Taliban in Afghanistan's Balkh province are recruiting local people and collecting funds forcefully, ANI said citing officials. The Taliban are reportedly forcing the people to give them part of their income.

"The Taliban are also trying to recruit from among the local people," said the officials, reported Tolo News.

"There are only about 20 Taliban fighters inside the district building compound and the police headquarters; the rest of them have taken up positions inside the villages to collect Zakat (charity)," said Mohammad Yousuf, the acting district governor of Kaldar district.

As per Tolo News, there are about 200 Taliban fighters in the district but they are looking to recruit more.

"They have imposed taxes on the shops and bazaars and on the local people--which is beyond their capacity to pay. They also harassed the people who don`t have the capacity to pay a large amount of money," said Mohammad Hashem Mansoori, a District Governor for Shortepa district in Balkh province. Business activity has also been affected following the increased violence by the Taliban, especially in those regions where there are dry ports, such as at Hairatan.

"The people have serious concerns, the business owners are very fearful because of the businesses," said Sifatullah, a resident in Hairatan.

Security authorities however have assured the people that the Afghan security forces are fully prepared to defend the people`s lives and property, reported Tolo News.

"The morale of our forces is very high; they are fully prepared and have the strength to defend the city. Soon we will launch our offensive operations," said Khanullah Shuja, the commander of 209 Shaheen Army Corps.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban in Afghanistan's Balkh province are recruiting local people and collecting funds forcefully, ANI said citing officials. The Taliban are reportedly forcing the people to give them part of their income.

Taliban in Afghanistan's Balkh province are recruiting local people and collecting funds forcefully, ANI said citing officials. The Taliban are reportedly forcing the people to give them part of their income. "The Taliban are also trying to recruit from among the local people," said the officials, reported Tolo News. "There are only about 20 Taliban fighters inside the district building compound and the police headquarters; the rest of them have taken up positions inside the villages to collect Zakat (charity)," said Mohammad Yousuf, the acting district governor of Kaldar district. As per Tolo News, there are about 200 Taliban fighters in the district but they are looking to recruit more. "They have imposed taxes on the shops and bazaars and on the local people--which is beyond their capacity to pay. They also harassed the people who don`t have the capacity to pay a large amount of money," said Mohammad Hashem Mansoori, a District Governor for Shortepa district in Balkh province. Business activity has also been affected following the increased violence by the Taliban, especially in those regions where there are dry ports, such as at Hairatan. "The people have serious concerns, the business owners are very fearful because of the businesses," said Sifatullah, a resident in Hairatan. Security authorities however have assured the people that the Afghan security forces are fully prepared to defend the people`s lives and property, reported Tolo News. "The morale of our forces is very high; they are fully prepared and have the strength to defend the city. Soon we will launch our offensive operations," said Khanullah Shuja, the commander of 209 Shaheen Army Corps. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban demands money from civilians, tries recruiting fighters

As many as seven Taliban terrorists were killed in Chomtal district of Afghanistan's Balkh province in an airstrike on Friday.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Afghanistan said that a cache of weapons and ammunition were also destroyed during the strikes.

"7 Taliban were killed in Chomtal district of #Balkh province as a result of an airstrike, today morning. Additionally, 5 others were wounded and a large amount of their weapons and ammunition were destroyed," Ministry of Defence, Afghanistan tweeted.

The MoD also informed about the killing of eight other Taliban terrorists in Bala Bolok district of Farah province.

"8 Taliban terrorists were killed and 3 others were wounded in Bala Bolok district of #Farah province, last night. Also, a large amount of their weapons and ammunition were destroyed during reciprocal attacks of #ANA," MoD said in another tweet.

After a series of videos surfaced showing Taliban leaders continuing their terror activities in Pakistan, Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday said that the presence of Taliban leaders in Pakistan "clearly violates Afghanistan's national sovereignty".

Afghanistan has also urged Islamabad "not to allow its territory to be used by insurgents and elements who insist on continuing the war and bloodshed".

The official statement was released after "a series of video footages emerged in which the Taliban appeared among their followers, disclosing the existence of all Taliban leaders in Pakistan and acknowledging their continued activities in Pakistani territory".

The ministry expressed "deepest regret" over some Taliban leaders being seen in the videos visiting training camps.&nbsp;

Also, an explosion took place in the Pul-e-Sokhta area of Kabul's PD6 on Thursday morning, injuring three people.

No fatalities have so far been reported.&nbsp;The explosion took place just after a blast in the Chaman-e-Hozoori area in Kabul.

(with inputs)

As many as seven Taliban terrorists were killed in Chomtal district of Afghanistan's Balkh province in an airstrike on Friday. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Afghanistan said that a cache of weapons and ammunition were also destroyed during the strikes.

As many as seven Taliban terrorists were killed in Chomtal district of Afghanistan's Balkh province in an airstrike on Friday. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Afghanistan said that a cache of weapons and ammunition were also destroyed during the strikes. "7 Taliban were killed in Chomtal district of #Balkh province as a result of an airstrike, today morning. Additionally, 5 others were wounded and a large amount of their weapons and ammunition were destroyed," Ministry of Defence, Afghanistan tweeted. The MoD also informed about the killing of eight other Taliban terrorists in Bala Bolok district of Farah province. "8 Taliban terrorists were killed and 3 others were wounded in Bala Bolok district of #Farah province, last night. Also, a large amount of their weapons and ammunition were destroyed during reciprocal attacks of #ANA," MoD said in another tweet. After a series of videos surfaced showing Taliban leaders continuing their terror activities in Pakistan, Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday said that the presence of Taliban leaders in Pakistan "clearly violates Afghanistan's national sovereignty". Afghanistan has also urged Islamabad "not to allow its territory to be used by insurgents and elements who insist on continuing the war and bloodshed". The official statement was released after "a series of video footages emerged in which the Taliban appeared among their followers, disclosing the existence of all Taliban leaders in Pakistan and acknowledging their continued activities in Pakistani territory". The ministry expressed "deepest regret" over some Taliban leaders being seen in the videos visiting training camps. Also, an explosion took place in the Pul-e-Sokhta area of Kabul's PD6 on Thursday morning, injuring three people. No fatalities have so far been reported. The explosion took place just after a blast in the Chaman-e-Hozoori area in Kabul. (with inputs)

Seven Taliban terrorists killed in airstrike in Afghanistan's Balkh province

The polio virus has spread to three provinces of Afghanistan that had not reported cases for up to five years. Balkh, Herat, and Badakhshan have each declared a single case. Watch report.

New Polio cases reported in Afghanistan | Balkh, Herat, Badakhshan

Six <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-fighters-double-as-reporters-to-wage-afghan-digital-war-217700&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiH07PzlqDiAhUFuI8KHf7GCKMQFjAJegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1i-hr0wZtfNMFM9EBLJ21Y">Taliban </a>terrorists, including a key commander of the group, were killed in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Balkh province on Thursday.

Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched the anti-terrorism raid in surrounding areas of Balkh district, Balkh province.

The security forces received hostile fire from the militants.

''Six <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-intelligence-chief-caught-by-afghan-and-us-forces-in-baghlan-218333&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiH07PzlqDiAhUFuI8KHf7GCKMQFjAIegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3JHSqq_hYJnLA83FEVup1B">Taliban terrorists</a> were killed in the return fire by the security forces," Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement.

The key Taliban commander who was killed in the operation has been identified as Mullah Shader.

"A Taliban outfit member named Mohammad Sarwar was arrested and eight villages were cleared of the militants during the raid," the statement added.

The security forces also destroyed vehicles belonging to the militants, reported Xinhua.

The relatively peaceful Balkh province has been witnessing scenes of clashes between security forces and Taliban militants since early this year.

The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces have beefed up operations against anti-establishment armed militants who have carried out terror activities across Afghanistan.

So far, the Taliban has not released any statement regarding the operation.&nbsp;

Six Taliban terrorists, including a key commander of the group, were killed in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Balkh province on Thursday.

Six Taliban terrorists, including a key commander of the group, were killed in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Balkh province on Thursday. Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched the anti-terrorism raid in surrounding areas of Balkh district, Balkh province. The security forces received hostile fire from the militants. ''Six Taliban terrorists were killed in the return fire by the security forces," Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement. The key Taliban commander who was killed in the operation has been identified as Mullah Shader. "A Taliban outfit member named Mohammad Sarwar was arrested and eight villages were cleared of the militants during the raid," the statement added. The security forces also destroyed vehicles belonging to the militants, reported Xinhua. The relatively peaceful Balkh province has been witnessing scenes of clashes between security forces and Taliban militants since early this year. The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces have beefed up operations against anti-establishment armed militants who have carried out terror activities across Afghanistan. So far, the Taliban has not released any statement regarding the operation.

Afghanistan: Key Taliban commander among 6 terrorists killed in anti-terrorism operation

35 Taliban militants were killed and 40 others were wounded in United States-led airstrikes at Chahar Bolak district in Balkh province, Afghanistan National Army (ANA) officials said on Saturday.

The airstrikes were carried out on Saturday in close cooperation with the Afghan commandos. The strikes lasted for 40 minutes, the TOLO news quoted Mohammad Hanif Rezaye, spokesman for 209 Shaheen Military Corps in Balkh, as saying.

The commandos then launched operations and cleared the village of Taliban, Rezaye added.

Further, dozens of weapons being used by Taliban attackers were destroyed in the airstrikes.

A week ago an operation was launched to get rid of the Taliban establishments in the area to maintain the security of vulnerable areas in Chahar Bolak district, TOLO further reports.

Balkh Governor Mohammad Ishaq Rahgozar and former governor Atta Mohammad Noor also participated in the operation.

The airstrikes were carried out on Saturday in close cooperation with the Afghan commandos

35 Taliban militants were killed and 40 others were wounded in United States-led airstrikes at Chahar Bolak district in Balkh province, Afghanistan National Army (ANA) officials said on Saturday. The airstrikes were carried out on Saturday in close cooperation with the Afghan commandos. The strikes lasted for 40 minutes, the TOLO news quoted Mohammad Hanif Rezaye, spokesman for 209 Shaheen Military Corps in Balkh, as saying. The commandos then launched operations and cleared the village of Taliban, Rezaye added. Further, dozens of weapons being used by Taliban attackers were destroyed in the airstrikes. A week ago an operation was launched to get rid of the Taliban establishments in the area to maintain the security of vulnerable areas in Chahar Bolak district, TOLO further reports. Balkh Governor Mohammad Ishaq Rahgozar and former governor Atta Mohammad Noor also participated in the operation.

35 Taliban militants killed in US air strikes

Parts of Afghanistan provinces are facing a serious threat of severe drought that could affect the lives of almost one million people living in the area said a recent statement released by United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.

The statement reads, "the extremely dry winter has affected 22 provinces across Afghanistan and now threatens to negatively impact the lives of one million people, with an additional two million who could feel its effects over the coming months".

According to the statement 23-30 per cent of water sources have gone dry. Food insecurity and reduced access to safe water are beginning to take their toll in the 10 worst affected provinces, where 20 to 30 percent of water sources are reportedly dry. The impact on children could be devastating, as these areas have pre-existing high rates of malnutrition. Without adequate nutritious food and safe water for drinking, as well as for hygiene and sanitation, children’s health will only worsen.&nbsp;

Afghanistan reportedly received lowest snowfall and rain in years this winter.

According to reports, at least 20 to 34 provinces are already suffering severely and the situation is expected to worsen even further.

Hashamnt Khan Bahaduri spokesperson for the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority in Kabul was quoted by Reuters saying that "this year drought has reached a level that we will have to announce an emergency in several parts of the country."

He further informed that the country might need to import or receive donations to overcome food shortages.

Afghanistan has been experiencing frequent seasons in recent decades.&nbsp;

Inadequate rains and snowfall during 2008 to 2010 in parts of Afghanistan caused significant failure of the rain-fed crops in the six provinces: Herat, Jawzjan, Balkh, Badghis, Faryab and Sar-e-Pul. The situation affected the most vulnerable populations and their access to food and water, reducing communities' health and nutrition status.&nbsp;

However, following the heavy snow in 2012 long drought ended.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The extremely dry winter has affected 22 provinces across Afghanistan and now threatens to negatively impact the lives of one million people, with an additional two million who could feel its effects over the coming months

Parts of Afghanistan provinces are facing a serious threat of severe drought that could affect the lives of almost one million people living in the area said a recent statement released by United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. The statement reads, "the extremely dry winter has affected 22 provinces across Afghanistan and now threatens to negatively impact the lives of one million people, with an additional two million who could feel its effects over the coming months". According to the statement 23-30 per cent of water sources have gone dry. Food insecurity and reduced access to safe water are beginning to take their toll in the 10 worst affected provinces, where 20 to 30 percent of water sources are reportedly dry. The impact on children could be devastating, as these areas have pre-existing high rates of malnutrition. Without adequate nutritious food and safe water for drinking, as well as for hygiene and sanitation, children’s health will only worsen. Afghanistan reportedly received lowest snowfall and rain in years this winter. According to reports, at least 20 to 34 provinces are already suffering severely and the situation is expected to worsen even further. Hashamnt Khan Bahaduri spokesperson for the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority in Kabul was quoted by Reuters saying that "this year drought has reached a level that we will have to announce an emergency in several parts of the country." He further informed that the country might need to import or receive donations to overcome food shortages. Afghanistan has been experiencing frequent seasons in recent decades. Inadequate rains and snowfall during 2008 to 2010 in parts of Afghanistan caused significant failure of the rain-fed crops in the six provinces: Herat, Jawzjan, Balkh, Badghis, Faryab and Sar-e-Pul. The situation affected the most vulnerable populations and their access to food and water, reducing communities' health and nutrition status. However, following the heavy snow in 2012 long drought ended. (With inputs from Reuters)

One million lives at stake as Afghanistan is hit by drought

balkh

Balkh, News on Balkh, stories on Balkh, articles on Balkh, Balkh stories at Wion, Balkh news, Balkh latest news