Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues.

Afghanistan government has decided to not allow the release of hundreds of Taliban prisoners, who are responsible for some of the most violent attacks.

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This demand from Taliban is one of the major and last demands from Taliban in resolving the intra-Afghan peace negotiations&nbsp;in Qatar aimed at ending more than 18 years of war in a US-brokered peace process.

"The contentious part right now is the prisoners issue," a senior government source told a media house. Two European diplomats, an Asian diplomat and another Afghan official confirmed his account.

"There are some dangerous Taliban fighters named in the list, and releasing them is literally crossing a red line," said a senior European diplomat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghan-government-taliban-agree-to-doha-as-venue-for-first-peace-talks-306103">Also read|&nbsp;Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks</a>

"Some NATO members find it extremely uncomfortable to support the release of Taliban prisoners who were behind large-scale suicide attacks on minority groups and on expats."

The Taliban started a withdrawal&nbsp;agreement with the help of the US. However, the talks were delayed as the Taliban group asked 5,000 prisoners to be released, which the Afghanistan government denied.

Sources have revealed that even the US government raised concerns over some of the names in the list of the 5,000 prisoners to be released, as some of them are responsible for violent attacks.&nbsp;NATO and the Afghan government have objected in&nbsp;setting these prisoners free.

The sources said that if all prisoners walked free, including those accused of killing many civilians in some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, it would give the impression the insurgent group had the upper hand over the government while negotiations got under way.

Taliban, however, has declined that the group has asked for release of high-profile prisoners. "There are no such people ... these are just excuses to create barriers against the peace process," said&nbsp;Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Afghanistan has released over 3,000&nbsp; prisoners already, and is ready to release all other prisoners, excusing few hundreds. Taliban, too, has released some prisoners.

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues.

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues. Afghanistan government has decided to not allow the release of hundreds of Taliban prisoners, who are responsible for some of the most violent attacks. Also read| We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander This demand from Taliban is one of the major and last demands from Taliban in resolving the intra-Afghan peace negotiations in Qatar aimed at ending more than 18 years of war in a US-brokered peace process. "The contentious part right now is the prisoners issue," a senior government source told a media house. Two European diplomats, an Asian diplomat and another Afghan official confirmed his account. "There are some dangerous Taliban fighters named in the list, and releasing them is literally crossing a red line," said a senior European diplomat. Also read| Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks "Some NATO members find it extremely uncomfortable to support the release of Taliban prisoners who were behind large-scale suicide attacks on minority groups and on expats." The Taliban started a withdrawal agreement with the help of the US. However, the talks were delayed as the Taliban group asked 5,000 prisoners to be released, which the Afghanistan government denied. Sources have revealed that even the US government raised concerns over some of the names in the list of the 5,000 prisoners to be released, as some of them are responsible for violent attacks. NATO and the Afghan government have objected in setting these prisoners free. The sources said that if all prisoners walked free, including those accused of killing many civilians in some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, it would give the impression the insurgent group had the upper hand over the government while negotiations got under way. Taliban, however, has declined that the group has asked for release of high-profile prisoners. "There are no such people ... these are just excuses to create barriers against the peace process," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Afghanistan has released over 3,000 prisoners already, and is ready to release all other prisoners, excusing few hundreds. Taliban, too, has released some prisoners.

Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday.

"What I would tell you now is we have met our part of the agreement," General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, told a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute.

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"We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days," McKenzie said. "We're at that number now."&nbsp;

Under the February deal reached with the Taliban, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan from 12,000 troops to 8,600 by mid-July.

The agreement calls for all US and foreign troops to quit Afghanistan by mid-2021, nearly 20 years after Washington invaded the country following the September 11 attacks by al-Qaeda on New York and Washington.&nbsp;

McKenzie stressed that while the goal of a complete withdrawal by May 2021 was "aspirational," it was also conditional.

It is a "conditions-based approach," the general said, and "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan."

"We all know already that (the Taliban) are no friends of ISIS," McKenzie said of the Islamic State group.

"What we need to see is what they're going to do against al-Qaeda," he said of the group responsible for 9/11. "And we need to see that in deeds and not words."&nbsp;

"And so we're very focused on what the Taliban is doing, how they're participating in these negotiations as we go forward," he said. "The jury is still very much out."&nbsp;

President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election in November, has said repeatedly that he wants US troops out of Afghanistan as soon as possible.

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday.

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday. "What I would tell you now is we have met our part of the agreement," General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, told a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute. Also read | Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield "We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days," McKenzie said. "We're at that number now." Under the February deal reached with the Taliban, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan from 12,000 troops to 8,600 by mid-July. The agreement calls for all US and foreign troops to quit Afghanistan by mid-2021, nearly 20 years after Washington invaded the country following the September 11 attacks by al-Qaeda on New York and Washington. McKenzie stressed that while the goal of a complete withdrawal by May 2021 was "aspirational," it was also conditional. It is a "conditions-based approach," the general said, and "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan." "We all know already that (the Taliban) are no friends of ISIS," McKenzie said of the Islamic State group. "What we need to see is what they're going to do against al-Qaeda," he said of the group responsible for 9/11. "And we need to see that in deeds and not words." "And so we're very focused on what the Taliban is doing, how they're participating in these negotiations as we go forward," he said. "The jury is still very much out." President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election in November, has said repeatedly that he wants US troops out of Afghanistan as soon as possible.

We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander

Taliban fighters killed at least 12 Afghan security personnel Wednesday in a pre-dawn raid on a northern checkpoint, officials said, the latest violence claimed by the insurgents. 
 
Four security force members were also captured by the militants in the attack in Jawezjan province, said Maroof Azar, spokesman to the governor. 
 
"Twelve security personnel including army soldiers were killed, five were injured and four were captured by the Taliban," he told AFP.

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He said five Taliban fighters were killed in the fighting, which ended after Afghan security reinforcements arrived at the scene, Azar said. 
 
The ministry of defence confirmed the attack and said six of its soldiers were among the dead.&nbsp; 
 
The Taliban spokesman for the group's fighting forces, Zabihullah Mujahib, claimed the attack but gave a higher toll.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghan-government-taliban-agree-to-doha-as-venue-for-first-peace-talks-306103" hreflang="en">Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks</a> 
 
The latest bloodshed comes as the insurgents and the Afghan government appear to be moving closer towards potential peace negotiations. 
 
The much-delayed talks aimed at ending the conflict are expected to begin once the two sides complete an ongoing prisoner swap accelerated after a brief ceasefire last month. 
 
Officials claim the Taliban have stepped up attacks in recent days, although there has been an overall drop in violence across the country since the ceasefire ended.&nbsp;

Taliban fighters killed at least 12 Afghan security personnel Wednesday in a pre-dawn raid on a northern checkpoint, officials said, the latest violence claimed by the insurgents.

Taliban fighters killed at least 12 Afghan security personnel Wednesday in a pre-dawn raid on a northern checkpoint, officials said, the latest violence claimed by the insurgents. Four security force members were also captured by the militants in the attack in Jawezjan province, said Maroof Azar, spokesman to the governor. "Twelve security personnel including army soldiers were killed, five were injured and four were captured by the Taliban," he told AFP. Also read: Afghanistan and Myanmar drown in China's loans; Afghanistan rejects loan He said five Taliban fighters were killed in the fighting, which ended after Afghan security reinforcements arrived at the scene, Azar said. The ministry of defence confirmed the attack and said six of its soldiers were among the dead. The Taliban spokesman for the group's fighting forces, Zabihullah Mujahib, claimed the attack but gave a higher toll. Also read: Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks The latest bloodshed comes as the insurgents and the Afghan government appear to be moving closer towards potential peace negotiations. The much-delayed talks aimed at ending the conflict are expected to begin once the two sides complete an ongoing prisoner swap accelerated after a brief ceasefire last month. Officials claim the Taliban have stepped up attacks in recent days, although there has been an overall drop in violence across the country since the ceasefire ended.

Taliban raid on Afghan security post kills 12

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday.

The talks, known as the intra-Afghan dialogue, will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after years of fighting.

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No date has been announced for the meeting, but it is expected to take place after the two sides settle differences on the release by the Afghan government of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, which could be as soon as the end of next week.

"The first intra-Afghan meeting will happen in Doha," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Reuters, adding that the Islamist group was ready to hold intra-Afghan talks within a week of the release of 5,000 prisoners.

The Afghan government has released 3,000 Taliban prisoners so far under an agreement signed between the United States and the insurgent group in February.

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That deal outlined a roadmap for withdrawing foreign forces from Afghanistan and peace talks to end the 19-year war.

The government wants talks to begin as soon as possible but has issues with the release of a few hundred high-profile Taliban prisoners, a senior government official told Reuters.

The official said the government had offered an alternative prisoner release list to the Taliban.

The spokesman for the Afghan Presidential Palace, Sediq Sediqqi, said on Twitter that Doha had been agreed as the venue for the first talks but said no permanent venue had been agreed.

The Qatari capital was the venue for signing the deal between the United States and Taliban. The insurgent group has had a political office in Doha since 2013.

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday.

Afghanistan`s government and the Islamist Taliban group have agreed that Doha will be the venue for the first meeting in their peace talks, both sides said on Sunday. The talks, known as the intra-Afghan dialogue, will be the first high-level meeting between the two sides after years of fighting. Also read: Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case No date has been announced for the meeting, but it is expected to take place after the two sides settle differences on the release by the Afghan government of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, which could be as soon as the end of next week. "The first intra-Afghan meeting will happen in Doha," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Reuters, adding that the Islamist group was ready to hold intra-Afghan talks within a week of the release of 5,000 prisoners. The Afghan government has released 3,000 Taliban prisoners so far under an agreement signed between the United States and the insurgent group in February. Also read: Attacks on checkpoint in various Afghan regions leave scores of terrorists dead, injured That deal outlined a roadmap for withdrawing foreign forces from Afghanistan and peace talks to end the 19-year war. The government wants talks to begin as soon as possible but has issues with the release of a few hundred high-profile Taliban prisoners, a senior government official told Reuters. The official said the government had offered an alternative prisoner release list to the Taliban. The spokesman for the Afghan Presidential Palace, Sediq Sediqqi, said on Twitter that Doha had been agreed as the venue for the first talks but said no permanent venue had been agreed. The Qatari capital was the venue for signing the deal between the United States and Taliban. The insurgent group has had a political office in Doha since 2013.

Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks

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

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

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

Afghan President says Taliban prisoner release to be completed soon

At least four people were killed after a blast ripped through a crowd during Friday prayers at a mosque in Kabul, in the latest attack on the city ahead of potential talks with insurgents.

Afghanistan is juggling multiple crises, with the coronavirus rapidly spreading across the country and continuing violence even as the government and Taliban signal they are getting closer to sitting down for talks.

Based on our initial information, at around noon explosives placed inside the mosque detonated during Friday prayers.

A health ministry spokesman confirmed the death count, saying the prayer leader and three worshippers were killed at the Sher Shah Suri mosque, while several others were wounded.

The attack comes a week after an Islamic State-claimed attack killed two people, including a popular prayer leader, at a mosque on the edge of Kabul's heavily fortified green zone.

President Ashraf Ghani vowed on Thursday to complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents.

Once the swap is done, the two sides have pledged to begin negotiations that could end nearly 19 years of war.

The Taliban have largely refrained from launching major attacks on Afghan cities since February, when they signed a deal with the US meant to pave the way for peace talks with the Kabul government.

A ceasefire during last month's Eid al Fitr holidays also sparked hopes that the two sides may be getting closer to holding negotiations even as a recent uptick in fighting has tempered expectations.

The ceasefire was just the second observed in the country since the Taliban were toppled by a US invasion in 2001 following the September 11 attacks by Al-Qaeda, whose leader Osama bin Laden was sheltered by the regime.

(with inputs from AFP)

At least four people were killed after a blast ripped through a crowd during Friday prayers at a mosque in Kabul, in the latest attack on the city ahead of potential talks with insurgents.

At least four people were killed after a blast ripped through a crowd during Friday prayers at a mosque in Kabul, in the latest attack on the city ahead of potential talks with insurgents. Afghanistan is juggling multiple crises, with the coronavirus rapidly spreading across the country and continuing violence even as the government and Taliban signal they are getting closer to sitting down for talks. Based on our initial information, at around noon explosives placed inside the mosque detonated during Friday prayers. A health ministry spokesman confirmed the death count, saying the prayer leader and three worshippers were killed at the Sher Shah Suri mosque, while several others were wounded. The attack comes a week after an Islamic State-claimed attack killed two people, including a popular prayer leader, at a mosque on the edge of Kabul's heavily fortified green zone. President Ashraf Ghani vowed on Thursday to complete a Taliban prisoner release that is a key condition to the launch of peace talks with the insurgents. Once the swap is done, the two sides have pledged to begin negotiations that could end nearly 19 years of war. The Taliban have largely refrained from launching major attacks on Afghan cities since February, when they signed a deal with the US meant to pave the way for peace talks with the Kabul government. A ceasefire during last month's Eid al Fitr holidays also sparked hopes that the two sides may be getting closer to holding negotiations even as a recent uptick in fighting has tempered expectations. The ceasefire was just the second observed in the country since the Taliban were toppled by a US invasion in 2001 following the September 11 attacks by Al-Qaeda, whose leader Osama bin Laden was sheltered by the regime. (with inputs from AFP)

Four killed in Kabul mosque blast; several wounded

Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab Police arrested two militants of the banned&nbsp;Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).&nbsp;

These two militants were involved in the murder of a Polish engineer&nbsp;and an attack on the army personnel in Pakistan's tribal region.

As per local reports, a Polish engineer Piotr Stanczak was abducted from&nbsp;Attock, near Rawalpindi, in 2008. He was beheaded in 2009 by the arrested suspects.

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The incident came to light after seven-minute long video was sent to&nbsp;reporters in February 2009. The video showed the militants beheading the Polish engineer.

The engineer was beheaded after four months, during which the militants demanded release of&nbsp;some TTP prisoners by the government.

The two suspects have been identified as Kaleemullah and Farid Khan. Kaleemullah confessed to the beheading and&nbsp;the attack on the army personnel in South Waziristan.

A case has been registered against both suspects under section 3/4 Explosive Substances Act and 7 Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

(With inputs from PTI)

Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab Police arrested two militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These two militants were involved in the murder of a Polish engineer and an attack on the army personnel in Pakistan's tribal region.

Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab Police arrested two militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These two militants were involved in the murder of a Polish engineer and an attack on the army personnel in Pakistan's tribal region. As per local reports, a Polish engineer Piotr Stanczak was abducted from Attock, near Rawalpindi, in 2008. He was beheaded in 2009 by the arrested suspects. Also read: Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help' The incident came to light after seven-minute long video was sent to reporters in February 2009. The video showed the militants beheading the Polish engineer. The engineer was beheaded after four months, during which the militants demanded release of some TTP prisoners by the government. The two suspects have been identified as Kaleemullah and Farid Khan. Kaleemullah confessed to the beheading and the attack on the army personnel in South Waziristan. A case has been registered against both suspects under section 3/4 Explosive Substances Act and 7 Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan: Taliban militants arrested for beheading Polish engineer

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

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

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

Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield

The negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghanistan government will be held in Qatar`s Doha.According to TOLO News, the exact date of the meeting has not yet been revealed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-sees-highest-inflation-in-the-world-during-2020-sbp-304002" hreflang="en">Pakistan sees highest inflation in the world during 2020: SBP</a>

Meanwhile, the government has agreed to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners before the talks, as per sources close to the Taliban.

"The Afghan government has taken important steps in this process. The negotiation team of the Afghan government is ready to enter the talks and we have a strong national consensus for the peace process," the Presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi was quoted as saying.

Till date, the government has released more than 2,700 prisoners and the Talinab have released 458 government prisoners.

The negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghanistan government will be held in Qatar`s Doha.According to TOLO News, the exact date of the meeting has not yet been revealed.

The negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghanistan government will be held in Qatar`s Doha.According to TOLO News, the exact date of the meeting has not yet been revealed. Also read: Pakistan sees highest inflation in the world during 2020: SBP Meanwhile, the government has agreed to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners before the talks, as per sources close to the Taliban. "The Afghan government has taken important steps in this process. The negotiation team of the Afghan government is ready to enter the talks and we have a strong national consensus for the peace process," the Presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi was quoted as saying. Till date, the government has released more than 2,700 prisoners and the Talinab have released 458 government prisoners.

Intra-Afghan talks to be held in Doha

The Taliban boasted of their readiness to fight the deadly coronavirus when it first reached Afghanistan, but now the insurgents are struggling to curb its spread in their strongholds.

For months, Habib Rahman, a resident of a Taliban-controlled area in the south of the country, has been unable to test whether his persistent cough is due to the virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/roadside-bomb-kills-9-civilians-in-southern-afghanistan-302988">Roadside bomb kills 9 civilians in southern Afghanistan</a>

"I have a cough, fever and chest pain," said Rahman, 32, who owns a grocery store in Helmand province.

"There is neither a centre here to diagnose or treat coronavirus patients, nor is there any effort to create awareness of the disease.

Official figures show Afghanistan has more than 17,000 confirmed cases -- including thousands in Taliban-controlled territories.

But an overall shortage of testing kits, medical supplies and a dilapidated health system were compounding problems in tackling the spread, said Ahmed Saeedi, an independent analyst.

Years of war have left Afghanistan with a crumbling health sector, hampering the government's fight against COVID-19.

In an attempt to bolster their narrative that they can run Afghanistan better than the struggling administration, the Taliban launched a campaign to tackle the virus in March.

They posted images online showing insurgents distributing masks and soap to villagers -- albeit without any social distancing.

In one image, masked militants wearing white protective suits check residents' temperatures and explain about personal hygiene as a machinegun is seen on a nearby table.

Disbelief about virus&nbsp;

The virus entered Afghanistan as infected migrants returned from neighbouring Iran, the region's worst-hit country, and the Taliban ordered hundreds of returnees into quarantine.

In some areas they controlled, the insurgents allowed government health officials to monitor the virus's spread -- something rare for a group blamed for the deaths of dozens of medics over the years.

But in recent weeks, residents from provinces such as Kunduz, Helmand, Uruzgan and Kandahar -- where the Taliban hold sway over large areas -- complain they have been abandoned to their fate.

In Kunduz, where the militants fought a fierce night battle before a short nationwide ceasefire last month, insurgents have barred medics.

"They said they would handle the virus on their own," said Sebghatullah, a doctor from a nearby district, worried about the residents' lack of awareness when it came to personal hygiene.

Haji Qudratullah, a resident of Helmand, said he recently saw a group of Taliban fighters film a promotional video at a neighbourhood clinic, but they never returned.&nbsp;

"I have not seen anybody do anything to raise awareness about the virus here," he said.

Taliban commanders insist they are helping fight the virus.

"People who are suffering from high fever, cough and body pain... are taken to Trinkot," said Hafez Mohammad, a Taliban commander, referring to the capital of Uruzgan province.

Even during the Taliban's rule in the late 1990s, Afghanistan's health sector was hit by poor infrastructure, little international aid and underpaid medics.

The disease is also sweeping through the Taliban itself, with several high-level militants believed to be sick with COVID-19, according to international media reports. The group deny any of their senior leaders are ill.

'Transgression against religion'&nbsp;

In his annual message marking the Eid holiday, the Taliban's top leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, urged people to seek medical help for the disease.

But he also insisted the virus was caused by mankind's "transgression against Allah's religion".

To stop the virus, people should "seek forgiveness from Allah and stop violating his commands", Akhundzada said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the militants had distributed booklets explaining how to prevent infections.

"Our mobile teams, using motorcycles, are taking people with symptoms to the hospitals," Mujahid told AFP.

Experts, however, said the insurgents faced an uphill task.

"There is no ambulance or a professional team that can take their samples or treat these suspected patients," health official Hamid Ahmadi said.

Residents, meanwhile, say they have little information on what to do.

"Many people are complaining from flu-like symptoms... we don't know why," said Haji Abdul Bari in Helmand.

"Nobody has told us about the symptoms of corona. We don't know anything about it." 
&nbsp;

The Taliban boasted of their readiness to fight the deadly coronavirus when it first reached Afghanistan, but now the insurgents are struggling to curb its spread in their strongholds.

The Taliban boasted of their readiness to fight the deadly coronavirus when it first reached Afghanistan, but now the insurgents are struggling to curb its spread in their strongholds. For months, Habib Rahman, a resident of a Taliban-controlled area in the south of the country, has been unable to test whether his persistent cough is due to the virus. Also read | Roadside bomb kills 9 civilians in southern Afghanistan "I have a cough, fever and chest pain," said Rahman, 32, who owns a grocery store in Helmand province. "There is neither a centre here to diagnose or treat coronavirus patients, nor is there any effort to create awareness of the disease. Official figures show Afghanistan has more than 17,000 confirmed cases -- including thousands in Taliban-controlled territories. But an overall shortage of testing kits, medical supplies and a dilapidated health system were compounding problems in tackling the spread, said Ahmed Saeedi, an independent analyst. Years of war have left Afghanistan with a crumbling health sector, hampering the government's fight against COVID-19. In an attempt to bolster their narrative that they can run Afghanistan better than the struggling administration, the Taliban launched a campaign to tackle the virus in March. They posted images online showing insurgents distributing masks and soap to villagers -- albeit without any social distancing. In one image, masked militants wearing white protective suits check residents' temperatures and explain about personal hygiene as a machinegun is seen on a nearby table. Disbelief about virus The virus entered Afghanistan as infected migrants returned from neighbouring Iran, the region's worst-hit country, and the Taliban ordered hundreds of returnees into quarantine. In some areas they controlled, the insurgents allowed government health officials to monitor the virus's spread -- something rare for a group blamed for the deaths of dozens of medics over the years. But in recent weeks, residents from provinces such as Kunduz, Helmand, Uruzgan and Kandahar -- where the Taliban hold sway over large areas -- complain they have been abandoned to their fate. In Kunduz, where the militants fought a fierce night battle before a short nationwide ceasefire last month, insurgents have barred medics. "They said they would handle the virus on their own," said Sebghatullah, a doctor from a nearby district, worried about the residents' lack of awareness when it came to personal hygiene. Haji Qudratullah, a resident of Helmand, said he recently saw a group of Taliban fighters film a promotional video at a neighbourhood clinic, but they never returned. "I have not seen anybody do anything to raise awareness about the virus here," he said. Taliban commanders insist they are helping fight the virus. "People who are suffering from high fever, cough and body pain... are taken to Trinkot," said Hafez Mohammad, a Taliban commander, referring to the capital of Uruzgan province. Even during the Taliban's rule in the late 1990s, Afghanistan's health sector was hit by poor infrastructure, little international aid and underpaid medics. The disease is also sweeping through the Taliban itself, with several high-level militants believed to be sick with COVID-19, according to international media reports. The group deny any of their senior leaders are ill. 'Transgression against religion' In his annual message marking the Eid holiday, the Taliban's top leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, urged people to seek medical help for the disease. But he also insisted the virus was caused by mankind's "transgression against Allah's religion". To stop the virus, people should "seek forgiveness from Allah and stop violating his commands", Akhundzada said. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the militants had distributed booklets explaining how to prevent infections. "Our mobile teams, using motorcycles, are taking people with symptoms to the hospitals," Mujahid told AFP. Experts, however, said the insurgents faced an uphill task. "There is no ambulance or a professional team that can take their samples or treat these suspected patients," health official Hamid Ahmadi said. Residents, meanwhile, say they have little information on what to do. "Many people are complaining from flu-like symptoms... we don't know why," said Haji Abdul Bari in Helmand. "Nobody has told us about the symptoms of corona. We don't know anything about it."

Afghanistan: Taliban struggles to control coronavirus spread despite earlier boast

United Nations report says that there are 6,500 Pakistani insurgents in Afghanistan. The monitoring team's annual report to the United Nation's Security Council has said that out of 6,500 radicals over 1000 belong to Pakistan terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: 6,500 Pakistani insurgents in Afghanistan, Taliban defies landmark peace deal

Days after the end of the three-day ceasefire between the Taliban and Afghanistan government, seven members of the Afghan security forces were killed on Thursday.&nbsp;

The latest attack which Kabul blamed on the Taliban dashed hopes of any sort of agreement between the militant group and the Afghanistan administration.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-wants-truce-extension-as-it-begins-freeing-900-taliban-prisoners-301231">Afghanistan wants truce extension as it begins freeing 900 Taliban prisoners</a>

Taliban fighters attacked early on Thursday a checkpoint in Parwan, north of the capital, said Waheeda Shahkar, spokeswoman to the provincial governor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-announces-three-day-ceasefire-during-the-holidays-of-eid-al-fitr-with-government-300674">Taliban announces three-day ceasefire during the holidays of Eid al-Fitr with government</a>

He added that the Taliban also suffered casualties.&nbsp;

District police chief Hussain Shah said Taliban fighters set fire to the checkpoint, in which five security force personnel were killed. Two more personnel were shot dead.&nbsp;

So far, the Taliban has not commented on the attack.&nbsp;

This comes after the Taliban, in a surprising development, extended a hand of peace by offering a ceasefire to the Afghan government over the Eid al-Fitr festival.

Afghan officials also in its part agreed on prisoner exchange, releasing 1,000 Taliban prisoners this week, and planning to free more in the coming days.

Before the ceasefire too, Kabul had freed nearly 1,000 Taliban captives, while the militant group released some 300 members of government forces.&nbsp;

The Taliban and Afghan administration have so far not reached any sort of truce despite providing a glimmer of hopes here and then after the signing of a historic peace deal that aimed at withdrawing the US and its allies' forces and working to establish peace in the region.&nbsp;

Days after the end of the three-day ceasefire between the Taliban and Afghanistan government, seven members of the Afghan security forces were killed on Thursday.

Days after the end of the three-day ceasefire between the Taliban and Afghanistan government, seven members of the Afghan security forces were killed on Thursday. The latest attack which Kabul blamed on the Taliban dashed hopes of any sort of agreement between the militant group and the Afghanistan administration. Also read | Afghanistan wants truce extension as it begins freeing 900 Taliban prisoners Taliban fighters attacked early on Thursday a checkpoint in Parwan, north of the capital, said Waheeda Shahkar, spokeswoman to the provincial governor. Also read | Taliban announces three-day ceasefire during the holidays of Eid al-Fitr with government He added that the Taliban also suffered casualties. District police chief Hussain Shah said Taliban fighters set fire to the checkpoint, in which five security force personnel were killed. Two more personnel were shot dead. So far, the Taliban has not commented on the attack. This comes after the Taliban, in a surprising development, extended a hand of peace by offering a ceasefire to the Afghan government over the Eid al-Fitr festival. Afghan officials also in its part agreed on prisoner exchange, releasing 1,000 Taliban prisoners this week, and planning to free more in the coming days. Before the ceasefire too, Kabul had freed nearly 1,000 Taliban captives, while the militant group released some 300 members of government forces. The Taliban and Afghan administration have so far not reached any sort of truce despite providing a glimmer of hopes here and then after the signing of a historic peace deal that aimed at withdrawing the US and its allies' forces and working to establish peace in the region.

Afghanistan: Seven security personnel killed, govt blames Taliban

Afghan government begins release of 900 Taliban insurgents, urges truce extension

US troop strength in Afghanistan is down to nearly 8,600, well ahead of a schedule agreed with Taliban militants in late February, in part because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

A key provision of the February 29 agreement between the Taliban and the United States, to which the Afghan government was not a party, involved a US commitment to reduce its military footprint in Afghanistan from about 13,000 to 8,600 by mid-July and, conditions permitting, to zero by May 2021.

Two senior sources in Kabul said the 8,600 target was likely to be achieved by early June. 
Two US officials said that the United States was close to 8,600 troops and could reach that number in coming days.

The other US official said the United States had focussed on quickly removing non-essential personnel and those considered to be at high risk from the coronavirus.

US forces are in Afghanistan to conduct counter-insurgency operations. A few thousand US soldiers work with troops from 37 NATO partner countries to train, advise and assist Afghan forces.

NATO's mission in the country totalled 16,551 troops in February, according official data available on its website.

Meanwhile, the Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 before being ousted by US-led troops in 2001, have sought to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul and reimpose Islamic rule. They dismiss the Kabul government as a puppet of the United States.

The Taliban have recently increased attacks in a number of provinces, despite the Afghan government releasing prisoners as per the US-Taliban agreement signed in Doha.

In a statement, the Pentagon said it expected to be at 8,600 troops within 135 days of signing the agreement, but declined to say how many troops were currently in Afghanistan.

(with inputs from Reuters)

US troop strength in Afghanistan is down to nearly 8,600, well ahead of a schedule agreed with Taliban militants in late February, in part because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

US troop strength in Afghanistan is down to nearly 8,600, well ahead of a schedule agreed with Taliban militants in late February, in part because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. A key provision of the February 29 agreement between the Taliban and the United States, to which the Afghan government was not a party, involved a US commitment to reduce its military footprint in Afghanistan from about 13,000 to 8,600 by mid-July and, conditions permitting, to zero by May 2021. Two senior sources in Kabul said the 8,600 target was likely to be achieved by early June. Two US officials said that the United States was close to 8,600 troops and could reach that number in coming days. The other US official said the United States had focussed on quickly removing non-essential personnel and those considered to be at high risk from the coronavirus. US forces are in Afghanistan to conduct counter-insurgency operations. A few thousand US soldiers work with troops from 37 NATO partner countries to train, advise and assist Afghan forces. NATO's mission in the country totalled 16,551 troops in February, according official data available on its website. Meanwhile, the Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 before being ousted by US-led troops in 2001, have sought to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul and reimpose Islamic rule. They dismiss the Kabul government as a puppet of the United States. The Taliban have recently increased attacks in a number of provinces, despite the Afghan government releasing prisoners as per the US-Taliban agreement signed in Doha. In a statement, the Pentagon said it expected to be at 8,600 troops within 135 days of signing the agreement, but declined to say how many troops were currently in Afghanistan. (with inputs from Reuters)

US troop strength in Afghanistan down to almost 8,600 ahead of schedule

Afghan authorities released 100 Taliban prisoners Monday as part of the government's response to a surprise, three-day ceasefire the insurgents called to mark the Eid al-Fitr festival.

The pause in fighting, only the second of its kind in Afghanistan's nearly 19-year-old war, was for the most part holding across the country on day two after the government welcomed the truce by announcing plans to release up to 2,000 Taliban inmates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ghani-pledges-to-release-up-to-2000-taliban-prisoners-300968" hreflang="en">Afghan president Ghani pledges to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners</a>

President Ashraf Ghani said his administration was also ready to hold peace talks with the Taliban, seen as key to ending the war in the impoverished country.

"The government of Afghanistan has today released 100 Taliban prisoners from Bagram prison," National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal said.

He said the prisoner release was to "help the peace process" and will continue until 2,000 prisoners are freed.

Faisal said the authorities plan to release insurgent prisoners in batches of 100 daily.

"We hope this will eventually lead to a lasting peace that the people of Afghanistan so much desire and deserve," he said.

The current ceasefire is the first initiated by the Taliban. The only other comparable pause came over Eid in 2018, and was first offered by Ghani.

Afghan authorities released 100 Taliban prisoners Monday as part of the government's response to a surprise, three-day ceasefire the insurgents called to mark the Eid al-Fitr festival.

Afghan authorities released 100 Taliban prisoners Monday as part of the government's response to a surprise, three-day ceasefire the insurgents called to mark the Eid al-Fitr festival. The pause in fighting, only the second of its kind in Afghanistan's nearly 19-year-old war, was for the most part holding across the country on day two after the government welcomed the truce by announcing plans to release up to 2,000 Taliban inmates. Also read: Afghan president Ghani pledges to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners President Ashraf Ghani said his administration was also ready to hold peace talks with the Taliban, seen as key to ending the war in the impoverished country. "The government of Afghanistan has today released 100 Taliban prisoners from Bagram prison," National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal said. He said the prisoner release was to "help the peace process" and will continue until 2,000 prisoners are freed. Faisal said the authorities plan to release insurgent prisoners in batches of 100 daily. "We hope this will eventually lead to a lasting peace that the people of Afghanistan so much desire and deserve," he said. The current ceasefire is the first initiated by the Taliban. The only other comparable pause came over Eid in 2018, and was first offered by Ghani.

Afghan government frees 2,000 Taliban prisoners during ceasefire

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has started the process to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a "goodwill gesture".

The announcement came&nbsp;after the government welcomed the armed group's surprise announcement of a three-day ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The decision to release the prisoners was taken "to ensure success of the peace process", Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Twitter on Sunday.

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Pres. Ghani today initiated a process to release up to 2000 Taliban prisoners as a good will gesture in response to the Taliban’s announcement of a ceasefire during Eid.The AFG Gov is extending the offer of peace and is taking further steps to ensure success of the peace process. <a href="https://t.co/So0UEB5Bpi">pic.twitter.com/So0UEB5Bpi</a>
— Sediq Sediqqi (@SediqSediqqi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SediqSediqqi/status/1264549213372911617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the ceasefire appeared to hold as there were no reports of clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces by the end of the first day on Sunday.

Ghani said a government delegation was "ready to immediately start the peace talks" with the Taliban.

Government negotiators would be headed by Ghani's former rival Abdullah Abdullah after the two signed a power-sharing deal last week that ended a months-long political crisis.

Before Sunday's announcement, Kabul had already released about 1,000 Taliban inmates while the Taliban had freed roughly 300 members of the Afghan security forces, according to reports.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has started the process to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a "goodwill gesture". The announcement came after the government welcomed the armed group's surprise announcement of a three-day ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has started the process to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a "goodwill gesture". The announcement came after the government welcomed the armed group's surprise announcement of a three-day ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The decision to release the prisoners was taken "to ensure success of the peace process", Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Twitter on Sunday. Pres. Ghani today initiated a process to release up to 2000 Taliban prisoners as a good will gesture in response to the Taliban’s announcement of a ceasefire during Eid.The AFG Gov is extending the offer of peace and is taking further steps to ensure success of the peace process. pic.twitter.com/So0UEB5Bpi — Sediq Sediqqi (@SediqSediqqi) May 24, 2020 × Meanwhile, the ceasefire appeared to hold as there were no reports of clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces by the end of the first day on Sunday. Ghani said a government delegation was "ready to immediately start the peace talks" with the Taliban. Government negotiators would be headed by Ghani's former rival Abdullah Abdullah after the two signed a power-sharing deal last week that ended a months-long political crisis. Before Sunday's announcement, Kabul had already released about 1,000 Taliban inmates while the Taliban had freed roughly 300 members of the Afghan security forces, according to reports.

Afghan president Ghani pledges to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners

Afghanistan's Taliban have decided to announce a three-day ceasefire during the holidays of Eid al-Fitr. The ceasefire will begin on Sunday and has come as a positive move following a bloody battle against Afghan forces after the agreement was signed with the United States.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghans-throng-markets-ahead-of-muslim-holiday-despite-virus-fears-300665">Afghans throng markets ahead of Muslim holiday despite virus fears</a>

The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, will be observed on Sunday in Afghanistan, subject to the sighting of the moon.

President Ashraf Ghani has welcomed this move by Taliban and has ordered Afghan forces to comply, whereas, US envoy to Afghanistan has termed this deal as "momentous opportunity."

According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, he made a statement on social media which read: "Taliban's leadership instructs all the mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate to take special measures for the security of the countrymen, and conduct no offensive operation against the enemy anywhere."

As per the statement, the Taliban has asked its insurgents to not enter government areas and told Afghan forces to not enter the areas controlled by them during the three days of ceasefire.&nbsp;

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I welcome the ceasefire announcement by the Taliban. The Afghan government extends the offer of peace. As Commander in Chief I have instructed ANDSF to comply with the three-days truce and to defend only if attacked. Further details will be given in my speech tomorrow morning.
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1264272518166298627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Afghan President Ghani was quick to respond and took to Twitter to welcome the move where he said: "I welcome the ceasefire announcement by the Taliban. The Afghan government extends the offer of peace. As Commander in Chief, I have instructed ANDSF to comply with the three-days truce and to defend only if attacked. Further details will be given in my speech tomorrow morning."

Afghanistan's Taliban have decided to announce a three-day ceasefire during the holidays of Eid al-Fitr. The ceasefire will begin on Sunday and has come as a positive move following a bloody battle against Afghan forces after the agreement was signed with the United States.

Afghanistan's Taliban have decided to announce a three-day ceasefire during the holidays of Eid al-Fitr. The ceasefire will begin on Sunday and has come as a positive move following a bloody battle against Afghan forces after the agreement was signed with the United States. Also read: Afghans throng markets ahead of Muslim holiday despite virus fears The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, will be observed on Sunday in Afghanistan, subject to the sighting of the moon. President Ashraf Ghani has welcomed this move by Taliban and has ordered Afghan forces to comply, whereas, US envoy to Afghanistan has termed this deal as "momentous opportunity." According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, he made a statement on social media which read: "Taliban's leadership instructs all the mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate to take special measures for the security of the countrymen, and conduct no offensive operation against the enemy anywhere." As per the statement, the Taliban has asked its insurgents to not enter government areas and told Afghan forces to not enter the areas controlled by them during the three days of ceasefire. I welcome the ceasefire announcement by the Taliban. The Afghan government extends the offer of peace. As Commander in Chief I have instructed ANDSF to comply with the three-days truce and to defend only if attacked. Further details will be given in my speech tomorrow morning. — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) May 23, 2020 × Afghan President Ghani was quick to respond and took to Twitter to welcome the move where he said: "I welcome the ceasefire announcement by the Taliban. The Afghan government extends the offer of peace. As Commander in Chief, I have instructed ANDSF to comply with the three-days truce and to defend only if attacked. Further details will be given in my speech tomorrow morning."

Taliban announces three-day ceasefire during the holidays of Eid al-Fitr with government

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Chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," and other slogans echoed through the streets. Police declared the protest illegal and ordered people to disperse before firing tear gas at them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-announces-three-day-ceasefire-during-the-holidays-of-eid-al-fitr-with-government-300674">Taliban announces three-day ceasefire during the holidays of Eid al-Fitr with government</a>

The ceasefire will begin on Sunday and has come as a positive move following a bloody battle against Afghan forces after the agreement was signed with the United States.&nbsp;

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Kim presided over a meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Military Commission (CMC), according to state news agency KCNA.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/world-bank-approves-usd-500-million-loan-for-pakistan-300736">World Bank approves USD 500 million loan for Pakistan</a>

Political risks are high because COVID-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-man-confesses-to-hwaseong-murders-wont-be-prosecuted-300756">South Korean man confesses to Hwaseong murders; won't be prosecuted</a>

The man, who is in his 50s, is already serving a life sentence in the prison for raping and killing a younger sister of his wife.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-goes-to-play-golf-as-us-nears-100000-deaths-due-to-covid-19-300692">Donald Trump goes to play golf as US nears 100,000 deaths due to COVID-19</a>

A photo resurfaced of Donald Trump wearing typical golf wear of white polo shirt and white baseball cap and was seen departing the White House.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-mounts-on-britain-pm-aide-to-quit-amid-more-lockdown-breach-claims-300754">Pressure mounts on Britain PM aide to quit amid more lockdown breach claims</a>

Cummings denies a breach of the coronavirus rules, saying he needed childcare help after his wife also developed COVID-19 symptoms and they drove to Durham to stay in a separate building at his parents' property.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-impact-concern-over-possible-resurgence-of-vaccine-preventable-diseases-among-children-300763">COVID-19 impact: Concern over possible resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases among children</a>

A report brought out by the World Health Organisation said that world over at least 80 million children under the age of one year are at risk of diseases like diphtheria, measles and polio as COVID-19 outbreak disrupted routine vaccination efforts.

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The alligator, named Saturn, was about 84 years old when he died on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxfords-covid-19-vaccine-trial-has-50-chance-of-success-says-project-leader-300677">Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine trial has 50% chance of success, says project leader</a>

The experimental vaccine, known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, is one of the front-runners in the global race to provide protection against the new coronavirus which seems to be fading rapidly in Britain.

Tear gas fired at Hong Kong security law protestors Chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," and other slogans echoed through the streets. Police declared the protest illegal and ordered people to disperse before firing tear gas at them.

Tear gas fired at Hong Kong security law protestors Chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," and other slogans echoed through the streets. Police declared the protest illegal and ordered people to disperse before firing tear gas at them. Taliban announces three-day ceasefire during the holidays of Eid al-Fitr with government The ceasefire will begin on Sunday and has come as a positive move following a bloody battle against Afghan forces after the agreement was signed with the United States. Kim Jong Un wants to increase North Korea's nuclear war deterrence, says report Kim presided over a meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Military Commission (CMC), according to state news agency KCNA. World Bank approves USD 500 million loan for Pakistan Political risks are high because COVID-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units South Korean man confesses to Hwaseong murders; won't be prosecuted The man, who is in his 50s, is already serving a life sentence in the prison for raping and killing a younger sister of his wife. Donald Trump goes to play golf as US nears 100,000 deaths due to COVID-19 A photo resurfaced of Donald Trump wearing typical golf wear of white polo shirt and white baseball cap and was seen departing the White House. Pressure mounts on Britain PM aide to quit amid more lockdown breach claims Cummings denies a breach of the coronavirus rules, saying he needed childcare help after his wife also developed COVID-19 symptoms and they drove to Durham to stay in a separate building at his parents' property. COVID-19 impact: Concern over possible resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases among children A report brought out by the World Health Organisation said that world over at least 80 million children under the age of one year are at risk of diseases like diphtheria, measles and polio as COVID-19 outbreak disrupted routine vaccination efforts. Adolf Hitler's 'rumoured' alligator dies in Moscow The alligator, named Saturn, was about 84 years old when he died on Friday. Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine trial has 50% chance of success, says project leader The experimental vaccine, known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, is one of the front-runners in the global race to provide protection against the new coronavirus which seems to be fading rapidly in Britain.

Top 10 world news today: Tear gas fired at Hong Kong protestors, Israel PM Netanyahu's corruption trial and more

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

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

Shocking death tolls have emerged after the Ashraf Ghani government in Afghanistan ramped up attacks on the Taliban. Watch report.

Drastic increase in attacks on civilians in Afghanistan

In the first report since the February 29 agreement, the United States Department of Defense issued its quarterly report to the US Congress.

In this report, the Pentagon reported that Pakistan continues to harbor the Taliban and associated militant groups in Pakistan, such as the Haqqani Network, which maintains the ability to conduct attacks against Afghan interests.

The report is valuable as it covers the first month after the US signed a peace agreement with the Taliban.

The report, covering the period from January to March of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan, has significant inputs, as the US signed a deal on February 29 to facilitate the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

The report, which was issued on May 19, comes at a time when the US special envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has called on India to hold direct talks with the Taliban.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the first report since the February 29 agreement, the United States Department of Defense issued its quarterly report to the US Congress. In this report, the Pentagon reported that Pakistan continues to harbor the Taliban and associated militant groups in Pakistan, such as the Haqqani Network, which maintains the ability to conduct attacks against Afghan interests.

In the first report since the February 29 agreement, the United States Department of Defense issued its quarterly report to the US Congress. In this report, the Pentagon reported that Pakistan continues to harbor the Taliban and associated militant groups in Pakistan, such as the Haqqani Network, which maintains the ability to conduct attacks against Afghan interests. The report is valuable as it covers the first month after the US signed a peace agreement with the Taliban. The report, covering the period from January to March of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan, has significant inputs, as the US signed a deal on February 29 to facilitate the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. The report, which was issued on May 19, comes at a time when the US special envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has called on India to hold direct talks with the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan continues to support Taliban: Pentagon report

The United States'&nbsp;special envoy for Afghanistan on Wednesday met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his former rival Abdullah Abdullah, to discuss progress towards a peace deal with the insurgent Taliban.

The meeting was the first between the three men since Ghani and Abdullah ended a months-long political impasse in which both claimed to be Afghanistan`s rightful leader.

The pair struck a power-sharing agreement on Sunday, removing a major obstacle to the US-brokered peace process and in which Abdullah was appointed head of a reconciliation council designated to hold talks with the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-mosque-attack-kills-eight-worshippers-breaking-ramzan-fast-299879">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan mosque attack kills eight worshippers breaking Ramzan fast</a>

Ghani said that during his meeting with Khalilzad, shortly before the three men met, they had discussed a ceasefire with the Taliban.

"Both sides talked about the upcoming steps for the peace process and both side stressed the issue of a ceasefire before the start of the inter-Afghan talks," Ghani's statement said, adding they discussed how to continue with a prisoner swap that the Taliban have demanded before beginning talks.

His statement made no mention of a $1 billion aid cut the United States announced in March when Abdullah and Ghani failed to strike a deal and which officials have asked be reinstated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/gunmen-kill-11-in-two-separate-attacks-afghanistan-officials-say-299878">Also read:&nbsp;Gunmen kill 11 in two separate attacks, Afghanistan officials say</a>

Khalilzad is in the region to escalate efforts to bring the Afghan government and the Taliban to the negotiating table after months of delays.

The Taliban has increased violence even after a February 29 US-Taliban pact on the withdrawal of US-led foreign forces in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

In the latest attack in northeastern Takhar province on Tuesday evening the Taliban killed nine pro-government militia force members.

On Wednesday the Taliban's leader Haibatullah Akhundzada released a statement marking the Islamic celebration of Eid, calling for progress on the peace deal but also asking its fighters to stay "focused on their objectives" and "consolidate ... ranks", which government security officials criticised as inciting violence.

The United States' special envoy for Afghanistan on Wednesday met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his former rival Abdullah Abdullah, to discuss progress towards a peace deal with the insurgent Taliban.

The United States' special envoy for Afghanistan on Wednesday met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his former rival Abdullah Abdullah, to discuss progress towards a peace deal with the insurgent Taliban. The meeting was the first between the three men since Ghani and Abdullah ended a months-long political impasse in which both claimed to be Afghanistan`s rightful leader. The pair struck a power-sharing agreement on Sunday, removing a major obstacle to the US-brokered peace process and in which Abdullah was appointed head of a reconciliation council designated to hold talks with the Taliban. Also read: Afghan mosque attack kills eight worshippers breaking Ramzan fast Ghani said that during his meeting with Khalilzad, shortly before the three men met, they had discussed a ceasefire with the Taliban. "Both sides talked about the upcoming steps for the peace process and both side stressed the issue of a ceasefire before the start of the inter-Afghan talks," Ghani's statement said, adding they discussed how to continue with a prisoner swap that the Taliban have demanded before beginning talks. His statement made no mention of a $1 billion aid cut the United States announced in March when Abdullah and Ghani failed to strike a deal and which officials have asked be reinstated. Also read: Gunmen kill 11 in two separate attacks, Afghanistan officials say Khalilzad is in the region to escalate efforts to bring the Afghan government and the Taliban to the negotiating table after months of delays. The Taliban has increased violence even after a February 29 US-Taliban pact on the withdrawal of US-led foreign forces in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. In the latest attack in northeastern Takhar province on Tuesday evening the Taliban killed nine pro-government militia force members. On Wednesday the Taliban's leader Haibatullah Akhundzada released a statement marking the Islamic celebration of Eid, calling for progress on the peace deal but also asking its fighters to stay "focused on their objectives" and "consolidate ... ranks", which government security officials criticised as inciting violence.

US envoy meets Afghan president and former rival Abdullah in push for peace

The scale of violence has only escalated in Afghanistan during this pandemic. The Afghan govt has ordered all-out strikes against the Taliban, but the western press thinks an offensive will derail the peace process. Should terror apologists share blame for acts of terror? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Should terror apologists share the blame?

Afghanistan has been gripped by a wave of violence. Multiple bomb blast and shooting incidents are being reported from across the country. Watch report.

Afghanistan: Taliban mounts attack to capture Kunduz

8 people killed in Afghanistan Mosque shooting: Taliban behind the attack

Four civilians were killed and eight others were injured in the Zabul province. The victims were travelling by bus when a roadside bomb exploded. Two children were among the dead.

Four civilians were killed and eight others were injured in the Zabul province. The victims were travelling by bus when a roadside bomb exploded. Two children were among the dead. This blast was just one of the many bloody attacks that hit Afghanistan this month. Also read: World Health Organisation will continue to lead global fight against pandemic: Tedros On May 18, seven people were killed and 40 others were injured in the Ghazni province after a car bomb blew up near a military base. The target was the National Directorate of the security unit. Most of the victims were intelligence personnel. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. Also read: Rise in civilian deaths by Taliban and Afghan forces, says UN On May 17, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah signed a power-sharing agreement. So, on paper, the battle for political power was over. The road ahead for the intra-Afghan talks and a peace deal was clear. The Taliban was clearly not pleased. On May 14, it killed at least five people in the eastern city of Gardez. It blew up a truck packed with explosives near a military court. At least a dozen civilians were injured. On May 12, terrorists stormed a maternity hospital in Kabul killing 24 people including two new born babies shocking the world. On the same day, a suicide bomber targeted a funeral in the Nangarhar province where 32 people were killed and 133 injured. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for this attack. The question now is - why now? Why this sudden spate of attacks in the middle of a pandemic? Civilian casualties are on the rise in Afghanistan and it is not just the Taliban that's responsible for it. In April, the Taliban killed 208 civilians. An increase of 25 per cent from last year. The Afghan national security forces are responsible for 172 civilian deaths in the same period. An increase of 38 per cent from last year. These numbers are from the United Nations assistance mission in Afghanistan. More than 72 people have already died this month. There are way too many players in Afghanistan and the dead are collateral damage as different sides fight to stay relevant in a war-ravaged nation.

Afghanistan witnesses spike in bloody attacks, who's to be blamed?

The United Nations called Tuesday for an immediate reduction of violence in Afghanistan, saying civilian deaths by both Taliban and Afghanistan's own security forces is on the increase.

In a statement, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, also expressed concern about the stepped-up attacks and brutality of assaults claimed by the Islamic State group.

A horrific attack last week at a maternity hospital in the capital has not been claimed by any group, but the United States said it bears all the hallmarks of Afghanistan's IS affiliate&nbsp;targeting the country's minority Shiites in a neighborhood of Kabul they have repeatedly attacked in the past.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/seven-killed-in-a-car-bomb-attack-on-spy-agency-in-afghanistan-299392" hreflang="en">Seven killed in a car bomb attack on spy agency in Afghanistan</a>

The Taliban denied involvement in the maternity hospital attack, which killed 24 people, including two infants and several new mothers, calling it vile.

The U.N. Report blamed the Taliban for killing 208 civilians in April, while 172 civilians were killed in the month by the Afghan National Security and Defense Force.

Parties have committed to finding a peaceful solution and should protect the lives of all Afghans and not jeopardize people's hope for an end to the war,&nbsp;said Deborah Lyons, the UNAMA head and the U.N. Secretary- General's Special Representative to Afghanistan. ''Intra-Afghan peace negotiations need to start as soon as possible,''&nbsp;she said.

The UN's call for an end to violence comes as Washington's special peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, began another round of talks with the Taliban to press them to start talking to the newly reconciled Afghan political leadership in Kabul and implement an immediate reduction in violence, said a US&nbsp;State department statement.

Khalilzad, who is the architect of a US-Taliban peace deal signed in February, has been trying to salvage the agreement and jump-start intra-Afghan negotiations between the Taliban and Afghanistan's political leadership.

A power-sharing agreement on Sunday between President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullaah brought to an end months of wrangling over who won a deeply controversial presidential election last year.

The agreement raised expectations that the next, critical round of the US-Taliban peace deal, which calls for negotiations between the Taliban and Afghanistan's political leaders, can begin.

The Taliban have said a permanent cease-fire would be one of the first items on the agenda but have been critical of repeated delays in the deals promised prisoner release, which is to be completed before talks can begin.

In Doha, Ambassador Khalilzad will meet with Taliban representatives to discuss implementation of the US-Taliban agreement and press for steps necessary to commence intra-Afghan negotiations, including a significant reduction of violence,&nbsp;said the US&nbsp;State Department statement.

Khalilzad will also visit the Afghan capital, his first visit to Kabul since Secretary of State Mike Pompeo failed to get the squabbling leaders to reach an agreement during a surprise visit in March. A frustrated Pompeo cut $1 billion in US&nbsp;Aid to Afghanistan.

Following the agreement Sunday, Pompeo called Ghani and bemoaned the time lost to their bickering.

The United States remains committed to supporting the desire of the Afghan people and the international community for a political settlement that ends the 40-year conflict and ensures Afghanistan never again serves as a platform for international terrorism,? the State Department statement said.

The agreement provides for the withdrawal of US&nbsp;And NATO troops, but only if the Taliban live up to their end to battle terrorist groups, like the Islamic State affiliate against whom they have waged bitter battles.

The increasingly brutal attacks by the IS would seem to have given urgency to the US. Efforts to get the Taliban into a coordinated battle against IS.

The United Nations called Tuesday for an immediate reduction of violence in Afghanistan, saying civilian deaths by both Taliban and Afghanistan's own security forces is on the increase.

The United Nations called Tuesday for an immediate reduction of violence in Afghanistan, saying civilian deaths by both Taliban and Afghanistan's own security forces is on the increase. In a statement, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, also expressed concern about the stepped-up attacks and brutality of assaults claimed by the Islamic State group. A horrific attack last week at a maternity hospital in the capital has not been claimed by any group, but the United States said it bears all the hallmarks of Afghanistan's IS affiliate targeting the country's minority Shiites in a neighborhood of Kabul they have repeatedly attacked in the past. Also read: Seven killed in a car bomb attack on spy agency in Afghanistan The Taliban denied involvement in the maternity hospital attack, which killed 24 people, including two infants and several new mothers, calling it vile. The U.N. Report blamed the Taliban for killing 208 civilians in April, while 172 civilians were killed in the month by the Afghan National Security and Defense Force. Parties have committed to finding a peaceful solution and should protect the lives of all Afghans and not jeopardize people's hope for an end to the war, said Deborah Lyons, the UNAMA head and the U.N. Secretary- General's Special Representative to Afghanistan. ''Intra-Afghan peace negotiations need to start as soon as possible,'' she said. The UN's call for an end to violence comes as Washington's special peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, began another round of talks with the Taliban to press them to start talking to the newly reconciled Afghan political leadership in Kabul and implement an immediate reduction in violence, said a US State department statement. Khalilzad, who is the architect of a US-Taliban peace deal signed in February, has been trying to salvage the agreement and jump-start intra-Afghan negotiations between the Taliban and Afghanistan's political leadership. A power-sharing agreement on Sunday between President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullaah brought to an end months of wrangling over who won a deeply controversial presidential election last year. The agreement raised expectations that the next, critical round of the US-Taliban peace deal, which calls for negotiations between the Taliban and Afghanistan's political leaders, can begin. The Taliban have said a permanent cease-fire would be one of the first items on the agenda but have been critical of repeated delays in the deals promised prisoner release, which is to be completed before talks can begin. In Doha, Ambassador Khalilzad will meet with Taliban representatives to discuss implementation of the US-Taliban agreement and press for steps necessary to commence intra-Afghan negotiations, including a significant reduction of violence, said the US State Department statement. Khalilzad will also visit the Afghan capital, his first visit to Kabul since Secretary of State Mike Pompeo failed to get the squabbling leaders to reach an agreement during a surprise visit in March. A frustrated Pompeo cut $1 billion in US Aid to Afghanistan. Following the agreement Sunday, Pompeo called Ghani and bemoaned the time lost to their bickering. The United States remains committed to supporting the desire of the Afghan people and the international community for a political settlement that ends the 40-year conflict and ensures Afghanistan never again serves as a platform for international terrorism,? the State Department statement said. The agreement provides for the withdrawal of US And NATO troops, but only if the Taliban live up to their end to battle terrorist groups, like the Islamic State affiliate against whom they have waged bitter battles. The increasingly brutal attacks by the IS would seem to have given urgency to the US. Efforts to get the Taliban into a coordinated battle against IS.

Rise in civilian deaths by Taliban and Afghan forces, says UN

After fake tweets emerged attributing to the Taliban, the group has clarified that it Kashmir is India's internal matter and they don't support any Pakistani style "Ghazwa-E-Hind" or Holy war against India.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-govt-comes-to-indias-support-after-taliban-accused-new-delhi-of-supporting-traitors-299359">Afghan govt comes to India's support after Taliban accused New Delhi of supporting traitors</a>

In a tweet, Suhail Shaheen spokesperson Taliban Political Office, Doha said, "The statement that has been circulated in certain media regarding India does not belong to Islamic emirate. The policy of Islamic Emirate regarding neighbour states is very obvious that we don't interfere in the domestic issue of them"

Fake tweets attributing to Suhail Shaheen and Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has been doing round saying "Friendship between Islamic Emirate and India is impossible" which further stated "Islamic Emirate will capture Kashmir from infidels. 
Clearly, the Taliban has refused to get into Pakistani propaganda on Kashmir and Muslims in India.&nbsp;

The group also sees a positive role for India for peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan.

Earlier this month speaking exclusively to WION from Doha, Suhail Shaheen said, "Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries including India and welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan."

He explained, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is a national Islamic movement of Afghanistan which has been struggling for the emancipation of the country from occupation. We don’t have any agenda beyond our border. "

The comments come even as the United States is keen that New Delhi speaks to Taliban. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was in Delhi last week, the first such visit after the US Taliban deal on 29th February and had spoken about this with India.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson of Afghan foreign ministry Gran Hewad today lauded India's role in the country and said "India one of the biggest donor countries and has helped Afghanistan in development and reconstruction areas, we appreciate their cooperation."

Explaining that Afghan govt would like to India to play an important role Gran said, "We expect India and other neighbouring countries play a significant role in the Afghan peace process".

India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built the India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat and the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.

The development partnership is premised on five pillars Infrastructure, Capacity Building, Humanitarian Assistance, Economic Development &amp; Connectivity. New Delhi offers 500 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually for capacity building. 
&nbsp;

After fake tweets emerged attributing to the Taliban, the group has clarified that it Kashmir is India's internal matter and they don't support any Pakistani style "Ghazwa-E-Hind" or Holy war against India.

After fake tweets emerged attributing to the Taliban, the group has clarified that it Kashmir is India's internal matter and they don't support any Pakistani style "Ghazwa-E-Hind" or Holy war against India. Also read: Afghan govt comes to India's support after Taliban accused New Delhi of supporting traitors In a tweet, Suhail Shaheen spokesperson Taliban Political Office, Doha said, "The statement that has been circulated in certain media regarding India does not belong to Islamic emirate. The policy of Islamic Emirate regarding neighbour states is very obvious that we don't interfere in the domestic issue of them" Fake tweets attributing to Suhail Shaheen and Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has been doing round saying "Friendship between Islamic Emirate and India is impossible" which further stated "Islamic Emirate will capture Kashmir from infidels. Clearly, the Taliban has refused to get into Pakistani propaganda on Kashmir and Muslims in India. The group also sees a positive role for India for peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan. Earlier this month speaking exclusively to WION from Doha, Suhail Shaheen said, "Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries including India and welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan." He explained, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is a national Islamic movement of Afghanistan which has been struggling for the emancipation of the country from occupation. We don’t have any agenda beyond our border. " The comments come even as the United States is keen that New Delhi speaks to Taliban. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was in Delhi last week, the first such visit after the US Taliban deal on 29th February and had spoken about this with India. Meanwhile, Spokesperson of Afghan foreign ministry Gran Hewad today lauded India's role in the country and said "India one of the biggest donor countries and has helped Afghanistan in development and reconstruction areas, we appreciate their cooperation." Explaining that Afghan govt would like to India to play an important role Gran said, "We expect India and other neighbouring countries play a significant role in the Afghan peace process". India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built the India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat and the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. The development partnership is premised on five pillars Infrastructure, Capacity Building, Humanitarian Assistance, Economic Development & Connectivity. New Delhi offers 500 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually for capacity building.

Taliban acknowledges Kashmir internal matter of India after fake tweets

India should speak with Taliban militants if it feels that it will help the peace process, Pakistan's envoy to Washington said on Saturday, after a series of attacks in Afghanistan raised questions about whether the US peace effort may collapse.

India should speak with Taliban militants if it feels that it will help the peace process, Pakistan's envoy to Washington said on Saturday, after a series of attacks in Afghanistan raised questions about whether the US peace effort may collapse. In an interview with The Hindu, an Indian newspaper, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said it would be "appropriate" for an India-Taliban engagement. India and Pakistan have gone to war three times since they won independence from British colonial rule in 1947 and Pakistan has guarded the influence it has over the Taliban. Islamabad has long been resistant to India increasing its influence in Pakistan. "It is for India to respond to that suggestion," Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Asad Khan told Reuters. Asked if he was open to an Indian dialogue with the Taliban, Khan said: "If India feels that their engagement is going to help the peace process, then we would defer to their judgment. But it's not for us to sit in judgment on what they should do or they shouldn't do." He stopped short of saying he was open to an Indian engagement with the Taliban or whether Islamabad favored such a move. However, any acquiescence by Islamabad to an Indian role could be seen in Kabul and elsewhere as a sign of growing international concern with the peace push. Khan said that he would hopefully be speaking with Khalilzad soon and did not go by Indian media accounts, which he said in many cases are "fanciful" and give their own interpretations. The two nuclear armed neighbors came close to another war last year after a deadly attack on Indian police by a Pakistan-based militant group resulted in air strikes by both countries. Pakistan's role in the peace negotiations is a delicate one, with Islamabad seeking to avoid demonstrating the kind of broad influence over the Taliban that Washington has long accused it of having. Two attacks in Afghanistan on Tuesday have complicated the U.S. push for peace. One attack, on a Kabul hospital's maternity ward, killed 24 people, including two babies. Another, at a funeral in eastern Afghanistan, killed 32. The United States has blamed the Islamic State for the attacks. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ordered the military on Tuesday to switch to "offensive mode" against the Taliban following the attacks.

India should talk to Taliban if Delhi feels it will bolster peace push: Pakistan's US envoy

Speaking to media on a conference call,&nbsp;US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad said a new date for the&nbsp;intra-Afghan peace talks is under discussion. He also assured that an inclusive Afghan government will be formed soon.

Talking about his plans to travel soon to talk about release of prisoners, he said he feels that it would be best if the&nbsp;intra-Afghan talks began while there is still a significant U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/us-says-islamic-state-conducted-the-attack-on-kabul-hospital-298864">Also read:&nbsp;US says Islamic State conducted the attack on Kabul hospital</a>

Under a&nbsp;Feb. 29 U.S.-Taliban agreement for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, the talks had to happen on&nbsp;March 10. However, the release of prisoners, and the uncertainty and disagreements of&nbsp;Afghan government's composition delayed the talk.

Afghanistan was attacked twice in the past one week.&nbsp;One in a Kabul hospital's maternity ward and second at a funeral. More than 50 people died in these attacks, including kids. This raised questions on the US peace effort.

Khalilzad blamed ISIS for both the attacks, contrary to&nbsp;Afghan officials' claim that Taliban was responsible for the attack on the hospital, which killed two children.

"There are forces such as the ISIS that doesn't see peace in Afghanistan in its interest and are trying to increase violence to undermine the prospects for peace," Khalilzad told reporters. "We are urging both sides not to fall into that trap but indeed to cooperate against terrorists including ISIS. So, we want this to happen as soon as possible when now, we're still there in a significant way."

Talking about drawdown of AMerican troops from Afghanistan,&nbsp;Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said during a press briefing,&nbsp;"That is still going forward. We expect to meet that within the timeline laid out under the agreement with the Taliban."

(With inputs from Reuters)

Speaking to media on a conference call, US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad said a new date for the intra-Afghan peace talks is under discussion. He also assured that an inclusive Afghan government will be formed soon.

Speaking to media on a conference call, US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad said a new date for the intra-Afghan peace talks is under discussion. He also assured that an inclusive Afghan government will be formed soon. Talking about his plans to travel soon to talk about release of prisoners, he said he feels that it would be best if the intra-Afghan talks began while there is still a significant U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. Also read: US says Islamic State conducted the attack on Kabul hospital Under a Feb. 29 U.S.-Taliban agreement for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, the talks had to happen on March 10. However, the release of prisoners, and the uncertainty and disagreements of Afghan government's composition delayed the talk. Afghanistan was attacked twice in the past one week. One in a Kabul hospital's maternity ward and second at a funeral. More than 50 people died in these attacks, including kids. This raised questions on the US peace effort. Khalilzad blamed ISIS for both the attacks, contrary to Afghan officials' claim that Taliban was responsible for the attack on the hospital, which killed two children. "There are forces such as the ISIS that doesn't see peace in Afghanistan in its interest and are trying to increase violence to undermine the prospects for peace," Khalilzad told reporters. "We are urging both sides not to fall into that trap but indeed to cooperate against terrorists including ISIS. So, we want this to happen as soon as possible when now, we're still there in a significant way." Talking about drawdown of AMerican troops from Afghanistan, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said during a press briefing, "That is still going forward. We expect to meet that within the timeline laid out under the agreement with the Taliban." (With inputs from Reuters)

New date for intra-Afghan peace talks in discussion: Zalmay Khalilzad

Truck with explosives blows up near a court in the Afghan city of Gardez on Thursday. The explosion has killed at least five people. This attack comes two days after gunmen attacked a maternity ward in Kabul.&nbsp;

"A car bomb explosion took place near a military court in Gardez city, which is a populated area. Dozens of civilians are feared to be dead and wounded," said Tariq Arian, an interior ministry spokesman.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/newborn-babies-among-40-killed-as-two-terror-attacks-rock-afghanistan-forces-to-resume-offensive-operations-298326">Newborn babies among 40 killed as two terror attacks rock Afghanistan; forces to resume offensive operations</a>

A military spokesman, Emal Khan Momand said that the attack took place by a truck that had explosives in it, and the blast killed around five people and injured 14.&nbsp;

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack but the interior ministry spokesperson has blamed it on Haqqani network. The Haqqani networks have ties with Taliban rebels and the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group. They have rarely claimed responsibility for any attacks.&nbsp;

Earlier, two attacks took place in Kabul. The first terror attack was conducted on a 100-bed facility maternity hospital, took place in a Shia-populated area of Kabul and involved three gunmen.&nbsp;

Two newborn babies and several women were among 14 civilians killed and 15 injured in the attack.

More than 100 people were rescued during the hours-long attack on the hospital. The Dasht-e-Barchi area, where the hospital is located, is largely inhabited by the Shia Hazara community, which has been repeatedly targeted by Daesh.

The second strike was on a funeral procession for a local police chief which was taking place in a district of eastern Nangarhar province. It included lawmakers and provincial council members.&nbsp;

At least 26 people died and over 60 were injured in the suicide blast.

The attacker detonated his explosives in the middle of the ceremony, said Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar province.

Truck with explosives blows up near a court in the Afghan city of Gardez on Thursday. The explosion has killed at least five people. This attack comes two days after gunmen attacked a maternity ward in Kabul.

Truck with explosives blows up near a court in the Afghan city of Gardez on Thursday. The explosion has killed at least five people. This attack comes two days after gunmen attacked a maternity ward in Kabul. "A car bomb explosion took place near a military court in Gardez city, which is a populated area. Dozens of civilians are feared to be dead and wounded," said Tariq Arian, an interior ministry spokesman. Also read: Newborn babies among 40 killed as two terror attacks rock Afghanistan; forces to resume offensive operations A military spokesman, Emal Khan Momand said that the attack took place by a truck that had explosives in it, and the blast killed around five people and injured 14. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack but the interior ministry spokesperson has blamed it on Haqqani network. The Haqqani networks have ties with Taliban rebels and the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group. They have rarely claimed responsibility for any attacks. Earlier, two attacks took place in Kabul. The first terror attack was conducted on a 100-bed facility maternity hospital, took place in a Shia-populated area of Kabul and involved three gunmen. Two newborn babies and several women were among 14 civilians killed and 15 injured in the attack. More than 100 people were rescued during the hours-long attack on the hospital. The Dasht-e-Barchi area, where the hospital is located, is largely inhabited by the Shia Hazara community, which has been repeatedly targeted by Daesh. The second strike was on a funeral procession for a local police chief which was taking place in a district of eastern Nangarhar province. It included lawmakers and provincial council members. At least 26 people died and over 60 were injured in the suicide blast. The attacker detonated his explosives in the middle of the ceremony, said Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar province.

Truck packed with explosives detonates in Afghanistan, claims 5 lives injures 14

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