Last month, the US conducted a drone strike in Kabul. Washington claimed that it had neutralised ISIS targets who wanted to bomb the Kabul airport again. But, the American press has revealed that the drone strike killed 10 innocent civilians. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: America's Kabul drone strike was a "mistake"

Afghan women have returned to their job at the Kabul international airport weeks after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. These 12 brave women are among 80 employed at the airport.

12 Afghan women return to work at Kabul international airport

With the Taliban taking control of Afghanistan, all trade and import of raw materials inside the country have stopped completely. As a result, the price of basic commodities has increased and there is a lack of jobs available.

Cash-strapped Kabul residents resort to selling household items

Afghan women have taken to the streets in groups large and small to protest against Taliban rule, the regime's new curbs on their rights, and Pakistan's influence in Afghanistan.

Afghan women protest against Taliban restrictions, fearing curbs on women's rights

<p>Less than a month after the Taliban rolled into the Afghan capital, Rabia Jamal made a tough decision -- she would brave the hardliners and return to work at the airport.</p>

<p>With the Islamists saying&nbsp;women&nbsp;should stay at home for their own security the risks were all too clear, but the 35-year-old mother of three felt she had little choice.</p>

<p>"I need money to support my family," said Rabia, wearing a navy-blue suit and make-up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I felt tension at home... I felt very bad," she told AFP. "Now I feel better."</p>

<p>Of the more than 80&nbsp;women&nbsp;working at the airport before Kabul fell to the Taliban on August 15, just 12 have returned to their jobs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But they are among very few&nbsp;women&nbsp;in the capital allowed to return to work. The Taliban have told most not to go back until further notice.</p>

<p>Six of the&nbsp;women&nbsp;airport workers were standing at the main entrance on Saturday, chatting and laughing while waiting to scan and search female passengers taking a domestic flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cartoonist-journalist-charged-under-bangladesh-internet-law-412603"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Cartoonist, journalist charged under Bangladesh internet law</strong></a></p>

<p>Rabia's sister, 49-year-old Qudsiya Jamal, told AFP the Taliban takeover had "shocked" her.</p>

<p>"I was very afraid," said the mother of five, who is also her family's sole provider.</p>

<p>"My family was scared for me,&nbsp;they told me not to go back but I am happy now, relaxed... no problems so far."</p>

<p><strong>&nbsp;'Take me to Paris'</strong></p>

<p>Women's&nbsp;rights&nbsp;in Afghanistan were sharply curtailed under the Taliban's 1996-2001 rule, but since returning to power the group claims they will be less extreme.</p>

<p>Women&nbsp;will be allowed to attend university as long as classes are segregated by sex or at least divided by a curtain, the Taliban's education authority has said, but females must also wear an abaya, an all-covering robe, and face-covering niqab veil.</p>

<p>Still, Alison Davidian, a representative for UN&nbsp;Women&nbsp;in Afghanistan, warned on Wednesday that the Taliban were already neglecting their promise to respect Afghan&nbsp;women's&nbsp;rights.</p>

<p>At the airport, which is returning to action after the hurried US withdrawal left it unusable, Rabia says she will keep working unless she is forced to stop.</p>

<p>Under new rules,&nbsp;women&nbsp;may work "in accordance with the principles of Islam", the Taliban have decreed, but few details have yet been given as to what exactly that might mean.</p>

<p>"My dream is to be the richest girl in Afghanistan, and I feel I am always the luckiest," said Rabia, who has worked since 2010 at the terminal for GAAC, a UAE-based company providing ground and security handling.</p>

<p>"I will do what I love until I am not lucky anymore."</p>

<p>Rabia's colleague, who gave her name as Zala, dreams of something completely different.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 30-year-old was learning French in Kabul before she was forced to stop and stay at home for three weeks after the takeover.</p>

<p>"Good morning, take me to Paris," she said in broken French, as her five colleagues burst into laughter.</p>

<p>"But not now. Today I am one of the last&nbsp;women&nbsp;of the airport."</p>


Less than a month after the Taliban rolled into the Afghan capital, Rabia Jamal made a tough decision -- she would brave the hardliners and return to work at the airport.

Less than a month after the Taliban rolled into the Afghan capital, Rabia Jamal made a tough decision -- she would brave the hardliners and return to work at the airport. With the Islamists saying women should stay at home for their own security the risks were all too clear, but the 35-year-old mother of three felt she had little choice. "I need money to support my family," said Rabia, wearing a navy-blue suit and make-up. "I felt tension at home... I felt very bad," she told AFP. "Now I feel better." Of the more than 80 women working at the airport before Kabul fell to the Taliban on August 15, just 12 have returned to their jobs. But they are among very few women in the capital allowed to return to work. The Taliban have told most not to go back until further notice. Six of the women airport workers were standing at the main entrance on Saturday, chatting and laughing while waiting to scan and search female passengers taking a domestic flight. Also read | Cartoonist, journalist charged under Bangladesh internet law Rabia's sister, 49-year-old Qudsiya Jamal, told AFP the Taliban takeover had "shocked" her. "I was very afraid," said the mother of five, who is also her family's sole provider. "My family was scared for me, they told me not to go back but I am happy now, relaxed... no problems so far." 'Take me to Paris' Women's rights in Afghanistan were sharply curtailed under the Taliban's 1996-2001 rule, but since returning to power the group claims they will be less extreme. Women will be allowed to attend university as long as classes are segregated by sex or at least divided by a curtain, the Taliban's education authority has said, but females must also wear an abaya, an all-covering robe, and face-covering niqab veil. Still, Alison Davidian, a representative for UN Women in Afghanistan, warned on Wednesday that the Taliban were already neglecting their promise to respect Afghan women's rights. At the airport, which is returning to action after the hurried US withdrawal left it unusable, Rabia says she will keep working unless she is forced to stop. Under new rules, women may work "in accordance with the principles of Islam", the Taliban have decreed, but few details have yet been given as to what exactly that might mean. "My dream is to be the richest girl in Afghanistan, and I feel I am always the luckiest," said Rabia, who has worked since 2010 at the terminal for GAAC, a UAE-based company providing ground and security handling. "I will do what I love until I am not lucky anymore." Rabia's colleague, who gave her name as Zala, dreams of something completely different. The 30-year-old was learning French in Kabul before she was forced to stop and stay at home for three weeks after the takeover. "Good morning, take me to Paris," she said in broken French, as her five colleagues burst into laughter. "But not now. Today I am one of the last women of the airport."

12 female staff at Kabul airport brave fears to return to work

<p>Afghan crisis seems to be deepening day by day. Now, the Kabul's flea markets are buzzing with desperate Afghans, who are trying to leave the county or facing cash crunch in these difficult times. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghans are being forced to sell their belongings at low prices to fund their escape from Taliban rule or just to pay for food. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Afghan women post photos in traditional attire to protest Taliban's burqa order</strong></p>

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<p>There are several plates, glasses, kitchen appliances, 1990s television sets, old Singer sewing machines, rolled-up carpets, second-hand sofas and beds up for sale in these outdoor bazaars. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>After the Taliban took control of the country, Afghans say the job opportunities have dried up. The citizens are allowed to withdraw $200 per week only from bank accounts, which means cash is in short supply. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Mohammad Ehsan, a resident who was trying to sell two blankets, said, "We don't have anything to eat, we are poor and we are forced to sell these things."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uyghur-linked-etim-group-has-left-afghanistan-taliban-to-china-412735" hreflang="en">Uyghur-linked ETIM group has left Afghanistan: Taliban to China</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The building project where Ehsan worked as a labourer has been cancelled or put on hold. "Rich people were in Kabul, but now everybody has escaped," Ehsan told AFP. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Ehsan is one of many Afghans, who come to the flea markets, to sell what they can spare directly to buyers. They could be seen carrying their possessions on their backs or rolling them along on street carts. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Afghan crisis seems to be deepening day by day. Now, the Kabul's flea markets are buzzing with desperate Afghans, who are trying to leave the county or facing cash crunch in these difficult times.

Afghan crisis seems to be deepening day by day. Now, the Kabul's flea markets are buzzing with desperate Afghans, who are trying to leave the county or facing cash crunch in these difficult times. Afghans are being forced to sell their belongings at low prices to fund their escape from Taliban rule or just to pay for food. Watch: Afghan women post photos in traditional attire to protest Taliban's burqa order × There are several plates, glasses, kitchen appliances, 1990s television sets, old Singer sewing machines, rolled-up carpets, second-hand sofas and beds up for sale in these outdoor bazaars. After the Taliban took control of the country, Afghans say the job opportunities have dried up. The citizens are allowed to withdraw $200 per week only from bank accounts, which means cash is in short supply. Mohammad Ehsan, a resident who was trying to sell two blankets, said, "We don't have anything to eat, we are poor and we are forced to sell these things." Also Read | Uyghur-linked ETIM group has left Afghanistan: Taliban to China The building project where Ehsan worked as a labourer has been cancelled or put on hold. "Rich people were in Kabul, but now everybody has escaped," Ehsan told AFP. Ehsan is one of many Afghans, who come to the flea markets, to sell what they can spare directly to buyers. They could be seen carrying their possessions on their backs or rolling them along on street carts. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid cash crunch, fleeing Afghans sell possessions at Kabul's busy bazaars

Women under the Taliban 2.0 have emerged as a hope for resistance. A group of women gathered in Kabul and offered support towards Afghan resistance today.

Women under Taliban 2.0 emerge as hope for resistance

<p>Taliban fighters have taken over the glitzy Kabul mansion of one of their fiercest enemies -- the&nbsp;<strong>warlord</strong>&nbsp;and fugitive ex-vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum.</p>

<p>Now in the hands of rank and file Taliban fighters, the opulent villa has given the austere Islamists a peek into the lives of Afghanistan's former rulers, and they say the luxury is the proceeds of years of endemic corruption.</p>

<p>Along an endless corridor with a thick apple-green carpet, a young fighter sleeps slumped on a sofa, his Kalashnikov rifle resting against him, as exotic fish glide above him in one of seven giant tanks.</p>

<p>The fighter is part of the personal security detail of Qari Salahuddin Ayoubi -- one of the new regime's most powerful commanders -- who installed his company of 150 men in the mansion on August 15, the day Kabul fell.</p>

<p>The luxury AFP saw on a tour of the mansion would be unimaginable for most ordinary Afghans.</p>

<p>Huge glass chandeliers hang in cavernous halls, large soft sofas furnish a maze of lounges and an indoor swimming pool is finished with intricate turquoise tiles.</p>

<p>It even boasts a sauna, a Turkish steam bath and a fully equipped gym.</p>

<p>It is an out of this world experience for the new occupants, who for years sacrificed creature comforts for rebellion -- living on their wits in the plains, valleys and mountains of rural Afghanistan.</p>

<p>But the new head of the household -- now the military commander of four provinces -- makes it clear his men will not get used to the luxury.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Islam never wants us to have a luxurious life," Ayoubi told AFP, adding luxury comes in paradise, "the life after death". &nbsp;</p>

<h2>The thieves'&nbsp;quarter&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The mansion's owner, Dostum, is a notorious figure woven into the fabric of Afghanistan's recent history.</p>

<p>A former paratrooper, communist commander,&nbsp;warlord&nbsp;and vice president, he was the very definition of a cunning political survivor who weathered over four decades of conflict in war-torn Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite a series of war crimes linked to Dostum's forces, the former Afghan government hoped his military acumen and seething hatred of the Taliban would help them survive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But his stronghold was overrun and the greying 67-year-old fled across the border to Uzbekistan.</p>

<p>Dostum is widely suspected to have hugely profited from the corruption and embezzlement that discredited the former government.</p>

<p>Several officials illegally took land to build luxurious mansions in one neighbourhood, earning it the nickname "Thieves' Quarter" among locals.</p>

<p>In one wing of the enormous house, Taliban fighters relaxed in a massive tropical greenhouse of several hundred square metres under a huge glass roof.</p>

<p>That is overlooked by a mezzanine dominated by a dark wood bar -- a testament to the reported decadent tastes of a general renowned for a penchant for late nights and strong liquor.</p>

<p>The Taliban have good reason to hate Dostum.</p>

<p>In 2001, he was accused of killing more than 2,000 fighters -- locking many in containers in the middle of the desert where they suffocated under a scorching sun.</p>

<p>But Commander Ayoubi rejected any desire for revenge.</p>

<p>"If other people who had been oppressed like us came here, you would not have seen the chairs and tables. They might have destroyed them," he said.</p>

<p>But the new regime will not allow such luxury to be built with ill-gotten gains in the future, he said.</p>

<p>"We are on the side of the poor," he says, as dozens of visitors wait patiently in the corridor, idly watching the indifferent fish.</p>


Taliban fighters have taken over the glitzy Kabul mansion of one of their fiercest enemies -- the warlord and fugitive ex-vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum. Now in the hands of rank and file Taliban fighters, the opulent villa has given the austere Islamists a peek into the lives of Afghanistan's former rulers, and they say the luxury is the proceeds of years of endemic corruption.

Taliban fighters have taken over the glitzy Kabul mansion of one of their fiercest enemies -- the warlord and fugitive ex-vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum. Now in the hands of rank and file Taliban fighters, the opulent villa has given the austere Islamists a peek into the lives of Afghanistan's former rulers, and they say the luxury is the proceeds of years of endemic corruption. Along an endless corridor with a thick apple-green carpet, a young fighter sleeps slumped on a sofa, his Kalashnikov rifle resting against him, as exotic fish glide above him in one of seven giant tanks. The fighter is part of the personal security detail of Qari Salahuddin Ayoubi -- one of the new regime's most powerful commanders -- who installed his company of 150 men in the mansion on August 15, the day Kabul fell. The luxury AFP saw on a tour of the mansion would be unimaginable for most ordinary Afghans. Huge glass chandeliers hang in cavernous halls, large soft sofas furnish a maze of lounges and an indoor swimming pool is finished with intricate turquoise tiles. It even boasts a sauna, a Turkish steam bath and a fully equipped gym. It is an out of this world experience for the new occupants, who for years sacrificed creature comforts for rebellion -- living on their wits in the plains, valleys and mountains of rural Afghanistan. But the new head of the household -- now the military commander of four provinces -- makes it clear his men will not get used to the luxury. "Islam never wants us to have a luxurious life," Ayoubi told AFP, adding luxury comes in paradise, "the life after death". The thieves' quarter The mansion's owner, Dostum, is a notorious figure woven into the fabric of Afghanistan's recent history. A former paratrooper, communist commander, warlord and vice president, he was the very definition of a cunning political survivor who weathered over four decades of conflict in war-torn Afghanistan. Despite a series of war crimes linked to Dostum's forces, the former Afghan government hoped his military acumen and seething hatred of the Taliban would help them survive. But his stronghold was overrun and the greying 67-year-old fled across the border to Uzbekistan. Dostum is widely suspected to have hugely profited from the corruption and embezzlement that discredited the former government. Several officials illegally took land to build luxurious mansions in one neighbourhood, earning it the nickname "Thieves' Quarter" among locals. In one wing of the enormous house, Taliban fighters relaxed in a massive tropical greenhouse of several hundred square metres under a huge glass roof. That is overlooked by a mezzanine dominated by a dark wood bar -- a testament to the reported decadent tastes of a general renowned for a penchant for late nights and strong liquor. The Taliban have good reason to hate Dostum. In 2001, he was accused of killing more than 2,000 fighters -- locking many in containers in the middle of the desert where they suffocated under a scorching sun. But Commander Ayoubi rejected any desire for revenge. "If other people who had been oppressed like us came here, you would not have seen the chairs and tables. They might have destroyed them," he said. But the new regime will not allow such luxury to be built with ill-gotten gains in the future, he said. "We are on the side of the poor," he says, as dozens of visitors wait patiently in the corridor, idly watching the indifferent fish.

Warlord chic: Taliban make themselves at home in Dostum's mansion

On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, residents of Kabul reflect on the last two decades. Some Afghans claim that these years didn't change much on the ground, others say that the US abandoned them. WION's Anas Mallick brings you a ground report.

Kabul residents react on 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

<p>Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights from Islamabad to Kabul next week, a spokesman told AFP Saturday, becoming the first foreign commercial service since the Taliban seized power last month.</p>

<p>Kabul airport was severely damaged during a chaotic evacuation of over 120,000 people that ended with the withdrawal of US forces on August 30. The Taliban have been scrambling to get it operating again with Qatari technical assistance.</p>

<p>"We have got all technical clearances for flight operations," PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan told AFP.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wfp-93-of-afghans-do-not-eat-enough-food-412249"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wfp-93-of-afghans-do-not-eat-enough-food-412249/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Our first commercial plane... is scheduled to fly from Islamabad to Kabul on September 13."</p>

<p>Khan said the service would depend on demand.</p>

<p>"We have received 73 requests which is very encouraging... from humanitarian relief agencies and journalists," he said.</p>

<p>In the last two days Qatar Airways has operated two charter flights out of Kabul, carrying mostly foreigners and Afghans who missed being taken out during the evacuation.</p>

<p>An Afghan airline resumed domestic flights last week.</p>


Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights from Islamabad to Kabul next week, a spokesman told AFP Saturday, becoming the first foreign commercial service since the Taliban seized power last month.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights from Islamabad to Kabul next week, a spokesman told AFP Saturday, becoming the first foreign commercial service since the Taliban seized power last month. Kabul airport was severely damaged during a chaotic evacuation of over 120,000 people that ended with the withdrawal of US forces on August 30. The Taliban have been scrambling to get it operating again with Qatari technical assistance. "We have got all technical clearances for flight operations," PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan told AFP. WATCH | "Our first commercial plane... is scheduled to fly from Islamabad to Kabul on September 13." Khan said the service would depend on demand. "We have received 73 requests which is very encouraging... from humanitarian relief agencies and journalists," he said. In the last two days Qatar Airways has operated two charter flights out of Kabul, carrying mostly foreigners and Afghans who missed being taken out during the evacuation. An Afghan airline resumed domestic flights last week.

Pakistan's PIA to restart commercial flights to Kabul from Monday

<p>Australia Test captain Tim Paine believes it would be "impossible" for Afghanistan to compete in next month's T20 World Cup as other countries might refuse to play against them following Taliban's ban on women's cricket in the war-ravaged country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon after forming the interim government, the Taliban banned women from playing cricket or any others sports, casting doubts over Afghanistan men's team Test status. As per ICC rules, all Test playing nations must have a women's team as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paine backed the decision of Cricket Australia (CA) which all but confirmed on Thursday that the men team's season-opening Test against Afghanistan, slated to start on November 27, will be scrapped due to the Taliban's order.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-is-a-huge-financial-issue-hanging-over-the-game-nasser-hussain-on-fifth-test-being-called-off-412154">'IPL is a huge financial issue hanging over the game': Nasser Hussain on fifth Test being called off</a></strong></p>

<p>"I don't think we want to be associated with countries that are taking opportunities or things off literally half their population," Paine was quoted as saying on SEN radio.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'd imagine it's impossible (for Afghanistan to take part) if teams are pulling out of playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"How a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC-sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-releases-statement-over-cancellation-of-fifth-test-between-india-and-england-412114" hreflang="en">BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England</a></p>

<p>The ICC has flagged it won't discuss the issue until a board meeting in November, although pressure from members could potentially expedite things.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's sad. We've heard nothing from the ICC, which is fascinating given there is a T20 World Cup in just over a month's time," Paine said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan named its T20 World Cup squad on Thursday with Rashid Khan as the skipper, but the star spinner immediately resigned from captaincy, stating he was not consulted before picking the 15-member side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The T20 World Cup will be held in the UAE and Oman from October 17 to November 14.</p>


Australia Test captain Tim Paine believes it would be "impossible" for Afghanistan to compete in next month's T20 World Cup as other countries might refuse to play against them following Taliban's ban on women's cricket in the war-ravaged country.

Australia Test captain Tim Paine believes it would be "impossible" for Afghanistan to compete in next month's T20 World Cup as other countries might refuse to play against them following Taliban's ban on women's cricket in the war-ravaged country. Soon after forming the interim government, the Taliban banned women from playing cricket or any others sports, casting doubts over Afghanistan men's team Test status. As per ICC rules, all Test playing nations must have a women's team as well. Paine backed the decision of Cricket Australia (CA) which all but confirmed on Thursday that the men team's season-opening Test against Afghanistan, slated to start on November 27, will be scrapped due to the Taliban's order. ALSO READ | 'IPL is a huge financial issue hanging over the game': Nasser Hussain on fifth Test being called off "I don't think we want to be associated with countries that are taking opportunities or things off literally half their population," Paine was quoted as saying on SEN radio. "I'd imagine it's impossible (for Afghanistan to take part) if teams are pulling out of playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores. "How a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC-sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see," he added. ALSO READ: BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England The ICC has flagged it won't discuss the issue until a board meeting in November, although pressure from members could potentially expedite things. "It's sad. We've heard nothing from the ICC, which is fascinating given there is a T20 World Cup in just over a month's time," Paine said. Afghanistan named its T20 World Cup squad on Thursday with Rashid Khan as the skipper, but the star spinner immediately resigned from captaincy, stating he was not consulted before picking the 15-member side. The T20 World Cup will be held in the UAE and Oman from October 17 to November 14.

Looks impossible for Afghanistan to play in T20 World Cup: Tim Paine

It has been more than 10 days since the last American soldiers left Afghanistan. But there is still a little bit of America is thriving on the streets of the country. WION's Anas Mallick brings you a ground report from Kabul's bush market.

Kabul's bush market dwindles as US troop withdrawal

As the first commercial flight has arrived in Kabul and the Taliban authorities have agreed to allow 200 non-Afghans to leave the country, WION's Anas Mallick visited the Kabul airport to get us a better sense of the things on the ground.

WION Ground Report: Dozens of Westerners to fly from Kabul as first commercial flight arrives

Under the Taliban's new interim government, Afghanistan has woken up to a new order. The leadership had promised to be for the people, inclusive, representative. But recent reports coming out from Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan are suggesting the opposite.

Taliban begins governance over Afghanistan

<p>Some 200 passengers, including US citizens, left&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport on Thursday, on the first flight carrying foreigners out of the Afghan capital since a US-led evacuation ended on August 30.</p>

<p>The flight to Doha comes as the Taliban continue their transition from insurgents to governing power, less than a month after they marched into&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;and ousted former president Ashraf Ghani.</p>

<p>Thursday afternoon's Qatar Airways flight took some 200 people from&nbsp;Kabul's airport&nbsp;the first since a mammoth, chaotic airlift of more than 120,000 people came to a dramatic close with the US pullout.</p>

<p>An Afghan-American dual citizen, waiting to board the flight with his family, said the US State Department had called him in the morning and told him to go to the airport.</p>

<p>"We got in contact with the State Department, they gave me a call this morning and said to go to the airport," the father, who asked not to be named, told AFP.</p>

<p>In the days that followed the Taliban's blitz, the airport had become a tragic symbol of desperation among Afghans terrified of the militants' return to power&nbsp;with thousands of people crowding around its gates daily, and some even clinging to jets as they took off.</p>

<p>More than 100 people were killed, including 13 US troops, in a suicide attack on August 26 near the airport that was claimed by the Islamic State group's local chapter.</p>

<p><strong>Waiting with suitcases</strong></p>

<p>Footage broadcast by Al Jazeera TV on Thursday showed families including women, children and elderly people waiting with suitcases at the airport for their turn to leave.</p>

<p>It was not immediately clear whether any countries other than Qatar had played a role in organising the airlift.</p>

<p>Qatar has acted as the central intermediary between the Taliban and the international community in recent years, and numerous countries, including the United States, have relocated their embassies from&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;to Doha in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover.</p>

<p>"We are very appreciative of the Qataris," one man told the channel, giving his nationality as Canadian.</p>

<p>Away from the airport, there was a noticeably stronger Taliban presence on the streets of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;as armed fighters -- including special forces in military fatigues -- stood guard on street corners and manned checkpoints, according to AFP journalists.</p>

<p><strong>Protest ban</strong></p>

<p>Qatar's special envoy to Afghanistan, Mutlaq al-Qahtani, called it a "historic day" for the airport.</p>

<p>He also said it marked a major step on the road to "reopening ... the airport to international flights, but it may be gradual".</p>

<p>Most of the early Afghan evacuees were desperate to flee fearing Taliban reprisals for having worked with foreign powers during the 20-year, US-led occupation.</p>

<p>The United States has repeatedly pledged to continue working to evacuate any American citizens still in Afghanistan after last month's airlift ended.</p>

<p>Earlier Thursday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said only around 100 Americans remained in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"It's right around 100 right now and we're working to get those American citizens who want to depart out of the country, as well as legal permanent residents and other key partners," Psaki told MSNBC.</p>

<p>The Taliban have said they will not prevent anyone who wishes to from leaving the country, even as they have urged skilled Afghans, such as doctors and engineers, to remain.</p>

<p>The Islamist hardliners have pledged&nbsp;a more moderate brand of rule than in their notoriously oppressive 1996-2001 reign. However, they have shown clear signs that they will not tolerate opposition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week armed Taliban militants dispersed&nbsp;hundreds of protesters in cities across Afghanistan, including&nbsp;Kabul, Faizabad&nbsp;in the northeast and in Herat in the west, where two people were shot dead.</p>

<p>Late Wednesday, they moved to snuff out any further civil unrest, saying protests would need prior authorisation from the justice ministry, adding that no demonstrations were allowed "for the time being".</p>

<p>One protest organiser told AFP rallies in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;had been cancelled because of the overnight ban.</p>

<p><strong>Promises of inclusion</strong></p>

<p>A Taliban interim government, drawn exclusively from loyalist ranks, formally began work this week with established hardliners in all key posts and no women despite previous promises of an inclusive administration for all Afghans.</p>

<p>All the top positions have been handed to key leaders from the movement and in particular the Haqqani network -- the most violent Taliban faction, known for devastating attacks.</p>

<p>The dreaded Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice&nbsp;previously responsible for arresting and punishing people for failing to follow the movement's restrictive interpretation of sharia is being reinstated.</p>


Some 200 passengers, including US citizens, left Kabul airport on Thursday, on the first flight carrying foreigners out of the Afghan capital since a US-led evacuation ended on August 30.

Some 200 passengers, including US citizens, left Kabul airport on Thursday, on the first flight carrying foreigners out of the Afghan capital since a US-led evacuation ended on August 30. The flight to Doha comes as the Taliban continue their transition from insurgents to governing power, less than a month after they marched into Kabul and ousted former president Ashraf Ghani. Thursday afternoon's Qatar Airways flight took some 200 people from Kabul's airport the first since a mammoth, chaotic airlift of more than 120,000 people came to a dramatic close with the US pullout. An Afghan-American dual citizen, waiting to board the flight with his family, said the US State Department had called him in the morning and told him to go to the airport. "We got in contact with the State Department, they gave me a call this morning and said to go to the airport," the father, who asked not to be named, told AFP. In the days that followed the Taliban's blitz, the airport had become a tragic symbol of desperation among Afghans terrified of the militants' return to power with thousands of people crowding around its gates daily, and some even clinging to jets as they took off. More than 100 people were killed, including 13 US troops, in a suicide attack on August 26 near the airport that was claimed by the Islamic State group's local chapter. Waiting with suitcases Footage broadcast by Al Jazeera TV on Thursday showed families including women, children and elderly people waiting with suitcases at the airport for their turn to leave. It was not immediately clear whether any countries other than Qatar had played a role in organising the airlift. Qatar has acted as the central intermediary between the Taliban and the international community in recent years, and numerous countries, including the United States, have relocated their embassies from Kabul to Doha in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover. "We are very appreciative of the Qataris," one man told the channel, giving his nationality as Canadian. Away from the airport, there was a noticeably stronger Taliban presence on the streets of Kabul as armed fighters -- including special forces in military fatigues -- stood guard on street corners and manned checkpoints, according to AFP journalists. Protest ban Qatar's special envoy to Afghanistan, Mutlaq al-Qahtani, called it a "historic day" for the airport. He also said it marked a major step on the road to "reopening ... the airport to international flights, but it may be gradual". Most of the early Afghan evacuees were desperate to flee fearing Taliban reprisals for having worked with foreign powers during the 20-year, US-led occupation. The United States has repeatedly pledged to continue working to evacuate any American citizens still in Afghanistan after last month's airlift ended. Earlier Thursday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said only around 100 Americans remained in Afghanistan. "It's right around 100 right now and we're working to get those American citizens who want to depart out of the country, as well as legal permanent residents and other key partners," Psaki told MSNBC. The Taliban have said they will not prevent anyone who wishes to from leaving the country, even as they have urged skilled Afghans, such as doctors and engineers, to remain. The Islamist hardliners have pledged a more moderate brand of rule than in their notoriously oppressive 1996-2001 reign. However, they have shown clear signs that they will not tolerate opposition. Earlier this week armed Taliban militants dispersed hundreds of protesters in cities across Afghanistan, including Kabul, Faizabad in the northeast and in Herat in the west, where two people were shot dead. Late Wednesday, they moved to snuff out any further civil unrest, saying protests would need prior authorisation from the justice ministry, adding that no demonstrations were allowed "for the time being". One protest organiser told AFP rallies in Kabul had been cancelled because of the overnight ban. Promises of inclusion A Taliban interim government, drawn exclusively from loyalist ranks, formally began work this week with established hardliners in all key posts and no women despite previous promises of an inclusive administration for all Afghans. All the top positions have been handed to key leaders from the movement and in particular the Haqqani network -- the most violent Taliban faction, known for devastating attacks. The dreaded Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice previously responsible for arresting and punishing people for failing to follow the movement's restrictive interpretation of sharia is being reinstated.

First evacuation flight takes off from Kabul since US troop withdrawal

The Taliban has announced a ban on all protests in Kabul and other provinces in Afghanistan which have not got prior permission. The interim government added that any consequences for those who protest without approval would be their own responsibility.

Taliban bans unapproved protests and slogans across Afghanistan

The first commercial flight from Qatar Airways has arrived in Kabul. Taliban authorities have agreed to allow 200 Americans and several other foreign nationals still in Afghanistan to leave the country.

First commercial flight arrives at Kabul airport

Taliban authorities have agreed to allow 200 Americans and several other foreign nationals still in Afghanistan to leave the country, one week after US troops and government officials completed their evacuation operation from the country. WION's Anas Mallick brings you a report.

Taliban agrees to allow 200 Americans and other foreigners to leave Afghanistan

<p>In a sign that the Taliban may not be in a mood to allow vibrant,&nbsp;free media to flourish, horrific images of Afghan journalists beaten up and tortured by Taliban fighters have surfaced. Afghan newspaper Etilaat Roz has identified these journalists to be their employees.</p>

<p>Nematullah Naqdi and Taqi Daryabi, the journalists were reportedly targetted for covering anti-Taliban march organised by women in Kabul.</p>

<p>The images are disturbing. In one of the photos, the journalists have been clicked stripped down to their innerwear, their bodies showing scars and bruises.</p>

<p><img alt="Afghan journalists torture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ffc6ed6-9acc-4240-b83f-3d7fc7f57482" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9MG28C.jpg" /></p>

<p><em><strong>(Image source: AFP)</strong></em></p>

<p>Etilaat Roz said that the journalists were covering the women's protest when they were abducted, taken to different rooms, beaten up and tortured.</p>

<p>The LA Times said that three other journalists including local head of Euronews, a pan-European news network were also abducted. Several other journalists were arrested.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-beat-protesting-women-with-whip-order-internet-shutdown-in-some-areas-411825">Taliban beat protesting women with whip, order internet shutdown in some areas</a></strong></p>

<p>After seizing power in the country last month, Taliban has maintained that it would grant freedom of press but their actions have not been reflective of their words.</p>

<p>Lats month, a Tolo news reporter Ziar Yaad Khan was believed to have been killed. Later it was revealed that he was held at gunpoint and assaulted by the Taliban.</p>

<p>A number of media personalities and journalists, including women journalists have been killed in Afghanistan ever since US pullout was declared.</p>


In a sign that the Taliban may not be in a mood to allow vibrant, free media to flourish, horrific images of Afghan journalists beaten up and tortured by Taliban fighters have surfaced.

In a sign that the Taliban may not be in a mood to allow vibrant, free media to flourish, horrific images of Afghan journalists beaten up and tortured by Taliban fighters have surfaced. Afghan newspaper Etilaat Roz has identified these journalists to be their employees. Nematullah Naqdi and Taqi Daryabi, the journalists were reportedly targetted for covering anti-Taliban march organised by women in Kabul. The images are disturbing. In one of the photos, the journalists have been clicked stripped down to their innerwear, their bodies showing scars and bruises. (Image source: AFP) Etilaat Roz said that the journalists were covering the women's protest when they were abducted, taken to different rooms, beaten up and tortured. The LA Times said that three other journalists including local head of Euronews, a pan-European news network were also abducted. Several other journalists were arrested. Also Read: Taliban beat protesting women with whip, order internet shutdown in some areas After seizing power in the country last month, Taliban has maintained that it would grant freedom of press but their actions have not been reflective of their words. Lats month, a Tolo news reporter Ziar Yaad Khan was believed to have been killed. Later it was revealed that he was held at gunpoint and assaulted by the Taliban. A number of media personalities and journalists, including women journalists have been killed in Afghanistan ever since US pullout was declared.

Taliban brutally flog and torture Afghan journalists for covering women's protests

<p>Days after leaving Afghanistan “abruptly” following the hostile takeover of Kabul by the Taliban insurgents, former president Ashraf Ghani apologised to the Afghan people saying that “it was the only way to keep the guns silent and save Kabul and her 6 million citizens”.</p>

<p>In a statement released on Twitter on Wednesday, Ghani said leaving Kabul was "the most difficult decision of my life", while adding that he did so on the&nbsp;advice of the presidential palace security officials.</p>

<p><strong>Have a look |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-fighter-points-gun-at-afghan-woman-protesting-against-non-inclusive-government-411547">In pics-Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against new govt</a></p>

<p>“I owe the Afghan people an explanation for leaving Kabul abruptly on August 15th after Taliban unexpectedly. entered the city. I left at the urging of the palace security who advised me that to remain risked setting off the same horrific street-to-street fighting the city had suffered during the civil war of the 1990s.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/countries-including-us-respond-to-talibans-new-government-formation-411592/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“Leaving Kabul was the most difficult decision of my life, but I believed it was the only way to keep the guns silent and save Kabul and her 6 million citizens. I have devoted 20 years of my life to helping the Afghan people work toward building a democratic, prosperous, and sovereign state — it was never my intent to abandon the people or that vision,” he said.</p>

<p>Ghani, along with his ministers, fled Afghanistan on August 15 after the Taliban took control of Kabul. Days after leaving Afghanistan, Ghani and his family were granted asylum in the United Arab Emirates on ‘humanitarian grounds'.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Statement 8 September 2021 <a href="https://t.co/5yKXWIdLfM">pic.twitter.com/5yKXWIdLfM</a></p>
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1435587942228140039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Responding to the claims of Nikita Ishchenko, a spokesman for the Russian embassy in Kabul, that he left Afghanistan with four cars and a helicopter full of cash belonging to Afghan people, Ghani said, “These charges are completely and categorically false. Corruption is a plague that has crippled our country for decades and fighting corruption has been a central focus of my efforts as president. I inherited a monster that could not easily or quickly be defeated.”</p>

<p>He said that he would welcome any official audit or investigation under the UN to verify his claims.</p>

<p>“My wife and I have been scrupulous in our personal finances. I have publicly declared all of my assets. My wife's family inheritance has also been disclosed and remains listed in her home country of Lebanon. I welcome an official audit or financial investigation under UN auspices or any other appropriate independent body to prove the veracity of my statements here,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-are-the-talibans-new-government-leaders-heres-what-we-know-411647">Who are the Taliban’s new government leaders? Here’s what we know</a></p>

<p>Ghani then ended the statement, saying, “I offer my profound appreciation and respect for the sacrifice of all Afghans, especially our Afghan soldiers and their families, through the last forty years. It is with deep and profound regret that my own chapter ended in similar tragedy to my predecessors —without ensuring stability and prosperity. I apologize to the Afghan people that I could not make it end differently. My commitment to the Afghan people has never wavered and will guide me for the rest of my life.”</p>


Days after leaving Afghanistan “abruptly” following the hostile takeover of Kabul by the Taliban insurgents, former president Ashraf Ghani apologised to the Afghan people saying that “it was the only way to keep the guns silent and save Kabul and her 6 million citizens”.

Days after leaving Afghanistan “abruptly” following the hostile takeover of Kabul by the Taliban insurgents, former president Ashraf Ghani apologised to the Afghan people saying that “it was the only way to keep the guns silent and save Kabul and her 6 million citizens”. In a statement released on Twitter on Wednesday, Ghani said leaving Kabul was "the most difficult decision of my life", while adding that he did so on the advice of the presidential palace security officials. Have a look | In pics-Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against new govt “I owe the Afghan people an explanation for leaving Kabul abruptly on August 15th after Taliban unexpectedly. entered the city. I left at the urging of the palace security who advised me that to remain risked setting off the same horrific street-to-street fighting the city had suffered during the civil war of the 1990s.” Watch “Leaving Kabul was the most difficult decision of my life, but I believed it was the only way to keep the guns silent and save Kabul and her 6 million citizens. I have devoted 20 years of my life to helping the Afghan people work toward building a democratic, prosperous, and sovereign state — it was never my intent to abandon the people or that vision,” he said. Ghani, along with his ministers, fled Afghanistan on August 15 after the Taliban took control of Kabul. Days after leaving Afghanistan, Ghani and his family were granted asylum in the United Arab Emirates on ‘humanitarian grounds'. Statement 8 September 2021 pic.twitter.com/5yKXWIdLfM — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) September 8, 2021 × Responding to the claims of Nikita Ishchenko, a spokesman for the Russian embassy in Kabul, that he left Afghanistan with four cars and a helicopter full of cash belonging to Afghan people, Ghani said, “These charges are completely and categorically false. Corruption is a plague that has crippled our country for decades and fighting corruption has been a central focus of my efforts as president. I inherited a monster that could not easily or quickly be defeated.” He said that he would welcome any official audit or investigation under the UN to verify his claims. “My wife and I have been scrupulous in our personal finances. I have publicly declared all of my assets. My wife's family inheritance has also been disclosed and remains listed in her home country of Lebanon. I welcome an official audit or financial investigation under UN auspices or any other appropriate independent body to prove the veracity of my statements here,” he said. Also read | Who are the Taliban’s new government leaders? Here’s what we know Ghani then ended the statement, saying, “I offer my profound appreciation and respect for the sacrifice of all Afghans, especially our Afghan soldiers and their families, through the last forty years. It is with deep and profound regret that my own chapter ended in similar tragedy to my predecessors —without ensuring stability and prosperity. I apologize to the Afghan people that I could not make it end differently. My commitment to the Afghan people has never wavered and will guide me for the rest of my life.”

Afghan ex-president Ghani apologises for leaving 'abruptly', denies taking 'millions of cash' with him

Hundreds of Afghans took to the streets today. They chanted slogans like "death to the Taliban" and accused Pakistan of invading Afghanistan. Palki Sharma tells you how the demand to #ProbePakForPanjshir is gathering steam.

Gravitas: Afghans take to the streets, demand "death to Pakistan"

The Taliban on Tuesday fired shots into the air to disperse crowds who had gathered for an anti-Pakistan rally in Kabul. Afghans rallied outside the Pakistani embassy, holding banners and chanting against what they said was meddling by Islamabad.

Taliban fire shots to disperse anti-Pakistan rally in Kabul

The US evacuated four Americans from Afghanistan via an overland route. This is the first US extraction since pullout. Roughly, 124,000 people were evacuated by US from Kabul last month.

US evacuates Americans from Afghanistan after troop withdrawal

<p>Over two decades, the United States and its allies spent hundreds of millions of dollars building databases for the Afghan people. The nobly stated goal: Promote law and order and government accountability and modernize a war-ravaged land.</p>

<p>But in the Taliban's lightning seizure of power, most of that digital apparatus,&nbsp;including biometrics for verifying identities,&nbsp;apparently fell into the Taliban hands. Built with few data-protection safeguards, it risks becoming the high-tech jackboots of a surveillance state. As the Taliban get their governing feet, there are worries it will be used for social control and to punish perceived foes.</p>

<p>Putting such data to work constructively boosting education, empowering women, battling corruption&nbsp;requires democratic stability, and these systems were not architected for the prospect of defeat.</p>

<p>"It is a terrible irony,"&nbsp;said Frank Pasquale, Brooklyn Law School scholar of surveillance technologies. "It's a real object lesson in The road to hell is paved with good intentions.'"</p>

<p>Since Kabul fell August&nbsp;15, indications have emerged that government data may have been used in Taliban efforts to identify and intimidate Afghans who worked with the US&nbsp;Forces.</p>

<p>People are getting ominous and threatening phone calls, texts and WhatsApp messages, said Neesha Suarez, constituent services director for Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, an Iraq War veteran whose office is trying to help stranded Afghans who worked with the U.S. Find a way out.</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-open-fire-to-disperse-demonstrators-who-chant-anti-pakistan-slogans-in-kabul-411312">Taliban open fire to disperse demonstrators who chant anti-Pakistan slogans in Kabul</a></p>

<p>A 27-year-old US&nbsp;Contractor in Kabul told The Associated Press he and co-workers who developed a US-funded database used to manage army and police payrolls got phone calls summoning them to the Defense Ministry. He is in hiding, changing his location daily, he said, asking not to be identified for his safety.</p>

<p>In victory, the Taliban's leaders say they are not interested in retribution. Restoring international aid and getting foreign-held assets unfrozen are a priority. There are few signs of the draconian restrictions "especially on women"&nbsp;they imposed when they ruled from 1996 to 2001. There are also no indications that Afghans who worked with Americans have been systematically persecuted.</p>

<p>Ali Karimi, a University of Pennsylvania scholar, is among Afghans unready to trust the Taliban. He worries the databases will give rigid fundamentalist theocrats, known during their insurgency for ruthlessly killing enemy collaborators, "the same capability as an average US&nbsp;Government agency when it comes to surveillance and interception.? The Taliban are on notice that the world will be watching how they wield the data.</p>

<p><strong>Watch</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/taliban-and-china-representatives-meet-in-kabul-discuss-bilateral-issues-411311/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"All Afghans and their international partners have an obligation together to ensure sensitive government data only be used for development purposes&nbsp;and not for policing or social control by the Taliban or to serve other governments in the region, said Nader Nadery," a peace negotiator and head of the civil service commission in the former government.</p>

<p>Uncertain for the moment is the fate of one of the most sensitive databases, the one used to pay soldiers and police.</p>

<p>The Afghan Personnel and Pay System has data on more than 700,000 security forces members dating back 40 years, said a senior security official from the fallen government. Its more than 40 data fields include birth dates, phone numbers, fathers' and grandfathers' names, fingerprints and iris and face scans, said two Afghan contractors who worked on it, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.</p>

<p>Only authorized users can access that system, so if the Taliban can't find one, they can be expected to try to hack it, said the former official, who asked not to be identified for fear of the safety of relatives in Kabul. He expected Pakistan's ISI intelligence service, long the Taliban's patron, to render technical assistance. US&nbsp;Analysts expect Chinese, Russian and Iranian intelligence also to offer such services.</p>

<p>Originally conceived to fight payroll fraud, that system was supposed to interface eventually with a powerful database at the Defense and Interior ministries modelled on one the Pentagon created in 2004 to achieve identity "dominance"&nbsp;by collecting fingerprints and iris and face scans in combat areas.</p>

<p>But the homegrown Afghanistan Automated Biometric Identification Database grew from a tool to vet army and police recruits for loyalty to contain 8.5 million records, including on government foes and the civilian population. When Kabul fell it was being upgraded, along with a similar database in Iraq, under a $75 million contract signed in 2018.<br />
US&nbsp;Officials say it was secured before the Taliban could access it.</p>

<p>Before the US&nbsp;pullout, the entire database was erased with military-grade data-wiping software, said William Graves, chief engineer at the Pentagon's biometrics project management office.</p>

<p>Similarly, 20 years of data collected from telecommunications and internet intercepts since 2001 by Afghanistan's intelligence agency were wiped clean, said the former Afghan security official.</p>

<p>Among crucial databases that remained are the Afghanistan Financial Management Information System, which held extensive details on foreign contractors, and an Economy Ministry database that compiled all international development and aid agency funding sources, the former security official said.</p>

<p>Then there is the data with iris scans and fingerprints for about 9 million Afghans&nbsp;controlled by the National Statistics and Information Agency. A biometric scan has been required in recent years to obtain a passport or a driver's license and to take a civil service or university entrance exam.</p>

<p>Western aid organizations led by the World Bank, one of the funders, praised the data's utility for empowering women, especially in registering land ownership and obtaining bank loans. The agency was working to create electronic national IDs, known as e-Tazkira, in an unfinished project somewhat modelled on India's biometrically enabled Aadhaar national ID.</p>

<p>"That's the treasure chest,"&nbsp;said a Western election assistance official, speaking on condition of anonymity so as not to jeopardize future missions.</p>

<p>"It is unclear whether voter registration databases&nbsp;records on more than 8 million Afghan"&nbsp;are in Taliban hands, the official said. Full printouts were made during the 2019 presidential elections, though the biometric records used then for anti-fraud voter verification were retained by the German technology provider. After the 2018 parliamentary elections, 5,000 portable biometric handhelds used for verification went inexplicably missing.</p>

<p>Yet another database the Taliban inherit contains iris and face scans and fingerprints on 420,000 government employees&nbsp;another anti-fraud measure&nbsp;which Nadery oversaw as civil service commissioner. It was eventually to have been merged with the e-Tazkira database, he said.</p>

<p>On August&nbsp;3, a government website touted the digital accomplishments of President Ashraf Ghani, who would soon flee into exile, saying biometric information on all civil servants, from every corner of the country" would allow them to them to be linked "under one umbrella"&nbsp;with banks and cellphone carriers for electronic payment. U.N. Agencies have also collected biometrics on Afghans for food distribution and refugee tracking.</p>

<p>The central agglomeration of such personal data is exactly what worries the 37 digital civil liberties groups who signed an Aug. 25 letter calling for the urgent shutdown and erasure, where possible, of Afghanistan's digital identity tool,&nbsp;among other measures. The letter said authoritarian regimes have exploited such data to target vulnerable people&nbsp;and digitized, searchable databases amplify the risks. Disputes over including ethnicity and religion in the e-Tazkira database&nbsp;for fear it could put digital bullseyes on minorities, as China has done in repressing its ethnic Uyghurs&nbsp;delayed its creation for most of a decade.</p>

<p>John Woodward, a Boston University professor and former CIA officer who pioneered the Pentagon's biometric collection, is worried about intelligence agencies hostile to the United States getting access to the data troves.</p>

<p>"ISI (Pakistani intelligence) would be interested to know who worked for the Americans,"&nbsp;said Woodward, and China, Russia and Iran have their own agendas. Their agents certainly have the technical chops to break into password-protected databases.</p>


Over two decades, the United States and its allies spent hundreds of millions of dollars building databases for the Afghan people. The nobly stated goal: Promote law and order and government accountability and modernize a war-ravaged land.

Over two decades, the United States and its allies spent hundreds of millions of dollars building databases for the Afghan people. The nobly stated goal: Promote law and order and government accountability and modernize a war-ravaged land. But in the Taliban's lightning seizure of power, most of that digital apparatus, including biometrics for verifying identities, apparently fell into the Taliban hands. Built with few data-protection safeguards, it risks becoming the high-tech jackboots of a surveillance state. As the Taliban get their governing feet, there are worries it will be used for social control and to punish perceived foes. Putting such data to work constructively boosting education, empowering women, battling corruption requires democratic stability, and these systems were not architected for the prospect of defeat. "It is a terrible irony," said Frank Pasquale, Brooklyn Law School scholar of surveillance technologies. "It's a real object lesson in The road to hell is paved with good intentions.'" Since Kabul fell August 15, indications have emerged that government data may have been used in Taliban efforts to identify and intimidate Afghans who worked with the US Forces. People are getting ominous and threatening phone calls, texts and WhatsApp messages, said Neesha Suarez, constituent services director for Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, an Iraq War veteran whose office is trying to help stranded Afghans who worked with the U.S. Find a way out. Also read | Taliban open fire to disperse demonstrators who chant anti-Pakistan slogans in Kabul A 27-year-old US Contractor in Kabul told The Associated Press he and co-workers who developed a US-funded database used to manage army and police payrolls got phone calls summoning them to the Defense Ministry. He is in hiding, changing his location daily, he said, asking not to be identified for his safety. In victory, the Taliban's leaders say they are not interested in retribution. Restoring international aid and getting foreign-held assets unfrozen are a priority. There are few signs of the draconian restrictions "especially on women" they imposed when they ruled from 1996 to 2001. There are also no indications that Afghans who worked with Americans have been systematically persecuted. Ali Karimi, a University of Pennsylvania scholar, is among Afghans unready to trust the Taliban. He worries the databases will give rigid fundamentalist theocrats, known during their insurgency for ruthlessly killing enemy collaborators, "the same capability as an average US Government agency when it comes to surveillance and interception.? The Taliban are on notice that the world will be watching how they wield the data. Watch "All Afghans and their international partners have an obligation together to ensure sensitive government data only be used for development purposes and not for policing or social control by the Taliban or to serve other governments in the region, said Nader Nadery," a peace negotiator and head of the civil service commission in the former government. Uncertain for the moment is the fate of one of the most sensitive databases, the one used to pay soldiers and police. The Afghan Personnel and Pay System has data on more than 700,000 security forces members dating back 40 years, said a senior security official from the fallen government. Its more than 40 data fields include birth dates, phone numbers, fathers' and grandfathers' names, fingerprints and iris and face scans, said two Afghan contractors who worked on it, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. Only authorized users can access that system, so if the Taliban can't find one, they can be expected to try to hack it, said the former official, who asked not to be identified for fear of the safety of relatives in Kabul. He expected Pakistan's ISI intelligence service, long the Taliban's patron, to render technical assistance. US Analysts expect Chinese, Russian and Iranian intelligence also to offer such services. Originally conceived to fight payroll fraud, that system was supposed to interface eventually with a powerful database at the Defense and Interior ministries modelled on one the Pentagon created in 2004 to achieve identity "dominance" by collecting fingerprints and iris and face scans in combat areas. But the homegrown Afghanistan Automated Biometric Identification Database grew from a tool to vet army and police recruits for loyalty to contain 8.5 million records, including on government foes and the civilian population. When Kabul fell it was being upgraded, along with a similar database in Iraq, under a $75 million contract signed in 2018. US Officials say it was secured before the Taliban could access it. Before the US pullout, the entire database was erased with military-grade data-wiping software, said William Graves, chief engineer at the Pentagon's biometrics project management office. Similarly, 20 years of data collected from telecommunications and internet intercepts since 2001 by Afghanistan's intelligence agency were wiped clean, said the former Afghan security official. Among crucial databases that remained are the Afghanistan Financial Management Information System, which held extensive details on foreign contractors, and an Economy Ministry database that compiled all international development and aid agency funding sources, the former security official said. Then there is the data with iris scans and fingerprints for about 9 million Afghans controlled by the National Statistics and Information Agency. A biometric scan has been required in recent years to obtain a passport or a driver's license and to take a civil service or university entrance exam. Western aid organizations led by the World Bank, one of the funders, praised the data's utility for empowering women, especially in registering land ownership and obtaining bank loans. The agency was working to create electronic national IDs, known as e-Tazkira, in an unfinished project somewhat modelled on India's biometrically enabled Aadhaar national ID. "That's the treasure chest," said a Western election assistance official, speaking on condition of anonymity so as not to jeopardize future missions. "It is unclear whether voter registration databases records on more than 8 million Afghan" are in Taliban hands, the official said. Full printouts were made during the 2019 presidential elections, though the biometric records used then for anti-fraud voter verification were retained by the German technology provider. After the 2018 parliamentary elections, 5,000 portable biometric handhelds used for verification went inexplicably missing. Yet another database the Taliban inherit contains iris and face scans and fingerprints on 420,000 government employees another anti-fraud measure which Nadery oversaw as civil service commissioner. It was eventually to have been merged with the e-Tazkira database, he said. On August 3, a government website touted the digital accomplishments of President Ashraf Ghani, who would soon flee into exile, saying biometric information on all civil servants, from every corner of the country" would allow them to them to be linked "under one umbrella" with banks and cellphone carriers for electronic payment. U.N. Agencies have also collected biometrics on Afghans for food distribution and refugee tracking. The central agglomeration of such personal data is exactly what worries the 37 digital civil liberties groups who signed an Aug. 25 letter calling for the urgent shutdown and erasure, where possible, of Afghanistan's digital identity tool, among other measures. The letter said authoritarian regimes have exploited such data to target vulnerable people and digitized, searchable databases amplify the risks. Disputes over including ethnicity and religion in the e-Tazkira database for fear it could put digital bullseyes on minorities, as China has done in repressing its ethnic Uyghurs delayed its creation for most of a decade. John Woodward, a Boston University professor and former CIA officer who pioneered the Pentagon's biometric collection, is worried about intelligence agencies hostile to the United States getting access to the data troves. "ISI (Pakistani intelligence) would be interested to know who worked for the Americans," said Woodward, and China, Russia and Iran have their own agendas. Their agents certainly have the technical chops to break into password-protected databases.

US-built databases a potential tool of Taliban repression

Hundreds of Afghans took to the streets of Kabul in an anti-Pakistan rally in which they chanted slogans against Islamabad. As the protests intensified, the Taliban opened fire on the rally.

Hundreds of Afghans took to the streets of Kabul to protest against Pakistan

<p>Amid tensions in Afghanistan, actor Michael Ealy has given a touching tribute to his wife Khatrina Rafiqzada, who is a native of Kabul.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The actor took to Instagram to write a long post and stated that this has been the hardest moment that he has witnessed her go through in all these years.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“My love,” his message begins. “This may have been one of the hardest moments I’ve ever witnessed for you. I’ve struggled to find the words about the situation in Kabul. I can only talk about what I see on the ground here.”<br />
The actor revealed that Rafiqzada suffered postpartum depression after having both their children but that it "simply can’t compare to watching your birthplace fall apart. I imagine this loss has a lot to do with the nostalgia of your childhood, and for that, I’m so sorry.”<br />
<br />
“I’ve felt your sense of loss, confusion, and hurt,” Ealy wrote. “I’ve witnessed you crying in the corner alone just to gather yourself.” The actor revealed that Rafiqzada has turned rooms in their home into “mini command centers,” noting that she is trying to sponsor Afghan families and locate family members.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTdLyyeBCf1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Michael Ealy (@themichaelealy)</a></p>
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<p>“The devastation you endured the last few weeks has been undeniable,” he continued. “I pray that you have felt seen, heard, supported &amp; free in your space here to be vulnerable and whatever else you needed. I’ve seen you try to put into words what this ALL means. The worst part may have been watching you try to explain this devastation to Elijah,” their son.<br />
<br />
“We love you and we are with u always,” Ealy contended. “People even reached out to me to check on you and some sent flowers! I’m grateful for all of their well wishes, thoughts, and prayers. For many of them, you were the only Afghan they’ve ever met.”<br />
<br />
Ealy and Rafiqzada married in 2012. A former actress, Rafiqzada fled Afghanistan with her parents when she was 12 years old. Her family was sponsored for citizenship by Catholic Charities as victims of war.<br />
<br />
Earlier in 2017, Rafiqzada had posted on Instagram, she wrote that she loved her childhood “and bc war hadn’t yet made it to our backyard, I couldn’t understand why we left my country.”&nbsp;</p>


Amid tensions in Afghanistan, actor Michael Ealy has given a touching tribute to his wife Khatrina Rafiqzada, who is a native of Kabul. The actor took to Instagram to write a long post and stated that this has been the hardest moment that he has witnessed her go through in all these years.

Amid tensions in Afghanistan, actor Michael Ealy has given a touching tribute to his wife Khatrina Rafiqzada, who is a native of Kabul. The actor took to Instagram to write a long post and stated that this has been the hardest moment that he has witnessed her go through in all these years. “My love,” his message begins. “This may have been one of the hardest moments I’ve ever witnessed for you. I’ve struggled to find the words about the situation in Kabul. I can only talk about what I see on the ground here.” The actor revealed that Rafiqzada suffered postpartum depression after having both their children but that it "simply can’t compare to watching your birthplace fall apart. I imagine this loss has a lot to do with the nostalgia of your childhood, and for that, I’m so sorry.” “I’ve felt your sense of loss, confusion, and hurt,” Ealy wrote. “I’ve witnessed you crying in the corner alone just to gather yourself.” The actor revealed that Rafiqzada has turned rooms in their home into “mini command centers,” noting that she is trying to sponsor Afghan families and locate family members. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Ealy (@themichaelealy) × “The devastation you endured the last few weeks has been undeniable,” he continued. “I pray that you have felt seen, heard, supported & free in your space here to be vulnerable and whatever else you needed. I’ve seen you try to put into words what this ALL means. The worst part may have been watching you try to explain this devastation to Elijah,” their son. “We love you and we are with u always,” Ealy contended. “People even reached out to me to check on you and some sent flowers! I’m grateful for all of their well wishes, thoughts, and prayers. For many of them, you were the only Afghan they’ve ever met.” Ealy and Rafiqzada married in 2012. A former actress, Rafiqzada fled Afghanistan with her parents when she was 12 years old. Her family was sponsored for citizenship by Catholic Charities as victims of war. Earlier in 2017, Rafiqzada had posted on Instagram, she wrote that she loved her childhood “and bc war hadn’t yet made it to our backyard, I couldn’t understand why we left my country.”

Actor Michael Ealy pays warm tribute to Afghan wife amid Kabul violence

22 days after marching into Kabul, the Taliban are yet to announce a government. Reports say internal fighting over key positions is delaying the announcement. Palki Sharma decoded the fight within the Taliban.

Gravitas: Infighting delays Taliban government formation

About 1,000 people, including Americans and Afghans holding visas for the US and other countries, are still stuck in Afghanistan. 6 days after the US troops withdrawal many people await the Taliban clearance for flights out of the country.

Over 1,000 await Taliban clearance for flights out of Afghanistan

<p>At least two people were killed and many injured during a celebratory firing on Friday in Kabul, local media said on Saturday, after Taliban sources claimed that they have seized control of Panjshir, the last province resisting&nbsp;the Islamist group.</p>

<p>According to TOLO news, the "aerial shooting" killed two people and wounded three&nbsp;last night.</p>

<p>The incident was heavily criticised by Taliban leader Zabihullah Mujahid.</p>

<p>"Avoid shooting in the air and thank God instead," Mujahid said on Twitter. "Bullets can harm civilians, so don't shoot unnecessarily."</p>

<p>Leaders of opposition to the Taliban, meanwhile, denied that the province has fallen. Ahmad Massoud, son of the late Ahmad Shah Massoud and leader of the Resistance Front which has been leading battles in several provinces, including Panjshir, said that the people will never give up the resistance or fighting for their rights.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-is-our-most-important-partner-says-taliban-spokesperson-zabihullah-mujahid-410510">&nbsp;China is our most important partner, says Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid</a></p>

<p>On Saturday, Massoud wrote on Facebook that the Afghan people are fighting for freedom and justice and will never give up resistance.</p>

<p>According to Massoud, the resistance is not limited to Panjshir, but includes Afghan women who have also continued their struggle for their rights.</p>

<p>“The Panjshir resistance, which has stood firm until now, or our zealous sisters’ resistance in Herat who have raised their voice for their rights, shows that the people have not given up their legitimate demands and will not give up their legitimate resistance and will not be afraid of any threats,” the Facebook post reads.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least two people were killed and many injured during a celebratory firing on Friday in Kabul, local media said on Saturday, after Taliban sources claimed that they have seized control of Panjshir, the last province resisting the Islamist group.

At least two people were killed and many injured during a celebratory firing on Friday in Kabul, local media said on Saturday, after Taliban sources claimed that they have seized control of Panjshir, the last province resisting the Islamist group. According to TOLO news, the "aerial shooting" killed two people and wounded three last night. The incident was heavily criticised by Taliban leader Zabihullah Mujahid. "Avoid shooting in the air and thank God instead," Mujahid said on Twitter. "Bullets can harm civilians, so don't shoot unnecessarily." Leaders of opposition to the Taliban, meanwhile, denied that the province has fallen. Ahmad Massoud, son of the late Ahmad Shah Massoud and leader of the Resistance Front which has been leading battles in several provinces, including Panjshir, said that the people will never give up the resistance or fighting for their rights. Also read | China is our most important partner, says Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid On Saturday, Massoud wrote on Facebook that the Afghan people are fighting for freedom and justice and will never give up resistance. According to Massoud, the resistance is not limited to Panjshir, but includes Afghan women who have also continued their struggle for their rights. “The Panjshir resistance, which has stood firm until now, or our zealous sisters’ resistance in Herat who have raised their voice for their rights, shows that the people have not given up their legitimate demands and will not give up their legitimate resistance and will not be afraid of any threats,” the Facebook post reads. (With inputs from agencies)

2 killed, several injured in celebratory firing in Kabul

<p>Former vice president and the self-declared caretaker of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, has called on the United Nations and the international community to “rapidly and generously” respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Panjshir Valley—the last province resisting&nbsp;the Taliban.</p>

<p>In a letter to the UN, Saleh, who is leading the resistance force against the militia group, said, “Around 2,50,000 people, including local women, children, elderly and 10,000 IDPs who arrived in Panjshir after the fall of Kabul and other large cities are stuck inside these Valleys and suffering from the consequences of this inhuman blocked. If no attention is paid to this situation, a full scale human rights and humanitarian catastrophe including starvation and mass killing, even genocide of these people are in the making.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From the office of the acting President <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmrullahSaleh2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panjshir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panjshir</a> <a href="https://t.co/y5ogsMS7Rt">pic.twitter.com/y5ogsMS7Rt</a></p>
— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsarwary/status/1434256459295035393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Calling for help, Saleh said, “Two decades of conflicts, recurrent natural disasters, disease outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic and recent takeover of most of the country by Taliban has plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. We call on the United Nations and the international community to do its utmost to prevent Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province.”</p>

<p>Panjshir Valley, which is 150 kilometres north of Kabul near the Hindu Kush mountain range, is facing an intense battle between the Taliban and resistance forces. Both sides claimed to have the upper hand, but neither have conclusive evidence to prove it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-600-taliban-fighters-killed-in-panjshir-clashes-against-resistance-forces-410830">At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces</a></p>

<p>Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said Khinj and Unabah districts had been seized, giving the Taliban forces control of four of the province’s seven districts.</p>

<p>"The Mujahideen (Taliban fighters) are advancing toward the centre (of the province)," he said on Twitter.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-fighting-in-panjshir-valley-an-hour-from-kabul-410714"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-fighting-in-panjshir-valley-an-hour-from-kabul-410714/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>But the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, led by Ahmad Massoud and Saleh, said it surrounded “thousands of terrorists” in Khawak pass and the Taliban had abandoned vehicles and equipment in the Dashte Rewak area.</p>

<p>Moreover, there are reports that at least 600 Taliban militants have been killed in clashes against the resistance forces.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former vice president and the self-declared caretaker of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, has called on the United Nations and the international community to “rapidly and generously” respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Panjshir Valley—the last province resisting the Taliban.

Former vice president and the self-declared caretaker of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, has called on the United Nations and the international community to “rapidly and generously” respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Panjshir Valley—the last province resisting the Taliban. In a letter to the UN, Saleh, who is leading the resistance force against the militia group, said, “Around 2,50,000 people, including local women, children, elderly and 10,000 IDPs who arrived in Panjshir after the fall of Kabul and other large cities are stuck inside these Valleys and suffering from the consequences of this inhuman blocked. If no attention is paid to this situation, a full scale human rights and humanitarian catastrophe including starvation and mass killing, even genocide of these people are in the making.” From the office of the acting President @AmrullahSaleh2 #Panjshir pic.twitter.com/y5ogsMS7Rt — BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) September 4, 2021 × Calling for help, Saleh said, “Two decades of conflicts, recurrent natural disasters, disease outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic and recent takeover of most of the country by Taliban has plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. We call on the United Nations and the international community to do its utmost to prevent Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province.” Panjshir Valley, which is 150 kilometres north of Kabul near the Hindu Kush mountain range, is facing an intense battle between the Taliban and resistance forces. Both sides claimed to have the upper hand, but neither have conclusive evidence to prove it. Also read | At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said Khinj and Unabah districts had been seized, giving the Taliban forces control of four of the province’s seven districts. "The Mujahideen (Taliban fighters) are advancing toward the centre (of the province)," he said on Twitter. WATCH | But the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, led by Ahmad Massoud and Saleh, said it surrounded “thousands of terrorists” in Khawak pass and the Taliban had abandoned vehicles and equipment in the Dashte Rewak area. Moreover, there are reports that at least 600 Taliban militants have been killed in clashes against the resistance forces. (With inputs from agencies)

'Genocide in making': Afghan ex-VP calls on UN to end 'Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province'

<p>Former vice president and the self-declared caretaker of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, has called on the United Nations and the international community to “rapidly and generously” respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Panjshir Valley—the last province resisting&nbsp;the Taliban.</p>

<p>In a letter to the UN, Saleh, who is leading the resistance force against the militia group, said, “Around 2,50,000 people, including local women, children, elderly and 10,000 IDPs who arrived in Panjshir after the fall of Kabul and other large cities are stuck inside these Valleys and suffering from the consequences of this inhuman blocked. If no attention is paid to this situation, a full scale human rights and humanitarian catastrophe including starvation and mass killing, even genocide of these people are in the making.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From the office of the acting President <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmrullahSaleh2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panjshir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panjshir</a> <a href="https://t.co/y5ogsMS7Rt">pic.twitter.com/y5ogsMS7Rt</a></p>
— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsarwary/status/1434256459295035393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Calling for help, Saleh said, “Two decades of conflicts, recurrent natural disasters, disease outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic and recent takeover of most of the country by Taliban has plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. We call on the United Nations and the international community to do its utmost to prevent Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province.”</p>

<p>Panjshir Valley, which is 150 kilometres north of Kabul near the Hindu Kush mountain range, is facing an intense battle between the Taliban and resistance forces. Both sides claimed to have the upper hand, but neither have conclusive evidence to prove it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-600-taliban-fighters-killed-in-panjshir-clashes-against-resistance-forces-410830">At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces</a></p>

<p>Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said Khinj and Unabah districts had been seized, giving the Taliban forces control of four of the province’s seven districts.</p>

<p>"The Mujahideen (Taliban fighters) are advancing toward the centre (of the province)," he said on Twitter.</p>

<p>But the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, led by Ahmad Massoud and Saleh, said it surrounded “thousands of terrorists” in Khawak pass and the Taliban had abandoned vehicles and equipment in the Dashte Rewak area.</p>

<p>Moreover, there are reports that at least 600 Taliban militants have been killed in clashes against the resistance forces.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former vice president and the self-declared caretaker of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, has called on the United Nations and the international community to “rapidly and generously” respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Panjshir Valley—the last province resisting the Taliban. In a letter to the UN, Saleh, who is leading the resistance force against the militia group, said, “Around 2,50,000 people, including local women, children, elderly and 10,000 IDPs who arrived in Panjshir after the fall of Kabul and other large cities are stuck inside these Valleys and suffering from the consequences of this inhuman blocked. If no attention is paid to this situation, a full scale human rights and humanitarian catastrophe including starvation and mass killing, even genocide of these people are in the making.” From the office of the acting President @AmrullahSaleh2 #Panjshir pic.twitter.com/y5ogsMS7Rt — BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) September 4, 2021 × Calling for help, Saleh said, “Two decades of conflicts, recurrent natural disasters, disease outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic and recent takeover of most of the country by Taliban has plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. We call on the United Nations and the international community to do its utmost to prevent Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province.” Panjshir Valley, which is 150 kilometres north of Kabul near the Hindu Kush mountain range, is facing an intense battle between the Taliban and resistance forces. Both sides claimed to have the upper hand, but neither have conclusive evidence to prove it. Also read | At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said Khinj and Unabah districts had been seized, giving the Taliban forces control of four of the province’s seven districts. "The Mujahideen (Taliban fighters) are advancing toward the centre (of the province)," he said on Twitter. But the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, led by Ahmad Massoud and Saleh, said it surrounded “thousands of terrorists” in Khawak pass and the Taliban had abandoned vehicles and equipment in the Dashte Rewak area. Moreover, there are reports that at least 600 Taliban militants have been killed in clashes against the resistance forces. (With inputs from agencies)

"Genocide": Afghan ex-VP calls on UN to end “Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province”

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