A report suggests that Indian journalist Danish Siddiqui was not caught in a crossfire in Afghanistan, he was hunted and murdered by the Taliban. The terror group has also killed a popular Afghan comic and is holding many civilians captive. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas | Report: Journalist Danish Siddiqui was murdered by the Taliban

As Taliban insurgents make gains in Afghanistan and security forces struggle to contain them, an international human rights monitor accused the Taliban insurgency there, of executing suspected government officials and security personnel, and sometimes even their family members.

US-based Human Rights Watch&nbsp;(HRW) condemned the Taliban's retaliatory actions in a statement, noting that the group had pledged they would not harm Afghan government employees or those assisting the&nbsp;United States and NATO troops.

The insurgent group has denied the allegations. 
 
HRW reports that among recent executions was one committed by the Taliban in southern Kandahar province earlier this month,&nbsp;Nazar Mohammad a.k.a Khasha Zwan a&nbsp;popular Kandahari comedian.&nbsp;

According to reports, the slain man who worked with the Afghan police had posted routines on TikTok that included songs and jokes.&nbsp;He was beaten and shot to death by Taliban fighters on July 22, 2021.

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Khasha Zwan was apparently executed by Taliban forces because he made fun of Taliban leaders, said Human Rights Watch's, Patrica Gossman.

Gossman alleged that his murder, along with other recent abuses, demonstrates the Taliban's willingness to brutally crush even the mildest of criticism or objection.

The Taliban didn't admit to killing Khasha Zwan until a video appeared online showing two men slapping and abusing him.

After a video of two&nbsp;insurgents&nbsp;physically abusing the detained comedian went viral on social media, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid acknowledged the incident was the work of insurgent fighters.

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Mujahid said the men responsible for killing Zwan have been arrested and will be tried, given that they were obligated to bring the comedian to a Taliban court rather than kill him. 
 
As well as holding scores of government and police associates in Kandahar, insurgent commanders are also accused of detaining a number of civilians. 
 
Taliban forces cannot use brute force against their critics as they advance, says Gossman adding that while the Taliban leadership often denies the abuses, it is their fighters behind these attacks, so it is their responsibility to stop the slaughter. 
 
US government also condemned the death of the comic.

Ross Wilson, acting US ambassador in Kabul, tweeted&nbsp;“Nazar Mohammad 'Khasha'&nbsp;was a beloved comedian, bringing laughter &amp; joy to his community even in dark times. The Taliban kidnapped &amp; lynched him, then gleefully published video evidence on Twitter. We condemn these sickening actions &amp; the Taliban leadership should too.”

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Nazar "Khasha" Mohammad was a beloved comedian, bringing laughter &amp; joy to his community even in dark times. The Taliban kidnapped &amp; lynched him, then gleefully published video evidence on Twitter. We condemn these sickening actions &amp; the Taliban leadership should too. <a href="https://t.co/hXROjj83eC">https://t.co/hXROjj83eC</a>
— Chargé d’Affaires Ross Wilson (@USAmbKabul) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbKabul/status/1420394331865747463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Afghanistan saw its latest wave of Taliban attacks in early May after the US&nbsp;and NATO began formally withdrawing the last of their remaining troops. 
 
Under President Joe Biden's orders, the process&nbsp;is scheduled to be completed by August 31.

Washington signed a deal with the Taliban in February 2020 that called for the insurgents to reduce violence and to negotiate a peace treaty with the Afghan government in return for the military withdrawal. 
 
Peace talks between the warring sides were supposed to begin in September in Qatar, however, the US-backed process to resolve the Afghan dispute has largely stalled and violence has escalated.

According to a United Nations report, civilian casualties in Afghanistan increased by 47 per cent in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period last year. 
 
The report warns that unless the warring parties negotiate urgently a peace deal in the next few months, Afghanistan could experience its highest-ever number of civilian casualties.

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While on a visit to India on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed his concern over the&nbsp;“deeply troubling”&nbsp;reports of increased attacks against Afghan civilians.

He called on the warring parties to proactively negotiate a peace settlement, "An Afghanistan that does not respect the rights of its people, an Afghanistan that commits atrocities against its own people would become a pariah state,".

(With inputs from agencies)

As Taliban insurgents make gains in Afghanistan and security forces struggle to contain them, an international human rights monitor accused the Taliban insurgency there, of executing suspected government officials and security personnel, and sometimes even their family members.

As Taliban insurgents make gains in Afghanistan and security forces struggle to contain them, an international human rights monitor accused the Taliban insurgency there, of executing suspected government officials and security personnel, and sometimes even their family members. US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the Taliban's retaliatory actions in a statement, noting that the group had pledged they would not harm Afghan government employees or those assisting the United States and NATO troops. The insurgent group has denied the allegations. HRW reports that among recent executions was one committed by the Taliban in southern Kandahar province earlier this month, Nazar Mohammad a.k.a Khasha Zwan a popular Kandahari comedian. According to reports, the slain man who worked with the Afghan police had posted routines on TikTok that included songs and jokes. He was beaten and shot to death by Taliban fighters on July 22, 2021. Khasha Zwan was apparently executed by Taliban forces because he made fun of Taliban leaders, said Human Rights Watch's, Patrica Gossman. Gossman alleged that his murder, along with other recent abuses, demonstrates the Taliban's willingness to brutally crush even the mildest of criticism or objection. The Taliban didn't admit to killing Khasha Zwan until a video appeared online showing two men slapping and abusing him. After a video of two insurgents physically abusing the detained comedian went viral on social media, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid acknowledged the incident was the work of insurgent fighters. Mujahid said the men responsible for killing Zwan have been arrested and will be tried, given that they were obligated to bring the comedian to a Taliban court rather than kill him. As well as holding scores of government and police associates in Kandahar, insurgent commanders are also accused of detaining a number of civilians. Taliban forces cannot use brute force against their critics as they advance, says Gossman adding that while the Taliban leadership often denies the abuses, it is their fighters behind these attacks, so it is their responsibility to stop the slaughter. US government also condemned the death of the comic. Ross Wilson, acting US ambassador in Kabul, tweeted “Nazar Mohammad 'Khasha' was a beloved comedian, bringing laughter & joy to his community even in dark times. The Taliban kidnapped & lynched him, then gleefully published video evidence on Twitter. We condemn these sickening actions & the Taliban leadership should too.” Nazar "Khasha" Mohammad was a beloved comedian, bringing laughter & joy to his community even in dark times. The Taliban kidnapped & lynched him, then gleefully published video evidence on Twitter. We condemn these sickening actions & the Taliban leadership should too. https://t.co/hXROjj83eC — Chargé d’Affaires Ross Wilson (@USAmbKabul) July 28, 2021 × Afghanistan saw its latest wave of Taliban attacks in early May after the US and NATO began formally withdrawing the last of their remaining troops. Under President Joe Biden's orders, the process is scheduled to be completed by August 31. Washington signed a deal with the Taliban in February 2020 that called for the insurgents to reduce violence and to negotiate a peace treaty with the Afghan government in return for the military withdrawal. Peace talks between the warring sides were supposed to begin in September in Qatar, however, the US-backed process to resolve the Afghan dispute has largely stalled and violence has escalated. According to a United Nations report, civilian casualties in Afghanistan increased by 47 per cent in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period last year. The report warns that unless the warring parties negotiate urgently a peace deal in the next few months, Afghanistan could experience its highest-ever number of civilian casualties. While on a visit to India on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed his concern over the “deeply troubling” reports of increased attacks against Afghan civilians. He called on the warring parties to proactively negotiate a peace settlement, "An Afghanistan that does not respect the rights of its people, an Afghanistan that commits atrocities against its own people would become a pariah state,". (With inputs from agencies)

Human Rights Watch dismayed by mounting Taliban revenge killings

Since the Taliban's offensive has begun, the world has focused on the violence and casualties. But, the streets of Kabul are bustling, businesses are open & people are out and about. Palki Sharma tells you how a resilient Kabul is pushing back against the Taliban.

Gravitas | Exclusive: A Bustling Kabul pushes back against Taliban

As the Taliban captures more and more territory in Afghanistan, WION goes behind the headlines. What is life like in the country right now and what do the security forces think about the latest Taliban advances? Join WION's Anas Mallick as he travels across the country to report from the heart of the conflict.

WION in Afghanistan: Taliban continues to make rapid advances

Afghanistan is witnessing violence like never before. The Taliban is making bold territorial gains compromising Afghans' faith in their government. Recently, the terror group admitted to the cold-blooded murder of Afghanistan's most popular comedian. All peace negotiations have failed to achieve any goal. WION tells you what impact the situation in Afghanistan is having on its people.

Afghan women fear they will lose hard won rights after Taliban's return

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

Taliban claims to control 90% of Afghanistan's borders

Delegations from the Afghan government and the Taliban said that they will meet again and plan to expedite peace negotiations after two days of inconclusive talks in Doha.

Afghanistan leaders, Taliban to meet again after inconclusive Doha talks

Government officials in a western Afghan province said that they had negotiated "an indefinite ceasefire" with the Taliban to prevent further attacks on the capital of the province. A spokesman for the Taliban however denied any ceasefire agreement and said that they have left the city to avoid civilian casualties.

Officials, Taliban strike ceasefire deal in western Afghan province

Afghanistan's Defence Ministry has said that airstrikes in the Badakhshan province have killed at least 20 Taliban insurgence. This comes as the Taliban has been gaining ground across the country, taking control of numerous districts and border crossings.

Afghan defence: 20 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrikes in Badakhshan province

Senior Afghan leaders will be arriving in Doha for talks with the Taliban on Friday (16 June) as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations. The renewed push to reach a peace deal comes as the United States winds down its military presence in Afghanistan.

Senior Afghan leaders to meet in Doha for talks with Taliban

Afghanistan's Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay speaks to WION's Molly Gambhir on the Afghan security situation and India's role in the peace process.

'Very problematic and difficult time for Afghanistan', says Farid Mamundzay

First Vice President of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh has said that the Taliban are guided by special units of the Pakistani army. Saleh wrote on his Facebook page that from the organisational point of view, the Taliban are divided into three sections, the first of which is guided by Pakistan's special anti-terrorist cells.

Taliban are guided by Pakistan says Afghanistan's first Vice President Amrullah Saleh

Taliban fighters have executed 22 Afghan commandos in the town of Dawlat Abad in Faryab province as they surrendered after some clashes. Several videos have surfaced of the incident.

Taliban fighters execute 22 unarmed Afghan soldiers who surrendered

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has visited the Balkh province in the north to access the ongoing situation. Ghani said that the security situation across the country will improve significantly in the next three months.

Afghanistan President Ghani visits Balkh province to access situation

Amid the worry over the Taliban making territorial gains in Afghanistan, afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay has said, attacks came as a surprise, and the group is not giving "peace a chance". speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Farid said, "we will see more difficult days as things stand today. We don't see the reduction of violence on part of the Taliban." Here is this exclusive conversation.

Exclusive: Afghan envoy to India Farid Mamundzay says Taliban continues to unleash violence

The Taliban says it briefly took control of Qala-e-Naw in Badghis, the province is crucial as it borders Turkmenistan. They have even taken control over central prisons setting all the inmates free.

Taliban retakes capital of northwest Afghan province of Badghis

Government forces plan a counteroffensive in Afghanistan's northern provinces after losing ground to the Taliban. The Taliban now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centers in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan army plan counteroffensive against Taliban in northern provinces

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Afghan army vows to safeguard major cities, border towns & highways

The Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan.

Taliban captures several districts in Afghanistan, forces flee to Tajikistan

Taliban captures key districts in Afghanistan, 300 military troops flee to Tajikistan

On a good day, it takes Mohammad less than three hours to drive from Ghazni to Kabul. But preparations for the hair-raising journey through Taliban-infested areas can take weeks.

Road trips are a dangerous, and often deadly, activity in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Travellers run the gauntlet of Taliban checkpoints, fighting, robberies, kidnappings, and pressure-plate bombs targeting government officials and security forces.&nbsp;

The stretch of Highway 1 between the Afghan capital and the southeastern city of Ghazni -- which the Taliban stormed in August and still threaten -- is one of the most treacherous.&nbsp;

Spontaneous trips are out of the question, said Mohammad, who is in his 20s and a regular visitor to Kabul.

Mohammad, not his real name, asked AFP to use a pseudonym to avoid being identified by the Taliban.&nbsp;

He begins preparing for the journey at least two weeks before his planned departure, starting with growing out his beard, which he normally keeps short, to create a scruffier appearance.

He then starts working his contacts, calling trusted relatives and neighbours who ply the busy route for information about Taliban activity along the main artery connecting Kabul to the insurgent strongholds in the south.

"You have to be careful who you call because you could be sold out to the Taliban" by someone working for the militant group, he told AFP.&nbsp;

'Many reasons to worry'

On the day of his departure, Mohammad swaps his clean, well-ironed clothes for a dirty pyjama-like shalwar kameez to make himself look more like a villager and clears the call history on his mobile in case a phone number raises suspicion.

"You can't just jump into a car and come (to Kabul), not if you want to be on the safe side," he said.

Mohammad's most recent trip to Kabul was delayed for three days after he received warnings of Taliban disguised as Afghan soldiers manning checkpoints along the road.&nbsp;

The first thing Taliban militants check is a person's tazkira, or national identification document.&nbsp;

"If the tazkira is from Ghazni then you may be fine. If not, they might think that you are a member of the security forces from another province coming to Ghazni to fight," Mohammad said.&nbsp;

After registering to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election -- which the Taliban had vowed to attack and which was finally cancelled in Ghazni due to protests -- Mohammad carries a second tazkira that does not have a sticker identifying him as a voter.&nbsp;

"There are many reasons to be worried and anxious," Mohammad explained.

"Even if they don't kill you, they may keep you as a hostage and ask for a ransom. If they kept me for one night, my mother would not survive."&nbsp;

A one-way trip between Kabul and Ghazni costs Mohammad 250 afghanis (around $3) in a Toyota Corolla taxi, a ubiquitous model in Afghanistan that is often used as public transport. He tries to travel with drivers he knows.

He avoids travelling on Mondays and Wednesdays. Those are the days the Afghan army delivers supplies to its troops in the provinces and attacks along the highway are more likely, Mohammad said.

Thursday, the last day of the Afghan working week, is also a bad day to venture out of the city. Militants lie in wait for government employees as they leave Ghazni for the weekend.&nbsp;

Fear of death

Whenever possible, Mohammad said he travels with women wearing burqas, but not because he prefers their company.&nbsp;

In the deeply conservative society where physical contact between men and women in public is prohibited, female passengers can hide mobile phones and other sensitive items under their head-to-toe coverings without fear of the Taliban searching them.&nbsp;

Once on the open road, Mohammad remains vigilant.

He listens carefully to the phone conversations of the driver and other occupants for signs they are planning to give him, or someone else in the vehicle, up to the Taliban.

"Taliban spies use codes like 'I have brought the rooster that you asked for' or 'we found the yoghurt that you asked for'," he said.&nbsp;

An oncoming vehicle with lights blinking, a line of cars stopped on the highway, or no traffic at all are warning signs that something has happened up ahead. &nbsp;

"Fighting and ambushes are common. You have to accept that you might face it," Mohammad said.&nbsp;

Despite the risks, Kabul's alluring cafes and shopping malls make the nail-biting trip worthwhile, Mohammad said.

Even a few days in the heavily militarised and overcrowded city is "refreshing" and a relief from Ghazni, where he feels his "heart can burst from boredom".

But Mohammad does what he can to stay safe on his journey, even paying a few cents to a street beggar as he leaves the city in the hope the good deed will protect him.

"I still fear death," he said. "But I try to stay calm."

On a good day, it takes Mohammad less than three hours to drive from Ghazni to Kabul. But preparations for the hair-raising journey through Taliban-infested areas can take weeks.

On a good day, it takes Mohammad less than three hours to drive from Ghazni to Kabul. But preparations for the hair-raising journey through Taliban-infested areas can take weeks. Road trips are a dangerous, and often deadly, activity in Afghanistan. Travellers run the gauntlet of Taliban checkpoints, fighting, robberies, kidnappings, and pressure-plate bombs targeting government officials and security forces. The stretch of Highway 1 between the Afghan capital and the southeastern city of Ghazni -- which the Taliban stormed in August and still threaten -- is one of the most treacherous. Spontaneous trips are out of the question, said Mohammad, who is in his 20s and a regular visitor to Kabul. Mohammad, not his real name, asked AFP to use a pseudonym to avoid being identified by the Taliban. He begins preparing for the journey at least two weeks before his planned departure, starting with growing out his beard, which he normally keeps short, to create a scruffier appearance. He then starts working his contacts, calling trusted relatives and neighbours who ply the busy route for information about Taliban activity along the main artery connecting Kabul to the insurgent strongholds in the south. "You have to be careful who you call because you could be sold out to the Taliban" by someone working for the militant group, he told AFP. 'Many reasons to worry' On the day of his departure, Mohammad swaps his clean, well-ironed clothes for a dirty pyjama-like shalwar kameez to make himself look more like a villager and clears the call history on his mobile in case a phone number raises suspicion. "You can't just jump into a car and come (to Kabul), not if you want to be on the safe side," he said. Mohammad's most recent trip to Kabul was delayed for three days after he received warnings of Taliban disguised as Afghan soldiers manning checkpoints along the road. The first thing Taliban militants check is a person's tazkira, or national identification document. "If the tazkira is from Ghazni then you may be fine. If not, they might think that you are a member of the security forces from another province coming to Ghazni to fight," Mohammad said. After registering to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election -- which the Taliban had vowed to attack and which was finally cancelled in Ghazni due to protests -- Mohammad carries a second tazkira that does not have a sticker identifying him as a voter. "There are many reasons to be worried and anxious," Mohammad explained. "Even if they don't kill you, they may keep you as a hostage and ask for a ransom. If they kept me for one night, my mother would not survive." A one-way trip between Kabul and Ghazni costs Mohammad 250 afghanis (around $3) in a Toyota Corolla taxi, a ubiquitous model in Afghanistan that is often used as public transport. He tries to travel with drivers he knows. He avoids travelling on Mondays and Wednesdays. Those are the days the Afghan army delivers supplies to its troops in the provinces and attacks along the highway are more likely, Mohammad said. Thursday, the last day of the Afghan working week, is also a bad day to venture out of the city. Militants lie in wait for government employees as they leave Ghazni for the weekend. Fear of death Whenever possible, Mohammad said he travels with women wearing burqas, but not because he prefers their company. In the deeply conservative society where physical contact between men and women in public is prohibited, female passengers can hide mobile phones and other sensitive items under their head-to-toe coverings without fear of the Taliban searching them. Once on the open road, Mohammad remains vigilant. He listens carefully to the phone conversations of the driver and other occupants for signs they are planning to give him, or someone else in the vehicle, up to the Taliban. "Taliban spies use codes like 'I have brought the rooster that you asked for' or 'we found the yoghurt that you asked for'," he said. An oncoming vehicle with lights blinking, a line of cars stopped on the highway, or no traffic at all are warning signs that something has happened up ahead. "Fighting and ambushes are common. You have to accept that you might face it," Mohammad said. Despite the risks, Kabul's alluring cafes and shopping malls make the nail-biting trip worthwhile, Mohammad said. Even a few days in the heavily militarised and overcrowded city is "refreshing" and a relief from Ghazni, where he feels his "heart can burst from boredom". But Mohammad does what he can to stay safe on his journey, even paying a few cents to a street beggar as he leaves the city in the hope the good deed will protect him. "I still fear death," he said. "But I try to stay calm."

Highway to hell: Afghan travellers run gauntlet of Taliban violence