Flag-waving protesters took to the streets of Afghan cities on Afghanistan's independence day as a measure of resistance against the Taliban. More and more people called the Afghan national flag a part of their identity and tore down the white flag of the Taliban.

Flag-waving protesters against Taliban take to the streets of Kabul on Independence Day

An uneasy calm was witnessed in Afghanistan on its independence day today as the Taliban patrolled the streets.

Afghanistan witnesses uneasy calm on independence day

At least 10 people, including 4 children have been injured after 14 rockets landed in Kabul's diplomatic area on Afghanistan's Independence day. Who is behind these attacks?

Gravitas: Afghanistan's Independence day marred by violence

Mortar shells hit Kabul's diplomatic area around 9:30 am local time on Tuesday. The attack left at least 10 people, including four people&nbsp;injured.&nbsp;Afghanistan's interior ministry said 14 rockets were fired from two&nbsp;vehicles in Kabul.

An eyewitness, Baryalai Jan, account confirms it. He said: "I saw a vehicle arrived in the area and fired four rockets, and one of the rockets hit a residential house."
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Eyewitnesses say some of the rockets fell near Afghanistan's defence ministry. The area also houses several embassies and the NATO office.&nbsp;The diplomatic area was cordoned off.&nbsp;

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. &nbsp;Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said he was not aware of the attack even as two people have been arrested.

One of Kabul's resident, Mohamad Zarif, said: "Today is the Independence Day of our country and on such a day, we cannot go out to celebrate our independence, walk out freely, there is no security in this country."

Mortar shells hit Kabul's diplomatic area around 9:30 am local time on Tuesday. The attack left at least 10 people, including four people injured. Afghanistan's interior ministry said 14 rockets were fired from two vehicles in Kabul.

Mortar shells hit Kabul's diplomatic area around 9:30 am local time on Tuesday. The attack left at least 10 people, including four people injured. Afghanistan's interior ministry said 14 rockets were fired from two vehicles in Kabul. An eyewitness, Baryalai Jan, account confirms it. He said: "I saw a vehicle arrived in the area and fired four rockets, and one of the rockets hit a residential house." Eyewitnesses say some of the rockets fell near Afghanistan's defence ministry. The area also houses several embassies and the NATO office. The diplomatic area was cordoned off. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said he was not aware of the attack even as two people have been arrested. One of Kabul's resident, Mohamad Zarif, said: "Today is the Independence Day of our country and on such a day, we cannot go out to celebrate our independence, walk out freely, there is no security in this country."

Rockets hit Afghan capital Kabul; no group claims responsibility

Even as Afghanistan celebrated its 101st Independence Day, the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind sent a special message to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and at the special Independence Day event organised at the Afghan mission in Delhi, minister of state in the ministry of external affairs V. Muraleedharan sent his greetings calling the country a "brother".

The Indian president wrote in the message "Afghanistan and India have a lot in common, our long-standing relationship has lasted for centuries and further strengthened as we jointly fight enemies such as poverty, injustice, contagious diseases and terrorism."

"We reaffirm our support for a democratic, secure, peaceful, prosperous and pluralistic Afghanistan, and I wish that this anniversary of independence will bring peace and prosperity to Afghanistan," The Indian president added.

Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar was present at Afghanistan's Independence Day celebrations at Kabul.&nbsp;

In Delhi, celebrations took place at the Afghan embassy which was presided over by envoy Tahir Qadiry, with Joint Secretary in MEA's PAI Division --Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division JP Singh being the chief guest and a special video message was sent by MEA MoS V. Muraleedharan.

Calling Afghanistan a "close friend" and a "beloved brother", MoS MEA said,"India and Afghanistan are strategic partners. We have extremely good relations, both people-to-people level and government-to- government level".

Highlighting India's "commitment" for Afghanistan's capacity building Muraleedharan said,"more than 65,000 Afghan students have studied in India and they carry the message of friendship deep down to Afghan villages and towns".

He said India and Afghanistan are "contiguous neighbours, it is our PM's vision to see the peaceful prosperous and developed neighbourhood and to ensure greater connectivity in this region" reiterating, "India's support for a united, sovereign, stable, peaceful, prosperous, democratic and inclusive Afghanistan."

Both Indian and Afghan foreign ministers on Wednesday spoke to each other. &nbsp;

EAM Jaishanker in a tweet said, "A productive conversation with Acting FM Haneef Atmar of Afghanistan. Greeted him on Afghan Independence Day. Discussed recent developments in Afghanistan and our bilateral cooperation. Reaffirmed our development partnership and connectivity linkages."

India has been Afghanistan's largest development partner in the region and has built a number of the infrastructure project in the country including the Afghan parliament.

Even as Afghanistan celebrated its 101st Independence Day, the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind sent a special message to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and at the special Independence Day event organised at the Afghan mission in Delhi, minister of state in the ministry of external affairs V.

Even as Afghanistan celebrated its 101st Independence Day, the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind sent a special message to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and at the special Independence Day event organised at the Afghan mission in Delhi, minister of state in the ministry of external affairs V. Muraleedharan sent his greetings calling the country a "brother". The Indian president wrote in the message "Afghanistan and India have a lot in common, our long-standing relationship has lasted for centuries and further strengthened as we jointly fight enemies such as poverty, injustice, contagious diseases and terrorism." "We reaffirm our support for a democratic, secure, peaceful, prosperous and pluralistic Afghanistan, and I wish that this anniversary of independence will bring peace and prosperity to Afghanistan," The Indian president added. Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar was present at Afghanistan's Independence Day celebrations at Kabul. In Delhi, celebrations took place at the Afghan embassy which was presided over by envoy Tahir Qadiry, with Joint Secretary in MEA's PAI Division --Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division JP Singh being the chief guest and a special video message was sent by MEA MoS V. Muraleedharan. Calling Afghanistan a "close friend" and a "beloved brother", MoS MEA said,"India and Afghanistan are strategic partners. We have extremely good relations, both people-to-people level and government-to- government level". Highlighting India's "commitment" for Afghanistan's capacity building Muraleedharan said,"more than 65,000 Afghan students have studied in India and they carry the message of friendship deep down to Afghan villages and towns". He said India and Afghanistan are "contiguous neighbours, it is our PM's vision to see the peaceful prosperous and developed neighbourhood and to ensure greater connectivity in this region" reiterating, "India's support for a united, sovereign, stable, peaceful, prosperous, democratic and inclusive Afghanistan." Both Indian and Afghan foreign ministers on Wednesday spoke to each other. EAM Jaishanker in a tweet said, "A productive conversation with Acting FM Haneef Atmar of Afghanistan. Greeted him on Afghan Independence Day. Discussed recent developments in Afghanistan and our bilateral cooperation. Reaffirmed our development partnership and connectivity linkages." India has been Afghanistan's largest development partner in the region and has built a number of the infrastructure project in the country including the Afghan parliament.

Afghanistan is a beloved brother: India

On its Independence Day, Afghanistan's capital city witnessed a rocket attack. More than 100 years after its independence - Afghanistan lives under the shadow of war.

Gravitas: Afghanistan: A country torn apart by war

More than a dozen rockets struck the Afghan capital Tuesday, wounding at least 10 civilians as the country marked the 101st anniversary of its independence, the interior ministry said.

Fourteen rockets were fired from two vehicles in Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian said, adding that two suspects had been arrested.

"Most of these rockets have hit civilian houses in Kabul," Arian said.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, 10 civilians including four children and one woman have been wounded."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/start-of-afghan-talks-uncertain-as-prisoner-release-stalls-321326" hreflang="en">Start of Afghan talks uncertain as prisoner release stalls</a>

The rockets struck the capital after President Ashraf Ghani participated in an independence day ceremony at the presidential palace.

Witnesses said some of the rockets fell near the palace and the defence ministry in a heavily fortified area that also houses several embassies.

The rocket attack comes as the Afghan government and the Taliban are poised to begin peace talks.

Negotiations are set to start once Kabul completes the release of about 400 Taliban prisoners as approved last week by a traditional gathering of prominent Afghans.

Ghani's swearing-in ceremony on March 10 was interrupted by rocket fire near the palace. No serious injuries were reported at the time.

Afghanistan was never a part of Britain's empire but it became officially independent from British influence in August 1919.

More than a dozen rockets struck the Afghan capital Tuesday, wounding at least 10 civilians as the country marked the 101st anniversary of its independence, the interior ministry said.

More than a dozen rockets struck the Afghan capital Tuesday, wounding at least 10 civilians as the country marked the 101st anniversary of its independence, the interior ministry said. Fourteen rockets were fired from two vehicles in Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian said, adding that two suspects had been arrested. "Most of these rockets have hit civilian houses in Kabul," Arian said. "Unfortunately, 10 civilians including four children and one woman have been wounded." Also read: Start of Afghan talks uncertain as prisoner release stalls The rockets struck the capital after President Ashraf Ghani participated in an independence day ceremony at the presidential palace. Witnesses said some of the rockets fell near the palace and the defence ministry in a heavily fortified area that also houses several embassies. The rocket attack comes as the Afghan government and the Taliban are poised to begin peace talks. Negotiations are set to start once Kabul completes the release of about 400 Taliban prisoners as approved last week by a traditional gathering of prominent Afghans. Ghani's swearing-in ceremony on March 10 was interrupted by rocket fire near the palace. No serious injuries were reported at the time. Afghanistan was never a part of Britain's empire but it became officially independent from British influence in August 1919.

10 wounded as rockets hit Afghan capital on Independence Day

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Monday vowed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-condemns-kabul-attack-that-killed-63-243955">eliminate Islamic State from the country</a> and said that he "will take revenge" for his people.

Ghani made the statement while addressing the nation on its 100th Independence Day.

"We postponed the celebrations to honour the victims, but we will definitely take revenge for our people," Ghani said.

"We will avenge the blood of our people, every drop of it," he added.

"Our struggle will continue against (IS), we will take revenge and will root them out." He urged the international community to join those efforts.

The comments came on a day when Afghanistan was mourning for the loss of at least 63&nbsp;lives in a wedding suicide blast in Kabul in which around 200 were also injured.

Celebrations for 100th anniversary of Afghanistan's independence from Britain were curtailed out of respect for the blast victims.

Meanwhile, On Monday a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-at-least-66-injured-after-serial-blasts-hit-jalalabad-on-independence-day-244102">series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares</a>&nbsp;in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, wounding at least 66 people.

As many as 10 bombs were reported in and around the city in Nangarhar province. No group has claimed responsibility so far.

Jalalabad is the scene of frequent bomb attacks, and the surrounding terrain is home to both Taliban fighters and the Islamic State group's local affiliate.

Mayhem from Afghanistan's war continues to wreak havoc on Afghans every day, even though the US and the Taliban are in final negotiations for a deal that would see US troops begin to quit Afghanistan and could potentially lead to a reduction in violence.&nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Monday vowed to eliminate Islamic State from the country and said that he "will take revenge" for his people. Ghani made the statement while addressing the nation on its 100th Independence Day.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Monday vowed to eliminate Islamic State from the country and said that he "will take revenge" for his people. Ghani made the statement while addressing the nation on its 100th Independence Day. "We postponed the celebrations to honour the victims, but we will definitely take revenge for our people," Ghani said. "We will avenge the blood of our people, every drop of it," he added. "Our struggle will continue against (IS), we will take revenge and will root them out." He urged the international community to join those efforts. The comments came on a day when Afghanistan was mourning for the loss of at least 63 lives in a wedding suicide blast in Kabul in which around 200 were also injured. Celebrations for 100th anniversary of Afghanistan's independence from Britain were curtailed out of respect for the blast victims. Meanwhile, On Monday a series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, wounding at least 66 people. As many as 10 bombs were reported in and around the city in Nangarhar province. No group has claimed responsibility so far. Jalalabad is the scene of frequent bomb attacks, and the surrounding terrain is home to both Taliban fighters and the Islamic State group's local affiliate. Mayhem from Afghanistan's war continues to wreak havoc on Afghans every day, even though the US and the Taliban are in final negotiations for a deal that would see US troops begin to quit Afghanistan and could potentially lead to a reduction in violence.

Afghanistan: President Ashraf Ghani vows to eliminate Islamic State; says 'will take revenge for our people'

At least 66 civilians were injured after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/serial-blasts-in-afghanistans-jalalabad-on-independence-day-34-injured-244090">series of blast struck Jalalabad city</a> of Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported citing local media.

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66 civilians wounded in multiple blasts in Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province on Afghanistan Independence day: Pajhwok Afghan News
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A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence.&nbsp;

So far no group has claimed the responsibility for the 10 bombs which struck the city.

The Jalalabad bombs were planted near a market where hundreds of people had congregated after attending Independence Day events. Senior health official Fahim Bashari said at least 34 people were wounded.

The latest incident comes a day after 63 people were killed and nearly 200 were wounded in a suicide attack on a wedding in Kabul city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">Islamic State had claimed responsibility</a> for that attack.

Watch: Afghan peace process - Ramifications for India

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These attacks come at a time when the United States are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan, a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

At least 66 civilians were injured after series of blast struck Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported citing local media.

At least 66 civilians were injured after series of blast struck Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported citing local media. 66 civilians wounded in multiple blasts in Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province on Afghanistan Independence day: Pajhwok Afghan News — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2019 × A series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares on Monday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence. So far no group has claimed the responsibility for the 10 bombs which struck the city. The Jalalabad bombs were planted near a market where hundreds of people had congregated after attending Independence Day events. Senior health official Fahim Bashari said at least 34 people were wounded. The latest incident comes a day after 63 people were killed and nearly 200 were wounded in a suicide attack on a wedding in Kabul city. Islamic State had claimed responsibility for that attack. Watch: Afghan peace process - Ramifications for India × These attacks come at a time when the United States are discussing a peace deal in Afghanistan, a deal that involves the Taliban giving up arms.

Afghanistan: At least 66 injured after serial blasts hit Jalalabad on Independence Day