India has categorically said that the government will not allow Pakistan to change the mood of the nation, asking for the immediate release of the pilot who is in Pakistan's custody since Wednesday. The pilot was captured after his MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft, which was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-too-capable-of-operation-similar-to-us-action-against-osama-in-abbotabad-arun-jaitley-200163">pushing away Pakistani fighter jets</a> from Indian airspace, crashed into Pakistani territory.

"We will not allow a Kandahar this time," government sources said. "If they think they will hold us hostage with our captured defence personnel, this won't happen,"&nbsp; the sources added.

The statement assumes significance because India had to release Masood Azhar, the chief of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), after the IC-814 Indian Airlines flight was hijacked in 1999. The plane was taken from Kathmandu to Kandahar in Afghanistan. Azhar and other terrorists were released in exchange of 179 passengers and 11 crew members. The attack was reportedly planned and executed by Azhar's brother-in-law Yousuf Azhar, who India said was killed in the air strike by Indian Air Force's fighter jets on JeM camp in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">Pakistan's Balakot</a> on Tuesday.

"India wants Pakistan to immediately send back the Air Force personnel; New Delhi is not demanding consular access. We won't be negotiating any deal with Pakistan on him," the sources said.

New Delhi has given two strong demarches to Islamabad on the custody of its defence personnel and called for his humane treatment along with the immediate and early release.

Accusing Pakistan of creating a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-proud-of-its-armed-forces-and-stands-by-them-says-modi-200221">war hysteria</a>, sources said the government on Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on specific details of involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in that country.

The sources also said that four of the P5 countries - the permanent members of the UN Security Council - are firmly with India. The only exception is China. "China has taken an ambiguous position. We will make every effort to convince China. Other major countries also trying to convince China," the sources said.

The US, the UK and France have formally proposed listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of JeM, under the UN Security Council's terror list. India is lobbying with all 15 members of the UNSC.

Lashing out at Pakistan for sending its fighter jets in Indian airspace, the sources said that Pakistan Air Force specifically targeted Indian military facilities while the Indian jets only targeted the JeM terror camp.

The defence ministry officials had earlier said that the Indian Air Force pilot was ill-treated by the Pakistan Army in violation of the Geneva convention.

Service chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force will meet Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at 5pm today to discuss the strategy going forward.

India has made it clear that its focus is counter-terror, and New Delhi's strikes on UN-listed terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) camps in Balakot, Pakistan, on Tuesday was to send across a message to Pakistan. In Indian strikes, no civilians or Pakistani military installations were targeted.

India has categorically said that the government will not allow Pakistan to change the mood of the nation, asking for the immediate release of the pilot who is in Pakistan's custody since Wednesday.

India has categorically said that the government will not allow Pakistan to change the mood of the nation, asking for the immediate release of the pilot who is in Pakistan's custody since Wednesday. The pilot was captured after his MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft, which was pushing away Pakistani fighter jets from Indian airspace, crashed into Pakistani territory. "We will not allow a Kandahar this time," government sources said. "If they think they will hold us hostage with our captured defence personnel, this won't happen," the sources added. The statement assumes significance because India had to release Masood Azhar, the chief of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), after the IC-814 Indian Airlines flight was hijacked in 1999. The plane was taken from Kathmandu to Kandahar in Afghanistan. Azhar and other terrorists were released in exchange of 179 passengers and 11 crew members. The attack was reportedly planned and executed by Azhar's brother-in-law Yousuf Azhar, who India said was killed in the air strike by Indian Air Force's fighter jets on JeM camp in Pakistan's Balakot on Tuesday. "India wants Pakistan to immediately send back the Air Force personnel; New Delhi is not demanding consular access. We won't be negotiating any deal with Pakistan on him," the sources said. New Delhi has given two strong demarches to Islamabad on the custody of its defence personnel and called for his humane treatment along with the immediate and early release. Accusing Pakistan of creating a war hysteria, sources said the government on Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on specific details of involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in that country. The sources also said that four of the P5 countries - the permanent members of the UN Security Council - are firmly with India. The only exception is China. "China has taken an ambiguous position. We will make every effort to convince China. Other major countries also trying to convince China," the sources said. The US, the UK and France have formally proposed listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of JeM, under the UN Security Council's terror list. India is lobbying with all 15 members of the UNSC. Lashing out at Pakistan for sending its fighter jets in Indian airspace, the sources said that Pakistan Air Force specifically targeted Indian military facilities while the Indian jets only targeted the JeM terror camp. The defence ministry officials had earlier said that the Indian Air Force pilot was ill-treated by the Pakistan Army in violation of the Geneva convention. Service chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force will meet Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at 5pm today to discuss the strategy going forward. India has made it clear that its focus is counter-terror, and New Delhi's strikes on UN-listed terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) camps in Balakot, Pakistan, on Tuesday was to send across a message to Pakistan. In Indian strikes, no civilians or Pakistani military installations were targeted.

Won't allow a Kandahar this time, Pakistan must immediately send our pilot back, says India

Several hundred protesters marched in three cities in southern and eastern <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-8-killed-two-wounded-in-afghanistans-mine-collapse-191019">Afghanistan</a> to call for a ceasefire and an end to the 17-year war Thursday, the latest action of a movement launched in May 2018.

In Kandahar, the southern cradle of the Taliban, and in the eastern cities of Khost and Jalalabad, they marched holding placards saying: "No War", "We want ceasefire" and "We want Peace".

The peace marches began in May 2018 when a handful of civilians travelled 700 kilometres (430 miles) from Lashkar Gah, in the southern province of Helmand, to end their journey in June in the capital Kabul, joined along the way by hundreds of other marchers.&nbsp;

Since then, many others have been organised, including a wheelchair peace march by amputees between the western city of Herat and Kabul in August.

"Afghans want an absolute ceasefire as soon as possible. The government had agreed a one-year ceasefire and the Taliban must accept their demand," Bismillah Watandost, a member of the People for Peace Movement, told AFP.

"We call on the Taliban to come to the peace talks with the Afghan government and have mercy on the Afghan people. Our men, women, children and widows want peace. We are tired of war," said Haji Farhad, a protestor in Jalalabad.

Diplomatic efforts are being stepped up to try to end the long-running conflict.&nbsp;

The US envoy in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is currently in Pakistan for talks after a regional tour that took him to China, the United Arab Emirates, India and Afghanistan.

Khalilzad, a former US ambassador to Kabul, said in the Afghan capital Wednesday he hopes for fresh talks with the Taliban "very soon", after meetings with them in late 2018 in Doha and Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;

The United States is not alone in its diplomatic overtures to the Taliban. Russia and Iran have also held meetings with the militants in recent months and China has also invited them for discussions.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Pakistan are participating in the US peace efforts.

Several hundred protesters marched in three cities in southern and eastern Afghanistan to call for a ceasefire and an end to the 17-year war Thursday, the latest action of a movement launched in May 2018.

Several hundred protesters marched in three cities in southern and eastern Afghanistan to call for a ceasefire and an end to the 17-year war Thursday, the latest action of a movement launched in May 2018. In Kandahar, the southern cradle of the Taliban, and in the eastern cities of Khost and Jalalabad, they marched holding placards saying: "No War", "We want ceasefire" and "We want Peace". The peace marches began in May 2018 when a handful of civilians travelled 700 kilometres (430 miles) from Lashkar Gah, in the southern province of Helmand, to end their journey in June in the capital Kabul, joined along the way by hundreds of other marchers. Since then, many others have been organised, including a wheelchair peace march by amputees between the western city of Herat and Kabul in August. "Afghans want an absolute ceasefire as soon as possible. The government had agreed a one-year ceasefire and the Taliban must accept their demand," Bismillah Watandost, a member of the People for Peace Movement, told AFP. "We call on the Taliban to come to the peace talks with the Afghan government and have mercy on the Afghan people. Our men, women, children and widows want peace. We are tired of war," said Haji Farhad, a protestor in Jalalabad. Diplomatic efforts are being stepped up to try to end the long-running conflict. The US envoy in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is currently in Pakistan for talks after a regional tour that took him to China, the United Arab Emirates, India and Afghanistan. Khalilzad, a former US ambassador to Kabul, said in the Afghan capital Wednesday he hopes for fresh talks with the Taliban "very soon", after meetings with them in late 2018 in Doha and Abu Dhabi. The United States is not alone in its diplomatic overtures to the Taliban. Russia and Iran have also held meetings with the militants in recent months and China has also invited them for discussions. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Pakistan are participating in the US peace efforts.

Afghanistan protestors march for peace

A hijack scare on a Kandahar-bound flight sent security officials at the Delhi airport into tizzy on Saturday after the pilot "mistakenly" pressed the 'hijack button' when it was taxiing for take-off, sources said.

The Ariana Afghan Airlines plane took off nearly two hours later after "satisfactory" security checks, they said.&nbsp;

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After security clearance by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the aircraft took off for Kandahar after a two hour delay. <a href="https://t.co/zdHXBP4nvu">https://t.co/zdHXBP4nvu</a>
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While there was no immediate official reaction, the sources said the pressing of hijack button had pushed all agencies concerned, including the anti-terror force National Security Guard (NSG), into action.

NSG commandos and officials of other agencies swiftly responded to the situation and surrounded the aircraft, they said.

After a two-hour operation that created panic among passengers on board the aircraft, the plane was cleared for take-off, the sources said.

The Delhi-Kandahar FG312 flight was scheduled to depart at 3.30 pm.&nbsp;

A hijack scare on a Kandahar-bound flight sent security officials at the Delhi airport into tizzy on Saturday after the pilot "mistakenly" pressed the 'hijack button' when it was taxiing for take-off, sources said.

A hijack scare on a Kandahar-bound flight sent security officials at the Delhi airport into tizzy on Saturday after the pilot "mistakenly" pressed the 'hijack button' when it was taxiing for take-off, sources said. The Ariana Afghan Airlines plane took off nearly two hours later after "satisfactory" security checks, they said. After security clearance by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the aircraft took off for Kandahar after a two hour delay. https://t.co/zdHXBP4nvu — ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2018 × While there was no immediate official reaction, the sources said the pressing of hijack button had pushed all agencies concerned, including the anti-terror force National Security Guard (NSG), into action. NSG commandos and officials of other agencies swiftly responded to the situation and surrounded the aircraft, they said. After a two-hour operation that created panic among passengers on board the aircraft, the plane was cleared for take-off, the sources said. The Delhi-Kandahar FG312 flight was scheduled to depart at 3.30 pm.

Hijack scare on Kandahar-bound plane at Delhi airport

Afghans risked their lives to vote in legislative elections in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, after the Taliban-claimed killing of a powerful police chief delayed the ballot by a week.

An hour after voting was due to start, long queues of turbaned men could be seen outside still-shuttered polling centres in the deeply conservative Kandahar provincial capital, which was blanketed with heavy security in anticipation of militant attacks.&nbsp;

More than half a million people are registered to vote in Kandahar province where organisers are under pressure to avoid last weekend's debacle that forced the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to extend the nationwide ballot by a day.&nbsp;

Problems with untested biometric verification devices, missing or incomplete voter rolls and absent election workers following Taliban threats to attack the ballot forced Afghans to wait hours outside polling stations, many of which opened late or not at all.

Similar issues were already evident in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban and a province notorious for voting fraud, with many polling sites in the city still closed -- despite assurances from IEC deputy spokeswoman Kobra Rezaei on Friday that "we are absolutely ready".

"I have been standing outside the polling centre since 6:00 am, but it still hasn't opened," university student Mohammad, who uses only one name, told AFP.&nbsp;

Voting in the province was postponed following the October 18 death of General Abdul Raziq, an anti-Taliban strongman seen as a bulwark against the insurgency in the south, amid fears of violence flaring up.

Raziq was among three people killed in an insider attack on a high-level security meeting in Kandahar city that was attended by General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan.

Miller escaped unhurt, but US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley was among 13 people wounded in the shooting claimed by the Taliban.&nbsp;

It is hoped that the appointment of Tadeen Khan -- a brother of Raziq and a member of the Afghan security forces -- as acting provincial police chief will help keep a lid on polling day unrest.&nbsp;

"I have to vote for a better future for my country," shopkeeper Abdul Abbas told AFP outside a polling centre.

"I have defied all the threats of attacks and explosions to vote."

Election death toll&nbsp;

IEC figures show around four million people voted in last weekend's parliamentary election that was held in 32 out of 34 provinces after months of chaotic preparations.

That compares with nearly nine million on the voter roll, but many suspect a significant number of those were based on fake identification documents that fraudsters planned to use to stuff ballot boxes.

Scores of attacks marred the first day of the election on October 20, with an AFP tally showing nearly 300 civilians and security forces were killed or wounded in poll-related violence.

That was significantly higher than the government's casualty figures, supporting speculation that officials had deliberately downplayed the violence so voters would not be scared off.&nbsp;

The discrepancy also added to concerns about the lack of transparency and credibility in the election, which is more than three years late and the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

More than 2,500 candidates, including mullahs, journalists and sons of warlords, are competing for 249 seats in the lower house.

The election is seen as a dry run for next year's presidential vote and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes".

The IEC is scheduled to release preliminary results on November 10.

Afghans risked their lives to vote in legislative elections in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, after the Taliban-claimed killing of a powerful police chief delayed the ballot by a week.

Afghans risked their lives to vote in legislative elections in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, after the Taliban-claimed killing of a powerful police chief delayed the ballot by a week. An hour after voting was due to start, long queues of turbaned men could be seen outside still-shuttered polling centres in the deeply conservative Kandahar provincial capital, which was blanketed with heavy security in anticipation of militant attacks. More than half a million people are registered to vote in Kandahar province where organisers are under pressure to avoid last weekend's debacle that forced the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to extend the nationwide ballot by a day. Problems with untested biometric verification devices, missing or incomplete voter rolls and absent election workers following Taliban threats to attack the ballot forced Afghans to wait hours outside polling stations, many of which opened late or not at all. Similar issues were already evident in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban and a province notorious for voting fraud, with many polling sites in the city still closed -- despite assurances from IEC deputy spokeswoman Kobra Rezaei on Friday that "we are absolutely ready". "I have been standing outside the polling centre since 6:00 am, but it still hasn't opened," university student Mohammad, who uses only one name, told AFP. Voting in the province was postponed following the October 18 death of General Abdul Raziq, an anti-Taliban strongman seen as a bulwark against the insurgency in the south, amid fears of violence flaring up. Raziq was among three people killed in an insider attack on a high-level security meeting in Kandahar city that was attended by General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. Miller escaped unhurt, but US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley was among 13 people wounded in the shooting claimed by the Taliban. It is hoped that the appointment of Tadeen Khan -- a brother of Raziq and a member of the Afghan security forces -- as acting provincial police chief will help keep a lid on polling day unrest. "I have to vote for a better future for my country," shopkeeper Abdul Abbas told AFP outside a polling centre. "I have defied all the threats of attacks and explosions to vote." Election death toll IEC figures show around four million people voted in last weekend's parliamentary election that was held in 32 out of 34 provinces after months of chaotic preparations. That compares with nearly nine million on the voter roll, but many suspect a significant number of those were based on fake identification documents that fraudsters planned to use to stuff ballot boxes. Scores of attacks marred the first day of the election on October 20, with an AFP tally showing nearly 300 civilians and security forces were killed or wounded in poll-related violence. That was significantly higher than the government's casualty figures, supporting speculation that officials had deliberately downplayed the violence so voters would not be scared off. The discrepancy also added to concerns about the lack of transparency and credibility in the election, which is more than three years late and the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. More than 2,500 candidates, including mullahs, journalists and sons of warlords, are competing for 249 seats in the lower house. The election is seen as a dry run for next year's presidential vote and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes". The IEC is scheduled to release preliminary results on November 10.

Afghans risk their lives to vote in delayed Kandahar poll

Parliamentary elections in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, due to be held on Saturday, will be delayed by one week following the assassination of the powerful provincial police commander, officials said on Friday.

Hafizullah Hashimi, spokesman of the Independent Election Commission, said the decision to delay the vote had been taken because the people of Kandahar were "morally not ready to vote" following the death of the commander, General Abdul Razeq, who was killed by a rogue bodyguard of another top official on Thursday.

The top US&nbsp;commander in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller escaped unhurt after a burst of gunfire in the governor's compound in Kandahar province on Thursday but the powerful police chief General Abdul Razeq was killed, officials said.

A senior security official said the governor's bodyguard opened fire and hit Razeq in the back as soon as officials came out of the meeting. The governor and the local head of the NDS intelligence service were wounded.

Resolute Support Commander General Austin Scott Miller, who escaped uninjured in Thursday's attack at the Kandahar Governor's house, tweeted that he "lost a great friend" while referring to Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq.

Taliban has since claimed responsibility for the attack which also killed the head of the provincial National Directorate of Security (NDS) Gen. Abdul Momin Hassankhail and injured Kandahar's Governor Zalmai Wesa, the commander of Maiwand 404 police zone, a coalition force member and two Americans after a high-profile meeting on Thursday.

Taliban further stated that they had targeted both Raziq and Miller, according to Al Jazeera.

TOLOnews reported that the attack was initiated by at least one of the governor's bodyguards.

The attack occurred when officials were on their way to the helipad after the meeting, which included the Resolute Support Commander. Saturday's parliamentary elections were discussed during the meeting held between the officials.

Parliamentary elections in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, due to be held on Saturday, will be delayed by one week following the assassination of the powerful provincial police commander, officials said on Friday.

Parliamentary elections in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, due to be held on Saturday, will be delayed by one week following the assassination of the powerful provincial police commander, officials said on Friday. Hafizullah Hashimi, spokesman of the Independent Election Commission, said the decision to delay the vote had been taken because the people of Kandahar were "morally not ready to vote" following the death of the commander, General Abdul Razeq, who was killed by a rogue bodyguard of another top official on Thursday. The top US commander in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller escaped unhurt after a burst of gunfire in the governor's compound in Kandahar province on Thursday but the powerful police chief General Abdul Razeq was killed, officials said. A senior security official said the governor's bodyguard opened fire and hit Razeq in the back as soon as officials came out of the meeting. The governor and the local head of the NDS intelligence service were wounded. Resolute Support Commander General Austin Scott Miller, who escaped uninjured in Thursday's attack at the Kandahar Governor's house, tweeted that he "lost a great friend" while referring to Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq. Taliban has since claimed responsibility for the attack which also killed the head of the provincial National Directorate of Security (NDS) Gen. Abdul Momin Hassankhail and injured Kandahar's Governor Zalmai Wesa, the commander of Maiwand 404 police zone, a coalition force member and two Americans after a high-profile meeting on Thursday. Taliban further stated that they had targeted both Raziq and Miller, according to Al Jazeera. TOLOnews reported that the attack was initiated by at least one of the governor's bodyguards. The attack occurred when officials were on their way to the helipad after the meeting, which included the Resolute Support Commander. Saturday's parliamentary elections were discussed during the meeting held between the officials.

Election in Afghan province of Kandahar to be delayed a week

At least 16 people were killed and 38 wounded today when a minivan packed with explosives detonated as security forces were trying to defuse it in southern Afghanistan, officials said.

Security forces in Kandahar had already cleared the area around a bus station where the van was found, provincial governor spokesman Daud Ahmadi said.

"As the security forces were trying to defuse the van, it detonated," said police spokesman Mohammad Qasim Azad.

"The latest figures show 16 dead and 38 wounded people brought to the hospital. We still have two ambulances at the site because there might be more people under the rubble," Dr Nehmat Barak, chief of the Mirwais Hospital in Kandahar, said.

Ahmadi confirmed the toll, adding that the dead included four security forces personnel. At least five children and 10 members of the security forces were among the wounded.

The blast was so powerful that the majority of the casualties were passers-by outside the cleared area.

Ahmadi said security forces also found a large container of explosives, rocket-propelled grenades, suicide vests, and ammunition near the site.

The terrorists planned to conduct a big attack at end of Ramadan in the city among crowds of people as they went out shopping for Eid... Security forces prevented a disaster from happening," one security official told AFP. 
No group immediately claimed responsibility.

The blast comes as the Taliban step up their spring offensive across the war-torn country.

Last week the insurgent group attacked western Farah city, but were repelled by commandos backed by the Afghan and US Air Force.

Yesterday, the Taliban warned Kabul residents to avoid "military centres" in the heavily fortified city, saying they are planning more attacks in the Afghan capital.

A US government watchdog also warned yesterday that upbeat assessments of improving security in the country did not match facts on the ground.

The Pentagon's Office of the Inspector General said there were "few signs of progress" in the fight against the Taliban.

Top US officials and military commanders insist the Afghan security forces -- which have suffered thousands of casualties and are beset with low morale and corruption -- are now doing a better job of maintaining order.

But the Taliban still control swathes of the country and are staging repeated attacks, while the Islamic State group has conducted a series of high-profile suicide blasts in Kabul and elsewhere.&nbsp;

Nematullah Barak, a head of the Mirwais hospital in Kandahar, said 16 dead and 38 wounded, including several children, had been brought in but the final total could be higher as ambulances were still at the scene

At least 16 people were killed and 38 wounded today when a minivan packed with explosives detonated as security forces were trying to defuse it in southern Afghanistan, officials said. Security forces in Kandahar had already cleared the area around a bus station where the van was found, provincial governor spokesman Daud Ahmadi said. "As the security forces were trying to defuse the van, it detonated," said police spokesman Mohammad Qasim Azad. "The latest figures show 16 dead and 38 wounded people brought to the hospital. We still have two ambulances at the site because there might be more people under the rubble," Dr Nehmat Barak, chief of the Mirwais Hospital in Kandahar, said. Ahmadi confirmed the toll, adding that the dead included four security forces personnel. At least five children and 10 members of the security forces were among the wounded. The blast was so powerful that the majority of the casualties were passers-by outside the cleared area. Ahmadi said security forces also found a large container of explosives, rocket-propelled grenades, suicide vests, and ammunition near the site. The terrorists planned to conduct a big attack at end of Ramadan in the city among crowds of people as they went out shopping for Eid... Security forces prevented a disaster from happening," one security official told AFP. No group immediately claimed responsibility. The blast comes as the Taliban step up their spring offensive across the war-torn country. Last week the insurgent group attacked western Farah city, but were repelled by commandos backed by the Afghan and US Air Force. Yesterday, the Taliban warned Kabul residents to avoid "military centres" in the heavily fortified city, saying they are planning more attacks in the Afghan capital. A US government watchdog also warned yesterday that upbeat assessments of improving security in the country did not match facts on the ground. The Pentagon's Office of the Inspector General said there were "few signs of progress" in the fight against the Taliban. Top US officials and military commanders insist the Afghan security forces -- which have suffered thousands of casualties and are beset with low morale and corruption -- are now doing a better job of maintaining order. But the Taliban still control swathes of the country and are staging repeated attacks, while the Islamic State group has conducted a series of high-profile suicide blasts in Kabul and elsewhere.

16 killed, 38 wounded by minivan blast in Afghanistan's Kandahar

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

Afghanistan Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday that at least 35 insurgents were killed in southern Kandahar province.&nbsp;

An airstrike was carried out by the Afghan forces in n Nesh district of the province as part of a clearance operation, the MoD said in a statement, adding that a number of villages have been cleared of insurgents.

&quot;Thirty-five insurgents were killed, seven vehicles and some weapons and ammunition were destroyed in ANA airstrikes in Nesh district of Kandahar,&quot; the MoD said in a statement.&#39;

Meanwhile, nearly 2,300 civilians were killed or wounded in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/2300-civilians-killed-or-wounded-in-suicide-bombings-in-afghanistan-last-year-un-report-32953">suicide bombings and attacks </a>in Afghanistan in 2017, more than any previous year of the conflict on record, a UN report said on Thursday.

The figures come as militants ramp up their assaults on urban areas after US President Donald Trump said last August the American presence in Afghanistan would remain open-ended and Washington stepped up airstrikes on rural militant strongholds.&nbsp;

An airstrike was carried out by the Afghan forces in n Nesh district of the province as part of a clearance operation, the MoD said in a statement, adding that a number of villages have been cleared of insurgents

Afghanistan Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday that at least 35 insurgents were killed in southern Kandahar province. An airstrike was carried out by the Afghan forces in n Nesh district of the province as part of a clearance operation, the MoD said in a statement, adding that a number of villages have been cleared of insurgents. "Thirty-five insurgents were killed, seven vehicles and some weapons and ammunition were destroyed in ANA airstrikes in Nesh district of Kandahar," the MoD said in a statement.' Meanwhile, nearly 2,300 civilians were killed or wounded in suicide bombings and attacks in Afghanistan in 2017, more than any previous year of the conflict on record, a UN report said on Thursday. The figures come as militants ramp up their assaults on urban areas after US President Donald Trump said last August the American presence in Afghanistan would remain open-ended and Washington stepped up airstrikes on rural militant strongholds.

35 insurgents killed in Kandahar following airstrike

Two suicide bombers <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-attacks-the-hamid-karzai-international-airport-in-kabul-20750">on Humvees targeted a military base in</a>&nbsp;Kandahar in Afghanistan, reports said.

The attack occurred in&nbsp;Maiwand district of&nbsp;Kandahar, Tolo news reported.

Afghanistan&#39;s Defense ministry said Taliban militants killed at least 43 Afghan troops&nbsp;when they stormed the&nbsp;military base in southern Afghanistan, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The ministry said 60 soldiers were manning the base in the southern province out of which 43 were killed, nine were wounded and six were missing after Taliban militants stormed the base in the middle of the night, the Defense ministry said in a statement.

At least nine Taliban were also reported killed.

Defense ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told AFP the attackers detonated at least one explosive-packed Humvee vehicle and razed the compound in the early morning assault.

&quot;We have sent a delegation to assess the situation. The base is under ANA (Afghan National Army) control,&quot; Waziri told AFP.

It was the third suicide and gun attack on a security installation this week and takes the total death toll to more than 100, including soldiers, police and civilians.

The attack occurred in?Maiwand district of?Kandahar

Two suicide bombers on Humvees targeted a military base in Kandahar in Afghanistan, reports said. The attack occurred in Maiwand district of Kandahar, Tolo news reported. Afghanistan's Defense ministry said Taliban militants killed at least 43 Afghan troops when they stormed the military base in southern Afghanistan, Reuters reported. The ministry said 60 soldiers were manning the base in the southern province out of which 43 were killed, nine were wounded and six were missing after Taliban militants stormed the base in the middle of the night, the Defense ministry said in a statement. At least nine Taliban were also reported killed. Defense ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told AFP the attackers detonated at least one explosive-packed Humvee vehicle and razed the compound in the early morning assault. "We have sent a delegation to assess the situation. The base is under ANA (Afghan National Army) control," Waziri told AFP. It was the third suicide and gun attack on a security installation this week and takes the total death toll to more than 100, including soldiers, police and civilians.

Afghanistan: Taliban attack Kandahar military base, at least 43 soldiers killed

At least nine people were killed and 16 injured in an explosion at a government guesthouse in Afghanistan&#39;s Kandahar city on Tuesday, Afghanistan media reported.

The explosion took place during a high-level meeting at the guesthouse.

Those wounded in the explosion include the UAE ambassador, another UAE envoy and Kandahar governor, Hamayun Azizi, the governor&rsquo;s spokesman Samim Khpolwak, who was also injured, told Afghan TV channel TOLOnews.

The governor&#39;s condition is said to be serious, a source told TOLOnews.

Kandahar police chief, General Abdul Raziq, who was also present during the meeting, was not harmed in the incident.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The wounded are being treated at hospitals in the city.

30 killed in twin suicide bombings in Kabul

Earlier on Tuesday, at least 30&nbsp;people were killed and 70&nbsp;wounded in twin suicide bombings in an apparently coordinated operation in Afghanistan&#39;s capital, officials said on Tuesday.

A suicide bomber blew himself up near parliament offices in Kabul followed by a car bomb explosion.

Saleem Rasouli, a senior public health official, said 33 people had been killed and more than 70 wounded on the Darul Aman road, near an annexe to the new Indian-financed parliament building. Most of the victims were parliamentary staff members.

The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks.

 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Those wounded in the Kandahar explosion include the UAE ambassador, another UAE envoy and Kandahar governor, Hamayun Azizi

At least nine people were killed and 16 injured in an explosion at a government guesthouse in Afghanistan's Kandahar city on Tuesday, Afghanistan media reported. The explosion took place during a high-level meeting at the guesthouse. Those wounded in the explosion include the UAE ambassador, another UAE envoy and Kandahar governor, Hamayun Azizi, the governor’s spokesman Samim Khpolwak, who was also injured, told Afghan TV channel TOLOnews. The governor's condition is said to be serious, a source told TOLOnews. Kandahar police chief, General Abdul Raziq, who was also present during the meeting, was not harmed in the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The wounded are being treated at hospitals in the city. 30 killed in twin suicide bombings in Kabul Earlier on Tuesday, at least 30 people were killed and 70 wounded in twin suicide bombings in an apparently coordinated operation in Afghanistan's capital, officials said on Tuesday. A suicide bomber blew himself up near parliament offices in Kabul followed by a car bomb explosion. Saleem Rasouli, a senior public health official, said 33 people had been killed and more than 70 wounded on the Darul Aman road, near an annexe to the new Indian-financed parliament building. Most of the victims were parliamentary staff members. The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Triple blasts rock Afghanistan: More than 30 Killed in Kabul suicide bombings, 9 dead in explosion Kandahar guesthouse

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