The new Taliban governor of Helmand, a province in the south of Afghanistan, has urged western countries to come back to the country but with money instead of guns.

A month after Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Talib Mawlawi, a local of Helmand, has asked foreign governments to sit and interact with Taliban in non-war conditions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leaders-abdul-ghani-baradar-and-khalil-ur-rahman-haqqani-involved-in-a-major-dispute-report-413277" hreflang="en">Taliban leaders Baradar and Haqqani involved in a major dispute: Report</a>

"We faced each other in battle, we didn’t get to know each other in normal times,"&nbsp;Mawlawi said. "Now you can win our hearts and make us happy if you recognise this government."

His statement has come as reports are surfacing about an economic collapse in the province, much like the rest of the country. Like all other Taliban leaders, Mawlawi is also asking world leaders to come in Afghanistan with their financial aid and help bridge the gap between the poor and rich.

"All those foreign countries invaded and killed our women and our children and our old people, and destroyed everything," he said. "Now the international community should help us with humanitarian aid and focus on developing education, business and trade."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/talibans-takeover-of-afghanistan-nears-one-month-413289">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/talibans-takeover-of-afghanistan-nears-one-month-413289/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He also reiterated that Taliban have successfully brought peace to the region — Hemland has been observing civil fights between the Afghan forces and Taliban militants for the past two decades. "The international community helps the countries that have the support of their civilians. We have brought security, and we have the support of our people, so they should help us and recognise our government."

Meanwhile, Hemland is still awaiting decision on whether or not high schools will reopen for girls. As of now, girls are seen coming to colleges and universities with a stricter dress code and are allowed to study only in segregated classrooms. "The government recommended them not to come as free as they were before, they should wear burqa or Arabic hijab."

The new Taliban governor of Helmand, a province in the south of Afghanistan, has urged western countries to come back to the country but with money instead of guns.

The new Taliban governor of Helmand, a province in the south of Afghanistan, has urged western countries to come back to the country but with money instead of guns. A month after Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Talib Mawlawi, a local of Helmand, has asked foreign governments to sit and interact with Taliban in non-war conditions. Also read | Taliban leaders Baradar and Haqqani involved in a major dispute: Report "We faced each other in battle, we didn’t get to know each other in normal times," Mawlawi said. "Now you can win our hearts and make us happy if you recognise this government." His statement has come as reports are surfacing about an economic collapse in the province, much like the rest of the country. Like all other Taliban leaders, Mawlawi is also asking world leaders to come in Afghanistan with their financial aid and help bridge the gap between the poor and rich. "All those foreign countries invaded and killed our women and our children and our old people, and destroyed everything," he said. "Now the international community should help us with humanitarian aid and focus on developing education, business and trade." WATCH | He also reiterated that Taliban have successfully brought peace to the region — Hemland has been observing civil fights between the Afghan forces and Taliban militants for the past two decades. "The international community helps the countries that have the support of their civilians. We have brought security, and we have the support of our people, so they should help us and recognise our government." Meanwhile, Hemland is still awaiting decision on whether or not high schools will reopen for girls. As of now, girls are seen coming to colleges and universities with a stricter dress code and are allowed to study only in segregated classrooms. "The government recommended them not to come as free as they were before, they should wear burqa or Arabic hijab."

Afghanistan: Helmand's Taliban governor asks western nations to return with 'money, not guns'

The Pakistani nationals affiliated with al Qaeda were killed in airstrikes on the outskirts of Lashkargah city in Helmand province, according to Afghanistan’s defence ministry.

The Afghan defence ministry on Saturday said that thirty Pakistani citizens were among the 112 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrikes in Helmand province.

All 30 Pakistani nationals were members of terrorist Islamist multi-national organization al-Qaeda.

“112 #Taliban terrorists including 30 #Pakistani affiliated to Al-Qaeda terrorist network for the Indian subcontinent, were killed and 31 others wounded in #airstrikes conducted by #AAF at the outskirts of #Lashkargah city, #Helmand provincial centre, yesterday,” the Afghan ministry of defence tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
112 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> terrorists including 30 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistani</a> affiliated to Al-Qaeda terrorist network for indian subcontinent, were killed and 31 others wounded in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrikes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrikes</a> conducted by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAF</a> at the outskirts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lashkargah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lashkargah</a> city, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Helmand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Helmand</a> provincial center, yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/zEOmhHoZZI">pic.twitter.com/zEOmhHoZZI</a>
— Ministry of Defense, Afghanistan (@MoDAfghanistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoDAfghanistan/status/1423937201985961986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorists on its soil and assisting the Taliban's onslaught against Afghan government forces on several occasions.

The airstrikes came a day after the Afghan Ambassador to the United Nations Ghulam Isaczai stated that Afghanistan is willing to give substantial proof to the UN Security Council in support of its assertion that Pakistan is maintaining a Taliban supply chain.

"Should members of the Security Council want that evidence, we are ready to provide them," Ghulam said. He added that the Afghan government has been in constant contact with the Pakistani government about the matter and has provided Islamabad with the evidence.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Pakistani nationals affiliated with al Qaeda were killed in airstrikes on the outskirts of Lashkargah city in Helmand province, according to Afghanistan’s defence ministry.

The Pakistani nationals affiliated with al Qaeda were killed in airstrikes on the outskirts of Lashkargah city in Helmand province, according to Afghanistan’s defence ministry. The Afghan defence ministry on Saturday said that thirty Pakistani citizens were among the 112 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrikes in Helmand province. All 30 Pakistani nationals were members of terrorist Islamist multi-national organization al-Qaeda. “112 #Taliban terrorists including 30 #Pakistani affiliated to Al-Qaeda terrorist network for the Indian subcontinent, were killed and 31 others wounded in #airstrikes conducted by #AAF at the outskirts of #Lashkargah city, #Helmand provincial centre, yesterday,” the Afghan ministry of defence tweeted. 112 #Taliban terrorists including 30 #Pakistani affiliated to Al-Qaeda terrorist network for indian subcontinent, were killed and 31 others wounded in #airstrikes conducted by #AAF at the outskirts of #Lashkargah city, #Helmand provincial center, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/zEOmhHoZZI — Ministry of Defense, Afghanistan (@MoDAfghanistan) August 7, 2021 × Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorists on its soil and assisting the Taliban's onslaught against Afghan government forces on several occasions. The airstrikes came a day after the Afghan Ambassador to the United Nations Ghulam Isaczai stated that Afghanistan is willing to give substantial proof to the UN Security Council in support of its assertion that Pakistan is maintaining a Taliban supply chain. "Should members of the Security Council want that evidence, we are ready to provide them," Ghulam said. He added that the Afghan government has been in constant contact with the Pakistani government about the matter and has provided Islamabad with the evidence. (With inputs from agencies)

30 Pakistani terrorists among 112 Taliban killed in airstrikes in Helmand: Afghan govt

Afghan govt has said that Pakistan Taliban had a role in the Helmand attacks and Afghan forces have killed around 200 Pakistani nationals involved in the incident.&nbsp;

Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian speaking to WION from Kabul said, &nbsp;"The Helmand attacks, planned by the Taliban, more than 200 Pakistani Taliban had participated in it and our Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) killed all the Taliban. This includes the Pakistani Taliban."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-strongly-rejects-claims-of-its-territory-being-used-for-terror-acts-against-pakistan-343314">Afghanistan 'strongly' rejects claims of its territory being used for terror acts against Pakistan</a>

Helmand province in southern Afghanistan has a major uptick in violence in the last few weeks. The violence comes even as the US plans to withdraw from the country by Christmas, sparking concerns of Pakistan increasing its foothold in the country.&nbsp;

He highlighted that the Afghan and Pakistan Taliban has cooperation and "they had planned to attack ANDSF near the city of Helmand and district of Kandahar."&nbsp;

Adding, "It was a success for our forces and we have shared the list of Taliban commanders, including Pakistani Taliban. More than 300 Pakistani Taliban had participated in this. Our ANDSF had success in other provinces like Kunduz. "

He pointed out that in other provinces of Afghanistan, like Kandahar, "Taliban had planned attacks on ANDSF and response by us saw the killing of the Taliban, and they had casualties."

Taliban and the Afghan government are in talks in Doha, which are leading nowhere. &nbsp;This year saw 2 important pacts, the Taliban and US govt pact in February, and in September start of talks in Doha. Despite the signing of a pact, and the start of talks, the Taliban is unwilling to reduce violence in the country.&nbsp;

Afghan govt has said that Pakistan Taliban had a role in the Helmand attacks and Afghan forces have killed around 200 Pakistani nationals involved in the incident.

Afghan govt has said that Pakistan Taliban had a role in the Helmand attacks and Afghan forces have killed around 200 Pakistani nationals involved in the incident. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian speaking to WION from Kabul said, "The Helmand attacks, planned by the Taliban, more than 200 Pakistani Taliban had participated in it and our Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) killed all the Taliban. This includes the Pakistani Taliban." Also read | Afghanistan 'strongly' rejects claims of its territory being used for terror acts against Pakistan Helmand province in southern Afghanistan has a major uptick in violence in the last few weeks. The violence comes even as the US plans to withdraw from the country by Christmas, sparking concerns of Pakistan increasing its foothold in the country. He highlighted that the Afghan and Pakistan Taliban has cooperation and "they had planned to attack ANDSF near the city of Helmand and district of Kandahar." Adding, "It was a success for our forces and we have shared the list of Taliban commanders, including Pakistani Taliban. More than 300 Pakistani Taliban had participated in this. Our ANDSF had success in other provinces like Kunduz. " He pointed out that in other provinces of Afghanistan, like Kandahar, "Taliban had planned attacks on ANDSF and response by us saw the killing of the Taliban, and they had casualties." Taliban and the Afghan government are in talks in Doha, which are leading nowhere. This year saw 2 important pacts, the Taliban and US govt pact in February, and in September start of talks in Doha. Despite the signing of a pact, and the start of talks, the Taliban is unwilling to reduce violence in the country.

Pakistani Taliban was involved in Helmand attacks: Afghan Interior Minister spokesperson to WION

Fears are growing on the ground for civilians caught up in fighting between the government forces and the Taliban in Afghanistan's Helmand provinces. Watch the report to know more.

Afghanistan: Families flee amid fresh fighting between govt forces & Taliban

Thousands of families have fled their homes as heavy fighting between government divisions and one Taliban rages in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

Afghan-Taliban conflict: Violence increases despite peace talks

Brig. General Zahirgul Muqbil, an army commander of Afghan border forces was killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Marjah district of Helmand province, the provincial governor`s spokesman Omar Zwak told Tolo News on Saturday morning.

Zwak said three security force members and a local journalist were wounded in the attack.

The forces were heading to a military operation in Marjah district when their humvee hit a roadside bomb, he added.

The Kabul-based local television network, Shamshad TV, confirmed in a tweet that their local reporter Mohammad Sarwari was wounded in the blast.&nbsp;

Brig. General Zahirgul Muqbil, an army commander of Afghan border forces was killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Marjah district of Helmand province, the provincial governor`s spokesman Omar Zwak told Tolo News on Saturday morning.

Brig. General Zahirgul Muqbil, an army commander of Afghan border forces was killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Marjah district of Helmand province, the provincial governor`s spokesman Omar Zwak told Tolo News on Saturday morning. Zwak said three security force members and a local journalist were wounded in the attack. The forces were heading to a military operation in Marjah district when their humvee hit a roadside bomb, he added. The Kabul-based local television network, Shamshad TV, confirmed in a tweet that their local reporter Mohammad Sarwari was wounded in the blast.

Afghanistan: Army commander killed in bomb blast in Helmand

At least 35 civilians were killed and 13 people were injured during an attack conducted by the Afghan government forces in southern Helmand province, two provincial officials said on Monday.

The incident occurred on Sunday night when Afghan forces raided a house that the officials said was being used by the Taliban to train suicide bombers, but during the attack a wedding venue situated adjacent the target came under fire.

"35 civilians were killed and 13 are injured. These people were attending a wedding party near to the attack site in Khaksar area of Musa Qala district," said Attaullah Afghan, a member of the Helmand provincial council member.

A second provincial council member, Abdul Majid Akhundzadah said 40 people, all civilians, were killed in the attack.

At least 35 civilians were killed and 13 people were injured during an attack conducted by the Afghan government forces in southern Helmand province, two provincial officials said on Monday.

At least 35 civilians were killed and 13 people were injured during an attack conducted by the Afghan government forces in southern Helmand province, two provincial officials said on Monday. The incident occurred on Sunday night when Afghan forces raided a house that the officials said was being used by the Taliban to train suicide bombers, but during the attack a wedding venue situated adjacent the target came under fire. "35 civilians were killed and 13 are injured. These people were attending a wedding party near to the attack site in Khaksar area of Musa Qala district," said Attaullah Afghan, a member of the Helmand provincial council member. A second provincial council member, Abdul Majid Akhundzadah said 40 people, all civilians, were killed in the attack.

At least 35 civilians killed by Afghan forces in southern Helmand province

A Taliban attack on a US-Afghan base was repelled in southeast Afghanistan, officials said Friday, as fighting continues in the war-torn country amid a pause in ongoing peace talks between the insurgents and American negotiators in Doha.

The militants launched the pre-dawn assault on Shorab military base in Helmand province -- where an unspecified number of US troops are also stationed -- engaging in heavy firefights with Afghan forces. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Right now, the Afghan commando forces are carrying out a clean-up operation in the area,” said Omar Zwak, a spokesman for the provincial governor.

Provincial and defence officials said at least four attackers were killed in the skirmish.&nbsp;

US forces spokesman Colonel Dave Butler also confirmed the incident, tweeting: “The attack was repelled by the brave Afghan Security Forces”.

Butler later added that reports indicated “Taliban fighters were initially able to gain access to the Afghan base but were stopped by Afghan forces”.

The Taliban control or contest more than half of Helmand's districts and regularly deliver heavy blows to Afghan forces, who have been struggling to hold off insurgents across Afghanistan since taking the lead from NATO forces in late 2014.

The assault on Shorab comes as US and Taliban negotiators in Doha have temporarily halted peace talks, which are set to restart over the weekend.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad called the latest meetings in the months-long diplomatic push “productive”, saying the two sides “will take the next two days for internal deliberations, with plans to regroup on Saturday”.

Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan has led to a sharp reduction in violence this winter, but warmer weather in the country’s south will likely lead to an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of the spring fighting season.

Analysts have warned that the Taliban are likely to ramp up attacks this spring as they attempt to maintain momentum on the battlefield and leverage at the negotiating table.

Afghan forces, however, claim to be taking the fight to the insurgents, with the Ministry of Defence saying more than 100 "terrorists" have been killed in recent days in various operations across the country.&nbsp;

The US has also intensified its air campaign against the Taliban and Islamic State, dropping twice as many munitions on insurgent positions in 2018 compared to the previous year. 
&nbsp;

A Taliban attack on a US-Afghan base was repelled in southeast Afghanistan, officials said Friday, as fighting continues in the war-torn country amid a pause in ongoing peace talks between the insurgents and American negotiators in Doha.

A Taliban attack on a US-Afghan base was repelled in southeast Afghanistan, officials said Friday, as fighting continues in the war-torn country amid a pause in ongoing peace talks between the insurgents and American negotiators in Doha. The militants launched the pre-dawn assault on Shorab military base in Helmand province -- where an unspecified number of US troops are also stationed -- engaging in heavy firefights with Afghan forces. "Right now, the Afghan commando forces are carrying out a clean-up operation in the area,” said Omar Zwak, a spokesman for the provincial governor. Provincial and defence officials said at least four attackers were killed in the skirmish. US forces spokesman Colonel Dave Butler also confirmed the incident, tweeting: “The attack was repelled by the brave Afghan Security Forces”. Butler later added that reports indicated “Taliban fighters were initially able to gain access to the Afghan base but were stopped by Afghan forces”. The Taliban control or contest more than half of Helmand's districts and regularly deliver heavy blows to Afghan forces, who have been struggling to hold off insurgents across Afghanistan since taking the lead from NATO forces in late 2014. The assault on Shorab comes as US and Taliban negotiators in Doha have temporarily halted peace talks, which are set to restart over the weekend. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad called the latest meetings in the months-long diplomatic push “productive”, saying the two sides “will take the next two days for internal deliberations, with plans to regroup on Saturday”. Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan has led to a sharp reduction in violence this winter, but warmer weather in the country’s south will likely lead to an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of the spring fighting season. Analysts have warned that the Taliban are likely to ramp up attacks this spring as they attempt to maintain momentum on the battlefield and leverage at the negotiating table. Afghan forces, however, claim to be taking the fight to the insurgents, with the Ministry of Defence saying more than 100 "terrorists" have been killed in recent days in various operations across the country. The US has also intensified its air campaign against the Taliban and Islamic State, dropping twice as many munitions on insurgent positions in 2018 compared to the previous year.

Taliban attacks US-Afghan base in Helmand: Officials

US forces killed over 50 Taliban leaders in a series of strikes against those behind a recent attack in the Helmand provincial capital of Farah, US military and NATO commander General John Nicholson said&nbsp;Wednesday.

After pushing out fighters in Farah, Afghan and US forces continued to pursue them, Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon via video link.

Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a&nbsp;center&nbsp;for poppy cultivation.

On May 24, they were spotted in a known Taliban command&nbsp;center&nbsp;in Musa Qala.

"What it looks like is it was a group of commanders, meeting in part to discuss the operation in Farah that many of them had just participated in," said General Nicholson.&nbsp;

"And they obviously thought they were meeting in relative safety in Musa Qala, but our intelligence was able to identify the group and effectively conduct the strike."

The group was involved in drug trafficking, Nicholson added.

"I would not call it strategic significance, but it definitely has a significant local significance in terms of the fight in Southern Afghanistan," he said.

In a statement, the US command in Afghanistan said the strike resulted in "more than 50 casualties," among them the number two Taliban leader in Helmand, Abdul Manan, and several district governors and local leaders in Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Farah, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces.

Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a centre for poppy cultivation

US forces killed over 50 Taliban leaders in a series of strikes against those behind a recent attack in the Helmand provincial capital of Farah, US military and NATO commander General John Nicholson said Wednesday. After pushing out fighters in Farah, Afghan and US forces continued to pursue them, Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon via video link. Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a center for poppy cultivation. On May 24, they were spotted in a known Taliban command center in Musa Qala. "What it looks like is it was a group of commanders, meeting in part to discuss the operation in Farah that many of them had just participated in," said General Nicholson. "And they obviously thought they were meeting in relative safety in Musa Qala, but our intelligence was able to identify the group and effectively conduct the strike." The group was involved in drug trafficking, Nicholson added. "I would not call it strategic significance, but it definitely has a significant local significance in terms of the fight in Southern Afghanistan," he said. In a statement, the US command in Afghanistan said the strike resulted in "more than 50 casualties," among them the number two Taliban leader in Helmand, Abdul Manan, and several district governors and local leaders in Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Farah, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces.

Afghanistan: Over 50 Taliban leaders killed in US operation

Several soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed in a suicide attack in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan, on Sunday.

The incident took place in the vicinity of Nad-e-Ali district after a suicide bomber detonated a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) near a military base, reported Khaama Press.

According to the reports, the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The number of casualties has not been confirmed yet, as, according to provincial governor's spokesman Omar Zwak, two soldiers have lost their lives, while another security official stated that eight Afghan soldiers were killed and nearly a dozen more injured.

Helmand is among the relatively volatile provinces in South of Afghanistan where the anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating in its various districts and often carry out insurgency activities.

On Friday, a ground-based rocket artillery was carried out against Taliban leaders in Musa Qala district in Helmand, Task Force-Southwest, under US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A)

A ground-based rocket artillery was carried out against Taliban leaders in Musa Qala district in Helmand, Task Force-Southwest, under US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A)

The incident took place in the vicinity of Nad-e-Ali district after a suicide bomber detonated a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) near a military base,

Several soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed in a suicide attack in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan, on Sunday. The incident took place in the vicinity of Nad-e-Ali district after a suicide bomber detonated a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) near a military base, reported Khaama Press. According to the reports, the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. The number of casualties has not been confirmed yet, as, according to provincial governor's spokesman Omar Zwak, two soldiers have lost their lives, while another security official stated that eight Afghan soldiers were killed and nearly a dozen more injured. Helmand is among the relatively volatile provinces in South of Afghanistan where the anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating in its various districts and often carry out insurgency activities. On Friday, a ground-based rocket artillery was carried out against Taliban leaders in Musa Qala district in Helmand, Task Force-Southwest, under US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A) A ground-based rocket artillery was carried out against Taliban leaders in Musa Qala district in Helmand, Task Force-Southwest, under US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A)

Several Afghan soldiers killed in suicide blast in Helmand

Last week, the Afghan air force dropped its first laser-guided missile on a Taliban compound in Farah, the western Afghan province that has seen increasing fighting since the beginning of the year.

The strike was an important milestone for the air force that underlined the growing importance of Farah, where hundreds of Taliban fighters have appeared since US-backed Afghan forces stepped up operations in neighbouring Helmand province.

Over the past month, Taliban fighters have delivered a series of blows to government forces, helped, according to officials in the area, by neighbouring Iran, which shares a long, porous border with the province.

In one recent week, 180 soldiers and police were killed and hundreds wounded, according to a senior security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He said weekly death tolls for security forces in the province could reach as high as 250.

The provincial governor stepped down in January blaming political interference and civilians say the situation has become worse.

"We don`t know the reason for the escalation of violence but I can say people are very scared and people in the city haven`t slept in peace for months because of the fighting," said Abdullah, a shopkeeper in Farah city who said he now struggles to pay the rent on his shop.

"There are many people in the same situation. Thousands of young people are jobless, they either join the Taliban or cross the border to Iran to find a living."

The problem underlines broader challenges facing the Kabul government and its US allies, which last year announced a strategy to force the Taliban to the negotiating table through a mix of air strikes and stepped-up assistance to Afghan forces.

This month, Afghan forces, backed by US air power and close assistance from US advisers, began a fresh operation dubbed Maiwand 12, to hit the Taliban in the insurgency hotspots of Marjah and Nad Ali districts of Helmand province.

As operations have increased in Helmand, Western officials acknowledge that the pressure has pushed militants to Farah.&nbsp

But they say the insurgent focus on areas far from former battlegrounds where they had threatened the government show the problems they are facing.&nbsp

"Taliban offensives in these remote areas represent a significant lowering of ambition after their failure to take any provincial capitals in 2017," US Navy Captain Tom Gresback, spokesman for the NATO-led Resolute Support coalition, said in an emailed statement.

US aircraft recently began bombing "drug factories" in opium-rich Helmand, but local leaders and officials in Kabul say the Taliban will fight hard to avoid losing control of smuggling routes, which bring in millions of dollars for the insurgency.

"There are hundreds of fighters who move back and forth between Farah and Helmand," the Afghan security official said.

"There is a route for smuggling opium and heroin from Helmand to Farah and finally Iran and the Taliban and the smugglers will always fight to protect. It is tens of millions of dollars."

The US ambassador to Afghanistan, Robert Bass, told the BBC this month that Iran was providing logistical support to the Taliban, an accusation rejected by Tehran.

Iran has always denied interfering in Afghanistan but Afghan officials say it has multiple interests as well as its general hostility to the United States.&nbsp

They say it fears dams in Farah could slow the flow of water into Iran and has suspicions about a planned Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline.

"There is only one reason behind this: Iran`s interference which provides the insurgents weapons and tries to hamper the TAPI project," said provincial council member Dadullah Qaneh.

"There are many people in the same situation. Thousands of young people are jobless, they either join the Taliban or cross the border to Iran to find a living."

Last week, the Afghan air force dropped its first laser-guided missile on a Taliban compound in Farah, the western Afghan province that has seen increasing fighting since the beginning of the year. The strike was an important milestone for the air force that underlined the growing importance of Farah, where hundreds of Taliban fighters have appeared since US-backed Afghan forces stepped up operations in neighbouring Helmand province. Over the past month, Taliban fighters have delivered a series of blows to government forces, helped, according to officials in the area, by neighbouring Iran, which shares a long, porous border with the province. In one recent week, 180 soldiers and police were killed and hundreds wounded, according to a senior security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He said weekly death tolls for security forces in the province could reach as high as 250. The provincial governor stepped down in January blaming political interference and civilians say the situation has become worse. "We don`t know the reason for the escalation of violence but I can say people are very scared and people in the city haven`t slept in peace for months because of the fighting," said Abdullah, a shopkeeper in Farah city who said he now struggles to pay the rent on his shop. "There are many people in the same situation. Thousands of young people are jobless, they either join the Taliban or cross the border to Iran to find a living." The problem underlines broader challenges facing the Kabul government and its US allies, which last year announced a strategy to force the Taliban to the negotiating table through a mix of air strikes and stepped-up assistance to Afghan forces. This month, Afghan forces, backed by US air power and close assistance from US advisers, began a fresh operation dubbed Maiwand 12, to hit the Taliban in the insurgency hotspots of Marjah and Nad Ali districts of Helmand province. As operations have increased in Helmand, Western officials acknowledge that the pressure has pushed militants to Farah. But they say the insurgent focus on areas far from former battlegrounds where they had threatened the government show the problems they are facing. "Taliban offensives in these remote areas represent a significant lowering of ambition after their failure to take any provincial capitals in 2017," US Navy Captain Tom Gresback, spokesman for the NATO-led Resolute Support coalition, said in an emailed statement. US aircraft recently began bombing "drug factories" in opium-rich Helmand, but local leaders and officials in Kabul say the Taliban will fight hard to avoid losing control of smuggling routes, which bring in millions of dollars for the insurgency. "There are hundreds of fighters who move back and forth between Farah and Helmand," the Afghan security official said. "There is a route for smuggling opium and heroin from Helmand to Farah and finally Iran and the Taliban and the smugglers will always fight to protect. It is tens of millions of dollars." The US ambassador to Afghanistan, Robert Bass, told the BBC this month that Iran was providing logistical support to the Taliban, an accusation rejected by Tehran. Iran has always denied interfering in Afghanistan but Afghan officials say it has multiple interests as well as its general hostility to the United States. They say it fears dams in Farah could slow the flow of water into Iran and has suspicions about a planned Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline. "There is only one reason behind this: Iran`s interference which provides the insurgents weapons and tries to hamper the TAPI project," said provincial council member Dadullah Qaneh.

As Afghan forces squeeze in Helmand, Taliban focus shifts

The death toll in the explosion that happened in Afghanistan&#39;s Helmand province has increased to 15, officials said on Saturday.&nbsp;

As per reports, the deceased included children as well. Helmand governor&#39;s spokesman Omar Zwak said the explosion took place outside Helmand stadium in Lashkargah City of the province on Friday when people were leaving the stadium after watching a wrestling match.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has condemned the attack and said in a statement that &quot;The enemies of Afghanistan cannot prevent the celebration of traditional, religious and cultural events in the country&quot;.

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirming the incident on Twitter said, &quot;verifying disturbing reports of attack outside a sports stadium in Helmand.&quot;

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, which went off outside the match venue in Lashkar Gah - capital of the province of Helmand - in front of a crowd that included local lawmakers.

The attack, which followed a suicide blast in Kabul on Wednesday that was claimed by Islamic State, underlined the continued threat of violence across much of Afghanistan with the approach of spring, when fighting tends to pick up.

The Taliban controls large areas of Helmand, source of much of Afghanistan`s opium crop. But government forces, backed by heavy US air strikes, have succeeded in preventing Lashkar Gah from falling and have made advances in some districts.

The city, which came under threat from the insurgents last year, had been relatively quiet in recent months following offensives by security forces and fighting has shifted to other provinces including neighbouring Farah on the border with Iran.

Helmand governor's spokesman Omar Zwak said the explosion took place outside Helmand stadium in Lashkargah City of the province on Friday when people were leaving the stadium after watching a wrestling match

The death toll in the explosion that happened in Afghanistan's Helmand province has increased to 15, officials said on Saturday. As per reports, the deceased included children as well. Helmand governor's spokesman Omar Zwak said the explosion took place outside Helmand stadium in Lashkargah City of the province on Friday when people were leaving the stadium after watching a wrestling match. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has condemned the attack and said in a statement that "The enemies of Afghanistan cannot prevent the celebration of traditional, religious and cultural events in the country". United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirming the incident on Twitter said, "verifying disturbing reports of attack outside a sports stadium in Helmand." There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, which went off outside the match venue in Lashkar Gah - capital of the province of Helmand - in front of a crowd that included local lawmakers. The attack, which followed a suicide blast in Kabul on Wednesday that was claimed by Islamic State, underlined the continued threat of violence across much of Afghanistan with the approach of spring, when fighting tends to pick up. The Taliban controls large areas of Helmand, source of much of Afghanistan`s opium crop. But government forces, backed by heavy US air strikes, have succeeded in preventing Lashkar Gah from falling and have made advances in some districts. The city, which came under threat from the insurgents last year, had been relatively quiet in recent months following offensives by security forces and fighting has shifted to other provinces including neighbouring Farah on the border with Iran.

Afghanistan: Death toll from car bomb attack rises to 15

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/malegaon-blast-case-sadhvi-pragya-and-lt-col-purohit-will-be-tried-under-uaps-act-along-with-other-accused-27869">Malegaon blasts case: Partial relief for Sadhvi Pragya, Col Purohit</a>

In a partial relief to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and six others who face trial under an anti-terror law in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blasts case, the court dropped provisions under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all the accused.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-didnt-question-former-pm-manmohan-singhs-commitment-to-nation-arun-jaitley-clarifies-27866">&#39;PM Modi didn&#39;t question former PM Manmohan Singh&#39;s commitment to nation,&#39; Arun Jaitley clarifies</a>

Union Finance Minister and Minister of Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley spoke on PM Modi&#39;s remarks on former prime minister Manmohan Singh today at Rajya Sabha.

Jaitley clarified, &quot;PM in his speeches didn&#39;t question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-sends-shoes-of-jadhavs-wife-for-forensic-testing-27860">Pakistan sends shoes of Jadhav&#39;s wife for forensic testing</a>

Pakistani authorities have sent the shoes worn by Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife for forensic examination to determine the nature of the suspected presence of a foreign object, a media report said today.

The authorities were ascertaining whether the &quot;metallic object&quot; in the shoes was a camera or a recording chip, Pakistan Today quoted Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mohammad Faisal as saying.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/car-bomb-injures-14-afghanistan-soldiers-in-helmand-27872">Car bomb injures 14 Afghanistan soldiers in Helmand</a>

At least 14 Afghan soldiers were injured in a car bombing at 505 Boost Police Zone in Lashkargah city, capital of Helmand Province on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/1-killed-3-injured-after-gunman-opens-fire-in-moscow-factory-hostages-held-ria-27849">1 killed, 3 injured after gunman opens fire in Moscow factory, hostages held: RIA</a>

A gunman opened a fire in a pastry-making factory in Moscow on Wednesday, killing one person and taking an unknown number as hostages, Russian state news agency RIA said, citing a law enforcement source.

Malegaon blasts case: Partial relief for Sadhvi Pragya, Col Purohit In a partial relief to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and six others who face trial under an anti-terror law in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blasts case, the court dropped provisions under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all the accused. 'PM Modi didn't question former PM Manmohan Singh's commitment to nation,' Arun Jaitley clarifies Union Finance Minister and Minister of Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley spoke on PM Modi's remarks on former prime minister Manmohan Singh today at Rajya Sabha. Jaitley clarified, "PM in his speeches didn't question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari." Pakistan sends shoes of Jadhav's wife for forensic testing Pakistani authorities have sent the shoes worn by Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife for forensic examination to determine the nature of the suspected presence of a foreign object, a media report said today. The authorities were ascertaining whether the "metallic object" in the shoes was a camera or a recording chip, Pakistan Today quoted Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mohammad Faisal as saying. Car bomb injures 14 Afghanistan soldiers in Helmand At least 14 Afghan soldiers were injured in a car bombing at 505 Boost Police Zone in Lashkargah city, capital of Helmand Province on Wednesday. 1 killed, 3 injured after gunman opens fire in Moscow factory, hostages held: RIA A gunman opened a fire in a pastry-making factory in Moscow on Wednesday, killing one person and taking an unknown number as hostages, Russian state news agency RIA said, citing a law enforcement source.

WION Evening New Brief, December 27, 2017

Checkpoints in Southern Helmand province were attacked by Taliban insurgents on Sunday, killing 11 Afghan police officials, media reports said.&nbsp;

Afghan forces later repelled the attack in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital - the insurgents were reported injured. Although the number has not yet been disclosed, media reports said.&nbsp;

The attack was claimed by the Taliban who have been spreading all across in Helmand.&nbsp;

It has been reported that these insurgents have been attacking the country, mainly the security forces, on a daily basis.&nbsp;

Earlier, a suicide car bomber attacked foreign forces in the southern Kandahar province, killing a woman and injuring around five other civilians, reports said.&nbsp;

Afghan forces later repelled the attack in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital - who were reported injured. Although, the number has not yet been disclosed

Checkpoints in Southern Helmand province were attacked by Taliban insurgents on Sunday, killing 11 Afghan police officials, media reports said. Afghan forces later repelled the attack in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital - the insurgents were reported injured. Although the number has not yet been disclosed, media reports said. The attack was claimed by the Taliban who have been spreading all across in Helmand. It has been reported that these insurgents have been attacking the country, mainly the security forces, on a daily basis. Earlier, a suicide car bomber attacked foreign forces in the southern Kandahar province, killing a woman and injuring around five other civilians, reports said.

Taliban insurgents kill 11 Afghan police officials in Helmand province: Reports

U.S. and Afghan forces have launched joint attacks on Taliban opium factories to try to curb the insurgent group&#39;s economic lifeline, officials from both countries said on Monday.

U.S. Army General John Nicholson showed videos at a press conference of targeted aerial strikes against what he described as Taliban drug factories.

&quot;Last night we conducted strikes in northern Helmand to hit the Taliban where it hurts, in their narcotics financing,&quot; said Nicholson, flanked by Afghan Army Lieutenant General Mohammad Sharif Yaftali.

The southern province of Helmand suffers heavy fighting and is the single-largest producer of opium.

Opium production in Afghanistan reached record highs this year, up 87 percent on last year, the United Nations said last week.

The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said output of opium made from poppy seeds in Afghanistan, the world&rsquo;s main source of heroin, stands at around 9,000 metric tons this year.

UNODC has warned in the past that Kabul&#39;s weakening grip on security was contributing to a collapse in eradication efforts.

Narcotics trafficking

Nearly half of Afghan opium is processed, or refined into morphine or heroin, before it is trafficked out of the country, according to U.S. and Afghan officials.

&quot;We&#39;re determined to tackle criminal economy and narcotics trafficking with full force,&quot; said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Twitter.

Nicholson said the attacks were part of U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s new policy towards Afghanistan as he boosts troop numbers.

The four-star general showed one video of an F-22 fighter jet dropping 250-pound bombs on two buildings, emphasising that a nearby third building was left unscathed.

U.S. troops have long been accused of causing unnecessary collateral damage and civilian deaths. The United States says it takes every precaution to avoid civilian casualties.

The United Nations said at least 10 civilians may have been killed by a strike in Kunduz earlier this month, contradicting a U.S. investigation that found no civilian deaths.

'Last night we conducted strikes in northern Helmand to hit the Taliban where it hurts, in their narcotics financing,' US Army General John Nicholson said

U.S. and Afghan forces have launched joint attacks on Taliban opium factories to try to curb the insurgent group's economic lifeline, officials from both countries said on Monday. U.S. Army General John Nicholson showed videos at a press conference of targeted aerial strikes against what he described as Taliban drug factories. "Last night we conducted strikes in northern Helmand to hit the Taliban where it hurts, in their narcotics financing," said Nicholson, flanked by Afghan Army Lieutenant General Mohammad Sharif Yaftali. The southern province of Helmand suffers heavy fighting and is the single-largest producer of opium. Opium production in Afghanistan reached record highs this year, up 87 percent on last year, the United Nations said last week. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said output of opium made from poppy seeds in Afghanistan, the world’s main source of heroin, stands at around 9,000 metric tons this year. UNODC has warned in the past that Kabul's weakening grip on security was contributing to a collapse in eradication efforts. Narcotics trafficking Nearly half of Afghan opium is processed, or refined into morphine or heroin, before it is trafficked out of the country, according to U.S. and Afghan officials. "We're determined to tackle criminal economy and narcotics trafficking with full force," said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Twitter. Nicholson said the attacks were part of U.S. President Donald Trump's new policy towards Afghanistan as he boosts troop numbers. The four-star general showed one video of an F-22 fighter jet dropping 250-pound bombs on two buildings, emphasising that a nearby third building was left unscathed. U.S. troops have long been accused of causing unnecessary collateral damage and civilian deaths. The United States says it takes every precaution to avoid civilian casualties. The United Nations said at least 10 civilians may have been killed by a strike in Kunduz earlier this month, contradicting a U.S. investigation that found no civilian deaths.

US, Afghan forces strike opium factories to curb Taliban funds

On a bright day in downtown Kabul, Jagtar Singh Laghmani was in his traditional herb shop when a man turned up, drew a knife and told him to convert to Islam or he would cut his throat. Only bystanders and other shopkeepers saved his life. 
 
The incident earlier this month was the latest attack on a dwindling community of Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan, a deeply conservative Muslim country struggling with growing insecurity caused by an Islamist insurgency and economic challenges. 
 
Once a thriving minority, only a handful of Sikh and Hindu families remain. Many have chosen to flee the country of their birth, blaming growing discrimination and intolerance. 
 
&quot;This is how we begin our day - with fear and isolation. If you are not a Muslim, you are not a human in their eyes,&quot; said Jagtar Singh, speaking in his tiny shop in the bustling centre of Kabul. &quot;I don&#39;t know what to do or where to go.&quot; 
 
For centuries, Hindu and Sikh communities played a prominent role in merchant trade and money lending in Afghanistan, although today they are known more for medicinal herb shops. 
 
According to Avtar Singh, chairman of the national council of Hindus and Sikhs, the community now numbers fewer than 220 families, compared with around 220,000 members before the collapse of the Kabul government in 1992. 
 
Once spread across the country, the community is now mainly concentrated in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Ghazni, and the capital Kabul. 
 
Although Afghanistan is almost entirely Muslim, its constitution, drawn up after US-led forces drove out the Taliban government in 2001, theoretically guarantees the right of minority religions to worship freely. 
 
But as the conflict drags on, Avtar Singh said conditions were worse than under the Taliban, which imposed strict Islamic laws, staged public executions and banned girls from schools. 
 
Hindus and Sikhs had to wear yellow patches that identified them in public, but were otherwise seldom bothered. 
 
&quot;The good old days have long gone when we were treated as Afghans, not as outsiders,&quot; Avtar Singh said from a temple in Kabul, all the while keeping an eye on visitors using monitors linked to security cameras. 
 
&quot;Our lands have been taken by powerful figures in the government, especially by the warlords. We are facing threats, and this small community is getting smaller and smaller every day,&quot; he added. 
 
Last week, dozens of Hindu and Sikh families left Helmand, where Taliban insurgents, who have a presence in much of the southern province, sent a letter demanding 200,000 Afghani ($2,800) a month from the community. 
 
HOSTILITY 
 
Tensions have surfaced in Qalacha, an area on the outskirts of Kabul where the Sikh and Hindu community owns a high-walled crematorium. 
 
As the capital has expanded in recent years, the neighbourhood has become densely populated and some newer residents oppose Hindu and Sikh cremations, a practice foreign to Muslims, who bury their dead. 
 
&quot;When they burn the body the smell makes our family sick and we don&#39;t want this to happen here,&quot; said Ahmad Timor, a Muslim resident in Qalacha. 
 
The Sikhs say local Muslim hardliners have stirred up hostility against them, and the community now requires police protection for their funeral rituals. 
 
&quot;They throw stones and bricks at us, at the bodies of the dead, whenever there is a funeral,&quot; said Avtar Singh, pointing to a newly built house next to the crematorium. 
 
Dahi-ul Haq Abid, deputy minister for Haj and religious affairs, said the government had done what it could to improve the livelihood of Hindus and Sikhs. 
 
&quot;We agree that conflicts pushed them out of the country, but their condition is not as bad as they claim,&quot; Abid added. 
 
&quot;We have allocated them a place to burn their bodies because inside the city people complained about the smell, but they did not agree,&quot; he told Reuters. 
 
Harassment is also common 
 
Jasmeet Singh, eight, stopped going to school because of what he said was daily harassment. He and other children from the community now either go to private schools or study inside the temple. 
 
&quot;While I was at school, other students were making fun of me. They were removing my turban, hitting me and calling me Hindu and kaffir (infidel),&quot; said Jasmeet Singh, as other boys nodded their heads in agreement. 
 
Increasing numbers of Sikhs and Hindus have moved to India, their spiritual homeland, but some say they remain foreigners wherever they go. 
 
&quot;When we go to India, we are known as Afghans, but when we are here, we are seen as outsiders even if we are native Afghan,&quot; said Baljit Singh, a shopkeeper in Kabul. &quot;We are lost between both worlds.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Under the Taliban there are public executions, girls can't attend school, and Hindus and Sikhs wear yellow patches in public

On a bright day in downtown Kabul, Jagtar Singh Laghmani was in his traditional herb shop when a man turned up, drew a knife and told him to convert to Islam or he would cut his throat. Only bystanders and other shopkeepers saved his life. The incident earlier this month was the latest attack on a dwindling community of Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan, a deeply conservative Muslim country struggling with growing insecurity caused by an Islamist insurgency and economic challenges. Once a thriving minority, only a handful of Sikh and Hindu families remain. Many have chosen to flee the country of their birth, blaming growing discrimination and intolerance. "This is how we begin our day - with fear and isolation. If you are not a Muslim, you are not a human in their eyes," said Jagtar Singh, speaking in his tiny shop in the bustling centre of Kabul. "I don't know what to do or where to go." For centuries, Hindu and Sikh communities played a prominent role in merchant trade and money lending in Afghanistan, although today they are known more for medicinal herb shops. According to Avtar Singh, chairman of the national council of Hindus and Sikhs, the community now numbers fewer than 220 families, compared with around 220,000 members before the collapse of the Kabul government in 1992. Once spread across the country, the community is now mainly concentrated in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Ghazni, and the capital Kabul. Although Afghanistan is almost entirely Muslim, its constitution, drawn up after US-led forces drove out the Taliban government in 2001, theoretically guarantees the right of minority religions to worship freely. But as the conflict drags on, Avtar Singh said conditions were worse than under the Taliban, which imposed strict Islamic laws, staged public executions and banned girls from schools. Hindus and Sikhs had to wear yellow patches that identified them in public, but were otherwise seldom bothered. "The good old days have long gone when we were treated as Afghans, not as outsiders," Avtar Singh said from a temple in Kabul, all the while keeping an eye on visitors using monitors linked to security cameras. "Our lands have been taken by powerful figures in the government, especially by the warlords. We are facing threats, and this small community is getting smaller and smaller every day," he added. Last week, dozens of Hindu and Sikh families left Helmand, where Taliban insurgents, who have a presence in much of the southern province, sent a letter demanding 200,000 Afghani ($2,800) a month from the community. HOSTILITY Tensions have surfaced in Qalacha, an area on the outskirts of Kabul where the Sikh and Hindu community owns a high-walled crematorium. As the capital has expanded in recent years, the neighbourhood has become densely populated and some newer residents oppose Hindu and Sikh cremations, a practice foreign to Muslims, who bury their dead. "When they burn the body the smell makes our family sick and we don't want this to happen here," said Ahmad Timor, a Muslim resident in Qalacha. The Sikhs say local Muslim hardliners have stirred up hostility against them, and the community now requires police protection for their funeral rituals. "They throw stones and bricks at us, at the bodies of the dead, whenever there is a funeral," said Avtar Singh, pointing to a newly built house next to the crematorium. Dahi-ul Haq Abid, deputy minister for Haj and religious affairs, said the government had done what it could to improve the livelihood of Hindus and Sikhs. "We agree that conflicts pushed them out of the country, but their condition is not as bad as they claim," Abid added. "We have allocated them a place to burn their bodies because inside the city people complained about the smell, but they did not agree," he told Reuters. Harassment is also common Jasmeet Singh, eight, stopped going to school because of what he said was daily harassment. He and other children from the community now either go to private schools or study inside the temple. "While I was at school, other students were making fun of me. They were removing my turban, hitting me and calling me Hindu and kaffir (infidel)," said Jasmeet Singh, as other boys nodded their heads in agreement. Increasing numbers of Sikhs and Hindus have moved to India, their spiritual homeland, but some say they remain foreigners wherever they go. "When we go to India, we are known as Afghans, but when we are here, we are seen as outsiders even if we are native Afghan," said Baljit Singh, a shopkeeper in Kabul. "We are lost between both worlds." (Reuters)

Afghanistan's dwindling Sikh, Hindu communities flee new abuses

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