who spoke to The Associated Press were deeply critical of the US and NATO failure to invest in factories to make spare parts, manufacturing plants to produce ammunition and training to produce skilled Afghan mechanics.

"Every bullet had to come from America," said Gen. Dawlat Waziri a former Afghan Defense Ministry official.

"Why weren't we making them here?" Bill Roggio, senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the coalition failed the Afghan government and military by making them overdependent on Western support.

More broadly, "the US trained the wrong kind of army -- a Western-styled army -- when it needed to train an army capable of fighting the Taliban," said Roggio, who is also senior editor of The Long War Journal.

"The commandos, Special Forces and Air Force have performed well, but the regular Afghan Army, which make up a bulk of the fighting force, is not up to task," he said.

MONITORING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS&nbsp;

It's been several years since US officials have been able to physically monitor US-funded projects, because deteriorating security countrywide drastically restricted US Embassy personnel's movements.

By 2016, US advisers couldn't even meet Afghan security officials at their Kabul offices without heavily armored convoys, and later they could only go by helicopter, said Sopko's July report.

Staff at the US Embassy in Kabul has been reduced to mostly essential personnel since mid-April.

An embassy official told the AP that 1,400 Americans remain at the embassy, mostly restricted to the compound.

Roggio said the US and NATO had a hard enough time monitoring aid when they were in Afghanistan; it will be virtually impossible once they leave.

"And with the Taliban rampaging across the country, he added, the incentive for Afghan officials to plunder the cash only increases."

The US and NATO have promised to pay $4 billion a year until 2024 to finance Afghanistan's military and security forces, which are struggling to contain an advancing Taliban.

The US and NATO have promised to pay $4 billion a year until 2024 to finance Afghanistan's military and security forces, which are struggling to contain an advancing Taliban. Already, the US has spent nearly $89 billion over the past 20 years to build, equip and train Afghan forces. Yet America's own government watchdog says oversight of the money has been poor, hundreds of millions of dollars have been misspent and corruption is rife in the security apparatus. Monitoring where the future funding goes will become virtually impossible after August 31, when the last coalition troops leave. Here is a look at some of the issues: US SPENDING SINCE 2001 Nearly $83 billion has been spent to build, equip, train and sustain Afghanistan's National Defence and Security Forces, which include the military, national police and the elite special forces. That figure covers a wide range of items. For example, the US spent nearly $10 billion for vehicles and aircraft. It spent $3.75 billion on fuel for the Afghan military between 2010-2020. Separately, another $5.8 billion went into economic and government development and infrastructure since 2001, with the expressed goal of winning public support and blunting the Taliban insurgency. The figures are from reports by John Sopko, the Special Inspector General on Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, tasked with monitoring how US taxpayer dollars are spent. The US allocation for 2022 is $3.3 billion. It will include $1 billion to support the Afghan Air Force and Special Mission Wing, $1 billion for fuel, ammunition and spare parts, and $700 million to pay salaries for Afghan soldiers. It is difficult to see how the Afghan government will be able to pay to keep its military running after 2024. More than 80% of the Afghan government budget is paid by the US and its allies, according to SIGAR. Economic projections suggesting Kabul could carry more of the financial burden have been either wrong or vastly exaggerated, Sopko reported. Afghanistan's growth rate was to be 3.4% in 2021 but instead shrunk by 2%. In the last 4 of 7 years, Afghanistan has missed its economic growth targets. WASTE AND CORRUPTION Much of the billions injected into Afghanistan the past two decades has gone largely unmonitored, leading to runaway corruption by both Afghans and foreign contractors. Sopko has issued dozens of reports identifying waste, mismanagement and outright corruption. In one instance, the US spent $547 million to buy and refurbish 20 G222 military transport aircraft for the Afghan Air Force. Sixteen of them were later sold as junk to Afghan scrap dealers for $40,257 because the American refurbishers delivered flawed and unsafe aircraft. A retired US air force general, contrary to retirement rules, had links to the firm that refurbished the planes, according to a report by Sopko earlier this year. The report said the Justice Department informed the watchdog agency in May 2020 that it would not prosecute any criminal or civil cases connected to the G222 programme. Of $7.8 billion provided since 2008 to Afghan civilian authorities for buildings and vehicles, only $1.2 billion went to buildings and vehicles that were used as intended. Only $343.2 million worth of what was acquired was maintained in good condition, Sopko said earlier this year. The Afghan army and police force officially have around 320,000 members, but SIGAR says the number is closer to 280,000. The discrepancy is attributed to the presence of so-called ghost soldiers, where corrupt officials pad the personnel numbers to collect money, reported SIGAR. Sopko said in one of his reports that lack of oversight allowed bribery, fraud, extortion and nepotism, as well as the empowerment of abusive warlords and their militias. "Corruption significantly undermined the US mission in Afghanistan by damaging the legitimacy of the Afghan government, strengthening popular support for the insurgency, and channeling material resources to insurgent groups." WHAT KIND OF MILITARY IS LEFT? For all the time, training and money funneled by the US into the Afghan military as a whole, the small, elite commando forces appear to be the only units capable of standing as a bulwark against the Taliban. As Taliban swept through districts in recent weeks, regular army and police have in many instances either negotiated their surrender to Taliban or simply walked off their bases. Often, their superiors left them without resupplies of ammunition, troops and sometimes even food as they faced the advancing insurgents. Throughout the war, USair support has been a crucial edge for Afghan forces on the battlefield. So building Afghan capabilities to carry out the role was vital, and the US spent more than $8.5 billion to support and develop the Afghan Air Force and the Special Mission Wing. However, the Afghan air force risks being largely grounded once the coalition leaves. The Afghans' fleet of fighter jets is serviced by US contractors, who are leaving along with the troops. Afghan officials say the coalition never gave them the training or infrastructure to carry out maintenance themselves. The same holds for much of the arsenal of armored vehicles and heavy weapons the Americans have left for the Afghan military. Several Afghan officials who spoke to The Associated Press were deeply critical of the US and NATO failure to invest in factories to make spare parts, manufacturing plants to produce ammunition and training to produce skilled Afghan mechanics. "Every bullet had to come from America," said Gen. Dawlat Waziri a former Afghan Defense Ministry official. "Why weren't we making them here?" Bill Roggio, senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the coalition failed the Afghan government and military by making them overdependent on Western support. More broadly, "the US trained the wrong kind of army -- a Western-styled army -- when it needed to train an army capable of fighting the Taliban," said Roggio, who is also senior editor of The Long War Journal. "The commandos, Special Forces and Air Force have performed well, but the regular Afghan Army, which make up a bulk of the fighting force, is not up to task," he said. MONITORING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS It's been several years since US officials have been able to physically monitor US-funded projects, because deteriorating security countrywide drastically restricted US Embassy personnel's movements. By 2016, US advisers couldn't even meet Afghan security officials at their Kabul offices without heavily armored convoys, and later they could only go by helicopter, said Sopko's July report. Staff at the US Embassy in Kabul has been reduced to mostly essential personnel since mid-April. An embassy official told the AP that 1,400 Americans remain at the embassy, mostly restricted to the compound. Roggio said the US and NATO had a hard enough time monitoring aid when they were in Afghanistan; it will be virtually impossible once they leave. "And with the Taliban rampaging across the country, he added, the incentive for Afghan officials to plunder the cash only increases."

Explainer: US pays $4 billion to Afghan forces; who is watching?

Taliban shot and killed 43 civilians and security forces&nbsp;personnel&nbsp;in the central province of&nbsp;Ghazni&nbsp;in an attack by&nbsp;the group&nbsp;on the&nbsp;Malistan&nbsp;district&nbsp;earlier this month,&nbsp;claim residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The residents&nbsp;of&nbsp;Malistan, who have reached Kabul after fleeing the fighting in their areas, have claimed that they lost their family members in the attacks.&nbsp;Several such incidents are being reported from other&nbsp;areas as well.&nbsp;

At a press conference in Kabul on Sunday,&nbsp;Mina Naderi, who is a civil society activist from&nbsp;Ghazni, read a joint statement from&nbsp;Malistan&nbsp;residents, saying,&nbsp;“Taliban fighters after entering&nbsp;Malistan&nbsp;district committed war crimes and killed civilians, who were not involved in the fighting. They attacked people’s homes and after looting their property, they burned residential houses.”&nbsp;

Naderi added, “In the&nbsp;centre&nbsp;of&nbsp;Malistan&nbsp;district, they (Taliban) also destroyed and looted shops.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Several displaced people&nbsp;have&nbsp;claimed&nbsp;to&nbsp;lost family members&nbsp;or&nbsp;homes&nbsp;in&nbsp;the recent&nbsp;Taliban attacks. The fighting and damaging of their homes have&nbsp;forced&nbsp;them to leave their areas.&nbsp;

A resident Haji Nadir said, his two sons, 29-year-old Ramazan and 31-year-old Ishaq, were killed by the Taliban around 10 days ago when they were trying to leave the district with their families following a&nbsp;rise&nbsp;in fighting in the area.&nbsp;

The Taliban have rejected the claims made by the residents.&nbsp;

Taliban shot and killed 43 civilians and security forces personnel in the central province of Ghazni in an attack by the group on the Malistan district earlier this month, claim residents.

Taliban shot and killed 43 civilians and security forces personnel in the central province of Ghazni in an attack by the group on the Malistan district earlier this month, claim residents. The residents of Malistan, who have reached Kabul after fleeing the fighting in their areas, have claimed that they lost their family members in the attacks. Several such incidents are being reported from other areas as well. At a press conference in Kabul on Sunday, Mina Naderi, who is a civil society activist from Ghazni, read a joint statement from Malistan residents, saying, “Taliban fighters after entering Malistan district committed war crimes and killed civilians, who were not involved in the fighting. They attacked people’s homes and after looting their property, they burned residential houses.” Naderi added, “In the centre of Malistan district, they (Taliban) also destroyed and looted shops.” Several displaced people have claimed to lost family members or homes in the recent Taliban attacks. The fighting and damaging of their homes have forced them to leave their areas. A resident Haji Nadir said, his two sons, 29-year-old Ramazan and 31-year-old Ishaq, were killed by the Taliban around 10 days ago when they were trying to leave the district with their families following a rise in fighting in the area. The Taliban have rejected the claims made by the residents.

Taliban killed 43 people in Afghanistan’s Ghazni, claim residents

Even as the situation remains precarious in Afghanistan with the Taliban making territorial gains, India has backed constitutional continuity in Kabul in case of any power-sharing pact.

Power-sharing is one of the key points of discussion that are going on to resolve the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.

"What we have been saying is that there is a system in place for last more than 20 years, there is a constitution in place. If we replace the existing system and place a new system, the Afghan society may be&nbsp;impacted", officials said.

Representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban have been holding talks in Doha, also known as intra-Afghan talks. The intra-Afghan talks in Doha have seen little progress as it looks like the Taliban is using it as a delaying tactic and trying to buy time. The Afghan government side has been calling for an early ceasefire&nbsp;while the Taliban is keen on the release of around 7000 prisoners.

India's backing of constitutional continuity in Kabul comes even as it has been a strong supporter of the Afghan government&nbsp;which it has made clear multiple times. The current Afghan constitution was adopted in January 2004 and provides for an elected president and a National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate as the Taliban aims to capture more territory, especially in rural areas. An uptick was seen as US forces began withdrawing from the country. According to US&nbsp;Central Command, it has completed more than 95 per cent&nbsp;of the entire withdrawal process.

So far increased violence is being seen in Kandahar province and in a new development, the group has focused on north Afghanistan to reduce any resistance.

The Nothern Alliance led by legendary Ahmad Shah Massoud in 1990s led to a massive push back for the Taliban. Many border posts&nbsp;like Islam Qala with Iran, Spin Boldak with Pakistan have fallen into the hands of the Taliban. The group claims to control 85 per cent&nbsp;of the country's territory, but on the ground, it is estimated that it has control over 45 to 50 per cent.

The next two-three&nbsp;months will be crucial for the country amid&nbsp;contestation. As of July, out of 426 districts in&nbsp;the country, 212 districts are under the Taliban's control and&nbsp;111 districts are under government control with the rest witnessing violence.

Even as the situation remains precarious in Afghanistan with the Taliban making territorial gains, India has backed constitutional continuity in Kabul in case of any power-sharing pact.

Even as the situation remains precarious in Afghanistan with the Taliban making territorial gains, India has backed constitutional continuity in Kabul in case of any power-sharing pact. Power-sharing is one of the key points of discussion that are going on to resolve the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. "What we have been saying is that there is a system in place for last more than 20 years, there is a constitution in place. If we replace the existing system and place a new system, the Afghan society may be impacted", officials said. Representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban have been holding talks in Doha, also known as intra-Afghan talks. The intra-Afghan talks in Doha have seen little progress as it looks like the Taliban is using it as a delaying tactic and trying to buy time. The Afghan government side has been calling for an early ceasefire while the Taliban is keen on the release of around 7000 prisoners. India's backing of constitutional continuity in Kabul comes even as it has been a strong supporter of the Afghan government which it has made clear multiple times. The current Afghan constitution was adopted in January 2004 and provides for an elected president and a National Assembly. Meanwhile, the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate as the Taliban aims to capture more territory, especially in rural areas. An uptick was seen as US forces began withdrawing from the country. According to US Central Command, it has completed more than 95 per cent of the entire withdrawal process. So far increased violence is being seen in Kandahar province and in a new development, the group has focused on north Afghanistan to reduce any resistance. The Nothern Alliance led by legendary Ahmad Shah Massoud in 1990s led to a massive push back for the Taliban. Many border posts like Islam Qala with Iran, Spin Boldak with Pakistan have fallen into the hands of the Taliban. The group claims to control 85 per cent of the country's territory, but on the ground, it is estimated that it has control over 45 to 50 per cent. The next two-three months will be crucial for the country amid contestation. As of July, out of 426 districts in the country, 212 districts are under the Taliban's control and 111 districts are under government control with the rest witnessing violence.

Amid power-sharing talks, India backs constitutional continuity in Kabul

The Afghanistan government has informed the Indian side that Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba is shifting base inside the country. The development comes even as the Taliban makes territorial gains in the country and the fear is that ungoverned places may be used by international terror groups.

India has been in several private meetings with various regional capitals and has been raising this issue, especially the use of these places by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. "The trend we have seen for last one year is that Pakistan has been trying to shift&nbsp;all these international terror groups out north and south Waziristan into Afghanistan,"&nbsp;officials said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-warns-of-unprecedented-afghan-civilian-deaths-due-to-taliban-offensives-400723" hreflang="en">UN warns of 'unprecedented' Afghan civilian deaths due to Taliban offensives</a> 
&nbsp; 
Earlier this month, publically slamming Pakistan, Afghan President Ghani pointed out that "more than 10,000 jihadi fighters entered the country from Pakistan in the last month". He made the comments in the presence of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit to show&nbsp;a sense of frustration in dealing with Islamabad.

It has now emerged that the number of fighters killed in Afghanistan in the past few weeks had Pakistani ID cards and many of the injured Taliban members are being treated in Pakistani hospitals. Calls have been also made from madrasas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to join "Jihad" in Afghanistan.

Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and&nbsp;China have all been concerned about ungoverned places in Afghanistan that may be used by international terror groups. Uzbekistan is worried that territory might be used by militant Islamist group Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and&nbsp;China is worried about&nbsp;East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) gaining a foothold in these ungoverned places.

The Afghanistan government has informed the Indian side that Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba is shifting base inside the country. The development comes even as the Taliban makes territorial gains in the country and the fear is that ungoverned places may be used by international terror groups.

The Afghanistan government has informed the Indian side that Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba is shifting base inside the country. The development comes even as the Taliban makes territorial gains in the country and the fear is that ungoverned places may be used by international terror groups. India has been in several private meetings with various regional capitals and has been raising this issue, especially the use of these places by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. "The trend we have seen for last one year is that Pakistan has been trying to shift all these international terror groups out north and south Waziristan into Afghanistan," officials said. Also read | UN warns of 'unprecedented' Afghan civilian deaths due to Taliban offensives Earlier this month, publically slamming Pakistan, Afghan President Ghani pointed out that "more than 10,000 jihadi fighters entered the country from Pakistan in the last month". He made the comments in the presence of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit to show a sense of frustration in dealing with Islamabad. It has now emerged that the number of fighters killed in Afghanistan in the past few weeks had Pakistani ID cards and many of the injured Taliban members are being treated in Pakistani hospitals. Calls have been also made from madrasas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to join "Jihad" in Afghanistan. Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and China have all been concerned about ungoverned places in Afghanistan that may be used by international terror groups. Uzbekistan is worried that territory might be used by militant Islamist group Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and China is worried about East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) gaining a foothold in these ungoverned places.

Pak's Lashkar-e-Taiba shifting base into the country, Afghan tells India

Amid escalation in Taliban's offensive in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kicked-down-a-cliff-afghan-man-says-decorated-australian-soldier-killed-his-handcuffed-uncle-400775">Afghanistan</a>, US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie has said that the "United States is prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks".

McKenzie asserted that the US has increased airstrikes in support of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-warns-of-unprecedented-afghan-civilian-deaths-due-to-taliban-offensives-400723">Afghan</a> forces over the last several days.

President Biden had announced US troops will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 even as the Taliban renewed its offensive in the past month seizing areas in border regions including in the west and north.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-defence-secy-lloyd-austin-says-first-task-is-to-slow-talibans-momentum-400594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The government of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-report-says-al-qaeda-present-in-15-provinces-of-afghanistan-400722">Afghanistan</a> faces a stern test in the days ahead. The Taliban are attempting to create a sense of inevitability about their campaign," McKenzie said.

The Taliban has increasingly targeted provincial capitals and rural districts in the country including border checkpoints along Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran.

"They are going to have to deal with the cities if they want to try and claw their way back into power," he said. "I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that they are going to be able to capture these urban areas," US General&nbsp;McKenzie said.

However, it is unclear whether the US will continue airstrikes beyond August 31 when the last US troops leave the country.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's army said at least&nbsp;forty-six Afghan soldiers sought refuge in the country after losing control over their positions along the border.

Afghan troops reportedly sought refuge in crossing in Chitral in the north as they were given safe passage into Pakistan.&nbsp;

Reports say fighting continues&nbsp;on the outskirts of Kandahar which is the second-largest city in Afghanistan after Kabul even as the US carried out airstrikes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-killed-43-people-in-afghanistans-ghazni-claim-residents-400703">Taliban </a>spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had confirmed airstrikes had taken place in Kandahar killing three Afghan fighters. Mujahid however criticised the strikes as a "violation of the Doha deal" warning there would be "consequences".&nbsp;

Reports said Afghan migrants were&nbsp;crossing over to Turkey from Iran as the Taliban continues its surge across the country.

According to the UN's refugee agency, at least 270,000 Afghans have been displaced since the beginning of the year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

Amid escalation in Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan, US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie has said that the "United States is prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks".

Amid escalation in Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan, US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie has said that the "United States is prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks". McKenzie asserted that the US has increased airstrikes in support of Afghan forces over the last several days. President Biden had announced US troops will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 even as the Taliban renewed its offensive in the past month seizing areas in border regions including in the west and north. Watch: "The government of Afghanistan faces a stern test in the days ahead. The Taliban are attempting to create a sense of inevitability about their campaign," McKenzie said. The Taliban has increasingly targeted provincial capitals and rural districts in the country including border checkpoints along Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran. "They are going to have to deal with the cities if they want to try and claw their way back into power," he said. "I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that they are going to be able to capture these urban areas," US General McKenzie said. However, it is unclear whether the US will continue airstrikes beyond August 31 when the last US troops leave the country. Meanwhile, Pakistan's army said at least forty-six Afghan soldiers sought refuge in the country after losing control over their positions along the border. Afghan troops reportedly sought refuge in crossing in Chitral in the north as they were given safe passage into Pakistan. Reports say fighting continues on the outskirts of Kandahar which is the second-largest city in Afghanistan after Kabul even as the US carried out airstrikes. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had confirmed airstrikes had taken place in Kandahar killing three Afghan fighters. Mujahid however criticised the strikes as a "violation of the Doha deal" warning there would be "consequences". Reports said Afghan migrants were crossing over to Turkey from Iran as the Taliban continues its surge across the country. According to the UN's refugee agency, at least 270,000 Afghans have been displaced since the beginning of the year. (With inputs from Agencies)

US general vows airstrikes to support Afghan troops amid Taliban offensive

An Afghan man, first Afghan witness of the alleged crime committed by a highly decorated Australian soldier told a court that he killed his uncle while he was handcuffed. He deposed before&nbsp;the court via a secure video link from Kabul.

Ben Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient and highly decorated Australian soldier, faces allegation that he kicked the witness's uncle down a steep embankment. The impact was so significant that his uncle's teeth broke.

Mohammed Hanifa Fatih, the witness, told the court that "a big soldier" kicked and killed his uncle Ali Jan. He was quoted by The Guardian.

Australian soldiers came to the village hunting for&nbsp;Hekmatullah, a rogue Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier who had killed three Australian soldiers a fortnight ago.

As per Fatih, his uncle was kicked in the chest which caused him to fall down the steep embankment. He was then dragged to an orchard. Fatih says that he then heard gunshots, which were allegedly fired by Roberts-Smith or by another soldier but under his orders.

Roberts-Smith denies all allegations. He is suing Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the Canberra Times for defamation. The newspapers have stood by their reporting.

An Afghan man, first Afghan witness of the alleged crime committed by a highly decorated Australian soldier told a court that he killed his uncle while he was handcuffed.

An Afghan man, first Afghan witness of the alleged crime committed by a highly decorated Australian soldier told a court that he killed his uncle while he was handcuffed. He deposed before the court via a secure video link from Kabul. Ben Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient and highly decorated Australian soldier, faces allegation that he kicked the witness's uncle down a steep embankment. The impact was so significant that his uncle's teeth broke. Mohammed Hanifa Fatih, the witness, told the court that "a big soldier" kicked and killed his uncle Ali Jan. He was quoted by The Guardian. Australian soldiers came to the village hunting for Hekmatullah, a rogue Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier who had killed three Australian soldiers a fortnight ago. As per Fatih, his uncle was kicked in the chest which caused him to fall down the steep embankment. He was then dragged to an orchard. Fatih says that he then heard gunshots, which were allegedly fired by Roberts-Smith or by another soldier but under his orders. Roberts-Smith denies all allegations. He is suing Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the Canberra Times for defamation. The newspapers have stood by their reporting.

Kicked down a cliff: Afghan man says decorated Australian soldier killed his handcuffed uncle

United Nations on Monday warned that Taliban offensives may cause 'unprcedented' civilian deaths in Afghanistan if the offensive is not halted. Violence in Afghanistan has surged since May when the insurgents went on the offensive to coincide with the withdrawal of foreign troops.

UN Assitance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report released on Monday that the number of civilian deaths may touch their highest single-year levels since the mission began reporting a decade ago.

It also warned that Afghan troops and pro-government forces were responsible for a quarter of all civilian casualties.

"Unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed," UNAMA head Deborah Lyons said in a statement released with the report.

"I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed to the conflict's grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-killed-43-people-in-afghanistans-ghazni-claim-residents-400703">Taliban killed 43 people in Afghanistan’s Ghazni, claim residents</a>

The UNAMA report said in the first half of 2021, some 1,659 civilians were killed and another 3,254 wounded. This was a 47 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Civilian casualties rose sharply in May and June. 783 civilians were killed and 1609 were wounded. This was the early period of Taliban offensive

"Particularly shocking and of deep concern is that women, boys and girls made up of close to half of all civilian casualties," the report said.

UNAMA blames anti-government forces for 64 per cent of civilian casualties -- including some 40 percent caused by the Taliban and nearly nine percent by the jihadist Islamic State group.

The Taliban has been on the offensive since May and have made significant gains in past few months. By many estimates the insurgent group has control of half of the country and vital border crossings. A few days ago, Taliban claimed that it controls 90 per cent of the Afghan border. But the claim was heavily contested by the Afghan government.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations on Monday warned that Taliban offensives may cause 'unprcedented' civilian deaths in Afghanistan if the offensive is not halted. Violence in Afghanistan has surged since May when the insurgents went on the offensive to coincide with the withdrawal of foreign troops.

United Nations on Monday warned that Taliban offensives may cause 'unprcedented' civilian deaths in Afghanistan if the offensive is not halted. Violence in Afghanistan has surged since May when the insurgents went on the offensive to coincide with the withdrawal of foreign troops. UN Assitance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report released on Monday that the number of civilian deaths may touch their highest single-year levels since the mission began reporting a decade ago. It also warned that Afghan troops and pro-government forces were responsible for a quarter of all civilian casualties. "Unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed," UNAMA head Deborah Lyons said in a statement released with the report. "I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed to the conflict's grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians." Also Read | Taliban killed 43 people in Afghanistan’s Ghazni, claim residents The UNAMA report said in the first half of 2021, some 1,659 civilians were killed and another 3,254 wounded. This was a 47 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Civilian casualties rose sharply in May and June. 783 civilians were killed and 1609 were wounded. This was the early period of Taliban offensive "Particularly shocking and of deep concern is that women, boys and girls made up of close to half of all civilian casualties," the report said. UNAMA blames anti-government forces for 64 per cent of civilian casualties -- including some 40 percent caused by the Taliban and nearly nine percent by the jihadist Islamic State group. The Taliban has been on the offensive since May and have made significant gains in past few months. By many estimates the insurgent group has control of half of the country and vital border crossings. A few days ago, Taliban claimed that it controls 90 per cent of the Afghan border. But the claim was heavily contested by the Afghan government. (With inputs from agencies)

UN warns of 'unprecedented' Afghan civilian deaths due to Taliban offensives

According to a latest United Nations report, which has been submitted to the Security Council this week, al Qaeda is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces. These provinces are primarily in the southern, eastern and southeastern regions of the country.&nbsp;

The 28th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team shares the latest information on al Qaeda, ISIL (Daesh) and their affiliates.&nbsp;

Reports of the team, which has been established under a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution, are printed in all the official languages of the world body.&nbsp;

Despite a US-Taliban peace deal signed in Doha in February last year, the security situation in Afghanistan “remains fragile, with uncertainty surrounding the peace process and a risk of further deterioration”, the report said.&nbsp;

The UN report says al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operates under Taliban’s protection from Kandahar, Helmand and Nimruz provinces. It made the observation while referring to the militant group’s weekly newsletter Thabat.&nbsp;

AQIS is being led by Osama Mahmood after the death of its leader Asim Umar in 2019.&nbsp;

Mahmood is not listed in UN documents for terrorists. He was the group’s spokesperson before he got elevated to the chief’s post.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a latest United Nations report, which has been submitted to the Security Council this week, al Qaeda is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces. These provinces are primarily in the southern, eastern and southeastern regions of the country.

According to a latest United Nations report, which has been submitted to the Security Council this week, al Qaeda is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces. These provinces are primarily in the southern, eastern and southeastern regions of the country. The 28th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team shares the latest information on al Qaeda, ISIL (Daesh) and their affiliates. Reports of the team, which has been established under a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution, are printed in all the official languages of the world body. Despite a US-Taliban peace deal signed in Doha in February last year, the security situation in Afghanistan “remains fragile, with uncertainty surrounding the peace process and a risk of further deterioration”, the report said. The UN report says al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operates under Taliban’s protection from Kandahar, Helmand and Nimruz provinces. It made the observation while referring to the militant group’s weekly newsletter Thabat. AQIS is being led by Osama Mahmood after the death of its leader Asim Umar in 2019. Mahmood is not listed in UN documents for terrorists. He was the group’s spokesperson before he got elevated to the chief’s post. (With inputs from agencies)

UN report says al Qaeda present in 15 provinces of Afghanistan 

India will be calling for "need for sustained pressure" on Pakistan over terrorism during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit this week. Pakistan has been on the grey list of terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for last two years. Pakistan has been dragging feet on the issue of action against United Nations-listed terrorist groups.

During the visit, the first by Blinken to New Delhi, regional security situation, that is, "implications of the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan" will be another key focus, sources have pointed out. Even as US forces leave the country for 20 years, the Taliban has been increasingly making territorial gains and reports of large-scale violence are emanating from the country.&nbsp;

India has been engaging with the US in Afghanistan. Earlier this month, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Deputy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall. He met US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit.

Sources pointed out that during Blinken's visit, both sides will "exchange assessments about the Indo-Pacific region" especially with a focus on the Quad and Quad vaccine initiative. US plans to host the first in-person Quad meet of India, Australia, US and Japan later this year in Washington. Before that a Quad foreign ministers meet will also take place. March saw the first Quad meet but it was a virtual one with a key outcome on the Quad Vaccine initiative. Under the initiative, India will be producing vaccines by early 2022 which will be given to countries in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

During the Blinken-EAM Jaishankar talks, sources said that India "will press for gradual resumption of international travel, while maintaining health protocols, especially easing the mobility of students, professionals, business travelers..", calling for the need for "ensuring open and consistent supply chains for materials and items required for vaccine production".

Both Blinken and Jaishankar have met each other 3 times previously, first on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers meet in London, then during EAM's visit to the US, and finally, on the sidelines of the G20 FMs meet in Italy.&nbsp;

On defence, "sides are expected to explore ways and means to deepen their collaboration" which will cover policy exchanges, exercises, and defence transfers and technologies. Later this year, both sides will hold the fourth 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue that will take place in the US.

Meanwhile, on US State dept officials saying Human rights will be raised during the visit, sources said, "Issues such as human rights and democracy are universal and extend beyond a particular national or cultural perspective". Sources explained, "India is proud of its achievements in both domains and is always glad to share experiences", adding, "as a long-standing pluralistic society, India is open to engaging those who now recognize the value of diversity."

Blinken is the second senior official of Biden Administration to visit Delhi this year. United States Secretary of Defense, General (Retd.) Lloyd J. Austin had visited New Delhi earlier this year. From Delhi, Blinken will go to Kuwait. WION was the first channel to break the story about Blinken's visit to India last week.

India will be calling for "need for sustained pressure" on Pakistan over terrorism during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit this week. Pakistan has been on the grey list of terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for last two years.

India will be calling for "need for sustained pressure" on Pakistan over terrorism during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit this week. Pakistan has been on the grey list of terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for last two years. Pakistan has been dragging feet on the issue of action against United Nations-listed terrorist groups. During the visit, the first by Blinken to New Delhi, regional security situation, that is, "implications of the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan" will be another key focus, sources have pointed out. Even as US forces leave the country for 20 years, the Taliban has been increasingly making territorial gains and reports of large-scale violence are emanating from the country. India has been engaging with the US in Afghanistan. Earlier this month, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Deputy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall. He met US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit. Sources pointed out that during Blinken's visit, both sides will "exchange assessments about the Indo-Pacific region" especially with a focus on the Quad and Quad vaccine initiative. US plans to host the first in-person Quad meet of India, Australia, US and Japan later this year in Washington. Before that a Quad foreign ministers meet will also take place. March saw the first Quad meet but it was a virtual one with a key outcome on the Quad Vaccine initiative. Under the initiative, India will be producing vaccines by early 2022 which will be given to countries in the Indo-Pacific. During the Blinken-EAM Jaishankar talks, sources said that India "will press for gradual resumption of international travel, while maintaining health protocols, especially easing the mobility of students, professionals, business travelers..", calling for the need for "ensuring open and consistent supply chains for materials and items required for vaccine production". Both Blinken and Jaishankar have met each other 3 times previously, first on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers meet in London, then during EAM's visit to the US, and finally, on the sidelines of the G20 FMs meet in Italy. On defence, "sides are expected to explore ways and means to deepen their collaboration" which will cover policy exchanges, exercises, and defence transfers and technologies. Later this year, both sides will hold the fourth 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue that will take place in the US. Meanwhile, on US State dept officials saying Human rights will be raised during the visit, sources said, "Issues such as human rights and democracy are universal and extend beyond a particular national or cultural perspective". Sources explained, "India is proud of its achievements in both domains and is always glad to share experiences", adding, "as a long-standing pluralistic society, India is open to engaging those who now recognize the value of diversity." Blinken is the second senior official of Biden Administration to visit Delhi this year. United States Secretary of Defense, General (Retd.) Lloyd J. Austin had visited New Delhi earlier this year. From Delhi, Blinken will go to Kuwait. WION was the first channel to break the story about Blinken's visit to India last week.

Blinken's India visit: India to discuss Pakistan support to terror, Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific

U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the Afghan security forces' first job was to make sure they could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory. Austin added that he believed the Afghans had the capability and the capacity to make progress, but 'we'll see what happens'.

U.S. Defence Secy Lloyd Austin says first task is to slow Taliban's momentum

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