The United States on Wednesday (March 4) conducted an airstrike against Taliban. It is the first such attack since the troop withdrawal agreement was signed.

First US airstrike against Taliban since peace deal

The US hit Taliban fighters with an air strike for the first time in 11 days in response to an insurgent attack on Afghan forces in southern Helmand province on Wednesday, an American military spokesman said.

"The US conducted an airstrike on March 4 against Taliban fighters in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand, who were actively attacking an #ANDSF checkpoint. This was a defensive strike to disrupt the attack," US Forces-Afghanistan spokesman Sonny Leggett tweeted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-8-policemen-killed-in-taliban-attack-271470">Afghanistan: 8 policemen killed in Taliban attack</a>

The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials told AFP Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-trump-call-taliban-attacks-kill-20-in-afghanistan-officials-284194"> militants have ramped up violence against Afghan security forces</a> in recent days, ending a partial truce put in place during the run-up to a landmark US-Taliban withdrawal deal signed in Doha on Saturday.

"Taliban fighters attacked at least three army outposts in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz last night, killing at least 10 soldiers and four police," said Safiullah Amiri, a member of the provincial council.

The violence has cast a pall on the nascent Afghan peace process, with the insurgents clashing with Kabul over a prisoner exchange dispute ahead of talks that are due to begin on March 10.

But on Tuesday, Trump told reporters in Washington that he had a "very good" relationship with Taliban political chief Mullah Baradar, with the pair speaking on the phone for 35 minutes, according to the insurgents.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-afghan-soldiers-killed-in-taliban-attack-270736">10 Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban attack</a>

"The relationship is very good that I have with the mullah. We had a good long conversation today and you know, they want to cease the violence, they'd like to cease violence also," he said.

Trump has touted the Doha deal as a way to end the bloody, 18-year US military presence in Afghanistan -- right in time for his November reelection bid.

Under the terms of the deal, the US and other foreign forces will quit Afghanistan within 14 months, subject to Taliban security guarantees and a pledge by the insurgents to hold talks with the national government in Kabul.

The agreement also includes a commitment to exchange 5,000 Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government in return for 1,000 captives -- something the militants have cited as a prerequisite for talks but which President Ashraf Ghani has refused to do before negotiations start.

The US hit Taliban fighters with an air strike for the first time in 11 days in response to an insurgent attack on Afghan forces in southern Helmand province on Wednesday, an American military spokesman said.

The US hit Taliban fighters with an air strike for the first time in 11 days in response to an insurgent attack on Afghan forces in southern Helmand province on Wednesday, an American military spokesman said. "The US conducted an airstrike on March 4 against Taliban fighters in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand, who were actively attacking an #ANDSF checkpoint. This was a defensive strike to disrupt the attack," US Forces-Afghanistan spokesman Sonny Leggett tweeted. Also read: Afghanistan: 8 policemen killed in Taliban attack The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials told AFP Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief. The militants have ramped up violence against Afghan security forces in recent days, ending a partial truce put in place during the run-up to a landmark US-Taliban withdrawal deal signed in Doha on Saturday. "Taliban fighters attacked at least three army outposts in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz last night, killing at least 10 soldiers and four police," said Safiullah Amiri, a member of the provincial council. The violence has cast a pall on the nascent Afghan peace process, with the insurgents clashing with Kabul over a prisoner exchange dispute ahead of talks that are due to begin on March 10. But on Tuesday, Trump told reporters in Washington that he had a "very good" relationship with Taliban political chief Mullah Baradar, with the pair speaking on the phone for 35 minutes, according to the insurgents. Also read: 10 Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban attack "The relationship is very good that I have with the mullah. We had a good long conversation today and you know, they want to cease the violence, they'd like to cease violence also," he said. Trump has touted the Doha deal as a way to end the bloody, 18-year US military presence in Afghanistan -- right in time for his November reelection bid. Under the terms of the deal, the US and other foreign forces will quit Afghanistan within 14 months, subject to Taliban security guarantees and a pledge by the insurgents to hold talks with the national government in Kabul. The agreement also includes a commitment to exchange 5,000 Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government in return for 1,000 captives -- something the militants have cited as a prerequisite for talks but which President Ashraf Ghani has refused to do before negotiations start.

First time in 11 days of truce, US hits Taliban with air strike: Military spokesperson

The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials told AFP Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-8-policemen-killed-in-taliban-attack-271470">Afghanistan: 8 policemen killed in Taliban attack</a>

The militants have ramped up violence against Afghan security forces in recent days, ending a partial truce put in place during the run-up to a landmark US-Taliban withdrawal deal signed in Doha on Saturday.

"Taliban fighters attacked at least three army outposts in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz last night, killing at least 10 soldiers and four police," said Safiullah Amiri, a member of the provincial council.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-afghan-soldiers-killed-in-taliban-attack-270736">10 Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban attack</a>

A defence ministry official speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity confirmed the army toll while the provincial police spokesman Hejratullah Akbari confirmed the police fatalities.

The insurgents also attacked police in central Uruzgan province Tuesday night, with the governor's spokesman Zergai Ebadi telling AFP: "Unfortunately, six police were killed and seven wounded."

The violence has cast a pall on the nascent Afghan peace process, with the insurgents clashing with Kabul over a prisoner exchange dispute ahead of talks that are due to begin on March 10.

But on Tuesday, Trump told reporters in Washington that he had a "very good" relationship with Taliban political chief Mullah Baradar, with the pair speaking on the phone for 35 minutes, according to the insurgents.

"The relationship is very good that I have with the mullah. We had a good long conversation today and you know, they want to cease the violence, they'd like to cease violence also," he said.

Trump has touted the Doha deal as a way to end the bloody, 18-year US military presence in Afghanistan -- right in time for his November reelection bid.

Under the terms of the deal, the US and other foreign forces will quit Afghanistan within 14 months, subject to Taliban security guarantees and a pledge by the insurgents to hold talks with the national government in Kabul.

The agreement also includes a commitment to exchange 5,000 Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government in return for 1,000 captives -- something the militants have cited as a prerequisite for talks but which President Ashraf Ghani has refused to do before negotiations start.

The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials told AFP Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief.

The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials told AFP Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief. Also read: Afghanistan: 8 policemen killed in Taliban attack The militants have ramped up violence against Afghan security forces in recent days, ending a partial truce put in place during the run-up to a landmark US-Taliban withdrawal deal signed in Doha on Saturday. "Taliban fighters attacked at least three army outposts in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz last night, killing at least 10 soldiers and four police," said Safiullah Amiri, a member of the provincial council. Also read: 10 Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban attack A defence ministry official speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity confirmed the army toll while the provincial police spokesman Hejratullah Akbari confirmed the police fatalities. The insurgents also attacked police in central Uruzgan province Tuesday night, with the governor's spokesman Zergai Ebadi telling AFP: "Unfortunately, six police were killed and seven wounded." The violence has cast a pall on the nascent Afghan peace process, with the insurgents clashing with Kabul over a prisoner exchange dispute ahead of talks that are due to begin on March 10. But on Tuesday, Trump told reporters in Washington that he had a "very good" relationship with Taliban political chief Mullah Baradar, with the pair speaking on the phone for 35 minutes, according to the insurgents. "The relationship is very good that I have with the mullah. We had a good long conversation today and you know, they want to cease the violence, they'd like to cease violence also," he said. Trump has touted the Doha deal as a way to end the bloody, 18-year US military presence in Afghanistan -- right in time for his November reelection bid. Under the terms of the deal, the US and other foreign forces will quit Afghanistan within 14 months, subject to Taliban security guarantees and a pledge by the insurgents to hold talks with the national government in Kabul. The agreement also includes a commitment to exchange 5,000 Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government in return for 1,000 captives -- something the militants have cited as a prerequisite for talks but which President Ashraf Ghani has refused to do before negotiations start.

Hours after Trump call, Taliban attacks kill 20 in Afghanistan: Officials

Days after the United States signed a peace accord with the Taliban and paving a way for the foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-had-a-good-conversation-donald-trump-confirms-speaking-to-taliban-leader-284073">Donald Trump spoke a senior official of the insurgents' group</a>.

"You are a tough people and have a great country and I understand that you are fighting for your homeland. We have been there for 19 years and that is a very long time and withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan now is in the interest of everyone," Trump told Abdul Ghani Baradar&nbsp;during the first direct exchange between the US leadership and the Taliban leadership.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-had-no-right-to-sign-peace-agreement-iran-opposes-afghan-deal-with-taliban-283576">US had 'no right' to sign peace agreement: Iran opposes Afghan deal with Taliban</a>

"We had a good conversation. We've agreed there's no violence. We don't want violence. We'll see what happens. They're dealing with Afghanistan, but we'll see what happens," Trump said in an official statement after the phone call.

The latest development comes days after the United States and Taliban signed a historic agreement to bring peace to Afghanistan by the withdrawal of US forces from the war-torn country, provided the militants open talks with Kabul and fulfil their other promises.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/finally-working-to-end-longest-war-says-trump-as-us-taliban-sign-deal-to-pull-foreign-forces-from-afghanistan-283522"> 'Finally working to end longest war', says Trump as US, Taliban sign deal to pull foreign forces from Afghanistan</a>

The Taliban swept to power in 1996 with a hardline interpretation of Islamic sharia law, banning women from working, closing girls' schools, and forbidding music and other entertainment.

Since the US-led invasion that ousted them after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America has spent more than $1 trillion on fighting and rebuilding in the country.

About 2,400 US soldiers have been killed, along with tens of thousands of Afghan troops, civilians and Taliban fighters.

&nbsp;

Days after the United States signed a peace accord with the Taliban and paving a way for the foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, US President Donald Trump spoke a senior official of the insurgents' group.

Days after the United States signed a peace accord with the Taliban and paving a way for the foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, US President Donald Trump spoke a senior official of the insurgents' group. "You are a tough people and have a great country and I understand that you are fighting for your homeland. We have been there for 19 years and that is a very long time and withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan now is in the interest of everyone," Trump told Abdul Ghani Baradar during the first direct exchange between the US leadership and the Taliban leadership. Also read: US had 'no right' to sign peace agreement: Iran opposes Afghan deal with Taliban "We had a good conversation. We've agreed there's no violence. We don't want violence. We'll see what happens. They're dealing with Afghanistan, but we'll see what happens," Trump said in an official statement after the phone call. The latest development comes days after the United States and Taliban signed a historic agreement to bring peace to Afghanistan by the withdrawal of US forces from the war-torn country, provided the militants open talks with Kabul and fulfil their other promises. Also read: 'Finally working to end longest war', says Trump as US, Taliban sign deal to pull foreign forces from Afghanistan The Taliban swept to power in 1996 with a hardline interpretation of Islamic sharia law, banning women from working, closing girls' schools, and forbidding music and other entertainment. Since the US-led invasion that ousted them after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America has spent more than $1 trillion on fighting and rebuilding in the country. About 2,400 US soldiers have been killed, along with tens of thousands of Afghan troops, civilians and Taliban fighters.

You are tough people; I understand you are fighting for your homeland: Trump to Taliban

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

Afghan president rejects Taliban's demand for prisoner release

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

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

24 hours after it was signed, The U.S. - Taliban peace deal has hit a roadblock. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has refused to release 5000 Taliban prisoners. This report has the details.

Gravitas: US - Taliban peace deal hits a roadblock

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

Taliban resumes ops against Afghanistan

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rejected a Taliban demand for the release of 5,000 prisoners as a condition for talks with the Afghan government and civilians, included in a deal between the United States and the Taliban group.

His remarks come against the backdrop of the difficulties US negotiators face in shepherding the Afghan government and Taliban towards intra-Afghan negotiations, according to Western diplomats.

"The government of Afghanistan has made no commitment to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners," Ashraf Ghani told reporters in Kabul, a day after the deal was signed in Qatar to start a political settlement aimed at ending the United States' longest war.

The accord said the United States and the Taliban were committed to working expeditiously to release combat and political prisoners as a confidence-building measure, with the coordination and approval of all relevant sides.

It said that up to 5,000 jailed Taliban would be released in exchange for up to 1,000 Afghan government captives by March 10.

However, on the issue of the prisoner swap, he said, "It is not in the authority of the United States to decide, they are only a facilitator."

Saturday's accord was signed by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, witnessed by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

After the ceremony, the Taliban political chief met foreign ministers from Norway, Turkey and Uzbekistan in Doha along with diplomats from Russia, Indonesia and neighbouring nations, the Taliban said, a move that signalled the group's determination to secure international legitimacy.

"The dignitaries who met Mullah Baradar expressed their commitments towards Afghanistan's reconstruction and development... the US-Taliban agreement is historical," said Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid.

US President Donald Trump rejected criticism around the deal and said he would meet Taliban leaders in the near future.

Ashraf Ghani's aides said Donald Trump's decision to meet the Taliban could pose a challenge to the government at a time when the US troop withdrawal becomes imminent.

Under the agreement, Washington is committed to reducing the number of its troops in Afghanistan to 8,600 from 13,000 within 135 days of signing.

It will also work with allies to proportionally reduce the number of coalition forces in Afghanistan over that period if the Taliban adhere to their security guarantees and ceasefire.

A full withdrawal of all US and coalition forces would occur within 14 months, the joint statement said.

The withdrawal, however, depends on security guarantees by the Taliban who ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and imposed many restrictions on women and activities it deemed "un-Islamic".

After being ousted from power in 2001, the Taliban have led a violent insurgency.

The Afghan war has been a stalemate for over 18 years, with the Taliban increasingly controlling or contesting more territory, yet unable to capture and hold major urban centres.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rejected a Taliban demand for the release of 5,000 prisoners as a condition for talks with the Afghan government and civilians, included in a deal between the United States and the Taliban group.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rejected a Taliban demand for the release of 5,000 prisoners as a condition for talks with the Afghan government and civilians, included in a deal between the United States and the Taliban group. His remarks come against the backdrop of the difficulties US negotiators face in shepherding the Afghan government and Taliban towards intra-Afghan negotiations, according to Western diplomats. "The government of Afghanistan has made no commitment to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners," Ashraf Ghani told reporters in Kabul, a day after the deal was signed in Qatar to start a political settlement aimed at ending the United States' longest war. The accord said the United States and the Taliban were committed to working expeditiously to release combat and political prisoners as a confidence-building measure, with the coordination and approval of all relevant sides. It said that up to 5,000 jailed Taliban would be released in exchange for up to 1,000 Afghan government captives by March 10. However, on the issue of the prisoner swap, he said, "It is not in the authority of the United States to decide, they are only a facilitator." Saturday's accord was signed by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, witnessed by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. After the ceremony, the Taliban political chief met foreign ministers from Norway, Turkey and Uzbekistan in Doha along with diplomats from Russia, Indonesia and neighbouring nations, the Taliban said, a move that signalled the group's determination to secure international legitimacy. "The dignitaries who met Mullah Baradar expressed their commitments towards Afghanistan's reconstruction and development... the US-Taliban agreement is historical," said Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. US President Donald Trump rejected criticism around the deal and said he would meet Taliban leaders in the near future. Ashraf Ghani's aides said Donald Trump's decision to meet the Taliban could pose a challenge to the government at a time when the US troop withdrawal becomes imminent. Under the agreement, Washington is committed to reducing the number of its troops in Afghanistan to 8,600 from 13,000 within 135 days of signing. It will also work with allies to proportionally reduce the number of coalition forces in Afghanistan over that period if the Taliban adhere to their security guarantees and ceasefire. A full withdrawal of all US and coalition forces would occur within 14 months, the joint statement said. The withdrawal, however, depends on security guarantees by the Taliban who ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and imposed many restrictions on women and activities it deemed "un-Islamic". After being ousted from power in 2001, the Taliban have led a violent insurgency. The Afghan war has been a stalemate for over 18 years, with the Taliban increasingly controlling or contesting more territory, yet unable to capture and hold major urban centres.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani rejects Taliban demand to free 5,000 prisoners

On February 29 the United States and Taliban signed a landmark deal at Doha calling for all US troops to withdraw from the country within the next 14 months. Strategic Baluchistan has always been a target in the war against the Taliban. So ho are the Balochs viewing this peace deal. Watch report:

How Balochs are looking at Afghan US peace deal

Hours after signing a peace deal with Washington aimed at ending the Afghan war, Taliban's political chief has met with senior diplomats from countries including Russia, Indonesia and Norway, the hardline Islamist group said in a statement on Sunday.

Hours after signing a peace deal with Washington aimed at ending the Afghan war, Taliban's political chief has met with senior diplomats from countries including Russia, Indonesia and Norway, the hardline Islamist group said in a statement on Sunday. The peace deal between the Taliban and the United States was signed at Qatari capital Doha by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on hand to witness the ceremony. Soon after the agreement, US President Donald Trump hailed the peace deal and said that he would be soon meeting the Taliban leaders. Baradar met foreign ministers from Turkey, Uzbekistan and Norway in Doha along with diplomats from Russia, Indonesia and neighbouring nations, the Taliban said, a move that signalled the group's determination to secure international legitimacy. "The dignitaries who met Mullah Baradar expressed their commitments towards Afghanistan's reconstruction and development... the U.S.-Taliban agreement is historical," said Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. "Baradar received congratulatory messages and thanked them (ministers and diplomats) for attending the ceremony," he said. "The fanfare around the signing ceremony proved that many countries are willing to start fresh talks with Taliban leadership... they are also working fast to secure the validation too," Reuters quoted a senior US diplomat, who was present at the signing ceremony in Doha, as saying.

Taliban begins diplomatic outreach following peace deal with US 

A day after the United States signed a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-begins-diplomatic-outreach-following-peace-deal-with-us-283536"> peace accord with the Taliban insurgents </a>paving way for the withdrawal of foreign forces&nbsp;from war-torn Afghanistan, Iran dismissed the deal saying that America had no right to decide on the country's future.

"The United States has no legal right to sign a peace agreement or to decide the future of Afghanistan," the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement.

On Saturday, &nbsp;the US and the Taliban signed an agreement in Doha that paves the way for a 14-month timetable for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan, provided the militants open talks with Kabul and fulfil their other promises.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-partial-truce-will-continue-with-goal-for-full-ceasefire-ashraf-ghani-283568"> Afghanistan's partial truce will continue, 'with goal' for full ceasefire: Ashraf Ghani</a>

It views the US move as an attempt to "legitimise its troops' presence in Afghanistan", Iran stated while calling for the withdrawal of foreign troops.

Their presence "is illegal and is one of the main causes of the war and insecurity in that country", said Iran in the statement.

While saying it welcomes any initiative that helps to secure stability and peace in Afghanistan, Iran said that will be possible only through domestic talks and consideration of the interests of Afghanistan's neighbours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/whats-in-the-landmark-us-taliban-deal-283511">What's in the landmark US-Taliban deal?</a>

A&nbsp;lasting peace deal could "only be achieved through inter-Afghan dialogue with the participation of all political groups, including the Taliban, and taking into account the considerations of neighbouring countries."

Ahead of the official signing ceremony, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had warned Iran against trying to scuttle the agreement.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/road-ahead-not-easy-says-pentagon-chief-as-us-taliban-sign-afghan-peace-deal-283516">&nbsp;'Road ahead not easy', says Pentagon chief as US-Taliban sign Afghan peace deal</a>

"There is a history of Iran engaging in activity inside of Afghanistan to act as a spoiler," Pompeo said.

Tensions have sharply escalated between Tehran and Washington since May 2018, when US President Donald Trump withdrew from a deal that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

The arch enemies have appeared to come to the brink of an all-out confrontation twice since then.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after the United States signed a peace accord with the Taliban insurgents paving way for the withdrawal of foreign forces from war-torn Afghanistan, Iran dismissed the deal saying that America had no right to decide on the country's future.

A day after the United States signed a peace accord with the Taliban insurgents paving way for the withdrawal of foreign forces from war-torn Afghanistan, Iran dismissed the deal saying that America had no right to decide on the country's future. "The United States has no legal right to sign a peace agreement or to decide the future of Afghanistan," the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement. On Saturday, the US and the Taliban signed an agreement in Doha that paves the way for a 14-month timetable for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan, provided the militants open talks with Kabul and fulfil their other promises. Also read: Afghanistan's partial truce will continue, 'with goal' for full ceasefire: Ashraf Ghani It views the US move as an attempt to "legitimise its troops' presence in Afghanistan", Iran stated while calling for the withdrawal of foreign troops. Their presence "is illegal and is one of the main causes of the war and insecurity in that country", said Iran in the statement. While saying it welcomes any initiative that helps to secure stability and peace in Afghanistan, Iran said that will be possible only through domestic talks and consideration of the interests of Afghanistan's neighbours. Also read: What's in the landmark US-Taliban deal? A lasting peace deal could "only be achieved through inter-Afghan dialogue with the participation of all political groups, including the Taliban, and taking into account the considerations of neighbouring countries." Ahead of the official signing ceremony, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had warned Iran against trying to scuttle the agreement. Also read: 'Road ahead not easy', says Pentagon chief as US-Taliban sign Afghan peace deal "There is a history of Iran engaging in activity inside of Afghanistan to act as a spoiler," Pompeo said. Tensions have sharply escalated between Tehran and Washington since May 2018, when US President Donald Trump withdrew from a deal that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. The arch enemies have appeared to come to the brink of an all-out confrontation twice since then. (With inputs from agencies)

US had 'no right' to sign peace agreement: Iran opposes Afghan deal with Taliban

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani said Sunday that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-begins-diplomatic-outreach-following-peace-deal-with-us-283536">seven-day partial truce would continue</a>, but he rejected a key component of a new US-Taliban deal that calls for the release of thousands of insurgent prisoners.

The so-called "reduction in violence" period ran for the week preceding the signing of a historic accord between the US and the Taliban in Doha on Saturday.

The agreement spells out a withdrawal timeline of 14 months for all foreign forces, provided the Taliban honour several pledges and enter talks with Kabul for a more comprehensive peace deal.

"The reduction in violence will continue with a goal to reach a full ceasefire," Ghani told a press conference.&nbsp;

"General (Scott) Miller has told <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-commitment-to-release-5000-taliban-prisoners-afghan-president-ghani-283550">Taliban to do so</a>. It is expected (to continue)," he added, referring to the US commander in charge of foreign forces in Afghanistan.

But, in a sign of a bumpy road ahead, Ghani pushed back against a clause in the deal that calls for the Taliban to release up to 1,000 prisoners and for the Afghan government to release up to 5,000 prisoners.

"There is no commitment to releasing 5,000 prisoners," Ghani said.

"This is the right and the self-will of the people of Afghanistan. It could be included in the agenda of the intra-Afghan talks, but cannot be a prerequisite for talks."

He added that any prisoner release was "not in the authority of the US, it is in the authority of the Afghan government."

The president, who is mired in a political crisis following fraud allegations in his re-election, was referring to upcoming talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government that were agreed to as part of the deal.

The Taliban had until now refused to negotiate with Ghani's administration, which they considered a US puppet regime, but the withdrawal agreement hinges on Kabul and the insurgents reaching a separate peace deal through "intra-Afghan" negotiations.&nbsp;

Ghani's questioning of the prisoner release points to tough negotiations ahead in a country where leaders seem incapable of coalescing around important issues.

Washington has pointedly not yet acknowledged Ghani's win, announced last week after months of delays. 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani said Sunday that a seven-day partial truce would continue, but he rejected a key component of a new US-Taliban deal that calls for the release of thousands of insurgent prisoners.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani said Sunday that a seven-day partial truce would continue, but he rejected a key component of a new US-Taliban deal that calls for the release of thousands of insurgent prisoners. The so-called "reduction in violence" period ran for the week preceding the signing of a historic accord between the US and the Taliban in Doha on Saturday. The agreement spells out a withdrawal timeline of 14 months for all foreign forces, provided the Taliban honour several pledges and enter talks with Kabul for a more comprehensive peace deal. "The reduction in violence will continue with a goal to reach a full ceasefire," Ghani told a press conference. "General (Scott) Miller has told Taliban to do so. It is expected (to continue)," he added, referring to the US commander in charge of foreign forces in Afghanistan. But, in a sign of a bumpy road ahead, Ghani pushed back against a clause in the deal that calls for the Taliban to release up to 1,000 prisoners and for the Afghan government to release up to 5,000 prisoners. "There is no commitment to releasing 5,000 prisoners," Ghani said. "This is the right and the self-will of the people of Afghanistan. It could be included in the agenda of the intra-Afghan talks, but cannot be a prerequisite for talks." He added that any prisoner release was "not in the authority of the US, it is in the authority of the Afghan government." The president, who is mired in a political crisis following fraud allegations in his re-election, was referring to upcoming talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government that were agreed to as part of the deal. The Taliban had until now refused to negotiate with Ghani's administration, which they considered a US puppet regime, but the withdrawal agreement hinges on Kabul and the insurgents reaching a separate peace deal through "intra-Afghan" negotiations. Ghani's questioning of the prisoner release points to tough negotiations ahead in a country where leaders seem incapable of coalescing around important issues. Washington has pointedly not yet acknowledged Ghani's win, announced last week after months of delays.

Afghanistan's partial truce will continue, 'with goal' for full ceasefire: Ashraf Ghani

Representatives from the Taliban and United States officials have signed an agreement in the Qatari capital, Doha, following 18 months of talks in a bid to end Washington's longest war.

US, Taliban signs historic peace accord at month's end ! What does it mean?

WION spoke to the Taliban's political chief Abbas Stanikzai. Abbas Stanikzai said that the group will not hold talks with the Afghan government as according to Taliban it is a puppet regime of the United States.

WION speaks to Taliban's political chief Abbas Stanikzai | WION Exclusive

The United States signed a deal with Taliban insurgents on February 29 which will lead to the full withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan over the next 14 months. The U. President Donald Trump on February 29 said he would be personally meeting leaders of the Taliban in the near future.

8,600 US troops in Afghanistan to be withdrawn in 14 months | Afghan Peace Deal

Donald Trump: I'll be meeting personally with Taliban leaders

The representatives from the United States and Afghanistan signed the peace deal on February 29. The peace agreement will pave the way for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. American soldiers have been in the country fighting against the Taliban for the 18 years

US-Taliban sign peace deal, US to withdraw 5,000 troops in 135 days

Nilofar Bayat the captain of Afghanistan's national women's wheelchair basketball team and one of the thousands of Afghans who were badly injured during years of conflict. Speaking to Reuters, Bayat said she hopes for peace so that her team can continue competing in international games, but fears a return to power by the Taliban could quash her dreams.

The downside of US-Taliban peace deal

A major deal will be signed in Doha. The representatives from United States and Afghanistan will sign the peace deal today.

India to attend US-Taliban Afghan peace deal ceremony

A major deal will be signed in Doha. The representatives from the United States and Afghanistan will sign the peace deal today. The peace agreement will pave the way for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. American soldiers have been in the country fighting against the Taliban for the last 18 years.

Watch: WION's ground report from Qatar on Afghan peace deal

India will be part of of the Afghan peace deal that will be signed today between the US and the Taliban later today.

Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a congratulatory letter to newly elected Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and said India was committed to a principled position of support for an inclusive Afghan-led, Afghan-owned &amp; Afghan controlled peace &amp; reconciliation process.&nbsp;

In November 2018, India sent two retired diplomats -- former envoy to Kabul Kumar Sinha and former high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan -- to the Afghan peace conference. The duo represented New Delhi at the Moscow talks but with a disclaimer that they were representing on 'non-official' level.

That was a major departure from India's gameplan in the war-torn country.

It was the first time India shared a table with the Taliban and now India has been officially invited to the signing of the peace deal.

India has always refused to engage or negotiate with the Taliban. In the past, for strategic purposes, India sided with other forces.

In the 1980s India formed a failed alliance with the Afghan communists alongside the Soviet Union. A similarly futile effort in the 1990s saw it backing the so-called northern alliance with the support from Iran and Russia.

The northern alliance fought a defensive war against the Taliban government-backed by Pakistan, which ended with the US invasion and its dissolution.

Since 2001, under the security umbrella of US-led NATO forces, India has built a sizeable developmental and considerable intelligence footprint.

Today, India values its role as a constructive regional player helping Afghanistan in political, military and economic terms.

India has pumped in more than $2 billion in aid and infrastructural development and has reopened consulates across the country. While it does not have the financial resources like the US to support state-building, India needs to protect its presence and interests.

And for that, it has to deal with the Taliban.

India is at a crossroads in its foreign policy strategy in Afghanistan.

That which was considered mainstream has now been relegated to the sidelines.

And that which was on the fringes is now set to become a mainstay.

India will be part of of the Afghan peace deal that will be signed today between the US and the Taliban later today. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a congratulatory letter to newly elected Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and said India was committed to a principled position of support for an inclusive Afghan-led, Afghan-owned & Afghan controlled peace & reconciliation process.

India will be part of of the Afghan peace deal that will be signed today between the US and the Taliban later today. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a congratulatory letter to newly elected Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and said India was committed to a principled position of support for an inclusive Afghan-led, Afghan-owned & Afghan controlled peace & reconciliation process. In November 2018, India sent two retired diplomats -- former envoy to Kabul Kumar Sinha and former high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan -- to the Afghan peace conference. The duo represented New Delhi at the Moscow talks but with a disclaimer that they were representing on 'non-official' level. That was a major departure from India's gameplan in the war-torn country. It was the first time India shared a table with the Taliban and now India has been officially invited to the signing of the peace deal. India has always refused to engage or negotiate with the Taliban. In the past, for strategic purposes, India sided with other forces. In the 1980s India formed a failed alliance with the Afghan communists alongside the Soviet Union. A similarly futile effort in the 1990s saw it backing the so-called northern alliance with the support from Iran and Russia. The northern alliance fought a defensive war against the Taliban government-backed by Pakistan, which ended with the US invasion and its dissolution. Since 2001, under the security umbrella of US-led NATO forces, India has built a sizeable developmental and considerable intelligence footprint. Today, India values its role as a constructive regional player helping Afghanistan in political, military and economic terms. India has pumped in more than $2 billion in aid and infrastructural development and has reopened consulates across the country. While it does not have the financial resources like the US to support state-building, India needs to protect its presence and interests. And for that, it has to deal with the Taliban. India is at a crossroads in its foreign policy strategy in Afghanistan. That which was considered mainstream has now been relegated to the sidelines. And that which was on the fringes is now set to become a mainstay.

India to be part of historic Afghan peace deal between US and Taliban 

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday that the United States would remain committed to Afghan security forces and while the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-sign-historic-afghan-peace-deal-in-doha-america-to-withdraw-troops-within-14-months-283481">signing of a historic accord between Washington and the Taliban </a>would be a good step, the road ahead would not be easy.

In Doha, The United States signed a historic deal with Taliban insurgents on Saturday that could pave the way toward a full withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan over the next 14 months and represent a step toward ending the 18-year-war there.

While the deal was signed by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Esper met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul where they announced a joint declaration.

"This is a hopeful moment, but it is only the beginning. The road ahead will not be easy. Achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan will require patience and compromise among all parties," Esper said while standing next to Ghani and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the presidential palace.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/whats-in-the-landmark-us-taliban-deal-283511">What's in the landmark US-Taliban deal?</a>

"If the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-sign-historic-afghan-peace-deal-in-doha-america-to-withdraw-troops-within-14-months-283481">Taliban uphold the agreement</a>, the United States will begin a conditions-based, and I repeat conditions-based, reduction in forces," Esper said.

He added if the Taliban did not live up to commitments, the United States would not hesitate to nullify the agreement.

Esper said the United States and international partners would continue to provide the Afghan security forces with the necessary support.

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His trip was seen as a way to show Ghani that the deal with the Taliban does not mean that the United States will abandon the Afghan government.

"Washington is essentially trying to show that its full strength is behind this deal and it wants to also indicate to Kabul that it's fully behind Afghanistan as the peace and reconciliation process moves toward a formal beginning," Michael Kugelman, deputy director Asia Program at the Wilson Center, said.

Afghans, and many in the region, are concerned that the United States could abandon Kabul much like it was perceived to have left the region after the Soviet Union exited Afghanistan decades ago.

The accord comes amid a fragile political situation in Afghanistan. The Independent Election Commission said on Feb. 18 that Ghani won a Sept. 28 vote beset by allegations of rigging, technical problems and other irregularities.

Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah rejected the results, claimed to be the victor and vowed to name a parallel government.

"(Esper's trip is) perhaps an indication that the US is ready to essentially accept the new government in Afghanistan," Kugelman said.

Experts are cautious about what the accord may lead to.

"The word I keep coming back to is preliminary... ultimately, if there's ever going to be a longer lasting peace reach, it's going to have to be settled among Afghans," Jason Campbell, with the RAND Corp think tank in Washington.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday that the United States would remain committed to Afghan security forces and while the signing of a historic accord between Washington and the Taliban would be a good step, the road ahead would not be easy.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday that the United States would remain committed to Afghan security forces and while the signing of a historic accord between Washington and the Taliban would be a good step, the road ahead would not be easy. In Doha, The United States signed a historic deal with Taliban insurgents on Saturday that could pave the way toward a full withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan over the next 14 months and represent a step toward ending the 18-year-war there. While the deal was signed by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Esper met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul where they announced a joint declaration. "This is a hopeful moment, but it is only the beginning. The road ahead will not be easy. Achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan will require patience and compromise among all parties," Esper said while standing next to Ghani and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the presidential palace. Also read: What's in the landmark US-Taliban deal? "If the Taliban uphold the agreement, the United States will begin a conditions-based, and I repeat conditions-based, reduction in forces," Esper said. He added if the Taliban did not live up to commitments, the United States would not hesitate to nullify the agreement. Esper said the United States and international partners would continue to provide the Afghan security forces with the necessary support. × His trip was seen as a way to show Ghani that the deal with the Taliban does not mean that the United States will abandon the Afghan government. "Washington is essentially trying to show that its full strength is behind this deal and it wants to also indicate to Kabul that it's fully behind Afghanistan as the peace and reconciliation process moves toward a formal beginning," Michael Kugelman, deputy director Asia Program at the Wilson Center, said. Afghans, and many in the region, are concerned that the United States could abandon Kabul much like it was perceived to have left the region after the Soviet Union exited Afghanistan decades ago. The accord comes amid a fragile political situation in Afghanistan. The Independent Election Commission said on Feb. 18 that Ghani won a Sept. 28 vote beset by allegations of rigging, technical problems and other irregularities. Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah rejected the results, claimed to be the victor and vowed to name a parallel government. "(Esper's trip is) perhaps an indication that the US is ready to essentially accept the new government in Afghanistan," Kugelman said. Experts are cautious about what the accord may lead to. "The word I keep coming back to is preliminary... ultimately, if there's ever going to be a longer lasting peace reach, it's going to have to be settled among Afghans," Jason Campbell, with the RAND Corp think tank in Washington.

'Road ahead not easy', says Pentagon chief as US-Taliban sign Afghan peace deal

The representatives from the United States and Afghanistan will sign the peace deal today. The peace agreement will pave the way for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. American soldiers have been in the country fighting against the Taliban for the last 18 years. India has also been invited by the Qatar government to the peace deal ceremony.

Taliban's Suhail Shaheen Exclusively speaks to WION

A few hours from now, a major peace deal will be signed in Doha between representatives of America and the Taliban. The peace agreement will pave the way for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

A few hours from now, a major peace deal will be signed in Doha between representatives of America and the Taliban. The peace agreement will pave the way for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. American soldiers have been in the country fighting against the Taliban for the last 18 years. × Ahead of the signing, the Taliban had agreed to implement a "Reduction in violence" which began on February 22 as a Confidence Building Measure (CBM), something that assured the Americans that the Taliban are willing to sign the deal. Also read: How India changed its gameplan on tackling the Taliban in Afghanistan However, experts believe that this agreement in no way will kickstart an era of peace in Afghanistan. America will make a big deal out of this agreement as it is election season in the United States, the added. US President Donald Trump, who is fighting to be re-elected this year, will claim that he kept his promise of getting American troops out of Afghanistan. The US, which currently has between 12,000 and 13,000 troops in Afghanistan, could draw that number down to 8,600 within months of the agreement being signed. In exchange, the Taliban will promise to not provide any shelter to foreign terrorist groups like the al-Qaeda and begin negotiations with civilian politicians and community leaders. Representatives from 26 countries are participating in today's event including Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Qatar has also asked India to send a representative which New Delhi accepted.

Afghanistan's future in the balance as US, Taliban set to sign historic peace deal

The US and the Taliban on Saturday signed a complex deal that aims to bring to an end to the longest war in America's history. Here are key elements of the hard-sought agreement, which took shape over more than a year of fractious negotiations.

The US and the Taliban on Saturday signed a complex deal that aims to bring to an end to the longest war in America's history. Here are key elements of the hard-sought agreement, which took shape over more than a year of fractious negotiations. Withdrawal Washington and its allies are set to withdraw all of their forces from Afghanistan within 14 months if the Taliban abide by the terms of the agreement. Initially, the US will draw its troop levels down to 8,600 within 135 days of Saturday's signing, while completely removing forces from five military bases. The US military currently has about 20 bases of varying sizes across Afghanistan, a US defence official said. If the deal continues to hold, then the US and its partners will complete the "withdrawal of all remaining forces from Afghanistan". In the future, the US will also refrain from threatening or using force against Afghanistan or intervening in its "domestic affairs". Afghan talks and ceasefire The deal also stipulates that talks between the Taliban and all "Afghan sides" will commence March 10. The exact makeup or who exactly will represent the Afghan team is not spelt out. The deal also says a ceasefire will only be an "item" on the agenda of the talks, falling short of making it a compulsory component. According to the agreement, the participants of the talks "will discuss the date and modalities of a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire". Prisoner release The US and the Taliban also agreed to swap thousands of prisoners in a "confidence-building measure" set to coincide with the beginning of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan team. "Up to 5,000 prisoners of the (Taliban)... and 1,000 prisoners of the other side (Afghan forces) will be released by March 10." Sanctions The US also pledged to begin reviewing the current list of sanctions targeting Taliban leaders and members, with the goal of removing these measures by August 27, 2020. Washington said it would also start "diplomatic engagement" with members of the UN Security Council and the Kabul government to remove the Taliban from sanctions lists. Al-Qaeda The deal also calls on the Taliban to prevent groups, including Al-Qaeda, from using Afghanistan as a base to threaten the security of the US and its allies. The Taliban will prevent such groups from "recruiting, training and fundraising" and will not host them in Afghanistan, the accord states. It also bars the Taliban from providing them with travel and legal documents. The agreement does not specify that the Taliban publically disavow and officially cut ties with Al-Qaeda. Even so, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on the Taliban in Doha on Saturday "to honour its commitments to sever ties with jihadist groups." Relations and reconstruction The deal concludes with the US and Taliban pledging to seek "positive" relations with each other, along with whatever government comes out of intra-Afghan talks. And the US promises to "seek economic cooperation" for the reconstruction of the war-torn country with the "new post-settlement" government in Kabul.

What's in the landmark US-Taliban deal?

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