At least one person was killed after a bomb blast rocked a mosque in Afghanistan's Kunduz province on Friday (June 17), news agency AFP reported citing local police. At least one person was confirmed killed, but some media reports mentioned three casualties. Several others were reportedly injured as the blast targeted Friday midday prayers.&nbsp;So far, no group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

As quoted by AFP, Provincial police spokesman Qari Obaidullah Abedi said one worshipper had been killed at the Alif Birdi mosque in Imam Shahib district.&nbsp;

"The explosives were placed inside the mosque. The blast occurred when worshippers were offering Friday prayers," he told AFP.&nbsp;

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Per reports, a bomb blast has taken place during Friday prayers at a mosque in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz Province of Afghanistan - Casualties feared. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>
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Today's blast occurred in a district where dozens of worshippers had been killed in April in a similar bomb attack.&nbsp;A medic at the provincial hospital confirmed the death toll. Many media reports suggested that the death toll might increase.&nbsp;

Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan last year in August, the Islamic State (IS) armed group has continued to target minority communities in attacks.&nbsp;

During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, there were multiple incidents of such blasts in the country. One of the deadliest attacks was on April 22, when a blast at a mosque in Imam Shahib district killed at least 36 worshippers and wounded scores.&nbsp;

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At least one person was killed after a bomb blast rocked a mosque in Afghanistan's Kunduz province on Friday (June 17), news agency AFP reported citing local police.

At least one person was killed after a bomb blast rocked a mosque in Afghanistan's Kunduz province on Friday (June 17), news agency AFP reported citing local police. At least one person was confirmed killed, but some media reports mentioned three casualties. Several others were reportedly injured as the blast targeted Friday midday prayers. So far, no group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. As quoted by AFP, Provincial police spokesman Qari Obaidullah Abedi said one worshipper had been killed at the Alif Birdi mosque in Imam Shahib district. "The explosives were placed inside the mosque. The blast occurred when worshippers were offering Friday prayers," he told AFP. Per reports, a bomb blast has taken place during Friday prayers at a mosque in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz Province of Afghanistan - Casualties feared. #Afghanistan — Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) June 17, 2022 × Today's blast occurred in a district where dozens of worshippers had been killed in April in a similar bomb attack. A medic at the provincial hospital confirmed the death toll. Many media reports suggested that the death toll might increase. Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan last year in August, the Islamic State (IS) armed group has continued to target minority communities in attacks. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, there were multiple incidents of such blasts in the country. One of the deadliest attacks was on April 22, when a blast at a mosque in Imam Shahib district killed at least 36 worshippers and wounded scores. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan: At least one killed and several injured in Kunduz mosque bombing

Casualties are feared after a blast rocked Afghanistan`s Kunduz city on Sunday.

Yesterday, several people were injured after a blast took place in Kabul. The explosion took place at Batkhak Square in the 10th district of Kabul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-regime-accountable-for-rise-in-illegal-trafficking-of-children-in-afghanistan-486101">Taliban regime accountable for rise in illegal trafficking of children in Afghanistan</a>

Citing a spokesman for the Kabul police, the Afghan media outlet said that many people had been killed while many were injured in the explosion.

According to him, the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device planted in a passenger car.

The cases of blast in Afghanistan is not new. Earlier, on Monday, a blast took place in Police District- four of Kabul from with explosives carried on a bicycle, the Kabul security department said.

Watch |&nbsp;Taliban shuts down Afghanistan's ministry of women affairs, other key departments

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Security forces have arrived in the area to investigate the matter.

Earlier, three explosions rocked the capital of Balkh province on May 25, leaving at least nine&nbsp;people killed and 15 others injured.

Meanwhile, on the same day, a blast at Masjid Sharif Hazrat Zakaria mosque in Kabul City left at least two worshippers dead, according to officials.

In response to the attacks in Balkh and Kabul, the US Special Envoy for Women and Human Rights in Afghanistan, Rina Amiri said that the Taliban must ensure people's security and prevent atrocities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-destroying-lives-of-lgbtq-people-in-afghanistan-report-447765">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban 'destroying lives' of LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan: Report</a>

"The heinous attacks in Mazar &amp; Kabul serve no purpose but to inflict further devastation on innocent Afghans who have suffered enough", Amiri tweeted.

"Preventing these horrid attacks and addressing the security and needs of all Afghans should be what the Taliban focus on", she added.

The first two explosions in Balkh province targeted passenger vehicles in the Hazara neighbourhood, local media reported citing local sources.

Additionally, earlier, an explosion at a traffic square in Kabul`s fourth police district had killed at least 30 people and injured others at the Hazrat Zekriya Mosque.

The Emergency hospital said that 22 people had been injured and that five&nbsp;of them had died on their way before reaching the hospital.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the blast in Hazrat Zakariya.

The Taliban faced a severe security threat from the Khorasan branch of ISIS, which has been active in Afghanistan since 2014.

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the recent attacks in Afghanistan that claimed the lives of numerous civilians, among them members of the Hazara Shia community and several children". 
&nbsp;

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Casualties are feared after a blast rocked Afghanistan`s Kunduz city on Sunday. Yesterday, several people were injured after a blast took place in Kabul. The explosion took place at Batkhak Square in the 10th district of Kabul.

Casualties are feared after a blast rocked Afghanistan`s Kunduz city on Sunday. Yesterday, several people were injured after a blast took place in Kabul. The explosion took place at Batkhak Square in the 10th district of Kabul. Also read | Taliban regime accountable for rise in illegal trafficking of children in Afghanistan Citing a spokesman for the Kabul police, the Afghan media outlet said that many people had been killed while many were injured in the explosion. According to him, the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device planted in a passenger car. The cases of blast in Afghanistan is not new. Earlier, on Monday, a blast took place in Police District- four of Kabul from with explosives carried on a bicycle, the Kabul security department said. Watch | Taliban shuts down Afghanistan's ministry of women affairs, other key departments Security forces have arrived in the area to investigate the matter. Earlier, three explosions rocked the capital of Balkh province on May 25, leaving at least nine people killed and 15 others injured. Meanwhile, on the same day, a blast at Masjid Sharif Hazrat Zakaria mosque in Kabul City left at least two worshippers dead, according to officials. In response to the attacks in Balkh and Kabul, the US Special Envoy for Women and Human Rights in Afghanistan, Rina Amiri said that the Taliban must ensure people's security and prevent atrocities. Also read | Taliban 'destroying lives' of LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan: Report "The heinous attacks in Mazar & Kabul serve no purpose but to inflict further devastation on innocent Afghans who have suffered enough", Amiri tweeted. "Preventing these horrid attacks and addressing the security and needs of all Afghans should be what the Taliban focus on", she added. The first two explosions in Balkh province targeted passenger vehicles in the Hazara neighbourhood, local media reported citing local sources. Additionally, earlier, an explosion at a traffic square in Kabul`s fourth police district had killed at least 30 people and injured others at the Hazrat Zekriya Mosque. The Emergency hospital said that 22 people had been injured and that five of them had died on their way before reaching the hospital. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the blast in Hazrat Zakariya. The Taliban faced a severe security threat from the Khorasan branch of ISIS, which has been active in Afghanistan since 2014. Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the recent attacks in Afghanistan that claimed the lives of numerous civilians, among them members of the Hazara Shia community and several children". Watch WION's live TV here:

Blast in Afghanistan's Kunduz, casualties feared

In a bomb blast at a mosque, around 33 people have been killed and 43 others injured in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, said chief spokesman of&nbsp;Taliban-led caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid. &nbsp;

At around 2:30 pm, the explosion occurred in Mullah Sikandar mosque in Imam Sahib, a witness told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. &nbsp;

After Friday prayers, when some worshippers were ritualising Zikr, which is a special religious practice&nbsp;during the holy month of Ramzan, the explosion happened. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-mosque-attack-mastermind-arrested-by-taliban-says-police-472993" hreflang="en">Afghan mosque attack 'mastermind' arrested by Taliban, says police</a>

On social media, the spokesman wrote, "We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province this afternoon. As a result, 33 villagers, including several children, were killed and 43 were wounded." &nbsp;&nbsp;

While criticising the blast, Mujahid said the culprits will be brought to justice, Xinhua news agency reported. &nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Taliban is allowing foreign terrorists to thrive in Afghanistan

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In the incident, the building was severely damaged but the type of the blast was not clear immediately. &nbsp;

Another explosion happened in Police District 7 of the national capital, Kabul. In the roadside blast, one person was wounded, an IANS report said citing security source. &nbsp;

For the attacks, no group has claimed responsibility till now. &nbsp;

"This week's tragic events are a painful reminder of the insecurity and dangers facing the Afghan people daily. The indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices, which has already caused more than a hundred civilian casualties this week, is unacceptable and must cease immediately," UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan Ramiz Alakbarov told ANI. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bomb blast at a mosque, around 33 people have been killed and 43 others injured in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, said chief spokesman of Taliban-led caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid.

In a bomb blast at a mosque, around 33 people have been killed and 43 others injured in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, said chief spokesman of Taliban-led caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid. At around 2:30 pm, the explosion occurred in Mullah Sikandar mosque in Imam Sahib, a witness told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. After Friday prayers, when some worshippers were ritualising Zikr, which is a special religious practice during the holy month of Ramzan, the explosion happened. Also Read: Afghan mosque attack 'mastermind' arrested by Taliban, says police On social media, the spokesman wrote, "We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province this afternoon. As a result, 33 villagers, including several children, were killed and 43 were wounded." While criticising the blast, Mujahid said the culprits will be brought to justice, Xinhua news agency reported. Watch | Gravitas: Taliban is allowing foreign terrorists to thrive in Afghanistan × In the incident, the building was severely damaged but the type of the blast was not clear immediately. Another explosion happened in Police District 7 of the national capital, Kabul. In the roadside blast, one person was wounded, an IANS report said citing security source. For the attacks, no group has claimed responsibility till now. "This week's tragic events are a painful reminder of the insecurity and dangers facing the Afghan people daily. The indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices, which has already caused more than a hundred civilian casualties this week, is unacceptable and must cease immediately," UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan Ramiz Alakbarov told ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

In another blast, 33 killed, 43 injured at mosque in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, says Taliban official

Mass funerals were seen taking place in Afghanistan's Kunduz on Saturday (October 9) a day after suicide attack in a mosque that killed scores of people attending Friday prayers.

Men dug large trenches to bury the dead in a mass grave. A pile of sandals and bloodstained carpets remained at at the mosque on Saturday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nothing-changed-between-taliban-of-1990s-and-2021-report-4">Nothing changed between Taliban of 1990s and 2021: Report</a>

Stunned family members gathered around wooden coffins waiting for burial.

The latest attack was the third this week on a religious institution.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack that state-run Bakhtar news agency said had killed 46 people and wounded 143. Two health officials told Reuters the death toll could be between 70 and 80. The blast, which the United Nations' mission in Afghanistan called part of a disturbing pattern of violence, follows others in recent days at a mosque in Kabul and a religious school in the eastern province of Khost. There have been similar attacks in recent weeks, some of which have also been claimed by Islamic State, whose fighters are Sunni Muslims.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mass funerals were seen taking place in Afghanistan's Kunduz on Saturday (October 9) a day after suicide attack in a mosque that killed scores of people attending Friday prayers.

Mass funerals were seen taking place in Afghanistan's Kunduz on Saturday (October 9) a day after suicide attack in a mosque that killed scores of people attending Friday prayers. Men dug large trenches to bury the dead in a mass grave. A pile of sandals and bloodstained carpets remained at at the mosque on Saturday. Also Read | Nothing changed between Taliban of 1990s and 2021: Report Stunned family members gathered around wooden coffins waiting for burial. The latest attack was the third this week on a religious institution. Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack that state-run Bakhtar news agency said had killed 46 people and wounded 143. Two health officials told Reuters the death toll could be between 70 and 80. The blast, which the United Nations' mission in Afghanistan called part of a disturbing pattern of violence, follows others in recent days at a mosque in Kabul and a religious school in the eastern province of Khost. There have been similar attacks in recent weeks, some of which have also been claimed by Islamic State, whose fighters are Sunni Muslims. (With inputs from agencies)

Mass funerals take place in Kunduz a day after mosque suicide attack

The Taliban is trying to downplay the presence of ISIS in Afghanistan. Will the latest terror attack in Kunduz trigger another mass exodus from Afghanistan? Palki Sharma discusses with WION's Correspondent in Kabul Anas Mallick.

Gravitas: Taliban blames ISIS-K for deadly Kunduz Mosque bombing

The suicide bombing in Kunduz is Afghanistan's worst terror attack since August. ISIS-K is waging a war on the Taliban. Palki Sharma tells you how the group poses the biggest threat to the Taliban's grip on power.

Gravitas: Kunduz Suicide Bombing: ISIS-K challenges Taliban's grip on power

A deadly bomb blast targeted a Shi'ite mosque in Afghanistan's Kunduz city, inflicting casualties on worshippers. The explosion took place during Friday prayers. According to Taliban officials, the blast was a suicide attack.

Taliban: Blast at Kunduz mosque was a suicide attack

A suicide bomb attack on worshippers at a Shi'ite mosque in the city of Kunduz left more than 50 people dead. This was a gruesome attack in Afghanistan since US troops left the country.

Afghanistan: Blast in Shi'ite mosque in the city of Kunduz, over 50 killed

A bomb ripped through a mosque filled with Shia Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing or injuring at least 55&nbsp;people, according to a Taliban police officer.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bomb, which occurred in Kunduz, the capital of Kunduz province, but Islamic State terrorists have a long history of assaulting Afghanistan's Shia minority.&nbsp;

Body parts were seen surrounded by rubble inside the mosque, which is utilised by the minority Shia Muslim population.&nbsp;

"We have received more than 100 wounded patients and over 55&nbsp;dead bodies, but the number will change. We are still receiving more people," said a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital worker, who did not want to be named.

Interior ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti confirmed the blast, without giving details. 
 
Local residents said&nbsp;the blast hit a Shia&nbsp;mosque during Friday prayers, the most important of the week.

"This afternoon, an explosion took place in a mosque of our Shia&nbsp;compatriots ... as a result of which a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

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If verified, the death toll would be the biggest since US and NATO soldiers departed Afghanistan at the end of August, when the Taliban assumed control.

The Taliban have been targeted in a string of fatal strikes by rival IS militants, including ambushes and an explosion at a mosque in Kabul, the capital.

The explosion in Kunduz occurred during the weekly Friday prayer service at the Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque.

The Friday midday prayer is the climax of the Muslim holy week, and mosques are usually packed.

Ali Reza, a witness, claimed he was praying at the time of the explosion and saw numerous victims.&nbsp;

Shia Muslims, who are frequently targeted by Sunni extremists, have been subjected to some of Afghanistan's most brutal attacks, with rallies destroyed, hospitals assaulted, and commuters ambushed.

Shias account for about 20% of the Afghan population.

Many of them are Hazara, an ethnic minority that has been oppressed for decades in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A bomb ripped through a mosque filled with Shia Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing or injuring at least 55 people, according to a Taliban police officer.

A bomb ripped through a mosque filled with Shia Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing or injuring at least 55 people, according to a Taliban police officer. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bomb, which occurred in Kunduz, the capital of Kunduz province, but Islamic State terrorists have a long history of assaulting Afghanistan's Shia minority. Body parts were seen surrounded by rubble inside the mosque, which is utilised by the minority Shia Muslim population. "We have received more than 100 wounded patients and over 55 dead bodies, but the number will change. We are still receiving more people," said a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital worker, who did not want to be named. Interior ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti confirmed the blast, without giving details. Local residents said the blast hit a Shia mosque during Friday prayers, the most important of the week. "This afternoon, an explosion took place in a mosque of our Shia compatriots ... as a result of which a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. Watch: If verified, the death toll would be the biggest since US and NATO soldiers departed Afghanistan at the end of August, when the Taliban assumed control. The Taliban have been targeted in a string of fatal strikes by rival IS militants, including ambushes and an explosion at a mosque in Kabul, the capital. The explosion in Kunduz occurred during the weekly Friday prayer service at the Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque. The Friday midday prayer is the climax of the Muslim holy week, and mosques are usually packed. Ali Reza, a witness, claimed he was praying at the time of the explosion and saw numerous victims. Shia Muslims, who are frequently targeted by Sunni extremists, have been subjected to some of Afghanistan's most brutal attacks, with rallies destroyed, hospitals assaulted, and commuters ambushed. Shias account for about 20% of the Afghan population. Many of them are Hazara, an ethnic minority that has been oppressed for decades in Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 55 killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast: Taliban official

Afghan girls are allowed to attend secondary schools in Kunduz province of the country, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen has said.

Sharing a video on his Twitter handle, Shaheen, who has been nominated as the new Afghan government`s permanent representative to the United Nations said:"Girls are going to high schools in Khan Abad, Kunduz Province.

"The shared video shows several girls in black dresses and white scarves, some with veils, waving Taliban flags.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-women-run-studio-forced-to-shut-down-in-kabul-417039">WION exclusive- Life under Taliban: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul</a>

In September, the Taliban have banned girls from secondary education in Afghanistan, by ordering high schools to re-open only for boys.

Girls were not mentioned in the Taliban`s announcement, which means boys will be back at their desks, while their sisters will still be stuck at home.

"All male teachers and students should attend their educational institutions," the statement had said.Girls were also prohibited from secondary education under the Taliban`s previous rule across Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.

Meanwhile, Kabul University`s nearly 70 teaching staff resigned in protest after the Taliban fired the doctorate-level vice-chancellor.

The group replaced the chancellor with one of their own members who has had significantly less formal education, reported New York Post.

The Taliban-appointed new chancellor barred women from the institution as either teachers or students. But under the strict mandate of gender segregation, classes in various private institutions are open to all.

According to UNESCO, Afghanistan has made important gains in the education sector in the past two decades.

Since 2001, the female literacy rate has almost doubled from 17 per cent to 30 per cent, and the number of girls in primary school has increased from almost zero in 2001 to 2.5 million in 2018.The number of girls in higher education institutions has increased from 5,000 in 2001 to around 90,000 in 2018.&nbsp;

Afghan girls are allowed to attend secondary schools in Kunduz province of the country, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen has said. Sharing a video on his Twitter handle, Shaheen, who has been nominated as the new Afghan government`s permanent representative to the United Nations said:"Girls are going to high schools in Khan Abad, Kunduz Province.

Afghan girls are allowed to attend secondary schools in Kunduz province of the country, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen has said. Sharing a video on his Twitter handle, Shaheen, who has been nominated as the new Afghan government`s permanent representative to the United Nations said:"Girls are going to high schools in Khan Abad, Kunduz Province. "The shared video shows several girls in black dresses and white scarves, some with veils, waving Taliban flags. Also Read | WION exclusive- Life under Taliban: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul In September, the Taliban have banned girls from secondary education in Afghanistan, by ordering high schools to re-open only for boys. Girls were not mentioned in the Taliban`s announcement, which means boys will be back at their desks, while their sisters will still be stuck at home. "All male teachers and students should attend their educational institutions," the statement had said.Girls were also prohibited from secondary education under the Taliban`s previous rule across Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Meanwhile, Kabul University`s nearly 70 teaching staff resigned in protest after the Taliban fired the doctorate-level vice-chancellor. The group replaced the chancellor with one of their own members who has had significantly less formal education, reported New York Post. The Taliban-appointed new chancellor barred women from the institution as either teachers or students. But under the strict mandate of gender segregation, classes in various private institutions are open to all. According to UNESCO, Afghanistan has made important gains in the education sector in the past two decades. Since 2001, the female literacy rate has almost doubled from 17 per cent to 30 per cent, and the number of girls in primary school has increased from almost zero in 2001 to 2.5 million in 2018.The number of girls in higher education institutions has increased from 5,000 in 2001 to around 90,000 in 2018.

Taliban claim secondary schools in Kunduz province open for girls

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

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

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

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

The European Union is no position to deal with a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis and must try to keep people from fleeing conflict in Afghanistan, Greece said on Wednesday, as unity between EU member states over deportations crumbled. 
 
Greece, which last week co-signed a letter with five other EU countries saying deportations of failed asylum-seekers should continue despite the fighting, said ending such returns "would send the wrong message". 
 
"It would lead to more people trying to leave and come to the European Union," Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi told Reuters. 
 
However, two other signatories to the letter, the Netherlands and Germany, abruptly reversed course on Wednesday, saying they would not, for now, deport Afghan citizens who are seeking asylum, given the rapidly escalating conflict there. 
 
Among other signatories, Austria said it was sticking to its position and Denmark and Belgium declined to comment. But German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said a state based on the rule of law had a responsibility to ensure any deportations did not put people in danger. 
 
"The security situation is changing so rapidly that we cannot meet this responsibility," he said. 
 
DIFFERENCES 
 
The disagreement underlined the differences over the issue within the EU, which Mitarachi said was unprepared for a repeat of the 2015 migrant crisis when more than a million people, most of them Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis, arrived seeking refuge. 
 
"Absolutely not, the EU is not ready and does not have the capacity to handle another major migration crisis," he said. 
 
For now, the issue is largely theoretical as returns have not been possible due to the Afghan situation. Last week Germany cancelled a flight due to deport six Afghans convicted of criminal offences to Kabul because of security risks. 
 
Fears of a new migrant crisis have escalated as Taliban fighters have made sudden, strong gains in their campaign to defeat the Kabul government following the withdrawal of U.S.-led foreign forces after a 20-year presence. 
 
Mitarachi said the EU should offer more support to help Greece`s neighbour Turkey handle more arrivals from Afghanistan. 
 
A European Commission spokesperson said on Tuesday it was for member states to determine their approach to deportations. However, a senior EU official said it was "hard to imagine" forced returns would go ahead in current conditions.

The European Union is no position to deal with a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis and must try to keep people from fleeing conflict in Afghanistan, Greece said on Wednesday, as unity between EU member states over deportations crumbled.

The European Union is no position to deal with a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis and must try to keep people from fleeing conflict in Afghanistan, Greece said on Wednesday, as unity between EU member states over deportations crumbled. Greece, which last week co-signed a letter with five other EU countries saying deportations of failed asylum-seekers should continue despite the fighting, said ending such returns "would send the wrong message". "It would lead to more people trying to leave and come to the European Union," Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi told Reuters. However, two other signatories to the letter, the Netherlands and Germany, abruptly reversed course on Wednesday, saying they would not, for now, deport Afghan citizens who are seeking asylum, given the rapidly escalating conflict there. Among other signatories, Austria said it was sticking to its position and Denmark and Belgium declined to comment. But German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said a state based on the rule of law had a responsibility to ensure any deportations did not put people in danger. "The security situation is changing so rapidly that we cannot meet this responsibility," he said. DIFFERENCES The disagreement underlined the differences over the issue within the EU, which Mitarachi said was unprepared for a repeat of the 2015 migrant crisis when more than a million people, most of them Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis, arrived seeking refuge. "Absolutely not, the EU is not ready and does not have the capacity to handle another major migration crisis," he said. For now, the issue is largely theoretical as returns have not been possible due to the Afghan situation. Last week Germany cancelled a flight due to deport six Afghans convicted of criminal offences to Kabul because of security risks. Fears of a new migrant crisis have escalated as Taliban fighters have made sudden, strong gains in their campaign to defeat the Kabul government following the withdrawal of U.S.-led foreign forces after a 20-year presence. Mitarachi said the EU should offer more support to help Greece`s neighbour Turkey handle more arrivals from Afghanistan. A European Commission spokesperson said on Tuesday it was for member states to determine their approach to deportations. However, a senior EU official said it was "hard to imagine" forced returns would go ahead in current conditions.

European Union countries at odds on migrant returns as Afghan conflict grows

Since international troops began withdrawing from Afghanistan in May, the Taliban have carried out a sweeping military campaign and gained control of much of the country’s rural areas. But for months, the insurgents failed to capture major cities — until now.

Over the past six days, the insurgents have overrun nine provincial capitals across the country, most of them clustered in the north, in a major escalation of their military offensive and a devastating setback for the Afghan government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-wants-afghanistans-neighbours-not-to-recognise-govt-imposed-by-force-as-taliban-capture-9th-provincial-capital-404659" hreflang="en">US wants Afghanistan's neighbours not to recognise govt imposed by force as Taliban capture 9th provincial capital</a>

The Taliban’s rapid victories have put enormous pressure on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/afghanistan">Afghan</a> political leaders and the country’s beleaguered security forces, which have been overwhelmed by the insurgents’ unrelenting advance. The collapse of cities particularly in northern Afghanistan — once the heart of resistance to the Taliban’s rise to power in 1996 — has stoked fears that the insurgents could encircle the country’s capital, Kabul, in a complete military takeover.

Now, the Afghan government must decide whether to reconstitute its forces around the territory it holds — including Kabul — or try to retake its fallen cities. Here’s what we know and what questions will need to be answered in the coming days.

What areas do the Taliban now control?

Since the Taliban began their military offensive in May, the insurgents have captured more than half of Afghanistan’s 400-odd districts, according to some assessments. In recent weeks, after sweeping through much of Afghanistan’s countryside, the insurgents started besieging multiple provincial capitals simultaneously for the first time in the 20-year war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-wants-afghanistans-neighbours-not-to-recognise-govt-imposed-by-force-as-taliban-capture-9th-provincial-capital-404659" hreflang="en">US wants Afghanistan's neighbours not to recognise govt imposed by force as Taliban capture 9th provincial capital</a>

Then on Friday, those front lines broke: The Taliban captured Zaranj, a provincial capital near the border with Iran, after facing little resistance from Afghan security forces upon entering the city. A day later, they captured another capital, Sheberghan, the northern stronghold of warlord Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, whose militia forces were overrun.

On Sunday, Taliban forces seized three more northern capitals. They captured Taloqan, the capital of Takhar province, and Sar-e-Pul, the capital of the province with the same name. They also seized Kunduz, the largest city captured to date and a vital commercial hub that the group has long coveted as both a strategic and symbolic prize.

The Taliban continued their relentless drive Monday, overrunning Aybak, the capital of Samangan province that sits on the main highway that connects Kabul to Afghanistan’s northern provinces. Then on Tuesday, insurgents seized three more capitals: Farah city in the western province of the same name; Pul-e-Khumri, the capital of the northern Baghlan province; and Faizabad, the capital of remote and rugged Badakhshan province in the country’s far northeast.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-brings-back-50-nationals-from-mazar-e-sharif-amid-talibans-surge-404585" hreflang="en">India brings back 50 nationals from Mazar-e-Sharif amid Taliban's surge</a>

The simultaneous sieges on provincial hubs overwhelmed Afghan security forces and stretched military resources dangerously thin. Resupply lines to government forces are severed. The cities and districts still under the government’s control are even more cut off and isolated. And Afghan security forces are exhausted from the brutal offensive.

How is the Afghan government responding?

Amid all the defeat, the administration of President Ashraf Ghani refused to acknowledge the falling capitals. Instead, the Afghan Ministry of Defense continued to promote its official talking points that emphasized Taliban deaths and the strength of the Afghan security forces.

The country’s acting finance minister, Khalid Payenda, resigned and left the country as the security situation deteriorated. Although he said on Facebook that he was leaving because of family issues, his departure was a sign to many Afghans that their political leaders had all but accepted a complete Taliban takeover.

The Afghan government strategy to slow down the Taliban’s advance aligns with long-standing US&nbsp;recommendations that the Afghans consolidate their remaining forces around key roads, cities and border crossings, and abandon most of the districts already seized by the Taliban, according to American and UN&nbsp;diplomats.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/grave-concern-taliban-advance-towards-mazar-e-sharif-after-weekend-blitz-404348" hreflang="en">'Grave concern': Taliban advance towards Mazar-e-Sharif after weekend blitz</a>

But it is not clear how that plan addresses the capture of now nine provincial capitals around the country — or accounts for the exhaustion of the country’s air force and commandos.

For months, those elite forces have been the backbone of the country’s defence against the Taliban. As the insurgents besieged cities, they have shuttled from one vulnerable position to another to flush the Taliban out of urban centres, hold territory under government control and retake some districts from the Taliban.

But that strategy is only a stopgap measure. There are simply not enough troops to defend all 34 of the country’s provincial capitals and 400-odd districts, and after months of nonstop fighting, those forces have been battered.

By Tuesday evening, Afghan security forces had not carried out any earnest operations to retake the seized capitals. In Kunduz, where military leaders had vowed to begin an operation to retake the strategic hub, Taliban forces on Wednesday captured Kunduz’s airport, the last pocket of government control on the outskirts of the city.

In a bid to rally government troops and militia forces, Ghani flew to Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of the northern Balkh province and the only major northern city still under government control. If the insurgents manage to capture the city, it would represent the near complete collapse of northern Afghanistan to the Taliban.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-afghanistan-civil-war-now-inevitable-404533/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Could the Taliban stage a complete military takeover?

The Taliban’s breakthrough victories in northern Afghanistan, in particular, have stoked fears that the insurgents could envelop the nation’s capital, Kabul — opening the possibility for a complete military takeover.

After the Taliban emerged in the 1990s, the southern and predominantly ethnic Pashtun insurgency faced fierce resistance from militia groups in the north known as the Northern Alliance. Even when the Taliban seized control of Kabul in 1996, the Northern Alliance deprived the group of a complete takeover for the course of their five-year rule.

But now with the capture of seven northern cities in just five days, experts warn that if the insurgents are able to conquer the north — squashing the country’s best hope for a grassroots resistance strong enough to take on the Taliban — the country could fall in their hands completely.

“The north is strategic for the Taliban, because they believe if they can capture these non-Pashtun areas,” said Ramish Salemi, a political analyst in Kabul, “then they can easily take control of the south and the capital, Kabul.”

Will the Taliban’s advance affect the US&nbsp;military withdrawal?

The US&nbsp;military presence in Afghanistan is set to end by the end of the month, and the recent string of Taliban military victories has not moved <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a> to reassess that plan, officials said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dont-regret-my-decision-biden-on-american-forces-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-404545/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Still, the escalating violence is a predicament for Biden, who has toed the line between extracting the United States from the war while insisting that he is not abandoning Afghanistan to the Taliban.

The US&nbsp;withdrawal is already 95 per cent complete, officials say. But over the past three weeks, as the Taliban pushed their front lines deep into urban areas, the US&nbsp;military has carried out some airstrikes in Afghanistan to try to buy time for Afghan security forces to rally a defence around the major cities under siege.

Administration officials say the Pentagon will likely request authorisation from the president for additional airstrikes in the next months, should the key southern city of Kandahar or the nation’s capital, Kabul, appear on the verge of falling.

But on Sunday, as three northern cities fell to the insurgents, the US&nbsp;response was muted. It sent a clear message to Afghan leaders: In no uncertain terms, America’s 20-year war in Afghanistan is over, and the Afghan forces will have to retake the cities on their own or leave them to the Taliban for good.

Since international troops began withdrawing from Afghanistan in May, the Taliban have carried out a sweeping military campaign and gained control of much of the country’s rural areas.

Since international troops began withdrawing from Afghanistan in May, the Taliban have carried out a sweeping military campaign and gained control of much of the country’s rural areas. But for months, the insurgents failed to capture major cities — until now. Over the past six days, the insurgents have overrun nine provincial capitals across the country, most of them clustered in the north, in a major escalation of their military offensive and a devastating setback for the Afghan government. Also read | US wants Afghanistan's neighbours not to recognise govt imposed by force as Taliban capture 9th provincial capital The Taliban’s rapid victories have put enormous pressure on Afghan political leaders and the country’s beleaguered security forces, which have been overwhelmed by the insurgents’ unrelenting advance. The collapse of cities particularly in northern Afghanistan — once the heart of resistance to the Taliban’s rise to power in 1996 — has stoked fears that the insurgents could encircle the country’s capital, Kabul, in a complete military takeover. Now, the Afghan government must decide whether to reconstitute its forces around the territory it holds — including Kabul — or try to retake its fallen cities. Here’s what we know and what questions will need to be answered in the coming days. What areas do the Taliban now control? Since the Taliban began their military offensive in May, the insurgents have captured more than half of Afghanistan’s 400-odd districts, according to some assessments. In recent weeks, after sweeping through much of Afghanistan’s countryside, the insurgents started besieging multiple provincial capitals simultaneously for the first time in the 20-year war. Also read | US wants Afghanistan's neighbours not to recognise govt imposed by force as Taliban capture 9th provincial capital Then on Friday, those front lines broke: The Taliban captured Zaranj, a provincial capital near the border with Iran, after facing little resistance from Afghan security forces upon entering the city. A day later, they captured another capital, Sheberghan, the northern stronghold of warlord Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, whose militia forces were overrun. On Sunday, Taliban forces seized three more northern capitals. They captured Taloqan, the capital of Takhar province, and Sar-e-Pul, the capital of the province with the same name. They also seized Kunduz, the largest city captured to date and a vital commercial hub that the group has long coveted as both a strategic and symbolic prize. The Taliban continued their relentless drive Monday, overrunning Aybak, the capital of Samangan province that sits on the main highway that connects Kabul to Afghanistan’s northern provinces. Then on Tuesday, insurgents seized three more capitals: Farah city in the western province of the same name; Pul-e-Khumri, the capital of the northern Baghlan province; and Faizabad, the capital of remote and rugged Badakhshan province in the country’s far northeast. Also read | India brings back 50 nationals from Mazar-e-Sharif amid Taliban's surge The simultaneous sieges on provincial hubs overwhelmed Afghan security forces and stretched military resources dangerously thin. Resupply lines to government forces are severed. The cities and districts still under the government’s control are even more cut off and isolated. And Afghan security forces are exhausted from the brutal offensive. How is the Afghan government responding? Amid all the defeat, the administration of President Ashraf Ghani refused to acknowledge the falling capitals. Instead, the Afghan Ministry of Defense continued to promote its official talking points that emphasized Taliban deaths and the strength of the Afghan security forces. The country’s acting finance minister, Khalid Payenda, resigned and left the country as the security situation deteriorated. Although he said on Facebook that he was leaving because of family issues, his departure was a sign to many Afghans that their political leaders had all but accepted a complete Taliban takeover. The Afghan government strategy to slow down the Taliban’s advance aligns with long-standing US recommendations that the Afghans consolidate their remaining forces around key roads, cities and border crossings, and abandon most of the districts already seized by the Taliban, according to American and UN diplomats. Also read | 'Grave concern': Taliban advance towards Mazar-e-Sharif after weekend blitz But it is not clear how that plan addresses the capture of now nine provincial capitals around the country — or accounts for the exhaustion of the country’s air force and commandos. For months, those elite forces have been the backbone of the country’s defence against the Taliban. As the insurgents besieged cities, they have shuttled from one vulnerable position to another to flush the Taliban out of urban centres, hold territory under government control and retake some districts from the Taliban. But that strategy is only a stopgap measure. There are simply not enough troops to defend all 34 of the country’s provincial capitals and 400-odd districts, and after months of nonstop fighting, those forces have been battered. By Tuesday evening, Afghan security forces had not carried out any earnest operations to retake the seized capitals. In Kunduz, where military leaders had vowed to begin an operation to retake the strategic hub, Taliban forces on Wednesday captured Kunduz’s airport, the last pocket of government control on the outskirts of the city. In a bid to rally government troops and militia forces, Ghani flew to Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of the northern Balkh province and the only major northern city still under government control. If the insurgents manage to capture the city, it would represent the near complete collapse of northern Afghanistan to the Taliban. Could the Taliban stage a complete military takeover? The Taliban’s breakthrough victories in northern Afghanistan, in particular, have stoked fears that the insurgents could envelop the nation’s capital, Kabul — opening the possibility for a complete military takeover. After the Taliban emerged in the 1990s, the southern and predominantly ethnic Pashtun insurgency faced fierce resistance from militia groups in the north known as the Northern Alliance. Even when the Taliban seized control of Kabul in 1996, the Northern Alliance deprived the group of a complete takeover for the course of their five-year rule. But now with the capture of seven northern cities in just five days, experts warn that if the insurgents are able to conquer the north — squashing the country’s best hope for a grassroots resistance strong enough to take on the Taliban — the country could fall in their hands completely. “The north is strategic for the Taliban, because they believe if they can capture these non-Pashtun areas,” said Ramish Salemi, a political analyst in Kabul, “then they can easily take control of the south and the capital, Kabul.” Will the Taliban’s advance affect the US military withdrawal? The US military presence in Afghanistan is set to end by the end of the month, and the recent string of Taliban military victories has not moved President Joe Biden to reassess that plan, officials said. Still, the escalating violence is a predicament for Biden, who has toed the line between extracting the United States from the war while insisting that he is not abandoning Afghanistan to the Taliban. The US withdrawal is already 95 per cent complete, officials say. But over the past three weeks, as the Taliban pushed their front lines deep into urban areas, the US military has carried out some airstrikes in Afghanistan to try to buy time for Afghan security forces to rally a defence around the major cities under siege. Administration officials say the Pentagon will likely request authorisation from the president for additional airstrikes in the next months, should the key southern city of Kandahar or the nation’s capital, Kabul, appear on the verge of falling. But on Sunday, as three northern cities fell to the insurgents, the US response was muted. It sent a clear message to Afghan leaders: In no uncertain terms, America’s 20-year war in Afghanistan is over, and the Afghan forces will have to retake the cities on their own or leave them to the Taliban for good.

Could the Taliban take over Afghanistan? Here’s what we know

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

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

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

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

The Taliban tightened the noose over northern Afghanistan Sunday, capturing two more provincial capitals as they take their fight to the cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months.

The insurgents have snatched up four provincial capitals in Afghanistan since Friday in a lightning offensive that appears to have overwhelmed government forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-why-us-strategy-in-afghanistan-failed-against-taliban-pakistan-nexus-403844">Opinion | Why US strategy in Afghanistan failed against Taliban-Pakistan nexus?</a>

Kunduz and Sar-e-Pul in the north fell within hours of each other Sunday, lawmakers and residents in the cities confirmed, but not without fierce fighting.

Pro-Taliban social media accounts claimed the insurgents were also close to overrunning the provincial capital of Taloqan.

In Kunduz, one resident described the city as being enveloped in "total chaos".

"After some fierce fighting, the mujahideen, with the grace of God, captured the capital of Kunduz," the Taliban said in a statement.

"The mujahideen also captured Sar-e-Pul city, the government buildings and all the installations there."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-key-installations-in-kunduz-heavy-fighting-underway-in-herat-kandahar-403938">Taliban captures key installations in Kunduz, heavy fighting underway in Herat, Kandahar</a>

Parwina Azimi, a women's rights activist in Sar-e-Pul, told AFP by phone that government officials and the remaining forces had retreated to an army barracks about three kilometres (two miles) from the city.

The Taliban had the compound "surrounded", said Mohammad Hussein Mujahidzada, a member of the provincial council.

Perennial target

Kunduz is the most significant Taliban gain since the insurgents launched an offensive in May as foreign forces began the final stages of their withdrawal.&nbsp;

It has been a perennial target for the Taliban, who briefly overran the city in 2015 and again in 2016 but never managed to hold it for long.&nbsp;

The ministry of defence said government forces were fighting to retake key installations.

"The commando forces have launched a clearing operation. Some areas, including the national radio and TV buildings, have been cleared of the terrorist Taliban," it said.

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Kabul's ability to hold the north may prove crucial to the government's long-term survival.

Northern Afghanistan has long been considered an anti-Taliban stronghold that saw some of the stiffest resistance to militant rule in the 1990s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-taliban-held-nimroz-public-property-gets-looted-403846">In Taliban-held Nimroz, public property gets ‘looted’</a>

The region remains home to several militias and is also a fertile recruiting ground for the country's armed forces.&nbsp;

"The capture of Kunduz is quite significant because it will free up a large number of Taliban forces who might then be mobilised in other parts of the north," said Ibraheem Thurial, a consultant for International Crisis Group.

Vivid footage of the fighting was posted on social media over the weekend, including what appeared to be large numbers of prisoners being freed from jails in captured cities.

The Taliban frequently target prisons to release incarcerated fighters to replenish their ranks.

On Friday, the insurgents seized their first provincial capital, Zaranj in southwestern Nimroz on the border with Iran, and followed it up by taking&nbsp;Sheberghan&nbsp;in northern Jawzjan province the next day.

US airstrikes&nbsp;

Fighting was also reported on the outskirts of Herat in the west, and Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south.

The pace of Taliban advances has caught government forces flatfooted, but they won some respite late Saturday after US warplanes bombed Taliban positions in&nbsp;Sheberghan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-orders-b-52-bombers-spectre-gunships-to-target-taliban-says-report-403840">US orders B-52 bombers, Spectre gunships to target Taliban, says report</a> &nbsp;

"US forces have conducted several air strikes in defence of our Afghan partners in recent days," Major Nicole Ferrara, a Central Command spokesperson, told AFP in Washington.

Sheberghan&nbsp;is the stronghold of notorious Afghan warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, whose militiamen and government forces were reportedly retreating east to Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province.

Dostum has overseen one of the largest militias in the north and garnered a fearsome reputation fighting the Taliban in the 1990s -- along with accusations his forces massacred thousands of insurgent prisoners of war.

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A retreat of his fighters dents the government's recent hopes that militias could help the overstretched military.

The government has said little about the fall of the provincial capitals, other than vowing to retake them.

That has been a familiar response to most Taliban gains in recent weeks, although government forces have largely failed to make good on promises to retake dozens of districts and border posts.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been displaced by the recent fighting, and on Saturday, 12 people were killed when their bus was struck by a roadside bomb as they tried to flee Gardez in Paktia province.

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"I lost my mother, father, two brothers, two sisters-in-law and other members of the family," said Noor Jan.

The withdrawal of foreign forces is due to finish at the end of this month ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The US-led invasion sparked by 9/11 toppled the first Taliban regime in 2001.

The Taliban tightened the noose over northern Afghanistan Sunday, capturing two more provincial capitals as they take their fight to the cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months.

The Taliban tightened the noose over northern Afghanistan Sunday, capturing two more provincial capitals as they take their fight to the cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months. The insurgents have snatched up four provincial capitals in Afghanistan since Friday in a lightning offensive that appears to have overwhelmed government forces. Also read | Opinion | Why US strategy in Afghanistan failed against Taliban-Pakistan nexus? Kunduz and Sar-e-Pul in the north fell within hours of each other Sunday, lawmakers and residents in the cities confirmed, but not without fierce fighting. Pro-Taliban social media accounts claimed the insurgents were also close to overrunning the provincial capital of Taloqan. In Kunduz, one resident described the city as being enveloped in "total chaos". "After some fierce fighting, the mujahideen, with the grace of God, captured the capital of Kunduz," the Taliban said in a statement. "The mujahideen also captured Sar-e-Pul city, the government buildings and all the installations there." Also read | Taliban captures key installations in Kunduz, heavy fighting underway in Herat, Kandahar Parwina Azimi, a women's rights activist in Sar-e-Pul, told AFP by phone that government officials and the remaining forces had retreated to an army barracks about three kilometres (two miles) from the city. The Taliban had the compound "surrounded", said Mohammad Hussein Mujahidzada, a member of the provincial council. Perennial target Kunduz is the most significant Taliban gain since the insurgents launched an offensive in May as foreign forces began the final stages of their withdrawal. It has been a perennial target for the Taliban, who briefly overran the city in 2015 and again in 2016 but never managed to hold it for long. The ministry of defence said government forces were fighting to retake key installations. "The commando forces have launched a clearing operation. Some areas, including the national radio and TV buildings, have been cleared of the terrorist Taliban," it said. Kabul's ability to hold the north may prove crucial to the government's long-term survival. Northern Afghanistan has long been considered an anti-Taliban stronghold that saw some of the stiffest resistance to militant rule in the 1990s. Also read | In Taliban-held Nimroz, public property gets ‘looted’ The region remains home to several militias and is also a fertile recruiting ground for the country's armed forces. "The capture of Kunduz is quite significant because it will free up a large number of Taliban forces who might then be mobilised in other parts of the north," said Ibraheem Thurial, a consultant for International Crisis Group. Vivid footage of the fighting was posted on social media over the weekend, including what appeared to be large numbers of prisoners being freed from jails in captured cities. The Taliban frequently target prisons to release incarcerated fighters to replenish their ranks. On Friday, the insurgents seized their first provincial capital, Zaranj in southwestern Nimroz on the border with Iran, and followed it up by taking Sheberghan in northern Jawzjan province the next day. US airstrikes Fighting was also reported on the outskirts of Herat in the west, and Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south. The pace of Taliban advances has caught government forces flatfooted, but they won some respite late Saturday after US warplanes bombed Taliban positions in Sheberghan. Also read | US orders B-52 bombers, Spectre gunships to target Taliban, says report "US forces have conducted several air strikes in defence of our Afghan partners in recent days," Major Nicole Ferrara, a Central Command spokesperson, told AFP in Washington. Sheberghan is the stronghold of notorious Afghan warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, whose militiamen and government forces were reportedly retreating east to Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province. Dostum has overseen one of the largest militias in the north and garnered a fearsome reputation fighting the Taliban in the 1990s -- along with accusations his forces massacred thousands of insurgent prisoners of war. A retreat of his fighters dents the government's recent hopes that militias could help the overstretched military. The government has said little about the fall of the provincial capitals, other than vowing to retake them. That has been a familiar response to most Taliban gains in recent weeks, although government forces have largely failed to make good on promises to retake dozens of districts and border posts. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been displaced by the recent fighting, and on Saturday, 12 people were killed when their bus was struck by a roadside bomb as they tried to flee Gardez in Paktia province. "I lost my mother, father, two brothers, two sisters-in-law and other members of the family," said Noor Jan. The withdrawal of foreign forces is due to finish at the end of this month ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The US-led invasion sparked by 9/11 toppled the first Taliban regime in 2001.

Taliban seize two more Afghan provincial capitals in northern blitz

The Taliban had captured the key Afghan city of Kunduz, as fierce fighting raged in the centre of the second northern capital. Watch this report to know more.

Afghanistan: Taliban claims to capture urban parts in Kunduz

There was fear in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz as residents prepared for a siege by Taliban. The insurgents have surrounded Kunduz. Government forces are patrolling the streets.

Taliban have held Kunduz twice in recent years. The occupation was brief both times. This time, Taliban have captured the surrounding districts and main border crossing with Tajikistan.

"The Taliban have besieged our city," said Qudratullah, a fruit seller who has done hardly any business since fighting first erupted in Kunduz province two weeks ago.

"Even today there is sporadic fighting on the outskirts of the city," said Qudratullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name.

"If the government does not launch an operation against the Taliban, their siege will continue for a long time."

Most businesses in Kunduz remained shut and vehicles stayed off the roads, an AFP correspondent who toured the city reported.

New government forces were deployed in the city and dozens of military vehicles patrolled the streets. The population of the city has swelled due to an influx of rural residents fleeing fighting in the districts

Troops were seen firing sporadically at Taliban positions, and the bodies of two insurgents lay on the ground on the eastern edge of Kunduz.

The city's public health director told AFP that since the fighting erupted a week ago, 21 civilians have been killed and 225 wounded.

Residents said they were suffering from water and power cuts, and few shops were open.

Kunduz resident Hasib said he feared the Taliban would soon launch a major offensive on the city.

"We don't feel safe... We have seen the Taliban capture the city twice before, and we do not want the city to fall again to them," he said.

"The government forces should break the Taliban siege, if not the Taliban will continue their offensives... and their siege will continue forever."

Fighting has raged across Kunduz province for days, with the Taliban and Afghan forces engaged in bloody battles.

On Tuesday the insurgents captured Shir Khan Bandar, Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan, in one of their most significant gains in recent months.

(With inputs from agencies)

There was fear in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz as residents prepared for a siege by Taliban. The insurgents have surrounded Kunduz. Government forces are patrolling the streets.

There was fear in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz as residents prepared for a siege by Taliban. The insurgents have surrounded Kunduz. Government forces are patrolling the streets. Taliban have held Kunduz twice in recent years. The occupation was brief both times. This time, Taliban have captured the surrounding districts and main border crossing with Tajikistan. "The Taliban have besieged our city," said Qudratullah, a fruit seller who has done hardly any business since fighting first erupted in Kunduz province two weeks ago. "Even today there is sporadic fighting on the outskirts of the city," said Qudratullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name. "If the government does not launch an operation against the Taliban, their siege will continue for a long time." Most businesses in Kunduz remained shut and vehicles stayed off the roads, an AFP correspondent who toured the city reported. New government forces were deployed in the city and dozens of military vehicles patrolled the streets. The population of the city has swelled due to an influx of rural residents fleeing fighting in the districts Troops were seen firing sporadically at Taliban positions, and the bodies of two insurgents lay on the ground on the eastern edge of Kunduz. The city's public health director told AFP that since the fighting erupted a week ago, 21 civilians have been killed and 225 wounded. Residents said they were suffering from water and power cuts, and few shops were open. Kunduz resident Hasib said he feared the Taliban would soon launch a major offensive on the city. "We don't feel safe... We have seen the Taliban capture the city twice before, and we do not want the city to fall again to them," he said. "The government forces should break the Taliban siege, if not the Taliban will continue their offensives... and their siege will continue forever." Fighting has raged across Kunduz province for days, with the Taliban and Afghan forces engaged in bloody battles. On Tuesday the insurgents captured Shir Khan Bandar, Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan, in one of their most significant gains in recent months. (With inputs from agencies)

Fear in northern Afghan city as Taliban lay siege

A day after Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the US military could slow down its withdrawal from Afghanistan due to the gains made by the Taliban, AFP quoting officials reported that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharp-increase-in-taliban-fundraising-on-pakistan-soil-393098">Taliban</a> had captured Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan.

The development comes as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-security-forces-retake-two-districts-from-taliban-in-takhar-province-392933">Taliban</a> and Afghan forces clashed on Monday outside Kunduz city which was a former stronghold of the militant outfit.&nbsp;

Watch:

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Kunduz is&nbsp;a key trade transit point between Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

The Taliban has already claimed to have annexed at least 50 districts since it launched a major offensive last month as the US announced it was pulling out of the country by September 11.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby had said that the Taliban has continued its attack and the situation in the country has been changing continuously.

Kirby added that the US is constantly looking at the situation "every single day" with decisions being made in "real-time".

The US had said it had already handed over several bases to government troops even as&nbsp; its forces continue to support Afghan troops against the Taliban.

Reports claim at least 2,500 US troops are still in Afghanistan as the Taliban continues to make headway into the country.&nbsp;

On Monday, the Taliban had declared it had captured Imam Sahib district amid heavy fighting with government forces.&nbsp;

A day after Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the US military could slow down its withdrawal from Afghanistan due to the gains made by the Taliban, AFP quoting officials reported that the Taliban had captured Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan.

A day after Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the US military could slow down its withdrawal from Afghanistan due to the gains made by the Taliban, AFP quoting officials reported that the Taliban had captured Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan. The development comes as Taliban and Afghan forces clashed on Monday outside Kunduz city which was a former stronghold of the militant outfit. Watch: Kunduz is a key trade transit point between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The Taliban has already claimed to have annexed at least 50 districts since it launched a major offensive last month as the US announced it was pulling out of the country by September 11. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby had said that the Taliban has continued its attack and the situation in the country has been changing continuously. Kirby added that the US is constantly looking at the situation "every single day" with decisions being made in "real-time". The US had said it had already handed over several bases to government troops even as its forces continue to support Afghan troops against the Taliban. Reports claim at least 2,500 US troops are still in Afghanistan as the Taliban continues to make headway into the country. On Monday, the Taliban had declared it had captured Imam Sahib district amid heavy fighting with government forces.

Taliban captures Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan

Afghan National Army (ANA) commandos have freed 23 security personnel and a civilian from a Taliban-run prison in northern Kunduz province, reported Pajhwok Afghan News.&nbsp;

The rescue operation by ANA was carried on Wednesday night, reported Xinhua. &nbsp;

"The special operation was launched in Kabuli Qishlaq village of Haqtash district on Wednesday night. No armed clash took place following the raid as the militants manning the Taliban hideout fled before troops' arrival," said Mohammad Omar Haqtash, a local official.&nbsp;

The freed people received medical treatment after they were shifted to an army camp, according to the official.&nbsp;

The Taliban is yet to comment on the ANA rescue operations. More details are awaited. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-sends-investigators-to-look-into-the-massive-fire-at-afghan-iran-border-363816">Afghanistan sends investigators to look into the massive fire at Afghan-Iran border</a>

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) killed 11 Taliban terrorists and wounded another four in the Babur area of Arghandab district, Kandahar province.&nbsp;

The operation conducted by the ANDSF with the help of the air force aimed to clear the Babur area from the Taliban insurgents. The local Babur school, closed for a long period of time due to security reasons, has now reopened to students.&nbsp;

The Taliban controls around two-thirds of Afghan territory, including all districts around the capital. Despite the claims of general support in the controlled lands, the Taliban continue to oppose all attempts at holding democratic elections in the country. &nbsp;

The peace efforts also appeared to be undermined by the Joe Biden administration's ongoing revision of the Taliban-US deal, signed by Donald Trump administration in February 2020.&nbsp;

Afghan National Army (ANA) commandos have freed 23 security personnel and a civilian from a Taliban-run prison in northern Kunduz province, reported Pajhwok Afghan News.

Afghan National Army (ANA) commandos have freed 23 security personnel and a civilian from a Taliban-run prison in northern Kunduz province, reported Pajhwok Afghan News. The rescue operation by ANA was carried on Wednesday night, reported Xinhua. "The special operation was launched in Kabuli Qishlaq village of Haqtash district on Wednesday night. No armed clash took place following the raid as the militants manning the Taliban hideout fled before troops' arrival," said Mohammad Omar Haqtash, a local official. The freed people received medical treatment after they were shifted to an army camp, according to the official. The Taliban is yet to comment on the ANA rescue operations. More details are awaited. Also Read: Afghanistan sends investigators to look into the massive fire at Afghan-Iran border Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) killed 11 Taliban terrorists and wounded another four in the Babur area of Arghandab district, Kandahar province. The operation conducted by the ANDSF with the help of the air force aimed to clear the Babur area from the Taliban insurgents. The local Babur school, closed for a long period of time due to security reasons, has now reopened to students. The Taliban controls around two-thirds of Afghan territory, including all districts around the capital. Despite the claims of general support in the controlled lands, the Taliban continue to oppose all attempts at holding democratic elections in the country. The peace efforts also appeared to be undermined by the Joe Biden administration's ongoing revision of the Taliban-US deal, signed by Donald Trump administration in February 2020.

Afghan Army frees 23 security personnel from Taliban jail in Kunduz

KABUL, Afghanistan — In a long conflict waged by men, she has been a rare female warlord, defending her fief in northern Afghanistan against the Taliban, her own relatives and even against the U.S.-backed central government she allied with.

As she grew into her 70s, ailing and bedridden with bad knees, the warlord, Bibi Ayesha, took pride in having an undefeated record in decades of war. She is popularly known by a nom de guerre: Commander Kaftar, which means “pigeon” in Farsi, “because she moved and killed with the elegance of a bird,” as one profile put it.

On Thursday, the Taliban declared the end of her high-flying days: Kaftar, along with her men, had surrendered to them, they said in a statement.

“The officials of our Invite and Guidance Commission welcomed them,” the statement said.

Local officials in restive Baghlan province, where she is based, and her relatives confirmed the commander’s surrender and said it was an act of survival. Her valley was so surrounded, with other neighboring militias switching sides to the Taliban, that she had no choice.

Mohammad Hanif Kohgadai, a member of the Baghlan provincial council representing Kaftar’s district, said she had reached a deal through a Taliban commander related to her family.

“The Taliban spent the night at Commander Kaftar’s house, they ate there,” Kohgadai said in an interview Friday. “Today, they left the house and took with them 13 weapons and other military gear.”

One of Kaftar’s sons played down the episode, saying it was more a truce than a surrender.

“It is just a rumor. My mother is sick,” said Raz Mohammad, one of her three remaining sons. (Three others were killed in years of fighting.) “She hasn’t joined the Taliban. We don’t fight the Taliban anymore; we have weapons to protect ourselves from our enemies.”

Kaftar’s surrender brings little to the Taliban militarily but is another propaganda victory against the struggling Afghan government, suggesting that in a bloody, stalemated war some were switching sides to the insurgents. The Taliban have increasingly reached out to those disenchanted with the Afghan government as the country’s military struggles amid the continuing U.S. withdrawal.

For a group that kept women confined to their homes when they were in power in the 1990s, a Taliban alliance with a female commander could prove tricky. The Taliban have yet to provide any detailed positions in ongoing peace talks on the role of women in a future government. But what makes Kaftar’s shift easier is that she commands hundreds of men in a deeply conservative and misogynistic society.

The surrender exposes a larger vulnerability of the Afghan government: Its defenses are partly reliant on thousands of unreliable militias with track records of abuse and local feuding, and a history of switching sides.

President Ashraf Ghani has sent mixed signals about the militias over the years.

When Ghani came to office in late 2014, he tried aggressively to dismantle the militias. Encountering the president’s wrath, militia commanders simply refused to fight the Taliban, opening the way for the insurgents to march on Kunduz City.

In recent years, as the Afghan army and police have been stretched thin against Taliban offensives, Ghani has accepted the militias as a reality. Over the summer, the Afghan president spoke publicly about “investing more” in some militias as a line of defense.

Kaftar’s experience speaks to the complicated reality upon which the U.S.-bankrolled democracy has been built — on the legacy of a previous invasion and years of anarchy and warlord rule.

Her reputation began to grow with the killing of Soviet commandos who had swarmed her valley during an invasion starting in 1979. She has not put down arms since, raising a militia that protected her valley as her little kingdom. Even when the Taliban swept through most of Afghanistan in the 1990s, she fended them off.

She has often recounted how she taunted the Taliban commander for her province with a lose-lose offer: If she arrested him, she would parade him around town on a donkey and people would laugh at him for being defeated by a woman. And if he arrested her? The town would scold the Taliban commander for arresting a woman.

After the U.S. invasion in 2001, the new Afghan government moved to disarm militias like hers. She and many other militia commanders resisted. Asked about the government wanting to disarm her, she said, “If they come, you will see what I will do to the government.”

Even in Kabul she was celebrated as an anti-Taliban hero and inspiration for women, with the country’s former human rights chief attending a celebration of her hosted by Afghanistan’s vice president.

“This war won’t end in peace — only God, or this beautiful Kalashinkov can solve it,” she once said in an interview, the weapon on her lap. “The Taliban are not capable of change or reform.”

But even as media reports list 20 of her family members lost in the war with the Taliban, much of her fight in recent years has involved spiraling family feuds.

Some of those disputes, including a fight with one of her sisters, have dragged on over two decades with many dead on each side. In another prolonged feud, she chased a relative out of the valley after deaths on both sides, only for the man to return years later as a commander of the Taliban that she has now surrendered to.

The news of Kaftar’s fate raised questions of whether it was the result of a truce between two families, or as it was publicly portrayed: the surrender of a militia commander to a Taliban leader. In large parts of Afghanistan, with the lines of war increasingly blurred, the two are the same.

“Commander Pigeon was an old decrepit warlord, a broken-down woman,” writer Jennifer Percy wrote in a 2014 profile in The New Republic. “Lonely, she survived on attention, on her ability to inspire fear through the power of her own myth. In Afghanistan, the ability to create a mythology is powerful, maybe even more powerful than military prowess.”

KABUL, Afghanistan — In a long conflict waged by men, she has been a rare female warlord, defending her fief in northern Afghanistan against the Taliban, her own relatives and even against the U.

KABUL, Afghanistan — In a long conflict waged by men, she has been a rare female warlord, defending her fief in northern Afghanistan against the Taliban, her own relatives and even against the U.S.-backed central government she allied with. As she grew into her 70s, ailing and bedridden with bad knees, the warlord, Bibi Ayesha, took pride in having an undefeated record in decades of war. She is popularly known by a nom de guerre: Commander Kaftar, which means “pigeon” in Farsi, “because she moved and killed with the elegance of a bird,” as one profile put it. On Thursday, the Taliban declared the end of her high-flying days: Kaftar, along with her men, had surrendered to them, they said in a statement. “The officials of our Invite and Guidance Commission welcomed them,” the statement said. Local officials in restive Baghlan province, where she is based, and her relatives confirmed the commander’s surrender and said it was an act of survival. Her valley was so surrounded, with other neighboring militias switching sides to the Taliban, that she had no choice. Mohammad Hanif Kohgadai, a member of the Baghlan provincial council representing Kaftar’s district, said she had reached a deal through a Taliban commander related to her family. “The Taliban spent the night at Commander Kaftar’s house, they ate there,” Kohgadai said in an interview Friday. “Today, they left the house and took with them 13 weapons and other military gear.” One of Kaftar’s sons played down the episode, saying it was more a truce than a surrender. “It is just a rumor. My mother is sick,” said Raz Mohammad, one of her three remaining sons. (Three others were killed in years of fighting.) “She hasn’t joined the Taliban. We don’t fight the Taliban anymore; we have weapons to protect ourselves from our enemies.” Kaftar’s surrender brings little to the Taliban militarily but is another propaganda victory against the struggling Afghan government, suggesting that in a bloody, stalemated war some were switching sides to the insurgents. The Taliban have increasingly reached out to those disenchanted with the Afghan government as the country’s military struggles amid the continuing U.S. withdrawal. For a group that kept women confined to their homes when they were in power in the 1990s, a Taliban alliance with a female commander could prove tricky. The Taliban have yet to provide any detailed positions in ongoing peace talks on the role of women in a future government. But what makes Kaftar’s shift easier is that she commands hundreds of men in a deeply conservative and misogynistic society. The surrender exposes a larger vulnerability of the Afghan government: Its defenses are partly reliant on thousands of unreliable militias with track records of abuse and local feuding, and a history of switching sides. President Ashraf Ghani has sent mixed signals about the militias over the years. When Ghani came to office in late 2014, he tried aggressively to dismantle the militias. Encountering the president’s wrath, militia commanders simply refused to fight the Taliban, opening the way for the insurgents to march on Kunduz City. In recent years, as the Afghan army and police have been stretched thin against Taliban offensives, Ghani has accepted the militias as a reality. Over the summer, the Afghan president spoke publicly about “investing more” in some militias as a line of defense. Kaftar’s experience speaks to the complicated reality upon which the U.S.-bankrolled democracy has been built — on the legacy of a previous invasion and years of anarchy and warlord rule. Her reputation began to grow with the killing of Soviet commandos who had swarmed her valley during an invasion starting in 1979. She has not put down arms since, raising a militia that protected her valley as her little kingdom. Even when the Taliban swept through most of Afghanistan in the 1990s, she fended them off. She has often recounted how she taunted the Taliban commander for her province with a lose-lose offer: If she arrested him, she would parade him around town on a donkey and people would laugh at him for being defeated by a woman. And if he arrested her? The town would scold the Taliban commander for arresting a woman. After the U.S. invasion in 2001, the new Afghan government moved to disarm militias like hers. She and many other militia commanders resisted. Asked about the government wanting to disarm her, she said, “If they come, you will see what I will do to the government.” Even in Kabul she was celebrated as an anti-Taliban hero and inspiration for women, with the country’s former human rights chief attending a celebration of her hosted by Afghanistan’s vice president. “This war won’t end in peace — only God, or this beautiful Kalashinkov can solve it,” she once said in an interview, the weapon on her lap. “The Taliban are not capable of change or reform.” But even as media reports list 20 of her family members lost in the war with the Taliban, much of her fight in recent years has involved spiraling family feuds. Some of those disputes, including a fight with one of her sisters, have dragged on over two decades with many dead on each side. In another prolonged feud, she chased a relative out of the valley after deaths on both sides, only for the man to return years later as a commander of the Taliban that she has now surrendered to. The news of Kaftar’s fate raised questions of whether it was the result of a truce between two families, or as it was publicly portrayed: the surrender of a militia commander to a Taliban leader. In large parts of Afghanistan, with the lines of war increasingly blurred, the two are the same. “Commander Pigeon was an old decrepit warlord, a broken-down woman,” writer Jennifer Percy wrote in a 2014 profile in The New Republic. “Lonely, she survived on attention, on her ability to inspire fear through the power of her own myth. In Afghanistan, the ability to create a mythology is powerful, maybe even more powerful than military prowess.”

A storied female warlord surrenders, Taliban say, exposing afghan weakness

Taliban leader Muhibullah was killed on Sunday in Afghanistan's Kunduz city.&nbsp;

Muhibullah was a citizen of Pakistan and was killed in an airstrike.&nbsp;

This comes just a couple of days after a US aistrike killed a Taliban splinter-group commander and several other fighters in the western Afghan province of Herat, news agency AFP reported quoting Afghan and military sources.

The commander, named as Mullah Nangyalay, was killed in Shindand district, close to the border with Iran, said Herat provincial governor's spokesman Jailani Farhad. 
Nangyalay split from the main branch of the Taliban after the 2013 death of founder Mullah Omar and joined a smaller breakaway faction led by a commander known as Mullah Rasool.

A senior provincial police source said the airstrike was carried out by a US drone.&nbsp;

A spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan confirmed they had launched "a defensive airstrike in support of Afghan forces".&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

Taliban leader Muhibullah was killed on Sunday in Afghanistan's Kunduz city. Muhibullah was a citizen of Pakistan and was killed in an airstrike. This comes just a couple of days after a US aistrike killed a Taliban splinter-group commander and several other fighters in the western Afghan province of Herat, news agency AFP reported quoting Afghan and military sources.

Taliban leader Muhibullah was killed on Sunday in Afghanistan's Kunduz city. Muhibullah was a citizen of Pakistan and was killed in an airstrike. This comes just a couple of days after a US aistrike killed a Taliban splinter-group commander and several other fighters in the western Afghan province of Herat, news agency AFP reported quoting Afghan and military sources. The commander, named as Mullah Nangyalay, was killed in Shindand district, close to the border with Iran, said Herat provincial governor's spokesman Jailani Farhad. Nangyalay split from the main branch of the Taliban after the 2013 death of founder Mullah Omar and joined a smaller breakaway faction led by a commander known as Mullah Rasool. A senior provincial police source said the airstrike was carried out by a US drone. A spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan confirmed they had launched "a defensive airstrike in support of Afghan forces". (With inputs from AFP)

Taliban leader killed in airstrike in Afghanistan's Kunduz

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;said their fighters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-soldier-killed-in-afghanistan-269652">killed a&nbsp;US&nbsp;service&nbsp;member</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;on Monday and posted photographs of a blood-soaked backpack and the identity card of an American soldier to prove it.

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Defense Department said Michael Goble, a&nbsp;US&nbsp;Army sergeant from New Jersey, died on Monday from "injuries sustained while his unit was engaged in combat operations" one day earlier in Kunduz province.

The incident was under investigation, the Pentagon said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shooting-in-the-dark-afghanistans-endless-war-pits-brother-against-brother-267200">Zabihullah Mujahid</a>, a spokesman for the&nbsp;Taliban, said they&nbsp;killed the&nbsp;US&nbsp;force&nbsp;member&nbsp;in a blast in the&nbsp;northern&nbsp;province of Kunduz.

"Our fighters&nbsp;killed a&nbsp;US&nbsp;force&nbsp;member&nbsp;and injured an Afghan commando," Mujahid said in a text message, which included the photographs.

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;as part of a&nbsp;US-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-at-us-military-base-in-afghanistan-kills-one-injures-60-267640">NATO mission</a> to train, assist and advise Afghan&nbsp;forces. Some&nbsp;US&nbsp;forces carry out counter-terrorism operations against Islamist militant groups.

More than a dozen foreign&nbsp;force&nbsp;members have been&nbsp;killed in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in 2019.

The United States has been in negotiations with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/14-taliban-terrorists-killed-in-afghan-airstrike-263184">Taliban&nbsp;militants</a> over the past year on a deal under which the United States could withdraw its&nbsp;forces from its longest war in exchange for&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;security guarantees.

This month,&nbsp;US&nbsp;negotiators said they would take a break from the talks after the insurgents launched a suicide attack on a large&nbsp;US&nbsp;base.

Afghan government&nbsp;forces, supported by the&nbsp;US&nbsp;military, have recently stepped up operations against the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;in Kunduz.

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;control more territory than at any point since they were ousted from power in 2001.

The Taliban said their fighters killed a US service member in Afghanistan on Monday and posted photographs of a blood-soaked backpack and the identity card of an American soldier to prove it.

The Taliban said their fighters killed a US service member in Afghanistan on Monday and posted photographs of a blood-soaked backpack and the identity card of an American soldier to prove it. The US Defense Department said Michael Goble, a US Army sergeant from New Jersey, died on Monday from "injuries sustained while his unit was engaged in combat operations" one day earlier in Kunduz province. The incident was under investigation, the Pentagon said. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said they killed the US force member in a blast in the northern province of Kunduz. "Our fighters killed a US force member and injured an Afghan commando," Mujahid said in a text message, which included the photographs. About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations against Islamist militant groups. More than a dozen foreign force members have been killed in Afghanistan in 2019. The United States has been in negotiations with Taliban militants over the past year on a deal under which the United States could withdraw its forces from its longest war in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. This month, US negotiators said they would take a break from the talks after the insurgents launched a suicide attack on a large US base. Afghan government forces, supported by the US military, have recently stepped up operations against the Taliban in Kunduz. The Taliban control more territory than at any point since they were ousted from power in 2001.

Taliban kill US force member in northern Afghanistan

A Taliban suicide bomber struck a main square in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz where Afghan forces had gathered to defend the city from falling to the Taliban, killing at least 10 soldiers and civilians, Afghan officials said on Saturday.

It followed a major attack Taliban fighters had launched on Kunduz in the early hours of the morning, setting off gun battles and air strikes throughout Saturday in a bid to gain control of the city located on a key highway providing easy access to much of northern border provinces.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks even as leaders of the insurgent group were holding talks with US negotiators to finalise a deal with for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

The attacks forced the Afghan troops to rush in reinforcements to prevent the insurgents from gaining control of the city.

They also prompted the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Scott Miller, along with top Afghan security officials and ministers to arrive in Kunduz to oversee the counteroffensive operations.

Miller's visit underlines Washington's continuing commitment to Afghan forces even as it negotiates a historic deal with the Taliban to end the 18-year-long war in Afghanistan.

At least three civilians were killed in the battles and 41 wounded were taken to hospitals, said Ehsanullah Fazli, head of the public health department in Kunduz city.

Electricity and most telephone services were cut, and residents took shelter in their houses, making it difficult to gain a complete picture of the fighting.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in a statement said movement constraints for humanitarian personnel and disruption of phone lines were posing a challenge to assessing the situation in Kunduz as exit routes from the city remain contested.

"Electricity was interrupted last night (Friday) and any further cuts this evening (Saturday) may create problems for residents who rely on pumped wells for their water needs," OCHA stated.

Government officials in Kunduz and Kabul said the Taliban were seeking shelter inside homes and some of the fighters had entered the main hospital in the city.

"The city is completely empty, shops are locked, people aren't moving, and light and heavy weapons can be heard in several parts of the city," said local resident Khaluddin, who like many Afghans goes by a single name.

The interior ministry said at least 36 Taliban insurgents were killed in ground and air operations in three areas of Kunduz city and clearance operations were underway.

An air strike in Zakhil area killed 20 Taliban fighters including two commanders, Afghan security officials said. Taliban spokesmen were not immediately available to confirm the casualty figures.

"Security forces are repelling the Taliban attack on some parts of Kunduz city. Their top priority is to protect the civilians," said Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

"As always the Taliban have taken positions in civilian areas," he said in a tweet.

Troop withdrawal

The fighting in Kunduz, which the Taliban came close to capturing twice in recent years, came as expectations have grown that US and Taliban negotiators in Doha were close to securing an agreement that would see a timetable for the withdrawal of thousands of US troops.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the Afghan-born US diplomat leading the talks for Washington, is expected in Kabul in the coming days to outline the terms of a settlement to the Afghan president ahead of meetings with NATO partners.

Taliban officials said talks had resumed on Saturday and could continue until Sunday.

A US-Taliban accord would not in itself end the fighting in Afghanistan, but it would open the way for talks between the Taliban and the government in Kabul for a wider peace agreement.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with them on US troops withdrawing from Afghanistan.

Sources in the Taliban said Trump's statement that the United States will continue to maintain a force in Afghanistan even after a deal was reached was unacceptable to them as they are demanding a complete pull-out of foreign forces.

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations.

Despite the peace talks, fighting between the Taliban and Afghan forces, who are backed by US air power, has not subsided.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or injured last month, according to the United Nations.

An American service member was killed in combat operations in Afghanistan on Thursday, the US military said, the third to be killed here in the past eight days.

A Taliban suicide bomber struck a main square in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz where Afghan forces had gathered to defend the city from falling to the Taliban, killing at least 10 soldiers and civilians, Afghan officials said on Saturday.

A Taliban suicide bomber struck a main square in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz where Afghan forces had gathered to defend the city from falling to the Taliban, killing at least 10 soldiers and civilians, Afghan officials said on Saturday. It followed a major attack Taliban fighters had launched on Kunduz in the early hours of the morning, setting off gun battles and air strikes throughout Saturday in a bid to gain control of the city located on a key highway providing easy access to much of northern border provinces. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks even as leaders of the insurgent group were holding talks with US negotiators to finalise a deal with for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. The attacks forced the Afghan troops to rush in reinforcements to prevent the insurgents from gaining control of the city. They also prompted the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Scott Miller, along with top Afghan security officials and ministers to arrive in Kunduz to oversee the counteroffensive operations. Miller's visit underlines Washington's continuing commitment to Afghan forces even as it negotiates a historic deal with the Taliban to end the 18-year-long war in Afghanistan. At least three civilians were killed in the battles and 41 wounded were taken to hospitals, said Ehsanullah Fazli, head of the public health department in Kunduz city. Electricity and most telephone services were cut, and residents took shelter in their houses, making it difficult to gain a complete picture of the fighting. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in a statement said movement constraints for humanitarian personnel and disruption of phone lines were posing a challenge to assessing the situation in Kunduz as exit routes from the city remain contested. "Electricity was interrupted last night (Friday) and any further cuts this evening (Saturday) may create problems for residents who rely on pumped wells for their water needs," OCHA stated. Government officials in Kunduz and Kabul said the Taliban were seeking shelter inside homes and some of the fighters had entered the main hospital in the city. "The city is completely empty, shops are locked, people aren't moving, and light and heavy weapons can be heard in several parts of the city," said local resident Khaluddin, who like many Afghans goes by a single name. The interior ministry said at least 36 Taliban insurgents were killed in ground and air operations in three areas of Kunduz city and clearance operations were underway. An air strike in Zakhil area killed 20 Taliban fighters including two commanders, Afghan security officials said. Taliban spokesmen were not immediately available to confirm the casualty figures. "Security forces are repelling the Taliban attack on some parts of Kunduz city. Their top priority is to protect the civilians," said Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. "As always the Taliban have taken positions in civilian areas," he said in a tweet. Troop withdrawal The fighting in Kunduz, which the Taliban came close to capturing twice in recent years, came as expectations have grown that US and Taliban negotiators in Doha were close to securing an agreement that would see a timetable for the withdrawal of thousands of US troops. Zalmay Khalilzad, the Afghan-born US diplomat leading the talks for Washington, is expected in Kabul in the coming days to outline the terms of a settlement to the Afghan president ahead of meetings with NATO partners. Taliban officials said talks had resumed on Saturday and could continue until Sunday. A US-Taliban accord would not in itself end the fighting in Afghanistan, but it would open the way for talks between the Taliban and the government in Kabul for a wider peace agreement. US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with them on US troops withdrawing from Afghanistan. Sources in the Taliban said Trump's statement that the United States will continue to maintain a force in Afghanistan even after a deal was reached was unacceptable to them as they are demanding a complete pull-out of foreign forces. About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations. Despite the peace talks, fighting between the Taliban and Afghan forces, who are backed by US air power, has not subsided. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or injured last month, according to the United Nations. An American service member was killed in combat operations in Afghanistan on Thursday, the US military said, the third to be killed here in the past eight days.

Scores killed as Taliban, Afghan forces clash in Kunduz despite peace talks

Afghanistan's special forces repelled an assault on Saturday on the country's northern city of Kunduz, which was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-attack-afghan-city-of-kunduz-officials-246788">attacked by the Taliban movement </a>earlier in the day, acting Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid said.

Earlier in the day, the Taliban said that they had attacked Kunduz, killing at least 10 Afghan national police officers. The Afghan Defense Ministry's spokesman, Rohullah Ahmadzai, confirmed the attack, saying government forces were fighting back.

"The Taliban attack in #Kunduz has been repelled," Khalid said, as quoted by the TOLO news agency, adding that government forces had regained control of the city.

Additionally, the media outlet said, citing the Afghan National Directorate of Security, that at least 35 Taliban militants, including a key commander, were killed as a result of the military operation in Kunduz.

Conflict-struck Afghanistan has been long torn by fighting between government troops and the Taliban, who are currently negotiating a peace deal with the United States.

Afghanistan's special forces repelled an assault on Saturday on the country's northern city of Kunduz, which was attacked by the Taliban movement earlier in the day, acting Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid said.

Afghanistan's special forces repelled an assault on Saturday on the country's northern city of Kunduz, which was attacked by the Taliban movement earlier in the day, acting Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid said. Earlier in the day, the Taliban said that they had attacked Kunduz, killing at least 10 Afghan national police officers. The Afghan Defense Ministry's spokesman, Rohullah Ahmadzai, confirmed the attack, saying government forces were fighting back. "The Taliban attack in #Kunduz has been repelled," Khalid said, as quoted by the TOLO news agency, adding that government forces had regained control of the city. Additionally, the media outlet said, citing the Afghan National Directorate of Security, that at least 35 Taliban militants, including a key commander, were killed as a result of the military operation in Kunduz. Conflict-struck Afghanistan has been long torn by fighting between government troops and the Taliban, who are currently negotiating a peace deal with the United States.

Afghan forces regain control of Kunduz after Taliban attack: Defence minister

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