As the Taliban continues its offensive against Afghanistan government, the militant group has offered a three-month ceasefire in exchange of release of 7000 insurgent prisoners. A negotiator of Afghan governemnt said this on Thursday.

"It is a big demand," said Nader Nadery, a key member of the government team involved in peace talks with the Taliban, adding the insurgents also demanded the removal of their leaders' names from a United Nations blacklist.

It was not immediately clear how the government would react to the ceasefire offer.

The offer has come as United States increased the pace of troop withdrawal that is likely to be finished by August 31.

Nadery's revelation came as Pakistan security forces used tear gas Thursday to disperse hundreds of people who tried to force their way across the border from Chaman to Spin Boldak in Afghanistan.

The border was closed Wednesday by Pakistan officials after the Taliban seized Spin Boldak and raised insurgent flags above the town.

"An unruly mob of about 400 people tried to cross the gate forcefully. They threw stones, which forced us to use tear gas," said a security official on the Pakistan side.

He said around 1,500 people had gathered at the border Wednesday waiting to cross.

Jumadad Khan, a senior government official in Chaman, said the situation was now "under control".

An Afghan Taliban source told AFP that hundreds of people had also gathered on the Afghan side, hoping to travel in the other direction.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Taliban continues its offensive against Afghanistan government, the militant group has offered a three-month ceasefire in exchange of release of 7000 insurgent prisoners.

As the Taliban continues its offensive against Afghanistan government, the militant group has offered a three-month ceasefire in exchange of release of 7000 insurgent prisoners. A negotiator of Afghan governemnt said this on Thursday. "It is a big demand," said Nader Nadery, a key member of the government team involved in peace talks with the Taliban, adding the insurgents also demanded the removal of their leaders' names from a United Nations blacklist. It was not immediately clear how the government would react to the ceasefire offer. The offer has come as United States increased the pace of troop withdrawal that is likely to be finished by August 31. Nadery's revelation came as Pakistan security forces used tear gas Thursday to disperse hundreds of people who tried to force their way across the border from Chaman to Spin Boldak in Afghanistan. The border was closed Wednesday by Pakistan officials after the Taliban seized Spin Boldak and raised insurgent flags above the town. "An unruly mob of about 400 people tried to cross the gate forcefully. They threw stones, which forced us to use tear gas," said a security official on the Pakistan side. He said around 1,500 people had gathered at the border Wednesday waiting to cross. Jumadad Khan, a senior government official in Chaman, said the situation was now "under control". An Afghan Taliban source told AFP that hundreds of people had also gathered on the Afghan side, hoping to travel in the other direction. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban offer three-month ceasefire in exchange of prisoner release

An Afghan government negotiator said that the Taliban has offered a three-month ceasefire in exchange for the release of 7,000 insurgent prisoners. He also added that the insurgents have also demanded the removal of the Taliban's leaders from a United Nations blacklist.

Afghanistan: Taliban offer three-month ceasefire in return for release of 7,000 insurgents

Afghanistan's Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay speaks to WION's Molly Gambhir on the Afghan security situation and India's role in the peace process.

'Very problematic and difficult time for Afghanistan', says Farid Mamundzay

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Afghan counterpart Mohammad Haneef Atmar in Dushanbe to discuss the crisis in the war-torn country. He will also attend the SCO foreign ministers' meet where Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will be present.

Indian EAM Jaishankar meets Afghan counterpart in Dushanbe ahead of key SCO summit

First Vice President of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh has said that the Taliban are guided by special units of the Pakistani army. Saleh wrote on his Facebook page that from the organisational point of view, the Taliban are divided into three sections, the first of which is guided by Pakistan's special anti-terrorist cells.

Taliban are guided by Pakistan says Afghanistan's first Vice President Amrullah Saleh

Taliban has warned Turkey of severe "consequences" after Ankara offered to provide troops to guard the Kabul international airport. Taliban has said that the move will be a violation of its deal with the United States.

Taliban warn Of 'consequences' over Turkey's offer to run Kabul airport

Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay, without taking any names, said "without the support of the countries in the region", the Taliban's "existence may have not been possible". Pakistan's support for the Taliban has been well known, and the envoy's comments come even as the group is making rapid territorial gains.

'Situation in Afghanistan is very dire', says Farid Mamundzay

Taliban fighters have executed 22 Afghan commandos in the town of Dawlat Abad in Faryab province as they surrendered after some clashes. Several videos have surfaced of the incident.

Taliban fighters execute 22 unarmed Afghan soldiers who surrendered

Ahead of SCO summit, Indian EAM Jaishankar meets Afghan counterpart in Dushanbe

Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar has lauded&nbsp;India's "constructive&nbsp;role"&nbsp;in&nbsp;"strengthening regional consensus on the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process".

The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;minister and&nbsp;Indian External Affairs Minister Dr&nbsp;S Jaishankar held an&nbsp;in-person bilateral&nbsp;in&nbsp;Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers' meet.

"Minister Atmar underscored the constructive&nbsp;role&nbsp;of&nbsp;India&nbsp;in...the preservation of the achievements of the last two decades", an&nbsp;Afghan foreign ministry statement said. The country has seen women's rights, minority rights being granted, and&nbsp;increased liberty as compared to the Taliban era of the 1990s, which many countries have called to be preserved.

The meet comes amid&nbsp;increased violence&nbsp;in&nbsp;the country by the Taliban as American forces leave after two&nbsp;decades. While many districts have fallen&nbsp;into the hands of the Taliban, the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;forces are also giving tough resistance. &nbsp;

Referring to the escalation of the Taliban attacks&nbsp;in&nbsp;"collusion with foreign fighters and regional and&nbsp;international terrorist networks against civilians and the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;defense forces", Atmar said, "overcoming this common threat was of vital importance to regional security."

During the meet, many issues were discussed, such as&nbsp;India's cooperation with&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in&nbsp;various fields,&nbsp;including the joint fight against terrorism. The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;foreign minister also briefed about&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;President Ghani's visit to Washington DC.

The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;foreign minister also had a meeting with Pakistani FM SM Qureshi and the contrast was evident with the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;side asking Islamabad to cut funding for the Taliban.

Terming the "presence of foreign fighters and regional and&nbsp;international terrorist networks alongside the Taliban a major threat to the region",&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;FM emphasised "practical cooperation between regional countries, particularly Pakistan&nbsp;in&nbsp;closing shelters and ceasing funding sources of the Taliban."

Pakistan has been openly supporting the Taliban and its leaders have been meeting their cadres&nbsp;in&nbsp;the country. Quetta and Peshawar shuras are well-known&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;Taliban decision-making bodies named after Pakistani cities.

The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;FM also asked Pakistani FM to "encourage" the group to "resume meaningful talks and find a political solution to the success of the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process". Islamabad's&nbsp;influence over the Taliban is well known, something it has been flaunting as well with videos of Taliban delegation hugging the Pakistani foreign minister.

Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar has lauded India's "constructive role" in "strengthening regional consensus on the Afghan peace process". The Afghan minister and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held an in-person bilateral in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers' meet.

Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar has lauded India's "constructive role" in "strengthening regional consensus on the Afghan peace process". The Afghan minister and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held an in-person bilateral in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers' meet. "Minister Atmar underscored the constructive role of India in...the preservation of the achievements of the last two decades", an Afghan foreign ministry statement said. The country has seen women's rights, minority rights being granted, and increased liberty as compared to the Taliban era of the 1990s, which many countries have called to be preserved. The meet comes amid increased violence in the country by the Taliban as American forces leave after two decades. While many districts have fallen into the hands of the Taliban, the Afghan forces are also giving tough resistance. Referring to the escalation of the Taliban attacks in "collusion with foreign fighters and regional and international terrorist networks against civilians and the Afghan defense forces", Atmar said, "overcoming this common threat was of vital importance to regional security." During the meet, many issues were discussed, such as India's cooperation with Afghanistan in various fields, including the joint fight against terrorism. The Afghan foreign minister also briefed about Afghan President Ghani's visit to Washington DC. The Afghan foreign minister also had a meeting with Pakistani FM SM Qureshi and the contrast was evident with the Afghan side asking Islamabad to cut funding for the Taliban. Terming the "presence of foreign fighters and regional and international terrorist networks alongside the Taliban a major threat to the region", Afghan FM emphasised "practical cooperation between regional countries, particularly Pakistan in closing shelters and ceasing funding sources of the Taliban." Pakistan has been openly supporting the Taliban and its leaders have been meeting their cadres in the country. Quetta and Peshawar shuras are well-known Afghan Taliban decision-making bodies named after Pakistani cities. The Afghan FM also asked Pakistani FM to "encourage" the group to "resume meaningful talks and find a political solution to the success of the Afghan peace process". Islamabad's influence over the Taliban is well known, something it has been flaunting as well with videos of Taliban delegation hugging the Pakistani foreign minister.

Afghanistan lauds India's role in peace process

The Taliban killed 22 Afghan Commandos in cold blood. In Kunduz, the terrorist group claims it shot down two choppers of the Afghanistan Air Force. WION's Palki tells you how the Taliban is trying to impose its will on Afghanistan and the region.

Gravitas: Taliban executes 22 Afghan Commandos

Despite spending more than $2 trillion, the U.S has failed to achieve its objectives in Afghanistan. American troops are leaving behind a nation on the brink of civil war.

Gravitas: Buried under dollars: Cost of the Afghan war

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has visited the Balkh province in the north to access the ongoing situation. Ghani said that the security situation across the country will improve significantly in the next three months.

Afghanistan President Ghani visits Balkh province to access situation

The US&nbsp;general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum.

Miller, America's last four-star commander to serve on the ground in Afghanistan, climbed aboard a helicopter and lifted off from the military base in Kabul that long had been the nerve center for the two-decade-old war effort.

President Joe Biden has set a formal end to the US&nbsp;military mission for August&nbsp;31 as he looks to disengage from a conflict triggered by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States on September&nbsp;11, 2001.

About 2,400 US&nbsp;service members have been killed in Afghanistan and many thousands have been wounded.

Addressing a small group of US&nbsp;and Afghan officials, Miller vowed to remember lives lost in the fighting and called on the Taliban to halt attacks that have given them control of more territory than at any time since the conflict began. 
"What I tell the Taliban is they're responsible too. The violence that's going on is against the will of the Afghan people, and it needs to stop," Miller said.

US&nbsp;Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, whose Florida-based Central Command oversees US&nbsp;forces in hot spots including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, flew into Kabul to underscore America's future assistance to Afghan security forces, albeit mostly from overseas.

"You can count on our support in the dangerous and difficult days ahead. We will be with you," McKenzie said in his address.

Speaking separately to a small group of reporters, McKenzie cautioned that the Taliban, in his view, were seeking 'a military solution' to a war that the United States has unsuccessfully tried to end with a peace agreement between the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government.

"We need to see some gesture from the Taliban here that they're not just completely intent on winning the military victory," McKenzie said.

"We're at a crossroads period right now in the history of Afghanistan." He said provincial capitals were at risk and added the Taliban appeared interested in taking Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city and the Taliban birthplace. While voicing confidence in Afghan forces, he also warned of the consequences a Taliban victory could have for the people of Afghanistan.

"If this government is overthrown, if the Taliban prevail, I think we're going to expect a return to medieval standards here in Afghanistan, particularly in the domain of women's rights, human rights, education and so many other things," he said.

Afghan national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib acknowledged problems resupplying over-stretched Afghan troops but told reporters that planning was under way to focus the war effort on "where we needed to defend the most."

McKenzie will be able to authorise US&nbsp;air strikes against the Taliban through August&nbsp;31 in support of Ghani's Western-backed government.&nbsp;But after that, the Marine general said that when it comes to US&nbsp;strikes in Afghanistan, his focus will shift squarely to counter-terrorism operations against al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The US general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum.

The US general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum. Miller, America's last four-star commander to serve on the ground in Afghanistan, climbed aboard a helicopter and lifted off from the military base in Kabul that long had been the nerve center for the two-decade-old war effort. President Joe Biden has set a formal end to the US military mission for August 31 as he looks to disengage from a conflict triggered by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. About 2,400 US service members have been killed in Afghanistan and many thousands have been wounded. Addressing a small group of US and Afghan officials, Miller vowed to remember lives lost in the fighting and called on the Taliban to halt attacks that have given them control of more territory than at any time since the conflict began. "What I tell the Taliban is they're responsible too. The violence that's going on is against the will of the Afghan people, and it needs to stop," Miller said. US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, whose Florida-based Central Command oversees US forces in hot spots including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, flew into Kabul to underscore America's future assistance to Afghan security forces, albeit mostly from overseas. "You can count on our support in the dangerous and difficult days ahead. We will be with you," McKenzie said in his address. Speaking separately to a small group of reporters, McKenzie cautioned that the Taliban, in his view, were seeking 'a military solution' to a war that the United States has unsuccessfully tried to end with a peace agreement between the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government. "We need to see some gesture from the Taliban here that they're not just completely intent on winning the military victory," McKenzie said. "We're at a crossroads period right now in the history of Afghanistan." He said provincial capitals were at risk and added the Taliban appeared interested in taking Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city and the Taliban birthplace. While voicing confidence in Afghan forces, he also warned of the consequences a Taliban victory could have for the people of Afghanistan. "If this government is overthrown, if the Taliban prevail, I think we're going to expect a return to medieval standards here in Afghanistan, particularly in the domain of women's rights, human rights, education and so many other things," he said. Afghan national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib acknowledged problems resupplying over-stretched Afghan troops but told reporters that planning was under way to focus the war effort on "where we needed to defend the most." McKenzie will be able to authorise US air strikes against the Taliban through August 31 in support of Ghani's Western-backed government. But after that, the Marine general said that when it comes to US strikes in Afghanistan, his focus will shift squarely to counter-terrorism operations against al Qaeda and Islamic State.

In symbolic end to war, US general departs Afghanistan

Amid the worry over the Taliban making territorial gains in Afghanistan, afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay has said, attacks came as a surprise, and the group is not giving "peace a chance". speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Farid said, "we will see more difficult days as things stand today. We don't see the reduction of violence on part of the Taliban." Here is this exclusive conversation.

Exclusive: Afghan envoy to India Farid Mamundzay says Taliban continues to unleash violence

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Tajikistan and Uzbekistan this week. He will also attend the SCO foreign ministers' meet at Dushanbe where Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will be present.

Amid Taliban's surge, Indian EAM Jaishankar to meet Tajik, Uzbek leaders

According to the United Nations refugee agency data, the world’s second-largest registered refugee population, an estimated 2.5 million came from Afghanistan, with the vast majority taking refuge in neighbouring Pakistan, Europe or Iran.

UN says half of Afghan population in need of humanitarian aid

France&nbsp;on Tuesday called on all its citizens in Afghanistan to leave the country over security concerns, the French embassy in Kabul said, as the Taliban pressed on with a blistering offensive while foreign forces completed their withdrawal.

"The government will set up a special flight on the morning of July 17th, departing from Kabul, in order to allow the return to&nbsp;France&nbsp;of the entire French community," the embassy said in a statement, adding the flight will be free of cost.

"The embassy of&nbsp;France&nbsp;formally recommends to all French citizens to take this special flight or to leave the country immediately by their own means."

France&nbsp;joins a growing list of countries that have either told their citizens to leave, or evacuated them.

The embassy said it will not be in a position to ensure the safe departure of citizens choosing to stay beyond July 17.

The Taliban have launched an offensive across the country since early May, when US-led foreign forces began their final withdrawal, which is now almost complete.

The militant group has swept through much of the north, and the government now holds little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must largely be resupplied by air.

France on Tuesday called on all its citizens in Afghanistan to leave the country over security concerns, the French embassy in Kabul said, as the Taliban pressed on with a blistering offensive while foreign forces completed their withdrawal.

France on Tuesday called on all its citizens in Afghanistan to leave the country over security concerns, the French embassy in Kabul said, as the Taliban pressed on with a blistering offensive while foreign forces completed their withdrawal. "The government will set up a special flight on the morning of July 17th, departing from Kabul, in order to allow the return to France of the entire French community," the embassy said in a statement, adding the flight will be free of cost. "The embassy of France formally recommends to all French citizens to take this special flight or to leave the country immediately by their own means." France joins a growing list of countries that have either told their citizens to leave, or evacuated them. The embassy said it will not be in a position to ensure the safe departure of citizens choosing to stay beyond July 17. The Taliban have launched an offensive across the country since early May, when US-led foreign forces began their final withdrawal, which is now almost complete. The militant group has swept through much of the north, and the government now holds little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must largely be resupplied by air.

France to set up special flight to pull citizens out of Afghanistan

Afghanistan is turning into a security nightmare for India and the world. With terrorists from Taliban reaching the gates of Kandahar, India has withdrawn its staff from the local consulate. WION's Palki tells you how America hasty withdrawal has triggered a major crisis

Gravitas: Taliban terrorists come close to Indian consulate in Kandahar

The top US general in Afghanistan stepped down as the United States military withdrawal from the country nears completion. General Austin Scott Miller transferred his command authorities to General Kenneth McKenzie, the leader of US Central Command, in a ceremony in Kabul.

Top US general in Afghanistan steps down as troops withdrawal nears completion

While speaking exclusively to WION on the issue of withdrawal from Afghanistan, NATO Parliamentary Assembly Vice President Marietta Giannakou said that NATO will continue to stand with the people of Afghanistan. She also added that "we need to avoid the security vacuum in the country because it would jeopardise the progress made so far".

Exclusive: NATO Parliamentary Assembly VP says will continue to stand with people of Afghanistan

Afghan security forces, with the help of airstrikes, repelled an assault by Taliban fighters on the provincial centre of a key northern province bordering Tajikistan on Sunday, officials said.

The Taliban assault was the latest in a string of offensives that have seen insurgents capture territory across Afghanistan as US-led foreign forces are in the final stages of withdrawing troops after almost 20 years of fighting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-controls-85-of-afghan-territory-taliban-official-says-396921">Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says</a>

"The enemy's offensive attacks were repelled, and they suffered heavy and unprecedented casualties, as a result of which 55 enemy soldiers were killed and 90 were wounded," the governor of Takhar province Abdullah Qarluq said.

Reuters could not independently confirm his account.

More than a dozen Taliban fighters were killed in airstrikes by the Afghan Air Force on hideouts on the outskirts of Takhar's provincial centre, Taluqan, Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Twitter.

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"The Taliban attacked Taluqan from four directions last night (Saturday), but were faced with strong resistance from security forces and (local) people," Khalil Asir, spokesman for Takhar Police Command, told Reuters.

Taluqan is just the latest provincial capital to come under Taliban pressure. Earlier this week Taliban fighters entered the capital of the western province of Badghis, seizing police and security facilities and attempting to take over the governor's office before special forces pushed them back.

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Insurgents have made a fresh push to gain territory in recent weeks, emboldened by the departure of foreign forces. The Pentagon believes that after taking dozens of district centres, the Taliban will make a push for provincial centres.

In southern Afghanistan, too, clashes continued.

India said on Sunday it had temporarily repatriated officials from its consulate in Kandahar, a major city in southern Afghanistan.

"Due to the intense fighting near Kandahar city, India-based personnel have been brought back for the time being," Arindam Bagchi, chief spokesperson at India's foreign ministry, said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-the-return-of-taliban-in-afghanistan-and-the-us-retreat-396932">In Pictures | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat</a>

"India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan," Bagchi said, adding that India's consulate in Kandahar was being run by local staff temporarily.

Taliban officials said on Friday that the Sunni Muslim insurgent group had taken control of 85% of Afghanistan's territory. Afghan government officials dismissed the assertion as propaganda.

Afghan security forces, with the help of airstrikes, repelled an assault by Taliban fighters on the provincial centre of a key northern province bordering Tajikistan on Sunday, officials said.

Afghan security forces, with the help of airstrikes, repelled an assault by Taliban fighters on the provincial centre of a key northern province bordering Tajikistan on Sunday, officials said. The Taliban assault was the latest in a string of offensives that have seen insurgents capture territory across Afghanistan as US-led foreign forces are in the final stages of withdrawing troops after almost 20 years of fighting. Also read | Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says "The enemy's offensive attacks were repelled, and they suffered heavy and unprecedented casualties, as a result of which 55 enemy soldiers were killed and 90 were wounded," the governor of Takhar province Abdullah Qarluq said. Reuters could not independently confirm his account. More than a dozen Taliban fighters were killed in airstrikes by the Afghan Air Force on hideouts on the outskirts of Takhar's provincial centre, Taluqan, Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Twitter. "The Taliban attacked Taluqan from four directions last night (Saturday), but were faced with strong resistance from security forces and (local) people," Khalil Asir, spokesman for Takhar Police Command, told Reuters. Taluqan is just the latest provincial capital to come under Taliban pressure. Earlier this week Taliban fighters entered the capital of the western province of Badghis, seizing police and security facilities and attempting to take over the governor's office before special forces pushed them back. Insurgents have made a fresh push to gain territory in recent weeks, emboldened by the departure of foreign forces. The Pentagon believes that after taking dozens of district centres, the Taliban will make a push for provincial centres. In southern Afghanistan, too, clashes continued. India said on Sunday it had temporarily repatriated officials from its consulate in Kandahar, a major city in southern Afghanistan. "Due to the intense fighting near Kandahar city, India-based personnel have been brought back for the time being," Arindam Bagchi, chief spokesperson at India's foreign ministry, said in a statement. In Pictures | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat "India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan," Bagchi said, adding that India's consulate in Kandahar was being run by local staff temporarily. Taliban officials said on Friday that the Sunni Muslim insurgent group had taken control of 85% of Afghanistan's territory. Afghan government officials dismissed the assertion as propaganda.

Afghan forces repel Taliban assault on provincial capital, governor says

The armed civilians and Afghan forces have managed to repel a Taliban attack in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province. The Taliban reportedly have suffered huge casualties in this failed attack on the Taloqan city.

Afghan forces repel Taliban attack in Takhar province

As the Taliban makes further inroads, reports say the militant group has surrounded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-attack-on-ghazni-repelled-say-police-397405">Ghazni</a> city in central Afghanistan.

On Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-pullout-an-end-to-us-forever-wars-397481">Afghan</a> authorities had said they had installed anti-missile system at Kabul airport to guard against the Taliban's incoming rocket attack even as Tukey declared it will provide security to&nbsp;Kabul airport once US and NATO troops leave in August.

The Taliban has made rapid headway in the northern areas in the past month as the US troops have pulled out of the country and handed vital installations to Afghan troops.

Watch:

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Reports say heavy fighting is continuing between Afghan troops and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-pilots-assassinated-by-taliban-as-us-withdraws-397318">Taliban</a> in Kandahar. The Afghan troops had earlier repelled a Taliban attack on Taluqan along the Tajikistan border even as it entered the capital of the western province of Badghis.

Australia's defence minister Peter Dutton said most troops had pulled out of Afghanistan. The country had deployed 39,000 troops as part of US and NATO-led operations in the past 20 years.

Taliban militants had earlier captured two key border crossings in western <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-govt-to-rush-troops-to-border-to-tackle-taliban-397247">Afghanistan </a>as areas along the Iranian border and Chinese border came under the spotlight.

The Taliban said it had seized Islam Qala along the Iran border and Torghundi crossing with Turkmenistan. Clashes were also reported in Kunduz as Afghan soldiers claimed the Taliban had suffered casualties.

Last week the Taliban claimed it controlled 85 per cent of the country. President Joe Biden had said the US troops will completely pull out of the country by August 31, asserting that his administration "will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan."

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the Taliban makes further inroads, reports say the militant group has surrounded Ghazni city in central Afghanistan. On Sunday, Afghan authorities had said they had installed anti-missile system at Kabul airport to guard against the Taliban's incoming rocket attack even as Tukey declared it will provide security to Kabul airport once US and NATO troops leave in August.

As the Taliban makes further inroads, reports say the militant group has surrounded Ghazni city in central Afghanistan. On Sunday, Afghan authorities had said they had installed anti-missile system at Kabul airport to guard against the Taliban's incoming rocket attack even as Tukey declared it will provide security to Kabul airport once US and NATO troops leave in August. The Taliban has made rapid headway in the northern areas in the past month as the US troops have pulled out of the country and handed vital installations to Afghan troops. Watch: Reports say heavy fighting is continuing between Afghan troops and the Taliban in Kandahar. The Afghan troops had earlier repelled a Taliban attack on Taluqan along the Tajikistan border even as it entered the capital of the western province of Badghis. Australia's defence minister Peter Dutton said most troops had pulled out of Afghanistan. The country had deployed 39,000 troops as part of US and NATO-led operations in the past 20 years. Taliban militants had earlier captured two key border crossings in western Afghanistan as areas along the Iranian border and Chinese border came under the spotlight. The Taliban said it had seized Islam Qala along the Iran border and Torghundi crossing with Turkmenistan. Clashes were also reported in Kunduz as Afghan soldiers claimed the Taliban had suffered casualties. Last week the Taliban claimed it controlled 85 per cent of the country. President Joe Biden had said the US troops will completely pull out of the country by August 31, asserting that his administration "will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan." (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban surround Ghazni amid fighting with Afghan troops

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from July 12 to 16 and will discuss Afghanistan's situation with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) officials.

Chinese FM Wang Yi to visit three Central Asian countries, attend SCO summit

The speed of Joe Biden's pullout from Afghanistan has stunned many, however, it's been four years since Washington gave up on forever wars and turned its attention to the traditional great power rivalries with China and Russia.

It was Biden's predecessor Donald Trump, who came to office in 2017, with promises of quitting Afghanistan, calling the war there a "mess" and a "waste."

The 9/11 attacks shook up the US security establishment, forcing the government into launching a "War on Terror."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-do-not-trust-the-taliban-biden-declares-august-31-as-final-date-to-end-us-military-mission-in-afghanistan-396836">'I do not trust the Taliban': Biden declares August 31 as final date to end US military mission in Afghanistan</a>

Since then US security establishment has been occupied with combating stateless terror groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which has cost the country trillions of dollars in expenditures.

Conflicts in both Afghanistan and Iraq have been characterized by almost endless troop deployments, perpetually high levels of violence, and an inability to end the conflict, defeat the enemy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

How did the endless war start?

Following the 9/11 attacks, the US and NATO allies invaded Afghanistan, with one aim; to get rid of Al-Qaeda's protectors, the Taliban government.&nbsp;

The then&nbsp;George W. Bush&nbsp;took advantage of that, to invade Iraq as well, hoping to topple Saddam Hussein and snuff out a wider threat in the middle east.

Both the attacks proved to be large successes, Al-Qaeda stood weakened, and on the run, Saddam unseated and captured in Iraq.

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However, even after these initial successes, the troops had to stay on the ground. Thousands stood deployed in the two countries, hoping to rebuild them,&nbsp;

The initial assaults largely succeeded quickly, with Al-Qaeda fractured and on the run in Afghanistan, and Saddam taken down and captured in Iraq.

But in both cases, the United States and its allies remained on the ground, hoping to rebuild each country, and unable to withdraw with the risk of a return to the pre-9/11 situation hanging in the air.&nbsp;

The end of 'Forever wars'

As of 2020, Trump had overcome resistance and established the groundwork for removing the troops, leaving only 2,500 troops in each country.&nbsp;

Then came Biden. The new President accepted his predecessor's trajectory and promised that the withdrawal will be concluded by August 31, stating that rather than sacrificing another generation of Americans in an unwinnable conflict, the Afghan people must decide their own future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-achieved-its-goals-afghans-must-decide-own-future-president-joe-biden-396867">US achieved its goals, Afghans must decide own future: President Joe Biden</a>

What changed in the 20 years?

After Xi Jinping's aggressive military expansion, US security leaders began rethinking their views in 2013.

To counter and surpass US military power, China has started building armed bases around the world, including one in Djibouti and several in Asia and the Middle East.

Meanwhile, in 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine's Crimea and backed insurgents in eastern Ukraine. Two years later Moscow waged a campaign to influence the US presidential election.

At the same time, Kim Jong Un in North Korea was embarking on the quest to create nuclear weapons capable of threatening the United States.&nbsp;

A pivot was confirmed by Trump's 2017 National Security Strategy and carried forward by Biden.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/staring-at-civil-war-how-bad-is-the-situation-in-afghanistan-397134">Staring at civil war: How bad is the situation in Afghanistan?</a>

"China and Russia challenge American power, influence, and interests, attempting to erode American security and prosperity," it said.&nbsp;

"They are determined to make economies less free and less fair, to grow their militaries, and to control information and data to repress their societies and expand their influence."

In the Pentagon's view, counterterrorism doesn't end when the US pulls out of Afghanistan. Although it is turning more toward remote-directed attacks, using air and missile strikes from ships and bases in Afghanistan where Al-Qaeda still operates.

According to Biden, the US is just revising its counterterrorism posture and repositioning resources to meet the threats where they are now.

(With inputs from agencies)

The speed of Joe Biden's pullout from Afghanistan has stunned many, however, it's been four years since Washington gave up on forever wars and turned its attention to the traditional great power rivalries with China and Russia.

The speed of Joe Biden's pullout from Afghanistan has stunned many, however, it's been four years since Washington gave up on forever wars and turned its attention to the traditional great power rivalries with China and Russia. It was Biden's predecessor Donald Trump, who came to office in 2017, with promises of quitting Afghanistan, calling the war there a "mess" and a "waste." The 9/11 attacks shook up the US security establishment, forcing the government into launching a "War on Terror." Also read | 'I do not trust the Taliban': Biden declares August 31 as final date to end US military mission in Afghanistan Since then US security establishment has been occupied with combating stateless terror groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which has cost the country trillions of dollars in expenditures. Conflicts in both Afghanistan and Iraq have been characterized by almost endless troop deployments, perpetually high levels of violence, and an inability to end the conflict, defeat the enemy. How did the endless war start? Following the 9/11 attacks, the US and NATO allies invaded Afghanistan, with one aim; to get rid of Al-Qaeda's protectors, the Taliban government. The then George W. Bush took advantage of that, to invade Iraq as well, hoping to topple Saddam Hussein and snuff out a wider threat in the middle east. Both the attacks proved to be large successes, Al-Qaeda stood weakened, and on the run, Saddam unseated and captured in Iraq. However, even after these initial successes, the troops had to stay on the ground. Thousands stood deployed in the two countries, hoping to rebuild them, The initial assaults largely succeeded quickly, with Al-Qaeda fractured and on the run in Afghanistan, and Saddam taken down and captured in Iraq. But in both cases, the United States and its allies remained on the ground, hoping to rebuild each country, and unable to withdraw with the risk of a return to the pre-9/11 situation hanging in the air. The end of 'Forever wars' As of 2020, Trump had overcome resistance and established the groundwork for removing the troops, leaving only 2,500 troops in each country. Then came Biden. The new President accepted his predecessor's trajectory and promised that the withdrawal will be concluded by August 31, stating that rather than sacrificing another generation of Americans in an unwinnable conflict, the Afghan people must decide their own future. Also read | US achieved its goals, Afghans must decide own future: President Joe Biden What changed in the 20 years? After Xi Jinping's aggressive military expansion, US security leaders began rethinking their views in 2013. To counter and surpass US military power, China has started building armed bases around the world, including one in Djibouti and several in Asia and the Middle East. Meanwhile, in 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine's Crimea and backed insurgents in eastern Ukraine. Two years later Moscow waged a campaign to influence the US presidential election. At the same time, Kim Jong Un in North Korea was embarking on the quest to create nuclear weapons capable of threatening the United States. A pivot was confirmed by Trump's 2017 National Security Strategy and carried forward by Biden. Also read | Staring at civil war: How bad is the situation in Afghanistan? "China and Russia challenge American power, influence, and interests, attempting to erode American security and prosperity," it said. "They are determined to make economies less free and less fair, to grow their militaries, and to control information and data to repress their societies and expand their influence." In the Pentagon's view, counterterrorism doesn't end when the US pulls out of Afghanistan. Although it is turning more toward remote-directed attacks, using air and missile strikes from ships and bases in Afghanistan where Al-Qaeda still operates. According to Biden, the US is just revising its counterterrorism posture and repositioning resources to meet the threats where they are now. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan pullout: An end to US 'forever wars'?

How US can counter china in South Asia? Retired US Army Colonel slams Pakistan's dual role in Afghanistan. Watch this report to know more.

Retired US Army Colonel slams Pakistan's dual role in Afghanistan

Sources claim that 50 Indian diplomats and officials in Kandahar have been relocated amid deteriorating security situation.

50 India officials evacuated from Kandahar

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

French Defense Minister Florence Parly signed the pact at the Pentagon with her counterpart Lloyd Austin,&nbsp;on a visit that came as the US pulls out of Afghanistan and France cuts its counter-terror operations in Africa's Sahel region.

"In the face of terrorism, our special forces have developed a true brotherhood of arms. This convention will deepen the exceptional ties that they have forged," Parly said in a tweet after the two met.

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anton Semelroth called the roadmap "a statement of intent to broaden cooperation in all areas of special operations."

He said there was no specific regional focus of the agreement. But both countries are said to be looking for ways for allies to continue working together to battle Islamic jihadist groups even as they reduce the presence of their troops in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-govt-to-rush-troops-to-border-to-tackle-taliban-397247">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban</a>

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;announced Thursday that the near two-decade US military involvement in Afghanistan would end by August 31.&nbsp;

Earlier Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would start closing military bases in northern Mali by year-end, as the jihadist threat in the Sahel begins to shift south and exposes more countries in the region to Islamist attacks.

Both countries remain deeply concerned about non-state extremist insurgents in Africa, with&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;saying the US counter-terrorism effort needs to shift from Afghanistan to the continent and other hotspots.

In a discussion at the Atlantic Council after her Pentagon visit, Parly said the Takuba task force, nine European and African countries' special forces working together in the Sahel, was a model for future cooperation.

Takuba "is a remarkable and concrete example of Europeans taking their responsibilities by accompanying the Malian armed forces in combat," she said.

"This task force has already achieved major successes against terrorism," she said, adding: "The US support to our operations in the Sahel is crucial."

Citing other joint missions in recent years, she said: "Our operational cooperation delivers concrete results. And it will continue to deliver."

Ahead of their discussions, Austin called France an "ideal partner" in the Indo-Pacific, where Washington is trying to build stronger partnerships to counter China.

In Washington, Parly also visited US Cyber Command, which is the Pentagon's cyber warfare body.

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. French Defense Minister Florence Parly signed the pact at the Pentagon with her counterpart Lloyd Austin, on a visit that came as the US pulls out of Afghanistan and France cuts its counter-terror operations in Africa's Sahel region. "In the face of terrorism, our special forces have developed a true brotherhood of arms. This convention will deepen the exceptional ties that they have forged," Parly said in a tweet after the two met. Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anton Semelroth called the roadmap "a statement of intent to broaden cooperation in all areas of special operations." He said there was no specific regional focus of the agreement. But both countries are said to be looking for ways for allies to continue working together to battle Islamic jihadist groups even as they reduce the presence of their troops in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. Also read | Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban President Joe Biden announced Thursday that the near two-decade US military involvement in Afghanistan would end by August 31. Earlier Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would start closing military bases in northern Mali by year-end, as the jihadist threat in the Sahel begins to shift south and exposes more countries in the region to Islamist attacks. Both countries remain deeply concerned about non-state extremist insurgents in Africa, with Biden saying the US counter-terrorism effort needs to shift from Afghanistan to the continent and other hotspots. In a discussion at the Atlantic Council after her Pentagon visit, Parly said the Takuba task force, nine European and African countries' special forces working together in the Sahel, was a model for future cooperation. Takuba "is a remarkable and concrete example of Europeans taking their responsibilities by accompanying the Malian armed forces in combat," she said. "This task force has already achieved major successes against terrorism," she said, adding: "The US support to our operations in the Sahel is crucial." Citing other joint missions in recent years, she said: "Our operational cooperation delivers concrete results. And it will continue to deliver." Ahead of their discussions, Austin called France an "ideal partner" in the Indo-Pacific, where Washington is trying to build stronger partnerships to counter China. In Washington, Parly also visited US Cyber Command, which is the Pentagon's cyber warfare body.

US, France expand special forces cooperation

Armed civilians and Afghan forces on Sunday repelled Taliban attack in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province. The governor of the province said that heavy casualties were inflicted on the Taliban.

Taliban launched a massive offensive on Sunday morning to capture Taloqan city, the provincial capital of Takhar. The Taliban attack faced resistance from armed civilians and Afghan security forces. &nbsp;Governor Abdullah Qarluq said adding that 55 Taliban fighters were killed and 90 others wounded.

Reuters said that a video showed armed citizens and Afghan forces on the battlefield on the outskirts of of the city.&nbsp;

Taliban's gains in the northern part of Afghanistan have been dramatic. During Taliban's rule in late 90s and early 2000s, north Afghanistan was bastion of Northern Alliance. Taliban had found it hard to gain a foothold there.

However, the situation is different this time.

The Islamist insurgents have been advancing for weeks, an offensive that has accelerated as the United States pulled out of its main base, effectively ending its two-decade intervention. Taliban gains have been especially dramatic in northern provinces where they had long been kept at bay.

The United States, which toppled the Taliban for sheltering Osama bin Laden in 2001 and has since propped up the Kabul government, agreed under then-President Donald Trump last year to pull out its troops subject to Taliban security guarantees.

Talks between Afghan government and Taliban negotiators in Qatar have failed to make substantive progress, though the warring sides have been holding meetings in recent days.

(With inputs from agencies)

Armed civilians and Afghan forces on Sunday repelled Taliban attack in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province. The governor of the province said that heavy casualties were inflicted on the Taliban.

Armed civilians and Afghan forces on Sunday repelled Taliban attack in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province. The governor of the province said that heavy casualties were inflicted on the Taliban. Taliban launched a massive offensive on Sunday morning to capture Taloqan city, the provincial capital of Takhar. The Taliban attack faced resistance from armed civilians and Afghan security forces. Governor Abdullah Qarluq said adding that 55 Taliban fighters were killed and 90 others wounded. Reuters said that a video showed armed citizens and Afghan forces on the battlefield on the outskirts of of the city. Taliban's gains in the northern part of Afghanistan have been dramatic. During Taliban's rule in late 90s and early 2000s, north Afghanistan was bastion of Northern Alliance. Taliban had found it hard to gain a foothold there. However, the situation is different this time. The Islamist insurgents have been advancing for weeks, an offensive that has accelerated as the United States pulled out of its main base, effectively ending its two-decade intervention. Taliban gains have been especially dramatic in northern provinces where they had long been kept at bay. The United States, which toppled the Taliban for sheltering Osama bin Laden in 2001 and has since propped up the Kabul government, agreed under then-President Donald Trump last year to pull out its troops subject to Taliban security guarantees. Talks between Afghan government and Taliban negotiators in Qatar have failed to make substantive progress, though the warring sides have been holding meetings in recent days. (With inputs from agencies)

Armed civilians, Afghan forces inflict heavy casualties on Taliban in Takhar: Governor

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