Three copies of Guru Granth Sahib along with 46 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have been evacuated from war-ravaged Afghanistan on an IAF plane.

Three copies of Guru Granth Sahib along with 44 Sikhs and Hindus evacuated from Kabul

With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs &amp; Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs &amp; Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat. &nbsp;

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ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਹੈ 
ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ।। 
 
Deeply privileged &amp; fortunate to welcome the three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at ⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiAirport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiAirport</a>⁩ along with Sh ⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/VMBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VMBJP</a>⁩ Ji, Sh ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/dushyanttgautam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dushyanttgautam</a>⁩ Ji &amp; members of Sikh Sangat. <a href="https://t.co/mWhTwpnoOs">pic.twitter.com/mWhTwpnoOs</a>
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1430054013299429378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Puri, said that he was deeply privileged and fortunate to welcome the three holy swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at Delhi Airport. &nbsp;

Also Watch | Reports: WHO says Kabul airport curbs blocking medical supplies for Afghans

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In a tweet on the microblogging site, former diplomat &amp; author Puri said, “Blessed to receive and pay obeisance to three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago.” &nbsp;

Several pictures and video of the arrival are doing rounds on social media. Netizens are sharing numerous messages in the form of comments. Several people have also tweeted and retweeted the pictures and video.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-over-25000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-active-infections-decline-407959">India records over 25,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active infections decline</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, An Air India flight AI 1956 had arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight.&nbsp;

With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat.

With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat. ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ।। Deeply privileged & fortunate to welcome the three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at ⁦⁦@DelhiAirport⁩ along with Sh ⁦⁦@VMBJP⁩ Ji, Sh ⁦@dushyanttgautam⁩ Ji & members of Sikh Sangat. pic.twitter.com/mWhTwpnoOs — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 24, 2021 × Puri, said that he was deeply privileged and fortunate to welcome the three holy swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at Delhi Airport. Also Watch | Reports: WHO says Kabul airport curbs blocking medical supplies for Afghans × In a tweet on the microblogging site, former diplomat & author Puri said, “Blessed to receive and pay obeisance to three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago.” Several pictures and video of the arrival are doing rounds on social media. Netizens are sharing numerous messages in the form of comments. Several people have also tweeted and retweeted the pictures and video. Also Read: India records over 25,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active infections decline Meanwhile, An Air India flight AI 1956 had arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight.

Watch: India welcomes three Sikh holy books brought from Kabul

Afghanistan's envoy to Tajikistan Lieutenant General Muhammad Zahir Aghbar has said that Ashraf Ghani never came to Tajikistan, and raised the question of why when he was leaving the country he never informed his vice president, defence or foreign minister. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Aghbar said, "He took with him people who were involved and loyal to him and in his corruption, and eventually they landed themselves in Abu Dabhi. After 3 days wait he announced he is in Abu Dabhi."

"Ghani never came here", Afghan envoy to Tajikistan Zahir Aghbar; lauds Ahmad Massoud

At least 146 people evacuated from Afghanistan reportedly reached Delhi. The flights have departed from Doha as it was the second batch of Indian nationals who were evacuated from Afghanistan.

146 Indians evacuated from Kabul repatriated to Delhi via Doha

The founder of the only boarding school for girls in Afghanistan has burned her students’ records to protect them from the Taliban. In their previous regime, the Taliban prevented girls from going to school.

'Not erasing, but protecting my students': Afghanistan girls boarding school founder burns records

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Afghanistan's former President Ashraf Ghani's brother Hashmat Ghani has refused the reports about him pledging allegiance to the Taliban.

WION Exclusive: 'I accept Taliban's rule, but not joining them', says Hashmat Ghani

It's been a week since the Taliban captured Kabul and Afghanistan's economy stares at a bleak future. With no women or children seen outside, most of the markets and streets in Kabul wear a deserted look. WION's correspondent Anas Mallick brings you the ground report

WION Ground Report: Markets and streets in Kabul wear a deserted look

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has broken its silence on the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan calling for peace and stability. The group said that Afghanistan should not be allowed as a haven for terror groups.

OIC warn against Afghanistan becoming 'terror haven', calls for peace and stability

The Taliban have said that hundreds of their fighters are heading for the Panjshir Valley, which is currently the centre of the resistance in war-ravaged Afghanistan.

Taliban say hundreds of fighters headed to holdout Panjshir Valley

A senior Taliban leader blamed the United States for the chaotic situation at Kabul airport. He said America has failed to bring order to the airport. He also added that apart from Kabul airport situation in the rest of Afghanistan is peaceful.

Taliban blames US for Kabul airport chaos, says situation in rest of Afghanistan is peaceful

Days after the Taliban vowed to respect women’s rights, images of women have been covered up or vandalised on storefronts around Kabul. The absence of women from public places has become a defining feature of the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Taliban's war against women: Images of women vandalised outside beauty salons in Kabul

The takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban has prompted hundreds of Afghans to rush to Kabul airport in an effort to flee. WION tells you which nation is doing what to support Afghanistan refugees.

Afghan Refugee Crisis: All eyes on what stand Muslim nations are taking

President Joe Biden once again defended the decision of US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan. He said that changes had been made in Kabul to ease the ability of Americans and Afghan allies to flee the country amid emerging threats, and admitted there are discussions about extending the August 31 deadline for US troops to leave Afghanistan.

Biden says US troops widened 'safe zone' in Kabul airport

World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday that more than 500 tonnes of medical supplies are stuck because of Kabul airport restrictions. It&nbsp;includes surgical equipment and kits to alleviate severe malnutrition.

The UN agency said it was critical that medical and food supplies reach about 300,000 people displaced in Afghanistan over past two months.

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Nearly 18.5 million people - half the population - rely on aid and the humanitarian needs are expected to grow due to drought. But the closure of Kabul airport to commercial flights has held up deliveries, WHO regional emergency director Dr&nbsp;Richard Brennan told Reuters.

"While the eyes of the world now are on the people being evacuated and the planes leaving, we need to get supplies in to help those who are left behind," Brennan said in an emailed statement.

He said that WHO was calling for empty planes to divert to its warehouse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to collect the supplies on their way to pick up evacuees from the country.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-founder-of-only-all-girls-school-burns-records-for-students-safety-407754">Afghanistan: Founder of only all-girls school burns records for students' safety</a>

The WHO is also looking at setting up a "humanitarian air bridge" to send in supplies, Brennan added.

The executive director of the UN children's agency UNICEF, Henrietta Fore, said on Monday around 10 million children across Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance and that conditions are expected to deteriorate further.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday that more than 500 tonnes of medical supplies are stuck because of Kabul airport restrictions. It includes surgical equipment and kits to alleviate severe malnutrition.

World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday that more than 500 tonnes of medical supplies are stuck because of Kabul airport restrictions. It includes surgical equipment and kits to alleviate severe malnutrition. The UN agency said it was critical that medical and food supplies reach about 300,000 people displaced in Afghanistan over past two months. × Nearly 18.5 million people - half the population - rely on aid and the humanitarian needs are expected to grow due to drought. But the closure of Kabul airport to commercial flights has held up deliveries, WHO regional emergency director Dr Richard Brennan told Reuters. "While the eyes of the world now are on the people being evacuated and the planes leaving, we need to get supplies in to help those who are left behind," Brennan said in an emailed statement. He said that WHO was calling for empty planes to divert to its warehouse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to collect the supplies on their way to pick up evacuees from the country. Also Read: Afghanistan: Founder of only all-girls school burns records for students' safety The WHO is also looking at setting up a "humanitarian air bridge" to send in supplies, Brennan added. The executive director of the UN children's agency UNICEF, Henrietta Fore, said on Monday around 10 million children across Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance and that conditions are expected to deteriorate further. (With inputs from agencies)

Tonnes of medical supplies stuck due to Kabul airport restrictions: WHO

Pakistan's state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations, said media reports.&nbsp;

PIA on Saturday "temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations owing to lack of facilities and heaps of garbage at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport tarmac", Geo News reported on Saturday.

PIA was the only commercial airline that was operating flights to and from Kabul. This was done to aid evacuation of diplomats and foreign nationals from Afghanistan.

Geo News quoted sources to say that there were no immigration officials and security checks at the Kabul airport. Sanitation workers were also not performing their duties since the Taliban took control of the country.

The garbage at the airport's tarmac could cause a tragic accident, feared the sources.

The security of Kabul airport is with the US and they were interested in military aircraft only, the report quoted the sources as saying.

Radio Pakistan also reported that PIA has "temporarily" suspended its flight operation to Afghanistan due to unavailability of necessary facilities at Kabul airport.

Quoting PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez, the report said the flight operation will remain closed for a couple of days.

"We have talked to Afghan Civil Aviation Authority for restoration of all required facilities at Kabul airport as soon as possible so that PIA could resume its flight operation," Hafeez said, adding that PIA has so far evacuated 1,500 people, including journalists, UN officials and Pakistani national, in five flights.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations, said media reports. PIA on Saturday "temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations owing to lack of facilities and heaps of garbage at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport tarmac", Geo News reported on Saturday.

Pakistan's state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations, said media reports. PIA on Saturday "temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations owing to lack of facilities and heaps of garbage at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport tarmac", Geo News reported on Saturday. PIA was the only commercial airline that was operating flights to and from Kabul. This was done to aid evacuation of diplomats and foreign nationals from Afghanistan. Geo News quoted sources to say that there were no immigration officials and security checks at the Kabul airport. Sanitation workers were also not performing their duties since the Taliban took control of the country. The garbage at the airport's tarmac could cause a tragic accident, feared the sources. The security of Kabul airport is with the US and they were interested in military aircraft only, the report quoted the sources as saying. Radio Pakistan also reported that PIA has "temporarily" suspended its flight operation to Afghanistan due to unavailability of necessary facilities at Kabul airport. Quoting PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez, the report said the flight operation will remain closed for a couple of days. "We have talked to Afghan Civil Aviation Authority for restoration of all required facilities at Kabul airport as soon as possible so that PIA could resume its flight operation," Hafeez said, adding that PIA has so far evacuated 1,500 people, including journalists, UN officials and Pakistani national, in five flights. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul: Pakistan temporarily suspends flight operations due to 'garbage' 

In the two decades since the Taliban lost control of Afghanistan living conditions have improved markedly but after the Taliban swept into power across Afghanistan, country's economy stares at a bleak future.

Afghanistan: WION ground report from the streets of Kabul

India evacuates more than 20 afghan Sikhs from Kabul amid Taliban takeover, evacuees include Afghanistan's only female Sikh MP Anarkali Honaryar and Sikh MP Narendra Singh Khalsa. The flight landed at Hindan airbase a short while ago.

Indian flight from Kabul lands at Hindan airbase

In a bid to bring hundreds of Indians trapped in Taliban-held Afghanistan back home, an evacuation flight from Kabul landed in Delhi this morning. It was the first passenger flight by Air India carrying over 85 Indians. The Air India flight had departed from Tajikistan, assisted and supported by the Indian embassy in Dushanbe. Other flights are also on their way to India bringing Indian nationals.

Kabul: India evacuates 20 Afghan Sikhs, 2 Sikh MPs

The United States will be sending 18 commercial planes to expedite the evacuation process, President Joe Biden said on Sunday.

The latest decision comes in the backdrop of Washington facing difficulty in carrying out the evacuation of US citizens and vulnerable Afghan citizens, who are fearful of the Taliban regime.

“The aircraft would not fly into Kabul but, would be used to carry people who have already been flown out of Afghanistan,” Reuters quoted Pentagon spokesman John Kirby as saying.

He asserted that it was only the beginning of the evacuation program, hinting that more commercial aircraft could be used.

Among the airlines that would be dispatched to Kabul include American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines and Omni Air would provide three aircraft each, two from Hawaiian Airlines, and four from United Airlines.

Kirby said in a statement that the Department of Defence “does not anticipate a major impact to commercial flights from this activation.”

There is also increasing concern about security in Kabul, where roughly 5,800 troops are protecting the airport.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday the United States has “secured the capacity to get large numbers of Americans safe passage through the airport and onto the airfield” in Afghanistan.

The United States will be sending 18 commercial planes to expedite the evacuation process, President Joe Biden said on Sunday. The latest decision comes in the backdrop of Washington facing difficulty in carrying out the evacuation of US citizens and vulnerable Afghan citizens, who are fearful of the Taliban regime.

The United States will be sending 18 commercial planes to expedite the evacuation process, President Joe Biden said on Sunday. The latest decision comes in the backdrop of Washington facing difficulty in carrying out the evacuation of US citizens and vulnerable Afghan citizens, who are fearful of the Taliban regime. “The aircraft would not fly into Kabul but, would be used to carry people who have already been flown out of Afghanistan,” Reuters quoted Pentagon spokesman John Kirby as saying. He asserted that it was only the beginning of the evacuation program, hinting that more commercial aircraft could be used. Among the airlines that would be dispatched to Kabul include American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines and Omni Air would provide three aircraft each, two from Hawaiian Airlines, and four from United Airlines. Kirby said in a statement that the Department of Defence “does not anticipate a major impact to commercial flights from this activation.” There is also increasing concern about security in Kabul, where roughly 5,800 troops are protecting the airport. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday the United States has “secured the capacity to get large numbers of Americans safe passage through the airport and onto the airfield” in Afghanistan.

US to dispatch 18 commercial aircraft to lift US citizens, ‘vulnerable’ Afghans from Kabul

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday. &nbsp;

The Islamic State offshoot poses a threat to the airport and its surroundings. A US defence official told CNN, "There is a strong possibility ISIS-K is trying to carry off an attack at the airport." &nbsp;&nbsp;

A senior diplomat in Kabul also confirmed, they are aware of a credible but not immediate threat by Islamic State against Americans at Hamid Karzai International Airport. &nbsp;

To avert an attack, the military has established "alternative routes" for people to get to Kabul airport and its access gates. These new routes will be available to US citizens, third party nationals and qualified Afghans. &nbsp;

An official said, the Taliban are aware of the new effort and are coordinating with the US. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, UK's defence ministry said that at least seven people were killed in the chaos near Kabul airport. &nbsp;

Boris Johnson government's announcement comes even as reports said Taliban rulers had imposed some order around the chaotic Kabul airport on Sunday. &nbsp;

"Our sincere thoughts are with the families of the seven Afghan civilians, who have sadly died in crowds in Kabul," the UK defence ministry said in a statement. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday.

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday. The Islamic State offshoot poses a threat to the airport and its surroundings. A US defence official told CNN, "There is a strong possibility ISIS-K is trying to carry off an attack at the airport." A senior diplomat in Kabul also confirmed, they are aware of a credible but not immediate threat by Islamic State against Americans at Hamid Karzai International Airport. To avert an attack, the military has established "alternative routes" for people to get to Kabul airport and its access gates. These new routes will be available to US citizens, third party nationals and qualified Afghans. An official said, the Taliban are aware of the new effort and are coordinating with the US. Meanwhile, UK's defence ministry said that at least seven people were killed in the chaos near Kabul airport. Boris Johnson government's announcement comes even as reports said Taliban rulers had imposed some order around the chaotic Kabul airport on Sunday. "Our sincere thoughts are with the families of the seven Afghan civilians, who have sadly died in crowds in Kabul," the UK defence ministry said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

US forces establish alternate routes to Kabul airport over ISIS threat

Across Afghanistan, the Taliban are carrying out door-to-door searches and hunting for those Afghans who worked with the US & its allies. Instead of protecting their employees, some missions of Western governments abandoned their local staff. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: The Taliban is hunting for rivals in a door-to-door manhunt

Afghan women are on the frontlines, challenging the Taliban's repressive rule. From organising protests to arranging safe passage for their family, Afghan women have refused to relinquish their hard-earned rights. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Afghan women challenge Taliban's rule

An Afghan teenager who played for the national youth football team fell to his death after trying to cling to a US military plane. Palki Sharma tells you how some tried to profit from his misery.

Gravitas: 17-year-old Afghan youth footballer died in fall from US plane in Kabul

Thousands of Afghan refugees crowded outside the Kabul airport hoping for safe passage. American soldiers responded by firing tear gas at them. Palki Sharma tells you stories of desperation & hopelessness from Kabul.

Gravitas: Afghan parents pass children over airport wall

The US military in Afghanistan sent helicopters to&nbsp;rescue&nbsp;over 150&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;unable to reach the&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport gates, an official said Friday, in the first evidence that US forces were willing and able to go beyond the US-secured compound to help people seeking evacuation.

The news came as American officials confirmed evacuation operations from Afghanistan stalled for about seven hours Friday, because the receiving base in Qatar was overflowing and could not take in evacuees.

That left thousands more Afghans already cleared to leave their country for the United States waiting at the&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport.

"It was early this morning, and it lasted about six to seven hours," Major General Hank Taylor told reporters, adding the backlog was subsequently cleared.

The US State Department has been criticised for being overly bureaucratic and not having enough staff to process thousands of Afghans seeking to come to the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-biden-says-cannot-guarantee-final-outcome-of-risky-kabul-evacuation-407326">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Biden says cannot guarantee 'final outcome' of risky Kabul evacuation</a>

Evacuee accounts from Qatar describe sleeping on the floor in sweltering heat in a US aircraft hanger for three days or more, with limited facilities.

Taylor said US aircraft flew some 6,000 people, including a couple of hundred US citizens, out of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;in the 24 hours to early Friday, until the bottleneck halted flights.

Close to the perimeter

Flights from&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;resumed late Friday after US operations in Qatar arranged for trips for many evacuees onward to the US military base in Ramstein, Germany.

US citizens and Afghans who worked for the US forces in Afghanistan continued to attempt to get to the airport in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;to leave the country.

There were numerous accounts of some struggling to reach and enter the airport, some impeded by Taliban fighters who now control&nbsp;Kabul.

President Joe Biden said Friday that US troops had to go beyond the perimeter of the airport to retrieve 169&nbsp;Americans, potentially risking a conflict with the Taliban.

Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby downplayed the incident.

"They were very close to the perimeter of the airport. Very close," he said, adding later that they had been airlifted from the Baron hotel, near the airport, by three US Chinook helicopters.

The helicopters had been deployed due to concerns for the&nbsp;Americans' safety in traversing a huge crowd that had gathered outside the airport's Abbey entry gate.

"There was a large crowd established outside the Abbey Gate, a crowd that not everybody had confidence in, in terms of their ability to walk through it, and so local commanders on the scene took the initiative and flew these helicopters out there to pick them up," Kirby said.

Taylor said the Taliban have mostly been cooperating with US officials to allow those with US passports or visas to get to the airport and that there was "constant communication" between the US commander on the ground and the Taliban.

"We're seeing that things that we are asking for," such as passage to the airport, "is happening and getting better," he said.

The US military in Afghanistan sent helicopters to rescue over 150 Americans unable to reach the Kabul airport gates, an official said Friday, in the first evidence that US forces were willing and able to go beyond the US-secured compound to help people seeking evacuation.

The US military in Afghanistan sent helicopters to rescue over 150 Americans unable to reach the Kabul airport gates, an official said Friday, in the first evidence that US forces were willing and able to go beyond the US-secured compound to help people seeking evacuation. The news came as American officials confirmed evacuation operations from Afghanistan stalled for about seven hours Friday, because the receiving base in Qatar was overflowing and could not take in evacuees. That left thousands more Afghans already cleared to leave their country for the United States waiting at the Kabul airport. "It was early this morning, and it lasted about six to seven hours," Major General Hank Taylor told reporters, adding the backlog was subsequently cleared. The US State Department has been criticised for being overly bureaucratic and not having enough staff to process thousands of Afghans seeking to come to the United States. Also read | Afghanistan: Biden says cannot guarantee 'final outcome' of risky Kabul evacuation Evacuee accounts from Qatar describe sleeping on the floor in sweltering heat in a US aircraft hanger for three days or more, with limited facilities. Taylor said US aircraft flew some 6,000 people, including a couple of hundred US citizens, out of Kabul in the 24 hours to early Friday, until the bottleneck halted flights. Close to the perimeter Flights from Kabul resumed late Friday after US operations in Qatar arranged for trips for many evacuees onward to the US military base in Ramstein, Germany. US citizens and Afghans who worked for the US forces in Afghanistan continued to attempt to get to the airport in Kabul to leave the country. There were numerous accounts of some struggling to reach and enter the airport, some impeded by Taliban fighters who now control Kabul. President Joe Biden said Friday that US troops had to go beyond the perimeter of the airport to retrieve 169 Americans, potentially risking a conflict with the Taliban. Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby downplayed the incident. "They were very close to the perimeter of the airport. Very close," he said, adding later that they had been airlifted from the Baron hotel, near the airport, by three US Chinook helicopters. The helicopters had been deployed due to concerns for the Americans' safety in traversing a huge crowd that had gathered outside the airport's Abbey entry gate. "There was a large crowd established outside the Abbey Gate, a crowd that not everybody had confidence in, in terms of their ability to walk through it, and so local commanders on the scene took the initiative and flew these helicopters out there to pick them up," Kirby said. Taylor said the Taliban have mostly been cooperating with US officials to allow those with US passports or visas to get to the airport and that there was "constant communication" between the US commander on the ground and the Taliban. "We're seeing that things that we are asking for," such as passage to the airport, "is happening and getting better," he said.

US flies to rescue of Americans trying to escape Kabul

The office of Abdullah Abdullah, chairman, National Reconciliation Council, said Abdullah and former president Hamid Karzai had met with the acting Taliban governor for Kabul, Abdul Rahman Mansoor, and discussed the priority of protecting people's lives and property. A local news channel TOLO News said on Twitter. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Taliban's co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has arrived in Kabul on Saturday to hold talks with fellow group members and other politicians to intensify efforts to establish a new Afghan government. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A senior Taliban official told AFP, "He will be in Kabul to meet jihadi leaders and politicians for an inclusive government set-up." &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Baradar is the chief of the Taliban's political office. The Taliban leader took a C17 aircraft from Qatar and chose to land in the group's spiritual birthplace Kandahar on Tuesday night. The city was the capital of the group during its first time in power in the 90s. &nbsp; &nbsp;

After his return, the Taliban announced its rule would be "different" this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;

A controversial figure in the Taliban, Baradar was arrested in 2010 in Pakistan but was released from prison three years ago at the request of the former Trump administration as it prepared to open peace talks with the militant group. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The office of Abdullah Abdullah, chairman, National Reconciliation Council, said Abdullah and former president Hamid Karzai had met with the acting Taliban governor for Kabul, Abdul Rahman Mansoor, and discussed the priority of protecting people's lives and property.

The office of Abdullah Abdullah, chairman, National Reconciliation Council, said Abdullah and former president Hamid Karzai had met with the acting Taliban governor for Kabul, Abdul Rahman Mansoor, and discussed the priority of protecting people's lives and property. A local news channel TOLO News said on Twitter. Meanwhile, Taliban's co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has arrived in Kabul on Saturday to hold talks with fellow group members and other politicians to intensify efforts to establish a new Afghan government. A senior Taliban official told AFP, "He will be in Kabul to meet jihadi leaders and politicians for an inclusive government set-up." Baradar is the chief of the Taliban's political office. The Taliban leader took a C17 aircraft from Qatar and chose to land in the group's spiritual birthplace Kandahar on Tuesday night. The city was the capital of the group during its first time in power in the 90s. After his return, the Taliban announced its rule would be "different" this time. A controversial figure in the Taliban, Baradar was arrested in 2010 in Pakistan but was released from prison three years ago at the request of the former Trump administration as it prepared to open peace talks with the militant group. (With inputs from agencies)

Abdullah, Karzai meet Kabul’s acting Taliban guv, discuss protection of lives, property  

To intensify efforts to establish a new Afghan government, Taliban's co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has arrived in Kabul on Saturday to hold talks with fellow group members and other politicians. &nbsp;

A senior Taliban official told AFP, "He will be in Kabul to meet jihadi leaders and politicians for an inclusive government set-up." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Baradar is the chief of the Taliban's political office. The Taliban leader took a C17 aircraft from Qatar and chose to land in the group's spiritual birthplace Kandahar on Tuesday night. The city was the capital of the group during its first time in power in the 90s. &nbsp;

After his return, the Taliban announced its rule would be "different" this time. &nbsp;

A controversial figure in the Taliban, Baradar was arrested in 2010 in Pakistan but was released from prison three years ago at the request of the former Trump administration as it prepared to open peace talks with the militant group. &nbsp;

Baradar is widely seen as a possible future leader of Afghanistan as the Taliban take control of Kabul. &nbsp;

He oversaw the signing of the US forces' withdrawal agreement with the Americans. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To intensify efforts to establish a new Afghan government, Taliban's co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has arrived in Kabul on Saturday to hold talks with fellow group members and other politicians.

To intensify efforts to establish a new Afghan government, Taliban's co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has arrived in Kabul on Saturday to hold talks with fellow group members and other politicians. A senior Taliban official told AFP, "He will be in Kabul to meet jihadi leaders and politicians for an inclusive government set-up." Baradar is the chief of the Taliban's political office. The Taliban leader took a C17 aircraft from Qatar and chose to land in the group's spiritual birthplace Kandahar on Tuesday night. The city was the capital of the group during its first time in power in the 90s. After his return, the Taliban announced its rule would be "different" this time. A controversial figure in the Taliban, Baradar was arrested in 2010 in Pakistan but was released from prison three years ago at the request of the former Trump administration as it prepared to open peace talks with the militant group. Baradar is widely seen as a possible future leader of Afghanistan as the Taliban take control of Kabul. He oversaw the signing of the US forces' withdrawal agreement with the Americans. (With inputs from agencies)

With new Afghan govt on cards, Taliban's co-founder Baradar reaches Kabul

A terror regrouping is underway in Kabul. Terrorists of all hues are trying to make the fallen capital their base. Orchestrating this regrouping is Pakistan's deep state led by the ISI. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: Pakistan orchestrates terror regrouping in Kabul

Amid the chaos, gridlocked streets, gunshots and panic WION's Anas Mallick get you a ground report from Kabul airport where some have been waiting for hours and some for days to flee Afghanistan.

WION Ground Report: Chaos, gridlocked streets & panic in Kabul as desperate Afghans try to flee

The Taliban is intensifying a search for people who worked with the US and NATO forces, a confidential United Nations document says, despite the militants vowing no revenge against opponents.

The report, provided by the UN's threat-assessment consultants and seen by AFP - says the group has "priority lists" of individuals it wants to arrest.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-facebook-twitter-and-linkedin-secure-users-accounts-amid-taliban-takeover-407020">Live: Afghanistan crisis-Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn secure users' accounts amid Taliban takeover</a></h2>

Most at risk are people who had central roles in the Afghan military, police and intelligence units, according to the document.

The Taliban have been conducting "targeted&nbsp;door-to-door&nbsp;visits" of individuals they want to apprehend and their family members, the report says.

It adds that militants are also screening individuals on the way to Kabul airport and have set up checkpoints in major cities, including the capital and Jalalabad.

The document, dated Wednesday, was written by the Norwegian Center for Global Analyses, an organisation that provides intelligence to UN agencies.

"They are targeting the families of those who refuse to give themselves up, and prosecuting and punishing their families 'according to Sharia law,'" Christian Nellemann, the group's executive director, told AFP.

"We expect both individuals previously working with NATO/US forces and their allies, alongside with their family members to be exposed to torture and executions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/heartbreaking-desperate-afghan-mothers-throw-children-over-kabul-airport-fence-in-bid-to-escape-taliban-407089">Heartbreaking: Desperate Afghan mothers throw children over Kabul airport fence in bid to escape Taliban</a>

"This will further jeopardize western intelligence services, their networks, methods and ability to counter both the Taliban, ISIS and other terrorist threats ahead," he added.

'Recruiting' informers&nbsp;

The report says the militants are "rapidly recruiting" new informers to collaborate with the Taliban regime and are expanding their lists of targets by contacting mosques and money brokers.

It reprints a letter, dated August 16, from the Taliban to an individual who worked in counterterrorism in the Afghan government.

The letter asks the person to report to Taliban officials to "provide information about the nature of your work and relationship with the British and Americans."

"If you do not report to the commission, your family members will be arrested instead, and you are responsible for this. You and your family members will be treated based on Sharia law," it says.

The Norwegian Center for Global Analyses also warned the Taliban may target or arrest remaining Westerners or other foreign personnel, including medical workers if they criticise the militants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-call-on-afghanistans-imams-to-urge-unity-as-protests-spread-to-kabul-407074" hreflang="en">Taliban call on Afghanistan's imams to urge unity as protests spread to Kabul</a>

A UN spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the document.

The Taliban have launched a public relations blitz since sweeping back into power on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces as the United States and other foreign troops withdrew following a 20-year occupation.

Among promises such as rights for women and an inclusive government, the militants have also pledged full amnesty for all who worked with the Western-backed elected Afghan government.

But Afghans have not forgotten the Taliban's ultra-conservative Islamic regime of 1996-2001, when brutal punishments, such as stoning to death for adultery, were imposed.

Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee the country since the Taliban takeover, sparking chaos at Kabul airport.

The Taliban is intensifying a search for people who worked with the US and NATO forces, a confidential United Nations document says, despite the militants vowing no revenge against opponents.

The Taliban is intensifying a search for people who worked with the US and NATO forces, a confidential United Nations document says, despite the militants vowing no revenge against opponents. The report, provided by the UN's threat-assessment consultants and seen by AFP - says the group has "priority lists" of individuals it wants to arrest. Live: Afghanistan crisis-Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn secure users' accounts amid Taliban takeover Most at risk are people who had central roles in the Afghan military, police and intelligence units, according to the document. The Taliban have been conducting "targeted door-to-door visits" of individuals they want to apprehend and their family members, the report says. It adds that militants are also screening individuals on the way to Kabul airport and have set up checkpoints in major cities, including the capital and Jalalabad. The document, dated Wednesday, was written by the Norwegian Center for Global Analyses, an organisation that provides intelligence to UN agencies. "They are targeting the families of those who refuse to give themselves up, and prosecuting and punishing their families 'according to Sharia law,'" Christian Nellemann, the group's executive director, told AFP. "We expect both individuals previously working with NATO/US forces and their allies, alongside with their family members to be exposed to torture and executions. Also read | Heartbreaking: Desperate Afghan mothers throw children over Kabul airport fence in bid to escape Taliban "This will further jeopardize western intelligence services, their networks, methods and ability to counter both the Taliban, ISIS and other terrorist threats ahead," he added. 'Recruiting' informers The report says the militants are "rapidly recruiting" new informers to collaborate with the Taliban regime and are expanding their lists of targets by contacting mosques and money brokers. It reprints a letter, dated August 16, from the Taliban to an individual who worked in counterterrorism in the Afghan government. The letter asks the person to report to Taliban officials to "provide information about the nature of your work and relationship with the British and Americans." "If you do not report to the commission, your family members will be arrested instead, and you are responsible for this. You and your family members will be treated based on Sharia law," it says. The Norwegian Center for Global Analyses also warned the Taliban may target or arrest remaining Westerners or other foreign personnel, including medical workers if they criticise the militants. Also read | Taliban call on Afghanistan's imams to urge unity as protests spread to Kabul A UN spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the document. The Taliban have launched a public relations blitz since sweeping back into power on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces as the United States and other foreign troops withdrew following a 20-year occupation. Among promises such as rights for women and an inclusive government, the militants have also pledged full amnesty for all who worked with the Western-backed elected Afghan government. But Afghans have not forgotten the Taliban's ultra-conservative Islamic regime of 1996-2001, when brutal punishments, such as stoning to death for adultery, were imposed. Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee the country since the Taliban takeover, sparking chaos at Kabul airport.

Taliban 'intensifying' door-to-door search for Afghans who helped US, claims UN document

The US and NATO military invaded Afghanistan 20 years ago. The most mighty force on the planet aimed to expel both the Taliban and Al-Qaeda from the country. It turns out that it was just a daydream. 20 years on the humiliating departure of the US forces has come as a massive morale boost to terrorists all over the world.

Will Afghanistan become a safe haven for terror?

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