US&nbsp;adviser on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul to hold the first round of talks with Afghan leaders since being appointed an envoy to lead peace efforts with the Taliban and end the 17-year war, Afghan officials said on Sunday.

Last month Khalilzad, 67, an Afghan-born former US&nbsp;ambassador to Kabul and Iraq, joined the US&nbsp;State Department team to lead the reconciliation effort and peace talks with the Taliban.

A spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Khalilzad met with Ghani on Sunday and he is expected to meet senior ministers and top diplomats in Kabul on Monday.

A senior government official said Khalilzad will be travelling to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Qatar as part of a 10-day trip in an attempt to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.

Khalilzad’s appointment last month highlighted the US administration's fresh efforts to convince the Taliban leadership to participate in the Afghan peace process, despite a surge in attacks by the militant group.

Khalilzad's knowledge of Afghanistan’s main languages, culture and politics could help him engage with all the stakeholders in the peace process in addition to his experience advising or working for four US&nbsp;administrations.

But his visit comes as the Taliban and the Islamic State group ramp up attacks across the country two weeks before the country is set to hold long-delayed parliamentary polls.

In the latest incident, Taliban fighters killed at least 10 policemen in a district in central Afghanistan and blocked arterial highways.

US adviser on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul to hold the first round of talks with Afghan leaders since being appointed an envoy to lead peace efforts with the Taliban and end the 17-year war, Afghan officials said on Sunday.

US adviser on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul to hold the first round of talks with Afghan leaders since being appointed an envoy to lead peace efforts with the Taliban and end the 17-year war, Afghan officials said on Sunday. Last month Khalilzad, 67, an Afghan-born former US ambassador to Kabul and Iraq, joined the US State Department team to lead the reconciliation effort and peace talks with the Taliban. A spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Khalilzad met with Ghani on Sunday and he is expected to meet senior ministers and top diplomats in Kabul on Monday. A senior government official said Khalilzad will be travelling to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Qatar as part of a 10-day trip in an attempt to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table. Khalilzad’s appointment last month highlighted the US administration's fresh efforts to convince the Taliban leadership to participate in the Afghan peace process, despite a surge in attacks by the militant group. Khalilzad's knowledge of Afghanistan’s main languages, culture and politics could help him engage with all the stakeholders in the peace process in addition to his experience advising or working for four US administrations. But his visit comes as the Taliban and the Islamic State group ramp up attacks across the country two weeks before the country is set to hold long-delayed parliamentary polls. In the latest incident, Taliban fighters killed at least 10 policemen in a district in central Afghanistan and blocked arterial highways.

US special envoy to Afghanistan arrives in Kabul as Taliban launch fresh attacks

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General&nbsp;Qamar Javed Bajwa&nbsp;left for Kabul to meet President&nbsp;Ashraf Ghani, on Tuesday.

As per Geo News, the invitation to Bajwa was extended by the Afghan president, DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted.

"Pakistan wishes to see the National Unity Government and US/&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;succeeding to bring peace in Afghanistan," Pak military spokesperson wrote on twitter.

Pakistan's President&nbsp;Mamnoon Hussain&nbsp;on Sunday said that Pakistan and Afghanistan will work together to draft a detailed strategy for establishing peace in Afghanistan.

Hussain said this at a session of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao.

"Pakistan and Afghanistan are working on a comprehensive strategy on a bilateral basis to establish peace in Afghanistan," Hussain said.

Pakistan's president appreciated Afghanistan for announcing a ceasefire with the&nbsp;Taliban, calling it a positive move.

Afghanistan President&nbsp;Ashraf Ghani&nbsp;had earlier announced a ceasefire with the&nbsp;Taliban starting from the 27th of Ramzan (June 12) to the fifth day of&nbsp;Eid-ul-Fitr (June 19).

In response to Ghani's announcement, the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;on Saturday declared a three-day ceasefire over the&nbsp;Eid&nbsp;holiday, two days after the Afghan government announced the ceasefire.

This is the first time the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;has agreed to a ceasefire since the US invasion in 2001.

Hussain concluded his speech by urging the leaders to take measures for capacity building and skill development of the youth in member states.

 
&nbsp;

Pakistan wishes to see the National Unity Government and US/ NATO succeeding to bring peace in Afghanistan

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa left for Kabul to meet President Ashraf Ghani, on Tuesday. As per Geo News, the invitation to Bajwa was extended by the Afghan president, DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted. "Pakistan wishes to see the National Unity Government and US/ NATO succeeding to bring peace in Afghanistan," Pak military spokesperson wrote on twitter. Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain on Sunday said that Pakistan and Afghanistan will work together to draft a detailed strategy for establishing peace in Afghanistan. Hussain said this at a session of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao. "Pakistan and Afghanistan are working on a comprehensive strategy on a bilateral basis to establish peace in Afghanistan," Hussain said. Pakistan's president appreciated Afghanistan for announcing a ceasefire with the Taliban, calling it a positive move. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had earlier announced a ceasefire with the Taliban starting from the 27th of Ramzan (June 12) to the fifth day of Eid-ul-Fitr (June 19). In response to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday declared a three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday, two days after the Afghan government announced the ceasefire. This is the first time the Taliban has agreed to a ceasefire since the US invasion in 2001. Hussain concluded his speech by urging the leaders to take measures for capacity building and skill development of the youth in member states.

Pak Chief of Army Staff  leaves for Kabul to meet Ghani

A suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded another 31 on Monday at the entrance to Afghanistan's rural rehabilitation and development ministry in the west of the capital, Afghan health officials confirmed.

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

"Woman, children and employees of the ministry are among the victims," Najib Danish, spokesman for the interior ministry, told reporters.

Afghan Taliban militants on Saturday announced a surprise three-day ceasefire over the Muslim Eid holiday at the end of this week, their first offer of its kind, days after the government declared an unconditional ceasefire of its own against the Taliban.

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Health officials confirm that the death toll from the suicide bombing at Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in Darulaman has risen to 12. Wounded also up to 31, reports TOLOnews. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/puN4B4rpqi">pic.twitter.com/puN4B4rpqi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006115502744207360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In another incident, at least 15 security personnel were killed in an attack at the Kunduz province in Afghanistan on Monday.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

A suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded another 31 on Monday at the entrance to Afghanistan's rural rehabilitation and development ministry in the west of the capital, Afghan health officials confirmed. No group immediately claimed responsibility. "Woman, children and employees of the ministry are among the victims," Najib Danish, spokesman for the interior ministry, told reporters. Afghan Taliban militants on Saturday announced a surprise three-day ceasefire over the Muslim Eid holiday at the end of this week, their first offer of its kind, days after the government declared an unconditional ceasefire of its own against the Taliban. Health officials confirm that the death toll from the suicide bombing at Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in Darulaman has risen to 12. Wounded also up to 31, reports TOLOnews. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/puN4B4rpqi — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2018 × In another incident, at least 15 security personnel were killed in an attack at the Kunduz province in Afghanistan on Monday.

Afghanistan: 12 killed, 31 wounded in Kabul suicide bombing

Disfigured by four decades of war, the Afghan capital Kabul offers few reminders of its former glory in Islamic art or religious tolerance but a rare exhibition of Mughal paintings is seeking to change that.

Dozens of enlarged reproductions of miniatures -- highly detailed paintings the size of a school notebook -- that were created in Kabul during the 16th century have gone on display in Babur Gardens, where the first Mughal emperor is buried among roses and pomegranate trees.

For American historian and Islamic art expert Michael Barry, the exhibition of more than 60 paintings is the culmination of a promise he made to himself while working in Kabul over the past decades.

"When I was standing in this garden, shattered under mortars and rockets in the 1990s (civil war), I swore to myself that one day I would bring back its glory," Barry told AFP recently during a tour of the display he curated.

"It's a way to restore the legitimate cultural pride of a country that has lost so much, to show what its ancestors were able to create and what they are still able to give to the world."

The original miniatures are held in private and institutional collections around the world and are so delicate they need to be kept in the dark most of the time, Barry said.

To enable ordinary Afghans to see the precious works and appreciate the richness of their country's artistic heritage, the American Institute of Afghan Studies ordered enlarged, high-resolution copies of the paintings on metal to be made in Paris.

"This imaginary museum restores in Kabul what made its glory," Barry said, as he walked around the hall of reproductions.

In the mid-16th century, several painters from the western city of Herat, where miniature painting had flourished under the Timurid empire, were invited to Kabul by Emperor Babur's son, Humayun.

The paintings created in Kabul gave birth to the Mughal art of India, Barry said.

Babur is one of the last Mughal gardens and has been described by UNESCO as "an outstanding example of a cultural landscape".

It was designed by Emperor Babur before he conquered northern India and it eventually became his final resting place.

The garden was devastated during the Afghan civil war in the 1990s but has since recovered with the help of the Aga Khan Foundation to become a popular place for young couples and family outings.

Barry hopes the exhibition will remind Afghans that their country once boasted "tremendous wealth of extraordinary opulence, extremely refined arts and... a policy of religious tolerance like no other in the world".

This tolerance was expressed in the proclamation of "Universal Peace" by the third Mughal emperor Akbar, who was deeply opposed to discrimination.

"Hindu generals and ministers served the emperor in equal rank with Muslims, both Sunni and Shiite," Barry said.

"The emperor was so interested in religion that he also invited Portuguese Jesuits from Goa to the court."

The exhibition also shows the connection between the Mughal dynasty and Renaissance Europe: golden halos flatter portraits of emperors while cherubs, chubby and frizzy, cling to powdery clouds.

The miniatures also show women's faces as symbols of spirituality -- a very different image to one of heavily veiled women seen in Afghanistan today.

The apparent harmony on display provides a stark contrast to the discord in 21st century Afghanistan, which is divided along ethnic lines and haunted by religious extremists such as the Islamic State group that are intolerant of other faiths.

Barry said he hoped the exhibition would send a positive message to ordinary Afghans.

"This symbolic art is a wonderful signal to today's Afghans about the role played by an empire known for its diversity, religious tolerance and profound philosophy."

Disfigured by four decades of war, the Afghan capital Kabul offers few reminders of its former glory in Islamic art or religious tolerance but a rare exhibition of Mughal paintings is seeking to change that

Disfigured by four decades of war, the Afghan capital Kabul offers few reminders of its former glory in Islamic art or religious tolerance but a rare exhibition of Mughal paintings is seeking to change that. Dozens of enlarged reproductions of miniatures -- highly detailed paintings the size of a school notebook -- that were created in Kabul during the 16th century have gone on display in Babur Gardens, where the first Mughal emperor is buried among roses and pomegranate trees. For American historian and Islamic art expert Michael Barry, the exhibition of more than 60 paintings is the culmination of a promise he made to himself while working in Kabul over the past decades. "When I was standing in this garden, shattered under mortars and rockets in the 1990s (civil war), I swore to myself that one day I would bring back its glory," Barry told AFP recently during a tour of the display he curated. "It's a way to restore the legitimate cultural pride of a country that has lost so much, to show what its ancestors were able to create and what they are still able to give to the world." The original miniatures are held in private and institutional collections around the world and are so delicate they need to be kept in the dark most of the time, Barry said. To enable ordinary Afghans to see the precious works and appreciate the richness of their country's artistic heritage, the American Institute of Afghan Studies ordered enlarged, high-resolution copies of the paintings on metal to be made in Paris. "This imaginary museum restores in Kabul what made its glory," Barry said, as he walked around the hall of reproductions. In the mid-16th century, several painters from the western city of Herat, where miniature painting had flourished under the Timurid empire, were invited to Kabul by Emperor Babur's son, Humayun. The paintings created in Kabul gave birth to the Mughal art of India, Barry said. Babur is one of the last Mughal gardens and has been described by UNESCO as "an outstanding example of a cultural landscape". It was designed by Emperor Babur before he conquered northern India and it eventually became his final resting place. The garden was devastated during the Afghan civil war in the 1990s but has since recovered with the help of the Aga Khan Foundation to become a popular place for young couples and family outings. Barry hopes the exhibition will remind Afghans that their country once boasted "tremendous wealth of extraordinary opulence, extremely refined arts and... a policy of religious tolerance like no other in the world". This tolerance was expressed in the proclamation of "Universal Peace" by the third Mughal emperor Akbar, who was deeply opposed to discrimination. "Hindu generals and ministers served the emperor in equal rank with Muslims, both Sunni and Shiite," Barry said. "The emperor was so interested in religion that he also invited Portuguese Jesuits from Goa to the court." The exhibition also shows the connection between the Mughal dynasty and Renaissance Europe: golden halos flatter portraits of emperors while cherubs, chubby and frizzy, cling to powdery clouds. The miniatures also show women's faces as symbols of spirituality -- a very different image to one of heavily veiled women seen in Afghanistan today. The apparent harmony on display provides a stark contrast to the discord in 21st century Afghanistan, which is divided along ethnic lines and haunted by religious extremists such as the Islamic State group that are intolerant of other faiths. Barry said he hoped the exhibition would send a positive message to ordinary Afghans. "This symbolic art is a wonderful signal to today's Afghans about the role played by an empire known for its diversity, religious tolerance and profound philosophy."

Mughal exhibition in Kabul a reminder of the city's artistic glory

A blast occurred near a Polytechnic University where clerics had gathered, reports said.

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Reports said the explosion occurred as the clerics were leaving the area.

Reuters quoting security officials said a suicide bomber exploded a device near a tent where Muslim clerics had gathered to denounce terrorism.

Local media reported that at least 14 people, including 7 religious scholars and 4 security personnel, were killed in the&nbsp;attack.

The reports added that three others killed had not yet been identified.

The reports said 17 others had been wounded.

"Our initial information shows that the suicide attack took place when guests were exiting the tent where the meeting was being held," police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai said.

Terrorists had opened fire in the Afghan capital last week leading to a gunfight with security forces.&nbsp;

Security officials said a suicide bomber exploded a device near a tent where Muslim clerics had gathered to denounce terrorism

A blast occurred near a Polytechnic University where clerics had gathered, reports said. × Reports said the explosion occurred as the clerics were leaving the area. Reuters quoting security officials said a suicide bomber exploded a device near a tent where Muslim clerics had gathered to denounce terrorism. Local media reported that at least 14 people, including 7 religious scholars and 4 security personnel, were killed in the attack. The reports added that three others killed had not yet been identified. The reports said 17 others had been wounded. "Our initial information shows that the suicide attack took place when guests were exiting the tent where the meeting was being held," police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai said. Terrorists had opened fire in the Afghan capital last week leading to a gunfight with security forces.

Afghanistan: At least 14 killed in suicide bomb attack in Kabul

Kabul police said today that gunfire was head near the interior ministry building today.

A spokesman for the interior ministry Najib Danish confirmed that explosions occurred close to a new building at the ministry on airport road.

The spokesman&nbsp;said casualties are feared. Reports said gunfire is ongoing near the interior ministry building.

Security forces have reportedly blocked traffic on the road.

Kabul police said gunfire was heard near the interior ministry

Kabul police said today that gunfire was head near the interior ministry building today. A spokesman for the interior ministry Najib Danish confirmed that explosions occurred close to a new building at the ministry on airport road. The spokesman said casualties are feared. Reports said gunfire is ongoing near the interior ministry building. Security forces have reportedly blocked traffic on the road.

Afghanistan: Explosion near interior ministry building in Kabul

More than 3.4 million people across Afghanistan have registered their names to vote ahead of the October elections, confirmed officials of the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC).

Kabul remains at the top of the list in terms of voter turnout, with 956,820 voters.

The IEC has also extended the voter registration process for another ten days.

However, elections monitoring groups and former heads of the IEC have alleged that the election commission does not have credible documents to substantiate as to how many people have genuinely registered.

"The election commission so far has not created a system to show how many people have registered, still there is the database and there is no proper system, what the election commission says is information gathered over the telephone which is not credible," the report quoted former IEC chief Fazel Ahmad Manavi, as saying.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Afghan CEO Abdullah Abdullah`s office has asked the IEC to step up the process of creating the voter database.

"The commission has enough time to enter all those names who registered into the database," said the CEO`s deputy spokesman Jawed Faisal.

Kabul remains at the top of the list in terms of voter turnout, with 956,820 voters

More than 3.4 million people across Afghanistan have registered their names to vote ahead of the October elections, confirmed officials of the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC). Kabul remains at the top of the list in terms of voter turnout, with 956,820 voters. The IEC has also extended the voter registration process for another ten days. However, elections monitoring groups and former heads of the IEC have alleged that the election commission does not have credible documents to substantiate as to how many people have genuinely registered. "The election commission so far has not created a system to show how many people have registered, still there is the database and there is no proper system, what the election commission says is information gathered over the telephone which is not credible," the report quoted former IEC chief Fazel Ahmad Manavi, as saying. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Afghan CEO Abdullah Abdullah`s office has asked the IEC to step up the process of creating the voter database. "The commission has enough time to enter all those names who registered into the database," said the CEO`s deputy spokesman Jawed Faisal.

Over 3.4 million Afghans register to vote: Report

At least six people were killed in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Tuesday after a bomb kept in a minibus exploded near a security checkpoint. The attacker too died in the incident.

Thirty people, including several children, were also reportedly injured in the blast which occurred in the city's main market.

The injured have been rushed to the nearest hospital and the area has been cordoned off by security officials.

The official number of the casualties could increase as news agency Reuters reported that more injured people are arriving at the hospital.

The minibus packed with explosives was discovered by the security officials at the securoty checkpoint. The terrorist driving the van, detonated his vehicle even before the security forces could even defuse the explosives.

So far no one has claimed the responsibility for the attack.

Over the past few months Afghanistan has seen several explosions in which hundreds of people have been killed and injured.

Apart from Kabul many other provincial cities have also been hit by such incidents as the Taliban, seeking to reimpose hardline Islamic rule, have stepped up fighting across the country ahead of the polls.

Kandahar province, on the border with Pakistan, is a major centre of opium cultivation and a stronghold of the Taliban but the city itself has recently been relatively secure.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The official number of the casualties could increase as news agency Reuters reported that more casualties are arriving

At least six people were killed in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Tuesday after a bomb kept in a minibus exploded near a security checkpoint. The attacker too died in the incident. Thirty people, including several children, were also reportedly injured in the blast which occurred in the city's main market. The injured have been rushed to the nearest hospital and the area has been cordoned off by security officials. The official number of the casualties could increase as news agency Reuters reported that more injured people are arriving at the hospital. The minibus packed with explosives was discovered by the security officials at the securoty checkpoint. The terrorist driving the van, detonated his vehicle even before the security forces could even defuse the explosives. So far no one has claimed the responsibility for the attack. Over the past few months Afghanistan has seen several explosions in which hundreds of people have been killed and injured. Apart from Kabul many other provincial cities have also been hit by such incidents as the Taliban, seeking to reimpose hardline Islamic rule, have stepped up fighting across the country ahead of the polls. Kandahar province, on the border with Pakistan, is a major centre of opium cultivation and a stronghold of the Taliban but the city itself has recently been relatively secure. (With inputs from Reuters)

Afghanistan: 6 people dead including attacker in minibus explosion

About 15 people were killed and over 42 others injured in the Jalalabad attack in Afghanistan on Sunday.

A group of six attackers armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades had stormed into the government building on Sunday.

Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of terrorist attacks this year killing hundreds of civilians. The attacks have put a pressure on the Western-backed government led by President Ashraf Ghani.

The United States had increased its support to the Afghan forces last year in its attempt to force the Taliban to enter peace negotiations.

A spokesperson for the provincial government later confirmed that all the security forces had killed all the attackers&nbspthat had attacked the government building on Sunday.

The Islamic State took responsibility for the attack.

&nbsp

&nbsp

A group of six attackers armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades had stormed into the government building on Sunday

About 15 people were killed and over 42 others injured in the Jalalabad attack in Afghanistan on Sunday. A group of six attackers armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades had stormed into the government building on Sunday. Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of terrorist attacks this year killing hundreds of civilians. The attacks have put a pressure on the Western-backed government led by President Ashraf Ghani. The United States had increased its support to the Afghan forces last year in its attempt to force the Taliban to enter peace negotiations. A spokesperson for the provincial government later confirmed that all the security forces had killed all the attackers&nbspthat had attacked the government building on Sunday. The Islamic State took responsibility for the attack.

Multiple blasts, gun battle in eastern Afghan city killed 15

Afghanistan's capital city Kabul was jolted by an explosion earlier today. An explosion went off in a residential neighbourhood.

According to reports, the blast was caused by an explosive that was placed near a park. One person has been reported wounded so far.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has been hit by a series of attacks since the beginning of the year. Hundreds of civilians lost their lives in attacks that targetted Kabul this year.&nbsp;

Last week, gunmen mounted coordinated attacks in Kabul and battled security forces for hours in the main commercial area after setting off three large explosions.

The latest incidents of violence and unrest in the country have put heavy pressure on the Western-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

According to reports, the blast was caused by an explosive that was placed near a park

Afghanistan's capital city Kabul was jolted by an explosion earlier today. An explosion went off in a residential neighbourhood. According to reports, the blast was caused by an explosive that was placed near a park. One person has been reported wounded so far. Afghanistan has been hit by a series of attacks since the beginning of the year. Hundreds of civilians lost their lives in attacks that targetted Kabul this year. Last week, gunmen mounted coordinated attacks in Kabul and battled security forces for hours in the main commercial area after setting off three large explosions. The latest incidents of violence and unrest in the country have put heavy pressure on the Western-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani. (With inputs from Reuters)

Afghanistan: Blast wounds one in capital city Kabul 

Afghan police and terrorists are engaged in a gunbattle in Kabul close to the police headquarters&nbsp;in the Dasht-e-Barchi area, reports said.

Reports said a blast occurred near the police headquarters after that police and terrorists exchanged heavy gunfire.

Police have surrounded the area as the gunbattle continues.

A second blast was heard in Qala-e-Fatalullah&nbsp;area in Kabul, reports said.

AFP report said several blasts were heard in the heart of the capital followed by gunshots.

Reports said a blast occurred near the police headquarters

Afghan police and terrorists are engaged in a gunbattle in Kabul close to the police headquarters in the Dasht-e-Barchi area, reports said. Reports said a blast occurred near the police headquarters after that police and terrorists exchanged heavy gunfire. Police have surrounded the area as the gunbattle continues. A second blast was heard in Qala-e-Fatalullah area in Kabul, reports said. AFP report said several blasts were heard in the heart of the capital followed by gunshots.

Blasts in Kabul as police, terrorists exchange gunfire

Afghanistan Police saved dozens of lives on Monday after they prevented a suicide bomber from attacking a busy area in the capital city Kabul.&nbsp;

The police shot dead a suicide bomber who was apparently planning to attack an outdoor blood donor facility in central Kabul.

The police opened fire at him as he approached the centre, in a park in the Shar-e-Naw commercial district.&nbsp;

Besides the bomber, nobody else was injured in the area.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of bomb blasts in the recent weeks. Nine journalists were killed in twin blasts that jolted capital city Kabul on April 30.

The country is undergoing an increase in bombings and other attacks since April 25, after the Taliban announced the onset of their spring season.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The suicide bomber was apparently planning to attack an outdoor blood donor facility in central Kabul

Afghanistan Police saved dozens of lives on Monday after they prevented a suicide bomber from attacking a busy area in the capital city Kabul. The police shot dead a suicide bomber who was apparently planning to attack an outdoor blood donor facility in central Kabul. The police opened fire at him as he approached the centre, in a park in the Shar-e-Naw commercial district. Besides the bomber, nobody else was injured in the area. Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of bomb blasts in the recent weeks. Nine journalists were killed in twin blasts that jolted capital city Kabul on April 30. The country is undergoing an increase in bombings and other attacks since April 25, after the Taliban announced the onset of their spring season.

Afghanistan Police prevent attack, shoot dead suicide bomber in Kabul

Afghan security forces arrested seven suspected militants who were planning to attack a government-run hospital and an interior ministry office in the capital Kabul on Thursday, officials said.

The arrests come two days after twin blasts near government buildings in Kabul killed at least 26 people including nine journalists.

Hundreds of people have been killed and wounded in a series of high profile attacks in Kabul in recent months, exposing the inability of security officials and the government to pre-empt or prevent them.

Last month, the Taliban announced the start of its annual spring offensive or the fighting season, saying it will target U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

On Thursday, officials at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the seven alleged militants were interrogated and confessed plans to attack an old compound of the interior ministry and the Ghazi Amanullah Khan hospital that provides treatment to Afghan security forces.

The arrested men, according to the NDS statement, were brought to Kabul by a facilitator after they were equipped to mount attacks and become suicide bombers.

An NDS official said the seven youths were trained in different madrassas (religious schools) located in Chaman district, situated on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Afghanistan’s Western-backed government has long accused Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban insurgents, a charge that Islamabad denies.

Islamabad, in turn, accuses Afghanistan of not doing enough to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants, many of whom are based in Afghanistan and mostly carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

Hundreds of people have been killed and wounded in a series of high profile attacks in Kabul in recent months, exposing the inability of security officials and the government to Kabul or prevent them.

Afghan security forces arrested seven suspected militants who were planning to attack a government-run hospital and an interior ministry office in the capital Kabul on Thursday, officials said. The arrests come two days after twin blasts near government buildings in Kabul killed at least 26 people including nine journalists. Hundreds of people have been killed and wounded in a series of high profile attacks in Kabul in recent months, exposing the inability of security officials and the government to pre-empt or prevent them. Last month, the Taliban announced the start of its annual spring offensive or the fighting season, saying it will target U.S. forces in Afghanistan. On Thursday, officials at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the seven alleged militants were interrogated and confessed plans to attack an old compound of the interior ministry and the Ghazi Amanullah Khan hospital that provides treatment to Afghan security forces. The arrested men, according to the NDS statement, were brought to Kabul by a facilitator after they were equipped to mount attacks and become suicide bombers. An NDS official said the seven youths were trained in different madrassas (religious schools) located in Chaman district, situated on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Afghanistan’s Western-backed government has long accused Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban insurgents, a charge that Islamabad denies. Islamabad, in turn, accuses Afghanistan of not doing enough to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants, many of whom are based in Afghanistan and mostly carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

Afghan forces say attacks on government building, hospital foiled

The White House on Tuesday condemned a double suicide blast in Kabul that killed at least 25 people, including nine journalists, saying there was no justification for such a senseless and heinous act.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference that the Trump administration "strongly condemns" the attacks that rocked the Afghan capital Kabul on Monday, killing several members of the media.

"These journalists were in the area to cover a bomb blast when a second explosion occurred. Afghanistan's press corps is a powerful illustration of how that country has transformed. There's absolutely no justification for such a senseless and heinous act," she said.

Responding to a question, Sanders said the Trump administration laid out its Afghanistan strategy just a few months ago and "there is no change to that policy at this point".

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference that the Trump administration "strongly condemns" the attacks that rocked the Afghan capital Kabul on Monday, killing several members of the media

The White House on Tuesday condemned a double suicide blast in Kabul that killed at least 25 people, including nine journalists, saying there was no justification for such a senseless and heinous act. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference that the Trump administration "strongly condemns" the attacks that rocked the Afghan capital Kabul on Monday, killing several members of the media. "These journalists were in the area to cover a bomb blast when a second explosion occurred. Afghanistan's press corps is a powerful illustration of how that country has transformed. There's absolutely no justification for such a senseless and heinous act," she said. Responding to a question, Sanders said the Trump administration laid out its Afghanistan strategy just a few months ago and "there is no change to that policy at this point".

No justification for senseless act: White House on Kabul blasts

Reacting to the Monday's Kabul twin blasts, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said that militants who attacked media are weakened and just trying to get more media coverage in order to undermine the electoral process ahead of the upcoming elections.

While interacting with the media on Monday, Mattis was asked about the attack, to which he responded by saying, "This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs," AFP reported.

"They need an international media to basically broadcast this going on, so they can undercut through those kinds of attacks, what is what has obviously set them on their back foot diplomatically and militarily," Mattis added.

Number of journalist and students were killed on Monday after twin explosion that took place in Kabul, Afghanistan.

At least 29 people were killed and over 40 were wounded. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-twin-blast-afghan-media-reports-7-journalists-killed-133730">Among the deads 9 were journalists.</a>

The first explosion took place in the Shashdarak area near Afghanistan's spy agency's office. Another explosion followed outside the headquarters of the ministry of urban development and housing.

One of the AFP's chief photographer was also among the journalists lost their lives in the attack.

The responsibility of the attack was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explosion-heard-in-afghan-capital-kabul-report-133698">claimed by Islamic State</a> later in the day.

&nbsp;

While interacting with the media on Monday, Mattis was asked about the attack, to which he responded by saying, 'This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs'

Reacting to the Monday's Kabul twin blasts, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said that militants who attacked media are weakened and just trying to get more media coverage in order to undermine the electoral process ahead of the upcoming elections. While interacting with the media on Monday, Mattis was asked about the attack, to which he responded by saying, "This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs," AFP reported. "They need an international media to basically broadcast this going on, so they can undercut through those kinds of attacks, what is what has obviously set them on their back foot diplomatically and militarily," Mattis added. Number of journalist and students were killed on Monday after twin explosion that took place in Kabul, Afghanistan. At least 29 people were killed and over 40 were wounded. Among the deads 9 were journalists. The first explosion took place in the Shashdarak area near Afghanistan's spy agency's office. Another explosion followed outside the headquarters of the ministry of urban development and housing. One of the AFP's chief photographer was also among the journalists lost their lives in the attack. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by Islamic State later in the day.

Kabul twin blasts: Militants attacking media shows they are 'weakened', says Pentagon chief Jim Mattis

According to Afghan media, at least 9 journalists have lost their lives in the twin blasts that jolted capital city Kabul earlier today.

French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) confirmed one of its chief photographers has died in the explosion.

“He died in a blast that was targeting a group of journalists who had rushed to the scene of a suicide attack in the Afghan capital,” read the news agency's tweet.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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AFP photographer Shah Marai killed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>'s Kabul blast. <a href="https://t.co/kKWj7LrpJg">pic.twitter.com/kKWj7LrpJg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/990825763187384320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A number of journalists were wounded in the second blast in Kabul that occurred shortly after the first one, TOLO News reported.

An Afghan news channel also confirmed a couple of its staff reporters dead in the blast.&nbsp;

At least 29 were killed and over 40 wounded in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explosion-heard-in-afghan-capital-kabul-report-133698">twin explosions that took place in Afghanistan's Kabul on Monday</a>.

According to reports, the first explosion took place in the Shashdarak area near Afghanistan's spy agency's office. Another explosion followed outside the headquarters of the ministry of urban development and housing, Reuters reported.

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Afghanistan: Visuals from the site of explosion in Kabul's Shashdarak area Four killed and five wounded so far, one AFP photographer was also killed in the explosion. <a href="https://t.co/oy8ctgh5oO">pic.twitter.com/oy8ctgh5oO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/990829164814094336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The explosion comes over a week after a deadly blast claimed 60 lives at a voter registration centre in the west of the city.

According to a report published by NAI, a non-profit organisation that supports open media and journalists' rights in Afghanistan, 21 journalists lost their lives in Afghanistan in 2017.&nbsp;

Another report by the International Federation of Journalists claimed that as many as 21 journalists were killed while at their job last year across the globe, 250 were jailed.&nbsp;

Mexico saw the maximum numbers of reporters getting killed last year followed by countries Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

According to a report, 21 journalists lost their lives in Afghanistan in 2017

According to Afghan media, at least 9 journalists have lost their lives in the twin blasts that jolted capital city Kabul earlier today. French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) confirmed one of its chief photographers has died in the explosion. “He died in a blast that was targeting a group of journalists who had rushed to the scene of a suicide attack in the Afghan capital,” read the news agency's tweet. AFP photographer Shah Marai killed in #Afghanistan's Kabul blast. pic.twitter.com/kKWj7LrpJg — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2018 × A number of journalists were wounded in the second blast in Kabul that occurred shortly after the first one, TOLO News reported. An Afghan news channel also confirmed a couple of its staff reporters dead in the blast. At least 29 were killed and over 40 wounded in twin explosions that took place in Afghanistan's Kabul on Monday. According to reports, the first explosion took place in the Shashdarak area near Afghanistan's spy agency's office. Another explosion followed outside the headquarters of the ministry of urban development and housing, Reuters reported. Afghanistan: Visuals from the site of explosion in Kabul's Shashdarak area Four killed and five wounded so far, one AFP photographer was also killed in the explosion. pic.twitter.com/oy8ctgh5oO — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2018 × The explosion comes over a week after a deadly blast claimed 60 lives at a voter registration centre in the west of the city. According to a report published by NAI, a non-profit organisation that supports open media and journalists' rights in Afghanistan, 21 journalists lost their lives in Afghanistan in 2017. Another report by the International Federation of Journalists claimed that as many as 21 journalists were killed while at their job last year across the globe, 250 were jailed. Mexico saw the maximum numbers of reporters getting killed last year followed by countries Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul twin blasts: Afghan media reports 9 journalists killed

Several Afghanistan security officials have been killed in separate clashes with the Taliban, police officials said on Tuesday.&nbsp

As per reports, at least five soliders were killed and two were wounded during an attack at their checkpoints in Bala Buluk district. Six Taliban fighters were killed and three others were wounded in the battle, which lasted several hours

Taliban insurgents attacked a check post in Qala-i-Naw city earlier on Monday which led to the death of nine soldiers, as reported by the Tolo news.

In another incident, seven policemen were killed in another Taliban attack on a police check post in Qads district.

The Taliban&nbspclaimed another attack in Afghanistan on April 24, in eastern Ghazni Province that killed at least four members of the local police force and wounded seven.

The attack in Ghazni took place in the district of Jaghatu, where insurgents targeted the local police security post, said Arif Noori, spokesman for the provincial governor. He said the gunbattle lasted several hours and that the Taliban used artillery and rocket-propelled grenade launchers.

On April 23, Taliban attacks in western Afghanistan killed 18 soldiers and police officers.

It has been a particularly deadly week in Afghanistan

Several Afghanistan security officials have been killed in separate clashes with the Taliban, police officials said on Tuesday. As per reports, at least five soliders were killed and two were wounded during an attack at their checkpoints in Bala Buluk district. Six Taliban fighters were killed and three others were wounded in the battle, which lasted several hours Taliban insurgents attacked a check post in Qala-i-Naw city earlier on Monday which led to the death of nine soldiers, as reported by the Tolo news. In another incident, seven policemen were killed in another Taliban attack on a police check post in Qads district. The Taliban&nbspclaimed another attack in Afghanistan on April 24, in eastern Ghazni Province that killed at least four members of the local police force and wounded seven. The attack in Ghazni took place in the district of Jaghatu, where insurgents targeted the local police security post, said Arif Noori, spokesman for the provincial governor. He said the gunbattle lasted several hours and that the Taliban used artillery and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. On April 23, Taliban attacks in western Afghanistan killed 18 soldiers and police officers.

Several Afghanistan security personnel killed in Taliban attacks

An explosion apparently caused by a suicide bomber hit a voter registration centre in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Sunday, causing casualties, with at least four people known to have been killed, officials said.

The attack follows several weeks of relative quiet in Kabul and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Kabul police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi told Tolo News television that the blast appeared to have been caused by a suicide bomber and had caused casualties but there were no immediate details.

An official from the ministry of public health said ambulances returning from the site had brought at least four dead and 15 wounded into city hospitals but the final toll was not known.

Voter registration centres have been set up across Afghanistan in preparation for long-delayed parliamentary elections due to be held in October and there have been serious concerns that they could be targeted by attacks.

Sunday's blast took place in Dasht-e Barchi, an area of western Kabul inhabited by many members of the mainly Shi`ite Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State.

The attack follows several weeks of relative quiet in Kabul and there was no immediate claim of responsibility

An explosion apparently caused by a suicide bomber hit a voter registration centre in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Sunday, causing casualties, with at least four people known to have been killed, officials said. The attack follows several weeks of relative quiet in Kabul and there was no immediate claim of responsibility. Kabul police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi told Tolo News television that the blast appeared to have been caused by a suicide bomber and had caused casualties but there were no immediate details. An official from the ministry of public health said ambulances returning from the site had brought at least four dead and 15 wounded into city hospitals but the final toll was not known. Voter registration centres have been set up across Afghanistan in preparation for long-delayed parliamentary elections due to be held in October and there have been serious concerns that they could be targeted by attacks. Sunday's blast took place in Dasht-e Barchi, an area of western Kabul inhabited by many members of the mainly Shi`ite Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State.

Blast at election centre in Afghan capital, at least four dead

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a voter registration centre in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday, killing at least 57 people and injuring more than 100, in the most serious attack yet on preparations for elections scheduled for October.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on a project of key importance to the credibility of President Ashraf Ghani's government, which has been under international pressure to ensure long-delayed parliamentary polls take place this year.

Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said a bomber on foot approached the centre where officials were issuing identity cards as part of the registration process for around 10 million voters across Afghanistan. Registration began this month.

President Ghani issued a statement condemning the attack and said it "cannot divert us from our aims or weaken this national democratic process".

A spokesman for the ministry of public health said at least 57 people were confirmed dead and 119 wounded, but the total could still rise.

The explosion destroyed cars and shattered windows in nearby buildings, leaving rubble strewn across the blood-stained street.

It was the deadliest blast in Kabul since about 100 people were killed in January by a bomb concealed in an ambulance and it came after repeated warnings that militants could try to disrupt the election process.

Tadamichi Yamamoto, the senior United Nations official in Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the attack.

"Compounding the callous disregard for the lives of civilians, the killing appears to be part of a wholly unacceptable effort by extremists to deter Afghan citizens from carrying out their constitutional right to take part in elections," he said.

After weeks of relative calm, the blast took place in Dasht-e Barchi, an area of western Kabul inhabited by many members of the mainly Shi'ite Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State.

"There were women, children. Everyone had come to get their identity cards," said Bashir Ahmad who had been near the blast, which occurred despite heightened security after the January attack.

According to UN&nbsp;figures, more than 750 people have been killed or maimed in suicide attacks and bombings by militant groups during the three months to March ahead of an expected start of the Taliban's usual spring offensive.

Bitter reaction

Afghanistan's international partners have insisted that the elections should be held this year before a presidential vote due in 2019, although there has been widespread scepticism that they will go ahead.

More than 7,000 voter registration centres have been set up across Afghanistan to handle about 10 million registrations in a process that has been repeatedly disrupted by technical and organisational problems.

Officials had pledged tight security to ensure the process proceeded safely. But those caught by Sunday's attack voiced frustration at what many Kabul residents see as government shortcomings in securing the capital.

"They should be keeping the country safe, if they can't, someone else should be in their place," said Sajeda, who was wounded in the blast along with three other members of her family as they lined up for their cards.

The voter registration process, designed to reduce the electoral fraud that has marred past ballots, began this month but there have already been several security incidents.

On Sunday, a roadside bomb near a registration centre in the northern city of Pul-i Khumri killed six members of a family and wounded three, although there was no indication that the incident was directly linked to the Kabul attack.

Last week, two police officers in the eastern city of Jalalabad were killed outside a voter registration centre, while a voter centre in the central province of Ghor was burned down last week and electoral officials briefly abducted.

The vote could be postponed to next year if registration of voters, many of whom do not have national identity cards, is not completed before winter sets.

Parliament is still sitting three years after its term officially expired and further delays would seriously weaken already fragile confidence in the political system.

There was an additional scare on Sunday when a NATO military convoy in Kabul accidentally hit and injured a child and triggered a protest that police dispersed by firing into the air. A NATO spokesman said the child had been taken to hospital and was in a stable condition.

The blast took place in an area of Shia Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State.

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a voter registration centre in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday, killing at least 57 people and injuring more than 100, in the most serious attack yet on preparations for elections scheduled for October. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on a project of key importance to the credibility of President Ashraf Ghani's government, which has been under international pressure to ensure long-delayed parliamentary polls take place this year. Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said a bomber on foot approached the centre where officials were issuing identity cards as part of the registration process for around 10 million voters across Afghanistan. Registration began this month. President Ghani issued a statement condemning the attack and said it "cannot divert us from our aims or weaken this national democratic process". A spokesman for the ministry of public health said at least 57 people were confirmed dead and 119 wounded, but the total could still rise. The explosion destroyed cars and shattered windows in nearby buildings, leaving rubble strewn across the blood-stained street. It was the deadliest blast in Kabul since about 100 people were killed in January by a bomb concealed in an ambulance and it came after repeated warnings that militants could try to disrupt the election process. Tadamichi Yamamoto, the senior United Nations official in Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the attack. "Compounding the callous disregard for the lives of civilians, the killing appears to be part of a wholly unacceptable effort by extremists to deter Afghan citizens from carrying out their constitutional right to take part in elections," he said. After weeks of relative calm, the blast took place in Dasht-e Barchi, an area of western Kabul inhabited by many members of the mainly Shi'ite Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State. "There were women, children. Everyone had come to get their identity cards," said Bashir Ahmad who had been near the blast, which occurred despite heightened security after the January attack. According to UN figures, more than 750 people have been killed or maimed in suicide attacks and bombings by militant groups during the three months to March ahead of an expected start of the Taliban's usual spring offensive. Bitter reaction Afghanistan's international partners have insisted that the elections should be held this year before a presidential vote due in 2019, although there has been widespread scepticism that they will go ahead. More than 7,000 voter registration centres have been set up across Afghanistan to handle about 10 million registrations in a process that has been repeatedly disrupted by technical and organisational problems. Officials had pledged tight security to ensure the process proceeded safely. But those caught by Sunday's attack voiced frustration at what many Kabul residents see as government shortcomings in securing the capital. "They should be keeping the country safe, if they can't, someone else should be in their place," said Sajeda, who was wounded in the blast along with three other members of her family as they lined up for their cards. The voter registration process, designed to reduce the electoral fraud that has marred past ballots, began this month but there have already been several security incidents. On Sunday, a roadside bomb near a registration centre in the northern city of Pul-i Khumri killed six members of a family and wounded three, although there was no indication that the incident was directly linked to the Kabul attack. Last week, two police officers in the eastern city of Jalalabad were killed outside a voter registration centre, while a voter centre in the central province of Ghor was burned down last week and electoral officials briefly abducted. The vote could be postponed to next year if registration of voters, many of whom do not have national identity cards, is not completed before winter sets. Parliament is still sitting three years after its term officially expired and further delays would seriously weaken already fragile confidence in the political system. There was an additional scare on Sunday when a NATO military convoy in Kabul accidentally hit and injured a child and triggered a protest that police dispersed by firing into the air. A NATO spokesman said the child had been taken to hospital and was in a stable condition.

Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 57

Turkey was today deporting hundreds of Afghan migrants back home on special flights, in a major operation after thousands illegally entered the country in recent weeks.

Early Sunday morning 227 Afghan migrants boarded a charter flight from Erzurum in northeastern Turkey back to Kabul, the Dogan news agency said.

It said a total of 691 Afghan migrants would be deported this week with two more flights expected from Erzurum to Kabul later. The flights are being provided by an Afghan airline.

Dogan news agency quoted migration officials in Erzurum as saying Turkey planned to deport all 3,000 Afghan migrants who were currently in Erzurum.

In Kabul, officials denied that the refugees were being deported, insisting they were coming back home at their own choice.

"A number of Afghan refugees are coming back to the country of their own will," said Islamuddin Jurat, spokesman for the ministry of refugees and repatriations.

"They are the ones who wanted to use Turkey as a transit route to other countries, but when they failed they decided to come back."

Turkey is a major hub for migrants from Afghanistan and other troubled nations seeking to cross from Asia into Europe in search better lives and work.

Over a million migrants and refugees entered Europe largely through Turkey in 2015, prompting the EU to agree a deal with Ankara on curbing the migration in 2016.

There has been a major influx of migrants into Turkey from conflict-plagued Afghanistan in recent weeks, with reports saying almost 18,000 have entered the country illegally in the last three months.

The Afghan migrants are believed to have crossed from Iran into Turkeys eastern Van province and then moved - sometimes walking on highways on foot - to Erzurum, one of the major cities of Turkeys east.

The deportations came as Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim visited Kabul for talks with Afghan leaders. On Sunday he met Afghanistans chief executive Abdullah Abdullah.

Turkish state media quoted Yildirim as saying at a news conference with Abdullah in Kabul that Turkey was grateful for Afghanistan's cooperation over the issue.

"There is no problem here," said Yildirim.

But Turkish television carried interviews with some of the migrants about to be deported - many of whom spoke excellent Turkish - who insisted that they would try and come back to Turkey.

"Of course (I will try to come back)," one woman, who was not named, told the CNN Turk channel. "Back home, there is unemployment and a lack of security."

Early Sunday morning 227 Afghan migrants boarded a charter flight from Erzurum in northeastern Turkey back to Kabul, the Dogan news agency said

Turkey was today deporting hundreds of Afghan migrants back home on special flights, in a major operation after thousands illegally entered the country in recent weeks. Early Sunday morning 227 Afghan migrants boarded a charter flight from Erzurum in northeastern Turkey back to Kabul, the Dogan news agency said. It said a total of 691 Afghan migrants would be deported this week with two more flights expected from Erzurum to Kabul later. The flights are being provided by an Afghan airline. Dogan news agency quoted migration officials in Erzurum as saying Turkey planned to deport all 3,000 Afghan migrants who were currently in Erzurum. In Kabul, officials denied that the refugees were being deported, insisting they were coming back home at their own choice. "A number of Afghan refugees are coming back to the country of their own will," said Islamuddin Jurat, spokesman for the ministry of refugees and repatriations. "They are the ones who wanted to use Turkey as a transit route to other countries, but when they failed they decided to come back." Turkey is a major hub for migrants from Afghanistan and other troubled nations seeking to cross from Asia into Europe in search better lives and work. Over a million migrants and refugees entered Europe largely through Turkey in 2015, prompting the EU to agree a deal with Ankara on curbing the migration in 2016. There has been a major influx of migrants into Turkey from conflict-plagued Afghanistan in recent weeks, with reports saying almost 18,000 have entered the country illegally in the last three months. The Afghan migrants are believed to have crossed from Iran into Turkeys eastern Van province and then moved - sometimes walking on highways on foot - to Erzurum, one of the major cities of Turkeys east. The deportations came as Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim visited Kabul for talks with Afghan leaders. On Sunday he met Afghanistans chief executive Abdullah Abdullah. Turkish state media quoted Yildirim as saying at a news conference with Abdullah in Kabul that Turkey was grateful for Afghanistan's cooperation over the issue. "There is no problem here," said Yildirim. But Turkish television carried interviews with some of the migrants about to be deported - many of whom spoke excellent Turkish - who insisted that they would try and come back to Turkey. "Of course (I will try to come back)," one woman, who was not named, told the CNN Turk channel. "Back home, there is unemployment and a lack of security."

Turkey deports hundreds of Afghan migrants after influx

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday reiterated the need for achieving regional security and stability for attaining lasting peace in South Asia.

The call was made during the bilateral meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Afghanistan President Ashraf in Kabul, according to media reports.

Abbasi is on a one-day visit to Afghanistan, having arrived earlier on Friday.

During the meet, the Pakistani Prime Minister discussed a variety of issues such as counter-terror cooperation, the regional situation in South Asia, repatriation of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and bilateral trade and power projects among others with the Afghan President.

Abbasi also extended an invitation to Ghani to visit Pakistan soon. The former is expected to hold talks with Afghanistan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah and other officials.

The Pakistan Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and National Security Advisor (NSA) Nasser Khan Janjua.

Ghani received Abbasi and the delegation at the Afghan Presidential Palace and was accorded a guard of honour.

Abbasi's visit to Afghanistan follows an invitation by Ghani. It comes in the light of Pakistan backing Ghani's peace offering to the Taliban.

Earlier this week, a high-level Pakistani delegation, headed by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua visited Afghanistan to hold talks with Afghan authorities on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS), in an effort to improve the relations between the two countries.

Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have remained frosty in recent times due to the terrorist activities of the Taliban and Haqqani Network carried out in the former's land. Afghanistan contests that the two groups are supported by Pakistan and it does very little to stop them.

Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to stop the blame game and asked for its co-operation in combating terrorism, as well as ensuring lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

In February, the Afghan President had made a peace offer to the Taliban in the Kabul Process Conference, which also included the recognition of the militant group as a political entity.

However, the group is yet to respond to Ghani's offer.

&nbsp

The call was made during the bilateral meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Afghanistan President Ashraf in Kabul

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday reiterated the need for achieving regional security and stability for attaining lasting peace in South Asia. The call was made during the bilateral meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Afghanistan President Ashraf in Kabul, according to media reports. Abbasi is on a one-day visit to Afghanistan, having arrived earlier on Friday. During the meet, the Pakistani Prime Minister discussed a variety of issues such as counter-terror cooperation, the regional situation in South Asia, repatriation of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and bilateral trade and power projects among others with the Afghan President. Abbasi also extended an invitation to Ghani to visit Pakistan soon. The former is expected to hold talks with Afghanistan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah and other officials. The Pakistan Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and National Security Advisor (NSA) Nasser Khan Janjua. Ghani received Abbasi and the delegation at the Afghan Presidential Palace and was accorded a guard of honour. Abbasi's visit to Afghanistan follows an invitation by Ghani. It comes in the light of Pakistan backing Ghani's peace offering to the Taliban. Earlier this week, a high-level Pakistani delegation, headed by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua visited Afghanistan to hold talks with Afghan authorities on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS), in an effort to improve the relations between the two countries. Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have remained frosty in recent times due to the terrorist activities of the Taliban and Haqqani Network carried out in the former's land. Afghanistan contests that the two groups are supported by Pakistan and it does very little to stop them. Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to stop the blame game and asked for its co-operation in combating terrorism, as well as ensuring lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. In February, the Afghan President had made a peace offer to the Taliban in the Kabul Process Conference, which also included the recognition of the militant group as a political entity. However, the group is yet to respond to Ghani's offer.

Pakistan, Afghanistan call for regional security, stability

At least six Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers on Wednesday were injured in an explosion in Kabul city.

The Afghan's Ministry of Defense said in a statement that two magnetic bombs planted in an electricity pylon went off as the Afghan armed forces were crossing the area, reported Khaama Press.

The incident took place at the 16th police district of the city.

No individual or group has claimed the responsibility for the incident by far.

The incident took place at the 16th police district of the city

At least six Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers on Wednesday were injured in an explosion in Kabul city. The Afghan's Ministry of Defense said in a statement that two magnetic bombs planted in an electricity pylon went off as the Afghan armed forces were crossing the area, reported Khaama Press. The incident took place at the 16th police district of the city. No individual or group has claimed the responsibility for the incident by far.

Afghanistan: 6 soldiers injured in explosion

At least two people were killed when a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) bomb exploded in Afghanistan`s capital city Kabul on Saturday.

Khaama Press quoted the security officials as saying that the explosion took place in the vicinity of Paghman district.

Deputy spokesman for the Ministry of Interior Nusrat Rahimi said two civilians were killed after a roadside bomb went off in Deh Ponba village.

One civilian also sustained injuries in the explosion, Rahimi added.

Earlier this month, at least nine people were killed in a suicide bombing in Mosalla-e-Mazar area of Kabul.Afghanistan has been hit by a series of deadly suicide attacks in the last few months, killing over 150 people, particularly in Kabul.&nbsp;

One civilian also sustained injuries in the explosion

At least two people were killed when a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) bomb exploded in Afghanistan`s capital city Kabul on Saturday. Khaama Press quoted the security officials as saying that the explosion took place in the vicinity of Paghman district. Deputy spokesman for the Ministry of Interior Nusrat Rahimi said two civilians were killed after a roadside bomb went off in Deh Ponba village. One civilian also sustained injuries in the explosion, Rahimi added. Earlier this month, at least nine people were killed in a suicide bombing in Mosalla-e-Mazar area of Kabul.Afghanistan has been hit by a series of deadly suicide attacks in the last few months, killing over 150 people, particularly in Kabul.

Two killed in roadside blast in Afghanistan

The Taliban claimed the car bomb attack which killed at least three people and wounded several others&nbsp;in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday&nbsp;in an apparent attack on a foreign contractor company.

Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said all those killed and wounded in the explosion were civilians with no casualties among the contractors.

Witnesses said the casualty toll was higher but confirmed that, like countless other attacks in Kabul, its victims were ordinary people going about their daily activities.

&quot;All those killed were barbers or shoeshine men. I was horrified when I saw their bodies,&quot; said Mohammad Osman, who was nearby when the explosion shattered nearby buildings and who said he had seen four or five bodies.

It was the fourth suicide attack in Kabul in three weeks and comes days after the top US general in Afghanistan said protecting the war-weary city was &quot;our main effort&quot;.

It also comes as the Taliban faces growing pressure to take up Afghan President Ashraf Ghani&#39;s offer last month of peace talks to end the 16-year war.

Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said all those killed and wounded in the explosion were civilians with no casualties among the contractors

The Taliban claimed the car bomb attack which killed at least three people and wounded several others in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday in an apparent attack on a foreign contractor company. Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said all those killed and wounded in the explosion were civilians with no casualties among the contractors. Witnesses said the casualty toll was higher but confirmed that, like countless other attacks in Kabul, its victims were ordinary people going about their daily activities. "All those killed were barbers or shoeshine men. I was horrified when I saw their bodies," said Mohammad Osman, who was nearby when the explosion shattered nearby buildings and who said he had seen four or five bodies. It was the fourth suicide attack in Kabul in three weeks and comes days after the top US general in Afghanistan said protecting the war-weary city was "our main effort". It also comes as the Taliban faces growing pressure to take up Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's offer last month of peace talks to end the 16-year war.

Taliban claims deadly car bomb attack in Kabul

A car bomb killed at least three people and wounded several others&nbsp;in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday in an apparent attack on a foreign contractor company, officials said.

Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said all those killed and wounded in the explosion were civilians with no casualties among the contractors.

&ldquo;Around 9:10 a.m. this morning a suicide car bomb exploded in Police District Nine of Kabul,&rdquo; interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said adding the target of the attack was not clear.

Witnesses said the casualty toll was higher but confirmed that, like countless other attacks in Kabul, its victims were ordinary people going about their daily activities.

&quot;All those killed were barbers or shoeshine men. I was horrified when I saw their bodies,&quot; said Mohammad Osman, who was nearby when the explosion shattered nearby buildings and who said he had seen four or five bodies.

Police officials said the exact cause of the explosion was being investigated.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast which came days after the top U.S. general in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;said protecting the capital was &ldquo;our main effort&rdquo;.

While the latest blast was relatively minor compared with others that have killed scores of people recently, the constant stream of attacks in Kabul has undermined confidence in the Western-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani.

Earlier this week, General John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, said security in Kabul would be &quot;the main effort&quot; for international powers helping Afghan defence and security forces.

A car bomb killed at least three people and wounded several others in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday in an apparent attack on a foreign contractor company, officials said. Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said all those killed and wounded in the explosion were civilians with no casualties among the contractors. “Around 9:10 a.m. this morning a suicide car bomb exploded in Police District Nine of Kabul,” interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said adding the target of the attack was not clear. Witnesses said the casualty toll was higher but confirmed that, like countless other attacks in Kabul, its victims were ordinary people going about their daily activities. "All those killed were barbers or shoeshine men. I was horrified when I saw their bodies," said Mohammad Osman, who was nearby when the explosion shattered nearby buildings and who said he had seen four or five bodies. Police officials said the exact cause of the explosion was being investigated. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast which came days after the top U.S. general in Afghanistan said protecting the capital was “our main effort”. While the latest blast was relatively minor compared with others that have killed scores of people recently, the constant stream of attacks in Kabul has undermined confidence in the Western-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani. Earlier this week, General John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, said security in Kabul would be "the main effort" for international powers helping Afghan defence and security forces.

Car bomb kills at least three in Kabul

Two people were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;and three got wounded after a suicide car bomber exploded on Saturday morning in Dispichari, Kabul.

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According to a report published Afghan media, the target of the attack was a private security firm&#39;s vehicle.

Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Further information&nbsp;is awaited.

Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack

Two people were killed and three got wounded after a suicide car bomber exploded on Saturday morning in Dispichari, Kabul. Two killed, three wounded after an explosion in Dispichari area of Kabul, this morning, reports Tolo News #Afghanistan — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × According to a report published Afghan media, the target of the attack was a private security firm's vehicle. Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. Further information is awaited.

Kabul: Suicide car explosion kills two, three wounded

&nbsp; 
Once seen as relatively secure, the sprawling Afghan capital of Kabul is becoming the main focus of an intensified US-backed battle against the Taliban this year after a series of high-profile attacks exposed major gaps in security.

&quot;Kabul is our main effort. To harden Kabul, to protect the people of Kabul and the international community that are here,&quot; US. General John Nicholson, the top US&nbsp;commander in Afghanistan, told a group of reporters on Wednesday.

The remarks underscored the high degree of concern about the Taliban&#39;s intent to stage high-profile attacks in Kabul, which are aimed at undermining the Afghan government and international resolve after 16 years of war.

They are also a reminder that while US&nbsp;and Afghan officials speak with growing confidence about the prospects of peace talks with elements of the Taliban, the military is also making long-term preparations for an extended conflict, including in the capital.

Nicholson said Kabul&#39;s exponential growth from about 500,000 people in 2001 to 5 million today had created a haphazard sprawl that was hard to secure. US&nbsp;intelligence agencies were helping Afghanistan map the city so police and soldiers can better design barriers and checkpoints.

&quot;I&#39;ll just be very candid. We have a lot of work to do,&quot; Nicholson said.

&quot;This growth at that rate has meant that there&#39;s a lot of sprawl. It&#39;s easy to get in and out of the city.&quot;

In the past year, insurgents have staged massive bombings in the Afghan capital, including one in January that killed more than 100 people and another in May 2017 near the German embassy.

No group claimed the May 2017 attack but Afghan and US&nbsp;officials blamed the Haqqani network, a violent militant group affiliated to the Taliban. The Taliban claimed the second attack but many officials say it bore the hallmarks of the Haqqanis, who the United States says enjoy safe haven in neighbouring Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump has piled pressure on Pakistan to crack down on the safe havens, announcing in January a suspension in US&nbsp;financial assistance to Islamabad.

&quot;Backchannel communication&quot;

Nicholson said the Afghan Army were taking over at least some of the once &quot;porous&quot; police checkpoints inside the city, and was training specialised soldiers to stand guard.

The goal was to establish an inner-ring of security along with an outer-ring of security, and clear everything in between.

A group of newly arriving US&nbsp;Army advisers would partner with some of the Afghan troops securing Kabul. Commandos would carry out intelligence-driven raids throughout the city, something Nicholson said was already ongoing.

The goal would be to eliminate Taliban strongholds as well as Taliban facilitators, which included criminal enterprises that, for a price, gave the insurgents shelter or weapons.

&quot;The Taliban are in the city,&quot; Nicholson said. &quot;So this is a process of deliberately clearing sections of the city. That&#39;s begun.&quot;

Nicholson&#39;s comments came during a trip to Afghanistan by US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, whose delegation navigated some of Kabul&#39;s checkpoints and blast walls while moving between US&nbsp;military and Afghan government compounds on Tuesday, helicopters buzzing overhead.

Trump approved a more aggressive strategy last year that included more U.S. combat advisers and air strikes, and fighting is expected to pick up in the coming weeks.

Mattis said on Tuesday that the United States had seen signs of interest from elements of the Taliban insurgency about talks with Kabul to end the conflict.

Nicholson echoed that, noting there was more outreach than publicly known - including through &quot;backchannel&quot; intermediaries.

&quot;What you don&#39;t see in the news of course is all the backchannel communication that&#39;s going on at multiple levels, through the Gulf, from the Taliban leadership through various means, and so forth,&quot; he said.

&quot;So there&#39;s definitely an increase in the dialogue and the communication between the sides about reconciliation. And more than I&#39;ve seen in any of the previous times I&#39;ve been around this.&quot;

Still, it was unclear whether the latest prospects would prove any more fruitful than previous, frustrated attempts to move toward a negotiated end to America&#39;s longest war.

Taliban fighters still control large parts of the country and any new battlefield gains by US&nbsp;and US-backed Afghan forces cannot promise to overcome Afghanistan&#39;s yawning political divisions and entrenched corruption.

"Kabul is our main effort. To harden Kabul, to protect the people of Kabul and the international community that are here," US. General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told a group of reporters on Wednesday.

Once seen as relatively secure, the sprawling Afghan capital of Kabul is becoming the main focus of an intensified US-backed battle against the Taliban this year after a series of high-profile attacks exposed major gaps in security. "Kabul is our main effort. To harden Kabul, to protect the people of Kabul and the international community that are here," US. General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told a group of reporters on Wednesday. The remarks underscored the high degree of concern about the Taliban's intent to stage high-profile attacks in Kabul, which are aimed at undermining the Afghan government and international resolve after 16 years of war. They are also a reminder that while US and Afghan officials speak with growing confidence about the prospects of peace talks with elements of the Taliban, the military is also making long-term preparations for an extended conflict, including in the capital. Nicholson said Kabul's exponential growth from about 500,000 people in 2001 to 5 million today had created a haphazard sprawl that was hard to secure. US intelligence agencies were helping Afghanistan map the city so police and soldiers can better design barriers and checkpoints. "I'll just be very candid. We have a lot of work to do," Nicholson said. "This growth at that rate has meant that there's a lot of sprawl. It's easy to get in and out of the city." In the past year, insurgents have staged massive bombings in the Afghan capital, including one in January that killed more than 100 people and another in May 2017 near the German embassy. No group claimed the May 2017 attack but Afghan and US officials blamed the Haqqani network, a violent militant group affiliated to the Taliban. The Taliban claimed the second attack but many officials say it bore the hallmarks of the Haqqanis, who the United States says enjoy safe haven in neighbouring Pakistan. US President Donald Trump has piled pressure on Pakistan to crack down on the safe havens, announcing in January a suspension in US financial assistance to Islamabad. "Backchannel communication" Nicholson said the Afghan Army were taking over at least some of the once "porous" police checkpoints inside the city, and was training specialised soldiers to stand guard. The goal was to establish an inner-ring of security along with an outer-ring of security, and clear everything in between. A group of newly arriving US Army advisers would partner with some of the Afghan troops securing Kabul. Commandos would carry out intelligence-driven raids throughout the city, something Nicholson said was already ongoing. The goal would be to eliminate Taliban strongholds as well as Taliban facilitators, which included criminal enterprises that, for a price, gave the insurgents shelter or weapons. "The Taliban are in the city," Nicholson said. "So this is a process of deliberately clearing sections of the city. That's begun." Nicholson's comments came during a trip to Afghanistan by US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, whose delegation navigated some of Kabul's checkpoints and blast walls while moving between US military and Afghan government compounds on Tuesday, helicopters buzzing overhead. Trump approved a more aggressive strategy last year that included more U.S. combat advisers and air strikes, and fighting is expected to pick up in the coming weeks. Mattis said on Tuesday that the United States had seen signs of interest from elements of the Taliban insurgency about talks with Kabul to end the conflict. Nicholson echoed that, noting there was more outreach than publicly known - including through "backchannel" intermediaries. "What you don't see in the news of course is all the backchannel communication that's going on at multiple levels, through the Gulf, from the Taliban leadership through various means, and so forth," he said. "So there's definitely an increase in the dialogue and the communication between the sides about reconciliation. And more than I've seen in any of the previous times I've been around this." Still, it was unclear whether the latest prospects would prove any more fruitful than previous, frustrated attempts to move toward a negotiated end to America's longest war. Taliban fighters still control large parts of the country and any new battlefield gains by US and US-backed Afghan forces cannot promise to overcome Afghanistan's yawning political divisions and entrenched corruption.

US looks to protect Afghan capital against Taliban bombings

Elements of the Taliban are open to talks with the Afghan government, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday as he arrived in Kabul on an unannounced visit.

Mattis flew into the war-torn city two weeks after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, Afghanistan`s biggest militant group.

The insurgents have so far given no formal response to Kabul`s offer for negotiations, but Mattis said some Taliban leaders have expressed an interest in the discussions.

&quot;It may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop, that would be a bridge too far, but there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government,&quot; &nbsp;he told reporters aboard a military jet.

Ghani`s peace plan includes eventually recognising the Taliban as a political party.

The group has said it is prepared to negotiate, but only with the United States and not with the Kabul government.

The Taliban last week described the Afghan government as &quot;illegitimate&quot; and its peace process efforts as &quot;deceptive&quot;, in a statement calling for a boycott of an Islamic scholars` conference in Jakarta.&nbsp;

&quot;Right now we want the Afghans to lead and to provide the substance of the reconciliation effort,&quot; Mattis said. Thanks to the political process, Mattis said America is now looking towards a victory in Afghanistan after more than 16 years of conflict.

&quot;What does that victory look like? It`s a country whose own people and their own security forces handle law enforcement and any threats... certainly with international support for some years to come,&quot; he said.

The US has renewed its focus on Afghanistan after years of drawdowns under former president Barack Obama and talk by top US generals of &quot;not winning&quot; and of a &quot;stalemate&quot; in the seemingly intractable conflict.

&quot;It`s all working to achieve a political reconciliation, not a military victory,&quot; Mattis said.&nbsp;

&quot;The victory will be a political reconciliation.&quot;

As part of the so-called South Asia Strategy, President Donald Trump last year ordered the increased bombing of Taliban targets - including drug-making labs and training camps.

More than 3,000 additional US forces have also arrived in Afghanistan to boost the training and advising of local troops.

Approximately 14,000 American forces are currently in Afghanistan, up from a low of about 8,500 when Obama left office.

Trump`s strategy has been a &quot;game changer&quot; for Afghanistan, Ghani told Mattis in a meeting at the presidential palace that also involved Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Defence Minister Tariq Shah Bahrami.

&quot;It has forced every actor to re-examine their assumptions. Some of that re-examination is likely to lead to the intensification of conflict in the short term but the re-examination is what the people of Afghanistan have been waiting for 40 years,&quot; he said.

Ghani`s offer of peace talks comes as civilian casualties have soared in recent months, with the Taliban increasingly targeting towns and cities in response to Trump`s more aggressive military policy.

The Taliban claimed 472 attacks in January alone, the Washington-based terrorism research group TRAC said - an astonishing number given that the traditional fighting season does not usually start until freezing temperatures have subsided in the spring.

Mattis said the jump in attacks on civilians was an indication that a pressured Taliban is unable to conduct broader, ground-taking operations.

The Afghan security forces were able to stop some attacks, Mattis said, though he noted he wanted to see them shift to a more &quot;offensive mindset&quot; in the coming months.

Mattis`s surprise Afghan visit, his third as Pentagon chief, was kept under tight wraps after a security incident during his last trip in September when insurgents shelled Kabul`s airport hours after he arrived.

Mattis also said he had seen some changes in Pakistan`s behaviour since Trump blasted the country last year for harbouring the Taliban.

&quot;There are operations by the Pakistan military that are helping right now, ongoing as we speak,&quot; he said.

"It may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop, that would be a bridge too far, but there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government," said Mattis

Elements of the Taliban are open to talks with the Afghan government, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday as he arrived in Kabul on an unannounced visit. Mattis flew into the war-torn city two weeks after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, Afghanistan`s biggest militant group. The insurgents have so far given no formal response to Kabul`s offer for negotiations, but Mattis said some Taliban leaders have expressed an interest in the discussions. "It may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop, that would be a bridge too far, but there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government," he told reporters aboard a military jet. Ghani`s peace plan includes eventually recognising the Taliban as a political party. The group has said it is prepared to negotiate, but only with the United States and not with the Kabul government. The Taliban last week described the Afghan government as "illegitimate" and its peace process efforts as "deceptive", in a statement calling for a boycott of an Islamic scholars` conference in Jakarta. "Right now we want the Afghans to lead and to provide the substance of the reconciliation effort," Mattis said. Thanks to the political process, Mattis said America is now looking towards a victory in Afghanistan after more than 16 years of conflict. "What does that victory look like? It`s a country whose own people and their own security forces handle law enforcement and any threats... certainly with international support for some years to come," he said. The US has renewed its focus on Afghanistan after years of drawdowns under former president Barack Obama and talk by top US generals of "not winning" and of a "stalemate" in the seemingly intractable conflict. "It`s all working to achieve a political reconciliation, not a military victory," Mattis said. "The victory will be a political reconciliation." As part of the so-called South Asia Strategy, President Donald Trump last year ordered the increased bombing of Taliban targets - including drug-making labs and training camps. More than 3,000 additional US forces have also arrived in Afghanistan to boost the training and advising of local troops. Approximately 14,000 American forces are currently in Afghanistan, up from a low of about 8,500 when Obama left office. Trump`s strategy has been a "game changer" for Afghanistan, Ghani told Mattis in a meeting at the presidential palace that also involved Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Defence Minister Tariq Shah Bahrami. "It has forced every actor to re-examine their assumptions. Some of that re-examination is likely to lead to the intensification of conflict in the short term but the re-examination is what the people of Afghanistan have been waiting for 40 years," he said. Ghani`s offer of peace talks comes as civilian casualties have soared in recent months, with the Taliban increasingly targeting towns and cities in response to Trump`s more aggressive military policy. The Taliban claimed 472 attacks in January alone, the Washington-based terrorism research group TRAC said - an astonishing number given that the traditional fighting season does not usually start until freezing temperatures have subsided in the spring. Mattis said the jump in attacks on civilians was an indication that a pressured Taliban is unable to conduct broader, ground-taking operations. The Afghan security forces were able to stop some attacks, Mattis said, though he noted he wanted to see them shift to a more "offensive mindset" in the coming months. Mattis`s surprise Afghan visit, his third as Pentagon chief, was kept under tight wraps after a security incident during his last trip in September when insurgents shelled Kabul`s airport hours after he arrived. Mattis also said he had seen some changes in Pakistan`s behaviour since Trump blasted the country last year for harbouring the Taliban. "There are operations by the Pakistan military that are helping right now, ongoing as we speak," he said.

Mattis in Kabul, says elements in Taliban open to peace talks

The United States is picking up signs of interest from Taliban elements in exploring the possibility of talks with Kabul to end the more than 16-year-old war, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday as he made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan.

&quot;There is interest that we&#39;ve picked up from the Taliban side,&quot; Mattis told reporters before landing in Kabul, saying the signs dated back several months.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered talks without preconditions with the Taliban insurgents last month, in what was seen by US&nbsp;officials as a major overture from Kabul.

Mattis said some of his indications, which he did not detail, dated back before Ghani&#39;s remarks.

&quot;We&#39;ve had some groups of Taliban - small groups - who have either started to come over or expressed an interest in talking,&quot; Mattis said.

&quot;In other words, it may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop. That may be a bridge too far to expect. But there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government,&quot; he said.

The United States has in the past also expressed hope of &quot;peeling off&quot; elements of the Taliban and it was unclear how this new effort might be different.

Western diplomats and officials in Kabul say contacts involving intermediaries have been underway with the aim of agreeing on ground rules and potential areas of discussion for possible talks with at least some elements in the Taliban.

However, the insurgents, who seized a district centre in western Afghanistan earlier this week, have given no public sign of accepting Ghani&#39;s offer, instead issuing several statements suggesting they intended to keep fighting.

Taliban control

The United States has stepped up assistance to the Afghan military and greatly increased air strikes against the Taliban as part of its new regional strategy announced last year, in a bid to break the stalemate and force the insurgents to the negotiating table.

Mattis said the goal was to convince the Taliban insurgents that they could not win, which would hopefully push them towards reconciliation.

However, Taliban fighters control large parts of the country, the Kabul government itself is deeply divided and thousands of Afghan soldiers and civilians are killed every year.

Uzbekistan is set to host an Afghan peace conference later this month, where participants are expected to call for direct talks between the militant group and Ghani&#39;s government.

However, the Taliban appears likely to miss that conference and have so far ruled out direct talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul, which they say is an illegitimate, foreign-imposed regime.

They have offered to talk directly to the United States about a possible peace agreement.

Asked whether the United States would be willing to talk directly with the Taliban, Mattis reiterated the US&nbsp;position that the talks should be led by Kabul.

&quot;We want the Afghans to lead and provide the substance to the reconciliation effort,&quot; Mattis said.

While the United States has been stepping up battlefield pressure, Afghanistan&#39;s international partners have sought to build diplomatic support from neighbouring countries to push the militants to the negotiating table.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump&#39;s administration has also piled pressure on Pakistan to crack down on militant safe havens on its side of the Afghan-Pakistan border.

Mattis said he had seen some positive indications from Islamabad, noting some Pakistani military operations along the border.

Outlining his goals for the trip, Mattis said he wanted to get an assessment of both the re-tooled US&nbsp;war effort as well as the reconciliation efforts. Reconciliation, Mattis said, was &quot;almost an equal priority of my interest going in.&quot;

The United States has in the past also expressed hope of 'peeling off' elements of the Taliban

The United States is picking up signs of interest from Taliban elements in exploring the possibility of talks with Kabul to end the more than 16-year-old war, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday as he made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan. "There is interest that we've picked up from the Taliban side," Mattis told reporters before landing in Kabul, saying the signs dated back several months. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered talks without preconditions with the Taliban insurgents last month, in what was seen by US officials as a major overture from Kabul. Mattis said some of his indications, which he did not detail, dated back before Ghani's remarks. "We've had some groups of Taliban - small groups - who have either started to come over or expressed an interest in talking," Mattis said. "In other words, it may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop. That may be a bridge too far to expect. But there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government," he said. The United States has in the past also expressed hope of "peeling off" elements of the Taliban and it was unclear how this new effort might be different. Western diplomats and officials in Kabul say contacts involving intermediaries have been underway with the aim of agreeing on ground rules and potential areas of discussion for possible talks with at least some elements in the Taliban. However, the insurgents, who seized a district centre in western Afghanistan earlier this week, have given no public sign of accepting Ghani's offer, instead issuing several statements suggesting they intended to keep fighting. Taliban control The United States has stepped up assistance to the Afghan military and greatly increased air strikes against the Taliban as part of its new regional strategy announced last year, in a bid to break the stalemate and force the insurgents to the negotiating table. Mattis said the goal was to convince the Taliban insurgents that they could not win, which would hopefully push them towards reconciliation. However, Taliban fighters control large parts of the country, the Kabul government itself is deeply divided and thousands of Afghan soldiers and civilians are killed every year. Uzbekistan is set to host an Afghan peace conference later this month, where participants are expected to call for direct talks between the militant group and Ghani's government. However, the Taliban appears likely to miss that conference and have so far ruled out direct talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul, which they say is an illegitimate, foreign-imposed regime. They have offered to talk directly to the United States about a possible peace agreement. Asked whether the United States would be willing to talk directly with the Taliban, Mattis reiterated the US position that the talks should be led by Kabul. "We want the Afghans to lead and provide the substance to the reconciliation effort," Mattis said. While the United States has been stepping up battlefield pressure, Afghanistan's international partners have sought to build diplomatic support from neighbouring countries to push the militants to the negotiating table. US President Donald Trump's administration has also piled pressure on Pakistan to crack down on militant safe havens on its side of the Afghan-Pakistan border. Mattis said he had seen some positive indications from Islamabad, noting some Pakistani military operations along the border. Outlining his goals for the trip, Mattis said he wanted to get an assessment of both the re-tooled US war effort as well as the reconciliation efforts. Reconciliation, Mattis said, was "almost an equal priority of my interest going in."

Mattis arrives in Kabul, says US picking up Taliban interest in Afghan peace talks

At least 28 Taliban militants were killed and more than 15 others were injured in airstrikes carried out by the Afghan air forces in Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan, local military officials said on Monday.

According to an Afghan military source, the airstrikes were carried out in the last 24 hours in Khas Uruzgan and Chora districts of the province, reported The Khaama Press.

Meanwhile, counter-terrorism operations are underway in other restive districts of Uruzgan Province to crack down on anti-government armed forces.

Last week, 15 Taliban militants were killed and 16 others were injured in a series of airstrikes in Khas Uruzgan district, Afghanistan&#39;s Ministry of Defence (MoD) had said in a statement.

the airstrikes were carried out in the last 24 hours in Khas Uruzgan and Chora districts of the province reported The Khaama Press

At least 28 Taliban militants were killed and more than 15 others were injured in airstrikes carried out by the Afghan air forces in Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan, local military officials said on Monday. According to an Afghan military source, the airstrikes were carried out in the last 24 hours in Khas Uruzgan and Chora districts of the province, reported The Khaama Press. Meanwhile, counter-terrorism operations are underway in other restive districts of Uruzgan Province to crack down on anti-government armed forces. Last week, 15 Taliban militants were killed and 16 others were injured in a series of airstrikes in Khas Uruzgan district, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence (MoD) had said in a statement.

28 Taliban militants killed in Afghanistan

At least&nbsp; nine people were killed and 22 wounded in an&nbsp;explosion believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber near a mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday, a local police official said.

The explosion, which occurred&nbsp;close to Mosalla-e-Mazar area in Kabul&rsquo;s PD6, happened close to a ceremony marking the death anniversary of Abdul Ali Mazari, the slain leader of &nbsp;Afghanistan&#39;s Islamic Unity Party, Tolo News reported.

Senior government officials were present at the ceremony.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

 
&nbsp;

There was no immediate claim of responsibility or details on casualties from the blast

At least nine people were killed and 22 wounded in an explosion believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber near a mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday, a local police official said. The explosion, which occurred close to Mosalla-e-Mazar area in Kabul’s PD6, happened close to a ceremony marking the death anniversary of Abdul Ali Mazari, the slain leader of Afghanistan's Islamic Unity Party, Tolo News reported. Senior government officials were present at the ceremony. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

9 dead in blast near mosque in Afghan capital Kabul

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