British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that Afghanistan must not "become a breeding ground for terror" and the west must work together to ensure this, as the Taliban enters capital Kabul.

Boris Johnson says Afghanistan must not 'become breeding ground for terror'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken blamed Afghan forces for the Taliban’s takeover. He forcefully defended the administration’s decision to withdraw the military from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

US Secretary of State Blinken says Afghan troops haven't been able to defend country

Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), has addressed Ashraf Ghani as the "former President" of Afghanistan after he left for Tajikistan. However, it is not yet clear whether Ghani has resigned as president.

Taliban in Kabul: HCNR head Abdullah Abdullah addresses Ghani as 'former President'

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani left for Afghanistan following the Taliban's advance into the capital Kabul. According to reports, Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh has also left the country.

Taliban in Kabul: Both Afghan Prez and Vice Prez have left the country

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has left the capital for Tajikistan as the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday and are on their way to take control of the government.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani leaves for Tajikistan as Taliban enters Kabul

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Sunday and are on their way to take control of the government. According to reports, President Ashraf Ghani is likely to step down from his post in the next few hours and has left Afghanistan.

Reports: President Ashraf Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban take control

Taliban terrorists have entered the outskirts of Kabul and are awaiting a 'peaceful transfer' of the power. Negotiation talks for the transition of power are underway but the government workers are fleeing the city in helicopters.

Afghanistan: Negotiation talks for transition of power are underway

Taliban fighters have entered the outskirts of the Afghanistan capital, Kabul and said that they are awaiting a “peaceful transfer” of the city after promising not to take it by force.

Afghanistan: Taliban enters Kabul, awaits 'peaceful transfer' of power

The Taliban terrorists have entered the outskirts of Afghanistan's capital Kabul from all sides. The Taliban's spokesperson has said that they have instructed their forces to stay at the gate of the capital.

Afghanistan: Taliban enters the outskirts of Kabul

According to reports Taliban have reached the gates of the Afghan capital Kabul. However, the Taliban says they have no plans to take Kabul 'by force'.

No plans to take Kabul by force: Taliban

The threat to Kabul worsens with every passing minute. The Taliban are closing in on the Afghanistan capital. The latest reports say the terrorists have taken over another provincial capital- maidan-shahr city.

Afghanistan Turmoil: Taliban reach the doorstep of Kabul

With every passing day, the Taliban is tightening its noose around Afghanistan. Taking over the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad the Taliban has now left the capital Kabul as the last major urban area under government control.

WION in Afghanistan: Kabul only major Afghan city in government control

As the negotiations for the&nbsp;transition process are underway, Taliban have announced that it will not&nbsp;enter Kabul for now.&nbsp;In a statement, it said as it is a largely and densely populated city, it wants to enter peacefully and&nbsp;not fight in Kabul.&nbsp;

“Since the capital Kabul is a large and densely populated city, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate do not intend to enter the city by force or war, but rather to enter Kabul peacefully. Negotiations are underway to ensure that the transition process is completed safely and securely, without compromising the lives, property and honor of anyone, and without compromising the lives of Kabulis,” the statement read.&nbsp;

The Taliban has&nbsp;instructed all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul&nbsp;and not try to enter the city.&nbsp;

The group said it&nbsp;wants a government that is acceptable to everyone. It was declared by the&nbsp;Islamic Emirate&nbsp;of Afghanistan, which the group calls its government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Praise be to God that with the help of God Almighty and the broad support of our people, all parts of the country have come under the control of the Islamic Emirate,” it said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The statement also said, “We reiterate that the Islamic Emirate does not intend to take revenge on anyone, all those who have served in the military and civilian sectors in the Kabul administration are forgiven and safe, no one will be retaliated against. All should stay in their own country, in their own place and home, and not try to leave the country.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the negotiations for the transition process are underway, Taliban have announced that it will not enter Kabul for now. In a statement, it said as it is a largely and densely populated city, it wants to enter peacefully and not fight in Kabul.

As the negotiations for the transition process are underway, Taliban have announced that it will not enter Kabul for now. In a statement, it said as it is a largely and densely populated city, it wants to enter peacefully and not fight in Kabul. “Since the capital Kabul is a large and densely populated city, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate do not intend to enter the city by force or war, but rather to enter Kabul peacefully. Negotiations are underway to ensure that the transition process is completed safely and securely, without compromising the lives, property and honor of anyone, and without compromising the lives of Kabulis,” the statement read. The Taliban has instructed all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul and not try to enter the city. The group said it wants a government that is acceptable to everyone. It was declared by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which the group calls its government. “Praise be to God that with the help of God Almighty and the broad support of our people, all parts of the country have come under the control of the Islamic Emirate,” it said. The statement also said, “We reiterate that the Islamic Emirate does not intend to take revenge on anyone, all those who have served in the military and civilian sectors in the Kabul administration are forgiven and safe, no one will be retaliated against. All should stay in their own country, in their own place and home, and not try to leave the country.” (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban declare not to enter Kabul for now, wait for transition

It has been a 24-hour blitzkrieg in Afghanistan. The Taliban have completed their sweep of the country’s south as they took over four more provincial capitals.

Afghanistan Crisis: Afghan army and warlords surrender to Taliban

The situation in Afghanistan is turning from bad to worse rapidly. In the wake of the Taliban's rise thousand have arrived in Kabul to seek safety. Hundreds of families and individuals have gathered in makeshift camps on the city's outskirts. Our correspondent Anas Mallick visited one of the refugee camps inside Kabul. Take a look.

Afghanistan Crisis: Kabul on the brink of humanitarian crisis

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away. 
 
A government official confirmed that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war. 
 
Herat in the west also fell to the hardline Islamist group. 
 
"The city looks like a frontline, a ghost town," provincial council member Ghulam Habib Hashimi said by telephone from the city of about 600,000 people near the border with Iran. 
 
"Families have either left or are hiding in their homes." 
 
A US&nbsp;defence official said there was concern that the Taliban, ousted from power in 2001 after the September&nbsp;11 attacks on the United States, could make a move on Kabul within days. 
 
President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced plans to send 3,000 additional troops to help evacuate US&nbsp;embassy staff, and the Pentagon said most would be in Kabul by the end of the weekend. Britain also confirmed the start of a military operation to support the evacuation of its nationals. 
 
"Kabul is not right now in an imminent threat environment, but clearly ... if you just look at what the Taliban has been doing, you can see that they are trying to isolate Kabul," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday. 
 
The White House said Biden was receiving regular briefings from his national security team on efforts to remove US&nbsp;civilians. 
 
The US&nbsp;embassy in the Afghan capital informed staff that burn bins and an incinerator were available to destroy material including papers and electronic devices to "reduce the amount of sensitive material on the property," according to an advisory seen by Reuters. 
 
A State Department spokesperson said the embassy was following standard procedure to "minimise our footprint." 
 
The United Nations has said it would not evacuate its personnel from Afghanistan but was relocating some to Kabul from other parts of the country. Many other Western embassies and aid groups said they were bringing some staff home. 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "Afghanistan is spinning out of control" and urged all parties to do more to protect civilians. 
 
"This is the moment to halt the offensive. This is the moment to start serious negotiation. This is the moment to avoid a prolonged civil war, or the isolation of Afghanistan," Guterres told reporters in New York. 
 
Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said after a security meeting chaired by President Ashraf Ghani that he was proud of the armed forces and the government would do all it could to strengthen resistance to the Taliban.

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away.

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away. A government official confirmed that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war. Herat in the west also fell to the hardline Islamist group. "The city looks like a frontline, a ghost town," provincial council member Ghulam Habib Hashimi said by telephone from the city of about 600,000 people near the border with Iran. "Families have either left or are hiding in their homes." A US defence official said there was concern that the Taliban, ousted from power in 2001 after the September 11 attacks on the United States, could make a move on Kabul within days. President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced plans to send 3,000 additional troops to help evacuate US embassy staff, and the Pentagon said most would be in Kabul by the end of the weekend. Britain also confirmed the start of a military operation to support the evacuation of its nationals. "Kabul is not right now in an imminent threat environment, but clearly ... if you just look at what the Taliban has been doing, you can see that they are trying to isolate Kabul," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday. The White House said Biden was receiving regular briefings from his national security team on efforts to remove US civilians. The US embassy in the Afghan capital informed staff that burn bins and an incinerator were available to destroy material including papers and electronic devices to "reduce the amount of sensitive material on the property," according to an advisory seen by Reuters. A State Department spokesperson said the embassy was following standard procedure to "minimise our footprint." The United Nations has said it would not evacuate its personnel from Afghanistan but was relocating some to Kabul from other parts of the country. Many other Western embassies and aid groups said they were bringing some staff home. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "Afghanistan is spinning out of control" and urged all parties to do more to protect civilians. "This is the moment to halt the offensive. This is the moment to start serious negotiation. This is the moment to avoid a prolonged civil war, or the isolation of Afghanistan," Guterres told reporters in New York. Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said after a security meeting chaired by President Ashraf Ghani that he was proud of the armed forces and the government would do all it could to strengthen resistance to the Taliban.

Taliban seize more Afghan cities, assault on capital Kabul expected

After tightening territorial stranglehold around Kabul the Taliban are closing in on the Afghanistan capital. The insurgents are now camped just 50 kilometres away from Kabul.

Afghanistan Turmoil: The Taliban closes in on Kabul, just 50 kilometres away

The Taliban has now taken control of 10 provincial capitals. The terror group is closing in on Kabul. Palki Sharma brings you 8 videos that show the complete picture of the war in Afghanistan.

Gravitas: 8 videos that show how the Taliban is gaining ground in Afghanistan

In an exclusive interview with Palki Sharma, Afghan negotiator Habiba Sarabi called the US withdrawal from Afghanistan "irresponsible" and the deal between the Americans & Taliban "dirty". Here is a Gravitas Exclusive.

Gravitas: Afghan Negotiator says US withdrawal was "irresponsible", deal with Taliban "dirty"

The Taliban claimed to have seized Herat, Afghanistan's third-largest city. The seizure happened Thursday night, putting the insurgents in control of 11 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals.

Afghanistan: Taliban takes 11th provincial capital as Herat fall, frees all prisoners

Taliban has seized a helicopter gifted by India to Afghanistan. 9 provincial capitals have now fallen to the Taliban. A US estimate says Kabul could fall within 90 days. But, the US & its allies are washing their hands off Afghanistan's problems. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Taliban seizes attack helicopter donated by India to Afghanistan

The Taliban have taken the strategic Afghan city of Ghazni just 150 kilometres (95 miles) from Kabul. The city lies along the major Kabul-Kandahar highway. It is the 10th provincial city to fall to the Taliban.

Taliban captures 10th provincial city of Ghazni

In Afghanistan, the Taliban is rapidly expanding its power.&nbsp;After a blitz through the north that drove tens of thousands of civilians to abandon their homes for the relative safety of Kabul and other towns, the Taliban took control of six Afghan provincial capitals on Tuesday. 
 
Rashid Khan, the famous Afghanistan cricketer, turned to Twitter to plead to "global leaders" to help bring peace to the country.

"Dear World Leaders! My country is in chaos, thousand of innocent people, including children &amp; women, get martyred every day, houses &amp; properties being destructed. A thousand families displaced..Don’t leave us in chaos. Stop killing Afghans &amp; destroying Afghanistan (sic). We want peace," tweeted Rashid Khan.

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Dear World Leaders! My country is in chaos,thousand of innocent people, including children &amp; women, get martyred everyday, houses &amp; properties being destructed.Thousand families displaced.. 
Don’t leave us in chaos. Stop killing Afghans &amp; destroying Afghaniatan🇦🇫. 
We want peace.🙏
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19/status/1425057234300641317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Since May, when the US-led military alliance began withdrawing its soldiers, Afghanistan's long-running conflict has gotten much worse. The drill is expected to be finished by the end of the month.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-did-the-us-achieve-in-afghanistan-nothing-397095/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Following the Taliban's takeover of numerous districts across the nation, US intelligence assessments have warned that the country's civilian government may fall to the jihadist organisation within months of US soldiers leaving.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In Afghanistan, the Taliban is rapidly expanding its power. After a blitz through the north that drove tens of thousands of civilians to abandon their homes for the relative safety of Kabul and other towns, the Taliban took control of six Afghan provincial capitals on Tuesday.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban is rapidly expanding its power. After a blitz through the north that drove tens of thousands of civilians to abandon their homes for the relative safety of Kabul and other towns, the Taliban took control of six Afghan provincial capitals on Tuesday. Rashid Khan, the famous Afghanistan cricketer, turned to Twitter to plead to "global leaders" to help bring peace to the country. "Dear World Leaders! My country is in chaos, thousand of innocent people, including children & women, get martyred every day, houses & properties being destructed. A thousand families displaced..Don’t leave us in chaos. Stop killing Afghans & destroying Afghanistan (sic). We want peace," tweeted Rashid Khan. Dear World Leaders! My country is in chaos,thousand of innocent people, including children & women, get martyred everyday, houses & properties being destructed.Thousand families displaced.. Don’t leave us in chaos. Stop killing Afghans & destroying Afghaniatan🇦🇫. We want peace.🙏 — Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) August 10, 2021 × Since May, when the US-led military alliance began withdrawing its soldiers, Afghanistan's long-running conflict has gotten much worse. The drill is expected to be finished by the end of the month. Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing Following the Taliban's takeover of numerous districts across the nation, US intelligence assessments have warned that the country's civilian government may fall to the jihadist organisation within months of US soldiers leaving. (With inputs from agencies)

Dear world leaders, don't leave Afghanistan in chaos: Cricketer Rashid Khan

Taliban is making strategic gains around Kabul and is capturing the majority of the cities. Nine major cities are under Taliban's control as of now.

Taliban makes strategic gains around Kabul, captures 9 major cities

US State Department said the situation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-seize-provincial-capitals-in-afghanistan-as-kunduz-falls-404107">Afghanistan</a> was "grave" and was rapidly deteriorating as the Taliban continued its sweep through the country.

"The increased tempo of Taliban military engagement, resulting in civilian causalities in armed conflict between the sides, and alleged human rights atrocities are of grave concern," US State Department said.

The Taliban has seized the sixth<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-seize-two-more-afghan-provincial-capitals-in-northern-blitz-404055"> provincial capital</a>. The group said its forces have been&nbsp;moving in on Mazar-e-Sharif.

Watch:

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The militant group has been on the offensive since mid-May and have escalated its fighting capabilities as President Biden announced last month that the last of the US troops will be out of Afghanistan by August 31.

"Ambassador Khalilzad will be in Doha to help formulate a joint international response to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan," the US State Department said amid heavy fighting on the ground between Taliban and Afghan government forces.

The US has provided air support to the Afghan forces but it is unclear whether it will continue its bombing campaign beyond the end of this month.

"It's their country to defend. This is their struggle," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Meanwhile, the Taliban seized its sixth provincial capital after seizing districts in the rural areas in the north and south including key border crossing close to Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran.

Kunduz, Sar-e-Pul and Taloqan have fallen to the Taliban with heavy fighting still continuing in Herat. The government forces have been pushed back in several areas as the Taliban has consolidated its gains engaging in street by street fighting in many cities.

Afghanistan's second-largest city Kunduz had fallen on Sunday as the Taliban continued its weekend blitz although the airport and army barracks were still being held by the Afghan forces.

The militant group is also engaged in heavy fighting in Kandahar and Lashkar Gah with the conflict going on for the past several weeks.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

US State Department said the situation in Afghanistan was "grave" and was rapidly deteriorating as the Taliban continued its sweep through the country. "The increased tempo of Taliban military engagement, resulting in civilian causalities in armed conflict between the sides, and alleged human rights atrocities are of grave concern," US State Department said.

US State Department said the situation in Afghanistan was "grave" and was rapidly deteriorating as the Taliban continued its sweep through the country. "The increased tempo of Taliban military engagement, resulting in civilian causalities in armed conflict between the sides, and alleged human rights atrocities are of grave concern," US State Department said. The Taliban has seized the sixth provincial capital. The group said its forces have been moving in on Mazar-e-Sharif. Watch: The militant group has been on the offensive since mid-May and have escalated its fighting capabilities as President Biden announced last month that the last of the US troops will be out of Afghanistan by August 31. "Ambassador Khalilzad will be in Doha to help formulate a joint international response to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan," the US State Department said amid heavy fighting on the ground between Taliban and Afghan government forces. The US has provided air support to the Afghan forces but it is unclear whether it will continue its bombing campaign beyond the end of this month. "It's their country to defend. This is their struggle," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. Meanwhile, the Taliban seized its sixth provincial capital after seizing districts in the rural areas in the north and south including key border crossing close to Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran. Kunduz, Sar-e-Pul and Taloqan have fallen to the Taliban with heavy fighting still continuing in Herat. The government forces have been pushed back in several areas as the Taliban has consolidated its gains engaging in street by street fighting in many cities. Afghanistan's second-largest city Kunduz had fallen on Sunday as the Taliban continued its weekend blitz although the airport and army barracks were still being held by the Afghan forces. The militant group is also engaged in heavy fighting in Kandahar and Lashkar Gah with the conflict going on for the past several weeks. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Grave concern': Taliban advance towards Mazar-e-Sharif after weekend blitz

Taliban continues&nbsp;its surge across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dear-world-leaders-dont-leave-afghanistan-in-chaos-cricketer-rashid-khan-404512">Afghanistan</a> with the capture of two more provincial cities with a total of eight provinces seized in the last couple of days.

Amid the Taliban advance, US President Biden said he did&nbsp;regret his decision&nbsp;to pull US troops out of the region as the militants took Farah city and Pul-e-Khumri in Baghlan.

"I do not regret my decision," the US President said.

President Biden had announced last month that all US troops will be out of Afghanistan by August 31 which is now just weeks away even as the Taliban continues its sweep through the country.

Watch:

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The militant group had said earlier that its men were now headed towards the country's second-biggest city <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/grave-concern-taliban-advance-towards-mazar-i-sharif-after-weekend-blitz-404348">Mazar-i-Sharif</a>. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-evacuate-diplomats-and-citizens-from-mazar-e-sharif-consulate-in-afghanistan-404430">Indian</a> government sent a special flight to Maza-i-Sharif on Tuesday to evacuate diplomats and Indian nations. &nbsp;

At least &nbsp;1500 Indian nationals are currently involved in various development projects in Afghanistan. Reports say Taliban fighters are closing in on Aibak, a provincial capital between Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul.

"Afghan leaders have to come together, they have got to fight for themselves, fight for their nation," US President Biden said.

The US president added that&nbsp;the country had spent over $1 trillion since September 2001 and lost thousands of troops during its fight against the Taliban and to restore the country.

Taliban had begun its offensive in mid-May and have annexed several strategic border crossings along the Pakistan, Iran and Tajikistan border as US troops pull out of the region.

Although the US has been carrying out airstrikes along with Afghan pilots but it is unclear whether it would continue beyond August 31.

Meanwhile, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said the Taliban's recent offensive which involved "deeply disturbing reports" of executions could amount to war crimes, adding, "People rightly fear that a seizure of power by the Taliban will erase the human rights gains of the past two decades.”

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban continues its surge across Afghanistan with the capture of two more provincial cities with a total of eight provinces seized in the last couple of days. Amid the Taliban advance, US President Biden said he did regret his decision to pull US troops out of the region as the militants took Farah city and Pul-e-Khumri in Baghlan.

Taliban continues its surge across Afghanistan with the capture of two more provincial cities with a total of eight provinces seized in the last couple of days. Amid the Taliban advance, US President Biden said he did regret his decision to pull US troops out of the region as the militants took Farah city and Pul-e-Khumri in Baghlan. "I do not regret my decision," the US President said. President Biden had announced last month that all US troops will be out of Afghanistan by August 31 which is now just weeks away even as the Taliban continues its sweep through the country. Watch: The militant group had said earlier that its men were now headed towards the country's second-biggest city Mazar-i-Sharif. The Indian government sent a special flight to Maza-i-Sharif on Tuesday to evacuate diplomats and Indian nations. At least 1500 Indian nationals are currently involved in various development projects in Afghanistan. Reports say Taliban fighters are closing in on Aibak, a provincial capital between Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul. "Afghan leaders have to come together, they have got to fight for themselves, fight for their nation," US President Biden said. The US president added that the country had spent over $1 trillion since September 2001 and lost thousands of troops during its fight against the Taliban and to restore the country. Taliban had begun its offensive in mid-May and have annexed several strategic border crossings along the Pakistan, Iran and Tajikistan border as US troops pull out of the region. Although the US has been carrying out airstrikes along with Afghan pilots but it is unclear whether it would continue beyond August 31. Meanwhile, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said the Taliban's recent offensive which involved "deeply disturbing reports" of executions could amount to war crimes, adding, "People rightly fear that a seizure of power by the Taliban will erase the human rights gains of the past two decades.” (With inputs from Agencies)

I do not regret my decision, says Biden as two more cities fall to Taliban in Afghanistan

Taliban is on a blitzkrieg in Afghanistan. 6 provinces have fallen in 72 hours. 90% of the border has been 'seized'. Key routes to Kabul are blocked. A woman has been killed for wearing 'tight clothes'. Palki Sharma gets you a report on the Taliban's onslaught.

Gravitas: Taliban's 72-hour blitzkrieg in Afghanistan

Angry at not being able to speak at the&nbsp;United Nations&nbsp;Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Pakistan has expressed its "deep regret" that it was not allowed to "present its perspective on the Afghan peace process". Friday saw a session on Afghanistan under India's presidency, days after Afghan foreign minister Hanif Atmar requested India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar for such a meet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The UNSC meet comes even as Pakistan has been trying to host Afghan leaders for peace talks,&nbsp;and foreign ministers of regional countries on the situation in Afghanistan. So far, no headway has been made on both the meetings as participants have not agreed to it.&nbsp;

During the around one-and-a-half-hour-long session, Afghanistan exposed Pakistan's support to the ongoing Taliban offensive in the country&nbsp;and&nbsp;how the group continues to enjoy "safe haven"&nbsp;inside Islamabad’s borders. Afghan envoy to the United Nations Ghulam M&nbsp;Isaczai, speaking at United Nations Security Council,&nbsp;said, "Taliban continue to enjoy a safe haven in, and supply and logistics line extended to their war machine from Pakistan."&nbsp;

Pointing that this is "not only a naked violation of the 1988 UN Security Council Sanctions Regime but also leads to further erosion of trust and confidence towards establishing a collaborative relationship with Pakistan to end the war in our country."&nbsp;

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I must express my regret that Pakistan's request for participation in the UN Security Council meeting today was not accepted. This is most unfortunate, since Pakistan is a neighboring country of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>, &amp; has direct stakes in Afghanistan's peace &amp; stability <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNPressBriefing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNPressBriefing</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vh5zkvvRL0">pic.twitter.com/Vh5zkvvRL0</a>
— Pakistan Permanent Representative to UN (@PakistanPR_UN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakistanPR_UN/status/1423783941757149186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Pakistani foreign ministry in a long statement said, "Afghanistan's representative propagated disinformation and leveled baseless allegations against Pakistan with a view to mislead the international community. Pakistan categorically rejects these accusations."&nbsp;

Many won't buy Islamabad's argument. Afghanistan&nbsp;government&nbsp;at the Friday meet highlighted, how "graphic reports and videos of Taliban fighters congregating close to the Durand Line to enter Afghanistan, fund-raising events, transfer of dead bodies for mass burial, and treatment of injured Taliban in Pakistani hospitals are emerging and are widely available."&nbsp;

Last month at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit, Afghanistan&nbsp;President Ashraf Ghani had&nbsp;publicly&nbsp;slammed Pakistani PM Imran Khan for his country's support to the group and terror elements that are causing mayhem in his country. During a bilateral meet between Ghani and Khan in Tashkent, the latter had urged that Islamabad must help in removing and dismantling of the Taliban’s sanctuary and supply line.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Taliban has launched an offensive in 31 of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan and has got the support of more than 10,000 foreign terrorists fighters crossing over from Pakistan. These foreign&nbsp;terrorist&nbsp;fighters are from terror groups representing 20 groups,&nbsp;including Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba.&nbsp;

It is not for the first time Pakistan-based international terror group&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba's&nbsp;name has been mentioned by the Afghanistan&nbsp;government. Recently,&nbsp;in a briefing to foreign envoys based in Kabul, Afghanistan&nbsp;FM Atmar had also mentioned Lashkar's name. The terror group has been responsible for attacks in India. Afghanistan is even willing to provide evidence of Pakistan&nbsp;support to the Taliban to Security Council.&nbsp;

Angry at not being able to speak at the United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Pakistan has expressed its "deep regret" that it was not allowed to "present its perspective on the Afghan peace process".

Angry at not being able to speak at the United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Pakistan has expressed its "deep regret" that it was not allowed to "present its perspective on the Afghan peace process". Friday saw a session on Afghanistan under India's presidency, days after Afghan foreign minister Hanif Atmar requested India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar for such a meet. The UNSC meet comes even as Pakistan has been trying to host Afghan leaders for peace talks, and foreign ministers of regional countries on the situation in Afghanistan. So far, no headway has been made on both the meetings as participants have not agreed to it. During the around one-and-a-half-hour-long session, Afghanistan exposed Pakistan's support to the ongoing Taliban offensive in the country and how the group continues to enjoy "safe haven" inside Islamabad’s borders. Afghan envoy to the United Nations Ghulam M Isaczai, speaking at United Nations Security Council, said, "Taliban continue to enjoy a safe haven in, and supply and logistics line extended to their war machine from Pakistan." Pointing that this is "not only a naked violation of the 1988 UN Security Council Sanctions Regime but also leads to further erosion of trust and confidence towards establishing a collaborative relationship with Pakistan to end the war in our country." I must express my regret that Pakistan's request for participation in the UN Security Council meeting today was not accepted. This is most unfortunate, since Pakistan is a neighboring country of #Afghanistan, & has direct stakes in Afghanistan's peace & stability #UNPressBriefing pic.twitter.com/Vh5zkvvRL0 — Pakistan Permanent Representative to UN (@PakistanPR_UN) August 6, 2021 × The Pakistani foreign ministry in a long statement said, "Afghanistan's representative propagated disinformation and leveled baseless allegations against Pakistan with a view to mislead the international community. Pakistan categorically rejects these accusations." Many won't buy Islamabad's argument. Afghanistan government at the Friday meet highlighted, how "graphic reports and videos of Taliban fighters congregating close to the Durand Line to enter Afghanistan, fund-raising events, transfer of dead bodies for mass burial, and treatment of injured Taliban in Pakistani hospitals are emerging and are widely available." Last month at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had publicly slammed Pakistani PM Imran Khan for his country's support to the group and terror elements that are causing mayhem in his country. During a bilateral meet between Ghani and Khan in Tashkent, the latter had urged that Islamabad must help in removing and dismantling of the Taliban’s sanctuary and supply line. Taliban has launched an offensive in 31 of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan and has got the support of more than 10,000 foreign terrorists fighters crossing over from Pakistan. These foreign terrorist fighters are from terror groups representing 20 groups, including Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba. It is not for the first time Pakistan-based international terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's name has been mentioned by the Afghanistan government. Recently, in a briefing to foreign envoys based in Kabul, Afghanistan FM Atmar had also mentioned Lashkar's name. The terror group has been responsible for attacks in India. Afghanistan is even willing to provide evidence of Pakistan support to the Taliban to Security Council.

Pakistan miffed by UNSC meet over Afghanistan; Rants against Kabul 

The Taliban on Friday captured their first provincial capital since launching an offensive to coincide with the departure of foreign troops, a major blow to an Afghan government desperately trying to push back the insurgents.

"Zaranj, provincial capital of Nimroz, has fallen to the Taliban," Roh Gul Khairzad, the deputy governor of Nimroz, told AFP.

She said the city -- in southwest Afghanistan near the Iranian border -- had been taken "without a fight", and social media showed clips of insurgents roaming the streets, being cheered by residents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/taliban-needs-to-eschew-the-path-of-violence-cut-ties-with-terror-groups-india-403564" hreflang="en">Taliban needs to eschew the path of violence, cut ties with terror groups: India</a>

The veracity of the videos could not immediately be confirmed.

The fall of Zaranj comes the same day the Taliban claimed responsibility for killing the head of the Afghan government's media information department.

The insurgents warned this week they would target senior administration figures in retaliation for increased air strikes.

The assassination on Friday of Dawa Khan Menapal, one of the government's leading voices, followed another bloody day of fighting as the war increasingly spills into Kabul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-remove-sikh-flag-nishan-sahib-from-historical-gurdwara-in-afghanistans-paktia-403510" hreflang="en">Taliban remove Sikh flag Nishan Sahib from historical Gurdwara in Afghanistan's Paktia</a>

The news from Nimroz also comes as the UN Security Council met in New York to discuss the conflict.

Deborah Lyons, head of the world body's Afghan aid operation, painted a grim picture of the country's deteriorating situation.

"The Security Council must issue an unambiguous statement that attacks against cities must stop now," Lyons said via video-link from Kabul.

'Cowardly act'

In the Afghan capital, officials expressed shock at the fatal shooting of Menapal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorists-assassinated-afghan-govt-media-head-who-was-critical-of-pakistan-taliban-403458" hreflang="en">Terrorists assassinated Afghan govt media head who was critical of Pakistan, Taliban</a>

"Unfortunately, the savage terrorists have committed a cowardly act once again and martyred a patriotic Afghan," said interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai.

Menapal was popular in Kabul's tight-knit media community, and known for pillorying the Taliban on social media -- even jokingly at times.&nbsp;

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid sent a message to the media saying Menapal "was killed in a special attack carried out by mujahideen".

The murder comes after the militants warned Wednesday of more attacks targeting Afghan government leaders.&nbsp;

The day before, defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi escaped an assassination attempt in a bomb-and-gun attack.

The Afghan and US militaries have stepped up air strikes in their fight against the insurgents in a string of cities, and the Taliban said Tuesday's Kabul attack was their response.

Fighting in Afghanistan's long-running conflict has intensified since May, when foreign forces began the final stage of a withdrawal due to be completed later this month.

The Taliban already control large portions of the countryside, and are now challenging government forces in several provincial capitals.

'Nothing left'

Government forces continue to hit Taliban positions with air strikes and commando raids, and the defence ministry boasted Friday of eliminating more than 400 insurgents in the past 24 hours.&nbsp;

Both sides frequently exaggerate battlefield casualty figures, making independent verification virtually impossible.&nbsp;

But even as Afghan officials claimed to be hitting the Taliban hard, security forces have yet to flush out the militants from provincial capitals they have already entered -- with hundreds of thousands of civilians forced to flee in recent weeks.

Social media was also filled with videos of the devastating toll the fighting has taken in the southern city of Lashkar Gah -- capital of Helmand province, with posts showing a major market area in flames.&nbsp;

Aid group Action Against Hunger said its offices had been hit by an "aerial bomb" in the city earlier this week, according to a statement released by the organisation on Friday.

"The building was marked from the street and roof as a non-governmental (NGO) organisation, and the office location has been communicated often to the parties involved in the conflict," said the group, adding that no staff had been harmed.

In the key western city of Herat, a steady stream of people were leaving their homes in anticipation of a government assault on positions recently won by the Taliban.

"We completely evacuated," resident Ahmad Zia told AFP. "We have nothing left and we do not know where to go."

The Taliban on Friday captured their first provincial capital since launching an offensive to coincide with the departure of foreign troops, a major blow to an Afghan government desperately trying to push back the insurgents.

The Taliban on Friday captured their first provincial capital since launching an offensive to coincide with the departure of foreign troops, a major blow to an Afghan government desperately trying to push back the insurgents. "Zaranj, provincial capital of Nimroz, has fallen to the Taliban," Roh Gul Khairzad, the deputy governor of Nimroz, told AFP. She said the city -- in southwest Afghanistan near the Iranian border -- had been taken "without a fight", and social media showed clips of insurgents roaming the streets, being cheered by residents. Also read | Taliban needs to eschew the path of violence, cut ties with terror groups: India The veracity of the videos could not immediately be confirmed. The fall of Zaranj comes the same day the Taliban claimed responsibility for killing the head of the Afghan government's media information department. The insurgents warned this week they would target senior administration figures in retaliation for increased air strikes. The assassination on Friday of Dawa Khan Menapal, one of the government's leading voices, followed another bloody day of fighting as the war increasingly spills into Kabul. Also read | Taliban remove Sikh flag Nishan Sahib from historical Gurdwara in Afghanistan's Paktia The news from Nimroz also comes as the UN Security Council met in New York to discuss the conflict. Deborah Lyons, head of the world body's Afghan aid operation, painted a grim picture of the country's deteriorating situation. "The Security Council must issue an unambiguous statement that attacks against cities must stop now," Lyons said via video-link from Kabul. 'Cowardly act' In the Afghan capital, officials expressed shock at the fatal shooting of Menapal. Also read | Terrorists assassinated Afghan govt media head who was critical of Pakistan, Taliban "Unfortunately, the savage terrorists have committed a cowardly act once again and martyred a patriotic Afghan," said interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai. Menapal was popular in Kabul's tight-knit media community, and known for pillorying the Taliban on social media -- even jokingly at times. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid sent a message to the media saying Menapal "was killed in a special attack carried out by mujahideen". The murder comes after the militants warned Wednesday of more attacks targeting Afghan government leaders. The day before, defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi escaped an assassination attempt in a bomb-and-gun attack. The Afghan and US militaries have stepped up air strikes in their fight against the insurgents in a string of cities, and the Taliban said Tuesday's Kabul attack was their response. Fighting in Afghanistan's long-running conflict has intensified since May, when foreign forces began the final stage of a withdrawal due to be completed later this month. The Taliban already control large portions of the countryside, and are now challenging government forces in several provincial capitals. 'Nothing left' Government forces continue to hit Taliban positions with air strikes and commando raids, and the defence ministry boasted Friday of eliminating more than 400 insurgents in the past 24 hours. Both sides frequently exaggerate battlefield casualty figures, making independent verification virtually impossible. But even as Afghan officials claimed to be hitting the Taliban hard, security forces have yet to flush out the militants from provincial capitals they have already entered -- with hundreds of thousands of civilians forced to flee in recent weeks. Social media was also filled with videos of the devastating toll the fighting has taken in the southern city of Lashkar Gah -- capital of Helmand province, with posts showing a major market area in flames. Aid group Action Against Hunger said its offices had been hit by an "aerial bomb" in the city earlier this week, according to a statement released by the organisation on Friday. "The building was marked from the street and roof as a non-governmental (NGO) organisation, and the office location has been communicated often to the parties involved in the conflict," said the group, adding that no staff had been harmed. In the key western city of Herat, a steady stream of people were leaving their homes in anticipation of a government assault on positions recently won by the Taliban. "We completely evacuated," resident Ahmad Zia told AFP. "We have nothing left and we do not know where to go."

Taliban capture first Afghan provincial capital in blow to government

Afghanistan: Last night Kabul was rocked by an explosion that killed 10 people including 3 civilians, 3 attackers. Later on Taliban claimed the responsibility of the attack. The car bomb attack targeted a guesthouse that belonged to the acting Defense Minister Bismillah Mohammadi who was not there when the explosion happened.

Anti-Taliban protests held in Kabul, Herat and Jalalabad

Warning more assaults on top government officials,&nbsp;the Taliban&nbsp;claimed to have carried out the&nbsp;deadly attack on the Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister&nbsp;in Kabul. The group spokesman said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday,&nbsp;its fighters were behind the incident.&nbsp;

In a statement,&nbsp;Zabihullah&nbsp;Mujahid,&nbsp;spokesman,&nbsp;Taliban said,&nbsp;"Last night a martyrdom attack was carried out on the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister's residence."&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also added&nbsp;that more&nbsp;'retaliatory operations'&nbsp;against top government officials were being planned.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the attack,&nbsp;at least eight people, including a woman, were killed.&nbsp;More than 20 others were also hurt in a car bomb blast. The incident happened&nbsp;near&nbsp;Acting Defense Minister Gen Bismillah Mohammadi’s&nbsp;residence on Tuesday night, said&nbsp;Interior Ministry&nbsp;on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The attack was carried out around&nbsp;8 pm local time in&nbsp;Shirpoor&nbsp;area, district 10, Kabul.&nbsp;In the area, most of the high-ranking government officials reside.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At first,&nbsp;car bomb exploded&nbsp;close to Minister’s&nbsp;house&nbsp;and then, around&nbsp;four gunmen entered a nearby house and fought&nbsp;with&nbsp;security guards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The security forces&nbsp;also&nbsp;arrived at the scene shortly,&nbsp;and ambulances were also seen leaving the area within an hour of the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Warning more assaults on top government officials, the Taliban claimed to have carried out the deadly attack on the Afghan defence minister in Kabul. The group spokesman said on Wednesday, its fighters were behind the incident.

Warning more assaults on top government officials, the Taliban claimed to have carried out the deadly attack on the Afghan defence minister in Kabul. The group spokesman said on Wednesday, its fighters were behind the incident. In a statement, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman, Taliban said, "Last night a martyrdom attack was carried out on the defence minister's residence." He also added that more 'retaliatory operations' against top government officials were being planned. In the attack, at least eight people, including a woman, were killed. More than 20 others were also hurt in a car bomb blast. The incident happened near Acting Defense Minister Gen Bismillah Mohammadi’s residence on Tuesday night, said Interior Ministry on Wednesday. The attack was carried out around 8 pm local time in Shirpoor area, district 10, Kabul. In the area, most of the high-ranking government officials reside. At first, car bomb exploded close to Minister’s house and then, around four gunmen entered a nearby house and fought with security guards. The security forces also arrived at the scene shortly, and ambulances were also seen leaving the area within an hour of the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Attack on Afghan defence minister in Kabul claimed by Taliban  

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