The Taliban have reportedly removed security cover of former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai and&nbsp;chief of the High&nbsp;Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah. This has virtually put both leaders under house arrest

As per CNN, Abdullah's house was searched by the Taliban on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the Taliban included Karzai, Abdullah and Taliban founder Baradar in its 12-member council that would govern Afghanistan. The moves to remove weapons from their security teams has come nonetheless.

Afghanistan has been at the centre of global attention ever since the Taliban captured power on August 15. The political and even military movements have gathered paces since then. Although Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah have had talks with Taliban delegations in Kabul, Afghanistan's former vice-president Amrullah Saleh has strick a defiant tone and has made several statements against Taliban.

The Taliban have reportedly removed security cover of former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai and chief of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah.

The Taliban have reportedly removed security cover of former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai and chief of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah. This has virtually put both leaders under house arrest As per CNN, Abdullah's house was searched by the Taliban on Wednesday. Earlier this week, the Taliban included Karzai, Abdullah and Taliban founder Baradar in its 12-member council that would govern Afghanistan. The moves to remove weapons from their security teams has come nonetheless. Afghanistan has been at the centre of global attention ever since the Taliban captured power on August 15. The political and even military movements have gathered paces since then. Although Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah have had talks with Taliban delegations in Kabul, Afghanistan's former vice-president Amrullah Saleh has strick a defiant tone and has made several statements against Taliban.

Taliban remove security cover of former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, say reports

The Taliban thrashed an Afghan reporter working for Tolo News, Ziar Yaad, and a cameraman while they were reporting in Kabul.

According to Tolo News, Taliban fighters assaulted reporter Ziar Yaad and his cameraman in Kabul on Tuesday when they were reporting on local poverty and unemployment.&nbsp;

Tolo news reporter Ziar Yaad, “I was beaten up by the Taliban in Kabul's New City. Cameras, technical equipment and my personal mobile phone have also been hijacked.&nbsp;

Some people have spread the news of my death which is false. The Taliban got out of an armoured Land Cruiser and hit me at gunpoint.”

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I still don't know why they behaved like that and suddenly attacked me. The issue has been shared with Taliban leaders; however, the perpetrators have not yet been arrested, which is a serious threat to freedom of expression.
— Ziar Khan Yaad (@ziaryaad) <a href="https://twitter.com/ziaryaad/status/1430771529101479943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Yaad had previously been reported as having been killed by the Taliban.

Yaad took to Twitter to deny the news, claiming that fake reports of his death had been circulated.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a number of journalists said that the Taliban should not treat journalists badly, reported Tolo News.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban thrashed an Afghan reporter working for Tolo News, Ziar Yaad, and a cameraman while they were reporting in Kabul. According to Tolo News, Taliban fighters assaulted reporter Ziar Yaad and his cameraman in Kabul on Tuesday when they were reporting on local poverty and unemployment.

The Taliban thrashed an Afghan reporter working for Tolo News, Ziar Yaad, and a cameraman while they were reporting in Kabul. According to Tolo News, Taliban fighters assaulted reporter Ziar Yaad and his cameraman in Kabul on Tuesday when they were reporting on local poverty and unemployment. Tolo news reporter Ziar Yaad, “I was beaten up by the Taliban in Kabul's New City. Cameras, technical equipment and my personal mobile phone have also been hijacked. Some people have spread the news of my death which is false. The Taliban got out of an armoured Land Cruiser and hit me at gunpoint.” I still don't know why they behaved like that and suddenly attacked me. The issue has been shared with Taliban leaders; however, the perpetrators have not yet been arrested, which is a serious threat to freedom of expression. — Ziar Khan Yaad (@ziaryaad) August 26, 2021 × Yaad had previously been reported as having been killed by the Taliban. Yaad took to Twitter to deny the news, claiming that fake reports of his death had been circulated. Meanwhile, a number of journalists said that the Taliban should not treat journalists badly, reported Tolo News. (With inputs from agencies)

‘I am alive’: Tolo news reporter Ziar Yaad, cameraman beaten up by Taliban in Kabul 

"I am very grateful that I made it out from Afghanistan but am really worried and concerned for my people back their", says Afghanistan's biggest female pop star Aryana Sayeed as she recounts her escape from Kabul.

'It's heartbreaking to see the misery of Afghans', says Aryana Sayeed, Afghanistan Pop Star

"No country in the region wants to see Pakistan dominating Afghanistan and projecting power. Sooner or later, this will be challenged and Pakistan will pay a heavy price", former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh tells WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

'No country wants to see Pakistan dominating Afghanistan', says Amrullah Saleh, former Afghan VP

The Pentagon said that there had been no change so far in Joe Biden's plan to meet the evacuation deadline for Afghanistan by the end of the month and that the pace of evacuations is picking up in Kabul.

Pentagon sticks to August 31 deadline for troops withdrawal

People stuck in Afghanistan are growing desperate to leave the country. In the latest, the Afghan citizens seeking evacuation were seen standing in knee-deep sewage water with documents just outside Kabul airport.

People seen standing in knee-deep sewage water outside Kabul airport

"At times of difficulties and uncertainties, Ashraf Ghani left the country. That's a stain in our history" says Former Afghanistan Vice President Amrullah Saleh speaks to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

'Ashraf Ghani leaving country is a stain in our history', says Amrullah Saleh, Afghan's former VP

"If a person of my stature and history tries to escape, it would be disgraceful and a historic shame," Afghanistan's former vice president Amrullah Saleh tells WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma on his decision to not leave the war-torn country.

'If person of my stature tries to escape, it would be disgraceful', says Amrullah Saleh

President Joe Biden has informed G7 leaders that the US mission in Kabul is "on pace" to end by an August 31 pullout deadline. However, Biden also added that completing the evacuation mission by that date depends on the Taliban's cooperation.

Biden says 'US on pace' to complete Afghan evacuations by August 31

Germany will keep evacuating people from Afghanistan as long as it is responsible to do so, Chancellor Angela Merkel told conservative lawmakers on Wednesday, adding, however, that this is only possible with the United States, two sources said.

Thousands of people are still desperate to flee the country after Kabul fell to the Taliban last week and before an Aug. 31 deadline.

Germany's Bundeswehr has so far flown more than 4,500 people out of Afghanistan, tweeted the foreign ministry. Around 3,700 of them are Afghan nationals, with women and girls making up about half the number.

Many journalists and human rights activists are among those who have been flown out, it said.

Broadcaster ARD had earlier reported that German evacuations may stop as soon as Wednesday.

"There will be no special path for Germany. All steps are being closely agreed with partners," one source quoted Merkel as saying.

Talks between leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized nations on Tuesday resulted in no extension of the Aug. 31 deadline for evacuations.

Merkel said in Tuesday there are intensive discussions on whether a civilian-operated airport in Kabul could be used after that deadline.

Germany will keep evacuating people from Afghanistan as long as it is responsible to do so, Chancellor Angela Merkel told conservative lawmakers on Wednesday, adding, however, that this is only possible with the United States, two sources said.

Germany will keep evacuating people from Afghanistan as long as it is responsible to do so, Chancellor Angela Merkel told conservative lawmakers on Wednesday, adding, however, that this is only possible with the United States, two sources said. Thousands of people are still desperate to flee the country after Kabul fell to the Taliban last week and before an Aug. 31 deadline. Germany's Bundeswehr has so far flown more than 4,500 people out of Afghanistan, tweeted the foreign ministry. Around 3,700 of them are Afghan nationals, with women and girls making up about half the number. Many journalists and human rights activists are among those who have been flown out, it said. Broadcaster ARD had earlier reported that German evacuations may stop as soon as Wednesday. "There will be no special path for Germany. All steps are being closely agreed with partners," one source quoted Merkel as saying. Talks between leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized nations on Tuesday resulted in no extension of the Aug. 31 deadline for evacuations. Merkel said in Tuesday there are intensive discussions on whether a civilian-operated airport in Kabul could be used after that deadline.

Merkel says Germany to keep evacuating from Kabul but needs US: Sources

The British owner of an&nbsp;animal&nbsp;shelter&nbsp;in Afghanistan will be allowed to&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;around&nbsp;200&nbsp;cats&nbsp;and&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;on a charter plane&nbsp;from&nbsp;Kabul, the UK's defence minister said Wednesday in an apparent climbdown.

The high-profile campaign by former Marine Paul "Pen" Farthing to&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;his&nbsp;animals&nbsp;has prompted controversy as thousands of people seek to flee the Taliban ahead of United States troops' withdrawal by August 31.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-barber-fears-uncertain-future-under-taliban-rule-while-residents-hope-for-jobs-408340" hreflang="en">Kabul barber fears uncertain future under Taliban rule while residents hope for jobs</a>

After serving in Afghanistan with the British Army, Farthing founded an&nbsp;animal&nbsp;charity called Nowzad in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;rescuing&nbsp;cats,&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;and donkeys.

He remains in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;and has crowdfunded a plane to fly out his staff and their families as well as some&nbsp;200&nbsp;cats&nbsp;and&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;in what he calls Operation Ark.

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had earlier said it would be wrong to "prioritise pets over people" as thousands wait outside the airport, many fearing reprisals&nbsp;from&nbsp;the Taliban which seized control of the country on August 15.

But early Wednesday Wallace tweeted that he had authorised officials to process Farthing's Afghan staff at&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport.

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Now that Pen Farthing’s staff have been cleared to come forward under LOTR I have authorised MOD to facilitate their processing alongside all other eligible personnel at HKIA. At that stage, if he arrives with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane. <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceHQ</a>
— Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BWallaceMP/status/1430327318434754568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Once that happens, "if he (Farthing) arrives with his&nbsp;animals&nbsp;we will seek a slot for his plane," Wallace said.

He emphasised that the "limiting factor" had been maintaining the flow of the evacuations, "not airplane capacity".&nbsp;

Wallace added that Farthing and his Afghan staff, who have been granted UK visas, could also leave without the&nbsp;animals&nbsp;on a Royal Air Force flight.

The defence minister had told Sky News on Tuesday that Farthing's chartered plane would "block the airfield" and "sit there empty" as officials processed other passengers waiting in a huge line.

"As for the&nbsp;animals&nbsp;that he (Farthing) has rescued and saved, it is just not going to be the case that I will prioritise them over the men, women and children we see in desperate need at the gate."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghanistan-minister-now-delivers-pizzas-in-germany-report-408316" hreflang="en">Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report</a>

Farthing has waged a campaign backed by celebrities including comedian Ricky Gervais, complaining at the UK defence ministry's stance.

British tabloids traditionally support campaigns to help&nbsp;animals&nbsp;abroad and The Sun wrote Wednesday that Wallace offered a "glimmer of hope" to the "mercy flight".&nbsp;

Farthing has said he could transport&nbsp;animals&nbsp;in the hold of the 250-seat plane and take Afghans in spare seats.

The UK has evacuated more than 10,000 people&nbsp;from&nbsp;Afghanistan since August 13 and more military flights were planned for Wednesday, according to the defence ministry.

Foreign Minister Dominic Raab praised the operation on Sky News on Wednesday, saying: "It's never been done before and no country has done better."

The British owner of an animal shelter in Afghanistan will be allowed to evacuate around 200 cats and dogs on a charter plane from Kabul, the UK's defence minister said Wednesday in an apparent climbdown.

The British owner of an animal shelter in Afghanistan will be allowed to evacuate around 200 cats and dogs on a charter plane from Kabul, the UK's defence minister said Wednesday in an apparent climbdown. The high-profile campaign by former Marine Paul "Pen" Farthing to evacuate his animals has prompted controversy as thousands of people seek to flee the Taliban ahead of United States troops' withdrawal by August 31. Also read | Kabul barber fears uncertain future under Taliban rule while residents hope for jobs After serving in Afghanistan with the British Army, Farthing founded an animal charity called Nowzad in Kabul rescuing cats, dogs and donkeys. He remains in Kabul and has crowdfunded a plane to fly out his staff and their families as well as some 200 cats and dogs in what he calls Operation Ark. British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had earlier said it would be wrong to "prioritise pets over people" as thousands wait outside the airport, many fearing reprisals from the Taliban which seized control of the country on August 15. But early Wednesday Wallace tweeted that he had authorised officials to process Farthing's Afghan staff at Kabul airport. Now that Pen Farthing’s staff have been cleared to come forward under LOTR I have authorised MOD to facilitate their processing alongside all other eligible personnel at HKIA. At that stage, if he arrives with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane. @DefenceHQ — Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) August 25, 2021 × Once that happens, "if he (Farthing) arrives with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane," Wallace said. He emphasised that the "limiting factor" had been maintaining the flow of the evacuations, "not airplane capacity". Wallace added that Farthing and his Afghan staff, who have been granted UK visas, could also leave without the animals on a Royal Air Force flight. The defence minister had told Sky News on Tuesday that Farthing's chartered plane would "block the airfield" and "sit there empty" as officials processed other passengers waiting in a huge line. "As for the animals that he (Farthing) has rescued and saved, it is just not going to be the case that I will prioritise them over the men, women and children we see in desperate need at the gate." Also read | Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report Farthing has waged a campaign backed by celebrities including comedian Ricky Gervais, complaining at the UK defence ministry's stance. British tabloids traditionally support campaigns to help animals abroad and The Sun wrote Wednesday that Wallace offered a "glimmer of hope" to the "mercy flight". Farthing has said he could transport animals in the hold of the 250-seat plane and take Afghans in spare seats. The UK has evacuated more than 10,000 people from Afghanistan since August 13 and more military flights were planned for Wednesday, according to the defence ministry. Foreign Minister Dominic Raab praised the operation on Sky News on Wednesday, saying: "It's never been done before and no country has done better."

Briton to evacuate 200 dogs and cats from his animal shelter in Kabul

Afghan refugees who lived in Pakistan for decades say their hopes of returning home have been dashed by the Taliban. Many Afghans living in Pakistan fear that they will return to hardline representation of Islamic law.

Afghanistan refugees in Pakistan say hopes of returning home dashed

Britain on Wednesday warned the Taliban against attempts to coercively seal off Afghanistan from the rest of the world and urged the militant group to keep its borders open.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said attempts by the Taliban to shut down the country could trigger a "refugee crisis" once Western forces withdrew from Kabul airport on August 31, as migrants make their way to neighbouring countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-agrees-to-let-afghans-leave-after-august-31-german-envoy-markus-potzel-408353" hreflang="en">Taliban agrees to let Afghans leave after August 31: German envoy Markus Potzel</a>

He noted that the Afghan border was "rugged and wide-ranging" and that efforts to isolate the country from the rest of the world would fail.

&nbsp;
<gwofw>
"If the Taliban leadership, as they were saying overnight, want to avoid the brain drain, they're not going to be able to do that by coercively blocking the border," he told Times Radio.

"You'll just see a larger flow of refugees going out and they'll have to be processed. They're not going to be able to avoid the refugee crisis by just a few roadblocks, they're not going to be able to hermetically seal the Afghan border, which is rugged and wide-ranging," he said.

During a series of interviews on Wednesday, Raab also sought to dismiss media reports of him "lounging on the beach" on holiday at the height of the Afghan crisis earlier this month.

He stressed that he had been constantly in virtual contact with the COBRA [Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms] meeting and officials to ensure the airlift of British nationals and supporters from the country. He said that the UK has evacuated more than 9,000 people from Afghanistan since August 15, including 2,000 people in the last 24 hours.

"I think it's going right the way up to the end of the calendar month," Raab said, in reference to efforts to airlift a further 4,000 people ahead of the Taliban's August 31 exit deadline. This also includes a Royal Marine veteran Paul "Pen" Farthing, who has been seeking evacuation with all the animals from his rescue shelter in the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/briton-to-evacuate-200-dogs-and-cats-from-his-animal-shelter-in-kabul-408364">Briton to evacuate 200 dogs and cats from his animal shelter in Kabul</a>

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had earlier said he could not prioritise animals over humans in the rescue mission but in a latest tweet he held out some hope for Farthing.

"If he arrives (at Kabul Airport) with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane. If he does not have his animals with him he and his staff can board an RAF (Royal Air Force) flight," said Wallace.

The UK and other allies, including through an emergency G7 meeting on Tuesday, had urged the US to stay beyond August 31 to allow more time for evacuation flights. But the Taliban remains staunchly opposed to any such extension and US President Joe Biden has also said the airlift had to come to an end by then because of the growing risk of an attack by the Islamic State group in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who chaired the G7 virtual meet, told reporters following the talks that the West's number one condition for releasing the frozen assets was "safe passage"&nbsp;for people fleeing the country. Last week, the US froze USD 9.5 billion in assets belonging to the central bank of Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-chokes-taliban-funds-freezes-95-billion-of-afghan-central-bank-406641">US chokes Taliban funds, freezes $9.5 billion of Afghan central bank</a>

"If those huge funds are going to be unfrozen eventually for use by the government and people of Afghanistan, then what we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," said Johnson.

"Those are important things that we value. Those are things we fought for&nbsp;years in Afghanistan, for which people in this country gave their lives. We remain committed to those values and we remain committed to Afghanistan. The No 1 condition we're insisting on is safe passage,"&nbsp;he said.

The G7 joint statement also revolves around the central concern of the safe exit of foreigners and Afghans eligible for evacuation for having supported the US-led NATO operation in the country.&nbsp;
</gwofw>

&nbsp;

Britain on Wednesday warned the Taliban against attempts to coercively seal off Afghanistan from the rest of the world and urged the militant group to keep its borders open.

Britain on Wednesday warned the Taliban against attempts to coercively seal off Afghanistan from the rest of the world and urged the militant group to keep its borders open. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said attempts by the Taliban to shut down the country could trigger a "refugee crisis" once Western forces withdrew from Kabul airport on August 31, as migrants make their way to neighbouring countries. Also read | Taliban agrees to let Afghans leave after August 31: German envoy Markus Potzel He noted that the Afghan border was "rugged and wide-ranging" and that efforts to isolate the country from the rest of the world would fail. "If the Taliban leadership, as they were saying overnight, want to avoid the brain drain, they're not going to be able to do that by coercively blocking the border," he told Times Radio. "You'll just see a larger flow of refugees going out and they'll have to be processed. They're not going to be able to avoid the refugee crisis by just a few roadblocks, they're not going to be able to hermetically seal the Afghan border, which is rugged and wide-ranging," he said. During a series of interviews on Wednesday, Raab also sought to dismiss media reports of him "lounging on the beach" on holiday at the height of the Afghan crisis earlier this month. He stressed that he had been constantly in virtual contact with the COBRA [Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms] meeting and officials to ensure the airlift of British nationals and supporters from the country. He said that the UK has evacuated more than 9,000 people from Afghanistan since August 15, including 2,000 people in the last 24 hours. "I think it's going right the way up to the end of the calendar month," Raab said, in reference to efforts to airlift a further 4,000 people ahead of the Taliban's August 31 exit deadline. This also includes a Royal Marine veteran Paul "Pen" Farthing, who has been seeking evacuation with all the animals from his rescue shelter in the region. Also read | Briton to evacuate 200 dogs and cats from his animal shelter in Kabul Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had earlier said he could not prioritise animals over humans in the rescue mission but in a latest tweet he held out some hope for Farthing. "If he arrives (at Kabul Airport) with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane. If he does not have his animals with him he and his staff can board an RAF (Royal Air Force) flight," said Wallace. The UK and other allies, including through an emergency G7 meeting on Tuesday, had urged the US to stay beyond August 31 to allow more time for evacuation flights. But the Taliban remains staunchly opposed to any such extension and US President Joe Biden has also said the airlift had to come to an end by then because of the growing risk of an attack by the Islamic State group in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who chaired the G7 virtual meet, told reporters following the talks that the West's number one condition for releasing the frozen assets was "safe passage" for people fleeing the country. Last week, the US froze USD 9.5 billion in assets belonging to the central bank of Afghanistan. Also read | US chokes Taliban funds, freezes $9.5 billion of Afghan central bank "If those huge funds are going to be unfrozen eventually for use by the government and people of Afghanistan, then what we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," said Johnson. "Those are important things that we value. Those are things we fought for years in Afghanistan, for which people in this country gave their lives. We remain committed to those values and we remain committed to Afghanistan. The No 1 condition we're insisting on is safe passage," he said. The G7 joint statement also revolves around the central concern of the safe exit of foreigners and Afghans eligible for evacuation for having supported the US-led NATO operation in the country.

UK warns Taliban against sealing Afghanistan off from the world

Pentagon says no change in timeline of Afghan withdrawal

Taking aim at US president Joe Biden's Afghan policy, former President Donald Trump expressed concern that thousands of terrorists might have been flown out from Afghanistan as part of the evacuation process.

"Biden surrendered Afghanistan to terrorists and left thousands of Americans for dead by pulling out the military before our citizens," Trump said in a statement on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/joe-biden-says-us-on-pace-to-end-afghan-mission-by-august-31-408146" hreflang="en">Joe Biden says US 'on pace' to end Afghan mission by August 31</a>

"Now we are learning that out of the 26,000 people who have been evacuated, only 4,000 are Americans. You can be sure, the Taliban, who are now in complete control, didn't allow the best and brightest to board these evacuation flights."

"Instead, we can only imagine how many thousands of terrorists have been airlifted out of Afghanistan and into neighbourhoods around the world. What a terrible failure. NO VETTING. How many terrorists will Joe Biden bring to America? We don't know!", He said.

Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Mike Waltz, a former veteran of Afghanistan, introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives, criticizing Biden's blatant disregard for the advice of military and intelligence advisors.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-change-to-august-31-withdrawal-deadline-pentagons-john-kirby-408091" hreflang="en">'No change' to August 31 withdrawal deadline: Pentagon’s John Kirby</a>

He alleges that President Biden, ignored advice on the nature and speed of the Taliban offensive and that he failed to present a coherent counterterrorism or evacuation plan to the American people, and has done harm to US credibility by abandoning the US's Afghan allies.

Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Minority Whip Steve Scalise, and Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik cosponsored the resolution.

"President Biden has embarrassed the United States on the world stage and created the worst foreign policy blunder in our modern history," Waltz said.

Waltz said that Biden has embarrassed the United States on the world stage and has made the worst foreign policy blunder in US modern history.

As per Waltz, in order to seek a headline that he would withdraw US troops prior to the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Biden created a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-evade-wions-question-on-secret-meeting-between-mullah-baradar-and-cia-chief-408084" hreflang="en">Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief</a>

'Now, we will have shamefully given away the freedoms of Afghans, our military equipment and infrastructure, and countless other resources to the hands of Taliban terrorists because of the President's cluelessness and stubbornness,' Waltz alleged.

'Additionally, it is growing more likely by the day we will have broken our promise to thousands of Afghan allies who stood should-to-shoulder with our troops on the battlefield that have now been handed a death sentence for our failure to safely evacuate them in a timely fashion," he said.

Waltz also said that the intelligence community has repeatedly warned that Al Qaeda 3.0 will return as the Taliban have shown no signs of cutting ties with the September 11 attack perpetrators.&nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking aim at US president Joe Biden's Afghan policy, former President Donald Trump expressed concern that thousands of terrorists might have been flown out from Afghanistan as part of the evacuation process.

Taking aim at US president Joe Biden's Afghan policy, former President Donald Trump expressed concern that thousands of terrorists might have been flown out from Afghanistan as part of the evacuation process. "Biden surrendered Afghanistan to terrorists and left thousands of Americans for dead by pulling out the military before our citizens," Trump said in a statement on Tuesday. Also read | Joe Biden says US 'on pace' to end Afghan mission by August 31 "Now we are learning that out of the 26,000 people who have been evacuated, only 4,000 are Americans. You can be sure, the Taliban, who are now in complete control, didn't allow the best and brightest to board these evacuation flights." "Instead, we can only imagine how many thousands of terrorists have been airlifted out of Afghanistan and into neighbourhoods around the world. What a terrible failure. NO VETTING. How many terrorists will Joe Biden bring to America? We don't know!", He said. Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Mike Waltz, a former veteran of Afghanistan, introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives, criticizing Biden's blatant disregard for the advice of military and intelligence advisors. Also read | 'No change' to August 31 withdrawal deadline: Pentagon’s John Kirby He alleges that President Biden, ignored advice on the nature and speed of the Taliban offensive and that he failed to present a coherent counterterrorism or evacuation plan to the American people, and has done harm to US credibility by abandoning the US's Afghan allies. Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Minority Whip Steve Scalise, and Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik cosponsored the resolution. "President Biden has embarrassed the United States on the world stage and created the worst foreign policy blunder in our modern history," Waltz said. Waltz said that Biden has embarrassed the United States on the world stage and has made the worst foreign policy blunder in US modern history. As per Waltz, in order to seek a headline that he would withdraw US troops prior to the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Biden created a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Also read | Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief 'Now, we will have shamefully given away the freedoms of Afghans, our military equipment and infrastructure, and countless other resources to the hands of Taliban terrorists because of the President's cluelessness and stubbornness,' Waltz alleged. 'Additionally, it is growing more likely by the day we will have broken our promise to thousands of Afghan allies who stood should-to-shoulder with our troops on the battlefield that have now been handed a death sentence for our failure to safely evacuate them in a timely fashion," he said. Waltz also said that the intelligence community has repeatedly warned that Al Qaeda 3.0 will return as the Taliban have shown no signs of cutting ties with the September 11 attack perpetrators. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump takes aim at Biden's Afghan policy, alleges thousands of terrorists might have been airlifted out of Kabul

A&nbsp;barber&nbsp;working in the Afghan capital of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;said on Wednesday, that he was scared of what Taliban rule could mean for his trade in the future.

"There is no work, and in the previous system of the Islamic Emirate, our work was against the law, and they said that men's make-up and tattoos are not allowed, so the clientele is very low, everyone is scared and I work in fear, and their (Taliban) law has not been implemented yet, whether we will be allowed to work or not." said Mohammad Amin Noori.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/commander-of-afghan-army-speaks-out-we-were-betrayed-by-politics-and-presidents-408279" hreflang="en">Commander of Afghan army speaks out: We were betrayed by politics and presidents</a>

Other residents said they hoped for more jobs and opportunities under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/taliban">Taliban</a>.

It comes as western countries rushed to complete the evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan as the Aug. 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops drew closer with no sign that the Taliban rulers might allow an extension.

The Taliban said all foreign evacuations must be completed by Aug. 31 and asked the United States to stop urging talented Afghans to leave, while also trying to persuade people at the airport to go home, assuring them that they had nothing to fear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fleeing-an-uncertain-future-afghan-all-girl-robotics-team-members-land-in-mexico-408255" hreflang="en">Fleeing an uncertain future, Afghan all-girl robotics team members land in Mexico</a>

While the focus is now on those people trying to flee, the risk of starvation, disease and persecution is rising for the rest of the population after the chaotic exodus from&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport ends, aid agencies say.

A barber working in the Afghan capital of Kabul said on Wednesday, that he was scared of what Taliban rule could mean for his trade in the future. "There is no work, and in the previous system of the Islamic Emirate, our work was against the law, and they said that men's make-up and tattoos are not allowed, so the clientele is very low, everyone is scared and I work in fear, and their (Taliban) law has not been implemented yet, whether we will be allowed to work or not.

A barber working in the Afghan capital of Kabul said on Wednesday, that he was scared of what Taliban rule could mean for his trade in the future. "There is no work, and in the previous system of the Islamic Emirate, our work was against the law, and they said that men's make-up and tattoos are not allowed, so the clientele is very low, everyone is scared and I work in fear, and their (Taliban) law has not been implemented yet, whether we will be allowed to work or not." said Mohammad Amin Noori. Also read | Commander of Afghan army speaks out: We were betrayed by politics and presidents Other residents said they hoped for more jobs and opportunities under the Taliban. It comes as western countries rushed to complete the evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan as the Aug. 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops drew closer with no sign that the Taliban rulers might allow an extension. The Taliban said all foreign evacuations must be completed by Aug. 31 and asked the United States to stop urging talented Afghans to leave, while also trying to persuade people at the airport to go home, assuring them that they had nothing to fear. Also read | Fleeing an uncertain future, Afghan all-girl robotics team members land in Mexico While the focus is now on those people trying to flee, the risk of starvation, disease and persecution is rising for the rest of the population after the chaotic exodus from Kabul airport ends, aid agencies say.

Kabul barber fears uncertain future under Taliban rule while residents hope for jobs

The pace of evacuations has sped up. Scenes of heartache danger and desperation grow on the edges of the Hamid Karzai airport. WION's Anas Mallick reached the evacuation center to show us the process on the ground and the situation in Kabul.

WION ground report from inside Kabul airport

Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans. The revelation elicited an angry reaction from Democratic leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

"Today with @RepMeijer I visited Kabul airport to conduct oversight on the evacuation," said Moulton. The two men are veterans of the Iraq war.

"We did this visit in secret to reduce risks and impact on the mission and we insisted on leaving in a plane that was not full, in a seat designated for crew so that we didn’t take a seat from someone else," Moulton continued on Twitter late Tuesday.

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Kabul airport is still witnessing scenes of chaos as huge crowds are trying to board the flights going out of Afghanistan. More than 80,000 people have been evacuated since August 14.

Time is running out to save the rest, with an August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden looming, and the Taliban saying they will refuse to extend it.&nbsp;

The two representatives flew to the Middle East on their own and then traveled on a military plane from a US-allied country to Kabul, all without coordinating with US diplomats or military command, American media reported.

The goal of the operation was to push Biden to extend the August 31 evacuation cutoff date, according to the two men.

"After talking with commanders on the ground and seeing the situation here, it is obvious that because we started the evacuation so late, that no matter what we do, we won’t get everyone out on time, even by September 11," Moulton tweeted.

Biden said Tuesday during a press conference that the United States would meet the August 31 deadline but stressed that meeting that cutoff would depend on cooperation from the Taliban.

The United States deployed fresh troops to help with evacuations. But that 6,000-plus contingent, as well as hundreds of US officials, 600 Afghan troops and the equipment, will have to be flown out.

Despite the harrowing scenes at Kabul airport, the Taliban have ruled out any extension to next Tuesday's deadline to pull out foreign troops, describing it as "a red line."

(With inputs from agencies)

Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans.

Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans. The revelation elicited an angry reaction from Democratic leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. "Today with @RepMeijer I visited Kabul airport to conduct oversight on the evacuation," said Moulton. The two men are veterans of the Iraq war. "We did this visit in secret to reduce risks and impact on the mission and we insisted on leaving in a plane that was not full, in a seat designated for crew so that we didn’t take a seat from someone else," Moulton continued on Twitter late Tuesday. Also Read | Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with Islamic State: Reports Kabul airport is still witnessing scenes of chaos as huge crowds are trying to board the flights going out of Afghanistan. More than 80,000 people have been evacuated since August 14. Time is running out to save the rest, with an August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden looming, and the Taliban saying they will refuse to extend it. The two representatives flew to the Middle East on their own and then traveled on a military plane from a US-allied country to Kabul, all without coordinating with US diplomats or military command, American media reported. The goal of the operation was to push Biden to extend the August 31 evacuation cutoff date, according to the two men. "After talking with commanders on the ground and seeing the situation here, it is obvious that because we started the evacuation so late, that no matter what we do, we won’t get everyone out on time, even by September 11," Moulton tweeted. Biden said Tuesday during a press conference that the United States would meet the August 31 deadline but stressed that meeting that cutoff would depend on cooperation from the Taliban. The United States deployed fresh troops to help with evacuations. But that 6,000-plus contingent, as well as hundreds of US officials, 600 Afghan troops and the equipment, will have to be flown out. Despite the harrowing scenes at Kabul airport, the Taliban have ruled out any extension to next Tuesday's deadline to pull out foreign troops, describing it as "a red line." (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers violate orders, travel to Kabul during airlift

Briefing the media for the second time after its capture of Afghanistan, the Taliban spokesperson said the United States should stop evacuating skilled Afghans, and warned Western forces against extending the August 31 deadline for airlifts out of the country.

Taliban: US must stick to August 31 deadline, Afghans not allowed to go to airport

The world has been watching heartbreaking scenes coming from Afghanistan. Around 16,000 Afghans were evacuated by the US in 24 hours from the Kabul International Airport. What about those left behind?

Afghanistan: What will happen to those left behind ?

Former Afghan envoy to the UK and founder of the Massoud foundation Ahmad Wali Massoud speaks exclusively to WION divulging the details about the current situation in Afghanistan.

WION Exclusive: 'Resistance movement will never die in Afghanistan', says Ahmad Wali Massoud

Afghanistan's first female Sikh MP Anarkali Kaur Honaryar who reached Delhi on Sunday expressed concerns over the developing situation in her country asked the international community to support and speak up. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, she said, "The world is silent, why? are people of Afghanistan not human, aren't they supposed to be safe. Every 15 years or so, or 20 years, we become a refugee, why Afghans built their homes, only to be destroyed".

'Why is world silent?', asks Afghan's First Female Sikh MP Anarkali Kaur Honaryar

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 500 tonnes of medical supplies including surgical equipment and severe malnutrition kits due to be delivered to Afghanistan this week are stuck because of Kabul airport restrictions.

Reports: WHO says Kabul airport curbs blocking medical supplies for Afghans

As the Taliban takes charge of Afghanistan, women fear losing everything that they have worked for in the last 20 years. WION brings you a report.

Fear and frustration run high among Afghan women as Taliban take charge

The Taliban has said that India should not worry about the safety of Indians in Kabul. But, New Delhi is not taking any chances. It plans to continue evacuations & also crack the whip on separatists & extremists living in India. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Taliban tries to 'reach out' to India

The Taliban has released videos showing men equipped with US tactical gear guarding Kabul. The propaganda video claims the men are part of the Taliban's "Special Forces". Palki Sharma tells you more about Badri 313

Gravitas: Taliban "Special Forces" deployed in Kabul

According to the American defence official, President Joe Biden is expected to make the decision on extending the August 31 deadline for the US troops withdrawal today (August 24).

US Prez Biden expected to decide whether to extend August 31 deadline

Nilofar Bayat left Kabul with 100 other refugees. Bayat and her husband had evacuated in a military aircraft. When she was two, her house in Kabul was hit by rocket during Taliban's attack and she suffered a spinal cord injury.

Nilofar Bayat recollects her painful experiences in Kabul due to Taliban's attack

Panjshir is the only province that has remained out of the Taliban's grip, where Ahmad Massoud, the son of former anti-Taliban leader Ahmad Shah Massoud and leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, has challenged the Taliban rule over the country.

Who is Ahmad Massoud, the face of resistance in Panjshir Valley?

Scenes of chaos and disorder continue in and around the Kabul airport as thousands of Afghans are being evacuated from Afghanistan. Hundreds of evacuees were seen boarding a Qatar Emeri air force plane. WION's Anas Mallick gets you the ground report from inside Kabul airport.

WION Ground Report: Qatari air force helps Afghans fleeing Kabul

Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi has made an emotional plea and urged the global institutions for the protection of women to "help her" as she sought to escape Kabul to participate in the upcoming Paralympic Games.

Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi has made an emotional plea and urged the global institutions for the protection of women to "help her" as she sought to escape Kabul to participate in the upcoming Paralympic Games. Khudadadi, a 23-year-old athlete from Herat, would have been the first woman ever to represent Afghanistan at the Paralympics but she couldn't travel to Japan due to the ongoing political crisis in Afghanistan. Taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi and discus thrower Hossain Rasouli were scheduled to compete in the Para Games in Tokyo, to be held between August 24 and September 5. Khudadadi was due to fly to Japan on Monday (August 17) while the team had been scheduled to arrive in Tokyo on the 17th. ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics will be held behind closed doors due to COVID-19 fears: Organisers Also, note that The Taliban told reporters at their first official news conference in Kabul on Tuesday (August 17) that they would respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law. However, Khudadadi's Paralympics fate remains unclear. In a video message from Kabul sent to Reuters by the APC's London-based Chef de Mission Arian Sadiqi, Khodadadi said that she felt "imprisoned", staying with extended family but unable to leave the house with confidence to train, shop or check on others. In the video, Khodadadi can be heard speaking in Farsi, but as per the loose translation, she said she felt an additional burden to her relations who did not have enough food to feed their children. ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics opens wheelchair, limb repair centre in Games village "I request from you all, that I am an Afghan woman and as a representative of Afghan women ask for you to help me. My intention is to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, please hold my hand and help me," she said. "I urge you all, from the women around the globe, institutions for the protection of women, from all government organisations, to not let the rights of a female citizen of Afghanistan in the Paralympic movement to be taken away so easily," she added. "The fact that we ourselves have lifted ourselves from this situation, that we have achieved so much, it cannot be taken lightly. I have suffered a lot, I don't want my struggle to be in vain and without any results. Help me," she said. Many thanks foe your support, it really means a lot. — Arian Sadiqi (@ArianSadiqi) August 17, 2021 × Previously, Arian Sadiqi told that the team "could not leave Kabul in time". "Unfortunately due to the current upheaval going on in Afghanistan the team could not leave Kabul in time," Sadiqi said. He further added that the athletes had been trying to secure flights but the prices soared as the Taliban took over a string of cities. "They were really excited prior to the situation. They were training wherever they could, in the parks and back gardens," he said. Zakia Khudadadi was profiled on the Paralympic website last week talking about her hopes for the Games. Her profile stated, "I was thrilled after I received the news that I have got a wild card to compete at the Games. This is the first time that a female athlete will be representing Afghanistan at the Games and I'm so happy. I just want to be there with the other athletes from the world and give my best. It is an opportunity to show my ability and I will be so proud to stand with all of those athlete." The International Paralympic Committee on Monday (August 16) confirmed that both the athletes would no longer be able to travel to Japan. "Regrettably NPC (National Paralympic Committee) Afghanistan will no longer participate in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games," IPC spokesman Craig Spence said. "Due to the serious ongoing situation in the country, all airports are closed and there is no way for them to travel to Tokyo." "We hope the team and officials remain safe and well during this difficult time," Spence said.

'Please hold my hand and help me': Afghan athlete wants to participate in Tokyo Paralympics, issues plea for help

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