The Taliban have reportedly deployed suicide squads at the border with China and Tajikistan. Afghan youth are also being recruited for a special suicide battalion in the Afghan army.

Report: Suicide battalion to be part of Taliban Army in Afghanistan

The deep blue mountain lakes in the central Bamyan province of Afghanistan have been a major hub of tourism. But with the return of the Taliban, there are very few people who are now able to muster the courage to visit these sites of spectacular natural beauty.

Afghanistan: No tourists venture into Taliban country

Despite the apparent calm, the NRF remains a problem for the Taliban. In recent videos, which emerged on social media through Telegram channels, reportedly show a crackdown being led by the Taliban to deal with the remnants of Panjshir resistance.

Afghanistan: NRF still remains a thorn at Taliban's side

Taliban forces held a military parade in Kabul on Sunday to display their ongoing transformation from an insurgent force to a regular standing army. Interestingly American-made armored vehicles and Russian helicopters were on full display at the parade.

Afghanistan: Show of might by the Taliban forces in Kabul

In an alarming incident, a video doing rounds on social media shows a woman who says that she was brutally whipped by a senior Taliban commander allegedly for refusing his advances.

Afghanistan: Woman claims Taliban commander beat her

The Taliban has now promised to honour the rights of its people especially women, and it is being said that they would enjoy the same rights that they did before the Taliban stormed to power.

Afghanistan: Afghan girls urge Taliban to not snatch their education

Reports say the Taliban have launched an operation to defeat the ISIS-K terrorists. Why is it so important for the Taliban to fight another terror group? Can the Taliban even afford to fight ISIS? Know in this video.

Taliban launches offensive operation to defeat ISIS-K, a regional affiliate of Islamic State Group

Its been well over 2 months since the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan since then country has been plagued with multiple economic crises. From the falling value of its currency to increasing fuel prices. WION correspondent Anas Mallick spoke to the Taliban finance ministry spokesperson, listen to this exclusive conversation.

Taliban's finance ministry spokesperson speaks to WION on rising fuel prices

In August this year, the United States air force led the largest non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) in US history. In 17 days the department of defense evacuated 120,000 thousand people, including 6,000 Americans.

Afghanistan: U.S forces were prepared to deal with a 'different' Taliban

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually participate in the G20 Extraordinary Leaders' Summit, which has been organized to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. The agenda of the meeting will include a discussion on response to humanitarian needs and access to basic services and livelihood.

PM Modi to address G20 summit on Afghanistan

Afghan women activists are risking their lives in order to protest demanding their basic rights to work, their right to education. Since the Taliban takeover, women have been blocked from returning to their jobs, their classrooms.

Worry about women's rights restricted under the rule of the Taliban

People in Afghanistan are still clamoring to leave the country, crowds of people desperate to get travel documents gathered at the passport office in Kabul.

Months of passport delay restricted Afghans trying to leave Kabul

Cricket fans in Afghanistan will not get to watch the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the ruling Taliban has banned the broadcast of the matches in the country terming the content as "anti-Islamic". 
 
The second leg of the IPL started on Sunday but the cricket fanatic people of Afghanistan did not get to watch the matches as the Taliban has issued a diktat to the local media against showing the IPL because of the presence of women as cheerleaders and among the watching public in UAE. 
 
Former broadcaster and journalist Fawad Aman, who has served as spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, termed the ban imposed by the Taliban on IPL as "ridiculous". 
 
"Ridiculous: Taliban have banned the broadcasting of Indian Premier League (IPL) in Afghanistan. Taliban have warned that Afghan media outlets should not broadcast the Indian Cricket League due to girls dancing and the presence of female audience and spectators in stadiums," he tweeted. 
 
Journalist and former Afghanistan Cricket Board media manager M Ibrahim Momand said the live broadcast of the IPL matches was banned because the content was deemed to be "anti-Islam". 
 
"Afghanistan national (TV) will not broadcast the @IPL as usual as it was reportedly banned to live telecast as the matches resumed tonight due to possible anti-Islam contents, girls dancing &amp; the attendance of barred hair women in the Stadium by the Islamic Emirates of the Taliban," he tweeted before the opening match of this leg of IPL. 
 
Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, women have been banned from working in offices or participating in sports activities as that is considered anti-Islam. 
 
Cricket Australia have called off a one-off Test against the Afghanistan men`s team because of the Taliban`s opposition to women`s participation in sports.

Cricket fans in Afghanistan will not get to watch the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the ruling Taliban has banned the broadcast of the matches in the country terming the content as "anti-Islamic".

Cricket fans in Afghanistan will not get to watch the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the ruling Taliban has banned the broadcast of the matches in the country terming the content as "anti-Islamic". The second leg of the IPL started on Sunday but the cricket fanatic people of Afghanistan did not get to watch the matches as the Taliban has issued a diktat to the local media against showing the IPL because of the presence of women as cheerleaders and among the watching public in UAE. Former broadcaster and journalist Fawad Aman, who has served as spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, termed the ban imposed by the Taliban on IPL as "ridiculous". "Ridiculous: Taliban have banned the broadcasting of Indian Premier League (IPL) in Afghanistan. Taliban have warned that Afghan media outlets should not broadcast the Indian Cricket League due to girls dancing and the presence of female audience and spectators in stadiums," he tweeted. Journalist and former Afghanistan Cricket Board media manager M Ibrahim Momand said the live broadcast of the IPL matches was banned because the content was deemed to be "anti-Islam". "Afghanistan national (TV) will not broadcast the @IPL as usual as it was reportedly banned to live telecast as the matches resumed tonight due to possible anti-Islam contents, girls dancing & the attendance of barred hair women in the Stadium by the Islamic Emirates of the Taliban," he tweeted before the opening match of this leg of IPL. Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, women have been banned from working in offices or participating in sports activities as that is considered anti-Islam. Cricket Australia have called off a one-off Test against the Afghanistan men`s team because of the Taliban`s opposition to women`s participation in sports.

Taliban bans broadcast of IPL 2021 matches in Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s youth women's football team players, along with their families, have reached the neighbouring country Pakistan and will now look to seek political asylum in third countries amid growing concerns over the status of female athletes under the new Taliban government in Kabul.

Ever since the Taliban outfit took over in Kabul, Afghanistan, they have remained firm on their stance to not allow women athletes to continue with their respective sports, adding to their woes and creating a huge outrage among the sporting fraternity.

As many as 81 people, including female players of several youth teams, their coaches and family members touched down in Pakistan,&nbsp;via the Torkham border. On Thursday (September 16), 34 more are expected to arrive in the country.

"They will go to some other country after 30 days as several international organizations are working towards settling them in any other country, including the UK, US and Australia," said Umar Zia, a senior Pakistan Football Federation official.&nbsp;The team will stay put at the FIFA House, situated inside Gaddafi Sports Complex in Lahore.

For the unversed, even during the earlier Taliban rule -- from 1996&nbsp;to 2001 -- women were kept behind and not allowed to take part in work and education whereas girls were banned to attend school. Hence, sports was also out of reach for the female athletes and everything remains the same this time around as well.

Recently, a Taliban representative told Australian broadcaster SBS on why the Afghan women's cricket team won't be allowed to take part in their sport, whereas the men's cricket team have their full support. "Islam and the Islamic Emirate do not allow women to play cricket or play the kind of sports where they get exposed," SBS quoted the deputy head of the Taliban's cultural commission, Ahmadullah Wasiq, as saying.

Given the stance of the Taliban government, the female athletes still confined in Kabul remain clueless about their future amid the huge unrest in their homeland. While the women's football team has started the procedure to leave their home country, the next move of the Afghan female cricket team is awaited as Taliban regime remains firm on their decision and isn't willing to sympathise with them at any cost.&nbsp;

Afghanistan’s youth women's football team players, along with their families, have reached the neighbouring country Pakistan and will now look to seek political asylum in third countries amid growing concerns over the status of female athletes under the new Taliban government in Kabul.

Afghanistan’s youth women's football team players, along with their families, have reached the neighbouring country Pakistan and will now look to seek political asylum in third countries amid growing concerns over the status of female athletes under the new Taliban government in Kabul. Ever since the Taliban outfit took over in Kabul, Afghanistan, they have remained firm on their stance to not allow women athletes to continue with their respective sports, adding to their woes and creating a huge outrage among the sporting fraternity. As many as 81 people, including female players of several youth teams, their coaches and family members touched down in Pakistan, via the Torkham border. On Thursday (September 16), 34 more are expected to arrive in the country. "They will go to some other country after 30 days as several international organizations are working towards settling them in any other country, including the UK, US and Australia," said Umar Zia, a senior Pakistan Football Federation official. The team will stay put at the FIFA House, situated inside Gaddafi Sports Complex in Lahore. For the unversed, even during the earlier Taliban rule -- from 1996 to 2001 -- women were kept behind and not allowed to take part in work and education whereas girls were banned to attend school. Hence, sports was also out of reach for the female athletes and everything remains the same this time around as well. Recently, a Taliban representative told Australian broadcaster SBS on why the Afghan women's cricket team won't be allowed to take part in their sport, whereas the men's cricket team have their full support. "Islam and the Islamic Emirate do not allow women to play cricket or play the kind of sports where they get exposed," SBS quoted the deputy head of the Taliban's cultural commission, Ahmadullah Wasiq, as saying. Given the stance of the Taliban government, the female athletes still confined in Kabul remain clueless about their future amid the huge unrest in their homeland. While the women's football team has started the procedure to leave their home country, the next move of the Afghan female cricket team is awaited as Taliban regime remains firm on their decision and isn't willing to sympathise with them at any cost.

Afghan female youth football players arrive in Pakistan, to seek political asylum in third countries following unrest back home

Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has criticised his Australia counterpart Tim Paine for questioning the Asian team`s right to participate in major events such as the Twenty20 World Cup. 
 
Paine said the chances of Australia playing a test against Afghanistan in November were "not looking good" with the Taliban unwilling to let women play cricket and he questioned why the game`s governing body (ICC) had remained quiet on the issue. 
 
"The Afghanistan Team has the right to play not only in this World Cup but in all ICC organised tournaments/events in accordance with the rules and regulations of ICC," Afghan wrote on Twitter. 
 
"For a less privileged cricketing nation as Afghanistan with zero infrastructure and support, reaching where we are right now and playing shoulder to shoulder with top 10 countries require sheer determination, passion and talent. 
 
"(You are) mistreating Afghan cricket and all the gains we have obtained with hardship in the past decade. Sports should be separated from politics." 
 
The T20 World Cup begins next month and Afghanistan are taking part in it. "I imagine it will be impossible if teams are pulling out against playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores," Paine said. 
 
"Then how a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see." 
 
Australia`s cricket board said last week it would scrap the planned test match against Afghanistan if it was able to substantiate reports that the country`s Taliban rulers do not allow women to play cricket. 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has criticised his Australia counterpart Tim Paine for questioning the Asian team`s right to participate in major events such as the Twenty20 World Cup.

Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has criticised his Australia counterpart Tim Paine for questioning the Asian team`s right to participate in major events such as the Twenty20 World Cup. Paine said the chances of Australia playing a test against Afghanistan in November were "not looking good" with the Taliban unwilling to let women play cricket and he questioned why the game`s governing body (ICC) had remained quiet on the issue. "The Afghanistan Team has the right to play not only in this World Cup but in all ICC organised tournaments/events in accordance with the rules and regulations of ICC," Afghan wrote on Twitter. "For a less privileged cricketing nation as Afghanistan with zero infrastructure and support, reaching where we are right now and playing shoulder to shoulder with top 10 countries require sheer determination, passion and talent. "(You are) mistreating Afghan cricket and all the gains we have obtained with hardship in the past decade. Sports should be separated from politics." The T20 World Cup begins next month and Afghanistan are taking part in it. "I imagine it will be impossible if teams are pulling out against playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores," Paine said. "Then how a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see." Australia`s cricket board said last week it would scrap the planned test match against Afghanistan if it was able to substantiate reports that the country`s Taliban rulers do not allow women to play cricket.

Afghanistan captain criticises Australia's Tim Paine for questioning right to play

Durrani, Ghilzai & Zadran, the Taliban are made of several Pashtun tribes that have always fought for control. The Haqqani Network is now using this infighting to build its clout. Palki Sharma tells you how divisions are slowly emerging within the Taliban.

Gravitas: Divisions emerge in Taliban's Islamic Emirate

Afghanistan is in total&nbsp;mayhem ever since the Taliban group took over from the government. Since then, a series of bomb blasts near the Kabul airport led to the killing of several, many have managed to leave the troubled country whereas some are facing oppression.&nbsp;

While the Taliban invasion meant uncertainty for all in terms of their future in the country, as they remain perplexed on how to adapt and live in their homeland, the terror outfit gave green signal for the cricketing activities to continue for the men's national team. At the same time, they snatched away the freedom of the women's team, not allowing them to continue with the sport.

Amid all this, news came that Afghanistan's scheduled one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, in November will go ahead as planned. However, the Cricket Australia (CA) have now released a statement, revealing their stance on the one-off Test. It says that they will have to cancel the historic Test if Taliban bans women's cricket in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"Driving the growth of women’s cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia," the statement from CA read.

"Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level. If recent media reports that women’s cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated, Cricket Australia would have no alternative but to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test Match due to be played in Hobart. We thank the Australian and Tasmanian Governments for their support on this important issue."

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An update on the proposed Test match against Afghanistan ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/p2q5LOJMlw">pic.twitter.com/p2q5LOJMlw</a>
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1435784792679747587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As per the International Cricket Council's (ICC) regulations, the nations that are granted Test status&nbsp;are required to field both men's and women's teams. Thus, it is expected that even the ICC will have to step up sooner than later to take a call on Afghanistan's status as a full member if the women's team future remains in jeopardy.

Afghanistan is in total mayhem ever since the Taliban group took over from the government. Since then, a series of bomb blasts near the Kabul airport led to the killing of several, many have managed to leave the troubled country whereas some are facing oppression.

Afghanistan is in total mayhem ever since the Taliban group took over from the government. Since then, a series of bomb blasts near the Kabul airport led to the killing of several, many have managed to leave the troubled country whereas some are facing oppression. While the Taliban invasion meant uncertainty for all in terms of their future in the country, as they remain perplexed on how to adapt and live in their homeland, the terror outfit gave green signal for the cricketing activities to continue for the men's national team. At the same time, they snatched away the freedom of the women's team, not allowing them to continue with the sport. Amid all this, news came that Afghanistan's scheduled one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, in November will go ahead as planned. However, the Cricket Australia (CA) have now released a statement, revealing their stance on the one-off Test. It says that they will have to cancel the historic Test if Taliban bans women's cricket in Afghanistan. "Driving the growth of women’s cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia," the statement from CA read. "Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level. If recent media reports that women’s cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated, Cricket Australia would have no alternative but to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test Match due to be played in Hobart. We thank the Australian and Tasmanian Governments for their support on this important issue." An update on the proposed Test match against Afghanistan ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/p2q5LOJMlw — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) September 9, 2021 × As per the International Cricket Council's (ICC) regulations, the nations that are granted Test status are required to field both men's and women's teams. Thus, it is expected that even the ICC will have to step up sooner than later to take a call on Afghanistan's status as a full member if the women's team future remains in jeopardy.

Afghanistan-Australia Test to be cancelled? CA threatens to call off historic tie if Taliban bans women's cricket

It isn't an unknown fact that Afghanistan is going through a lot ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. While the whole country is facing a huge&nbsp;unrest, there is some good news for the Afghanistan national men's cricket team as they've got the approval from Taliban group to play a one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, later this year.

There was huge concern regarding the future of cricket in Afghanistan post Taliban's entry. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) remained confident of the cricketing activities going ahead as earlier under the Taliban outfit and they have now received green signal to carry on with the Australia tour.&nbsp;

Hence, the forthcoming Test will be the first that Afghanistan will play since the Taliban's recent takeover. In this regard, the Cricket Australia (CA) has also claimed that the match was "well underway". "There is goodwill between CA and the Afghanistan Cricket Board to make the match happen, which immediately follows the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE in which the Afghanistan team is due to play. CA will continue to work with the Australian and Tasmanian governments ahead of the Afghanistan team’s arrival planned for later this year," the spokesperson said.

Despite the Taliban outfit stating that they love cricket and won't interfere with the cricketing activities of the senior men's team, the fate of the more modest women's cricket programs remain a mystery as of now.

Talking about the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Australia, it will be held in Hobart from November 27.&nbsp;

This also puts an end the uncertainty which was surrounding Afghanistan in terms of their participation in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, to be held from October 19 in the UAE.

It isn't an unknown fact that Afghanistan is going through a lot ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. While the whole country is facing a huge unrest, there is some good news for the Afghanistan national men's cricket team as they've got the approval from Taliban group to play a one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, later this year.

It isn't an unknown fact that Afghanistan is going through a lot ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. While the whole country is facing a huge unrest, there is some good news for the Afghanistan national men's cricket team as they've got the approval from Taliban group to play a one-off Test versus Australia, in Hobart, later this year. There was huge concern regarding the future of cricket in Afghanistan post Taliban's entry. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) remained confident of the cricketing activities going ahead as earlier under the Taliban outfit and they have now received green signal to carry on with the Australia tour. Hence, the forthcoming Test will be the first that Afghanistan will play since the Taliban's recent takeover. In this regard, the Cricket Australia (CA) has also claimed that the match was "well underway". "There is goodwill between CA and the Afghanistan Cricket Board to make the match happen, which immediately follows the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE in which the Afghanistan team is due to play. CA will continue to work with the Australian and Tasmanian governments ahead of the Afghanistan team’s arrival planned for later this year," the spokesperson said. Despite the Taliban outfit stating that they love cricket and won't interfere with the cricketing activities of the senior men's team, the fate of the more modest women's cricket programs remain a mystery as of now. Talking about the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Australia, it will be held in Hobart from November 27. This also puts an end the uncertainty which was surrounding Afghanistan in terms of their participation in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, to be held from October 19 in the UAE.

Big boost to Afghanistan as national side receives green signal from Taliban to play one-off Test versus Australia

Public flogging to stoning: Countries that have adopted Sharia Law

Fierce fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban killed dozens in a restive eastern province, officials said Thursday, as negotiators from both sides pushed ahead with peace talks in Qatar.

Overnight clashes erupted in three districts of Nangarhar province when Taliban fighters attacked several checkpoints of Afghan forces and pro-government militiamen, Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar governor told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-facing-new-afghanistan-women-negotiators-amid-peace-talks-327305">‘Taliban facing new Afghanistan’: Women negotiators amid peace talks&nbsp;</a>

He said at least 11 Afghan security personnel were killed in fighting in Hesarak, while eight pro-government militiamen were killed in Khogyani.

Khogyani said about 30 Taliban fighters died in the clashes -- including some foreigners.

The hardline insurgent group has not commented on the fighting.

The latest violence comes as the Afghan government and Taliban are engaged in talks in Doha aimed at ending the long-running conflict.

Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid blamed the Taliban for the fighting.

"There have been no attacks from our side... The enemies continue to attack and spill the blood of Afghans," he said at a ceremony where US forces handed over four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Afghan military.

New ceasefire call unheeded&nbsp;

Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the peace process for the Afghan government, said the ongoing talks offered an opportunity to end the war.

The two warring sides are at the negotiating table, a first in the three decades since the Taliban emerged as a movement across Afghanistan, Abdullah said.

"We recognise the need to get together, to sit together, to present our views which are different from one another, but to find ways how to reconcile those differences," Abdullah told Doha-based Al-Jazeera TV in an interview released on Thursday.

He said negotiations aim to "find ways to be able (to) live together while maintaining some differences and fighting for it politically rather than through violence".

In his speech at the opening session of the peace talks on Saturday, Abdullah had called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, but his plea has gone unanswered.

The Taliban have long worried that reducing violence could lessen their leverage, but have implemented two temporary ceasefires this year itself.

Peace talks commenced on Saturday after months of delay over a contentious prisoner swap between the two sides.

The negotiations are a result of a deal between the Taliban and Washington signed in February, which also paved the way for withdrawing of all foreign forces by May next year. 
&nbsp;

Fierce fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban killed dozens in a restive eastern province, officials said Thursday, as negotiators from both sides pushed ahead with peace talks in Qatar.

Fierce fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban killed dozens in a restive eastern province, officials said Thursday, as negotiators from both sides pushed ahead with peace talks in Qatar. Overnight clashes erupted in three districts of Nangarhar province when Taliban fighters attacked several checkpoints of Afghan forces and pro-government militiamen, Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar governor told AFP. Also read | ‘Taliban facing new Afghanistan’: Women negotiators amid peace talks He said at least 11 Afghan security personnel were killed in fighting in Hesarak, while eight pro-government militiamen were killed in Khogyani. Khogyani said about 30 Taliban fighters died in the clashes -- including some foreigners. The hardline insurgent group has not commented on the fighting. The latest violence comes as the Afghan government and Taliban are engaged in talks in Doha aimed at ending the long-running conflict. Afghanistan's acting Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid blamed the Taliban for the fighting. "There have been no attacks from our side... The enemies continue to attack and spill the blood of Afghans," he said at a ceremony where US forces handed over four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Afghan military. New ceasefire call unheeded Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the peace process for the Afghan government, said the ongoing talks offered an opportunity to end the war. The two warring sides are at the negotiating table, a first in the three decades since the Taliban emerged as a movement across Afghanistan, Abdullah said. "We recognise the need to get together, to sit together, to present our views which are different from one another, but to find ways how to reconcile those differences," Abdullah told Doha-based Al-Jazeera TV in an interview released on Thursday. He said negotiations aim to "find ways to be able (to) live together while maintaining some differences and fighting for it politically rather than through violence". In his speech at the opening session of the peace talks on Saturday, Abdullah had called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, but his plea has gone unanswered. The Taliban have long worried that reducing violence could lessen their leverage, but have implemented two temporary ceasefires this year itself. Peace talks commenced on Saturday after months of delay over a contentious prisoner swap between the two sides. The negotiations are a result of a deal between the Taliban and Washington signed in February, which also paved the way for withdrawing of all foreign forces by May next year.

Afghanistan: Over 50 people die in clashes with Taliban as Doha peace talks continue

Afghan government negotiators will push for a ceasefire when talks begin with the Taliban, a top official said Sunday, signalling that the two foes could parley for a long time.

A date for the opening round of talks to be hosted in Doha has not been set, but both sides indicated that negotiations could begin soon after they wrapped up a controversial and months-long prisoner exchange last week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghanistan-regional-security-top-focus-as-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-meets-iranian-counterpart-in-tehran-325501">Afghanistan, regional security top focus as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets Iranian counterpart in Tehran</a>

The Taliban's seriousness about peace will be evident from the outset, when Kabul's negotiating team pushes for a permanent ceasefire, Vice President Amrullah Saleh said.

"The first test for the Taliban is (a) ceasefire," Saleh told Tolo News, the country's biggest private television network.&nbsp;

"If they accept the ceasefire, they are committed to peace. If not, they are not."

Saleh said the Afghan delegation would go to Doha after all logistical issues are sorted.

"We will not go until everything is in place... like desks, our flag and what to call each other," he said.&nbsp;

"It is a war of symbols now and we are not going to give up on it. We have to be assured that we are respected. We will not give in to any pressure."

Saleh said the start of the talks were delayed over opposition to the release of some militants.

"We had to reach an agreement with our allies about six blacklisted prisoners," he said, referring to France and Australia.

Paris and Canberra objected because of their links to the murders of French and Australian civilians and troops in Afghanistan.

Saleh said it was agreed that these prisoners "will be sent to Qatar for a specific period".

Negotiations were initially supposed to begin in March as agreed in a deal between the Taliban and Washington in February.

But repeated squabbles over an overall prisoner exchange delayed the negotiations.

The US-Taliban deal stipulated that Kabul should release a total of 5,000 militants in return for the insurgents freeing 1,000 Afghan troops.

The swap was completed last week, except the release of the militants opposed by France and Australia.

Saleh said talks could drag on for a long time.

"We will not restrict the talks to weeks or months and we will not accept any timetable," he said. 
&nbsp;

Afghan government negotiators will push for a ceasefire when talks begin with the Taliban, a top official said Sunday, signalling that the two foes could parley for a long time.

Afghan government negotiators will push for a ceasefire when talks begin with the Taliban, a top official said Sunday, signalling that the two foes could parley for a long time. A date for the opening round of talks to be hosted in Doha has not been set, but both sides indicated that negotiations could begin soon after they wrapped up a controversial and months-long prisoner exchange last week. Also read | Afghanistan, regional security top focus as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets Iranian counterpart in Tehran The Taliban's seriousness about peace will be evident from the outset, when Kabul's negotiating team pushes for a permanent ceasefire, Vice President Amrullah Saleh said. "The first test for the Taliban is (a) ceasefire," Saleh told Tolo News, the country's biggest private television network. "If they accept the ceasefire, they are committed to peace. If not, they are not." Saleh said the Afghan delegation would go to Doha after all logistical issues are sorted. "We will not go until everything is in place... like desks, our flag and what to call each other," he said. "It is a war of symbols now and we are not going to give up on it. We have to be assured that we are respected. We will not give in to any pressure." Saleh said the start of the talks were delayed over opposition to the release of some militants. "We had to reach an agreement with our allies about six blacklisted prisoners," he said, referring to France and Australia. Paris and Canberra objected because of their links to the murders of French and Australian civilians and troops in Afghanistan. Saleh said it was agreed that these prisoners "will be sent to Qatar for a specific period". Negotiations were initially supposed to begin in March as agreed in a deal between the Taliban and Washington in February. But repeated squabbles over an overall prisoner exchange delayed the negotiations. The US-Taliban deal stipulated that Kabul should release a total of 5,000 militants in return for the insurgents freeing 1,000 Afghan troops. The swap was completed last week, except the release of the militants opposed by France and Australia. Saleh said talks could drag on for a long time. "We will not restrict the talks to weeks or months and we will not accept any timetable," he said.

Afghanistan to push for ceasefire in talks with Taliban

Afghanistan on Friday ordered the release of 500 Taliban prisoners as part of a new ceasefire that could lead into long-delayed peace talks. The release would complete the government's pledge to free 5,000 Taliban fighters as outlined in a deal the insurgents signed with Washington.

Afghanistan government orders release of 500 Taliban inmates

Twenty-seven Taliban terrorists have been killed and 16 others injured in an armed confrontation in the Afghan province of Kandahar, the 20 "Atal" Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA) said on Thursday.

According to the army officials, the Taliban mounted attacks on checkpoints in the Kalankecha, Moshan and Maiwand districts last night.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-15-taliban-terrorists-killed-in-airstrike-313767">Afghanistan: 15 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrike</a>

"After the attacks, a heavy clash took place between the ANA forces and the Taliban insurgents, in which 27 insurgents were killed, and 16 others were wounded," corps spokesman Ahmad Sadiq Issa said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-faces-grim-economic-outlook-as-pandemic-wipes-out-growth-world-bank-313765">Afghanistan faces 'grim' economic outlook as pandemic wipes out growth: World Bank</a>

He added that none of the ANA troops had been hurt in the clash.

The violence in the country is raging on amid the attempts by the Kabul government and the Taliban to launch intra-Afghan peace negotiations, which hinge on a successful prisoner swap between the sides.

Twenty-seven Taliban terrorists have been killed and 16 others injured in an armed confrontation in the Afghan province of Kandahar, the 20 "Atal" Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA) said on Thursday.

Twenty-seven Taliban terrorists have been killed and 16 others injured in an armed confrontation in the Afghan province of Kandahar, the 20 "Atal" Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA) said on Thursday. According to the army officials, the Taliban mounted attacks on checkpoints in the Kalankecha, Moshan and Maiwand districts last night. Also read| Afghanistan: 15 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrike "After the attacks, a heavy clash took place between the ANA forces and the Taliban insurgents, in which 27 insurgents were killed, and 16 others were wounded," corps spokesman Ahmad Sadiq Issa said. Also read: Afghanistan faces 'grim' economic outlook as pandemic wipes out growth: World Bank He added that none of the ANA troops had been hurt in the clash. The violence in the country is raging on amid the attempts by the Kabul government and the Taliban to launch intra-Afghan peace negotiations, which hinge on a successful prisoner swap between the sides.

27 Taliban terrorists killed, 16 injured in Afghanistan

Afghan's National Security Council has claimed that Taliban militants have carried out several attacks over the last week in 18 provinces killing 42 civilians and injuring about 105 others.

Taliban killed 42 civilians last week and injured over 100 people