Former Pakistani Taliban spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan has said that Pakistani authorities had given him a hit list of people who they would like to be killed in the North-Western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Watch report.

Your Story: Big claims by Ex-Pak Taliban Leader | Ehsanullah Ehsan

Ten insurgents were killed in clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan, officials said Thursday, the first time authorities have confirmed direct fighting since a recent ceasefire expired.

According to defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman, two clashes broke out Wednesday in the eastern province of Ghazni.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-grand-assembly-to-decide-fate-of-taliban-prisoners-on-friday-318105">Afghan grand assembly to decide fate of Taliban prisoners on Friday</a>

Aman told AFP that 10 Taliban insurgents had been killed.&nbsp;

"Their attacks were repelled and they suffered casualties," Aman said.

Waheedullah Jumazada, spokesman for the Ghazni provincial governor, confirmed the two clashes.&nbsp;

In one attack near Ghazni city, Afghan forces called in an air strike when Taliban fighters raided an army base housing about 300 government troops.

The Taliban and government forces agreed a three-day truce to mark the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha which started last Friday.

The truce came ahead of expected peace talks between the Taliban and Kabul aimed at ending the 19-year-old conflict that has ravaged the country. 
&nbsp;

Ten insurgents were killed in clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan, officials said Thursday, the first time authorities have confirmed direct fighting since a recent ceasefire expired.

Ten insurgents were killed in clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan, officials said Thursday, the first time authorities have confirmed direct fighting since a recent ceasefire expired. According to defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman, two clashes broke out Wednesday in the eastern province of Ghazni. Also read | Afghan grand assembly to decide fate of Taliban prisoners on Friday Aman told AFP that 10 Taliban insurgents had been killed. "Their attacks were repelled and they suffered casualties," Aman said. Waheedullah Jumazada, spokesman for the Ghazni provincial governor, confirmed the two clashes. In one attack near Ghazni city, Afghan forces called in an air strike when Taliban fighters raided an army base housing about 300 government troops. The Taliban and government forces agreed a three-day truce to mark the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha which started last Friday. The truce came ahead of expected peace talks between the Taliban and Kabul aimed at ending the 19-year-old conflict that has ravaged the country.

Afghanistan: 10 Taliban terrorists killed as clashes resume post Eid ceasefire

The Taliban on Thursday said they would begin peace talks with the Afghan government after Eid if prisoner swap agreement gets completed.&nbsp;

We are "ready to begin intra-Afghan negotiations immediately after Eid in case the process of the release of the prisoners is completed," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-to-fight-them-again-15-year-old-afghan-girl-who-killed-taliban-terrorists-315451">'Ready to fight them again': 15-year-old Afghan girl who killed Taliban terrorists</a>

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The Islamic Emirate is ready to release all remaining prisoners of the other side before the eve of Eid al-Adha provided they release our prisoners as per our list already delivered to them. Likely, IEA is ready to begin intra-Afghan negotiations immediately after Eid
— Suhail Shaheen (@suhailshaheen1) <a href="https://twitter.com/suhailshaheen1/status/1286307090278092800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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in case the process of the release of the prisoners is completed.
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Suhail added that the terrorist group are ready to release the remaining members of Afghan forces if Kabul freed all the members from their group "as per the list already delivered".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday condemned Afghan forces' aistrikes against Taliban, which killed eight civilians, including children in Herat on Wednesday.

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1/4 The last 24 hours have been very violent in Afghanistan with many losing their lives. 
 
In Herat, photos and eyewitness accounts suggest many civilians including children are among the victims of an Afghan airstrike. We condemn the attack and support an investigation.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1286073851374436352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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3/4 The Afghan people want an immediate start of peace negotiations and a settlement that is in their best interest. More graves will not bring negotiations forward.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1286073854864044034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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4/4 Rather than setting the process back, we urge all sides to contain the violence, protect civilians, and show necessary restraint as the start of intra-Afghan negotiations is so close.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1286073856608935938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"We urge all sides to contain the violence, protect civilians, and show necessary restraint as the start of intra-Afghan negotiations is so close," he further said on Twitter.

The US is withdrawing its troops from the country to honour its commitments of the agreement it signed with the terror group in February.&nbsp;

As per the agreement signed between US and Taliban, the Afghan government will release 5,000 Taliban members and the terror group will free 1,000 Afghan security personnel.&nbsp;

Afghanistan government and Taliban have signalled peace talks on multiple occasions but escalating violence by both the sides have hampered any development.&nbsp;

The Taliban on Thursday said they would begin peace talks with the Afghan government after Eid if prisoner swap agreement gets completed. We are "ready to begin intra-Afghan negotiations immediately after Eid in case the process of the release of the prisoners is completed," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter.

The Taliban on Thursday said they would begin peace talks with the Afghan government after Eid if prisoner swap agreement gets completed. We are "ready to begin intra-Afghan negotiations immediately after Eid in case the process of the release of the prisoners is completed," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter. Also read | 'Ready to fight them again': 15-year-old Afghan girl who killed Taliban terrorists 1/2 The Islamic Emirate is ready to release all remaining prisoners of the other side before the eve of Eid al-Adha provided they release our prisoners as per our list already delivered to them. Likely, IEA is ready to begin intra-Afghan negotiations immediately after Eid — Suhail Shaheen (@suhailshaheen1) July 23, 2020 × 2/2 in case the process of the release of the prisoners is completed. — Suhail Shaheen (@suhailshaheen1) July 23, 2020 × Suhail added that the terrorist group are ready to release the remaining members of Afghan forces if Kabul freed all the members from their group "as per the list already delivered". Meanwhile, US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday condemned Afghan forces' aistrikes against Taliban, which killed eight civilians, including children in Herat on Wednesday. 1/4 The last 24 hours have been very violent in Afghanistan with many losing their lives. In Herat, photos and eyewitness accounts suggest many civilians including children are among the victims of an Afghan airstrike. We condemn the attack and support an investigation. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) July 22, 2020 × 3/4 The Afghan people want an immediate start of peace negotiations and a settlement that is in their best interest. More graves will not bring negotiations forward. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) July 22, 2020 × 4/4 Rather than setting the process back, we urge all sides to contain the violence, protect civilians, and show necessary restraint as the start of intra-Afghan negotiations is so close. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) July 22, 2020 × "We urge all sides to contain the violence, protect civilians, and show necessary restraint as the start of intra-Afghan negotiations is so close," he further said on Twitter. The US is withdrawing its troops from the country to honour its commitments of the agreement it signed with the terror group in February. As per the agreement signed between US and Taliban, the Afghan government will release 5,000 Taliban members and the terror group will free 1,000 Afghan security personnel. Afghanistan government and Taliban have signalled peace talks on multiple occasions but escalating violence by both the sides have hampered any development.

Ready for talks with Afghan government if prisoner swap is completed: Taliban

More than 800 people were killed or wounded in "deliberate attacks" targeting civilians in Afghanistan during the first half of 2020, the UN said Thursday, raising concerns the rising violence was aimed at derailing planned peace talks.

While violence dropped in the run-up to the signing of a deal between the US and the Taliban in February, and immediately after a three-day ceasefire in May, attacks have since been increasing across the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/want-peaceful-democratic-afghanistan-with-rights-for-women-minorities-khalid-noor-310052">Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor</a>

"In the first six months of 2020, preliminary figures indicate more than 800 civilians were killed and injured in deliberate attacks against civilians," the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement.

The mission said the Taliban were responsible for half of those casualties.&nbsp;

The insurgents and Afghan forces have regularly clashed across provinces, but in recent weeks attacks have targeted prosecutors, religious leaders, worshippers, journalists, healthcare and human rights workers.

In May, a brazen daylight assault on a hospital in Kabul saw armed men rampaging through a maternity ward, killing 25 people including 16 mothers.

The Taliban have denied responsibility for this and many other attacks, but acknowledge fighting government forces in the provinces.

The bloodshed comes as the Taliban and Afghan authorities prepare to launch much-delayed peace talks aimed at ending the country's nearly two-decade-old war.

"It's taken enormous work and some brave decisions for Afghans to reach the point of being on the eve of unprecedented intra-Afghan negotiations," UNAMA chief Deborah Lyons said.

"There are spoilers who do not wish to see an end to war. No matter what tactics they employ to de-rail the peace process, they cannot be allowed to succeed."

UNAMA urged the Taliban and Afghan authorities not to target civilians and push on with efforts to de-escalate the conflict ahead of upcoming talks.

Under the US-Taliban deal, the insurgents were originally supposed to begin peace talks with the Kabul government in March. No start date has been announced. 
&nbsp;

More than 800 people were killed or wounded in "deliberate attacks" targeting civilians in Afghanistan during the first half of 2020, the UN said Thursday, raising concerns the rising violence was aimed at derailing planned peace talks.

More than 800 people were killed or wounded in "deliberate attacks" targeting civilians in Afghanistan during the first half of 2020, the UN said Thursday, raising concerns the rising violence was aimed at derailing planned peace talks. While violence dropped in the run-up to the signing of a deal between the US and the Taliban in February, and immediately after a three-day ceasefire in May, attacks have since been increasing across the country. Also read | Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor "In the first six months of 2020, preliminary figures indicate more than 800 civilians were killed and injured in deliberate attacks against civilians," the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement. The mission said the Taliban were responsible for half of those casualties. The insurgents and Afghan forces have regularly clashed across provinces, but in recent weeks attacks have targeted prosecutors, religious leaders, worshippers, journalists, healthcare and human rights workers. In May, a brazen daylight assault on a hospital in Kabul saw armed men rampaging through a maternity ward, killing 25 people including 16 mothers. The Taliban have denied responsibility for this and many other attacks, but acknowledge fighting government forces in the provinces. The bloodshed comes as the Taliban and Afghan authorities prepare to launch much-delayed peace talks aimed at ending the country's nearly two-decade-old war. "It's taken enormous work and some brave decisions for Afghans to reach the point of being on the eve of unprecedented intra-Afghan negotiations," UNAMA chief Deborah Lyons said. "There are spoilers who do not wish to see an end to war. No matter what tactics they employ to de-rail the peace process, they cannot be allowed to succeed." UNAMA urged the Taliban and Afghan authorities not to target civilians and push on with efforts to de-escalate the conflict ahead of upcoming talks. Under the US-Taliban deal, the insurgents were originally supposed to begin peace talks with the Kabul government in March. No start date has been announced.

UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks

Afghan's National Security Council has claimed that Taliban militants have carried out several attacks over the last week in 18 provinces killing 42 civilians and injuring about 105 others.

Taliban killed 42 civilians last week and injured over 100 people

The United Nations (UN) on Sunday lambasted the Taliban and Afghan security forces, blaming them for "deliberately" carrying out attacks on healthcare workers and facilities at a time when the country&nbsp;is struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

"At a time when an urgent humanitarian response was required to protect every life in Afghanistan, both the Taliban and Afghan national security forces carried out deliberate acts of violence that undermined healthcare operations," United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) chief Deborah Lyons said in a statement, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-kidnap-dozens-of-civilians-amid-peace-efforts-officials-say-307535">Afghan Taliban kidnap dozens of civilians amid peace efforts, officials say</a>

The UNAMA said it had registered 12 such incidents of violence between March 11 and May 23 against medical professionals and facilities.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/western-powers-support-afghanistans-decision-to-not-release-taliban-prisoners-307334">Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners</a>

Out of the 12 attacks, the UN agency held the Taliban responsible for eight of these and blamed Afghan forces for three attacks.&nbsp;

Amongst all the attacks, one of the deadliest was the one on a Kabul-based maternity hospital on May 12, which so far remains unclaimed.&nbsp;

As many as 25 people died, including 16 mothers, in the attack on the maternity ward of Dasht e-Barchi hospital in Kabul, according to international charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF).&nbsp;

This report came at a time when Afghanistan is struggling to contain the cases of coronavirus, which has so far infected 28,833 people, including 581 deaths in the country.&nbsp;

"Perpetrating targetted attacks on healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when health resources are already stretched and of critical importance to the civilian population, is particularly reprehensible," Fiona Frazer, UNAMA Chief of Human Rights, said.&nbsp;

The United Nations (UN) on Sunday lambasted the Taliban and Afghan security forces, blaming them for "deliberately" carrying out attacks on healthcare workers and facilities at a time when the country is struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

The United Nations (UN) on Sunday lambasted the Taliban and Afghan security forces, blaming them for "deliberately" carrying out attacks on healthcare workers and facilities at a time when the country is struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic. "At a time when an urgent humanitarian response was required to protect every life in Afghanistan, both the Taliban and Afghan national security forces carried out deliberate acts of violence that undermined healthcare operations," United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) chief Deborah Lyons said in a statement, reported AFP. Also read | Afghan Taliban kidnap dozens of civilians amid peace efforts, officials say The UNAMA said it had registered 12 such incidents of violence between March 11 and May 23 against medical professionals and facilities. Also read | Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners Out of the 12 attacks, the UN agency held the Taliban responsible for eight of these and blamed Afghan forces for three attacks. Amongst all the attacks, one of the deadliest was the one on a Kabul-based maternity hospital on May 12, which so far remains unclaimed. As many as 25 people died, including 16 mothers, in the attack on the maternity ward of Dasht e-Barchi hospital in Kabul, according to international charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF). This report came at a time when Afghanistan is struggling to contain the cases of coronavirus, which has so far infected 28,833 people, including 581 deaths in the country. "Perpetrating targetted attacks on healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when health resources are already stretched and of critical importance to the civilian population, is particularly reprehensible," Fiona Frazer, UNAMA Chief of Human Rights, said.

UN blames Afghan forces, Taliban for 'deliberately' targetting healthcare

In Kabul, the police authorities have finally made headway in the kidnap case of an Aghan Sikh from an eastern region of Pakita. Sources have confirmed to WION news that police forces have arrested 5 people in connection with this case.

WION Dispatch: Minorities in Afghanistan approach India for help

Minorities targetted by Taliban: Sikh volunteer abducted, Police arrests 5 in case

Afghanistan's government will soon complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents, President Ashraf Ghani said Thursday.

Under the terms of a US-Taliban deal signed in February, Kabul has pledged to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners in a swap that would see the insurgents release 1,000 Afghan security force captives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-freed-taliban-prisoners-seek-return-to-battlefield-304988">Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield</a>

Once the swap is done, the two sides have pledged to begin peace talks that could end nearly 19 years of war.

Kabul has already released 3,000 prisoners, with the remainder due to be freed shortly, Ghani said.

"The remaining commitment -- my colleagues and I have made the decision to release an additional 2,000 prisoners within a very short period. We will announce the date soon," Ghani said in a video interview with a Washington think tank.&nbsp;

Ghani, who this year started his second term after a bitterly contested election that was marred with fraud claims, complained that the Taliban had not been transparent about how many Afghan soldiers they still hold.&nbsp;

"The number keeps shifting. We need clarity regarding the fate of those that are with them and assurance that the last person remaining with them is released," Ghani told the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center and the US Institute for Peace.&nbsp;

Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter the prisoner release so far was "a positive step" and marked "good progress".

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US negotiator on Afghanistan, also called the latest developments "very positive" and said that intra-Afghan talks appeared closer than ever.

"All sides must work to get to the negotiations table ASAP and prevent spoilers from undermining the process and betraying the hopes and yearning of Afghan people for peace," he wrote on Twitter.

The Taliban and Afghan security forces observed a three-day ceasefire last month and have generally reduced violence across Afghanistan since then in an attempt to set the stage for peace talks.

Ghani said he would elaborate the next steps in the peace process next week and called for a "humanitarian ceasefire" to provide food and medical assistance during the coronavirus crisis.

"In terms of reduction of violence, there has been (one) but the casualty figures still average around 60-70 a day. The number of fatalities unfortunately are averaging 30," he said.

Ghani did not say if the casualties were civilians, fighters or a combination.

Ghani said women would form an important part of eventual peace negotiating teams.

Under the US-Taliban deal, American and foreign forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan over the coming months.

Afghanistan's government will soon complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents, President Ashraf Ghani said Thursday.

Afghanistan's government will soon complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents, President Ashraf Ghani said Thursday. Under the terms of a US-Taliban deal signed in February, Kabul has pledged to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners in a swap that would see the insurgents release 1,000 Afghan security force captives. Also read | Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield Once the swap is done, the two sides have pledged to begin peace talks that could end nearly 19 years of war. Kabul has already released 3,000 prisoners, with the remainder due to be freed shortly, Ghani said. "The remaining commitment -- my colleagues and I have made the decision to release an additional 2,000 prisoners within a very short period. We will announce the date soon," Ghani said in a video interview with a Washington think tank. Ghani, who this year started his second term after a bitterly contested election that was marred with fraud claims, complained that the Taliban had not been transparent about how many Afghan soldiers they still hold. "The number keeps shifting. We need clarity regarding the fate of those that are with them and assurance that the last person remaining with them is released," Ghani told the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center and the US Institute for Peace. Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter the prisoner release so far was "a positive step" and marked "good progress". Zalmay Khalilzad, the US negotiator on Afghanistan, also called the latest developments "very positive" and said that intra-Afghan talks appeared closer than ever. "All sides must work to get to the negotiations table ASAP and prevent spoilers from undermining the process and betraying the hopes and yearning of Afghan people for peace," he wrote on Twitter. The Taliban and Afghan security forces observed a three-day ceasefire last month and have generally reduced violence across Afghanistan since then in an attempt to set the stage for peace talks. Ghani said he would elaborate the next steps in the peace process next week and called for a "humanitarian ceasefire" to provide food and medical assistance during the coronavirus crisis. "In terms of reduction of violence, there has been (one) but the casualty figures still average around 60-70 a day. The number of fatalities unfortunately are averaging 30," he said. Ghani did not say if the casualties were civilians, fighters or a combination. Ghani said women would form an important part of eventual peace negotiating teams. Under the US-Taliban deal, American and foreign forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan over the coming months.

Afghan President says Taliban prisoner release to be completed soon

Afghan authorities are opening prison doors for thousands of Taliban inmates in a high-risk gambit to ensure the insurgent group begins peace talks with Kabul.

Security concerns are mounting as several of the newly liberated fighters say they are ready to resume their holy war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-struggles-to-control-coronavirus-spread-despite-earlier-boast-303204">Afghanistan: Taliban struggles to control coronavirus spread despite earlier boast</a>

"If the Americans do not pull out, we will continue our jihad, because they have killed many Afghans in their operations," said Mohamed Daud, who was freed from Bagram jail north of Kabul last month.

"We do not want foreign forces in our country anymore," he told AFP, dressed in a traditional shalwar kameez, before taking a taxi back to his village with a cash handout from authorities worth $65.

US forces arrested Daud, 28, in the northwest province of Faryab nine years ago.

Afghan authorities accelerated the planned release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, including Daud, as a "goodwill gesture" after the insurgents called a three-day ceasefire to mark the Eid holiday.

A security official said those flagged by the Taliban for release include aspiring suicide bombers, suicide vest makers, kidnappers and even foreign fighters.

The move is part of a larger prisoner swap agreed as a precursor to the start of peace talks.

Before their release, inmates were required to sign a pledge that they would not pick up arms again. It is increasingly clear such commitments mean little.

A Taliban commander in Pakistan told AFP there should be "no ambiguity" that the released men will eventually be deployed to Afghanistan's front lines.

"It's an ongoing jihad, and will continue until and unless we reach some sort of agreement with the Kabul government," he said.

A Taliban spokesman who represents insurgent fighting forces did not respond to a request for comment, but the group's political spokesman Suhail Shaheen rejected claims prisoners would rejoin the fight, saying the Taliban had enough "active and reserve forces".

"We do not need any manpower in the battlefield, because we are entering the intra-Afghan negotiations," Shaheen told AFP.

Win-win situation?&nbsp;

Several freed insurgents say they remain angry at US troops, but under a US-Taliban deal signed in February, the insurgents committed to stop attacking American and foreign forces as they withdraw from the country by next year.

The immediate enemy is instead the struggling Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF), with whom no such pledge has been made.

A key concession Washington extracted from the Taliban during negotiations was the requirement to begin peace talks with Kabul.

In return, the Afghan government must release 5,000 insurgent inmates while the Taliban pledged to free 1,000 security force prisoners.

Since the swap started, Afghan authorities have freed 3,000 Taliban inmates while the insurgents have released more than 750 government prisoners, officials said.

It could represent a boost of up to 10 percent for the Taliban, with estimates on the number of insurgents ranging between 50,000 and 100,000.

Afghan security officials said the US did not consult them before Washington and the Taliban finalised the prisoner swap.

More than the fighters, "those that worry us are the brains", a senior security official said, adding that one of the freed Taliban inmates had already joined the insurgents' military squad while another had committed a murder.

The Taliban heralded the US deal as proof they had defeated America in its longest war, and the bluster has only grown in recent months.

"Politics and negotiations should not be taken to mean that we will neglect jihadi affairs and the strengthening and development of our jihadi military force," Taliban deputy leader Sirajuddin Haqqani said in a recent broadcast.

The Taliban now find themselves in a win-win situation -- even if peace talks with Kabul fail.

With its key donor calling the shots, the Afghan government had no choice but to yield to Washington's demand to proceed with the exchange.

Still, some observers hold out hope for successful peace talks that would bring an end to Afghanistan's 19-year-old war.

"These talks hold a better hope for a lasting ceasefire than any other current approach," said Andrew Watkins, an analyst with International Crisis Group.

"Swift initiation of talks is the best way to eliminate that threat."

No start date has been set for the talks.

Afghan authorities are opening prison doors for thousands of Taliban inmates in a high-risk gambit to ensure the insurgent group begins peace talks with Kabul. Security concerns are mounting as several of the newly liberated fighters say they are ready to resume their holy war.

Afghan authorities are opening prison doors for thousands of Taliban inmates in a high-risk gambit to ensure the insurgent group begins peace talks with Kabul. Security concerns are mounting as several of the newly liberated fighters say they are ready to resume their holy war. Also read | Afghanistan: Taliban struggles to control coronavirus spread despite earlier boast "If the Americans do not pull out, we will continue our jihad, because they have killed many Afghans in their operations," said Mohamed Daud, who was freed from Bagram jail north of Kabul last month. "We do not want foreign forces in our country anymore," he told AFP, dressed in a traditional shalwar kameez, before taking a taxi back to his village with a cash handout from authorities worth $65. US forces arrested Daud, 28, in the northwest province of Faryab nine years ago. Afghan authorities accelerated the planned release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, including Daud, as a "goodwill gesture" after the insurgents called a three-day ceasefire to mark the Eid holiday. A security official said those flagged by the Taliban for release include aspiring suicide bombers, suicide vest makers, kidnappers and even foreign fighters. The move is part of a larger prisoner swap agreed as a precursor to the start of peace talks. Before their release, inmates were required to sign a pledge that they would not pick up arms again. It is increasingly clear such commitments mean little. A Taliban commander in Pakistan told AFP there should be "no ambiguity" that the released men will eventually be deployed to Afghanistan's front lines. "It's an ongoing jihad, and will continue until and unless we reach some sort of agreement with the Kabul government," he said. A Taliban spokesman who represents insurgent fighting forces did not respond to a request for comment, but the group's political spokesman Suhail Shaheen rejected claims prisoners would rejoin the fight, saying the Taliban had enough "active and reserve forces". "We do not need any manpower in the battlefield, because we are entering the intra-Afghan negotiations," Shaheen told AFP. Win-win situation? Several freed insurgents say they remain angry at US troops, but under a US-Taliban deal signed in February, the insurgents committed to stop attacking American and foreign forces as they withdraw from the country by next year. The immediate enemy is instead the struggling Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF), with whom no such pledge has been made. A key concession Washington extracted from the Taliban during negotiations was the requirement to begin peace talks with Kabul. In return, the Afghan government must release 5,000 insurgent inmates while the Taliban pledged to free 1,000 security force prisoners. Since the swap started, Afghan authorities have freed 3,000 Taliban inmates while the insurgents have released more than 750 government prisoners, officials said. It could represent a boost of up to 10 percent for the Taliban, with estimates on the number of insurgents ranging between 50,000 and 100,000. Afghan security officials said the US did not consult them before Washington and the Taliban finalised the prisoner swap. More than the fighters, "those that worry us are the brains", a senior security official said, adding that one of the freed Taliban inmates had already joined the insurgents' military squad while another had committed a murder. The Taliban heralded the US deal as proof they had defeated America in its longest war, and the bluster has only grown in recent months. "Politics and negotiations should not be taken to mean that we will neglect jihadi affairs and the strengthening and development of our jihadi military force," Taliban deputy leader Sirajuddin Haqqani said in a recent broadcast. The Taliban now find themselves in a win-win situation -- even if peace talks with Kabul fail. With its key donor calling the shots, the Afghan government had no choice but to yield to Washington's demand to proceed with the exchange. Still, some observers hold out hope for successful peace talks that would bring an end to Afghanistan's 19-year-old war. "These talks hold a better hope for a lasting ceasefire than any other current approach," said Andrew Watkins, an analyst with International Crisis Group. "Swift initiation of talks is the best way to eliminate that threat." No start date has been set for the talks.

Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield

Extremist group Taliban and Afghan government have announced a three-day Eid ceasefire starting from May 24 to mark the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramzan

Taliban announces 3-day ceasefire in Afghanistan on occasion of Eid

Taliban has killed nearly two dozen people from Afghan police and pro-government fighters in two attacks, officials said on Monday.

The two attacks late on Sunday came at a time when Taliban and government are preparing for the peace talks.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the insurgent group killed at least six soldiers and 13 police and government-backed militiamen at several outposts near a police headquarters building in northeastern Takhar province, provincial police spokesman Khalil Assir, said reported AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-says-no-to-afghan-negotiators-289164">Taliban says no to Afghan negotiators</a>

A wedding party was underway at the building and "the police bravely defended and prevented the Taliban from entering the celebration," Assir said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-selects-negotiators-for-talks-with-taliban-288863">Afghan government selects negotiators for talks with Taliban</a>

However, Mohammad Azam Afzali, a member of Takhar's provincial council, claimed that 17 security personnel and government-backed militiamen were killed in the fighting that carried on for at least seven hours.

In another attack yesterday, Taliban killed at least six soldiers at an army outpost in southern Zabul province, the defence ministry said, in a statement.&nbsp;

Four people were also injured when a sticky bomb tied to a small truck went off in Kabul city on Monday morning, the Interior ministry said.&nbsp;

Following the US-Taliban deal, the talks between the insurgent group and Afghan government have been stalled over prisoner exchange and Taliban complaining about Afghanistan administration's negotiating team. &nbsp;

The talks between both sides were due to begin in Oslo on March 10, but no update has been shared yet.&nbsp; 
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Taliban has killed nearly two dozen people from Afghan police and pro-government fighters in two attacks, officials said on Monday. The two attacks late on Sunday came at a time when Taliban and government are preparing for the peace talks.

Taliban has killed nearly two dozen people from Afghan police and pro-government fighters in two attacks, officials said on Monday. The two attacks late on Sunday came at a time when Taliban and government are preparing for the peace talks. On Sunday, the insurgent group killed at least six soldiers and 13 police and government-backed militiamen at several outposts near a police headquarters building in northeastern Takhar province, provincial police spokesman Khalil Assir, said reported AFP. Also read | Taliban says no to Afghan negotiators A wedding party was underway at the building and "the police bravely defended and prevented the Taliban from entering the celebration," Assir said. Also read | Afghan government selects negotiators for talks with Taliban However, Mohammad Azam Afzali, a member of Takhar's provincial council, claimed that 17 security personnel and government-backed militiamen were killed in the fighting that carried on for at least seven hours. In another attack yesterday, Taliban killed at least six soldiers at an army outpost in southern Zabul province, the defence ministry said, in a statement. Four people were also injured when a sticky bomb tied to a small truck went off in Kabul city on Monday morning, the Interior ministry said. Following the US-Taliban deal, the talks between the insurgent group and Afghan government have been stalled over prisoner exchange and Taliban complaining about Afghanistan administration's negotiating team. The talks between both sides were due to begin in Oslo on March 10, but no update has been shared yet.

Nearly 25 from Afghan forces, pro-govt groups killed in Taliban attacks

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has signed a decree to release 1,500 Taliban prisoners in order to begin intra-Afghan peace talks with the militant group that could see the end of the nearly two-decade war in the Middle Eastern country.

WION Dispatch: Ashraf Ghani agrees to release 5000 prisoners not 1500

Ashraf Ghani agrees to Taliban prisoners release

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday publicly contradicted the U.S. on a landmark deal between United States and Taliban forces, repudiating a provision that would release 5,000 Taliban prisoners.

Afghan president rejects Taliban's demand for prisoner release

The much-hyped deal between the United States and the Taliban seems to be hitting roadblock after roadblock. President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani is against freeing thousands of Taliban prisoners ahead of power-sharing talks next week. Ghani has publicly disagreed with a time table for a speedy prisoner release. watch report:

US-Taliban peace deal hits first roadblock, Afghan Prez won't free Taliban prisoners

The Taliban said Monday they were resuming offensive operations against Afghan security forces, ending the partial truce that preceded the signing of a deal between the insurgents and Washington.

Taliban resumes ops against Afghanistan

In November 2018 Indian representatives were at the Afgan peace conference. The Indian government had sent two retired diplomats the former envoy to Kabul.

WION Fineprint: Will the Taliban enter into politics?

The US-Taliban peace deal is expected to be signed on February 29 in Doha. Both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Pakistani PM Imran Khan is already in Qatar ahead of the deal. Watch ground report:

India To Witness US-Taliban Peace Deal

The US-Taliban peace deal is expected to be signed on February 29 in Doha. Both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Whatever is happening in Doha will have a significant impact in Kabul, Islamabad and New Delhi. Watch report:

What role will India and Pakistan play in US-Afghan peace talks

The US Taliban peace deal will be signed in Doha tomorrow and both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Watch WION ground report from Doha:

US-Taliban peace talks on Feb 29, India and Pakistan invited

India invited to witness US-Taliban peace deal in Doha

The Pakistani Taliban on Thursday confirmed the killing of one of their top leaders in a remote-controlled blast in northeast Afghanistan. Shehryar Mehsud, leader of the Hakimullah Mehsud group of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a consortium of various militant outfits in Pakistan, was killed by a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) in Kunar province on February 12.

Pakistan Taliban leader killed in Afghanistan

At least 10 Afghan soldiers were killed in a Taliban attack on a military base in the southern province of Helmand on Saturday, officials said.&nbsp;

"There were 18 soldiers in the base at the time of the attack providing security for the people of Sangin. Four soldiers were wounded and four repelled the Taliban attack bravely," &nbsp;Nawab Zadran a spokesman for 215 Maiwand Army Corps in southern Afghanistan said.&nbsp;

The Taliban dug a tunnel into the military base in Sangin district and then blew it up before their fighters could attack the compound, Zadran said.&nbsp;

Provincial spokesman Omar Zawak confirmed the attack.&nbsp;

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the blast.&nbsp;

This was another attack by the Taliban amid its peace talks with the US to end violence in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, seven Afghan soldiers were killed in a Taliban attack on a base in Balkh.

Earlier in winters, a slowdown in attacks is observed as Taliban fighters return to their villages and snow and ice make it difficult to carry out the attacks. But in recent years, the fighting continues in all seasons.&nbsp; 
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At least 10 Afghan soldiers were killed in a Taliban attack on a military base in the southern province of Helmand on Saturday, officials said. "There were 18 soldiers in the base at the time of the attack providing security for the people of Sangin.

At least 10 Afghan soldiers were killed in a Taliban attack on a military base in the southern province of Helmand on Saturday, officials said. "There were 18 soldiers in the base at the time of the attack providing security for the people of Sangin. Four soldiers were wounded and four repelled the Taliban attack bravely," Nawab Zadran a spokesman for 215 Maiwand Army Corps in southern Afghanistan said. The Taliban dug a tunnel into the military base in Sangin district and then blew it up before their fighters could attack the compound, Zadran said. Provincial spokesman Omar Zawak confirmed the attack. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the blast. This was another attack by the Taliban amid its peace talks with the US to end violence in Afghanistan. On Tuesday, seven Afghan soldiers were killed in a Taliban attack on a base in Balkh. Earlier in winters, a slowdown in attacks is observed as Taliban fighters return to their villages and snow and ice make it difficult to carry out the attacks. But in recent years, the fighting continues in all seasons.

10 Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban attack

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