India has test fired long-range missile Agni-V in a stern message to China. The test comes days after a report exposed China's hypersonic missile test in August. Is a Himalayan arms race underway? Will India's Agni-V be a trial by fire for China? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India tests Agni-V in stern message to China

China will build a base for police in Tajikistan near the Afghan border, a&nbsp;Tajik&nbsp;official said Thursday, amid concerns from both countries about the Taliban's ability to keep a lid on extremist groups.

The base points to deepening security cooperation between impoverished Tajikistan and China, which is reported to maintain another base in the southeast of the ex-Soviet country.&nbsp;

A parliamentary spokesman told AFP that Tajikistan's lower house had approved the plan to build the base in the Ishkashim district of the mountainous Gorno-Badakhshan province.

"All construction is funded by the Chinese side. After construction, the base will be transferred to the&nbsp;Tajik&nbsp;(police)," the spokesman, who did not provide his name, told AFP by telephone.

He said China was providing $8.5 million&nbsp;in assistance for the base. Asked about reports of the base, China's foreign ministry told AFP that "we can assure that China does not have any military bases in Central Asia."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-urges-imf-to-help-afghanistan-amid-rising-poverty-424826">Also read |&nbsp;China urges IMF to help Afghanistan amid rising poverty</a>

China has looked to build friendly relations with the Taliban following their takeover of Afghanistan, but has called on the group to crack down on Muslim-minority Uyghur separatists looking to infiltrate its sensitive border region of Xinjiang.

While other Central Asian nations have established&nbsp;working ties with the new regime in Afghanistan, Tajikistan has railed against the hardliners and eschewed direct talks.&nbsp;

The republic's authoritarian leader Emomali Rakhmon expressed alarm about what he called "terrorist groups" positioned at points along its more than&nbsp;1,300-kilometre (810-mile) border with the country.&nbsp;

The groups Rakhmon referred to are believed to count former and current&nbsp;Tajik&nbsp;nationals among their members.

Tajikistan, a country of 9.5 million, has received financial assistance from both China and the United States to build and reinforce its border posts&nbsp;and hosts a major Russian military base. &nbsp;

China is also reported&nbsp;to maintain a joint military facility with Tajikistan in Gorno-Badakhshan, which borders Xinjiang.

Beijing has said nothing about the reported outpost, which the International Crisis Group said in 2018 pointed to China's "growing security presence" in former Soviet Central Asia.&nbsp;

China will build a base for police in Tajikistan near the Afghan border, a Tajik official said Thursday, amid concerns from both countries about the Taliban's ability to keep a lid on extremist groups.

China will build a base for police in Tajikistan near the Afghan border, a Tajik official said Thursday, amid concerns from both countries about the Taliban's ability to keep a lid on extremist groups. The base points to deepening security cooperation between impoverished Tajikistan and China, which is reported to maintain another base in the southeast of the ex-Soviet country. A parliamentary spokesman told AFP that Tajikistan's lower house had approved the plan to build the base in the Ishkashim district of the mountainous Gorno-Badakhshan province. "All construction is funded by the Chinese side. After construction, the base will be transferred to the Tajik (police)," the spokesman, who did not provide his name, told AFP by telephone. He said China was providing $8.5 million in assistance for the base. Asked about reports of the base, China's foreign ministry told AFP that "we can assure that China does not have any military bases in Central Asia." Also read | China urges IMF to help Afghanistan amid rising poverty China has looked to build friendly relations with the Taliban following their takeover of Afghanistan, but has called on the group to crack down on Muslim-minority Uyghur separatists looking to infiltrate its sensitive border region of Xinjiang. While other Central Asian nations have established working ties with the new regime in Afghanistan, Tajikistan has railed against the hardliners and eschewed direct talks. The republic's authoritarian leader Emomali Rakhmon expressed alarm about what he called "terrorist groups" positioned at points along its more than 1,300-kilometre (810-mile) border with the country. The groups Rakhmon referred to are believed to count former and current Tajik nationals among their members. Tajikistan, a country of 9.5 million, has received financial assistance from both China and the United States to build and reinforce its border posts and hosts a major Russian military base. China is also reported to maintain a joint military facility with Tajikistan in Gorno-Badakhshan, which borders Xinjiang. Beijing has said nothing about the reported outpost, which the International Crisis Group said in 2018 pointed to China's "growing security presence" in former Soviet Central Asia.

China to build base for Tajikistan special forces near Afghan border, says official

Iran is all set to host the second round of foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan, on Wednesday. Foreign ministers from regional neighbours of Afghan including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan and China besides hosts Iran and Russia are going to be present at the meeting.

Iran to host second round of foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan

Russian and Tajik troops on Friday held a joint exercise near Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan as part of efforts to prepare for potential security threats from Afghanistan.

Russian and Tajik troops hold joint drills at the Momirak firing range in Tajikistan

Amid tensions between Tajikistan and the Taliban, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan held telephonic conversation with President Emomali Rahmon on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-will-have-to-recognise-taliban-regime-sooner-or-later-says-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-417746">Also Read:&nbsp;US will have to recognise Taliban regime sooner or later, says Pak PM Imran Khan</a>

The Pakistan prime minister asserted that there was an "urgent" need to address the humanitarian needs of Afghans.

PM Imran Khan told President Rahmon that there was a need to engage with Afghanistan on the economic front in order to prevent a meltdown.

The Pakistan prime minister's move comes after he said that the US will have to recognise the&nbsp;Taliban "sooner or later".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shura-mujahideen-tehreek-e-taliban-pakistan-declare-20-day-truce-in-pakistans-north-south-waziristan-417642">Also Read:&nbsp;Shura Mujahideen, TTP declare 20-day truce in Pakistan’s north</a>

Tensions between Tajikistan and the Taliban government has been mounting for the past several months. Tajikistan recently conducted military parades along the Afghan border as reports claimed Afghan special forces have been deployed in the Takhar province along the Tajik border.&nbsp;

Russia which has a military base in Tajikistan urged both countries to resolve their dispute. President Rakhmon had refused to recognise the Taliban's new cabinet and had slammed alleged human rights abuses carried out by the Taliban in the&nbsp;Panjshir province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-issues-new-publishing-and-broadcasting-directives-417567">Also Read:&nbsp;Taliban issues new publishing and broadcasting directives</a>

During its surge across Afghanistan before taking Kabul, the Taliban had seized border crossing along&nbsp;Tajikistan which had alerted Rahmon's forces.

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, Russian President Putin had said the country needs to work with the Taliban government in Afghanistan as China, Russia, Pakistan called on the US to engage with the Taliban to ensure aid to Afghanistan.

SCO also called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan&nbsp;as Putin said since numerous countries have a border with Afghanistan it "directly affects the interests of the safety of SCO countries".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions between Tajikistan and the Taliban, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan held telephonic conversation with President Emomali Rahmon on Sunday. Also Read: US will have to recognise Taliban regime sooner or later, says Pak PM Imran Khan The Pakistan prime minister asserted that there was an "urgent" need to address the humanitarian needs of Afghans.

Amid tensions between Tajikistan and the Taliban, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan held telephonic conversation with President Emomali Rahmon on Sunday. Also Read: US will have to recognise Taliban regime sooner or later, says Pak PM Imran Khan The Pakistan prime minister asserted that there was an "urgent" need to address the humanitarian needs of Afghans. PM Imran Khan told President Rahmon that there was a need to engage with Afghanistan on the economic front in order to prevent a meltdown. The Pakistan prime minister's move comes after he said that the US will have to recognise the Taliban "sooner or later". Also Read: Shura Mujahideen, TTP declare 20-day truce in Pakistan’s north Tensions between Tajikistan and the Taliban government has been mounting for the past several months. Tajikistan recently conducted military parades along the Afghan border as reports claimed Afghan special forces have been deployed in the Takhar province along the Tajik border. Russia which has a military base in Tajikistan urged both countries to resolve their dispute. President Rakhmon had refused to recognise the Taliban's new cabinet and had slammed alleged human rights abuses carried out by the Taliban in the Panjshir province. Also Read: Taliban issues new publishing and broadcasting directives During its surge across Afghanistan before taking Kabul, the Taliban had seized border crossing along Tajikistan which had alerted Rahmon's forces. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, Russian President Putin had said the country needs to work with the Taliban government in Afghanistan as China, Russia, Pakistan called on the US to engage with the Taliban to ensure aid to Afghanistan. SCO also called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan as Putin said since numerous countries have a border with Afghanistan it "directly affects the interests of the safety of SCO countries". (With inputs from Agencies)

Pak PM Imran calls President Rahmon amid tensions between Tajikistan & Taliban

The Taliban’s key opponents are regrouping and hope to form a government in exile, reports suggest. The coalition, including armed resistance leader Massoud and former vice president Amrullah Saleh is said to be seeking financial and military support in neighbouring Tajikistan.

Taliban’s key opponents regroup to form a government in exile

The 21st meeting of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Council of Heads of State kickstarted in Dushanbe, Tajikistan in a hybrid format. Citing Afghanistan Crisis, Indian PM Narendra Modi spoke about the increasing radicalisation, which he said has become the biggest challenge to peace and security.

SCO Summit 2021: Indian PM Narendra Modi highlights threats to regional security

Afghanistan and expansion will be a key focus of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) that will take place on Friday (September 17). The summit, being hosted by Tajikistan, will take place in its capital Dushanbe in a hybrid mode.

SCO summit in Dushanbe expected to focus on Afghan crisis

Tajikistan has awarded posthumously two former Afghan political figures, Ahmad Shah Massoud and Burhanuddin Rabbani, with the country's highest honor, the Order of Ismoili Somoni.

Tajikistan honours Lion of Panjshir Ahmad Shah Massoud after two decades

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO heads of state summit virtually. The summit will take place from September 16 to 17 in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe and will be in hybrid mode.

Indian PM Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually

In a significant development, Tajikistan has drawn a clear red line on Taliban and&nbsp;that Dushanbe will not recognise government formed through oppression. The point was made during Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign minister SM Qureshi's meeting.

The President said, "Tajikistan will not recognize any other government that is formed in this country through oppression, without taking into account the position of the entire Afghan people, especially all its minorities" and&nbsp;"stressed that Tajiks have a worthy place in the future government of Afghanistan", according to readout on state media Khovar.

During the meeting, the Tajik President pointed that "evidence clearly shows that the Taliban are abandoning their previous promises to form an interim government with the broad participation of other political forces in the country and are preparing to establish an Islamic emirate."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sikh-community-thanks-indian-government-for-protecting-three-holy-books-408355">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sikh-community-thanks-indian-government-for-protecting-three-holy-books-408355/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The comments carry weight as Tajikistan shares land border with Afghanistan and is directly impacted by instability in the country. &nbsp;Tajiks are also one of the main ethnicities of Afghanistan, along with Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Hazaras.

"Strongly condemning all forms of lawlessness, murder, looting, and persecution of the Afghan people, especially Tajiks, Uzbeks, and other national minorities,"&nbsp;the President said. "It is necessary to establish an inclusive government with the participation of all national minorities, especially Tajiks in Afghanistan, who make up more than 46% of the population."

Tajikistan has been worried over the developments in Afghanistan, and this has been the main focus during various Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meetings it has hosted. It will host the SCO heads of level meeting next month as the chair of the grouping.

The president explained during the talks with Pakistan FM that, "dangerous situation that has developed in Afghanistan is not only the problem of the Afghan people, but also one of the most pressing regional and global issues" and "Taliban’s rise to power has further complicated the geopolitical process in the region."

He also warned that international community's "indifference to the current situation in Afghanistan could lead to a protracted civil war."

In a significant development, Tajikistan has drawn a clear red line on Taliban and that Dushanbe will not recognise government formed through oppression. The point was made during Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Pakistan Foreign minister SM Qureshi's meeting.

In a significant development, Tajikistan has drawn a clear red line on Taliban and that Dushanbe will not recognise government formed through oppression. The point was made during Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Pakistan Foreign minister SM Qureshi's meeting. The President said, "Tajikistan will not recognize any other government that is formed in this country through oppression, without taking into account the position of the entire Afghan people, especially all its minorities" and "stressed that Tajiks have a worthy place in the future government of Afghanistan", according to readout on state media Khovar. During the meeting, the Tajik President pointed that "evidence clearly shows that the Taliban are abandoning their previous promises to form an interim government with the broad participation of other political forces in the country and are preparing to establish an Islamic emirate." WATCH | The comments carry weight as Tajikistan shares land border with Afghanistan and is directly impacted by instability in the country. Tajiks are also one of the main ethnicities of Afghanistan, along with Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Hazaras. "Strongly condemning all forms of lawlessness, murder, looting, and persecution of the Afghan people, especially Tajiks, Uzbeks, and other national minorities," the President said. "It is necessary to establish an inclusive government with the participation of all national minorities, especially Tajiks in Afghanistan, who make up more than 46% of the population." Tajikistan has been worried over the developments in Afghanistan, and this has been the main focus during various Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meetings it has hosted. It will host the SCO heads of level meeting next month as the chair of the grouping. The president explained during the talks with Pakistan FM that, "dangerous situation that has developed in Afghanistan is not only the problem of the Afghan people, but also one of the most pressing regional and global issues" and "Taliban’s rise to power has further complicated the geopolitical process in the region." He also warned that international community's "indifference to the current situation in Afghanistan could lead to a protracted civil war."

Tajikistan's red line on Taliban: Will not recognise government formed through oppression

Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley is in the news for last few days. Firstly because of the resistance movement led by Ahmed Massoud and Amrullah Saleh, ex Vice President who declared himself as president after Mr Ashraf Ghani fled from the country fearing his life from Taliban and secondly because it its strategic location.

Panjshir valley has never been captured by any invading force which is due to its topography &amp; strategic location. During ancient times and the invasion of Greek Armies under Alexender, the valley could not be won until Alexender himself made a treaty with the ethnic tribes located here and gave them place in his Army.

<img alt="Panjshir Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5a03ed9-ae83-4498-bdaf-cb49934fa17b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9LJ8KR.jpg" />

During the Khalsa rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the valley remained totally untouched. Even during various Afghan Wars, British Forces never dared to enter the valley by force. History is evident that anyone who tried to do so, perished in the mountains of Hindukush. Panjshir has a legend that during 10th Century AD, five brothers constructed a dam on the orders of the ruler of Ghazni (Probably Mehmood of Ghazni) after which they were given title of Sher (Lion) and their place of residence became “Panjshir Valley”. Currently it is home to over a lakh ethnic Tajik people who settled in this area for a long time.&nbsp;

During the Soviet Invasion, the valley gained notoriety when it was unconquered for almost ten years despite of soviet forces trying all their weapons and tactics. It became their graveyard too. Legendary Ahmed Shah Massoud popularly known as “Lion of Panjshir” repulsed every attack and controlled the valley until he was assassinated in 2001. Despite of all their efforts Taliban 1.0 (Initial Taliban which came in power during 1994-1997) was not able to even enter the valley and the land of five lions remained undefeated even till now.

<img alt="Panjshir valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2724c55-7afc-4d25-90e8-44fb93d40d5d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9LJ8KG.jpg" />

Only whose people were able to enter the valley who maintained a healthy relationship with the Tajiks there. Enemies failed miserably. This is the prime reason why Taliban 2.0 is insisting on talks rather than their common tactics of advancing with force. Recently they retreated from some of the areas too after suffering heavy casualties which proves that Panjshir Valley is not a cakewalk for anyone. Here are five reasons which make this valley special and a graveyard for any invader.

1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Topography -&nbsp;Panjshir is located in Hindukush Mountains and the entire valley is located along Panjshir River which flows all along its length. The mountain cliffs on both side of the river are very high and have a sheer gradient that it is not possible to cross them through land route. It is not easy to navigate these mountains for anyone. Although the mountains so have some trekking routes which are known only to locals.&nbsp;

<img alt="Panjshir Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97c0dbeb-a54b-4e1d-9e4d-7574a3360a87" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9LJ8KM.jpg" />

2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Limited approach routes - Approaching this valley is a big challenge. It has two prominent passes which are the only gateway to the outside world. Khawak Pass connects it with Baghlan Province of and Anjuman Pass which connects it to Badakhshan provinces of Afghanistan. Except these two passes, there is another route through Jabal Siraj which connects it with Bagram and Kabul but that is not so significant for a large force to enter the valley. Topography of the two passes mentioned above is also complicated and any advancing force can be stopped easily by a group of mercenaries.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-envoy-says-panjshir-province-can-be-anti-taliban-stronghold-406654">Afghan envoy says Panjshir province can be anti-Taliban stronghold</a>

3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Ethnic Affiliation -&nbsp;Almost 100% of the population of this valley are Ethnic Tajiks who are very closely associated with each other. Being Tajik, they do get support from Tajikistan. Since some of the routes across Badakhshan are connected to Tajikistan, the support lines are well laid and people as well as government in Tajikistan is always ready to help their fellow Tajik people.&nbsp;

4.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Rich in resources - Among all the regions of Afghanistan, Panjshir valley is among the richest when it comes to natural resources. The valley is fed by Panjshir River which helps in irrigation and drinking water, it has rich deposits of Silver, Various types of crystals including Emeralds and rare earth minerals too. Due to its topography, mining of such resources was limited however the people staying here have been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and the living standard of Panjshir Valley is better than the national average of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

5.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fortress of Tajik Fighters - Tajik fighters have been fighting the invading forces for over four decades. Initially it was Soviet Union, then Taliban 1.0 and once again Taliban 2.0. Over these years, they have converted this valley into a formidable fortress. They built tunnels, underground bunkers, Bunkers and fortifications on all approaches, escape routes and routes to misguide any invader. These have helped them to survive till now.&nbsp;

<img alt="Panjshir Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64ade48f-82af-4b18-96e8-44bee297d1bd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9LJ8JP.jpg" />

It is not unusual to call Panjshir Valley as graveyard of the invaders because anyone who tried to conquer it by force, perished in these mountains right from Greeks, Central Asian invaders, Persians, British, Soviet and even Taliban. Current resistance movement is led by Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh who is known to be a spy master. So far, his forces have been successful against Taliban in the Valley and nearby areas but to liberate Afghanistan, they must come out of their fortress which is Panjshir Valley to fight. How will they succeed in this, only time can answer?

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley is in the news for last few days. Firstly because of the resistance movement led by Ahmed Massoud and Amrullah Saleh, ex Vice President who declared himself as president after Mr Ashraf Ghani fled from the country fearing his life from Taliban and secondly because it its strategic location.

Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley is in the news for last few days. Firstly because of the resistance movement led by Ahmed Massoud and Amrullah Saleh, ex Vice President who declared himself as president after Mr Ashraf Ghani fled from the country fearing his life from Taliban and secondly because it its strategic location. Panjshir valley has never been captured by any invading force which is due to its topography & strategic location. During ancient times and the invasion of Greek Armies under Alexender, the valley could not be won until Alexender himself made a treaty with the ethnic tribes located here and gave them place in his Army. During the Khalsa rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the valley remained totally untouched. Even during various Afghan Wars, British Forces never dared to enter the valley by force. History is evident that anyone who tried to do so, perished in the mountains of Hindukush. Panjshir has a legend that during 10th Century AD, five brothers constructed a dam on the orders of the ruler of Ghazni (Probably Mehmood of Ghazni) after which they were given title of Sher (Lion) and their place of residence became “Panjshir Valley”. Currently it is home to over a lakh ethnic Tajik people who settled in this area for a long time. During the Soviet Invasion, the valley gained notoriety when it was unconquered for almost ten years despite of soviet forces trying all their weapons and tactics. It became their graveyard too. Legendary Ahmed Shah Massoud popularly known as “Lion of Panjshir” repulsed every attack and controlled the valley until he was assassinated in 2001. Despite of all their efforts Taliban 1.0 (Initial Taliban which came in power during 1994-1997) was not able to even enter the valley and the land of five lions remained undefeated even till now. Only whose people were able to enter the valley who maintained a healthy relationship with the Tajiks there. Enemies failed miserably. This is the prime reason why Taliban 2.0 is insisting on talks rather than their common tactics of advancing with force. Recently they retreated from some of the areas too after suffering heavy casualties which proves that Panjshir Valley is not a cakewalk for anyone. Here are five reasons which make this valley special and a graveyard for any invader. 1. Topography - Panjshir is located in Hindukush Mountains and the entire valley is located along Panjshir River which flows all along its length. The mountain cliffs on both side of the river are very high and have a sheer gradient that it is not possible to cross them through land route. It is not easy to navigate these mountains for anyone. Although the mountains so have some trekking routes which are known only to locals. 2. Limited approach routes - Approaching this valley is a big challenge. It has two prominent passes which are the only gateway to the outside world. Khawak Pass connects it with Baghlan Province of and Anjuman Pass which connects it to Badakhshan provinces of Afghanistan. Except these two passes, there is another route through Jabal Siraj which connects it with Bagram and Kabul but that is not so significant for a large force to enter the valley. Topography of the two passes mentioned above is also complicated and any advancing force can be stopped easily by a group of mercenaries. Also Read: Afghan envoy says Panjshir province can be anti-Taliban stronghold 3. Ethnic Affiliation - Almost 100% of the population of this valley are Ethnic Tajiks who are very closely associated with each other. Being Tajik, they do get support from Tajikistan. Since some of the routes across Badakhshan are connected to Tajikistan, the support lines are well laid and people as well as government in Tajikistan is always ready to help their fellow Tajik people. 4. Rich in resources - Among all the regions of Afghanistan, Panjshir valley is among the richest when it comes to natural resources. The valley is fed by Panjshir River which helps in irrigation and drinking water, it has rich deposits of Silver, Various types of crystals including Emeralds and rare earth minerals too. Due to its topography, mining of such resources was limited however the people staying here have been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and the living standard of Panjshir Valley is better than the national average of Afghanistan. 5. Fortress of Tajik Fighters - Tajik fighters have been fighting the invading forces for over four decades. Initially it was Soviet Union, then Taliban 1.0 and once again Taliban 2.0. Over these years, they have converted this valley into a formidable fortress. They built tunnels, underground bunkers, Bunkers and fortifications on all approaches, escape routes and routes to misguide any invader. These have helped them to survive till now. It is not unusual to call Panjshir Valley as graveyard of the invaders because anyone who tried to conquer it by force, perished in these mountains right from Greeks, Central Asian invaders, Persians, British, Soviet and even Taliban. Current resistance movement is led by Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh who is known to be a spy master. So far, his forces have been successful against Taliban in the Valley and nearby areas but to liberate Afghanistan, they must come out of their fortress which is Panjshir Valley to fight. How will they succeed in this, only time can answer? (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Panjshir Valley: A graveyard for invaders

Afghanistan's ambassador to Tajikistan Zahir Aghbar on Wednesday rejected Taliban's control of his country and said that hold-out Panjshir province will be a stronghold for resistance led by self-proclaimed acting president of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh.

Saleh, First Vice-President of Afghanistan, on Tuesday said that he was "legitimate caretaker president" of Afghanistan after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. Saleh's whereabouts were unknown.

Panjshir was the home of the Northern Alliance anti-Taliban resistance in the 1990s and is still a hold-out province against Taliban rule.

Lieutenant General Zahir Aghbar, who held senior positions in Afghan state security including chief of police before becoming ambassador, said Ghani was a traitor.

"I cannot say that the Taliban have won the war. No, it was just Dr Ashraf Ghani who gave up power after treacherous talks with the Taliban," he told Reuters in an interview.

The militants were able to overrun most of the country because the Afghan military was poorly trained, Aghbar said.

"And only Panjshir resists, led by Vice President Amrullah Saleh," he said. "Panjshir stands strong against anyone who wants to enslave people."

Aghbar said, however, the Taliban could potentially become part of a coalition government that would represent all Afghan factions if they "let others live in peace and accord".

Ghani is in the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf state's foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan's ambassador to Tajikistan Zahir Aghbar on Wednesday rejected Taliban's control of his country and said that hold-out Panjshir province will be a stronghold for resistance led by self-proclaimed acting president of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh.

Afghanistan's ambassador to Tajikistan Zahir Aghbar on Wednesday rejected Taliban's control of his country and said that hold-out Panjshir province will be a stronghold for resistance led by self-proclaimed acting president of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh. Saleh, First Vice-President of Afghanistan, on Tuesday said that he was "legitimate caretaker president" of Afghanistan after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. Saleh's whereabouts were unknown. Panjshir was the home of the Northern Alliance anti-Taliban resistance in the 1990s and is still a hold-out province against Taliban rule. Lieutenant General Zahir Aghbar, who held senior positions in Afghan state security including chief of police before becoming ambassador, said Ghani was a traitor. "I cannot say that the Taliban have won the war. No, it was just Dr Ashraf Ghani who gave up power after treacherous talks with the Taliban," he told Reuters in an interview. The militants were able to overrun most of the country because the Afghan military was poorly trained, Aghbar said. "And only Panjshir resists, led by Vice President Amrullah Saleh," he said. "Panjshir stands strong against anyone who wants to enslave people." Aghbar said, however, the Taliban could potentially become part of a coalition government that would represent all Afghan factions if they "let others live in peace and accord". Ghani is in the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf state's foreign ministry said on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan envoy says Panjshir province can be anti-Taliban stronghold

The Afghan embassy in Tajikistan has replaced former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's picture with Amrullah Saleh, who on Tuesday declared himself as 'care taker' President of Afghanistan.

Afghan embassy in Tajikistan replaces Ghani's photo with Amrullah Saleh's

The bridge has an eerily Orwellian name — the Friendship Bridge — and a storied history in Afghanistan’s wars.

And again last week, the bridge, which spans the Amu Darya River between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, provided a backdrop for a watershed moment in the fighting. In a chaotic retreat from the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, pro-government soldiers streamed onto the crossing, seeking safety on the opposite bank.

The scene Thursday mirrored an iconic moment 32 years ago at the end of the failed Soviet war in Afghanistan, when the bridge provided the final exit route out of the country for the defeated Soviet army.

Then, red flags fixed to the armored vehicles flapped in a winter wind as the departing Soviet troops drove and marched across the bridge on Feb. 15, 1989. That was meant to signal an organized, dignified exit for the superpower’s army after a decade of occupation and defeats.

The Soviet commander, Gen. Boris V. Gromov, walked alone behind the last armored column as it rumbled across and out of the country. He then declared that Russia was done with Afghanistan.

“That’s it,” Gromov told a television crew. “Not one Soviet soldier or officer is behind my back.”

The Red Army withdrew ceremonially.

The armored vehicles rolled across over the roiling, glacier-fed river slowly and precisely, as if in a parade. On the Uzbek side, women met the soldiers with the traditional greeting of bread and salt. Soldiers were given wristwatches for their service. Television cameras filmed.

The Biden administration had made a point of avoiding a similar scene of ceremonial closure for the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, hardly imaginable now in any case given the unexpectedly rapid collapse of the U.S.-backed government Sunday.

The U.S. commander, Gen. Austin Miller, quietly left the country July 12. And the United States evacuated its headquarters at Bagram Airfield — a site originally built by the Soviets — without a formal handover to the Afghan army.

The Soviet pomp in departure did nothing, of course, to prevent a grinding civil war in the wake of withdrawal, or soul searching at home about the war. And given what followed, Gromov’s march became emblematic of the ignoble end to the Soviet war.

The leader the Russians left behind, Mohammad Najibullah, remained for three years after the parade on the Friendship Bridge, a good deal longer than President Ashraf Ghani, who fled the country even before all of his American backers got out.

The Soviet Union had, in some ways, put down deeper roots than the United States despite the fact that the U.S. occupation lasted longer, said Yuri V. Krupnov, a Russian expert on Afghanistan and director at the Institute of Demography and Migration in Moscow.

The Soviet Union educated about 200,000 Afghan engineers, military officers and administrators, providing the Najibullah government a base of support.

“You can criticize the Soviet Union as much as you want, but the goal was to build a contemporary, modern state” and to stabilize the empire’s southern borders, he said. The Soviet Union built hydroelectric dams, tunnels, roads and bridges, including the Friendship Bridge.

The government the Soviets left behind also limped along for a longer time, he said, because Moscow entrusted its client army with heavier weapons like tanks and artillery, in contrast to the mostly light arms the U.S. handed out. The Soviets also brutally cracked down on the narcotics trade, preventing the emergence of a corrupt class of police and officials.

It failed nonetheless. The Najibullah government collapsed in 1992 and in 1996, the Soviet-installed leader was captured and executed by an emerging new force in Afghanistan, the Taliban. His body was hung from a utility pole in Kabul.

After leaving, Russians spoke of having an Afghan syndrome, like the Vietnam syndrome in the United States. They wanted nothing to do with the country.

The retreat over the Friendship Bridge of soldiers loyal to the U.S.-backed Afghan government, which collapsed just three days later, was a more chaotic scene than the Soviet departure decades earlier.

The Taliban seized Mazar-e-Sharif swiftly after breaking through the Afghan army's front lines. The government security forces and the militias of two warlords — Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum and Atta Muhammad Noor — fled toward the bridge about 45 miles to the north seeking safety.

By evening, the Friendship Bridge became a stalled traffic jam of cars and pickup trucks laden with soldiers, social media posts showed.

There was no dignified exit.

Uzbek authorities allowed in one group of 84 pro-government soldiers but arrested them for illegal border crossing, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. They blocked others from crossing.

Russian officials have been ambivalent in their public statements about the collapse of the U.S.-backed government in Afghanistan, three decades after their own withdrawal.

They have not been above scoring propaganda points by noting the abandonment of allies and failure of a long-running U.S. foreign policy. But Russia could now also be forced to defend Central Asian client states against Islamist extremism in Afghanistan. The U.S. military had been doing that job.

“It came as a surprise,” Zamir Kabulov, a former Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, said Monday in an interview with the Echo of Moscow radio station, speaking of the quick collapse of the U.S.-backed government. “We thought the Afghan army, whatever its state, would resist for some time. But apparently we were too optimistic in evaluating the quality of training of the American and NATO armed forces.”

The White House has said that the Afghan army was trained and equipped but lacked the will to fight.

“They have what they need,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said last week.

And Afghan and U.S. officials have said that starting in 2018, Moscow had been clandestinely arming a Taliban group operating around the city of Kunduz, a dusty regional trade hub east of the Friendship Bridge. It was, in a sense, payback for the U.S. support of the anti-Soviet insurgency years ago.

But as the Taliban swept through northern Afghanistan this summer, eventually taking Kunduz and other major cities, the Russian military deployed tanks for a military exercise near the border in Tajikistan.

The bridge’s name always had a sinister hue, as the Soviet Union built the Friendship Bridge in 1982 to ease resupply of its army fighting in Afghanistan. The full name is the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan Friendship Bridge.

The road and railroad bridge crosses the silty water of the Amu Darya River, which is fed by glacial melt in the Hindu Kush mountains and prone to seasonal flooding. The U.S. military, much like the Red Army before it, sent tanker trucks of helicopter and jet fuel over the crossing for years.

It had also been the focus of U.S. plans to deepen trade and infrastructure ties between Afghanistan and the former Soviet Central Asia, to spur economic development and wean the U.S.-backed government in Kabul off U.S. aid.

A decade ago, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund financed improvements to the railroad.

Uzbekistan had planned to extend the railroad, which now reaches only Mazar-e-Sharif, about 45 miles to the south, to Kabul and into neighboring Pakistan. Work was scheduled to begin in September. It is now on indefinite hold.

The bridge, said Alexander Cooley, director of the Harriman Institute at Columbia University and author of “Great Games, Local Rules,” about the geopolitics of Central Asia, has come to “symbolize great power engagement and great power withdrawal.”

The bridge has an eerily Orwellian name — the Friendship Bridge — and a storied history in Afghanistan’s wars. And again last week, the bridge, which spans the Amu Darya River between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, provided a backdrop for a watershed moment in the fighting.

The bridge has an eerily Orwellian name — the Friendship Bridge — and a storied history in Afghanistan’s wars. And again last week, the bridge, which spans the Amu Darya River between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, provided a backdrop for a watershed moment in the fighting. In a chaotic retreat from the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, pro-government soldiers streamed onto the crossing, seeking safety on the opposite bank. The scene Thursday mirrored an iconic moment 32 years ago at the end of the failed Soviet war in Afghanistan, when the bridge provided the final exit route out of the country for the defeated Soviet army. Then, red flags fixed to the armored vehicles flapped in a winter wind as the departing Soviet troops drove and marched across the bridge on Feb. 15, 1989. That was meant to signal an organized, dignified exit for the superpower’s army after a decade of occupation and defeats. The Soviet commander, Gen. Boris V. Gromov, walked alone behind the last armored column as it rumbled across and out of the country. He then declared that Russia was done with Afghanistan. “That’s it,” Gromov told a television crew. “Not one Soviet soldier or officer is behind my back.” The Red Army withdrew ceremonially. The armored vehicles rolled across over the roiling, glacier-fed river slowly and precisely, as if in a parade. On the Uzbek side, women met the soldiers with the traditional greeting of bread and salt. Soldiers were given wristwatches for their service. Television cameras filmed. The Biden administration had made a point of avoiding a similar scene of ceremonial closure for the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, hardly imaginable now in any case given the unexpectedly rapid collapse of the U.S.-backed government Sunday. The U.S. commander, Gen. Austin Miller, quietly left the country July 12. And the United States evacuated its headquarters at Bagram Airfield — a site originally built by the Soviets — without a formal handover to the Afghan army. The Soviet pomp in departure did nothing, of course, to prevent a grinding civil war in the wake of withdrawal, or soul searching at home about the war. And given what followed, Gromov’s march became emblematic of the ignoble end to the Soviet war. The leader the Russians left behind, Mohammad Najibullah, remained for three years after the parade on the Friendship Bridge, a good deal longer than President Ashraf Ghani, who fled the country even before all of his American backers got out. The Soviet Union had, in some ways, put down deeper roots than the United States despite the fact that the U.S. occupation lasted longer, said Yuri V. Krupnov, a Russian expert on Afghanistan and director at the Institute of Demography and Migration in Moscow. The Soviet Union educated about 200,000 Afghan engineers, military officers and administrators, providing the Najibullah government a base of support. “You can criticize the Soviet Union as much as you want, but the goal was to build a contemporary, modern state” and to stabilize the empire’s southern borders, he said. The Soviet Union built hydroelectric dams, tunnels, roads and bridges, including the Friendship Bridge. The government the Soviets left behind also limped along for a longer time, he said, because Moscow entrusted its client army with heavier weapons like tanks and artillery, in contrast to the mostly light arms the U.S. handed out. The Soviets also brutally cracked down on the narcotics trade, preventing the emergence of a corrupt class of police and officials. It failed nonetheless. The Najibullah government collapsed in 1992 and in 1996, the Soviet-installed leader was captured and executed by an emerging new force in Afghanistan, the Taliban. His body was hung from a utility pole in Kabul. After leaving, Russians spoke of having an Afghan syndrome, like the Vietnam syndrome in the United States. They wanted nothing to do with the country. The retreat over the Friendship Bridge of soldiers loyal to the U.S.-backed Afghan government, which collapsed just three days later, was a more chaotic scene than the Soviet departure decades earlier. The Taliban seized Mazar-e-Sharif swiftly after breaking through the Afghan army's front lines. The government security forces and the militias of two warlords — Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum and Atta Muhammad Noor — fled toward the bridge about 45 miles to the north seeking safety. By evening, the Friendship Bridge became a stalled traffic jam of cars and pickup trucks laden with soldiers, social media posts showed. There was no dignified exit. Uzbek authorities allowed in one group of 84 pro-government soldiers but arrested them for illegal border crossing, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. They blocked others from crossing. Russian officials have been ambivalent in their public statements about the collapse of the U.S.-backed government in Afghanistan, three decades after their own withdrawal. They have not been above scoring propaganda points by noting the abandonment of allies and failure of a long-running U.S. foreign policy. But Russia could now also be forced to defend Central Asian client states against Islamist extremism in Afghanistan. The U.S. military had been doing that job. “It came as a surprise,” Zamir Kabulov, a former Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, said Monday in an interview with the Echo of Moscow radio station, speaking of the quick collapse of the U.S.-backed government. “We thought the Afghan army, whatever its state, would resist for some time. But apparently we were too optimistic in evaluating the quality of training of the American and NATO armed forces.” The White House has said that the Afghan army was trained and equipped but lacked the will to fight. “They have what they need,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said last week. And Afghan and U.S. officials have said that starting in 2018, Moscow had been clandestinely arming a Taliban group operating around the city of Kunduz, a dusty regional trade hub east of the Friendship Bridge. It was, in a sense, payback for the U.S. support of the anti-Soviet insurgency years ago. But as the Taliban swept through northern Afghanistan this summer, eventually taking Kunduz and other major cities, the Russian military deployed tanks for a military exercise near the border in Tajikistan. The bridge’s name always had a sinister hue, as the Soviet Union built the Friendship Bridge in 1982 to ease resupply of its army fighting in Afghanistan. The full name is the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan Friendship Bridge. The road and railroad bridge crosses the silty water of the Amu Darya River, which is fed by glacial melt in the Hindu Kush mountains and prone to seasonal flooding. The U.S. military, much like the Red Army before it, sent tanker trucks of helicopter and jet fuel over the crossing for years. It had also been the focus of U.S. plans to deepen trade and infrastructure ties between Afghanistan and the former Soviet Central Asia, to spur economic development and wean the U.S.-backed government in Kabul off U.S. aid. A decade ago, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund financed improvements to the railroad. Uzbekistan had planned to extend the railroad, which now reaches only Mazar-e-Sharif, about 45 miles to the south, to Kabul and into neighboring Pakistan. Work was scheduled to begin in September. It is now on indefinite hold. The bridge, said Alexander Cooley, director of the Harriman Institute at Columbia University and author of “Great Games, Local Rules,” about the geopolitics of Central Asia, has come to “symbolize great power engagement and great power withdrawal.”

An iconic bridge sees US allies flee Afghanistan as Soviets did

Nepal government has sent letters to the various countries and the United Nations to keep Nepali nationals working with various diplomatic missions and international organizations in Kabul in safe places and help their repatriation home.

Nepal seeks international help to evacuate its nationals from Afghanistan

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

Reports: President Ashraf Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban take control

Afghanistan's delegation assured Chinese President Xi's regime on Wednesday that it will not use its soil as a base against another country.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-delegation-meets-chinese-foreign-minister-hold-talks-401109">Taliban</a> has been sweeping rural areas and provinces for the past two months as the US troops pull out from the region. President Biden had set August 31 deadline for the final troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-defence-secy-lloyd-austin-says-first-task-is-to-slow-talibans-momentum-400594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Chinese foreign ministry slammed the US saying, "The hasty withdrawal of the United States and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/deeply-challenging-nato-urges-negotiated-settlement-with-taliban-400954">NATO</a> troops from Afghanistan actually marks the failure of the US policy."

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told the Taliban that it is a "pivotal military and political force" in Afghanistan and was expected to play an important role in peaceful reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The talks come as the Taliban captured key districts in Badakhshan and Kandahar provinces amid heavy fighting with Afghan troops.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who is on a visit to India said that, "An Afghanistan that commits atrocities against its own people would become a pariah state," referring to the Taliban.

Blinken added that the Biden administration remains engaged in Afghanistan in providing various forms of assistance including security forces.

"There's only one path. And that's at the negotiating table to resolve the conflicts peacefully, and to have an Afghanistan emerge that is governed in a genuinely inclusive way, and that is representative of all its people," Blinken asserted.

Meanwhile, Russia said it will reinforce Tajikistan with military equipment as the Taliban surge continues in the border areas. The Russian defence forces will be conducting joint military exercises with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan along the border with Afghanistan next week.

Russia already has a military base in Tajikistan. Several Afghan soldiers had poured into Tajikistan after losing military posts along the border to the Taliban.

Reports say Tajikistan is ready to accept 100,000 refugees from Afghanistan who are feeling from areas annexed by the militant group.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan's delegation assured Chinese President Xi's regime on Wednesday that it will not use its soil as a base against another country. The Taliban has been sweeping rural areas and provinces for the past two months as the US troops pull out from the region.

Afghanistan's delegation assured Chinese President Xi's regime on Wednesday that it will not use its soil as a base against another country. The Taliban has been sweeping rural areas and provinces for the past two months as the US troops pull out from the region. President Biden had set August 31 deadline for the final troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Watch: The Chinese foreign ministry slammed the US saying, "The hasty withdrawal of the United States and NATO troops from Afghanistan actually marks the failure of the US policy." Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told the Taliban that it is a "pivotal military and political force" in Afghanistan and was expected to play an important role in peaceful reconciliation in Afghanistan. The talks come as the Taliban captured key districts in Badakhshan and Kandahar provinces amid heavy fighting with Afghan troops. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who is on a visit to India said that, "An Afghanistan that commits atrocities against its own people would become a pariah state," referring to the Taliban. Blinken added that the Biden administration remains engaged in Afghanistan in providing various forms of assistance including security forces. "There's only one path. And that's at the negotiating table to resolve the conflicts peacefully, and to have an Afghanistan emerge that is governed in a genuinely inclusive way, and that is representative of all its people," Blinken asserted. Meanwhile, Russia said it will reinforce Tajikistan with military equipment as the Taliban surge continues in the border areas. The Russian defence forces will be conducting joint military exercises with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan along the border with Afghanistan next week. Russia already has a military base in Tajikistan. Several Afghan soldiers had poured into Tajikistan after losing military posts along the border to the Taliban. Reports say Tajikistan is ready to accept 100,000 refugees from Afghanistan who are feeling from areas annexed by the militant group. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid fighting between Taliban and Afghan troops, Russia to bolster Tajikistan's military

Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan delegations made an awkward entry&nbsp;as the flag bearers of the&nbsp;three contingents did not wear&nbsp;a COVID-19 mask while entering the stadium during the opening ceremony of the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/condoms-and-sex-at-tokyo-olympics-awareness-creation-restrictions-and-pushback-400698" hreflang="en">Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback</a>

Several in Tajikistan's contingent did not wear a mask. The organisers have taken some big measures to curb the virus outbreak. From tweaks in medal ceremonies to no group photos, the organisers have promoted the idea of masks and social distancing, however, walking without masks is contrary to what they hoped.&nbsp;

On Friday, the Games' organising committee announced that 110 people have been infected with the coronavirus as a result of the Games.

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Pakistan Contingent in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> | 🇵🇰 <a href="https://t.co/Wnt74FQgil">pic.twitter.com/Wnt74FQgil</a>
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The coronavirus has been diagnosed in 19 persons, including three who are living at the Olympic Village in the capital's Harumi seaside district.

The daily figure was the highest since the committee began announcing COVID-19 positive cases among persons associated with the Olympics on July 1st.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is determined to hold the Olympics, placed Tokyo under a state of emergency on July 12, but daily cases have sharply increased since then.

The opening ceremony is being held behind closed doors due to a surge in the infectious virus. The 1,979 new cases reported on Thursday are the most since 2,044 were reported on January 15.

Japan has reported about 853,000 cases and 15,100 deaths since the pandemic began, most of them this year.

Still, the number of cases and deaths as a share of the population are much lower than in many other countries.

Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan delegations made an awkward entry as the flag bearers of the three contingents did not wear a COVID-19 mask while entering the stadium during the opening ceremony of the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan delegations made an awkward entry as the flag bearers of the three contingents did not wear a COVID-19 mask while entering the stadium during the opening ceremony of the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics 2020. ALSO READ: Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback Several in Tajikistan's contingent did not wear a mask. The organisers have taken some big measures to curb the virus outbreak. From tweaks in medal ceremonies to no group photos, the organisers have promoted the idea of masks and social distancing, however, walking without masks is contrary to what they hoped. On Friday, the Games' organising committee announced that 110 people have been infected with the coronavirus as a result of the Games. Pakistan Contingent in #Olympics | 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/Wnt74FQgil — Mandy. (@MandyHox) July 23, 2021 × The coronavirus has been diagnosed in 19 persons, including three who are living at the Olympic Village in the capital's Harumi seaside district. The daily figure was the highest since the committee began announcing COVID-19 positive cases among persons associated with the Olympics on July 1st. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is determined to hold the Olympics, placed Tokyo under a state of emergency on July 12, but daily cases have sharply increased since then. The opening ceremony is being held behind closed doors due to a surge in the infectious virus. The 1,979 new cases reported on Thursday are the most since 2,044 were reported on January 15. Japan has reported about 853,000 cases and 15,100 deaths since the pandemic began, most of them this year. Still, the number of cases and deaths as a share of the population are much lower than in many other countries.

Tokyo Olympics: Pakistan and two other countries make awkward entry in opening ceremony - WATCH

In an attempt to counter threats from the Taliban in the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border areas,&nbsp;Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Tajik counterpart Sherali Mirzo&nbsp;on Saturday discussed several joint measures to be taken, reported Russia’s TASS news agency.

On Friday,&nbsp;Russia pledged to help ally Tajikistan in building a new outpost on the border. Next month, these&nbsp;two countries are also going to hold drills.

Russian foreign ministry said,&nbsp;"The parties discussed the situation in the Tajik-Afghan border area and joint measures to neutralise threats related to the escalating situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."&nbsp;

In the&nbsp;former Soviet republic,&nbsp;Tajikistan,&nbsp;Russia still&nbsp;operates a military base. Tajikistan's&nbsp;government has expressed concern over the deteriorating security conditions in Afghanistan.

According to Reuters report,&nbsp;Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are going to&nbsp;hold joint military drills close to the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border next month.

To prevent possible threats,&nbsp;Russia has already sent military equipment to Tajikistan-Afghanistan border areas.

Earlier, Tajikistan&nbsp;held its largest-ever military exercise involving its entire army. The Central Asian country's President Emomali Rakhmon urged vigilance. The military exercise has come amid Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan to control territory as US-led international forces leave.

Since the US&nbsp;announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban has been on the offensive. At present, they control large part of the country and have been able to encircle many of the main cities. The border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is now under Taliban's control.

(With inputs from agencies)

In an attempt to counter threats from the Taliban in the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border areas, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Tajik counterpart Sherali Mirzo on Saturday discussed several joint measures to be taken, reported Russia’s TASS news agency.

In an attempt to counter threats from the Taliban in the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border areas, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Tajik counterpart Sherali Mirzo on Saturday discussed several joint measures to be taken, reported Russia’s TASS news agency. On Friday, Russia pledged to help ally Tajikistan in building a new outpost on the border. Next month, these two countries are also going to hold drills. Russian foreign ministry said, "The parties discussed the situation in the Tajik-Afghan border area and joint measures to neutralise threats related to the escalating situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan." In the former Soviet republic, Tajikistan, Russia still operates a military base. Tajikistan's government has expressed concern over the deteriorating security conditions in Afghanistan. According to Reuters report, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are going to hold joint military drills close to the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border next month. To prevent possible threats, Russia has already sent military equipment to Tajikistan-Afghanistan border areas. Earlier, Tajikistan held its largest-ever military exercise involving its entire army. The Central Asian country's President Emomali Rakhmon urged vigilance. The military exercise has come amid Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan to control territory as US-led international forces leave. Since the US announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban has been on the offensive. At present, they control large part of the country and have been able to encircle many of the main cities. The border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is now under Taliban's control. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian Defence Minister, Tajik counterpart discuss ways to check Taliban threat

The Taliban claims that it now controls 90 percent of Afghanistan's borders. The country shares its borders with Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Pakistan.

Taliban claims to control 90% of Afghanistan's borders

Tajikistan, Afghanistan's neighbour in the north on Thursday held its largest-ever military exercise involving its entire army. The Central Asian country's President Emomali Rakhmon urged vigilance. The military exercise has come amid Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan to control territory as US-led international forces leave.

Right since USA announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban has been on the offensive. At present they control large part of the country and have been able to encircle many of the main cities. The border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is now under Taliban's control.

On Thursday, Tajikistan mobilised 130,000 men from its military reserve in addition to 100,000 active servicemen for the three-hour exercise.

More than 1,000 military vehicles, hundreds of artillery guns and mortars and dozens of aircraft including helicopters were deployed during the exercise, Rakhmon's office said in a statement.

"Due to the unstable situation in the region I once again remind the people of Tajikistan that we must be ready to protect the peace and stability that have been achieved at a high price," Rakhmon said in a speech broadcast by state television.

He said that 20,000 from the military reserve had been sent to reinforce Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan.

Earlier this month, hundreds of Afghan servicemen crossed border into Tajikistan as they retreated from Taliban offensive. Tajikistan later sent them back as the Kabul government arranged special flights to return its soldiers.

Russia, which operates a military base in Tajikistan, plans to hold joint drills there with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, another former Soviet republic bordering Afghanistan, next month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tajikistan, Afghanistan's neighbour in the north on Thursday held its largest-ever military exercise involving its entire army. The Central Asian country's President Emomali Rakhmon urged vigilance.

Tajikistan, Afghanistan's neighbour in the north on Thursday held its largest-ever military exercise involving its entire army. The Central Asian country's President Emomali Rakhmon urged vigilance. The military exercise has come amid Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan to control territory as US-led international forces leave. Right since USA announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban has been on the offensive. At present they control large part of the country and have been able to encircle many of the main cities. The border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is now under Taliban's control. On Thursday, Tajikistan mobilised 130,000 men from its military reserve in addition to 100,000 active servicemen for the three-hour exercise. More than 1,000 military vehicles, hundreds of artillery guns and mortars and dozens of aircraft including helicopters were deployed during the exercise, Rakhmon's office said in a statement. "Due to the unstable situation in the region I once again remind the people of Tajikistan that we must be ready to protect the peace and stability that have been achieved at a high price," Rakhmon said in a speech broadcast by state television. He said that 20,000 from the military reserve had been sent to reinforce Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan. Earlier this month, hundreds of Afghan servicemen crossed border into Tajikistan as they retreated from Taliban offensive. Tajikistan later sent them back as the Kabul government arranged special flights to return its soldiers. Russia, which operates a military base in Tajikistan, plans to hold joint drills there with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, another former Soviet republic bordering Afghanistan, next month. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan's neighbour Tajikistan holds largest-ever military exercise amid Taliban advance

Afghan forces conducted airstrikes in the Shuhada district of Badakhshan province against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-says-it-has-retaken-pakistan-border-crossing-from-taliban-398244">Taliban</a> militants, the country's defence ministry said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pulitzer-winning-indian-photojournalist-danish-siddiqui-killed-in-afghanistans-kandahar-province-398424">Also Read:&nbsp;Pulitzer-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui killed in Kandahar&nbsp;</a>

The Afghan government said at least 20&nbsp;Taliban militants were killed and several wounded including a commander. The latest assault by Afghan troops comes as the Taliban continues to engage in heavy fighting in several areas in the north and west.

Reports said the Taliban had struck a ceasefire deal with the government in the western province, however, it could not be confirmed.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-defence-20-taliban-terrorists-killed-in-airstrikes-in-badakhshan-province-398428/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taliban had said earlier it had taken control of Spin Boldak district in the south which is a major border crossing with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-vice-president-accuses-pak-air-force-of-trying-to-help-taliban-398410">Pakistan</a>, however, Afghan troops said they had taken back control of the area.

The militant group has captured key border crossing in Herat, Farah and Kunduz provinces with Afghan troops under pressure to retain control. Taliban had earlier claimed it had seized an important border town called Wesh in Kandahar and were in control of (Spin) Boldak and Chaman and Kandahar customs.

The militant group has said it has also captured border crossing along Turkmenistan and Iran.

The fighting in the past month intensified between Afghan troops and the militant group as US President Joe Biden announced that&nbsp;last US troops will pull out of the region by August 31.

On Wednesday, Tajikistan authorities said hundreds of refugees had poured into the country as the Taliban continued their offensive in the area.

Taliban had earlier seized Afghanistan's main Shir Khan Bandar border crossing with Tajikistan as 1,000 Afghan troops crossed over to Tajikistan.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Afghan forces conducted airstrikes in the Shuhada district of Badakhshan province against Taliban militants, the country's defence ministry said on Friday. Also Read: Pulitzer-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui killed in Kandahar The Afghan government said at least 20 Taliban militants were killed and several wounded including a commander.

Afghan forces conducted airstrikes in the Shuhada district of Badakhshan province against Taliban militants, the country's defence ministry said on Friday. Also Read: Pulitzer-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui killed in Kandahar The Afghan government said at least 20 Taliban militants were killed and several wounded including a commander. The latest assault by Afghan troops comes as the Taliban continues to engage in heavy fighting in several areas in the north and west. Reports said the Taliban had struck a ceasefire deal with the government in the western province, however, it could not be confirmed. Watch: Taliban had said earlier it had taken control of Spin Boldak district in the south which is a major border crossing with Pakistan, however, Afghan troops said they had taken back control of the area. The militant group has captured key border crossing in Herat, Farah and Kunduz provinces with Afghan troops under pressure to retain control. Taliban had earlier claimed it had seized an important border town called Wesh in Kandahar and were in control of (Spin) Boldak and Chaman and Kandahar customs. The militant group has said it has also captured border crossing along Turkmenistan and Iran. The fighting in the past month intensified between Afghan troops and the militant group as US President Joe Biden announced that last US troops will pull out of the region by August 31. On Wednesday, Tajikistan authorities said hundreds of refugees had poured into the country as the Taliban continued their offensive in the area. Taliban had earlier seized Afghanistan's main Shir Khan Bandar border crossing with Tajikistan as 1,000 Afghan troops crossed over to Tajikistan. (With inputs from Agencies)

Afghan forces conduct airstrikes against Taliban; several militants killed

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on the sidelines of the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting. The two Ministers had a detailed exchange of views on the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh and also on other issues related to the overall India-China relations.

S Jaishankar meets Wang Yi, says change of LAC status quo 'not acceptable'

Indian EAM Jaishankar meets Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi in Dushanbe

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Tajikistan and Uzbekistan this week. He will also attend the SCO foreign ministers' meet at Dushanbe where Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will be present.

Amid Taliban's surge, Indian EAM Jaishankar to meet Tajik, Uzbek leaders

Dr. S. Jaishankar will also participate in the SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan that will meet on 14th of July with the participation of the Afghanistan Government.

EAM S. Jaishankar to begin two day visit to Tajikistan from today

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from July 12 to 16 and will discuss Afghanistan's situation with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) officials.

Chinese FM Wang Yi to visit three Central Asian countries, attend SCO summit

As the Taliban launched fresh attacks in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-launches-fresh-attack-on-northwestern-afghan-province-396513">Qala-i-Naw</a>, the capital of Badghis located in the northwestern Afghan province, Afghan special forces carried out operations in Kunduz city with several districts under the control of the militant group.

Pentagon had said on Tuesday that 90 per cent of US troops had pulled out of the region as the Taliban continued to gain a foothold in the northern areas.

Watch:

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Afghan troops have been battling the Taliban with several districts falling in the past month as foreign troops have retreated denying government soldiers security cover.

Last week US troops handed over the Bagram airbase to Afghan&nbsp;forces and pulled out of the area after nearly 20 years. President Joe Biden had pledged to bring back US troops by September 11, however, the pullback has occurred ahead of schedule in most cases.

Amid the renewed fighting in several areas, RIA news agency reported that Tajikistan has appealed to the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) consisting of countries from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan for&nbsp;help in dealing&nbsp;with unstable security condiction along the border with&nbsp;Afghanistan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier called President Emomali Rakhmon assuring him of all help after hundreds of Afghan troops had poured into Tajikistan&nbsp;as&nbsp;the Taliban made rapid gains.

Russia already has a military base in Afghanistan even as foreign minister Lavrov said Russia was ready to use its military base

"We will do everything we can, including using the capabilities of the Russian military base on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan, to prevent any aggressive impulses towards our allies," Lavrov said.

Meanwhile, UK PM Boris Johnson said the current situation in Afghanistan is "fraught with risks".

UK under former PM Tony Blair had entered the war in Afghanistan in 2001. At least 400 British troops have died in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

As the Taliban launched fresh attacks in Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis located in the northwestern Afghan province, Afghan special forces carried out operations in Kunduz city with several districts under the control of the militant group.

As the Taliban launched fresh attacks in Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis located in the northwestern Afghan province, Afghan special forces carried out operations in Kunduz city with several districts under the control of the militant group. Pentagon had said on Tuesday that 90 per cent of US troops had pulled out of the region as the Taliban continued to gain a foothold in the northern areas. Watch: Afghan troops have been battling the Taliban with several districts falling in the past month as foreign troops have retreated denying government soldiers security cover. Last week US troops handed over the Bagram airbase to Afghan forces and pulled out of the area after nearly 20 years. President Joe Biden had pledged to bring back US troops by September 11, however, the pullback has occurred ahead of schedule in most cases. Amid the renewed fighting in several areas, RIA news agency reported that Tajikistan has appealed to the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) consisting of countries from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan for help in dealing with unstable security condiction along the border with Afghanistan. Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier called President Emomali Rakhmon assuring him of all help after hundreds of Afghan troops had poured into Tajikistan as the Taliban made rapid gains. Russia already has a military base in Afghanistan even as foreign minister Lavrov said Russia was ready to use its military base "We will do everything we can, including using the capabilities of the Russian military base on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan, to prevent any aggressive impulses towards our allies," Lavrov said. Meanwhile, UK PM Boris Johnson said the current situation in Afghanistan is "fraught with risks". UK under former PM Tony Blair had entered the war in Afghanistan in 2001. At least 400 British troops have died in Afghanistan. (With inputs from Agencies)

Afghan forces launch attacks in Kunduz as Taliban pounds northwestern province

More than 20,000 Tajikistan troops have been sent to bolster the border with Afghanistan after 1,000 Afghan security personnel fled to the country. The order was given by the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rakhmon.

Tajikistan sends 20,000 troops to border with Afghanistan

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