In the wake of the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, neighbouring nations and others have started bracing for the possibility of a massive migrant crisis. WION brings you a report.

Fall of Afghanistan fuels massive refugee camps

An aircraft from Qatar carrying a technical team has landed in Kabul. The team will be working on the resumption of airport operations. The aim is to resume flights for humanitarian aid and freedom of movement.

Aircraft from Qatar carrying technical team lands in Kabul

Qatar on Wednesday night sent an aircraft to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-a-ruthless-group-will-remain-focused-on-isis-k-says-us-410082">Kabul</a> with a technical team onboard to restart operations after US exit from Afghanistan.

The plane arrived at Kabul airport to reportedly start operations. It is the first flight to arrive at the airport ever since US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Taliban has taken control over Hamid Karzai international airport after US military evacuation on Monday night. The US military had destroyed several aircraft, C-Ram defence system and helicopters before folding up the evacuation operation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-a-ruthless-group-will-remain-focused-on-isis-k-says-us-410082">Also Read:&nbsp;'Taliban a ruthless group': Will remain focused on ISIS-K, says US</a>

Reports claimed the Qatar flights will deal with humanitarian aid needed for Afghans and also help in evacuation efforts. Reports claimed the Taliban had asked Qatar to "officially" manage&nbsp;Kabul airport.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aircraft-from-qatar-carrying-technical-team-lands-in-kabul-410118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least 123,000 foreign nationals including thousands of Afghans have already left the country. There has been no official agreement with the Qatari government and Taliban, reports say.

US officials had said Kabul airport is in a bad condition after the chaotic evacuation effort.

Amid the evacuation effort, ISIS-K had carried out a suicide attack in which 13 US service members were killed including several Afghans further hampering US efforts during the evacuation.

Qatar has actively hosted negotiations between the Taliban and the United States in recent years and was a key transit point during the US evacuation.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Qatar on Wednesday night sent an aircraft to Kabul with a technical team onboard to restart operations after US exit from Afghanistan. The plane arrived at Kabul airport to reportedly start operations.

Qatar on Wednesday night sent an aircraft to Kabul with a technical team onboard to restart operations after US exit from Afghanistan. The plane arrived at Kabul airport to reportedly start operations. It is the first flight to arrive at the airport ever since US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Taliban has taken control over Hamid Karzai international airport after US military evacuation on Monday night. The US military had destroyed several aircraft, C-Ram defence system and helicopters before folding up the evacuation operation. Also Read: 'Taliban a ruthless group': Will remain focused on ISIS-K, says US Reports claimed the Qatar flights will deal with humanitarian aid needed for Afghans and also help in evacuation efforts. Reports claimed the Taliban had asked Qatar to "officially" manage Kabul airport. Watch: At least 123,000 foreign nationals including thousands of Afghans have already left the country. There has been no official agreement with the Qatari government and Taliban, reports say. US officials had said Kabul airport is in a bad condition after the chaotic evacuation effort. Amid the evacuation effort, ISIS-K had carried out a suicide attack in which 13 US service members were killed including several Afghans further hampering US efforts during the evacuation. Qatar has actively hosted negotiations between the Taliban and the United States in recent years and was a key transit point during the US evacuation. (With inputs from Agencies)

First flight arrives at Kabul as Qatar sends 'technical team'

Surreal scenes were witnessed at Kabul airport. The US forces left behind dysfunctional jets and choppers.

US forces leave behind dysfunctional jets and choppers in Afghanistan

Facebook reportedly deleted the account of Shana Chappell the mother of US Marine Kareem Nikoui who was killed in the suicide bombing in Kabul last week.

“It seems Instagram took it upon themselves to delete my account because I am assuming it was because I gained so many followers over my son's death due to Biden’s negligence, ignorance and him being a traitor,” Shana Chappell had written on Facebook.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highlights-of-bidens-speech-the-president-discusses-tough-decisions-after-us-troops-leave-afghanistan-409817">Also Read:&nbsp;Biden discusses ‘tough decisions’ after US troops leave Afghanistan</a>

The company's move was slammed on social media as netizens criticised the tech giant.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Talk about adding insult to injury! 😠Imagine pouring your heartbreak out on FB only to have the post taken down. How truly truly awful. I’m so sorry for your loss Shana Chappell. I will say yet another prayer for your son and his 12 fellow soldiers. 🙏
— tiffany swisher (@tiffswisher1) <a href="https://twitter.com/tiffswisher1/status/1432562438721789955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
shana Chappell was censored and deleted from social media for sharing her frustrations and grief? What is wrong with social media? Why can’t an American citizen type a story about her sons death? This is so unbelievably sad
— Karissa Gates🦩 (@KHLOE_LEX_GRAY) <a href="https://twitter.com/KHLOE_LEX_GRAY/status/1432535353454260224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I'm retweeting this for Shana Chappell. No parent's grief should be silenced. Shame on you Twitter and any other platform that does this.
— .aka chipper tk. (@timothyscottmo4) <a href="https://twitter.com/timothyscottmo4/status/1432589413326880777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Facebook however expressed "deepest condolences" to Chappell and her family&nbsp;while adding that "her account was incorrectly deleted and we have since restored it.” Her Instagram and Facebook were restored later.

Shana Chappell's son was among the 13 US service members who were killed during last Thursday's attack at Kabul airport in which several Afghans were also killed. Terror group ISIS-K had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-defeat-for-the-western-world-two-superpowers-bite-the-dust-in-afghanistan-409853/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chappell had attacked President Biden for the death of her son in Kabul on Facebook saying: "my son's blood is on your hands".

Melissa Melendez, a California Senator had flagged Chappell’s social media accounts were suspended.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shana Chappell, mother of Marine and American hero Kareem Nikoui killed in Kabul, has had her FB and Instagram accounts suspended for posts she made about her son.
— Senator Melissa Melendez (@senatormelendez) <a href="https://twitter.com/senatormelendez/status/1432533462708146177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Chappell had said on the social media account that, "As soon as I posted about what happened to my son Instagram started pulling up my posts from months ago and sending me notifications that if I kept posting stuff like this that they would disable my account. Posts from months ago!”&nbsp;

Chappell's Instagram and Facebook became active from Tuesday after the raging controversy.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Facebook reportedly deleted the account of Shana Chappell the mother of US Marine Kareem Nikoui who was killed in the suicide bombing in Kabul last week. “It seems Instagram took it upon themselves to delete my account because I am assuming it was because I gained so many followers over my son's death due to Biden’s negligence, ignorance and him being a traitor,” Shana Chappell had written on Facebook.

Facebook reportedly deleted the account of Shana Chappell the mother of US Marine Kareem Nikoui who was killed in the suicide bombing in Kabul last week. “It seems Instagram took it upon themselves to delete my account because I am assuming it was because I gained so many followers over my son's death due to Biden’s negligence, ignorance and him being a traitor,” Shana Chappell had written on Facebook. Also Read: Biden discusses ‘tough decisions’ after US troops leave Afghanistan The company's move was slammed on social media as netizens criticised the tech giant. Talk about adding insult to injury! 😠Imagine pouring your heartbreak out on FB only to have the post taken down. How truly truly awful. I’m so sorry for your loss Shana Chappell. I will say yet another prayer for your son and his 12 fellow soldiers. 🙏 — tiffany swisher (@tiffswisher1) August 31, 2021 × shana Chappell was censored and deleted from social media for sharing her frustrations and grief? What is wrong with social media? Why can’t an American citizen type a story about her sons death? This is so unbelievably sad — Karissa Gates🦩 (@KHLOE_LEX_GRAY) August 31, 2021 × I'm retweeting this for Shana Chappell. No parent's grief should be silenced. Shame on you Twitter and any other platform that does this. — .aka chipper tk. (@timothyscottmo4) August 31, 2021 × Facebook however expressed "deepest condolences" to Chappell and her family while adding that "her account was incorrectly deleted and we have since restored it.” Her Instagram and Facebook were restored later. Shana Chappell's son was among the 13 US service members who were killed during last Thursday's attack at Kabul airport in which several Afghans were also killed. Terror group ISIS-K had claimed responsibility for the attack. Watch: Chappell had attacked President Biden for the death of her son in Kabul on Facebook saying: "my son's blood is on your hands". Melissa Melendez, a California Senator had flagged Chappell’s social media accounts were suspended. Shana Chappell, mother of Marine and American hero Kareem Nikoui killed in Kabul, has had her FB and Instagram accounts suspended for posts she made about her son. — Senator Melissa Melendez (@senatormelendez) August 31, 2021 × Chappell had said on the social media account that, "As soon as I posted about what happened to my son Instagram started pulling up my posts from months ago and sending me notifications that if I kept posting stuff like this that they would disable my account. Posts from months ago!” Chappell's Instagram and Facebook became active from Tuesday after the raging controversy. (With inputs from Agencies)

Facebook 'incorrectly deletes' account of US Marine’s mother who blamed Biden for her son’s death in Kabul attack

After the US completed its evacuation from Kabul on Monday night, the United Kingdom has begun engaging in talks with the Taliban to secure safe passage out of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-expect-us-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-have-trade-relations-taliban-409822"> Afghanistan</a> for British nationals and Afghans still stranded in the country.

The talks between senior Taliban members and UK officials have been taking place in Doha.

UK defence secretary Ben Wallace told members of the British Parliament that between 150 to 250 people who are eligible for relocation still remain in Afghanistan.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-americas-afghanistan-exit-the-3-priorities-for-afghanistan-409805/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The development comes after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-taliban-gain-complete-control-of-afghanistan-kabul-residents-hold-on-to-hope-for-a-peaceful-future-409727">Taliban </a>pledged to allow further departures.

The spokesman for 10 Downing Street said that the special representative for Afghan transition Simon Gass has travelled to Doha and is meeting with senior Taliban representatives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-refutes-reports-claiming-the-us-left-military-dogs-in-kabul-409628">Also Read:&nbsp;Pentagon refutes reports claiming the US left military dogs in Kabul</a>

In addition to the talks with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-envoy-taliban-leader-meet-in-doha-talks-on-evacuation-terrorism-409724">Taliban</a>, the UK government said it was sending 15 crisis response specialists to Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to assist in getting more people to the UK.

The UK government is reportedly focussing on its nationals including local interpreters and "risk-risk" Afghans.

On Tuesday, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said that the UK needed to face the changing situation in Afghanistan and work with other nationals to exercise a moderating influence on the Taliban.

The Taliban declared "victory" in Afghanistan on Tuesday after the US troops pulled out of the country at midnight on Monday.

The group has promised that those with authorisation will be allowed to leave the country as US secretary of state Anthony Blinken pledged to "hold the Taliban to their commitment".

Reports say at least 8,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/not-afraid-of-taliban-why-should-i-be-afghan-schoolgirl-after-us-troops-departure-409799">Afghans</a> who helped NATO forces have been evacuated from Afghanistan, however, several Afghans who are eligible to be evacuated to the UK still remain in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After the US completed its evacuation from Kabul on Monday night, the United Kingdom has begun engaging in talks with the Taliban to secure safe passage out of Afghanistan for British nationals and Afghans still stranded in the country.

After the US completed its evacuation from Kabul on Monday night, the United Kingdom has begun engaging in talks with the Taliban to secure safe passage out of Afghanistan for British nationals and Afghans still stranded in the country. The talks between senior Taliban members and UK officials have been taking place in Doha. UK defence secretary Ben Wallace told members of the British Parliament that between 150 to 250 people who are eligible for relocation still remain in Afghanistan. Watch: The development comes after the Taliban pledged to allow further departures. The spokesman for 10 Downing Street said that the special representative for Afghan transition Simon Gass has travelled to Doha and is meeting with senior Taliban representatives. Also Read: Pentagon refutes reports claiming the US left military dogs in Kabul In addition to the talks with the Taliban, the UK government said it was sending 15 crisis response specialists to Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to assist in getting more people to the UK. The UK government is reportedly focussing on its nationals including local interpreters and "risk-risk" Afghans. On Tuesday, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said that the UK needed to face the changing situation in Afghanistan and work with other nationals to exercise a moderating influence on the Taliban. The Taliban declared "victory" in Afghanistan on Tuesday after the US troops pulled out of the country at midnight on Monday. The group has promised that those with authorisation will be allowed to leave the country as US secretary of state Anthony Blinken pledged to "hold the Taliban to their commitment". Reports say at least 8,000 Afghans who helped NATO forces have been evacuated from Afghanistan, however, several Afghans who are eligible to be evacuated to the UK still remain in Afghanistan. (With inputs from Agencies)

Britain in talks with Taliban in Doha for further evacuations

Amir Khan Muttaqi, a senior Taliban leader who has been negotiating with anti-Taliban militia fighters, said on Wednesday that Talks have officially failed on Panjshir.

"Panjshir talks have officially failed. Those who wish to surrender may do so; those who wish to fight will be combated. Panjshir has been attacked," said Amir Khan Muttaqi, head of the Invitation and Guidance Commission of Taliban. 
 
According to Afghanistan media outlet 1TVNewsAF, the Taliban have appointed a new governor for Panjshir.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Important message of Amir Khan Mottaqi Sahib <a href="https://t.co/LKmXfUOSxH">https://t.co/LKmXfUOSxH</a>
— Hilal Ghaznawi /هـلال غـزنـوي (@ghaznawi_hilal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ghaznawi_hilal/status/1432962335400816640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The Taliban have appointed a governor for Panjshir. The local militia should surrender and cooperate with the Taliban," he added. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-last-holdout-in-afghanistans-panjshir-anti-taliban-forces-fight-on-409936">Also read | The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on&nbsp;</a> 
 
The Taliban called on the holdout bastion of the Panjshir Valley to lay down their arms, as resistance fighters said they had repulsed heavy attacks.

The steep mountain valley with high snow-capped peaks, which begins roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Kabul, is the focal point of Afghanistan's most critical anti-Taliban troop pocket.

As the Islamist group sends militants to encircle the enclave, the National Resistance Front (NRF), which includes anti-Taliban militia fighters and former Afghan security officers, has vowed to protect it.&nbsp;

"My brothers, we tried our best to solve the Panjshir problem with talks and negotiations... but unfortunately, it was all in vain," senior Taliban official Amir Khan Muttaqi said, in an audio message to the people of Panjshir posted on Twitter.

"Now that the talks have failed and Mujahidin (Taliban) have surrounded Panjshir, there are still people inside that don't want the problems to be solved peacefully," he added.

'We will defend our homeland': Holdout bastion of Afghanistan's Panjshir

Meanwhile, the residents of Afghanistan's Panjshir Valley send the Taliban a defiant message. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-joe-biden-calls-us-evacuation-from-afghanistan-extraordinary-success-409816">Also Read:&nbsp;President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success'</a>

In Afghanistan, the Panjshir has enormous symbolic value as the region that has withstood invasion. The steep mountain valley with high snow-capped peaks, which begins roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Kabul, is the focal point of Afghanistan's most critical anti-Taliban troop pocket.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amir Khan Muttaqi, a senior Taliban leader who has been negotiating with anti-Taliban militia fighters, said on Wednesday that Talks have officially failed on Panjshir.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, a senior Taliban leader who has been negotiating with anti-Taliban militia fighters, said on Wednesday that Talks have officially failed on Panjshir. "Panjshir talks have officially failed. Those who wish to surrender may do so; those who wish to fight will be combated. Panjshir has been attacked," said Amir Khan Muttaqi, head of the Invitation and Guidance Commission of Taliban. According to Afghanistan media outlet 1TVNewsAF, the Taliban have appointed a new governor for Panjshir. Important message of Amir Khan Mottaqi Sahib https://t.co/LKmXfUOSxH — Hilal Ghaznawi /هـلال غـزنـوي (@ghaznawi_hilal) September 1, 2021 × "The Taliban have appointed a governor for Panjshir. The local militia should surrender and cooperate with the Taliban," he added. Also read | The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on The Taliban called on the holdout bastion of the Panjshir Valley to lay down their arms, as resistance fighters said they had repulsed heavy attacks. The steep mountain valley with high snow-capped peaks, which begins roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Kabul, is the focal point of Afghanistan's most critical anti-Taliban troop pocket. As the Islamist group sends militants to encircle the enclave, the National Resistance Front (NRF), which includes anti-Taliban militia fighters and former Afghan security officers, has vowed to protect it. "My brothers, we tried our best to solve the Panjshir problem with talks and negotiations... but unfortunately, it was all in vain," senior Taliban official Amir Khan Muttaqi said, in an audio message to the people of Panjshir posted on Twitter. "Now that the talks have failed and Mujahidin (Taliban) have surrounded Panjshir, there are still people inside that don't want the problems to be solved peacefully," he added. 'We will defend our homeland': Holdout bastion of Afghanistan's Panjshir Meanwhile, the residents of Afghanistan's Panjshir Valley send the Taliban a defiant message. Also Read: President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success' In Afghanistan, the Panjshir has enormous symbolic value as the region that has withstood invasion. The steep mountain valley with high snow-capped peaks, which begins roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Kabul, is the focal point of Afghanistan's most critical anti-Taliban troop pocket. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban appoint governor of Panjshir, urge resistance to avoid conflict

The US&nbsp;military has&nbsp;been present in Afghanistan for 20 years, attempting to "civilise" the people, but its presence has only resulted in catastrophes, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"As for events that are happening not so far from us, in Afghanistan ... For 20 years, US troops were present there and for 20 years they made attempts to civilize local people, in a broader sense, to impose their own norms and standards, including those related to the political organization of society. This only resulted in tragedies, both for those who did it, the United States, and even more so for people living in Afghanistan, " Putin said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-last-holdout-in-afghanistans-panjshir-anti-taliban-forces-fight-on-409936">Also read | In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on&nbsp;</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin has a history of criticising Western countries for attempting to impose their values on non-Western countries.

Moscow has repeatedly chastised the US strategy in Afghanistan, which the Taliban have taken control of this month ahead of the American withdrawal on August 31.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-expect-us-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-have-trade-relations-taliban-409822">Also read | We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban</a>

He was speaking at a gathering of students in Vladivostok, Russia's far eastern city, to commemorate the start of the school year.

Putin stated last week that Russia would not intervene in Afghanistan and that Moscow had learnt from the Soviet occupation.

He has also expressed dissatisfaction with Western governments' attempts to relocate Afghan refugees to Moscow-aligned Central Asian states.

Moscow has expressed cautious optimism about Kabul's new government, stating that it will not interfere in domestic issues.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US military has been present in Afghanistan for 20 years, attempting to "civilise" the people, but its presence has only resulted in catastrophes, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The US military has been present in Afghanistan for 20 years, attempting to "civilise" the people, but its presence has only resulted in catastrophes, said Russian President Vladimir Putin. "As for events that are happening not so far from us, in Afghanistan ... For 20 years, US troops were present there and for 20 years they made attempts to civilize local people, in a broader sense, to impose their own norms and standards, including those related to the political organization of society. This only resulted in tragedies, both for those who did it, the United States, and even more so for people living in Afghanistan, " Putin said. Also read | In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on Russian President Vladimir Putin has a history of criticising Western countries for attempting to impose their values on non-Western countries. Moscow has repeatedly chastised the US strategy in Afghanistan, which the Taliban have taken control of this month ahead of the American withdrawal on August 31. Also read | We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban He was speaking at a gathering of students in Vladivostok, Russia's far eastern city, to commemorate the start of the school year. Putin stated last week that Russia would not intervene in Afghanistan and that Moscow had learnt from the Soviet occupation. He has also expressed dissatisfaction with Western governments' attempts to relocate Afghan refugees to Moscow-aligned Central Asian states. Moscow has expressed cautious optimism about Kabul's new government, stating that it will not interfere in domestic issues. (With inputs from agencies)

America's 20-year presence in Afghanistan only resulted in tragedies, says Putin

The Taliban on Wednesday called on the holdout bastion of the Panjshir Valley to lay down their arms, as resistance fighters said they had repulsed heavy attacks.

The rugged mountain valley with towering snow-capped peaks -- which begins around 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of the capital Kabul -- is the centre of Afghanistan's most important pocket of armed anti-Taliban forces.

The National Resistance Front (NRF), comprising anti-Taliban militia fighters and former Afghan security forces, has vowed to defend the enclave as the Islamist group sends fighters to encircle the area. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-expect-us-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-have-trade-relations-taliban-409822">Also read | We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban</a> 
 
"My brothers, we tried our best to solve the Panjshir problem with talks and negotiations... but unfortunately, it was all in vain," senior Taliban official Amir Khan Muttaqi said, in an audio message to the people of Panjshir posted on Twitter.

"Now that the talks have failed and Mujahiddin (Taliban) have surrounded Panjshir, there are still people inside that don't want the problems to be solved peacefully," he added. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-joe-biden-calls-us-evacuation-from-afghanistan-extraordinary-success-409816">Also Read:&nbsp;President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success'</a>

"Now it is up to you to talk to them," the Taliban message to the Panjshir people said. "Those who want to fight, tell them it is enough."

Bismillah Mohammadi, Afghanistan's defence minister before the government fell last month, said the Taliban had launched a renewed assault on Panjshir on Tuesday night.

"Last night the Taliban terrorists attacked Panjshir, but were defeated," Mohammadi tweeted Wednesday, claiming 34 Taliban were killed and 65 wounded.

"Our people should not worry. They retreated with heavy casualties."

Residents and fighters in Panjshir, many of whom fought the Taliban when they were last in power from 1996 to 2001, offered a defiant message.

"We are ready to defend it till the last drop of our blood," said one resident.

"Everyone has a weapon on their shoulder and ready to fire," another said. "From the youngest to the oldest, they all talk about resistance."

'Try their luck'

As the last US soldiers boarded their flight out of Afghanistan in the Kabul dark late Monday, residents of Panjshir said the Taliban had attacked the valley on two fronts -- the Khawak pass in the west, and from Shotol to the south.

"Perhaps they wanted to try their luck," NRF official Fahim Dashti said in a video posted Tuesday by the US broadcaster Voice of America's Dari language service. "By the grace of God, luck wasn't on their side."

Dashti reported seven or eight Taliban fighters were killed in Monday's clashes along with one or two resistance fighters.

The Panjshir has immense symbolic value in Afghanistan as the area that has resisted occupation by invaders.

"We defended it during the era of the Russians, the era of the British, the previous era of the Taliban... we will continue to defend it," one fighter said.

Ahmad Massoud, one of the NRF's leaders, is the son of the late guerrilla commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, who was dubbed the "Lion of Panjshir" for holding out, first against Soviet and then Taliban forces.

The valley has limited entry points and its geography offers a natural military advantage -- defending units can use high positions to effectively target attacking forces.

Anticipating assault

This week, Panjshir fighters held military training in a show of force, with men carrying heavy logs on their shoulders crossing chest-deep icy rivers.&nbsp;

Above their armoured vehicles and over their bases fluttered their flag, a challenge to the Taliban's white banner now hauled up across the rest of the country.

Many Afghans are terrified of a repeat of the Taliban's initial rule from 1996 to 2001, which was infamous for their treatment of girls and women, as well as a brutal justice system.

The NRF has set up machine gun nests, mortars and surveillance posts fortified with sandbags in anticipation of a Taliban assault.

Communications are difficult with the valley, with Taliban forces on three sides. Internet into Panjshir has been on and off repeatedly in recent days.

The Taliban on Wednesday called on the holdout bastion of the Panjshir Valley to lay down their arms, as resistance fighters said they had repulsed heavy attacks.

The Taliban on Wednesday called on the holdout bastion of the Panjshir Valley to lay down their arms, as resistance fighters said they had repulsed heavy attacks. The rugged mountain valley with towering snow-capped peaks -- which begins around 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of the capital Kabul -- is the centre of Afghanistan's most important pocket of armed anti-Taliban forces. The National Resistance Front (NRF), comprising anti-Taliban militia fighters and former Afghan security forces, has vowed to defend the enclave as the Islamist group sends fighters to encircle the area. Also read | We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban "My brothers, we tried our best to solve the Panjshir problem with talks and negotiations... but unfortunately, it was all in vain," senior Taliban official Amir Khan Muttaqi said, in an audio message to the people of Panjshir posted on Twitter. "Now that the talks have failed and Mujahiddin (Taliban) have surrounded Panjshir, there are still people inside that don't want the problems to be solved peacefully," he added. Also Read: President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success' "Now it is up to you to talk to them," the Taliban message to the Panjshir people said. "Those who want to fight, tell them it is enough." Bismillah Mohammadi, Afghanistan's defence minister before the government fell last month, said the Taliban had launched a renewed assault on Panjshir on Tuesday night. "Last night the Taliban terrorists attacked Panjshir, but were defeated," Mohammadi tweeted Wednesday, claiming 34 Taliban were killed and 65 wounded. "Our people should not worry. They retreated with heavy casualties." Residents and fighters in Panjshir, many of whom fought the Taliban when they were last in power from 1996 to 2001, offered a defiant message. "We are ready to defend it till the last drop of our blood," said one resident. "Everyone has a weapon on their shoulder and ready to fire," another said. "From the youngest to the oldest, they all talk about resistance." 'Try their luck' As the last US soldiers boarded their flight out of Afghanistan in the Kabul dark late Monday, residents of Panjshir said the Taliban had attacked the valley on two fronts -- the Khawak pass in the west, and from Shotol to the south. "Perhaps they wanted to try their luck," NRF official Fahim Dashti said in a video posted Tuesday by the US broadcaster Voice of America's Dari language service. "By the grace of God, luck wasn't on their side." Dashti reported seven or eight Taliban fighters were killed in Monday's clashes along with one or two resistance fighters. The Panjshir has immense symbolic value in Afghanistan as the area that has resisted occupation by invaders. "We defended it during the era of the Russians, the era of the British, the previous era of the Taliban... we will continue to defend it," one fighter said. Ahmad Massoud, one of the NRF's leaders, is the son of the late guerrilla commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, who was dubbed the "Lion of Panjshir" for holding out, first against Soviet and then Taliban forces. The valley has limited entry points and its geography offers a natural military advantage -- defending units can use high positions to effectively target attacking forces. Anticipating assault This week, Panjshir fighters held military training in a show of force, with men carrying heavy logs on their shoulders crossing chest-deep icy rivers. Above their armoured vehicles and over their bases fluttered their flag, a challenge to the Taliban's white banner now hauled up across the rest of the country. Many Afghans are terrified of a repeat of the Taliban's initial rule from 1996 to 2001, which was infamous for their treatment of girls and women, as well as a brutal justice system. The NRF has set up machine gun nests, mortars and surveillance posts fortified with sandbags in anticipation of a Taliban assault. Communications are difficult with the valley, with Taliban forces on three sides. Internet into Panjshir has been on and off repeatedly in recent days.

The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on 

A day after American troops left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explainer-what-is-badri-313-unit-talibans-so-called-special-force-409665">Afghanistan</a>, the Taliban said it expects the US to reopen their embassy in Kabul.

“America should have only a diplomatic presence in Kabul. We have communication channels with them and we expect them to reopen their embassy in Kabul and we also want to have trade relations with them,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-joe-biden-calls-us-evacuation-from-afghanistan-extraordinary-success-409816">Also Read:&nbsp;President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success'</a>

US troops pulled out of Afghanistan at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday as the C-17 cargo plane&nbsp;along with US ambassador Ross&nbsp;Wilson&nbsp;left the country after American troops fought a war in the country for nearly 20 years.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/august-31-deadline-was-set-to-save-american-lives-us-president-joe-biden-409818/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Taliban celebrated with gunfire in Kabul as the US troops left calling it a "victory".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-envoy-taliban-leader-meet-in-doha-talks-on-evacuation-terrorism-409724">Taliban</a> spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said it was a &nbsp;"lesson for other invaders" as reports said there were celebrations in Kandahar&nbsp;which is the spiritual birthplace of the group.

"We want to have good relations with the US and the world. We welcome good diplomatic relations with them all," the Taliban spokesman said as the militant group seeks to consolidate power in the country.

Mujahid said the Taliban security forces will be "gentle and nice". Meanwhile, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said it was important to keep the Kabul airport open both to enable humanitarian aid to the Afghan people as several citizens seek to get out of the country.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said earlier that under 200 or close to 100 citizens are still in Afghanistan as they could not get the last flights. Britain said their nationals were in the "low hundreds."

(With inputs from Agencies)

A day after American troops left Afghanistan, the Taliban said it expects the US to reopen their embassy in Kabul. “America should have only a diplomatic presence in Kabul.

A day after American troops left Afghanistan, the Taliban said it expects the US to reopen their embassy in Kabul. “America should have only a diplomatic presence in Kabul. We have communication channels with them and we expect them to reopen their embassy in Kabul and we also want to have trade relations with them,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. Also Read: President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success' US troops pulled out of Afghanistan at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday as the C-17 cargo plane along with US ambassador Ross Wilson left the country after American troops fought a war in the country for nearly 20 years. Watch: The Taliban celebrated with gunfire in Kabul as the US troops left calling it a "victory". Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said it was a "lesson for other invaders" as reports said there were celebrations in Kandahar which is the spiritual birthplace of the group. "We want to have good relations with the US and the world. We welcome good diplomatic relations with them all," the Taliban spokesman said as the militant group seeks to consolidate power in the country. Mujahid said the Taliban security forces will be "gentle and nice". Meanwhile, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said it was important to keep the Kabul airport open both to enable humanitarian aid to the Afghan people as several citizens seek to get out of the country. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said earlier that under 200 or close to 100 citizens are still in Afghanistan as they could not get the last flights. Britain said their nationals were in the "low hundreds." (With inputs from Agencies)

We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban

As US troops prepared to leave <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-completes-military-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-409541">Afghanistan</a> they disabled several aircraft and armoured vehicles along with a high-tech rocket defence system at Kabul airport.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
One of the tasks that the United States military has completed before leaving Afghanistan was to disable aircraft, armoured vehicles, and high-tech rocket systems. 73 aircraft at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulAirport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KabulAirport</a> were demilitarised.<a href="https://twitter.com/PriyankaSh25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PriyankaSh25</a> tells you more <a href="https://t.co/VIqieF1Zz1">pic.twitter.com/VIqieF1Zz1</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1432588739654549514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Central command head General Kenneth Mckenzie said that 73 aircraft which&nbsp;were already at Kabul airport were "demilitarised" meaning it was rendered "useless" by US troops.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-forces-leave-afghanistan-ahead-of-august-31-deadline-the-end-of-americas-longest-war-409580/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The United States had built up a force of nearly 6,000 troops to occupy and operate the Hamid Karzai international airport when the evacuation operations began in earnest on August 15 as the Taliban entered the Afghan capital.

General McKenzie further said that the military left behind around 70 MRAP armoured tactical vehicles which can cost up to $1 million per piece.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/this-us-soldier-was-the-last-to-leave-afghanistan-409547">Also Read:&nbsp;This US soldier was the last to leave Afghanistan</a>

The US military also "disabled" 27 Humvees which were used extensively by US troops in Afghanistan and had become an iconic vehicle for US troops who were involved in urban warfare asked Taliban militants including in rough terrain in the country.

The US troops also disabled the C-Ram system which is a high tech defence system used to protect Kabul airport from rocket attacks. The system had helped to fend off the five-rocket barrage from the Islamic State on&nbsp;Kabul airport on Monday.

General Mckenzie said that the C-Ram systems were kept in operation up until the very last minute just before the last US aircraft left with ground force commander General Chris Donahue and ambassador Ross Wilson.

Reports claimed earlier that the Taliban had seized weapons and equipment left behind by fleeing Afghan forces. News wire Reuters quoting an official had said 2,000 armoured vehicles, including US Humvees, 40 aircraft potentially including UH-60 Black Hawks were seized by the Taliban.

Republican Representative Michael McCaul on the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee had said that the&nbsp;Taliban fighters had seized US-made weapons from retreating Afghan troops.

According to reports, the United States had equipped the Afghan army with rockets, night-vision goggles, small drones worth&nbsp;$28 billion between 2002 to 2017.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

As US troops prepared to leave Afghanistan they disabled several aircraft and armoured vehicles along with a high-tech rocket defence system at Kabul airport. One of the tasks that the United States military has completed before leaving Afghanistan was to disable aircraft, armoured vehicles, and high-tech rocket systems.

As US troops prepared to leave Afghanistan they disabled several aircraft and armoured vehicles along with a high-tech rocket defence system at Kabul airport. One of the tasks that the United States military has completed before leaving Afghanistan was to disable aircraft, armoured vehicles, and high-tech rocket systems. 73 aircraft at the #KabulAirport were demilitarised.@PriyankaSh25 tells you more pic.twitter.com/VIqieF1Zz1 — WION (@WIONews) August 31, 2021 × Central command head General Kenneth Mckenzie said that 73 aircraft which were already at Kabul airport were "demilitarised" meaning it was rendered "useless" by US troops. Watch: The United States had built up a force of nearly 6,000 troops to occupy and operate the Hamid Karzai international airport when the evacuation operations began in earnest on August 15 as the Taliban entered the Afghan capital. General McKenzie further said that the military left behind around 70 MRAP armoured tactical vehicles which can cost up to $1 million per piece. Also Read: This US soldier was the last to leave Afghanistan The US military also "disabled" 27 Humvees which were used extensively by US troops in Afghanistan and had become an iconic vehicle for US troops who were involved in urban warfare asked Taliban militants including in rough terrain in the country. The US troops also disabled the C-Ram system which is a high tech defence system used to protect Kabul airport from rocket attacks. The system had helped to fend off the five-rocket barrage from the Islamic State on Kabul airport on Monday. General Mckenzie said that the C-Ram systems were kept in operation up until the very last minute just before the last US aircraft left with ground force commander General Chris Donahue and ambassador Ross Wilson. Reports claimed earlier that the Taliban had seized weapons and equipment left behind by fleeing Afghan forces. News wire Reuters quoting an official had said 2,000 armoured vehicles, including US Humvees, 40 aircraft potentially including UH-60 Black Hawks were seized by the Taliban. Republican Representative Michael McCaul on the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee had said that the Taliban fighters had seized US-made weapons from retreating Afghan troops. According to reports, the United States had equipped the Afghan army with rockets, night-vision goggles, small drones worth $28 billion between 2002 to 2017. (With inputs from Agencies)

Watch: How US 'demilitarised' Humvees, C-RAM systems and aircraft at Kabul airport

On the first day of the Taliban taking over the Kabul airport after the complete departure of the US military troops, the airport wears a deserted look. WION's Anas Mallick gets you the first look from inside the airport.

WION Ground Report: Kabul airport wears deserted look after US military complete withdrawal

According to reports, Afghan Hindus and Sikhs will be allowed to travel to India if they possess valid documents. WION's Anas Mallick brings you a report from Kabul airport.

Report: Afghan Hindus, Sikhs can travel to India with valid documents

After a long and hard day at work, Zemari Ahmadi drove to his home in Khwaja Burgha, a working-class neighbourhood just a few miles west of Kabul airport, when the ill-fated US drone attacked a vehicle, initially claimed by the US military that it was laden with bombs and driven a member of the Islamic State group.

As he pulled into the driveway about 4:30 pm (Kabul time), children — his own as well as those of his brothers and other relatives — swarmed around Zemari’s Toyota Corolla car.

His 12-year-old son, Farzad, asked if he could park the car, to which Zemari obliged. He put Farzad in the driver’s seat and then he switched over to the passenger side.

That’s when, the family says, an “American missile”, which was fired from a drone, drilled through the car, slammed into the ground and detonated, killing 10 people instantly.

Among the deceased include 40-year-old Zemari, an engineer and employed with a Japanese firm in Kabul, four kids— aged between 2 and 5 — and his 25-year-old nephew who was about to get married, Zemari’s brother Emal said on Monday.

In the driveway what remained of the Corolla was a blackened, incinerated heap of metal, melted plastic and scraps of what appeared to be human flesh.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-militants-surround-tv-anchor-during-news-show-video-goes-viral-409309">Taliban militants surround TV anchor during news show, video goes viral</a>

An inconsolable friend of Zemarai who arrived at the scene just five minutes after the blast narrated his ordeal.

“This was my best friend’s house. He was an engineer and had nothing to do with the army or with Talibs (Taliban) or anyone else either. 10 people were killed including seven children. There’s a lot of fear because of the strike. I came here after five minutes and saw the people lying in terrible condition. I did the best I could.”

Among the 10 deceased, nine people’s identities have been established so far. They are: Zemari Ahmadi, Naseer, Zameer, a shopkeeper, Faisal, a student, Farzad, a student, 2-year-olds Ayat and Sumaya, 3-year-old Binyamen and 4-year-old Armin.

After a long and hard day at work, Zemari Ahmadi drove to his home in Khwaja Burgha, a working-class neighbourhood just a few miles west of Kabul airport, when the ill-fated US drone attacked a vehicle, initially claimed by the US military that it was laden with bombs and driven a member of the Islamic State group.

After a long and hard day at work, Zemari Ahmadi drove to his home in Khwaja Burgha, a working-class neighbourhood just a few miles west of Kabul airport, when the ill-fated US drone attacked a vehicle, initially claimed by the US military that it was laden with bombs and driven a member of the Islamic State group. As he pulled into the driveway about 4:30 pm (Kabul time), children — his own as well as those of his brothers and other relatives — swarmed around Zemari’s Toyota Corolla car. His 12-year-old son, Farzad, asked if he could park the car, to which Zemari obliged. He put Farzad in the driver’s seat and then he switched over to the passenger side. That’s when, the family says, an “American missile”, which was fired from a drone, drilled through the car, slammed into the ground and detonated, killing 10 people instantly. Among the deceased include 40-year-old Zemari, an engineer and employed with a Japanese firm in Kabul, four kids— aged between 2 and 5 — and his 25-year-old nephew who was about to get married, Zemari’s brother Emal said on Monday. In the driveway what remained of the Corolla was a blackened, incinerated heap of metal, melted plastic and scraps of what appeared to be human flesh. Watch | Taliban militants surround TV anchor during news show, video goes viral An inconsolable friend of Zemarai who arrived at the scene just five minutes after the blast narrated his ordeal. “This was my best friend’s house. He was an engineer and had nothing to do with the army or with Talibs (Taliban) or anyone else either. 10 people were killed including seven children. There’s a lot of fear because of the strike. I came here after five minutes and saw the people lying in terrible condition. I did the best I could.” Among the 10 deceased, nine people’s identities have been established so far. They are: Zemari Ahmadi, Naseer, Zameer, a shopkeeper, Faisal, a student, Farzad, a student, 2-year-olds Ayat and Sumaya, 3-year-old Binyamen and 4-year-old Armin.

Ground report: Chilling details of 10 victims killed by US drone strike in Afghanistan

As the US and other European troops pull out of Afghanistan, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he is not entirely sure Turkey wants to control the Kabul airport.<o:p></o:p>

Turkey had been planning to help secure and run the Kabul airport, which has become a target area for the ISIS in the past few days. However, the Turkish leader seems to have trashed the idea now as the country started withdrawing its 500 non-combat forces from Afghanistan.

<o:p>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/best-dad-pregnant-wife-of-us-marine-killed-in-kabul-pays-emotional-tribute-409184">&nbsp;'Best dad': Pregnant wife of US Marine killed in Kabul pays emotional tribute</a></o:p>

The chances of Turkey securing and running the most popular and only safe way out of Afghanistan are very less now, as per the statements issued by Erdogan.<o:p></o:p>

Erdogan took this decision after holding first talks with the Taliban in Kabul. "What does the Taliban say with regard to the airport issue? They say 'give us the security but you operate it'," Erdogan said in comments published by the official Anadolu news agency and other media outlets. "Let's say you took over the security but how would we explain to the world if another bloodbath takes place there? It's not an easy job." <o:p></o:p>

He also announced that the Turkish embassy in Kabul is now moving back to the designated building in the capital city of Afghanistan. For more than a week, the Turkish officials had been operating out of the Kabul airport as the Taliban took control of the country.

"They returned to our embassy building in the city centre the other day and they are continuing their activities from here," Erdogan was quoted saying by a local broadcaster NTV. "Our plan now is to maintain our diplomatic presence in this way. We are continuously updating our plans according to developments regarding the security situation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-the-taliban-to-announce-new-cabinet-in-2-weeks-409207">WATCH |</a>

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-the-taliban-to-announce-new-cabinet-in-2-weeks-409207/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Turkey's&nbsp;Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said the country cannot welcome take the burden of a new refugee wave incoming from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"As Turkey, we have sufficiently carried out our moral and humanitarian responsibilities regarding migration,"&nbsp;Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with&nbsp;German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.&nbsp;"It is out of the question for us to take an additional refugee burden."

This news has come as the US carried out an airstrike claiming that it successfully hit active suicide bombers of ISIS-K who were planning to attack the Kabul airport.

The airstrike came a few days after the ISIS-K carried out bomb attacks near the Kabul airport which took more than 160 lives of civilians, 13 US troops and injured several others. The US, however, claims it has managed to kill the planner of the attack and another ISIS member through drone strikes.<o:p></o:p>

As the US and other European troops pull out of Afghanistan, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he is not entirely sure Turkey wants to control the Kabul airport.

As the US and other European troops pull out of Afghanistan, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he is not entirely sure Turkey wants to control the Kabul airport. Turkey had been planning to help secure and run the Kabul airport, which has become a target area for the ISIS in the past few days. However, the Turkish leader seems to have trashed the idea now as the country started withdrawing its 500 non-combat forces from Afghanistan. Also read | 'Best dad': Pregnant wife of US Marine killed in Kabul pays emotional tribute The chances of Turkey securing and running the most popular and only safe way out of Afghanistan are very less now, as per the statements issued by Erdogan. Erdogan took this decision after holding first talks with the Taliban in Kabul. "What does the Taliban say with regard to the airport issue? They say 'give us the security but you operate it'," Erdogan said in comments published by the official Anadolu news agency and other media outlets. "Let's say you took over the security but how would we explain to the world if another bloodbath takes place there? It's not an easy job." He also announced that the Turkish embassy in Kabul is now moving back to the designated building in the capital city of Afghanistan. For more than a week, the Turkish officials had been operating out of the Kabul airport as the Taliban took control of the country. "They returned to our embassy building in the city centre the other day and they are continuing their activities from here," Erdogan was quoted saying by a local broadcaster NTV. "Our plan now is to maintain our diplomatic presence in this way. We are continuously updating our plans according to developments regarding the security situation." WATCH | Meanwhile, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said the country cannot welcome take the burden of a new refugee wave incoming from Afghanistan. "As Turkey, we have sufficiently carried out our moral and humanitarian responsibilities regarding migration," Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. "It is out of the question for us to take an additional refugee burden." This news has come as the US carried out an airstrike claiming that it successfully hit active suicide bombers of ISIS-K who were planning to attack the Kabul airport. The airstrike came a few days after the ISIS-K carried out bomb attacks near the Kabul airport which took more than 160 lives of civilians, 13 US troops and injured several others. The US, however, claims it has managed to kill the planner of the attack and another ISIS member through drone strikes.

Turkey's Erdogan pulls back from plans of running Kabul airport

An <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-highly-likely-in-next-24-36-hours-says-biden-on-kabul-airport-409079">Afghan</a> refugee gave birth to a baby girl aboard a plane on her way to Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

Turkish Airlines said Soman Noori, 26, was on a flight from Dubai to Birmingham when she went into labour with the UK-bound evacuation flight at 30,000 feet. The&nbsp;cabin crew members helped deliver the baby since there were no doctors on the flight.

The girl was named Havva which in Hebrew means "life". It was the couple's&nbsp;third baby. &nbsp;

<img alt="Soman Noori's baby (Photo Courtesy: PA Media)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27667db1-bc8a-4f0e-bf12-69c156cdbb8f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ava1.JPG" />

(Photo Courtesy: PA Media)

Turkish Airlines said both mother and baby were healthy. The flight had landed in Kuwait as a precaution with the girl born in Kuwait airspace. The flight went smoothly as it reached Birmingham at 11:45am.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-another-terrorist-attack-on-kabul-airport-highly-likely-soon-409101/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Noori and her husband Taj Moh Hammat, 30, were travelling to the UK from Dubai after being evacuated from Kabul airport.

In a similar incident earlier, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-woman-gives-birth-to-baby-girl-on-us-aircraft-at-germany-air-base-407619">baby girl </a>was born on a&nbsp;plane as it landed in Germany last week as the medical staff helped the woman deliver the baby in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The baby was born in a C-17 US cargo plane after the mother was evacuated from Kabul airport.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-kabul-residents-protest-against-closure-of-banks-409061">Pics: Kabul residents protest against closure of banks</a>

The girl was named "Reach" after the plane's code name which was Reach 828.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, UK finished its evacuation operation late on Saturday as the last flight left&nbsp;Afghanistan. The UK has evacuated nearly 15,000 people in the last two weeks as the Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

An Afghan refugee gave birth to a baby girl aboard a plane on her way to Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Turkish Airlines said Soman Noori, 26, was on a flight from Dubai to Birmingham when she went into labour with the UK-bound evacuation flight at 30,000 feet.

An Afghan refugee gave birth to a baby girl aboard a plane on her way to Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Turkish Airlines said Soman Noori, 26, was on a flight from Dubai to Birmingham when she went into labour with the UK-bound evacuation flight at 30,000 feet. The cabin crew members helped deliver the baby since there were no doctors on the flight. The girl was named Havva which in Hebrew means "life". It was the couple's third baby. (Photo Courtesy: PA Media) Turkish Airlines said both mother and baby were healthy. The flight had landed in Kuwait as a precaution with the girl born in Kuwait airspace. The flight went smoothly as it reached Birmingham at 11:45am. Watch: Noori and her husband Taj Moh Hammat, 30, were travelling to the UK from Dubai after being evacuated from Kabul airport. In a similar incident earlier, a baby girl was born on a plane as it landed in Germany last week as the medical staff helped the woman deliver the baby in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The baby was born in a C-17 US cargo plane after the mother was evacuated from Kabul airport. Pics: Kabul residents protest against closure of banks The girl was named "Reach" after the plane's code name which was Reach 828. Meanwhile, UK finished its evacuation operation late on Saturday as the last flight left Afghanistan. The UK has evacuated nearly 15,000 people in the last two weeks as the Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15. (With inputs from Agencies)

Afghan baby girl born at 30,000 feet in UK evacuation flight

President Joe Biden has warned that another terrorist attack on the Kabul airport is “highly likely” in the next 24 to 36 hours, as the US rushed to evacuate the few remaining Americans and Afghan allies ahead of the August 31 deadline to withdraw from Afghanistan.

Biden: Another terrorist attack on Kabul airport 'highly likely' soon

In Afghanistan, a loud explosion has occurred near Kabul airport. The blast took place in the Khawaja Bughra area. Photos and videos on social media show large plumes of smoke rising from the site. Investigative Journalist & Former RAF Pilot Michael Kay has spoken with WION about the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.

Investigative Journalist & Former RAF Pilot Michael Kay Speaks with WION

In Afghanistan, a loud explosion has occurred near Kabul airport. The blast took place in the Khawaja Bughra area. Photos and videos on social media show large plumes of smoke rising from the site. The latest reports say it is a rocket attack. A missile is believed to have hit a residential house.

Reports: Initial findings suggests a rocket hit a house

Reports: Blast heard near north gate of Kabul airport

Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K)&nbsp;which claimed responsibility for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-guard-kabul-airport-as-nato-troops-leave-afghanistan-409149">Kabul</a> airport suicide bombing on Thursday first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014.

It reportedly began by launching attacks in rural areas in Afghanistan however as it grew the scale of attacks increased in the country over the years.&nbsp;It was rated as one of the top four deadliest terrorist organizations in the world three years ago by the Institute for Economics and Peace&nbsp;Global Terrorism Index.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-back-at-islamic-state-after-fatal-suicide-bombing-near-kabul-airport-408977/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It had earlier carried out suicide attacks in Kabul. The terrorist group had also targeted a Sufi mosque in Afghanistan's capital.

In 2017, the US government under former president Trump had ordered a plane to drop a 20,000-pound bomb, known as the MOAB (Mother of All Bombs)&nbsp;on a cave linked to ISIS-K target&nbsp;in Achin district in eastern Afghanistan.

ISIS-K&nbsp;has reportedly fought both US and coalition troops including the Taliban in Afghanistan. The terrorist organisation is reported to be rooted in Kunar, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces in Afghanistan.

According to the UN, it has active fighters with "sleeper cells" in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"Khorasan" is a region historically linked to Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.

ISIS-K&nbsp;had earlier suffered great losses due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unsc-does-not-refer-to-taliban-in-kabul-airport-attack-statement-409146">Taliban</a> and US operations in its region however now it concentrates its strategy on high-profile attacks.

According to reports, it was formed by hardline elements of the Pakistani Taliban who had reportedly fled Afghanistan after Pakistan officials crackdown as it pledging allegiance to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and was recognised by the Islamic State in Iraq.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) which claimed responsibility for the Kabul airport suicide bombing on Thursday first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014.

Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) which claimed responsibility for the Kabul airport suicide bombing on Thursday first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014. It reportedly began by launching attacks in rural areas in Afghanistan however as it grew the scale of attacks increased in the country over the years. It was rated as one of the top four deadliest terrorist organizations in the world three years ago by the Institute for Economics and Peace Global Terrorism Index. Watch: It had earlier carried out suicide attacks in Kabul. The terrorist group had also targeted a Sufi mosque in Afghanistan's capital. In 2017, the US government under former president Trump had ordered a plane to drop a 20,000-pound bomb, known as the MOAB (Mother of All Bombs) on a cave linked to ISIS-K target in Achin district in eastern Afghanistan. ISIS-K has reportedly fought both US and coalition troops including the Taliban in Afghanistan. The terrorist organisation is reported to be rooted in Kunar, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces in Afghanistan. According to the UN, it has active fighters with "sleeper cells" in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. "Khorasan" is a region historically linked to Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia. ISIS-K had earlier suffered great losses due to the Taliban and US operations in its region however now it concentrates its strategy on high-profile attacks. According to reports, it was formed by hardline elements of the Pakistani Taliban who had reportedly fled Afghanistan after Pakistan officials crackdown as it pledging allegiance to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and was recognised by the Islamic State in Iraq. (With inputs from Agencies)

How terror group ISIS-K grew in Afghanistan while fighting Taliban & US

As the deadline for the US troops' withdrawal nears, the world is rushing to evacuate its citizens and vulnerable Afghans and the forefront is the United States. WION brings you all about the final phase of evacuation in Kabul.

As clock ticks countries rush to evacuate nationals from Afghanistan

A few days after the ISIS-K launched a bloody attack in the nearby areas of Kabul airport in Afghanistan, the US claims it has successfully killed two 'high profile'&nbsp;ISIS targets.

As per the initial reports, no civilians were hurt in these drone attacks that took place in the early hours of Saturday.

"They were ISIS-K planners and facilitators. That's enough reason there alone," said spokesman John Kirby. "The fact that two of these individuals are no longer walking on the face of the Earth, that’s a good thing."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-flights-take-off-from-kabul-as-evacuations-resume-409022">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-flights-take-off-from-kabul-as-evacuations-resume-409022/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A day after members of ISIS-K carried out bombings near the Kabul airport, killing at least 160 people and injuring several others, the US forces claimed they had&nbsp;carried out a successful drone strike.

This strike, the US officials claim, was planned against an alleged ISIS-K 'planner' near the&nbsp;Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan. The officials have stated that the strike was successful and the alleged planner was travelling with an 'associate' when he was targetted by the&nbsp;US forces.

However, the US officials have announced that they will not be releasing the names of the ISIS targets who have been killed in these strikes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-announces-that-it-carried-out-a-drone-strike-in-eastern-afghanistan-408941">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-announces-that-it-carried-out-a-drone-strike-in-eastern-afghanistan-408941/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The announcement was made in a Pentagon briefing in which&nbsp;Major General William "Hank" Taylor confirmed that the strikes have been successful.

"We will have the ability to protect our selves. We continue to evacuate people," Taylor added.

Meanwhile, John Kirby&nbsp;also clarified that this mission was carried out solely by the US forces and no information was shared with Taliban. He also assured that the evacuation mission will continue till the end of the month despite the threat that the US troops face in Afghanistan right now.

"We are going to complete this mission by the end of this month we have said that, there is no&nbsp;change on the time line," he said. "Threats are real and dynamic, and we are monitoring them literally on real time."

Kirby also clarified that even though the Taliban have&nbsp;checkpoints around the airport, "they are not at the airport or manning the gates".

A few days after the ISIS-K launched a bloody attack in the nearby areas of Kabul airport in Afghanistan, the US claims it has successfully killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets.

A few days after the ISIS-K launched a bloody attack in the nearby areas of Kabul airport in Afghanistan, the US claims it has successfully killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets. As per the initial reports, no civilians were hurt in these drone attacks that took place in the early hours of Saturday. "They were ISIS-K planners and facilitators. That's enough reason there alone," said spokesman John Kirby. "The fact that two of these individuals are no longer walking on the face of the Earth, that’s a good thing." WATCH | A day after members of ISIS-K carried out bombings near the Kabul airport, killing at least 160 people and injuring several others, the US forces claimed they had carried out a successful drone strike. This strike, the US officials claim, was planned against an alleged ISIS-K 'planner' near the Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan. The officials have stated that the strike was successful and the alleged planner was travelling with an 'associate' when he was targetted by the US forces. However, the US officials have announced that they will not be releasing the names of the ISIS targets who have been killed in these strikes. WATCH | The announcement was made in a Pentagon briefing in which Major General William "Hank" Taylor confirmed that the strikes have been successful. "We will have the ability to protect our selves. We continue to evacuate people," Taylor added. Meanwhile, John Kirby also clarified that this mission was carried out solely by the US forces and no information was shared with Taliban. He also assured that the evacuation mission will continue till the end of the month despite the threat that the US troops face in Afghanistan right now. "We are going to complete this mission by the end of this month we have said that, there is no change on the time line," he said. "Threats are real and dynamic, and we are monitoring them literally on real time." Kirby also clarified that even though the Taliban have checkpoints around the airport, "they are not at the airport or manning the gates".

US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon

US lawmakers have written a letter to President Joe Biden over the current situation in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, asking a range of questions related to terrorism, nuclear weapon, infrastructure, military, women safety, China's ties with Taliban, Pakistan-Taliban relations etc.

US lawmakers have written a letter to President Joe Biden over the current situation in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, asking a range of questions related to terrorism, nuclear weapon, infrastructure, military, women safety, China's ties with Taliban, Pakistan-Taliban relations etc. The details of the letter dated August 24 and signed by the group of 68 lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives have emerged. The lawmakers demanded that Biden should answer critical questions on what happened during the evacuation phase in Afghanistan and what are his plans to move forward. ALSO READ | Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings As per the letter, lawmakers said, "The situation in Afghanistan has rapidly metastasized into Taliban rule with reinstated oppression of women and girls, the repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes who the Taliban then use force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by increasing its ties to the Taliban." "The consequences of withdrawal from Afghanistan are not isolated to that country, or even to the Middle East region. The withdrawal carried geopolitical and strategic consequences that have already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades," it added. ALSO READ | UN issues urgent appeal to help drought-hit Afghan farmers In the latest development, the US attacked an Islamic State "planner" in Afghanistan in retaliation for a deadly bombing outside Kabul airport on Thursday (August 26) that heightened the already tense situation. The US also said that there was a high risk of further blasts. Among the scores killed in the suicide bomb blast, claimed by an Islamic State affiliate in the country, were 13 US service members, the most lethal incident for US troops in Afghanistan in a decade. Details of the letter In a letter to Biden, the lawmakers said the world has watched with utter shock as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, "the result of unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of US personnel and its Afghan partners". Here are some of the prominent questions asked by the US lawmakers: Q1) What is your plan to evacuate Afghan SIVs and other vulnerable Afghans like women, girls, and former Afghan civil service employees from Afghanistan? The lawmakers have asked Biden's plans to protect women journalists, scholars and employees of prominent non-government organisations and they also asked about the protection of religious and ethnic minorities, like the Hazaras. Q2) Will you commit to abandoning the arbitrary August 31 withdrawal deadline and continuing Noncombatant Evacuation Operation until all Americans, allies, and at-risk Afghans are processed for evacuation? The US and allies are hurrying to evacuate as many people from Afghanistan as possible before an Aug. 31 deadline. The US will continue evacuating people from Kabul airport until Aug 31 if needed but will prioritise the removal of US troops and military equipment on the last couple of days, the Pentagon has said. The lawmakers are, however, asking what will happen if the evacuations are not completed before the deadline. IN PICS | Shocking images of children trapped at Kabul airport amid evacuation Q3) What is your plan to counter the Chinese Communist Party's growing relationship with the Taliban? Experts have weighed in on the possible Taliban and China ties as Beijing might look to cement its grip on the region. China has held out an olive branch to the Taliban, enticed by the country's mineral wealth, including its large reserves of lithium, a key component for electric vehicles. Q4) What is your plan to help to ensure that the Taliban does not destabilise its nuclear neighbour, Pakistan? Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, there are reports that Islamabad had allowed a porous border to give Taliban access in Pakistan, hiding from US forces. When the Taliban captured Kabul, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Afghans had broken the "shackles of slavery". The lawmakers asked is Biden prepared to support regional allies militarily in the event that the Taliban militarise the Afghanistan border. Watch: × Q5) What is your plan to ensure that Al Qaida does not resurge and regain a foothold in Afghanistan? As the NATO allies withdrew their troops from Afghanistan, several intelligence communities have warned that terror groups like Al Qaida and ISIS-K will dominate in the region. Some of the reports have also said that they will be given complete freedom to act by the Taliban. The lawmakers have asked what operations are prepared to counter this threat. Q6) What is your plan to ensure that more US and Afghan military equipment does not end up in the hands of the Taliban? One of the various questions was related to US-owned weapons, which have been asked prominently since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. From Humvee vehicles to Blackhawk helicopters, reports revealed the Taliban had seized most of the country, as well as any weapons and equipment left behind by fleeing Afghan forces. Pictures and videos showed the advancing insurgents inspecting long lines of vehicles and opening crates of new firearms, communications gear and even military drones. Taliban are believed to control more than 2,000 armoured vehicles, including US Humvees, and up to 40 aircraft potentially including UH-60 Black Hawks, scout attack helicopters, and ScanEagle military drones. The lawmakers have asked what are Biden's plans to disable any air forces that operate under orders from the Taliban. Other points were made over Afghan refugees in the US, plans to support Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA)'s air traffic control, plans to support any free Afghanistan resistance, etc.

US lawmakers write to Joe Biden demanding answers over Afghanistan, China, terrorism, nuclear weapon and more

The US and Taliban have locked horns over control over Kabul airport. US Defence Dept, the Pentagon had said that the Kabul airport is under the control of US military.

Pentagon, Taliban claim to control Kabul airport

Afghan Sikhs who reached India thanked the government for their safe evacuation from Afghanistan. The Indian government is working day and night to evacuate its citizen from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country and also chalk out a plan to proceed after deadly bomb blasts outside Kabul airport disrupted the evacuation process.&nbsp;

To ease the process, India opened the window of E-visas for the tenure of six months for Afghan nationals.&nbsp;

So far, India has airlifted 565 people from Afghanistan including&nbsp;citizens and embassy personnel. According to an official in the Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA), dozens of Afghans including Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have also been evacuated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/momentous-feat-pm-modi-hails-indias-10-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-in-single-day-408962">'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day</a>

Recently, Afghan Sikhs who reached Ludhiana in Punjab thanked the Indian government for their safe evacuation from war-torn Afghanistan. They also opened up about ordeals they faced in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

One of them, Gurdit Singh used to run a grocery shop in Kabul and is family has been living in Afghanistan for sixty years. They are among the Sikh families that have been brought to India from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "The situation is very critical after the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan. There is open firing in every street and lane. There is a panic among the people. Be it Hindu, Sikh or Muslim, everyone wants to leave Afghanistan. People are waiting with their children outside the airport to leave Afghanistan."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-reopens-schools-for-classes-ix-to-xii-from-september-1-408959">Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1</a>

Watch:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-conducts-airstrike-in-eastern-afghanistans-nangarhar-province-408938/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"People were in distress even 21 years ago during the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But this time, people want to leave the country. There is so much rush to the airport that half an hour drive is taking 18 hours," he said.&nbsp;

"We decided to leave everything and come to India. There is no better country in the world than India where people of all religions live in peace and harmony. We are grateful to the Government of India," he added.&nbsp;

He said that over 100 Sikhs and Hindus are still stranded in a gurdwara in Kabul. "We request the Government to bring them to India as soon as possible so that their lives can be saved," he urged.&nbsp;

India is also holding discussions on the position of Afghans who are already here for health checkups and studies, etc before the Taliban seized power in Kabul.&nbsp;

(inputs from agencies)

Afghan Sikhs who reached India thanked the government for their safe evacuation from Afghanistan. The Indian government is working day and night to evacuate its citizen from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country and also chalk out a plan to proceed after deadly bomb blasts outside Kabul airport disrupted the evacuation process.

Afghan Sikhs who reached India thanked the government for their safe evacuation from Afghanistan. The Indian government is working day and night to evacuate its citizen from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country and also chalk out a plan to proceed after deadly bomb blasts outside Kabul airport disrupted the evacuation process. To ease the process, India opened the window of E-visas for the tenure of six months for Afghan nationals. So far, India has airlifted 565 people from Afghanistan including citizens and embassy personnel. According to an official in the Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA), dozens of Afghans including Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have also been evacuated. ALSO READ | 'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day Recently, Afghan Sikhs who reached Ludhiana in Punjab thanked the Indian government for their safe evacuation from war-torn Afghanistan. They also opened up about ordeals they faced in Afghanistan. One of them, Gurdit Singh used to run a grocery shop in Kabul and is family has been living in Afghanistan for sixty years. They are among the Sikh families that have been brought to India from Afghanistan. Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "The situation is very critical after the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan. There is open firing in every street and lane. There is a panic among the people. Be it Hindu, Sikh or Muslim, everyone wants to leave Afghanistan. People are waiting with their children outside the airport to leave Afghanistan." ALSO READ | Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1 Watch: × "People were in distress even 21 years ago during the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But this time, people want to leave the country. There is so much rush to the airport that half an hour drive is taking 18 hours," he said. "We decided to leave everything and come to India. There is no better country in the world than India where people of all religions live in peace and harmony. We are grateful to the Government of India," he added. He said that over 100 Sikhs and Hindus are still stranded in a gurdwara in Kabul. "We request the Government to bring them to India as soon as possible so that their lives can be saved," he urged. India is also holding discussions on the position of Afghans who are already here for health checkups and studies, etc before the Taliban seized power in Kabul. (inputs from agencies)

'No better country in world than India': Sikhs evacuated from Afghanistan thank Indian government

The United States President Joe Biden paid tribute to US soldiers who lost their lives in suicide bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26) and hailed them as "selfless heroes".&nbsp;

Latest media reports said citing sources in hospitals and Taliban a official that at least 72 civilians,&nbsp;who were waiting outside Kabul airport to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan,&nbsp;have been killed in the explosions.

The US Defense Department said that the number of American troops killed in the suicide bomb blasts&nbsp;at Kabul airport rose by one to 13.&nbsp;

"A thirteenth US service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate," Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks that killed scores of Afghans.

Biden also issued a stern warning to those who are responsible for the attacks that caused mayhem at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport amid the mass evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/isis-khorasan-what-you-should-know-408623">SIS- Khorasan: What you should know</a>

Joe Biden has promised to avenge the fallen soldiers, who according to the President were engaged "in a dangerous mission to save the lives of others" and said that the United States will "hunt down" the attackers and "make them pay".&nbsp;

"For those who carried out this attack as well as anyone who wishes America harm, know this: We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said in an address at the White House on Thursday.&nbsp;

Biden also informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities."&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-is-second-home-to-the-taliban-says-spokesperson-zabihullah-mujahid-408534">Pakistan is second home to the Taliban, says spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid</a>

Watch Joe Biden's address here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Watch as I deliver remarks on the terror attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and the U.S. service members and Afghan victims killed and wounded. <a href="https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm">https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1431004614283993104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The American service members who gave their lives were heroes. Heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others. We have a continuing obligation — a sacred obligation — to their families that will last forever.
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1431034088790581249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We will respond with force and precision at the place we choose and a moment of our choosing," Biden added further affirming that the August 31 deadline for all US troops to leave Afghanistan and added that the US forces will evacuate as many people as possible before that date.

"We will not be deterred by terrorists. We will not let them stop our mission. We will continue the evacuation," Biden said.&nbsp;

"We'll rescue the American citizens from Afghanistan. We'll get our Afghan allies out and our mission will go on," he added.&nbsp;

"Knowing the threat, knowing that we may very well have another attack, the military has concluded that that's what we should do. I think they are right," The US President added.&nbsp;

The United States President Joe Biden paid tribute to US soldiers who lost their lives in suicide bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26) and hailed them as "selfless heroes".

The United States President Joe Biden paid tribute to US soldiers who lost their lives in suicide bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26) and hailed them as "selfless heroes". Latest media reports said citing sources in hospitals and Taliban a official that at least 72 civilians, who were waiting outside Kabul airport to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, have been killed in the explosions. The US Defense Department said that the number of American troops killed in the suicide bomb blasts at Kabul airport rose by one to 13. "A thirteenth US service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate," Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks that killed scores of Afghans. Biden also issued a stern warning to those who are responsible for the attacks that caused mayhem at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport amid the mass evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan. ALSO READ | ISIS- Khorasan: What you should know Joe Biden has promised to avenge the fallen soldiers, who according to the President were engaged "in a dangerous mission to save the lives of others" and said that the United States will "hunt down" the attackers and "make them pay". "For those who carried out this attack as well as anyone who wishes America harm, know this: We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said in an address at the White House on Thursday. Biden also informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities." ALSO READ | Pakistan is second home to the Taliban, says spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid Watch Joe Biden's address here: Watch as I deliver remarks on the terror attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and the U.S. service members and Afghan victims killed and wounded. https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm — President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2021 × The American service members who gave their lives were heroes. Heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others. We have a continuing obligation — a sacred obligation — to their families that will last forever. — President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2021 × "We will respond with force and precision at the place we choose and a moment of our choosing," Biden added further affirming that the August 31 deadline for all US troops to leave Afghanistan and added that the US forces will evacuate as many people as possible before that date. "We will not be deterred by terrorists. We will not let them stop our mission. We will continue the evacuation," Biden said. "We'll rescue the American citizens from Afghanistan. We'll get our Afghan allies out and our mission will go on," he added. "Knowing the threat, knowing that we may very well have another attack, the military has concluded that that's what we should do. I think they are right," The US President added.

'Will hunt you down': Joe Biden warns Kabul bombers, vows to avenge deaths of US soldiers

At least 10 US troops, including four Marines, have been killed in the twin bomb attack that took place near the Kabul Airport on Thursday, and several others have been injured.

"We can confirm that a number of US service members were killed in today's complex attack on Kabul airport," spokesman John Kirby confirmed. "A number of others are being treated for wounds."

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-twin-blasts-rock-kabul-13-killed-60-injured-at-afghanistan-evacuation-site-408582" hreflang="en">Live | Twin blasts rock Kabul: 60 killed, 140 injured at Afghan evacuation site</a></h2>

A statement from the Pentagon confirmed the news that several US troops have been killed in the attack and many others are being treated for their injuries.

"We can confirm that a number of U.S. service members were killed in today’s complex attack at Kabul airport. A number of others are being treated for wounds. We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack," the statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and injured."

<img alt="Kabul airport attack - Pentagon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cca54cd5-11f3-45fe-a3ab-4d5381c50753" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kabul%20airport%20attack%20%289%29.jpg" />

Meanwhile, Taliban also openly condemned these blasts labelling it to be 'evil circles'. "The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport, which took place in an area where US forces are responsible for security,"&nbsp;a tweet from the official Twitter account of the spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, read. "The Islamic Emirate is paying close attention to the security and protection of its people, and evil circles will be strictly stopped."

The US suspects that the Kabul airport attacks have been carried out by members of Islamic State-Khorasan, who were reportedly unhappy with Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.

At least 10 US troops, including four Marines, have been killed in the twin bomb attack that took place near the Kabul Airport on Thursday, and several others have been injured.

At least 10 US troops, including four Marines, have been killed in the twin bomb attack that took place near the Kabul Airport on Thursday, and several others have been injured. "We can confirm that a number of US service members were killed in today's complex attack on Kabul airport," spokesman John Kirby confirmed. "A number of others are being treated for wounds." Live | Twin blasts rock Kabul: 60 killed, 140 injured at Afghan evacuation site A statement from the Pentagon confirmed the news that several US troops have been killed in the attack and many others are being treated for their injuries. "We can confirm that a number of U.S. service members were killed in today’s complex attack at Kabul airport. A number of others are being treated for wounds. We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack," the statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and injured." Meanwhile, Taliban also openly condemned these blasts labelling it to be 'evil circles'. "The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport, which took place in an area where US forces are responsible for security," a tweet from the official Twitter account of the spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, read. "The Islamic Emirate is paying close attention to the security and protection of its people, and evil circles will be strictly stopped." The US suspects that the Kabul airport attacks have been carried out by members of Islamic State-Khorasan, who were reportedly unhappy with Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.

At least 10 US troops killed and many injured in Kabul airport attack: Pentagon

12 days into the rushed evacuation process from Kabul and five days before its scheduled completion, deadly suicide attacks evolved at Kabul airport. But, US President Joe Biden remained undeterred from the evacuation mission.

Biden remains undeterred from US evacuation mission despite Kabul airport blast

Just two days back Western forces were warned against extending the August 31 deadline for airlifts. The Taliban had asked the US to stop evacuating Afghans. A flight with a seating capacity of 345 people left Kabul near-empty. Are the Taliban not letting Afghans board flights?

Charter flights leaving Kabul nearly empty despite desperate attempts to evacuate

A group of US lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to prevent the Taliban, Afghanistan's de facto rulers, from destabilising Pakistan and acquiring nuclear weapons.

The lawmakers demanded that Biden answer critical questions about what happened in Afghanistan and his plans for the future.

"Are you willing to provide military support to regional allies if the Taliban militarise the Afghan border?"

In a letter addressed to Biden on Wednesday, a group of 68 lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives asked, "What is your plan to help ensure that the Taliban do not destabilise its nuclear neighbour Pakistan?" 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-blasts-joe-biden-says-no-sign-of-collusion-between-taliban-and-islamic-state-in-attacks-408695">Kabul blasts: Joe Biden says no sign of 'collusion' between Taliban and Islamic State in attacks</a> 
 
The lawmakers stated that in recent weeks, the world has watched in astonishment as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, as a result of "unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of US personnel and Afghan partners."

According to them, the situation in Afghanistan has rapidly "metastasized" into Taliban rule, with reintroduced oppression of women and girls, repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes, whom the Taliban then uses force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by strengthening ties with the Taliban. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-blasts-more-than-90-dead-as-joe-biden-vows-to-hunt-down-those-responsible-408741">Also read | Kabul blasts: More than 90 dead as Joe Biden vows to 'hunt down' those responsible</a> 
 
The lawmakers stated that the consequences of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan are not limited to that country or even the Middle East region, and that the action has already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades.

"Dealing with these consequences necessitates immediate action to chart the course for American strategy, even as we deal with the immediate ramifications of this self-inflicted crisis in Afghanistan. To that end, we write to request that you outline your strategy for moving America forward," they wrote.

The group emphasised in the letter that the effect of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years has consequences not only in the specific nation, or even the Middle East, but also has strategic and geographical consequences that have already begun to unravel and will continue for decades. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A group of US lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to prevent the Taliban, Afghanistan's de facto rulers, from destabilising Pakistan and acquiring nuclear weapons.

A group of US lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to prevent the Taliban, Afghanistan's de facto rulers, from destabilising Pakistan and acquiring nuclear weapons. The lawmakers demanded that Biden answer critical questions about what happened in Afghanistan and his plans for the future. "Are you willing to provide military support to regional allies if the Taliban militarise the Afghan border?" In a letter addressed to Biden on Wednesday, a group of 68 lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives asked, "What is your plan to help ensure that the Taliban do not destabilise its nuclear neighbour Pakistan?" ALSO READ | Kabul blasts: Joe Biden says no sign of 'collusion' between Taliban and Islamic State in attacks The lawmakers stated that in recent weeks, the world has watched in astonishment as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, as a result of "unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of US personnel and Afghan partners." According to them, the situation in Afghanistan has rapidly "metastasized" into Taliban rule, with reintroduced oppression of women and girls, repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes, whom the Taliban then uses force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by strengthening ties with the Taliban. Also read | Kabul blasts: More than 90 dead as Joe Biden vows to 'hunt down' those responsible The lawmakers stated that the consequences of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan are not limited to that country or even the Middle East region, and that the action has already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades. "Dealing with these consequences necessitates immediate action to chart the course for American strategy, even as we deal with the immediate ramifications of this self-inflicted crisis in Afghanistan. To that end, we write to request that you outline your strategy for moving America forward," they wrote. The group emphasised in the letter that the effect of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years has consequences not only in the specific nation, or even the Middle East, but also has strategic and geographical consequences that have already begun to unravel and will continue for decades. (With inputs from agencies)

What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden

kabul-airport

Kabul Airport, News on Kabul Airport, stories on Kabul Airport, articles on Kabul Airport, Kabul Airport stories at Wion, Kabul Airport news, Kabul Airport latest news

kabul airport