At a press conference, Abdul Karim Haider, the deputy minister of justice, said that Afghanistan does not need a constitution and can address problems by just applying Islamic laws.

Haider said that the Hanafi law serves as the framework for resolving all problems. "The holy Quran, the Sunnah of Mohammad (PBUH), and the jurisprudence of every Islamic country are the basis and the text of the constitution in general and in detail," he was quoted as saying by TOLOnews.

However, he said that they are ready to prepare the constitution in accordance with laws once they get directions.&nbsp;

Haider stated, "We are awaiting Amirul Muminin's direction (for creation of law). The Hanafi law system, the Quran, and the Sunnah of Mohammad (PBUH) are its sources. Thus we are confident that a comprehensive law will be established quickly to address everyone's concerns."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-blast-rocks-mosque-in-herat-casualties-feared-512327">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Top pro-Taliban cleric among 18 killed; several wounded in blast at Herat mosque</a>

Regarding the activities of political parties, Haider said that under the given circumstances, there is no need for parties to be active.

In contrast to this statement, a professor in conversation with TOLO News said," A constitution for any government in the modern era is a crucial and a basic requirement." The lecturer further added&nbsp;that if Islamic laws are used to solve problems, then women should have access to their rights in reference to the work being done by women and should grant them favourable conditions to work.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-woman-divorced-by-taliban-official-due-to-her-declining-faith-but-she-alleges-domestic-abuse-511853">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Woman divorced by Taliban official due to her declining faith but she alleges domestic abuse</a>

It has been more than a year since the Taliban seized power in the South Asian country and implemented significant legal changes.

This includes violations of human rights, especially for women. As per a report released by UNAMA, since the group takeover, women’s rights in the country have deteriorated.

Prior to the takeover, women, and girls enjoyed the freedom to engage in all elements of public and daily life, including schooling and other activities.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

At a press conference, Abdul Karim Haider, the deputy minister of justice, said that Afghanistan does not need a constitution and can address problems by just applying Islamic laws.

At a press conference, Abdul Karim Haider, the deputy minister of justice, said that Afghanistan does not need a constitution and can address problems by just applying Islamic laws. Haider said that the Hanafi law serves as the framework for resolving all problems. "The holy Quran, the Sunnah of Mohammad (PBUH), and the jurisprudence of every Islamic country are the basis and the text of the constitution in general and in detail," he was quoted as saying by TOLOnews. However, he said that they are ready to prepare the constitution in accordance with laws once they get directions. Haider stated, "We are awaiting Amirul Muminin's direction (for creation of law). The Hanafi law system, the Quran, and the Sunnah of Mohammad (PBUH) are its sources. Thus we are confident that a comprehensive law will be established quickly to address everyone's concerns." Also read | Afghanistan: Top pro-Taliban cleric among 18 killed; several wounded in blast at Herat mosque Regarding the activities of political parties, Haider said that under the given circumstances, there is no need for parties to be active. In contrast to this statement, a professor in conversation with TOLO News said," A constitution for any government in the modern era is a crucial and a basic requirement." The lecturer further added that if Islamic laws are used to solve problems, then women should have access to their rights in reference to the work being done by women and should grant them favourable conditions to work. Also read | Afghanistan: Woman divorced by Taliban official due to her declining faith but she alleges domestic abuse It has been more than a year since the Taliban seized power in the South Asian country and implemented significant legal changes. This includes violations of human rights, especially for women. As per a report released by UNAMA, since the group takeover, women’s rights in the country have deteriorated. Prior to the takeover, women, and girls enjoyed the freedom to engage in all elements of public and daily life, including schooling and other activities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Afghanistan doesn’t need a constitution, can address problems by applying Islamic Laws, says official

Following the takeover, footage emerged showing Taliban militants riding bumper cars and merry-go-rounds at an amusement park in Kabul.&nbsp;

Now, another video shows one amusement park engulfed in flames after the Taliban set it on fire.&nbsp;

The Bokhdi Amusement Park in Begha was seen burning in the video, and the individual who posted it commented, "The reason is that the statues/idols standing there are in Public access Idols are prohibited in Islam."&nbsp;

"The Bokhdi Amusement Park was set on fire by Taliban insurgents in Begha, Sheberghan. The reason is that the statues/idols standing there are in Public access Idols are illegal in Islam, This is the logic of the Taliban's brutal emirate. The homeland is occupied," the user claimed in a post on Twitter.&nbsp;

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The Bokhdi Amusement Park was set on fire by Taliban insurgents in Begha, Sheberghan. The reason is that the statues/idols standing there are in Public access Idols are illegal in Islam, This is the logic of the Taliban's brutal emirate. The homeland is occupied.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/MBuYsQQbxk">pic.twitter.com/MBuYsQQbxk</a>
— Ihtesham Afghan (@IhteshamAfghan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IhteshamAfghan/status/1427617097539063818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Videos and pictures from Afghanistan, notably Kabul, show the country devolving into anarchy just weeks after the Taliban seized power and President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the takeover, footage emerged showing Taliban militants riding bumper cars and merry-go-rounds at an amusement park in Kabul. Now, another video shows one amusement park engulfed in flames after the Taliban set it on fire.

Following the takeover, footage emerged showing Taliban militants riding bumper cars and merry-go-rounds at an amusement park in Kabul. Now, another video shows one amusement park engulfed in flames after the Taliban set it on fire. The Bokhdi Amusement Park in Begha was seen burning in the video, and the individual who posted it commented, "The reason is that the statues/idols standing there are in Public access Idols are prohibited in Islam." "The Bokhdi Amusement Park was set on fire by Taliban insurgents in Begha, Sheberghan. The reason is that the statues/idols standing there are in Public access Idols are illegal in Islam, This is the logic of the Taliban's brutal emirate. The homeland is occupied," the user claimed in a post on Twitter. The Bokhdi Amusement Park was set on fire by Taliban insurgents in Begha, Sheberghan. The reason is that the statues/idols standing there are in Public access Idols are illegal in Islam, This is the logic of the Taliban's brutal emirate. The homeland is occupied.#Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/MBuYsQQbxk — Ihtesham Afghan (@IhteshamAfghan) August 17, 2021 × Videos and pictures from Afghanistan, notably Kabul, show the country devolving into anarchy just weeks after the Taliban seized power and President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Taliban burn down amusement park in Afghanistan

Amid reports of women protesting in Kabul as the Taliban took control of the capital, pictures surfaced of a beauty saloon with images of women defaced using spray paint in Shar-e-Naw in Kabul.

<img alt="Women poster defaced in Kabul" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc120e81-2f37-4296-b2f0-0e657b653a93" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/D2_0.jpg" />

(Photo : AFP)

 
The Taliban had declared on Tuesday that they would honour women's rights, although they had added that it should be within the norms of Islamic law.

Suhail Shaheen, Taliban's spokesperson in Doha's political office had said that women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university. We have announced this policy at international conferences, the Moscow conference and here at the Doha conference (on Afghanistan)."

<img alt="Women's poster defaced in Kabul" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b6026477-6805-45b2-b75f-19812666d593" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Defaced1_0.jpg" />

(Photo: AFP)

During Taliban's rule in the 1990s, schools for girls were closed and they were prevented from working and forced to wear the burqa in public.

<img alt="Women's poster defaced in Kabul" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="827093cf-7687-4827-bef9-b11ee6509840" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/D3.jpg" />

(Photo Courtesy: AFP)

"The burqa is not the only hijab (headscarf) that (can) be observed, there is different types of hijab not limited to burqa," Suhail Shaheen had told a British television network during a conference.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
First reported women’s protest in Kabul following the takeover by the Taliban: 
 
Four women holding handwritten paper signs stand surrounded by armed Taliban fighters 
 
Indescribable courage:<a href="https://t.co/1HtpQ4X2ip">pic.twitter.com/1HtpQ4X2ip</a>
— Leah McElrath 🏳️‍🌈 (@leahmcelrath) <a href="https://twitter.com/leahmcelrath/status/1427643075829059599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, a woman news presenter Shabnam Khan Dawran working with Mili television said that the soldiers didn't give her &nbsp;permission to start work at her office.

"They told me that the regime has changed. You are not allowed, go home. &nbsp;I am asking the world to help me because my life is in danger," Dawran said.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the&nbsp;videos

Social Media Video courtesy: @HameedMohdShah, @leahmcelrath

Amid reports of women protesting in Kabul as the Taliban took control of the capital, pictures surfaced of a beauty saloon with images of women defaced using spray paint in Shar-e-Naw in Kabul.

Amid reports of women protesting in Kabul as the Taliban took control of the capital, pictures surfaced of a beauty saloon with images of women defaced using spray paint in Shar-e-Naw in Kabul. (Photo : AFP) The Taliban had declared on Tuesday that they would honour women's rights, although they had added that it should be within the norms of Islamic law. Suhail Shaheen, Taliban's spokesperson in Doha's political office had said that women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university. We have announced this policy at international conferences, the Moscow conference and here at the Doha conference (on Afghanistan)." (Photo: AFP) During Taliban's rule in the 1990s, schools for girls were closed and they were prevented from working and forced to wear the burqa in public. (Photo Courtesy: AFP) "The burqa is not the only hijab (headscarf) that (can) be observed, there is different types of hijab not limited to burqa," Suhail Shaheen had told a British television network during a conference. First reported women’s protest in Kabul following the takeover by the Taliban: Four women holding handwritten paper signs stand surrounded by armed Taliban fighters Indescribable courage:pic.twitter.com/1HtpQ4X2ip — Leah McElrath 🏳️‍🌈 (@leahmcelrath) August 17, 2021 × Meanwhile, a woman news presenter Shabnam Khan Dawran working with Mili television said that the soldiers didn't give her permission to start work at her office. "They told me that the regime has changed. You are not allowed, go home. I am asking the world to help me because my life is in danger," Dawran said. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the videos Social Media Video courtesy: @HameedMohdShah, @leahmcelrath

See pics: Women's poster defaced in Kabul as Taliban consolidates hold over Afghanistan

Taliban continued its surge across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-address-to-nation-afghan-president-vows-to-prevent-further-instability-405337">Afghanistan</a> seizing Jalalabad early on Sunday morning after taking Mazar-e-Sharif.

Amid the rapid Taliban advance, US President announced up to 3,000 more troops will be sent to Afghanistan to ensure evacuation of US personnel&nbsp;in Afghanistan.

More American military personnel have already arrived in Kabul to evacuate&nbsp;embassy employees with the deadline for total troop withdrawal set for August 31.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-turmoil-ashraf-ghanis-message-to-the-nation-will-continue-to-fight-405489/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"When I came to office, I inherited a deal cut by my predecessor that left the Taliban in the strongest position militarily since 2001 and imposed a May 1, 2021, deadline on US forces," Biden said, adding, "I faced a choice - follow through on the deal, with a brief extension to get our forces and our allies' forces out safely, or ramp up our presence and send more American troops to fight once again in another country's civil conflict."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seeking-asylum-for-siv-applicants-a-desperate-bid-by-the-biden-administration-405352">Biden's</a> comments come as the Taliban seized several provincial capitals in the last few weeks with US troops leaving the country this month.

"I was the fourth president to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan -&nbsp;two Republicans, two Democrats. I would not, and will not, pass this war onto a fifth," the US President asserted.

The Taliban's surge has left the Afghan troops to retreat from several areas with the militants currently just 50 kilometres away from capital Kabul as Biden ordered fresh troops to oversee evacuations.

Meanwhile, reports said warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum who was defending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-mazar-e-sharif-fourth-largest-city-of-afghanistan-405447">Mazar-e-Sharif </a>has fled to Uzbekistan even as President Ghani said that he won't let "war on people cause more deaths".

President Ghani spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as US embassy staff in Kabul have reportedly been ordered to begin burning sensitive material.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban continued its surge across Afghanistan seizing Jalalabad early on Sunday morning after taking Mazar-e-Sharif. Amid the rapid Taliban advance, US President announced up to 3,000 more troops will be sent to Afghanistan to ensure evacuation of US personnel in Afghanistan.

Taliban continued its surge across Afghanistan seizing Jalalabad early on Sunday morning after taking Mazar-e-Sharif. Amid the rapid Taliban advance, US President announced up to 3,000 more troops will be sent to Afghanistan to ensure evacuation of US personnel in Afghanistan. More American military personnel have already arrived in Kabul to evacuate embassy employees with the deadline for total troop withdrawal set for August 31. Watch: "When I came to office, I inherited a deal cut by my predecessor that left the Taliban in the strongest position militarily since 2001 and imposed a May 1, 2021, deadline on US forces," Biden said, adding, "I faced a choice - follow through on the deal, with a brief extension to get our forces and our allies' forces out safely, or ramp up our presence and send more American troops to fight once again in another country's civil conflict." Biden's comments come as the Taliban seized several provincial capitals in the last few weeks with US troops leaving the country this month. "I was the fourth president to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan - two Republicans, two Democrats. I would not, and will not, pass this war onto a fifth," the US President asserted. The Taliban's surge has left the Afghan troops to retreat from several areas with the militants currently just 50 kilometres away from capital Kabul as Biden ordered fresh troops to oversee evacuations. Meanwhile, reports said warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum who was defending Mazar-e-Sharif has fled to Uzbekistan even as President Ghani said that he won't let "war on people cause more deaths". President Ghani spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as US embassy staff in Kabul have reportedly been ordered to begin burning sensitive material. (With inputs from Agencies)

After Mazar-e-Sharif, Taliban captures Jalalabad as Biden orders more troops

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots detailed by Reuters this month mark another "worrisome development" for the Afghan Air Force as it reels from a surge in fighting, a US government watchdog said in a report released on Thursday (July 29). 
 
At least seven Afghan pilots have been assassinated off base in recent months, two senior Afghan government officials told Reuters, part of what the Islamist Taliban says is a campaign to see U.S.-trained Afghan pilots "targeted and eliminated." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-fighting-between-taliban-and-afghan-troops-russia-to-bolster-tajikistans-military-401156">Also read: Amid fighting between Taliban and Afghan troops, Russia to bolster Tajikistan's military</a> 
 
As the United States prepares to formally end its 20-year military mission in Afghanistan on Aug. 31, Taliban insurgents are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the U.S.-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to take the capital Kabul. 
 
The Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report to Congress covering the three-month period through June, broadly portrayed an Afghan Air Force (AAF) under growing strain from battling the Taliban amid the U.S. withdrawal - and becoming less ready to fight. 
 
The AAF`s fleet of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, for example, had a 39 percent readiness rate in June, about half the level of April and May. All Afghan airframes were flying at least 25 percent over their recommended scheduled-maintenance intervals, SIGAR reported. 
 
"All aircraft platforms are overtaxed due to increased requests for close air support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions and aerial resupply now that the (Afghan military) largely lacks U.S. air support," it wrote. 
 
At the same time, air crews remain over-tasked due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and a pace of operations that "has only increased”, it said. 
 
SIGAR also cited the Reuters report. 
 
"Another worrisome development concerning AAF aircrew was a (Reuters) report that the Taliban is deliberately targeting Afghan pilots," it said, before presenting the Reuters` findings without additional comment. 
 
Along with Afghanistan`s Special Forces, the Afghan Air Force is a pillar of the nation`s strategy for preventing a Taliban takeover of cities. But special operations forces are also being misused, SIGAR reported. 
 
It said most Afghan National Army corps refuse to execute missions without support from its elite commandos. Citing NATO data, SIGAR said that when Afghan commandos arrive, they are misused to perform tasks intended for conventional forces, including route clearance and checkpoint security. 
 
Still, the report cautioned that it was difficult to evaluate what constituted military misuse of the elite forces when the Afghan government "is fighting for its existence".

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots detailed by Reuters this month mark another "worrisome development" for the Afghan Air Force as it reels from a surge in fighting, a US government watchdog said in a report released on Thursday (July 29).

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots detailed by Reuters this month mark another "worrisome development" for the Afghan Air Force as it reels from a surge in fighting, a US government watchdog said in a report released on Thursday (July 29). At least seven Afghan pilots have been assassinated off base in recent months, two senior Afghan government officials told Reuters, part of what the Islamist Taliban says is a campaign to see U.S.-trained Afghan pilots "targeted and eliminated." Also read: Amid fighting between Taliban and Afghan troops, Russia to bolster Tajikistan's military As the United States prepares to formally end its 20-year military mission in Afghanistan on Aug. 31, Taliban insurgents are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the U.S.-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to take the capital Kabul. The Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report to Congress covering the three-month period through June, broadly portrayed an Afghan Air Force (AAF) under growing strain from battling the Taliban amid the U.S. withdrawal - and becoming less ready to fight. The AAF`s fleet of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, for example, had a 39 percent readiness rate in June, about half the level of April and May. All Afghan airframes were flying at least 25 percent over their recommended scheduled-maintenance intervals, SIGAR reported. "All aircraft platforms are overtaxed due to increased requests for close air support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions and aerial resupply now that the (Afghan military) largely lacks U.S. air support," it wrote. At the same time, air crews remain over-tasked due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and a pace of operations that "has only increased”, it said. SIGAR also cited the Reuters report. "Another worrisome development concerning AAF aircrew was a (Reuters) report that the Taliban is deliberately targeting Afghan pilots," it said, before presenting the Reuters` findings without additional comment. Along with Afghanistan`s Special Forces, the Afghan Air Force is a pillar of the nation`s strategy for preventing a Taliban takeover of cities. But special operations forces are also being misused, SIGAR reported. It said most Afghan National Army corps refuse to execute missions without support from its elite commandos. Citing NATO data, SIGAR said that when Afghan commandos arrive, they are misused to perform tasks intended for conventional forces, including route clearance and checkpoint security. Still, the report cautioned that it was difficult to evaluate what constituted military misuse of the elite forces when the Afghan government "is fighting for its existence".

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots 'worrisome,' US government watchdog says

Pakistan reopened its southwestern border crossing with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explainer-us-pays-4-billion-to-afghan-forces-who-is-watching-400926">Afghanistan</a> allowing goods to cross into the country as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged "negotiated settlement" with the Taliban amid heavy heavy fighting with Afghan troops.

Stoltenberg after speaking to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said: "The security situation in Afghanistan remains deeply challenging, and requires a negotiated settlement. NATO will continue to support Afghanistan, including with funding; civilian presence; and out-of-country training."

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/around-33-people-killed-in-afghanistans-kandahar-province-in-targeted-attacks-400593/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kicked-down-a-cliff-afghan-man-says-decorated-australian-soldier-killed-his-handcuffed-uncle-400775">Taliban </a>has made deep inroads into western and northern regions mainly in the rural areas as US troops pull out of the region.&nbsp;

The militant group has seized border crossings along the Pakistan border including with Iran and Tajikistan even as peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban remain inconclusive.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden had announced the last US troops will pull out by August 31, reports say the bulk of NATO troops have already exited from the region.

Meanwhile, Pakistan said it had returned Afghan soldiers who had sought refuge in the country. At least 46 soldiers reportedly returned home through the Nawa Pass border crossing in Bajaur district.

The Afghan soldiers had lost control over key military checkpoints along the Pakistan border and had poured into the neighbouring country. They were provided safe passage into the country by Pakistan authorities after seeking refuge at the border crossing in Chitral in the north.

As the Taliban continues its offensive, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said the Taliban's military momentum needs to be slowed down as it continues to gain territories&nbsp;even as US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie had said his forces will continue to provide further air support to Afghan troops against the Taliban.

However, it remains unclear whether the US will carry out airstrikes to support the Afghan troops beyond August 31 when the US military mission in Afghanistan comes to an end.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Pakistan reopened its southwestern border crossing with Afghanistan allowing goods to cross into the country as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged "negotiated settlement" with the Taliban amid heavy heavy fighting with Afghan troops.

Pakistan reopened its southwestern border crossing with Afghanistan allowing goods to cross into the country as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged "negotiated settlement" with the Taliban amid heavy heavy fighting with Afghan troops. Stoltenberg after speaking to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said: "The security situation in Afghanistan remains deeply challenging, and requires a negotiated settlement. NATO will continue to support Afghanistan, including with funding; civilian presence; and out-of-country training." Watch: Taliban has made deep inroads into western and northern regions mainly in the rural areas as US troops pull out of the region. The militant group has seized border crossings along the Pakistan border including with Iran and Tajikistan even as peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban remain inconclusive. President Joe Biden had announced the last US troops will pull out by August 31, reports say the bulk of NATO troops have already exited from the region. Meanwhile, Pakistan said it had returned Afghan soldiers who had sought refuge in the country. At least 46 soldiers reportedly returned home through the Nawa Pass border crossing in Bajaur district. The Afghan soldiers had lost control over key military checkpoints along the Pakistan border and had poured into the neighbouring country. They were provided safe passage into the country by Pakistan authorities after seeking refuge at the border crossing in Chitral in the north. As the Taliban continues its offensive, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said the Taliban's military momentum needs to be slowed down as it continues to gain territories even as US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie had said his forces will continue to provide further air support to Afghan troops against the Taliban. However, it remains unclear whether the US will carry out airstrikes to support the Afghan troops beyond August 31 when the US military mission in Afghanistan comes to an end. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Deeply challenging': NATO urges 'negotiated settlement' with Taliban

Amid escalation in Taliban's offensive in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kicked-down-a-cliff-afghan-man-says-decorated-australian-soldier-killed-his-handcuffed-uncle-400775">Afghanistan</a>, US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie has said that the "United States is prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks".

McKenzie asserted that the US has increased airstrikes in support of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-warns-of-unprecedented-afghan-civilian-deaths-due-to-taliban-offensives-400723">Afghan</a> forces over the last several days.

President Biden had announced US troops will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 even as the Taliban renewed its offensive in the past month seizing areas in border regions including in the west and north.

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 government of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-report-says-al-qaeda-present-in-15-provinces-of-afghanistan-400722">Afghanistan</a> faces a stern test in the days ahead. The Taliban are attempting to create a sense of inevitability about their campaign," McKenzie said.

The Taliban has increasingly targeted provincial capitals and rural districts in the country including border checkpoints along Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran.

"They are going to have to deal with the cities if they want to try and claw their way back into power," he said. "I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that they are going to be able to capture these urban areas," US General&nbsp;McKenzie said.

However, it is unclear whether the US will continue airstrikes beyond August 31 when the last US troops leave the country.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's army said at least&nbsp;forty-six Afghan soldiers sought refuge in the country after losing control over their positions along the border.

Afghan troops reportedly sought refuge in crossing in Chitral in the north as they were given safe passage into Pakistan.&nbsp;

Reports say fighting continues&nbsp;on the outskirts of Kandahar which is the second-largest city in Afghanistan after Kabul even as the US carried out airstrikes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-killed-43-people-in-afghanistans-ghazni-claim-residents-400703">Taliban </a>spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had confirmed airstrikes had taken place in Kandahar killing three Afghan fighters. Mujahid however criticised the strikes as a "violation of the Doha deal" warning there would be "consequences".&nbsp;

Reports said Afghan migrants were&nbsp;crossing over to Turkey from Iran as the Taliban continues its surge across the country.

According to the UN's refugee agency, at least 270,000 Afghans have been displaced since the beginning of the year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

Amid escalation in Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan, US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie has said that the "United States is prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks".

Amid escalation in Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan, US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie has said that the "United States is prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks". McKenzie asserted that the US has increased airstrikes in support of Afghan forces over the last several days. President Biden had announced US troops will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 even as the Taliban renewed its offensive in the past month seizing areas in border regions including in the west and north. Watch: "The government of Afghanistan faces a stern test in the days ahead. The Taliban are attempting to create a sense of inevitability about their campaign," McKenzie said. The Taliban has increasingly targeted provincial capitals and rural districts in the country including border checkpoints along Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran. "They are going to have to deal with the cities if they want to try and claw their way back into power," he said. "I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that they are going to be able to capture these urban areas," US General McKenzie said. However, it is unclear whether the US will continue airstrikes beyond August 31 when the last US troops leave the country. Meanwhile, Pakistan's army said at least forty-six Afghan soldiers sought refuge in the country after losing control over their positions along the border. Afghan troops reportedly sought refuge in crossing in Chitral in the north as they were given safe passage into Pakistan. Reports say fighting continues on the outskirts of Kandahar which is the second-largest city in Afghanistan after Kabul even as the US carried out airstrikes. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had confirmed airstrikes had taken place in Kandahar killing three Afghan fighters. Mujahid however criticised the strikes as a "violation of the Doha deal" warning there would be "consequences". Reports said Afghan migrants were crossing over to Turkey from Iran as the Taliban continues its surge across the country. According to the UN's refugee agency, at least 270,000 Afghans have been displaced since the beginning of the year. (With inputs from Agencies)

US general vows airstrikes to support Afghan troops amid Taliban offensive

NATO nations including 15 diplomatic missions have urged the Taliban to stop military operations in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-recalls-envoy-to-pakistan-over-daughter-abduction-incident-398916">Afghanistan</a> as the militant group failed to reach a ceasefire agreement in&nbsp;Doha.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-favours-political-settlement-to-afghan-conflict-398821">Taliban</a> said on Monday it had captured the Dehrawood district in Uruzgan province after clashes with Afghan forces&nbsp;

"The Taliban's offensive is in direct contradiction to their claim to support a negotiated settlement," the statement by diplomatic missions consisting of EU, US, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany among other nations said.

Watch:

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"It has resulted in the loss of innocent Afghan lives, including through continued targeted killings, displacement of the civilian population, looting and burning of buildings, destruction of vital infrastructure, and damage to communication networks," the statement added.

The government forces had recaptured Dara-e-Sof Bala district in northern Samangan with casualties suffered by the Taliban with clashes reportedly underway.

Amid the fighting, President&nbsp;Ashraf Ghani visited Herat province on Monday where the Taliban has captured several districts.

The Taliban has escalated its campaign since mid-May and engaged in heavy&nbsp;fighting with government troops in the past month as US President Joe Biden announced the last American troops will pull out from the region by August 31.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry said it will stage military drills next month with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan near the border with Afghanistan.

The joint drills with will take place from August 5-10 at the Kharbmaidon training ground in Tajikistan near the Afghan border. Hundreds of Afghan forces had earlier poured into Tajikistan as the Taliban captured main checkpoints&nbsp;along the area.

Reports claimed last week that several Afghan refugees which included women and children had also crossed over to Tajikistan amid heavy fighting between Afghan and Taliban forces in the area.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

NATO nations including 15 diplomatic missions have urged the Taliban to stop military operations in Afghanistan as the militant group failed to reach a ceasefire agreement in Doha.

NATO nations including 15 diplomatic missions have urged the Taliban to stop military operations in Afghanistan as the militant group failed to reach a ceasefire agreement in Doha. Taliban said on Monday it had captured the Dehrawood district in Uruzgan province after clashes with Afghan forces "The Taliban's offensive is in direct contradiction to their claim to support a negotiated settlement," the statement by diplomatic missions consisting of EU, US, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany among other nations said. Watch: "It has resulted in the loss of innocent Afghan lives, including through continued targeted killings, displacement of the civilian population, looting and burning of buildings, destruction of vital infrastructure, and damage to communication networks," the statement added. The government forces had recaptured Dara-e-Sof Bala district in northern Samangan with casualties suffered by the Taliban with clashes reportedly underway. Amid the fighting, President Ashraf Ghani visited Herat province on Monday where the Taliban has captured several districts. The Taliban has escalated its campaign since mid-May and engaged in heavy fighting with government troops in the past month as US President Joe Biden announced the last American troops will pull out from the region by August 31. Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry said it will stage military drills next month with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan near the border with Afghanistan. The joint drills with will take place from August 5-10 at the Kharbmaidon training ground in Tajikistan near the Afghan border. Hundreds of Afghan forces had earlier poured into Tajikistan as the Taliban captured main checkpoints along the area. Reports claimed last week that several Afghan refugees which included women and children had also crossed over to Tajikistan amid heavy fighting between Afghan and Taliban forces in the area. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia to conduct military drills near Afghan border as Taliban continues onslaught in Afghanistan

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:

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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

Taliban said on Wednesday claimed it had captured a key border crossing&nbsp;along the Pakistan frontier with US troops set to pull out&nbsp;completely in a few weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The checkpoint Spin Boldak was reportedly seized by the Taliban, however, the Afghan government said its security forces had repelled the attack.

"The Mujahideen have captured an important border town called Wesh in Kandahar," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

Watch:

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"With this, the important road between (Spin) Boldak and Chaman and Kandahar customs have come under Mujahideen control," it added.

Taliban had earlier captured areas in Herat, Farah and Kunduz provinces as it continues to make major headway in the country as US and NATO forces leave the country.

President Ashraf Ghani travelled to the northern province of Balkh on Tuesday to assess security and meet civilians.&nbsp;

Taliban had&nbsp;earlier taken control of&nbsp;checkpoints along Turkemenstein and Iran border areas&nbsp;including near Tajikistan as several Afghan soldiers poured into the country as the militant group made rapid inroads.

Taliban had earlier declared that it controls 85 per cent of territory in Afghanistan, however, it was&nbsp;dismissed by the government. Meanwhile, Russia's senior Afghanistan official Zamir Kabulov who is President Putin's special representative on Afghanistan asked the Afghan government to open proper negotiations with the Taliban.

A report in the British media said the UK will work with the Taliban if they become part of the government. The report quoted British defence minister Ben Wallace saying that it will review the relationship if they(Taliban) "behave in a way that is seriously against human rights".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban said on Wednesday claimed it had captured a key border crossing along the Pakistan frontier with US troops set to pull out completely in a few weeks. The checkpoint Spin Boldak was reportedly seized by the Taliban, however, the Afghan government said its security forces had repelled the attack.

Taliban said on Wednesday claimed it had captured a key border crossing along the Pakistan frontier with US troops set to pull out completely in a few weeks. The checkpoint Spin Boldak was reportedly seized by the Taliban, however, the Afghan government said its security forces had repelled the attack. "The Mujahideen have captured an important border town called Wesh in Kandahar," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. Watch: "With this, the important road between (Spin) Boldak and Chaman and Kandahar customs have come under Mujahideen control," it added. Taliban had earlier captured areas in Herat, Farah and Kunduz provinces as it continues to make major headway in the country as US and NATO forces leave the country. President Ashraf Ghani travelled to the northern province of Balkh on Tuesday to assess security and meet civilians. Taliban had earlier taken control of checkpoints along Turkemenstein and Iran border areas including near Tajikistan as several Afghan soldiers poured into the country as the militant group made rapid inroads. Taliban had earlier declared that it controls 85 per cent of territory in Afghanistan, however, it was dismissed by the government. Meanwhile, Russia's senior Afghanistan official Zamir Kabulov who is President Putin's special representative on Afghanistan asked the Afghan government to open proper negotiations with the Taliban. A report in the British media said the UK will work with the Taliban if they become part of the government. The report quoted British defence minister Ben Wallace saying that it will review the relationship if they(Taliban) "behave in a way that is seriously against human rights". (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban claim control over key border crossing with Pakistan

As the Taliban makes further inroads, reports say the militant group has surrounded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-attack-on-ghazni-repelled-say-police-397405">Ghazni</a> city in central Afghanistan.

On Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-pullout-an-end-to-us-forever-wars-397481">Afghan</a> authorities had said they had installed anti-missile system at Kabul airport to guard against the Taliban's incoming rocket attack even as Tukey declared it will provide security to&nbsp;Kabul airport once US and NATO troops leave in August.

The Taliban has made rapid headway in the northern areas in the past month as the US troops have pulled out of the country and handed vital installations to Afghan troops.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-forces-repel-taliban-attack-in-takhar-province-397518/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reports say heavy fighting is continuing between Afghan troops and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-pilots-assassinated-by-taliban-as-us-withdraws-397318">Taliban</a> in Kandahar. The Afghan troops had earlier repelled a Taliban attack on Taluqan along the Tajikistan border even as it entered the capital of the western province of Badghis.

Australia's defence minister Peter Dutton said most troops had pulled out of Afghanistan. The country had deployed 39,000 troops as part of US and NATO-led operations in the past 20 years.

Taliban militants had earlier captured two key border crossings in western <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-govt-to-rush-troops-to-border-to-tackle-taliban-397247">Afghanistan </a>as areas along the Iranian border and Chinese border came under the spotlight.

The Taliban said it had seized Islam Qala along the Iran border and Torghundi crossing with Turkmenistan. Clashes were also reported in Kunduz as Afghan soldiers claimed the Taliban had suffered casualties.

Last week the Taliban claimed it controlled 85 per cent of the country. President Joe Biden had said the US troops will completely pull out of the country by August 31, asserting that his administration "will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan."

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the Taliban makes further inroads, reports say the militant group has surrounded Ghazni city in central Afghanistan. On Sunday, Afghan authorities had said they had installed anti-missile system at Kabul airport to guard against the Taliban's incoming rocket attack even as Tukey declared it will provide security to Kabul airport once US and NATO troops leave in August.

As the Taliban makes further inroads, reports say the militant group has surrounded Ghazni city in central Afghanistan. On Sunday, Afghan authorities had said they had installed anti-missile system at Kabul airport to guard against the Taliban's incoming rocket attack even as Tukey declared it will provide security to Kabul airport once US and NATO troops leave in August. The Taliban has made rapid headway in the northern areas in the past month as the US troops have pulled out of the country and handed vital installations to Afghan troops. Watch: Reports say heavy fighting is continuing between Afghan troops and the Taliban in Kandahar. The Afghan troops had earlier repelled a Taliban attack on Taluqan along the Tajikistan border even as it entered the capital of the western province of Badghis. Australia's defence minister Peter Dutton said most troops had pulled out of Afghanistan. The country had deployed 39,000 troops as part of US and NATO-led operations in the past 20 years. Taliban militants had earlier captured two key border crossings in western Afghanistan as areas along the Iranian border and Chinese border came under the spotlight. The Taliban said it had seized Islam Qala along the Iran border and Torghundi crossing with Turkmenistan. Clashes were also reported in Kunduz as Afghan soldiers claimed the Taliban had suffered casualties. Last week the Taliban claimed it controlled 85 per cent of the country. President Joe Biden had said the US troops will completely pull out of the country by August 31, asserting that his administration "will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan." (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban surround Ghazni amid fighting with Afghan troops

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Friday that its forces have captured a key border crossing with Turkmenistan.

"The important Torghundi border port has been fully captured," Zabihullah said even as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-forces-retake-provincial-capital-from-taliban-396727">Afghan</a> government added&nbsp;that its forces are trying to recapture the area.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-retakes-capital-of-northwest-afghan-province-of-badghis-396853/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Taliban has made rapid gains through the northern areas which wasn't their original stronghold as it informed that it now&nbsp;controls over 85 per cent of territory in the country.

"We want all parts of the Afghan society without depending on their size and ethnicity to take part in Afghanistan state-building," Taliban's official spokesman Shahabuddin Delawar said.

"All the ports taken under control by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will continue their operation in the normal regime," Delawar added.

The Taliban said it will not allow the country "to be used by any third party again," while asserting that it will ensure Islamic State will also never "act on the Afghanistan territory.”

Meanwhile, Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: "The Taliban movement in a short time took control of the big part of the border districts. At the moment, they control about two-thirds of the Afghan-Tajik border."

US President Joe Biden&nbsp;had declared on Thursday that American troops will pull out on August 31 from Afghanistan.

President Joe Biden speaking on troop withdrawal said&nbsp;that the Taliban's takeover of the country was not inevitable, adding, "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome."

"There's going to be no circumstance you're going to see people being lifted off the roof of an embassy in the -- of the United States from Afghanistan. It is not at all comparable," the US President said.

Last week the Taliban had overrun several posts close to Tajikistan,&nbsp;China and Pakistan&nbsp;border areas as it captured a key district in western Afghanistan including a major border crossing with Iran.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Friday that its forces have captured a key border crossing with Turkmenistan. "The important Torghundi border port has been fully captured," Zabihullah said even as the Afghan government added that its forces are trying to recapture the area.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Friday that its forces have captured a key border crossing with Turkmenistan. "The important Torghundi border port has been fully captured," Zabihullah said even as the Afghan government added that its forces are trying to recapture the area. Watch: The Taliban has made rapid gains through the northern areas which wasn't their original stronghold as it informed that it now controls over 85 per cent of territory in the country. "We want all parts of the Afghan society without depending on their size and ethnicity to take part in Afghanistan state-building," Taliban's official spokesman Shahabuddin Delawar said. "All the ports taken under control by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will continue their operation in the normal regime," Delawar added. The Taliban said it will not allow the country "to be used by any third party again," while asserting that it will ensure Islamic State will also never "act on the Afghanistan territory.” Meanwhile, Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: "The Taliban movement in a short time took control of the big part of the border districts. At the moment, they control about two-thirds of the Afghan-Tajik border." US President Joe Biden had declared on Thursday that American troops will pull out on August 31 from Afghanistan. President Joe Biden speaking on troop withdrawal said that the Taliban's takeover of the country was not inevitable, adding, "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome." "There's going to be no circumstance you're going to see people being lifted off the roof of an embassy in the -- of the United States from Afghanistan. It is not at all comparable," the US President said. Last week the Taliban had overrun several posts close to Tajikistan, China and Pakistan border areas as it captured a key district in western Afghanistan including a major border crossing with Iran. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban controls two-thirds of Afghan-Tajik border: Russia

Taliban on Wednesday launched an attack on&nbsp;Qala-i-Naw, capital of Badghis, as it continued its&nbsp;assault with&nbsp;US troops leaving&nbsp;Afghanistan.

The militants have been gaining a foothold in the north which wasn't their traditional stronghold amid fierce fighting with Afghan troops.

Reports had earlier said hundreds of Afghan soldiers had fled to neighbouring Tajikistan as President Putin called President Emomali Rakhmonto to assure him of all help as the&nbsp;US declared on Tuesday that 90 per cent of its troops had withdrawn from the country.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-fears-come-true-taliban-targets-indian-project-396327/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As talks failed to make any headway in Doha, Iran said it was ready to help.&nbsp;

The Afghan government delegation&nbsp;met Taliban representatives in Tehran as fighting raged in the country. The Taliban delegation was headed by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai with Younus Qanooni representing the government as Iran's foreign minister Zarif called both sides to commit to political solutions.&nbsp;

On the ground, however, reports said the Taliban have entered Badghis city with some troops reportedly surrendering to the militant group.

Afghanistan's defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi said war is raging as the Taliban launched an attack on Qala-i-Naw. It is the Taliban's first assault on a provincial capital since they started their major offensive as fighting takes place inside the city.

The Taliban already controls the countryside in the western province as Afghan soldiers carry on their battle with most US troops having pulled out of key areas.

Meanwhile, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the situation in &nbsp;Afghanistan could "swiftly deteriorate" with the "hasty exit of American and other NATO troops."

"They were unable to achieve visible results when it comes to stabilizing the situation during the decades they spent there."&nbsp;

Amid the fighting, Tajikistan President Emomali Rakhmon has&nbsp;ordered the mobilization of 20,000 reservists to bolster the country's border with Afghanistan after several hundred Afghan government troops poured into the country after&nbsp;being pushed back by the Taliban.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban on Wednesday launched an attack on Qala-i-Naw, capital of Badghis, as it continued its assault with US troops leaving Afghanistan. The militants have been gaining a foothold in the north which wasn't their traditional stronghold amid fierce fighting with Afghan troops.

Taliban on Wednesday launched an attack on Qala-i-Naw, capital of Badghis, as it continued its assault with US troops leaving Afghanistan. The militants have been gaining a foothold in the north which wasn't their traditional stronghold amid fierce fighting with Afghan troops. Reports had earlier said hundreds of Afghan soldiers had fled to neighbouring Tajikistan as President Putin called President Emomali Rakhmonto to assure him of all help as the US declared on Tuesday that 90 per cent of its troops had withdrawn from the country. Watch: As talks failed to make any headway in Doha, Iran said it was ready to help. The Afghan government delegation met Taliban representatives in Tehran as fighting raged in the country. The Taliban delegation was headed by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai with Younus Qanooni representing the government as Iran's foreign minister Zarif called both sides to commit to political solutions. On the ground, however, reports said the Taliban have entered Badghis city with some troops reportedly surrendering to the militant group. Afghanistan's defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi said war is raging as the Taliban launched an attack on Qala-i-Naw. It is the Taliban's first assault on a provincial capital since they started their major offensive as fighting takes place inside the city. The Taliban already controls the countryside in the western province as Afghan soldiers carry on their battle with most US troops having pulled out of key areas. Meanwhile, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the situation in Afghanistan could "swiftly deteriorate" with the "hasty exit of American and other NATO troops." "They were unable to achieve visible results when it comes to stabilizing the situation during the decades they spent there." Amid the fighting, Tajikistan President Emomali Rakhmon has ordered the mobilization of 20,000 reservists to bolster the country's border with Afghanistan after several hundred Afghan government troops poured into the country after being pushed back by the Taliban. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban launches fresh attack on northwestern Afghan province

Afghanistan remains on tenterhooks as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/putin-dials-tajikistan-president-amid-talibans-rapid-advance-in-afghanistan-396250">Taliban </a>makes rapid gains in the country&nbsp;in a situation&nbsp;reminiscent of the 1990s.&nbsp;

Amid the turmoil, the Indian embassy in Kabul has said that Indian consulates in the southern city of Kandahar and northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif are "open" and "functioning".&nbsp;

The Indian mission in a tweet also pointed out, "We do however&nbsp;continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation particularly around Kandahar &amp; Mazar cities."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Media reports on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> closing its Embassy &amp; Consulates in 🇦🇫are incorrect. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbKabul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbKabul</a>, Consulates in Kandahar &amp; Mazar are open, functioning. We DO HOWEVER continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation particularly around Kandahar &amp; Mazar cities. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a>
— India in Afghanistan (@IndianEmbKabul) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbKabul/status/1412361259006283780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Taliban is making rapid advances in the country as the last of the American troops withdraw after over two&nbsp;decades.&nbsp;Over 1,000 Afghan soldiers have crossed over to Tajikistan as the Taliban made gains in northern Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Afghan envoy to Delhi,&nbsp;Farid Mamundzay had a meeting with India's foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and&nbsp;briefed him on the security situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

During the meeting, Joint Secretary in the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran(PAI) division of the ministry of external affairs JP Singh was also present.

"FS assured our Afghan friends of India's long term commitment towards peace and prosperity in Afghanistan",&nbsp;MEA spokesperson tweeted.

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Foreign Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/harshvshringla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harshvshringla</a> was pleased to welcome Ambassador <a href="https://twitter.com/FMamundzay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FMamundzay</a> of Afghanistan. Ambassador briefed FS on the security situation in Afghanistan. FS assured our Afghan friends of India's long term commitment towards peace and prosperity in Afghanistan. <a href="https://t.co/DqsBbwrTnF">pic.twitter.com/DqsBbwrTnF</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1412381850476052483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India has been involved in a number of infrastructure projects in the country which include the Afghan parliament in Kabul and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat. India being the largest regional donor&nbsp;has also been involved in capacity building projects in the country.

Other countries have also made announcements about their consulates. Russia has already halted operations in its consulate in Mazar- i-Sharif after special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov confirmed it to state agency TASS.

Meanwhile, reports in local media say Iran and Turkey have closed operations in the consulate which is the capital of Balkh province.

Afghanistan remains on tenterhooks as the Taliban makes rapid gains in the country in a situation reminiscent of the 1990s. Amid the turmoil, the Indian embassy in Kabul has said that Indian consulates in the southern city of Kandahar and northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif are "open" and "functioning".

Afghanistan remains on tenterhooks as the Taliban makes rapid gains in the country in a situation reminiscent of the 1990s. Amid the turmoil, the Indian embassy in Kabul has said that Indian consulates in the southern city of Kandahar and northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif are "open" and "functioning". The Indian mission in a tweet also pointed out, "We do however continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation particularly around Kandahar & Mazar cities." Media reports on #India closing its Embassy & Consulates in 🇦🇫are incorrect. @IndianEmbKabul, Consulates in Kandahar & Mazar are open, functioning. We DO HOWEVER continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation particularly around Kandahar & Mazar cities. @MEAIndia — India in Afghanistan (@IndianEmbKabul) July 6, 2021 × Taliban is making rapid advances in the country as the last of the American troops withdraw after over two decades. Over 1,000 Afghan soldiers have crossed over to Tajikistan as the Taliban made gains in northern Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Afghan envoy to Delhi, Farid Mamundzay had a meeting with India's foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and briefed him on the security situation in Afghanistan. During the meeting, Joint Secretary in the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran(PAI) division of the ministry of external affairs JP Singh was also present. "FS assured our Afghan friends of India's long term commitment towards peace and prosperity in Afghanistan", MEA spokesperson tweeted. Foreign Secretary @harshvshringla was pleased to welcome Ambassador @FMamundzay of Afghanistan. Ambassador briefed FS on the security situation in Afghanistan. FS assured our Afghan friends of India's long term commitment towards peace and prosperity in Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/DqsBbwrTnF — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) July 6, 2021 × India has been involved in a number of infrastructure projects in the country which include the Afghan parliament in Kabul and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat. India being the largest regional donor has also been involved in capacity building projects in the country. Other countries have also made announcements about their consulates. Russia has already halted operations in its consulate in Mazar- i-Sharif after special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov confirmed it to state agency TASS. Meanwhile, reports in local media say Iran and Turkey have closed operations in the consulate which is the capital of Balkh province.

Consulates remain open in Kandahar, Mazar, says India as Taliban makes rapid gains in Afghanistan

As<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/history-combatants-facts-and-timeline-us-led-military-intervention-in-afghanistan-396203"> Afghan</a> troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic.

Reports said on Monday that at least 1,000 Afghan government soldiers had crossed over to&nbsp;Tajikistan while losing ground to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/history-combatants-facts-and-timeline-us-led-military-intervention-in-afghanistan-396203">Taliban</a>.

Russia already operates a military base in Tajikistan. On Tuesday, Russian forces fired air-to-surface missiles during a training exercise amid reports of Taliban gaining territories along the area.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-army-plan-counteroffensive-against-taliban-in-northern-provinces-396106/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Russian defence ministry had said two MI-24 attack helicopters and two military transport helicopters had also taken part in the military exercise with unguided missiles launched at ground targets.

Last month the Taliban had seized a vital border crossing along the Tajikistan border as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-forces-plan-counteroffensive-in-northern-provinces-adviser-395959">US troops </a>continued their pullout from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said Russia is prepared to help Tajikistan stabilise the border area "both directly and through a regional security bloc", if needed.

"The situation there is rather tense because according to some sources, up to 70% of the Tajik-Afghan border is now controlled by the Taliban," Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko as saying.

Last week the US forces had handed over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pentagon-seeks-to-soften-blow-of-us-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-396071">Bagram</a> airbase after nearly 20 years to the Afghan forces as they continued their pullout from the region even as the Taliban continued its rapid advance through the north which was not its traditional stronghold.

As Afghan troops flooded into Tajikistan, President Emomali Rakhmon ordered mobilisation of 20,000 reserve troops on Monday&nbsp;to strengthen the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Russia had said on Monday that it was closing its consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif located near the border with Uzbekistan due to security reasons.

TASS news agency quoted Russia's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, saying that "The situation is changing rapidly. The Afghan forces, as they say, have abandoned too many districts. This logically creates nervousness."

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Afghan troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic.

As Afghan troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic. Reports said on Monday that at least 1,000 Afghan government soldiers had crossed over to Tajikistan while losing ground to the Taliban. Russia already operates a military base in Tajikistan. On Tuesday, Russian forces fired air-to-surface missiles during a training exercise amid reports of Taliban gaining territories along the area. Watch: The Russian defence ministry had said two MI-24 attack helicopters and two military transport helicopters had also taken part in the military exercise with unguided missiles launched at ground targets. Last month the Taliban had seized a vital border crossing along the Tajikistan border as US troops continued their pullout from Afghanistan. The Kremlin said Russia is prepared to help Tajikistan stabilise the border area "both directly and through a regional security bloc", if needed. "The situation there is rather tense because according to some sources, up to 70% of the Tajik-Afghan border is now controlled by the Taliban," Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko as saying. Last week the US forces had handed over the Bagram airbase after nearly 20 years to the Afghan forces as they continued their pullout from the region even as the Taliban continued its rapid advance through the north which was not its traditional stronghold. As Afghan troops flooded into Tajikistan, President Emomali Rakhmon ordered mobilisation of 20,000 reserve troops on Monday to strengthen the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Russia had said on Monday that it was closing its consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif located near the border with Uzbekistan due to security reasons. TASS news agency quoted Russia's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, saying that "The situation is changing rapidly. The Afghan forces, as they say, have abandoned too many districts. This logically creates nervousness." (With inputs from Agencies)

Putin dials Tajikistan president amid Taliban's rapid advance in Afghanistan

Days after capturing a border crossing along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-afghanistans-main-border-crossing-with-tajikistan-393160">Tajikistan</a> border, the Taliban made further inroads in northern Afghanistan annexing the&nbsp;town of Shir Khan Bandar which is reportedly a dry border port linked with Tajikistan.

The Taliban had reportedly fired rockets into a hospital in Afghanistan, however, the militant outfit denied responsibility for the attack.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fighting-between-afghan-forces-and-taliban-escalates-393605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As the US pullout in Afghanistan gathers stream, the Pentagon said it was closely monitoring the situation in the country as the Taliban makes territorial gains. According to joint chiefs chairman General Mark Milley, the Taliban now controls 81 of 419 district centres in the country.

The US official said that several districts were captured by the Taliban as the US pullout began.

The Biden administration has vowed to pull out US troops by September 11. US secretary of state Antony Blinken had said last month that the pullout is ahead of schedule.

The Taliban had earlier surrounded Kunduz city which is a key trade route with Tajikistan while taking control of several rural districts.&nbsp;

The government forces have struggled to keep the Taliban at bay as reports said several Afghan security forces had crossed the border to escape the Taliban onslaught along Tajikistan border.

The latest offensive by the Taliban comes as &nbsp;President Ghani is set to meet President Joe Biden in the White House.&nbsp;

The Afghan president had earlier replaced two ministers in order to manage the country's security amid the US pullout as fears grow over Taliban's recent resurgence in rural and border areas.

The Taliban said the border ports under its control will be allowed to operate uninterrupted as it urged Afghan forces to embrace Taliban rule.

The UN special envoy to Afghanistan Deborah Lyons had told the UN Security Council that the Taliban has been positioning itself to try and seize areas once foreign forces withdraw.

The US is set to pull out of Afghanistan after 20 years even as 2,500 troops still remain, however, the US is set to completely withdraw within the timeframe set by the Biden administration.

Other countries including Georgia, New Zealand and Australian troops along with soldiers from NATO countries are also set to withdraw from the country.

Lyons warned that humanitarian emergency along with the COVID-19 crisis could lead to "dire scenarios".

Days after capturing a border crossing along the Tajikistan border, the Taliban made further inroads in northern Afghanistan annexing the town of Shir Khan Bandar which is reportedly a dry border port linked with Tajikistan.

Days after capturing a border crossing along the Tajikistan border, the Taliban made further inroads in northern Afghanistan annexing the town of Shir Khan Bandar which is reportedly a dry border port linked with Tajikistan. The Taliban had reportedly fired rockets into a hospital in Afghanistan, however, the militant outfit denied responsibility for the attack. Watch: As the US pullout in Afghanistan gathers stream, the Pentagon said it was closely monitoring the situation in the country as the Taliban makes territorial gains. According to joint chiefs chairman General Mark Milley, the Taliban now controls 81 of 419 district centres in the country. The US official said that several districts were captured by the Taliban as the US pullout began. The Biden administration has vowed to pull out US troops by September 11. US secretary of state Antony Blinken had said last month that the pullout is ahead of schedule. The Taliban had earlier surrounded Kunduz city which is a key trade route with Tajikistan while taking control of several rural districts. The government forces have struggled to keep the Taliban at bay as reports said several Afghan security forces had crossed the border to escape the Taliban onslaught along Tajikistan border. The latest offensive by the Taliban comes as President Ghani is set to meet President Joe Biden in the White House. The Afghan president had earlier replaced two ministers in order to manage the country's security amid the US pullout as fears grow over Taliban's recent resurgence in rural and border areas. The Taliban said the border ports under its control will be allowed to operate uninterrupted as it urged Afghan forces to embrace Taliban rule. The UN special envoy to Afghanistan Deborah Lyons had told the UN Security Council that the Taliban has been positioning itself to try and seize areas once foreign forces withdraw. The US is set to pull out of Afghanistan after 20 years even as 2,500 troops still remain, however, the US is set to completely withdraw within the timeframe set by the Biden administration. Other countries including Georgia, New Zealand and Australian troops along with soldiers from NATO countries are also set to withdraw from the country. Lyons warned that humanitarian emergency along with the COVID-19 crisis could lead to "dire scenarios".

Taliban makes further inroads in northern Afghanistan, seizes border port with Tajikistan

The Taliban on Saturday has issued a statement saying the group does not recognise the Afghan government as a legitimate system

Taliban says it doesn’t recognise afghan government amid ongoing Peace Talks