Airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed 45 people, including civilians and Taliban, local officials said on Wednesday.

Ali Ahmad Faqir Yar, the governor of Adraskan District in the eastern Afghanistan province of Herat, said at least eight civilians were among the dead.

"Forty-five people had been killed so far in airstrikes by security forces in the Kham Ziarat area, Taliban were among those killed," he said.

It was unclear how many of the remaining 37 were civilians and how many were members of the Taliban. 
Afghanistan`s Ministry of Defense said it was investigating allegations of civilian casualities in attacks by Afghan forces in the area.

"The results of the investigation will be shared with the public and the media. The National Defense and Security Forces have the responsibility to protect the lives and property of the people, in this regard, they use all the opportunities and facilities and will not spare any effort," the statement said.

Habib Amini, a local official in neighbouring Guzara district, confirmed the incident and that 45 were killed and more injured.

A spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan said they had not taken part in Wednesday`s airstrikes.

The United States is winding back troops under an agreement with the Taliban struck in February, which was meant to pave the way to formal peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government. However, disagreement over the release of prisoners demanded by the Taliban and rising violence around the country have hampered progress, and talks have yet to start.

Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said in a statement that two airstrikes in Heart had killed eight civilians and wounded 12.

Two local officials confirmed there had been two rounds of airstrikes.

Airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed 45 people, including civilians and Taliban, local officials said on Wednesday. Ali Ahmad Faqir Yar, the governor of Adraskan District in the eastern Afghanistan province of Herat, said at least eight civilians were among the dead.

Airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed 45 people, including civilians and Taliban, local officials said on Wednesday. Ali Ahmad Faqir Yar, the governor of Adraskan District in the eastern Afghanistan province of Herat, said at least eight civilians were among the dead. "Forty-five people had been killed so far in airstrikes by security forces in the Kham Ziarat area, Taliban were among those killed," he said. It was unclear how many of the remaining 37 were civilians and how many were members of the Taliban. Afghanistan`s Ministry of Defense said it was investigating allegations of civilian casualities in attacks by Afghan forces in the area. "The results of the investigation will be shared with the public and the media. The National Defense and Security Forces have the responsibility to protect the lives and property of the people, in this regard, they use all the opportunities and facilities and will not spare any effort," the statement said. Habib Amini, a local official in neighbouring Guzara district, confirmed the incident and that 45 were killed and more injured. A spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan said they had not taken part in Wednesday`s airstrikes. The United States is winding back troops under an agreement with the Taliban struck in February, which was meant to pave the way to formal peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government. However, disagreement over the release of prisoners demanded by the Taliban and rising violence around the country have hampered progress, and talks have yet to start. Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said in a statement that two airstrikes in Heart had killed eight civilians and wounded 12. Two local officials confirmed there had been two rounds of airstrikes.

Airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 45 civilians and Taliban members

Highlighting she no longer fears militants and is "ready to fight again", the Afghan girl, who killed two Taliban terrorists, made her intentions clear in a recent interview.

Qamar Gul, 15, shot dead two Taliban terrorists after they stormed her home last week in a village in the central province of Ghor and gunned down her parents.&nbsp;

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"I no longer fear them and I'm ready to fight them again," Gul said in a telephonic interview to news agency AFP.

The 15-year-old is currently living at her relative's home which is being guarded by security officials.&nbsp;

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A photo of Gul holding a gun is doing rounds on the internet, with many lauding the teenager for her actions and demanding her safe passage out of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Recalling the incident, she said it was midnight when the terrorists arrived while was asleep in her room with her young brother.

"My mother ran to stop them but by then they had already broken the door," she said.&nbsp;

Gul said the Taliban terrorists took their parents outside and shot them multiple times.

"I was terrified", she said, adding, but a few moments later, "anger took over".

"I picked up the gun we had at home, went to the door and shot them," Gul said.&nbsp;

She further said her 12-year-old brother took over the gun from her and shot the other terrorist when he tried to return fire.&nbsp;

"My brother took the gun from me and hit (shot) him. The fighter ran away injured, only to return later," the Afghan girl said.

Finally, Gul said, the militants fled after many villagers and pro-government militiamen came at the site of the incident.&nbsp;

"I am proud I killed my parents' murderers," she said.

Highlighting she no longer fears militants and is "ready to fight again", the Afghan girl, who killed two Taliban terrorists, made her intentions clear in a recent interview.

Highlighting she no longer fears militants and is "ready to fight again", the Afghan girl, who killed two Taliban terrorists, made her intentions clear in a recent interview. Qamar Gul, 15, shot dead two Taliban terrorists after they stormed her home last week in a village in the central province of Ghor and gunned down her parents. Also read | Afghan girl kills two Taliban terrorists after parents murdered "I no longer fear them and I'm ready to fight them again," Gul said in a telephonic interview to news agency AFP. The 15-year-old is currently living at her relative's home which is being guarded by security officials. Also read | Airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 45 civilians and Taliban members A photo of Gul holding a gun is doing rounds on the internet, with many lauding the teenager for her actions and demanding her safe passage out of Afghanistan. Recalling the incident, she said it was midnight when the terrorists arrived while was asleep in her room with her young brother. "My mother ran to stop them but by then they had already broken the door," she said. Gul said the Taliban terrorists took their parents outside and shot them multiple times. "I was terrified", she said, adding, but a few moments later, "anger took over". "I picked up the gun we had at home, went to the door and shot them," Gul said. She further said her 12-year-old brother took over the gun from her and shot the other terrorist when he tried to return fire. "My brother took the gun from me and hit (shot) him. The fighter ran away injured, only to return later," the Afghan girl said. Finally, Gul said, the militants fled after many villagers and pro-government militiamen came at the site of the incident. "I am proud I killed my parents' murderers," she said.

'Ready to fight them again': 15-year-old Afghan girl who killed Taliban terrorists

An Afghan girl shot dead two Taliban terrorists and wounded several more after they dragged her parents from their home and killed them for supporting the government, officials said.

The incident happened last week when insurgents stormed the home of Qamar Gul, a teenager from a village in the central province of Ghor.&nbsp;

The militants&nbsp;were looking for her father, the village chief, local police head Habiburahman Malekzada told AFP.

Her father was a government supporter, which is why the Taliban militants went to his house and dragged him out, Malekzada said.

When his wife resisted, the Taliban fighters killed the couple outside their home, Malekzada said.

"Qamar Gul, who was inside the house, took an AK-47 gun the family had and first shot dead the two Taliban fighters who killed her parents, and then injured a few others," he said.

Gul is aged between 14 and 16, according to different officials. It is common for many Afghans to not know their precise age.

Several other Taliban militants later came to attack her house, but some villagers and pro-government militiamen expelled them after a gunfight.

Afghan security forces have now taken Gul and her younger brother to a safer place, said Mohamed Aref Aber, spokesman to the provincial governor.

Since the incident, social media networks have been flooded with praise for Gul's "heroic" act.

A photograph of Gul, wearing a headscarf and holding a machinegun across her lap has gone viral in the past few days.

"Hats off to her courage! Well done," wrote Najiba Rahmi on Facebook. "Power of an Afghan girl," wrote another Facebook user Fazila Alizada.

"We know parents are irreplaceable, but your revenge will give you relative peace," said Mohamed Saleh in his post on Facebook.

The Taliban regularly kill villagers who they suspect of being informers for the government or security forces.

In recent months, the militants have also stepped up their attacks against security forces despite agreeing to peace talks with Kabul.

An Afghan girl shot dead two Taliban terrorists and wounded several more after they dragged her parents from their home and killed them for supporting the government, officials said.

An Afghan girl shot dead two Taliban terrorists and wounded several more after they dragged her parents from their home and killed them for supporting the government, officials said. The incident happened last week when insurgents stormed the home of Qamar Gul, a teenager from a village in the central province of Ghor. The militants were looking for her father, the village chief, local police head Habiburahman Malekzada told AFP. Her father was a government supporter, which is why the Taliban militants went to his house and dragged him out, Malekzada said. When his wife resisted, the Taliban fighters killed the couple outside their home, Malekzada said. "Qamar Gul, who was inside the house, took an AK-47 gun the family had and first shot dead the two Taliban fighters who killed her parents, and then injured a few others," he said. Gul is aged between 14 and 16, according to different officials. It is common for many Afghans to not know their precise age. Several other Taliban militants later came to attack her house, but some villagers and pro-government militiamen expelled them after a gunfight. Afghan security forces have now taken Gul and her younger brother to a safer place, said Mohamed Aref Aber, spokesman to the provincial governor. Since the incident, social media networks have been flooded with praise for Gul's "heroic" act. A photograph of Gul, wearing a headscarf and holding a machinegun across her lap has gone viral in the past few days. "Hats off to her courage! Well done," wrote Najiba Rahmi on Facebook. "Power of an Afghan girl," wrote another Facebook user Fazila Alizada. "We know parents are irreplaceable, but your revenge will give you relative peace," said Mohamed Saleh in his post on Facebook. The Taliban regularly kill villagers who they suspect of being informers for the government or security forces. In recent months, the militants have also stepped up their attacks against security forces despite agreeing to peace talks with Kabul.

Afghan girl kills two Taliban terrorists after parents murdered

Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh Sachdeva, who was kidnapped by Taliban militants from Paktika province in eastern Afghanistan while performing community service at a gurudwara almost a month ago, has been rescued.

Video: Sikh man abducted by Taliban militants from Afghanistan gurudwara rescued

Qatar is likely to host the initial round of peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government after the two foes complete an ongoing prisoner swap, a minister said Thursday.

The talks were originally supposed to have started March 10, but there have been repeated delays amid continued fighting and as the prisoner exchange drags on.

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"There is a consensus that the beginning of the talks be held in Qatar," acting Afghan foreign minister Mohamad Haneef Atmar told reporters.

The Taliban have a political office in Qatar's capital Doha.

Atmar said 12 countries have offered to host peace talks, including Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Indonesia, Japan, Norway and Turkey.

The peace negotiations hinge on the prisoner swap, in which Kabul is expected to free some 5,000 Taliban prisoners in return for around 1,000 Afghan security force captives held by the insurgents.

So far, Afghan authorities have released 4,400 Taliban inmates, Atmar said, calling it "significant progress".

"The Taliban must now show goodwill for the start of intra-Afghan talks," Atmar added.

"Otherwise, they will be held responsible for the killing of hundreds more Afghans due to violence or corona (virus) before a date is fixed for the talks."

Afghanistan is currently struggling to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections, with more than 35,000 confirmed cases and some 1,000 deaths.

The prisoner exchange was agreed in a landmark deal between the Taliban and Washington signed in February, which primarily stipulated that all US and foreign forces would quit Afghanistan by May 2021.

In return, the Taliban made several security promises and pledged to hold peace talks once the prisoner release was complete.

Experts expect the talks to be a lengthy and complicated process with several rounds of negotiations held in different countries. 
&nbsp;

Qatar is likely to host the initial round of peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government after the two foes complete an ongoing prisoner swap, a minister said Thursday.

Qatar is likely to host the initial round of peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government after the two foes complete an ongoing prisoner swap, a minister said Thursday. The talks were originally supposed to have started March 10, but there have been repeated delays amid continued fighting and as the prisoner exchange drags on. Also read | 27 Taliban terrorists killed, 16 injured in Afghanistan "There is a consensus that the beginning of the talks be held in Qatar," acting Afghan foreign minister Mohamad Haneef Atmar told reporters. The Taliban have a political office in Qatar's capital Doha. Atmar said 12 countries have offered to host peace talks, including Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Indonesia, Japan, Norway and Turkey. The peace negotiations hinge on the prisoner swap, in which Kabul is expected to free some 5,000 Taliban prisoners in return for around 1,000 Afghan security force captives held by the insurgents. So far, Afghan authorities have released 4,400 Taliban inmates, Atmar said, calling it "significant progress". "The Taliban must now show goodwill for the start of intra-Afghan talks," Atmar added. "Otherwise, they will be held responsible for the killing of hundreds more Afghans due to violence or corona (virus) before a date is fixed for the talks." Afghanistan is currently struggling to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections, with more than 35,000 confirmed cases and some 1,000 deaths. The prisoner exchange was agreed in a landmark deal between the Taliban and Washington signed in February, which primarily stipulated that all US and foreign forces would quit Afghanistan by May 2021. In return, the Taliban made several security promises and pledged to hold peace talks once the prisoner release was complete. Experts expect the talks to be a lengthy and complicated process with several rounds of negotiations held in different countries.

Qatar likely to hold peace talks between Afghanistan-Taliban: Minister

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan terror group's leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN for participating in the financing, planning and perpetrating acts on behalf of and in support of entities associated with al-Qaeda.

The UN Security Council's 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee added Mehsud, 42, to the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List on Thursday, subjecting the Pakistani national to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

The Sanctions Committee said that Mehsud was listed for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of" entities associated with al-Qaeda.

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In June 2018, Mehsud was named the leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), following the death of former TTP leader Maulana Fazlullah.

The TTP was blacklisted by the UN on July 29, 2011 for its association with al-Qaeda.

"Under Noor Wali's leadership, TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly terrorist attacks across Pakistan, including an attack targeting Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan in July 2019 and a bomb attack against Pakistani soldiers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in August 2019," the Sanctions Committee said.

The group had claimed responsibility for an attempted bombing in Times Square on May 1, 2010, and in April 2010 it had launched a multi-pronged assault against the United States Consulate in Peshawar, killing at least six Pakistanis and wounding 20 others, the Committee added.

Pakistan on Friday welcomed the designation of Mehsud as a global terrorist.

"The sanctions are being implemented by Pakistan in compliance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and we hope that other countries will also follow suit," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Pakistan will continue to pursue its policy of fighting against those involved in participating, financing, planning, facilitating and perpetrating terrorism, it said.

The US State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) said in a tweet that it welcomes the addition of Mehsud by the UN to the ISIL and Al Qaida sanctions list.

"TTP is responsible for many deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The United States domestically designated Noor Wali as a terrorist in September 2019," it said in the tweet.

Blacklisting by the Security Council entails that all states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities.

They are also required to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by the designated individuals and prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan terror group's leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN for participating in the financing, planning and perpetrating acts on behalf of and in support of entities associated with al-Qaeda.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan terror group's leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN for participating in the financing, planning and perpetrating acts on behalf of and in support of entities associated with al-Qaeda. The UN Security Council's 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee added Mehsud, 42, to the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List on Thursday, subjecting the Pakistani national to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. The Sanctions Committee said that Mehsud was listed for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of" entities associated with al-Qaeda. Also read: 27 Taliban terrorists killed, 16 injured in Afghanistan In June 2018, Mehsud was named the leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), following the death of former TTP leader Maulana Fazlullah. The TTP was blacklisted by the UN on July 29, 2011 for its association with al-Qaeda. "Under Noor Wali's leadership, TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly terrorist attacks across Pakistan, including an attack targeting Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan in July 2019 and a bomb attack against Pakistani soldiers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in August 2019," the Sanctions Committee said. The group had claimed responsibility for an attempted bombing in Times Square on May 1, 2010, and in April 2010 it had launched a multi-pronged assault against the United States Consulate in Peshawar, killing at least six Pakistanis and wounding 20 others, the Committee added. Pakistan on Friday welcomed the designation of Mehsud as a global terrorist. "The sanctions are being implemented by Pakistan in compliance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and we hope that other countries will also follow suit," the Foreign Office said in a statement. Pakistan will continue to pursue its policy of fighting against those involved in participating, financing, planning, facilitating and perpetrating terrorism, it said. The US State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) said in a tweet that it welcomes the addition of Mehsud by the UN to the ISIL and Al Qaida sanctions list. "TTP is responsible for many deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The United States domestically designated Noor Wali as a terrorist in September 2019," it said in the tweet. Blacklisting by the Security Council entails that all states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. They are also required to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by the designated individuals and prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

UN blacklists Pakistan Taliban terror group's leader

Twenty-seven Taliban terrorists have been killed and 16 others injured in an armed confrontation in the Afghan province of Kandahar, the 20 "Atal" Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA) said on Thursday.

According to the army officials, the Taliban mounted attacks on checkpoints in the Kalankecha, Moshan and Maiwand districts last night.

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"After the attacks, a heavy clash took place between the ANA forces and the Taliban insurgents, in which 27 insurgents were killed, and 16 others were wounded," corps spokesman Ahmad Sadiq Issa said.

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He added that none of the ANA troops had been hurt in the clash.

The violence in the country is raging on amid the attempts by the Kabul government and the Taliban to launch intra-Afghan peace negotiations, which hinge on a successful prisoner swap between the sides.

Twenty-seven Taliban terrorists have been killed and 16 others injured in an armed confrontation in the Afghan province of Kandahar, the 20 "Atal" Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA) said on Thursday.

Twenty-seven Taliban terrorists have been killed and 16 others injured in an armed confrontation in the Afghan province of Kandahar, the 20 "Atal" Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA) said on Thursday. According to the army officials, the Taliban mounted attacks on checkpoints in the Kalankecha, Moshan and Maiwand districts last night. Also read| Afghanistan: 15 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrike "After the attacks, a heavy clash took place between the ANA forces and the Taliban insurgents, in which 27 insurgents were killed, and 16 others were wounded," corps spokesman Ahmad Sadiq Issa said. Also read: Afghanistan faces 'grim' economic outlook as pandemic wipes out growth: World Bank He added that none of the ANA troops had been hurt in the clash. The violence in the country is raging on amid the attempts by the Kabul government and the Taliban to launch intra-Afghan peace negotiations, which hinge on a successful prisoner swap between the sides.

27 Taliban terrorists killed, 16 injured in Afghanistan

At least 15 Taliban terrorists were killed and 10 others injured in an airstrike by the Afghan air forces in Kandahar province, local police said on Wednesday.

"Last night, Taliban terrorists attacked security checkpoints in Sra Baghal area of Maiwand district. Afghan forces launched an airstrike killing 15 terrorists and injuring ten others," Kandahar police spokesperson Jamal Nasir Barakzai said.

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According to him, three police officers were killed and four others were injured in clashes with Taliban terrorists.

The group has not commented on the incident so far.

At least 15 Taliban terrorists were killed and 10 others injured in an airstrike by the Afghan air forces in Kandahar province, local police said on Wednesday. "Last night, Taliban terrorists attacked security checkpoints in Sra Baghal area of Maiwand district.

At least 15 Taliban terrorists were killed and 10 others injured in an airstrike by the Afghan air forces in Kandahar province, local police said on Wednesday. "Last night, Taliban terrorists attacked security checkpoints in Sra Baghal area of Maiwand district. Afghan forces launched an airstrike killing 15 terrorists and injuring ten others," Kandahar police spokesperson Jamal Nasir Barakzai said. Also read: Afghanistan faces 'grim' economic outlook as pandemic wipes out growth: World Bank According to him, three police officers were killed and four others were injured in clashes with Taliban terrorists. The group has not commented on the incident so far.

Afghanistan: 15 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrike

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday.

US doesn't know if Russia directed Taliban attacks in Afghanistan: Pentagon

Taliban has submitted a fresh list of 592 prisoners after its earlier list was rejected by the Afghan government, TOLO news reported citing sources.

Till now, the government has released 4,019 prisoners and the Taliban has released 737 in exchange.

Earlier, the Afghan government had reportedly not released 597 of 5,000 listed prisoners, as part of the US-Taliban agreement, because they were not only affiliated with the Taliban but were also involved in serious "moral" crimes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-violence-pose-serious-challenges-to-afghan-peace-process-ghani-311350">Also read|&nbsp;Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani</a>

The report said the 21-member peace negotiating team is working in four groups as part of their preparations for talks with the Taliban.

However, the Taliban has said that they will not participate in the intra-Afghan talks unless the Afghan government releases its 5,000 prisoners.

The release of the Taliban prisoners is part of the US-Taliban deal signed in Doha in February, the report said.

Taliban has submitted a fresh list of 592 prisoners after its earlier list was rejected by the Afghan government, TOLO news reported citing sources. Till now, the government has released 4,019 prisoners and the Taliban has released 737 in exchange.

Taliban has submitted a fresh list of 592 prisoners after its earlier list was rejected by the Afghan government, TOLO news reported citing sources. Till now, the government has released 4,019 prisoners and the Taliban has released 737 in exchange. Earlier, the Afghan government had reportedly not released 597 of 5,000 listed prisoners, as part of the US-Taliban agreement, because they were not only affiliated with the Taliban but were also involved in serious "moral" crimes. Also read| Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani The report said the 21-member peace negotiating team is working in four groups as part of their preparations for talks with the Taliban. However, the Taliban has said that they will not participate in the intra-Afghan talks unless the Afghan government releases its 5,000 prisoners. The release of the Taliban prisoners is part of the US-Taliban deal signed in Doha in February, the report said.

Taliban submits fresh list of 592 prisoners for release to Afghan govt

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday.

The remarks by Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were under oath to Congress after lawmakers emerged from a separate classified briefing about US intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill American troops.

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Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US military, which counts intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), could not corroborate the intelligence, which sources say was collected by the CIA.

Milley did not dispute that Russia, like other countries, had long been involved in Afghanistan.

"But there`s a big distinction between arming and directing (military activity). We know about arms. We know about weapons. We know about support, things like that," Milley told the House Armed Services Committee, sitting alongside Esper at a hearing.

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"We don`t have -- in the case of the Russians -- we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence, to show `directing.` That`s a big difference."

He added that the United States was still looking into the matter and, if it were confirmed the Russians were paying the Taliban bounties, it would be a "big deal."

President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month.

A Republican lawmaker, Lee Zeldin, who is a strong defender of Trump, said at a separate hearing at the House Foreign Relations Committee that the intelligence was in a written February presidential brief prepared for Trump but was not orally briefed to him.

Retired US Army general John Nicholson, a former US commander in Afghanistan, said the Russians had previously been arming, equipping and even giving money to the Taliban in modest amounts.

But he said Moscow had in years past carefully calibrated its support to avoid becoming a "game-changer" on the battlefield. Nicholson cited one telling example, saying the Taliban wanted surface-to-air missiles but the Russians "didn`t give them."

He said Russian bounties, if they did occur, "would mark a departure from this previously calibrated approach."

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday. The remarks by Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were under oath to Congress after lawmakers emerged from a separate classified briefing about US intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill American troops. Also read: Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US military, which counts intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), could not corroborate the intelligence, which sources say was collected by the CIA. Milley did not dispute that Russia, like other countries, had long been involved in Afghanistan. "But there`s a big distinction between arming and directing (military activity). We know about arms. We know about weapons. We know about support, things like that," Milley told the House Armed Services Committee, sitting alongside Esper at a hearing. Also read: Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani "We don`t have -- in the case of the Russians -- we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence, to show `directing.` That`s a big difference." He added that the United States was still looking into the matter and, if it were confirmed the Russians were paying the Taliban bounties, it would be a "big deal." President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month. A Republican lawmaker, Lee Zeldin, who is a strong defender of Trump, said at a separate hearing at the House Foreign Relations Committee that the intelligence was in a written February presidential brief prepared for Trump but was not orally briefed to him. Retired US Army general John Nicholson, a former US commander in Afghanistan, said the Russians had previously been arming, equipping and even giving money to the Taliban in modest amounts. But he said Moscow had in years past carefully calibrated its support to avoid becoming a "game-changer" on the battlefield. Nicholson cited one telling example, saying the Taliban wanted surface-to-air missiles but the Russians "didn`t give them." He said Russian bounties, if they did occur, "would mark a departure from this previously calibrated approach."

Afghanistan is to release more Taliban prisoners in the hope of getting peace talks going, a government spokesman said on Thursday, after the insurgent group provided the government with a revised list of several hundred of their detainees.

Disagreement over about 600 prisoners from a total of 5,000 the Taliban want released has prevented the launch of U.S.-brokered peace talks aimed at ending nearly 19 years of war since the Islamist militants were ousted.

While releases by both sides have taken place, the Afghan government has said it does not want to release some prisoners for security reasons and its Western allies also object to some of them being set free.

"They have given us another list, the release process will continue but direct talks should also start immediately," Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, told Reuters.

The Taliban could not be reached for comment and it was not clear if they would be willing to start talks based on the release of the prisoners on the list.

The United States and the Taliban struck a landmark agreement in February on the withdrawal of U.S. forces in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

As part of the pact, the Taliban agreed to open power-sharing talks with the U.S.-backed government.

But a senior government official said there was still no agreement on starting the talks.

"The government will start the process of release in the coming few days and will complete the release whether the Taliban agree or not," he said.

A diplomatic source said U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has overseen the negotiations with the Taliban, has been pressing Taliban leaders to compromise on the prisoner issue and there were hopes the hurdle would be overcome.

"Momentum is such that it would not be possible for any side to back out," the source said.

Afghanistan is to release more Taliban prisoners in the hope of getting peace talks going, a government spokesman said on Thursday, after the insurgent group provided the government with a revised list of several hundred of their detainees.

Afghanistan is to release more Taliban prisoners in the hope of getting peace talks going, a government spokesman said on Thursday, after the insurgent group provided the government with a revised list of several hundred of their detainees. Disagreement over about 600 prisoners from a total of 5,000 the Taliban want released has prevented the launch of U.S.-brokered peace talks aimed at ending nearly 19 years of war since the Islamist militants were ousted. While releases by both sides have taken place, the Afghan government has said it does not want to release some prisoners for security reasons and its Western allies also object to some of them being set free. "They have given us another list, the release process will continue but direct talks should also start immediately," Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, told Reuters. The Taliban could not be reached for comment and it was not clear if they would be willing to start talks based on the release of the prisoners on the list. The United States and the Taliban struck a landmark agreement in February on the withdrawal of U.S. forces in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. As part of the pact, the Taliban agreed to open power-sharing talks with the U.S.-backed government. But a senior government official said there was still no agreement on starting the talks. "The government will start the process of release in the coming few days and will complete the release whether the Taliban agree or not," he said. A diplomatic source said U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has overseen the negotiations with the Taliban, has been pressing Taliban leaders to compromise on the prisoner issue and there were hopes the hurdle would be overcome. "Momentum is such that it would not be possible for any side to back out," the source said.

Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani warned Monday that Taliban violence is threatening the country's peace process, as he briefed the international community on Kabul's preparations for peace talks with the militant group.

Afghan authorities and the Taliban are preparing to engage in negotiations aimed at ending the nearly two-decade-old war in the impoverished country.

But violence, which had briefly reduced after a surprise ceasefire offer by the Taliban in May, has again spiked with officials blaming the insurgents for killing hundreds of security personnel and civilians in recent weeks.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-will-cooperate-to-bring-back-peace-in-afghanistan-khalilzad-310750">Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad</a>

Ghani on Monday hosted the first of three online conferences aimed at briefing the global community on the expected peace talks.

"If the Taliban continue fighting, the Afghan peace process will face serious challenges," he told online attendees from several nations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shallow-46-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-kabul-311226" hreflang="en">Shallow 4.6-magnitude earthquake strikes Kabul</a>

"Unfortunately, the current level of violence is higher compared to last year," Ghani said, according to a statement issued by his office. He is hosting two other video conferences later this week.

The United States and Russia along with some international organisations such as the United Nations are joining the video conferences, officials said.

Other countries participating include Pakistan, India, Iran, China, Egypt and Qatar.

Earlier Monday, just hours ahead of the first online meeting, Ghani's spokesman also slammed the Taliban for an uptick in violence.

"There is no obstacle on our side for the peace process, but we see that the Taliban are not serious," Sediq Sediqqi told reporters.

"The government of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;released a large number of Taliban in order to reduce violence in the country, but the violence has not decreased."

Afghan authorities have released more than 4,000 Taliban prisoners out of 5,000 demanded by the insurgents in a deal with Washington signed in February.

&nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani warned Monday that Taliban violence is threatening the country's peace process, as he briefed the international community on Kabul's preparations for peace talks with the militant group.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani warned Monday that Taliban violence is threatening the country's peace process, as he briefed the international community on Kabul's preparations for peace talks with the militant group. Afghan authorities and the Taliban are preparing to engage in negotiations aimed at ending the nearly two-decade-old war in the impoverished country. But violence, which had briefly reduced after a surprise ceasefire offer by the Taliban in May, has again spiked with officials blaming the insurgents for killing hundreds of security personnel and civilians in recent weeks. Also read| Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad Ghani on Monday hosted the first of three online conferences aimed at briefing the global community on the expected peace talks. "If the Taliban continue fighting, the Afghan peace process will face serious challenges," he told online attendees from several nations. Also read: Shallow 4.6-magnitude earthquake strikes Kabul "Unfortunately, the current level of violence is higher compared to last year," Ghani said, according to a statement issued by his office. He is hosting two other video conferences later this week. The United States and Russia along with some international organisations such as the United Nations are joining the video conferences, officials said. Other countries participating include Pakistan, India, Iran, China, Egypt and Qatar. Earlier Monday, just hours ahead of the first online meeting, Ghani's spokesman also slammed the Taliban for an uptick in violence. "There is no obstacle on our side for the peace process, but we see that the Taliban are not serious," Sediq Sediqqi told reporters. "The government of Afghanistan released a large number of Taliban in order to reduce violence in the country, but the violence has not decreased." Afghan authorities have released more than 4,000 Taliban prisoners out of 5,000 demanded by the insurgents in a deal with Washington signed in February.

Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani

As the US is trying to facilitate the Afghanistan peace talks,&nbsp;US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad recently visited Afghanistan to mediate the peace talks.

As a result of the talks, Khalilzad has announced through twitter that Taliban is ready to cooperate to bring peace in Afghanistan.

"In follow on mtg with the Taliban, we underscored the economic development oppts that will follow a sustainable peace. We agreed developing plans in support of peace can never start too early, assuming the 2 sides can overcome final hurdles on the path to intra-Afghan negotiations," Khalilzad tweeted.

"Mullah Baradar and his team were engaged and the Taliban recognize all Afghans will have to make compromises in order to draw in the required investment in Afghanistan`s future," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
1/3 <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamUSDFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdamUSDFC</a> &amp; I have concluded mtgs in Doha. With QIA &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/qatar_fund?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@qatar_fund</a>, we discussed the possibility of co-investing in Afghan projects to consolidate peace &amp; unlock regional prosperity. The potential to amplify investment impact in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> with like-minded partners is real.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1279137132263677952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The three-part tweet series came out on Saturday after he chaired meetings in&nbsp;Tashkent with Finance Minister Kamilov, Special Rep Irgashev and Foreign Ministers of the remaining C5+1 -- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic.

As the US is trying to facilitate the Afghanistan peace talks, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad recently visited Afghanistan to mediate the peace talks.

As the US is trying to facilitate the Afghanistan peace talks, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad recently visited Afghanistan to mediate the peace talks. As a result of the talks, Khalilzad has announced through twitter that Taliban is ready to cooperate to bring peace in Afghanistan. "In follow on mtg with the Taliban, we underscored the economic development oppts that will follow a sustainable peace. We agreed developing plans in support of peace can never start too early, assuming the 2 sides can overcome final hurdles on the path to intra-Afghan negotiations," Khalilzad tweeted. "Mullah Baradar and his team were engaged and the Taliban recognize all Afghans will have to make compromises in order to draw in the required investment in Afghanistan`s future," he added. 1/3 @AdamUSDFC & I have concluded mtgs in Doha. With QIA & @qatar_fund, we discussed the possibility of co-investing in Afghan projects to consolidate peace & unlock regional prosperity. The potential to amplify investment impact in #Afghanistan with like-minded partners is real. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) July 3, 2020 × The three-part tweet series came out on Saturday after he chaired meetings in Tashkent with Finance Minister Kamilov, Special Rep Irgashev and Foreign Ministers of the remaining C5+1 -- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic.

Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war.

It did give critics of the deal another reason to say the Taliban shouldn't be trusted.

The bounty information was included in Trump's president's daily intelligence brief on February 27, according to intelligence officials, and two days later, the US and Taliban signed an agreement in Qatar.

The agreement clears the way for America to end 19 years in Afghanistan and gives Trump a way to make good on his promise to end US involvement in what he calls "endless wars."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-forces-destroy-let-camp-at-afghanistan-pakistan-border-310390">Also watch:&nbsp;Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Afghanistan-Pakistan border</a>

On March 3, three days after the agreement was signed, the president had a 35-minute phone call with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban and head of their political office in Qatar.

After reports of the bounties broke in late June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a video conference with Baradar to make it clear that the US expects the Taliban to live up to their commitments.

Under the agreement, the US will pull all its troops out of Afghanistan by May 2021.

So far the US has reduced US troop presence in Afghanistan from 12,000 to 8,600 - a target reached ahead of schedule. Now, Trump is considering when and how quickly to further shrink the U.S. Military footprint.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-concerned-afghan-violence-aimed-at-derailing-peace-talks-310176">Also read:&nbsp;UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks</a>

For its part, the Taliban committed to reducing violence, cutting ties with al-Qaida and sitting down with other Afghans to craft a political road map for their country's future.

The Taliban have pledged to ensure that the areas they control about half the country at this time&nbsp;are not used by militant groups to target the U.S. And its allies.

Critics of the deal like Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., say the agreement is simply a "cover for withdrawal."

"I have serious concerns with how this agreement has been pursued," Waltz said.

"The Taliban has shown repeatedly "through violence and bombings both before and after the deal was signed ? that they are not serious about adhering to their end of the bargain."

The White House insists the president was not aware of the intelligence but that the administration responded to the information to protect troops.

Administration officials say Russia along with other countries, including Iran&nbsp;have been providing the Taliban money and guns for years, although bounties would signal stepped up Russian aggression.

Military experts note that the Taliban didn't need any monetary incentive to kill Americans.

They also point out that the U.S. Worked against the Soviets in the late 1980s, providing militants with shoulder-held anti-aircraft Stinger missiles, which turned around the course of the war and sped-up negotiated Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.

"Bounties or not, what we judge the Taliban on is whether they honor the deal," said Scott Smith, an expert on Afghanistan peace processes with the US Institute of Peace.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, defense officials and Afghan experts claim the Taliban has not taken steps to live up to the now four-month-old agreement and they are skeptical the Taliban will ever break with al-Qaida, which conducted the 9/11 attacks.

The US general overseeing American military operations in Afghanistan, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, said in mid-June that he is dubious of the Taliban's intentions to fulfil its commitments, suggesting that he would not favour a rapid US withdrawal.

McKenzie said it is an open question whether the Taliban will keep Afghanistan from being the launchpad for attacks on the US.

"They have not yet completely made that case," McKenzie said, adding that "time is now beginning to grow short.? 
Mike Morell, former CIA acting and deputy director, told the House Homeland Security Committee's intelligence and counterterrorism panel on June 24 that the Taliban is militarily and politically stronger than at any time since 2001 when the Taliban refused to hand over al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks.

"I believe that the Taliban, in its peace negotiations with the United States, have told us what we want to hear in order to encourage us to leave the country," Morell said.

Thomas Joscelyn, a long time critic of the deal at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the Taliban have repeatedly said al-Qaida has not been in Afghanistan since 2001.

"Without any verification or enforcement mechanisms -- and there are no such provisions specified in the text of the deal released to the public --&nbsp;there is no reason to think the Taliban is telling the truth now," he said.

The Defense Department's latest report on the war said the Taliban has stepped up violence against Afghan forces, but has avoided attacks on US or coalition troops.

The militants have joined with Afghan and US forces in hitting Islamic State fighters hard, pressuring the group to relinquish control of an area in eastern Afghanistan. But IS still has the ability to conduct mass-casualty attacks, the report said.

The report also said US-led counterterrorism operations have degraded al-Qaida, which now poses only a "limited threat' to the US.

The Pentagon report said, however, that the Taliban maintain close ties to al-Qaida.

Pompeo says only a couple hundred active al-Qaida fighters remain in Afghanistan.

On Thursday, Pompeo hinted, without elaborating, that he'd seen indications that the Taliban are no longer going to let al-Qaida operate in Afghanistan.

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war.

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war. It did give critics of the deal another reason to say the Taliban shouldn't be trusted. The bounty information was included in Trump's president's daily intelligence brief on February 27, according to intelligence officials, and two days later, the US and Taliban signed an agreement in Qatar. The agreement clears the way for America to end 19 years in Afghanistan and gives Trump a way to make good on his promise to end US involvement in what he calls "endless wars." Also watch: Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Afghanistan-Pakistan border On March 3, three days after the agreement was signed, the president had a 35-minute phone call with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban and head of their political office in Qatar. After reports of the bounties broke in late June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a video conference with Baradar to make it clear that the US expects the Taliban to live up to their commitments. Under the agreement, the US will pull all its troops out of Afghanistan by May 2021. So far the US has reduced US troop presence in Afghanistan from 12,000 to 8,600 - a target reached ahead of schedule. Now, Trump is considering when and how quickly to further shrink the U.S. Military footprint. Also read: UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks For its part, the Taliban committed to reducing violence, cutting ties with al-Qaida and sitting down with other Afghans to craft a political road map for their country's future. The Taliban have pledged to ensure that the areas they control about half the country at this time are not used by militant groups to target the U.S. And its allies. Critics of the deal like Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., say the agreement is simply a "cover for withdrawal." "I have serious concerns with how this agreement has been pursued," Waltz said. "The Taliban has shown repeatedly "through violence and bombings both before and after the deal was signed ? that they are not serious about adhering to their end of the bargain." The White House insists the president was not aware of the intelligence but that the administration responded to the information to protect troops. Administration officials say Russia along with other countries, including Iran have been providing the Taliban money and guns for years, although bounties would signal stepped up Russian aggression. Military experts note that the Taliban didn't need any monetary incentive to kill Americans. They also point out that the U.S. Worked against the Soviets in the late 1980s, providing militants with shoulder-held anti-aircraft Stinger missiles, which turned around the course of the war and sped-up negotiated Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. "Bounties or not, what we judge the Taliban on is whether they honor the deal," said Scott Smith, an expert on Afghanistan peace processes with the US Institute of Peace. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, defense officials and Afghan experts claim the Taliban has not taken steps to live up to the now four-month-old agreement and they are skeptical the Taliban will ever break with al-Qaida, which conducted the 9/11 attacks. The US general overseeing American military operations in Afghanistan, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, said in mid-June that he is dubious of the Taliban's intentions to fulfil its commitments, suggesting that he would not favour a rapid US withdrawal. McKenzie said it is an open question whether the Taliban will keep Afghanistan from being the launchpad for attacks on the US. "They have not yet completely made that case," McKenzie said, adding that "time is now beginning to grow short.? Mike Morell, former CIA acting and deputy director, told the House Homeland Security Committee's intelligence and counterterrorism panel on June 24 that the Taliban is militarily and politically stronger than at any time since 2001 when the Taliban refused to hand over al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks. "I believe that the Taliban, in its peace negotiations with the United States, have told us what we want to hear in order to encourage us to leave the country," Morell said. Thomas Joscelyn, a long time critic of the deal at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the Taliban have repeatedly said al-Qaida has not been in Afghanistan since 2001. "Without any verification or enforcement mechanisms -- and there are no such provisions specified in the text of the deal released to the public -- there is no reason to think the Taliban is telling the truth now," he said. The Defense Department's latest report on the war said the Taliban has stepped up violence against Afghan forces, but has avoided attacks on US or coalition troops. The militants have joined with Afghan and US forces in hitting Islamic State fighters hard, pressuring the group to relinquish control of an area in eastern Afghanistan. But IS still has the ability to conduct mass-casualty attacks, the report said. The report also said US-led counterterrorism operations have degraded al-Qaida, which now poses only a "limited threat' to the US. The Pentagon report said, however, that the Taliban maintain close ties to al-Qaida. Pompeo says only a couple hundred active al-Qaida fighters remain in Afghanistan. On Thursday, Pompeo hinted, without elaborating, that he'd seen indications that the Taliban are no longer going to let al-Qaida operate in Afghanistan.

Critics of US-Taliban deal say militants can't be trusted

Khalid Noor, 25, is the youngest member of the Afghan Negotiating team that will sit with the Taliban in the near future to draw out the peace plan for Afghanistan.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Khalid said, Taliban knows Afghanistan has changed but "We have to see if they really mean that during negotiations".

He said, his "vision for his country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan". He also called India's role in the Afghan peace process a crucial one.

Khalid's father Atta Muhammad Noor, a powerful Afghan politician had in 2016 took up the gun himself to protect the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif during a terror attack.

WION: Afghanistan is an old nation, with a young population. We see more young people in public policy. What is your vision for Afghanistan?

Khalid Noor: Afghanistan has been at war for more than 4 decades. My people have been suffering for a generation. However, we are proud of our resilience. One-fourth of my generation, one-fourth of the country's population have been born during the war. This has made us strong and committed to rebuilding Afghanistan.

Post 9/11 a new society and a new generation has emerged. A &nbsp;generation that is well equipped with the latest knowledge and technology and indeed, there are more young people in a senior position and decision-making process in the country. For the first time, in a long time, the country is to young people in terms of jobs. My vision for my country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan--where there is human rights, where there is justice, where there is social justice, freedom, where we have rights of minorities, women rights. These are the values I envision for my country.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see your countries ties with India? 
Khalid Noor: India is a very old friend of Afghanistan and a very good one. We have a common culture and a common history, that goes back to thousands of years. India's role in Afghanistan in the last 19 years has been very very important to us. They have played a good role and contributed to rebuilding Afghanistan in the last 19 years.

I can name places, the house of parliament, an iconic building in the capital city and the Salma dam which an infrastructure project. These are 2 simple and small contribution of India to Afghanistan. The most important part which I see, the scholarship which our young people receive from India. We have more than 65000 graduates in the last few years from India, most of whom received scholarships. Education is the greatest gift that one can give and India as a strategic and good partner of Afghanistan has helped in building the country. Our hearts are very close to each other.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: When you sit with the Taliban, along with your team, what will be your focus?&nbsp;Do you&nbsp;think, Taliban will be back like it was in 1996?

Khalid Noor: Taliban is misunderstanding reality on the ground. We have a strong govt, strong security force, strong institutions, a strong army in the country. Even if the Taliban tries to come to Afghanistan by force, they will face the national army and people Afghanistan and it will unrealistic to say that the Taliban came to Afghanistan the way they came in 1996.

When I go and when my team goes to the negotiating table we have a huge responsibility of conveying the message of our people, the message of new Afghanistan and defending the republic, the constitution of Afghanistan, especially the second&nbsp;chapter of constitution which is very important for us, that include human rights, women rights, the rights of minorities, freedom of expression, freedom of media, all these values we hold.

These are the things we will be taking our selves to the Taliban and on the table, we are giving a chance to the Taliban to reintegrate into the society and to come back and join the other Afghan fellows and have a good and peaceful life in the country.

WION: What is&nbsp;India's role in the Afghan peace process? Do you think, India should talk to the Taliban?

Khalid Noor: India as the key actor in the region, and also as an important partner of Afghanistan plays a very crucial role. A stable Afghanistan means a stable region, keeping this in mind, any peace deal should ensure the safety of the region and our allies and no one in the region, none of our neighbours should have any concerns regarding the peace deal. About India, as they have supported Afghanistan, Afghan govt, we expect India to keep on supporting the people of Afghanistan, Republic of Afghanistan and also support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled peace process.&nbsp;

WION: &nbsp;As a member of the team, how has been your experiences in Moscow, Doha and Pakistan. Who do you think, are not for Afghanistan, a stable prosperous Afghanistan?

Khalid Noor: I have met the Taliban on several occasions. In Moscow, Doha and have attended conferences on peace in Afganistan, one in Pakistan. My experiences have been very good.

Meeting face to face with others helps us know the narratives, different narratives of this war. It is also important to build personal trust if you going for negotiations with Taliban, building trust is the most important so that both sides can trust each other and these dialogues have helped and other people know the Taliban better and also my personal experience, Taliban in Doha, we went there and showed Taliban the new face of Afghanistan and the new Afghanistan.

They were surprised. They said, we know Afghanistan has changed and we respect that. We have to see if they really meant that during negotiations.

Khalid Noor, 25, is the youngest member of the Afghan Negotiating team that will sit with the Taliban in the near future to draw out the peace plan for Afghanistan.

Khalid Noor, 25, is the youngest member of the Afghan Negotiating team that will sit with the Taliban in the near future to draw out the peace plan for Afghanistan. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Khalid said, Taliban knows Afghanistan has changed but "We have to see if they really mean that during negotiations". He said, his "vision for his country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan". He also called India's role in the Afghan peace process a crucial one. Khalid's father Atta Muhammad Noor, a powerful Afghan politician had in 2016 took up the gun himself to protect the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif during a terror attack. WION: Afghanistan is an old nation, with a young population. We see more young people in public policy. What is your vision for Afghanistan? Khalid Noor: Afghanistan has been at war for more than 4 decades. My people have been suffering for a generation. However, we are proud of our resilience. One-fourth of my generation, one-fourth of the country's population have been born during the war. This has made us strong and committed to rebuilding Afghanistan. Post 9/11 a new society and a new generation has emerged. A generation that is well equipped with the latest knowledge and technology and indeed, there are more young people in a senior position and decision-making process in the country. For the first time, in a long time, the country is to young people in terms of jobs. My vision for my country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan--where there is human rights, where there is justice, where there is social justice, freedom, where we have rights of minorities, women rights. These are the values I envision for my country. WION: How do you see your countries ties with India? Khalid Noor: India is a very old friend of Afghanistan and a very good one. We have a common culture and a common history, that goes back to thousands of years. India's role in Afghanistan in the last 19 years has been very very important to us. They have played a good role and contributed to rebuilding Afghanistan in the last 19 years. I can name places, the house of parliament, an iconic building in the capital city and the Salma dam which an infrastructure project. These are 2 simple and small contribution of India to Afghanistan. The most important part which I see, the scholarship which our young people receive from India. We have more than 65000 graduates in the last few years from India, most of whom received scholarships. Education is the greatest gift that one can give and India as a strategic and good partner of Afghanistan has helped in building the country. Our hearts are very close to each other. WION: When you sit with the Taliban, along with your team, what will be your focus? Do you think, Taliban will be back like it was in 1996? Khalid Noor: Taliban is misunderstanding reality on the ground. We have a strong govt, strong security force, strong institutions, a strong army in the country. Even if the Taliban tries to come to Afghanistan by force, they will face the national army and people Afghanistan and it will unrealistic to say that the Taliban came to Afghanistan the way they came in 1996. When I go and when my team goes to the negotiating table we have a huge responsibility of conveying the message of our people, the message of new Afghanistan and defending the republic, the constitution of Afghanistan, especially the second chapter of constitution which is very important for us, that include human rights, women rights, the rights of minorities, freedom of expression, freedom of media, all these values we hold. These are the things we will be taking our selves to the Taliban and on the table, we are giving a chance to the Taliban to reintegrate into the society and to come back and join the other Afghan fellows and have a good and peaceful life in the country. WION: What is India's role in the Afghan peace process? Do you think, India should talk to the Taliban? Khalid Noor: India as the key actor in the region, and also as an important partner of Afghanistan plays a very crucial role. A stable Afghanistan means a stable region, keeping this in mind, any peace deal should ensure the safety of the region and our allies and no one in the region, none of our neighbours should have any concerns regarding the peace deal. About India, as they have supported Afghanistan, Afghan govt, we expect India to keep on supporting the people of Afghanistan, Republic of Afghanistan and also support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled peace process. WION: As a member of the team, how has been your experiences in Moscow, Doha and Pakistan. Who do you think, are not for Afghanistan, a stable prosperous Afghanistan? Khalid Noor: I have met the Taliban on several occasions. In Moscow, Doha and have attended conferences on peace in Afganistan, one in Pakistan. My experiences have been very good. Meeting face to face with others helps us know the narratives, different narratives of this war. It is also important to build personal trust if you going for negotiations with Taliban, building trust is the most important so that both sides can trust each other and these dialogues have helped and other people know the Taliban better and also my personal experience, Taliban in Doha, we went there and showed Taliban the new face of Afghanistan and the new Afghanistan. They were surprised. They said, we know Afghanistan has changed and we respect that. We have to see if they really meant that during negotiations.

Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor

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

Al-Qaeda's regional affiliate in Afghanistan maintains close ties to the Taliban and has an "enduring interest" in attacking US and foreign troops, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

Under a deal the Taliban signed with the United States in February, the insurgents agreed to stop Al-Qaeda from using Afghanistan as a safe haven to plot attacks.&nbsp;

But in the months since, the Taliban have continued to work with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the US Defense Department said in a report.

"AQIS routinely supports and works with low-level Taliban members in its efforts to undermine the Afghan government, and maintains an enduring interest in attacking US forces and Western targets in the region," the Pentagon said in a security assessment compiled for the US Congress.

"Despite recent progress in the peace process, AQIS maintains close ties to the Taliban in Afghanistan, likely for protection and training."

The Pentagon report comes on the heels of a UN analysis released last month that found Al-Qaeda and the Taliban "remain close" and were in regular consultations over negotiations with America.

Afghan watchers have long questioned whether Washington is being naive in thinking the Taliban would honor a pledge to restrict Al-Qaeda, the jihadist group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks that led to America's invasion of Afghanistan.

The report added that any "core" Al-Qaeda members still in Afghanistan are focused mainly on survival, and have delegated regional leadership to AQIS.

"AQIS's interest in attacking US forces and other Western targets in Afghanistan and the region persists, but continuing coalition (counterterrorism) pressure has reduced AQIS's ability to conduct operations in Afghanistan without the support of the Taliban," the Pentagon said.&nbsp;

The UN report highlighted the connections between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who sheltered former leader Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan ahead of 9/11.

The two groups "remain close, based on friendship, a history of shared struggle, ideological sympathy and intermarriage," the UN report stated.

The US-Taliban deal signed February 29 was supposed to lead to peace talks starting by March 10 between the insurgents and the Kabul government.&nbsp;

But negotiations have proved elusive amid a contentious prisoner swap and rising violence.

Under the US-Taliban deal, foreign forces are supposed to quit Afghanistan next year.

But General Kenneth McKenzie, who heads US Central Command, said last month that "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan" before the US would pull out.&nbsp;

Al-Qaeda's regional affiliate in Afghanistan maintains close ties to the Taliban and has an "enduring interest" in attacking US and foreign troops, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

Al-Qaeda's regional affiliate in Afghanistan maintains close ties to the Taliban and has an "enduring interest" in attacking US and foreign troops, the Pentagon said Wednesday. Under a deal the Taliban signed with the United States in February, the insurgents agreed to stop Al-Qaeda from using Afghanistan as a safe haven to plot attacks. But in the months since, the Taliban have continued to work with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the US Defense Department said in a report. "AQIS routinely supports and works with low-level Taliban members in its efforts to undermine the Afghan government, and maintains an enduring interest in attacking US forces and Western targets in the region," the Pentagon said in a security assessment compiled for the US Congress. "Despite recent progress in the peace process, AQIS maintains close ties to the Taliban in Afghanistan, likely for protection and training." The Pentagon report comes on the heels of a UN analysis released last month that found Al-Qaeda and the Taliban "remain close" and were in regular consultations over negotiations with America. Afghan watchers have long questioned whether Washington is being naive in thinking the Taliban would honor a pledge to restrict Al-Qaeda, the jihadist group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks that led to America's invasion of Afghanistan. The report added that any "core" Al-Qaeda members still in Afghanistan are focused mainly on survival, and have delegated regional leadership to AQIS. "AQIS's interest in attacking US forces and other Western targets in Afghanistan and the region persists, but continuing coalition (counterterrorism) pressure has reduced AQIS's ability to conduct operations in Afghanistan without the support of the Taliban," the Pentagon said. The UN report highlighted the connections between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who sheltered former leader Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan ahead of 9/11. The two groups "remain close, based on friendship, a history of shared struggle, ideological sympathy and intermarriage," the UN report stated. The US-Taliban deal signed February 29 was supposed to lead to peace talks starting by March 10 between the insurgents and the Kabul government. But negotiations have proved elusive amid a contentious prisoner swap and rising violence. Under the US-Taliban deal, foreign forces are supposed to quit Afghanistan next year. But General Kenneth McKenzie, who heads US Central Command, said last month that "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan" before the US would pull out.

Taliban maintain ties to Al-Qaeda affiliate: Pentagon

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday&nbsp;criticized President Donald Trump's handling of a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan, saying his actions were a "dereliction of duty."

The White House has said Trump did not receive a personal briefing on intelligence about the alleged Russian program.&nbsp;

White House press&nbsp;secretary&nbsp;Kayleigh&nbsp;McEnany&nbsp;defended Trump during a press briefing by saying&nbsp;"he is constantly being informed and briefed on intelligence matters.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-press-secretary-mocked-after-saying-trump-is-most-informed-person-309771" hreflang="en">White House press secretary mocked after calling Trump 'most informed person'</a>

Biden spoke at a high school in Wilmington, Delaware, where he took questions from reporters for the first time in months after delivering a speech attacking Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

"He doesn't seem to be cognitively aware of what's going on," Biden said, throwing one of Trump's criticisms of the Democrat back at him and previewing the sparring that could take place at their debates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-wasnt-briefed-on-russia-taliban-bounty-intelligence-309193">Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence</a>

He also launched a fresh attack on President Donald Trump's "historic mismanagement" of the coronavirus pandemic as the number of confirmed cases in many states rises.

Biden argued that earlier action by Trump would have reduced the number who fell ill and the economic impact of the virus.

He released an updated plan to tackle the pandemic, which would include more COVID-19 testing and hiring at least 100,000 contract tracers.

He predicted that the coronavirus outbreak would likely worsen with the onset of the flu season, and said preparations should include more flu vaccines.

Biden&nbsp;said that, if elected, he would ask the federal government's top disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, to serve another term.

The Republican president trails Biden in opinion polls ahead of the November&nbsp;3 election amid the pandemic's health and economic crises, and nationwide protests against police brutality.

Answering a reporter's question on whether he had been tested for cognitive decline, Biden said he was looking forward to comparing his "cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I'm running against."

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday criticized President Donald Trump's handling of a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan, saying his actions were a "dereliction of duty.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday criticized President Donald Trump's handling of a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan, saying his actions were a "dereliction of duty." The White House has said Trump did not receive a personal briefing on intelligence about the alleged Russian program. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended Trump during a press briefing by saying "he is constantly being informed and briefed on intelligence matters.'' Also read: White House press secretary mocked after calling Trump 'most informed person' Biden spoke at a high school in Wilmington, Delaware, where he took questions from reporters for the first time in months after delivering a speech attacking Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. "He doesn't seem to be cognitively aware of what's going on," Biden said, throwing one of Trump's criticisms of the Democrat back at him and previewing the sparring that could take place at their debates. Also read: Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence He also launched a fresh attack on President Donald Trump's "historic mismanagement" of the coronavirus pandemic as the number of confirmed cases in many states rises. Biden argued that earlier action by Trump would have reduced the number who fell ill and the economic impact of the virus. He released an updated plan to tackle the pandemic, which would include more COVID-19 testing and hiring at least 100,000 contract tracers. He predicted that the coronavirus outbreak would likely worsen with the onset of the flu season, and said preparations should include more flu vaccines. Biden said that, if elected, he would ask the federal government's top disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, to serve another term. The Republican president trails Biden in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election amid the pandemic's health and economic crises, and nationwide protests against police brutality. Answering a reporter's question on whether he had been tested for cognitive decline, Biden said he was looking forward to comparing his "cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I'm running against."

Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that&nbsp;he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US&nbsp;troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014.

Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, after he left the briefing, tweeted that the payments went back to his service in Afghanistan.

He was deployed in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel in 2014 and 2015, according to his official biography, and he&nbsp;currently serves in the US&nbsp;Navy Reserve as a Supply Corps officer.&nbsp;

''Having served in Afghanistan during the time the alleged bounties were placed, no one is angrier about this than me,'' he wrote.&nbsp;

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93340400-d507-4061-8552-c0b29df95a28" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2865%29_3.jpg" />

The&nbsp;New York Times, which broke the story on Friday, indicated from their intelligence sources that the bounties went back to 2019 or possibly 2018.&nbsp;

This comes as Senate Republicans are calling for a tougher posture against Russia following reports that the country’s military spy unit offered to pay Taliban-linked militants to attack US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan, putting the GOP lawmakers once again potentially at odds with President Trump over how to combat Moscow’s aggression toward the United States.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Trump and the White House repeatedly denied Monday that the president had been briefed on the efforts against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which are believed to have led to the deaths of several U.S. service members

A group of House Democrats will be briefed at the White House at 8 am on Tuesday, according to an aide for Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the majority leader.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said he would be attending the White House briefing on Tuesday.

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014.

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014. Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, after he left the briefing, tweeted that the payments went back to his service in Afghanistan. He was deployed in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel in 2014 and 2015, according to his official biography, and he currently serves in the US Navy Reserve as a Supply Corps officer. ''Having served in Afghanistan during the time the alleged bounties were placed, no one is angrier about this than me,'' he wrote. The New York Times, which broke the story on Friday, indicated from their intelligence sources that the bounties went back to 2019 or possibly 2018. This comes as Senate Republicans are calling for a tougher posture against Russia following reports that the country’s military spy unit offered to pay Taliban-linked militants to attack US troops in Afghanistan, putting the GOP lawmakers once again potentially at odds with President Trump over how to combat Moscow’s aggression toward the United States. Meanwhile, Trump and the White House repeatedly denied Monday that the president had been briefed on the efforts against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which are believed to have led to the deaths of several U.S. service members A group of House Democrats will be briefed at the White House at 8 am on Tuesday, according to an aide for Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the majority leader. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said he would be attending the White House briefing on Tuesday.

Republican congressman knew about Russia's bounty offer to kill US troops in 2014

US intelligence has concluded that a Russian unit offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan, The New York Times reported Friday.

The purported bounties gave incentives to the guerrillas to target US forces, just as President Donald Trump tries to withdraw troops and end America's longest war.

The newspaper, citing anonymous officials, said that Trump was briefed on the findings in March, but has not decided how to respond.

It said that militants were believed to have collected bounty money, but that it was unclear whether specific killings of US troops were under suspicion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wife-of-kidnapped-afghan-sikh-writes-to-pm-modi-calls-for-granting-indian-citizenship-308766">Also read|&nbsp;Wife of kidnapped Afghan Sikh writes to PM Modi; calls for granting Indian citizenship</a>

The newspaper quoted a Kremlin spokesman saying only that Russia was unaware of the accusations.

Russia has a tortured history in Afghanistan, where the former Soviet Union in its final years was bogged down in a devastating fight against Islamic guerrillas, then backed by Washington.

But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-killed-42-civilians-last-week-and-injured-over-100-people-308070">Also watch|&nbsp;Taliban killed 42 civilians last week and injured over 100 people</a>

The New York Times said there were different theories on why Russia would support Taliban attacks, including a desire to keep the United States bogged down in war.

It said that the Russian unit may also be seeking revenge over the US killing of Russian mercenaries in Syria, where Moscow backs President Bashar al-Assad.

According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal.

US intelligence concluded that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election in a bid to assist Trump, including through manipulation of social media.

Trump has scoffed at the findings and sought a warmer relationship with President Vladimir Putin, even as his administration keeps imposing sanctions over Russia over its actions on Ukraine.

US intelligence has concluded that a Russian unit offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan, The New York Times reported Friday.

US intelligence has concluded that a Russian unit offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan, The New York Times reported Friday. The purported bounties gave incentives to the guerrillas to target US forces, just as President Donald Trump tries to withdraw troops and end America's longest war. The newspaper, citing anonymous officials, said that Trump was briefed on the findings in March, but has not decided how to respond. It said that militants were believed to have collected bounty money, but that it was unclear whether specific killings of US troops were under suspicion. Also read| Wife of kidnapped Afghan Sikh writes to PM Modi; calls for granting Indian citizenship The newspaper quoted a Kremlin spokesman saying only that Russia was unaware of the accusations. Russia has a tortured history in Afghanistan, where the former Soviet Union in its final years was bogged down in a devastating fight against Islamic guerrillas, then backed by Washington. But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban. Also watch| Taliban killed 42 civilians last week and injured over 100 people The New York Times said there were different theories on why Russia would support Taliban attacks, including a desire to keep the United States bogged down in war. It said that the Russian unit may also be seeking revenge over the US killing of Russian mercenaries in Syria, where Moscow backs President Bashar al-Assad. According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal. US intelligence concluded that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election in a bid to assist Trump, including through manipulation of social media. Trump has scoffed at the findings and sought a warmer relationship with President Vladimir Putin, even as his administration keeps imposing sanctions over Russia over its actions on Ukraine.

Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan. The Russian embassy in Washington DC called these accusations "baseless".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-offered-taliban-linked-militants-bounties-to-kill-us-troops-in-afghanistan-report-308914" hreflang="en">Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report</a>

On Friday, the newspaper reported that bounties were offered by spies of the Russian military intelligence service. It gave incentives to militants who attacked the American troops during the time when the forces are being withdrawed to end &nbsp;America's longest war.

The "baseless and anonymous accusations," published by the newspaper, had "already led to direct threats to the life of employees of the Russian Embassies in Washington D.C. and London," the Russian Embassy in Washington wrote on Twitter.

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Stop producing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fakenews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fakenews</a> that provoke life threats, <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a>. 
 
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— Russia in USA 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbUSA/status/1276696044399669248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes," it added in a later tweet.&nbsp;

Russia has had a rough history in Afghanistan, they were struck by heavy losses by Islamist guerrillas, then backed by Washington.

But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban.

According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal.

(Inputs from AFP)

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan.

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan. The Russian embassy in Washington DC called these accusations "baseless". Also read: Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report On Friday, the newspaper reported that bounties were offered by spies of the Russian military intelligence service. It gave incentives to militants who attacked the American troops during the time when the forces are being withdrawed to end America's longest war. The "baseless and anonymous accusations," published by the newspaper, had "already led to direct threats to the life of employees of the Russian Embassies in Washington D.C. and London," the Russian Embassy in Washington wrote on Twitter. Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes. We demand the relevant #US authorities take effective measures to ensure the fulfillment of their international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. @StateDept @FBI @DHSgov ⬇️ https://t.co/Ows7srg3IH — Russia in USA 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbUSA) June 27, 2020 × "Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes," it added in a later tweet. Russia has had a rough history in Afghanistan, they were struck by heavy losses by Islamist guerrillas, then backed by Washington. But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban. According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal. (Inputs from AFP)

'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces

A roadside bombing killed at least six Afghan civilians travelling in a rickshaw in a northern province, an official said on Wednesday.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to the interior ministry spokesman, Tariq Arian, the bombing in Jawzjan province took place the previous evening when the rickshaw struck the roadside bomb in Mardyan district. One civilian was also wounded in the explosion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hundreds-killed-in-further-taliban-attacks-with-peace-talks-ahead-308038" hreflang="en">Hundreds killed in further Taliban attacks with peace talks ahead</a>

Arian blamed Taliban insurgents for the attack. Afghanistan has seen a recent spike in violence, with most attacks claimed by the local affiliate of the Islamic State group.

In early June, IS claimed responsibility for a bombing at a mosque in Kabul that killed two people, including the prayer leader. Eight worshippers were wounded in that attack.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/sikh-abducted-in-afghanistan-afghan-american-sikhs-seek-indias-support-307775" hreflang="en">Sikh abducted in Afghanistan, Afghan American Sikhs seek India's support</a>

A week later, another prayer leader and three worshipers were killed in a bomb blast inside another mosque in Kabul. Eight other worshippers were wounded. The Taliban condemned the mosque attacks.

Also, the United States blamed IS for a horrific attack last month on a maternity hospital in the capital that killed 24 people, including two infants and several new mothers.

The Islamic State group, which reviles Shiites as heretics, has declared war on Afghanistan's minority Shiite Muslims, but has also attacked Sunni Muslims and mosques.&nbsp;

A roadside bombing killed at least six Afghan civilians travelling in a rickshaw in a northern province, an official said on Wednesday. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

A roadside bombing killed at least six Afghan civilians travelling in a rickshaw in a northern province, an official said on Wednesday. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. According to the interior ministry spokesman, Tariq Arian, the bombing in Jawzjan province took place the previous evening when the rickshaw struck the roadside bomb in Mardyan district. One civilian was also wounded in the explosion. Also read: Hundreds killed in further Taliban attacks with peace talks ahead Arian blamed Taliban insurgents for the attack. Afghanistan has seen a recent spike in violence, with most attacks claimed by the local affiliate of the Islamic State group. In early June, IS claimed responsibility for a bombing at a mosque in Kabul that killed two people, including the prayer leader. Eight worshippers were wounded in that attack. Also read: Sikh abducted in Afghanistan, Afghan American Sikhs seek India's support A week later, another prayer leader and three worshipers were killed in a bomb blast inside another mosque in Kabul. Eight other worshippers were wounded. The Taliban condemned the mosque attacks. Also, the United States blamed IS for a horrific attack last month on a maternity hospital in the capital that killed 24 people, including two infants and several new mothers. The Islamic State group, which reviles Shiites as heretics, has declared war on Afghanistan's minority Shiite Muslims, but has also attacked Sunni Muslims and mosques.

Roadside bombing kills 6 civilians in northern Afghanistan

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

Increased Taliban attacks are jeopardising the peace process, the Afghan government said on Tuesday after hundreds of security force personnel were killed over the past week by the Islamist insurgents.&nbsp;

The Taliban, fighting to reintroduce strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster from power, signed a troop withdrawal agreement with the United States in February designed to pave the way for peace talks with the Afghan government.

“Recent attacks by terrorist groups and the Taliban have hurt the peace process and it is condemnable," Afghan Presidential Palace spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told a news conference.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-killed-291-afghan-security-personnel-in-past-week-307669" hreflang="en">Taliban killed 291 Afghan security personnel in past week</a>

There was a sharp reduction in violence following the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr last month, which officials hoped would pave the way for talks.

However, the past week has been alarming for Afghan officials with more than 400 Taliban attacks nationwide killing 291 security force members, Javid Faisal, spokesman for the government’s National Security Council, said on Monday.

“The Taliban's actions are inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace,” he said.

The main hurdle remaining for the launch of peace talks is disagreement over the release of few hundred Taliban prisoners involved in high-profile attacks against civilians.&nbsp;

Afghan officials say they believe the upsurge in violence is because the Taliban want to push the government to release those prisoners and have the upper hand in future talks.

The Taliban deny that they have stepped up attacks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-releases-14-hostages-amid-prisoner-release-agreement-307671" hreflang="en">Taliban releases 14 hostages amid prisoner-release agreement</a>

A senior government official said talks which could have started this month were likely to be delayed once again because of the spike in attacks.&nbsp;

The northeastern province of Takhar had been hit particularly hard by violence in the last few days, with attacks on security checkpoints and an explosion at a religious school in which seven students died.

Nevertheless, peacemaking efforts were continuing. The U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, met in recent days with the Taliban’s deputy leader Mullah Baradar in the Qatari capital Doha.

Increased Taliban attacks are jeopardising the peace process, the Afghan government said on Tuesday after hundreds of security force personnel were killed over the past week by the Islamist insurgents.

Increased Taliban attacks are jeopardising the peace process, the Afghan government said on Tuesday after hundreds of security force personnel were killed over the past week by the Islamist insurgents. The Taliban, fighting to reintroduce strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster from power, signed a troop withdrawal agreement with the United States in February designed to pave the way for peace talks with the Afghan government. “Recent attacks by terrorist groups and the Taliban have hurt the peace process and it is condemnable," Afghan Presidential Palace spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told a news conference. Also read: Taliban killed 291 Afghan security personnel in past week There was a sharp reduction in violence following the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr last month, which officials hoped would pave the way for talks. However, the past week has been alarming for Afghan officials with more than 400 Taliban attacks nationwide killing 291 security force members, Javid Faisal, spokesman for the government’s National Security Council, said on Monday. “The Taliban's actions are inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace,” he said. The main hurdle remaining for the launch of peace talks is disagreement over the release of few hundred Taliban prisoners involved in high-profile attacks against civilians. Afghan officials say they believe the upsurge in violence is because the Taliban want to push the government to release those prisoners and have the upper hand in future talks. The Taliban deny that they have stepped up attacks. Also read: Taliban releases 14 hostages amid prisoner-release agreement A senior government official said talks which could have started this month were likely to be delayed once again because of the spike in attacks. The northeastern province of Takhar had been hit particularly hard by violence in the last few days, with attacks on security checkpoints and an explosion at a religious school in which seven students died. Nevertheless, peacemaking efforts were continuing. The U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, met in recent days with the Taliban’s deputy leader Mullah Baradar in the Qatari capital Doha.

Hundreds killed in further Taliban attacks with peace talks ahead

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

Amid the Afghanistan-Taliban peace talks, Taliban had handed over a list of prisoners they wanted the Afghan government to release, and the Afghan government, too, had asked for release of the captivated soldiers.

As the&nbsp;Afghan government is slowly releasing selected prisoners, Taliban has also started releasing the captivated soldiers. On Monday, Taliban released 14 Afghan soldiers and policemen in several provinces across the country, Taliban spokesman confirmed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/western-powers-support-afghanistans-decision-to-not-release-taliban-prisoners-307334">Also read|&nbsp;Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners</a>

"Another group of 14 soldiers and policemen of the Kabul Administration were released from prisons of the Islamic Emirate in Logar, Nangarhar and Nooristan provinces and sent to their families," Suheil Shaheen wrote on Twitter.

In another tweet, Shaheen said that the head of the Taliban's political office, Baradar Akhund, met with United Nations Assistance Missions in Afghanistan chief Deborah Lyons in Qatar's capital Doha to discuss about the release of the remaining prisoners and the commencement of intra-Afghan talks.

The Afghan government has already released 3,000 out of the 5,000 said prisoners. However, the government is contemplating about releasing few hundreds of the high-profile prisoners, as they are believed to be responsible for some of the most violent attacks.

Amid the Afghanistan-Taliban peace talks, Taliban had handed over a list of prisoners they wanted the Afghan government to release, and the Afghan government, too, had asked for release of the captivated soldiers.

Amid the Afghanistan-Taliban peace talks, Taliban had handed over a list of prisoners they wanted the Afghan government to release, and the Afghan government, too, had asked for release of the captivated soldiers. As the Afghan government is slowly releasing selected prisoners, Taliban has also started releasing the captivated soldiers. On Monday, Taliban released 14 Afghan soldiers and policemen in several provinces across the country, Taliban spokesman confirmed. Also read| Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners "Another group of 14 soldiers and policemen of the Kabul Administration were released from prisons of the Islamic Emirate in Logar, Nangarhar and Nooristan provinces and sent to their families," Suheil Shaheen wrote on Twitter. In another tweet, Shaheen said that the head of the Taliban's political office, Baradar Akhund, met with United Nations Assistance Missions in Afghanistan chief Deborah Lyons in Qatar's capital Doha to discuss about the release of the remaining prisoners and the commencement of intra-Afghan talks. The Afghan government has already released 3,000 out of the 5,000 said prisoners. However, the government is contemplating about releasing few hundreds of the high-profile prisoners, as they are believed to be responsible for some of the most violent attacks.

Taliban releases 14 hostages amid prisoner-release agreement

The Taliban killed at least 291 Afghan security personnel over the past week, a top government official said Monday, accusing the insurgents of unleashing a wave of violence ahead of potential talks. 
 
The past week was the "deadliest" in the country's 19 years of conflict, said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, even as the insurgents dismissed the latest figures. 
 
The Taliban carried out 422 attacks in 32 provinces in the past week, killing 291 security force personnel and wounding 550 others, Faisal said on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-blames-afghan-forces-taliban-for-deliberately-targetting-healthcare-307559" hreflang="en">UN blames Afghan forces, Taliban for 'deliberately' targetting healthcare</a> 
 
"Taliban's commitment to reduce violence is meaningless, and their actions inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace," he said. 
 
The Taliban rejected the latest government figures. 
 
"The enemy aims to hurt the peace process and intra-Afghan talks by releasing such false reports," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's spokesman in Afghanistan, told AFP. 
 
"We did have some attacks last week, but they were mostly in defence."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/western-powers-support-afghanistans-decision-to-not-release-taliban-prisoners-307334" hreflang="en">Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners</a> 
 
Violence had dropped across much of Afghanistan since the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire on May 24 to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday, but officials have accused the insurgents of stepping up attacks in recent weeks. 
 
The latest government accusations come as Kabul and Taliban have signalled that they were getting closer to launching much-delayed peace talks. 
 
President Ashraf Ghani has vowed to complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to beginning the peace negotiations with the insurgents aimed at ending nearly two decades of war. 
 
The authorities have already released about 3,000 Taliban prisoners, and plan to further free 2,000 as stipulated in the insurgents' deal with Washington signed in February. 
 
The Taliban have said they are ready for peace talks but only after the release of the remaining 2,000 insurgents.

The Taliban killed at least 291 Afghan security personnel over the past week, a top government official said Monday, accusing the insurgents of unleashing a wave of violence ahead of potential talks.

The Taliban killed at least 291 Afghan security personnel over the past week, a top government official said Monday, accusing the insurgents of unleashing a wave of violence ahead of potential talks. The past week was the "deadliest" in the country's 19 years of conflict, said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, even as the insurgents dismissed the latest figures. The Taliban carried out 422 attacks in 32 provinces in the past week, killing 291 security force personnel and wounding 550 others, Faisal said on Twitter. Also read: UN blames Afghan forces, Taliban for 'deliberately' targetting healthcare "Taliban's commitment to reduce violence is meaningless, and their actions inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace," he said. The Taliban rejected the latest government figures. "The enemy aims to hurt the peace process and intra-Afghan talks by releasing such false reports," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's spokesman in Afghanistan, told AFP. "We did have some attacks last week, but they were mostly in defence." Also read: Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners Violence had dropped across much of Afghanistan since the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire on May 24 to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday, but officials have accused the insurgents of stepping up attacks in recent weeks. The latest government accusations come as Kabul and Taliban have signalled that they were getting closer to launching much-delayed peace talks. President Ashraf Ghani has vowed to complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to beginning the peace negotiations with the insurgents aimed at ending nearly two decades of war. The authorities have already released about 3,000 Taliban prisoners, and plan to further free 2,000 as stipulated in the insurgents' deal with Washington signed in February. The Taliban have said they are ready for peace talks but only after the release of the remaining 2,000 insurgents.

Taliban killed 291 Afghan security personnel in past week

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

Taliban militants kidnapped about 60 civilians in central Afghanistan over the past week, officials said on Sunday, with more than half still being held amid efforts by the United States and other foreign powers to start peace talks.

The Taliban took the hostages in the central province of Daikundi after a women escaped a Taliban-controlled village in a neighbouring province, according to the provincial deputy governor, Mohammad Ali Uruzgani.

Some 26, including women and children, had been released and tribal elders were mediating to free the remaining civilians, Uruzgani added.

A Taliban spokesman denied kidnapping the civilians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/western-powers-support-afghanistans-decision-to-not-release-taliban-prisoners-307334">Also read:&nbsp;Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners</a>

The militants, fighting to re-introduce strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster from power, signed a troop withdrawal agreement with the United States in February, which was designed to pave the way for peace talks with the Afghan government.

But violence has ramped up since the agreement and discord over the release of Taliban prisoners has hampered progress on formal talks.

Underscoring the tension, a spokesman for the national security council said the Taliban had killed more than 40 civilians around the country in the past week.

"The Taliban have failed to deliver on promises of reducing violence against the Afghan people and working for peace," spokesman Javid Faisal said on Twitter.

The U.N. mission in Afghanistan released a report on Sunday raising concerns about 15 attacks on health workers and health care facilities during the coronavirus pandemic, attributing responsibility for the majority of them to the Taliban.

The Taliban rejected both the U.N. and government allegations and accused the government of causing civilian casualties in the last week.

Taliban militants kidnapped about 60 civilians in central Afghanistan over the past week, officials said on Sunday, with more than half still being held amid efforts by the United States and other foreign powers to start peace talks.

Taliban militants kidnapped about 60 civilians in central Afghanistan over the past week, officials said on Sunday, with more than half still being held amid efforts by the United States and other foreign powers to start peace talks. The Taliban took the hostages in the central province of Daikundi after a women escaped a Taliban-controlled village in a neighbouring province, according to the provincial deputy governor, Mohammad Ali Uruzgani. Some 26, including women and children, had been released and tribal elders were mediating to free the remaining civilians, Uruzgani added. A Taliban spokesman denied kidnapping the civilians. Also read: Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners The militants, fighting to re-introduce strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster from power, signed a troop withdrawal agreement with the United States in February, which was designed to pave the way for peace talks with the Afghan government. But violence has ramped up since the agreement and discord over the release of Taliban prisoners has hampered progress on formal talks. Underscoring the tension, a spokesman for the national security council said the Taliban had killed more than 40 civilians around the country in the past week. "The Taliban have failed to deliver on promises of reducing violence against the Afghan people and working for peace," spokesman Javid Faisal said on Twitter. The U.N. mission in Afghanistan released a report on Sunday raising concerns about 15 attacks on health workers and health care facilities during the coronavirus pandemic, attributing responsibility for the majority of them to the Taliban. The Taliban rejected both the U.N. and government allegations and accused the government of causing civilian casualties in the last week.

Afghan Taliban kidnap dozens of civilians amid peace efforts, officials say

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