The US military has stopped tracking the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Afghan government and militants, a US watchdog said on Tuesday, one of the last remaining public metrics that tracked the worsening security situation in the war-torn country.

The move comes as US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks aimed at ensuring a safe exit for US forces in return for a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used by militants to threaten the rest of the world.

The Taliban announced the start of a spring offensive in early April. Even before the announcement, combat had intensified across Afghanistan in recent weeks and hundreds of Afghan troops and civilians have been killed.

The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said in a report published late Tuesday night that the US military had told the watchdog it was no longer tracking the level of control or influence the Afghan government and militants had over districts in the country.

The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission in Afghanistan had told SIGAR that the assessments were "of limited decision-making value to the (RS) Commander."

Colonel David Butler, spokesman for US Forces in Afghanistan, said that while Resolute Support was no longer doing the analyses, the intelligence community did its own classified assessment of districts controlled by the government and Taliban. He did not speculate on whether the intelligence community analyses would continue or not.

"This much is clear: There's even less information for American taxpayers to gauge whether their investment in Afghanistan is a success, or something else," John Sopko, the head of SIGAR, told Reuters.

A January report put districts under government control or influence at 53.8 per cent covering 63.5 per cent of the population by October 2018, with the rest of the country controlled or contested by the Taliban.

Experts said that the move to stop tracking the key data was worrying because Washington had publicly set a benchmark which would now be difficult to measure.

In November 2017, the top US general in Afghanistan at the time set a goal of driving back Taliban insurgents enough for the government to control at least 80 per cent of the country within two years.

"If the military is not going to be tracking that data anymore, that is going to make it a lot more difficult to get a sense as to how strong the Taliban is," Michael Kugelman, with the Woodrow Wilson Center, said.

"That may well be the military's intention," he said.

Diminishing accountability

Over the past few years, the US military has restricted data on the Afghan war being shared with the public, including the size of the security forces, casualty numbers and the attrition rate for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

In 2018, the US military said a "human error in labelling" caused it to treat as classified information the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Taliban and the Afghan government.

The rest of the report painted a bleak picture of the security situation in Afghanistan.

Citing numbers from Resolute Support, SIGAR said the monthly average of enemy-initiated attacks increased by 19 per cent from November 2018 through January 2019 compared to between August to October 2018.

ANDSF casualties increased by about 31 per cent from December through February compared to the same three-month period last year.

"The latest data from the few remaining publicly available measures of the security situation in Afghanistan - enemy-initiated attacks, general ANDSF casualty trends, and security incidents - show that Afghanistan experienced heightened insecurity," the report said.

The US military has stopped tracking the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Afghan government and militants, a US watchdog said on Tuesday, one of the last remaining public metrics that tracked the worsening security situation in the war-torn country.

The US military has stopped tracking the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Afghan government and militants, a US watchdog said on Tuesday, one of the last remaining public metrics that tracked the worsening security situation in the war-torn country. The move comes as US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks aimed at ensuring a safe exit for US forces in return for a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used by militants to threaten the rest of the world. The Taliban announced the start of a spring offensive in early April. Even before the announcement, combat had intensified across Afghanistan in recent weeks and hundreds of Afghan troops and civilians have been killed. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said in a report published late Tuesday night that the US military had told the watchdog it was no longer tracking the level of control or influence the Afghan government and militants had over districts in the country. The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission in Afghanistan had told SIGAR that the assessments were "of limited decision-making value to the (RS) Commander." Colonel David Butler, spokesman for US Forces in Afghanistan, said that while Resolute Support was no longer doing the analyses, the intelligence community did its own classified assessment of districts controlled by the government and Taliban. He did not speculate on whether the intelligence community analyses would continue or not. "This much is clear: There's even less information for American taxpayers to gauge whether their investment in Afghanistan is a success, or something else," John Sopko, the head of SIGAR, told Reuters. A January report put districts under government control or influence at 53.8 per cent covering 63.5 per cent of the population by October 2018, with the rest of the country controlled or contested by the Taliban. Experts said that the move to stop tracking the key data was worrying because Washington had publicly set a benchmark which would now be difficult to measure. In November 2017, the top US general in Afghanistan at the time set a goal of driving back Taliban insurgents enough for the government to control at least 80 per cent of the country within two years. "If the military is not going to be tracking that data anymore, that is going to make it a lot more difficult to get a sense as to how strong the Taliban is," Michael Kugelman, with the Woodrow Wilson Center, said. "That may well be the military's intention," he said. Diminishing accountability Over the past few years, the US military has restricted data on the Afghan war being shared with the public, including the size of the security forces, casualty numbers and the attrition rate for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). In 2018, the US military said a "human error in labelling" caused it to treat as classified information the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Taliban and the Afghan government. The rest of the report painted a bleak picture of the security situation in Afghanistan. Citing numbers from Resolute Support, SIGAR said the monthly average of enemy-initiated attacks increased by 19 per cent from November 2018 through January 2019 compared to between August to October 2018. ANDSF casualties increased by about 31 per cent from December through February compared to the same three-month period last year. "The latest data from the few remaining publicly available measures of the security situation in Afghanistan - enemy-initiated attacks, general ANDSF casualty trends, and security incidents - show that Afghanistan experienced heightened insecurity," the report said.

US military stops tracking key metric on Afghan war: Watchdog

Thousands of Afghans congregated in Kabul on Monday (April 29) for a rare consultative meeting aimed at finding ways to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban that would end the ongoing war.

Afghan President opens grand assembly in final push to hold peace talks with the Taliban

Afghanistan's usually bustling capital Kabul slowed to a crawl Tuesday amid massive security for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-gather-in-kabul-for-afghan-peace-meeting-214371/amp">high-stakes peace summit</a> that has previously been a target for insurgent attacks.

Police flooded the city and authorities blocked off key roads around the venue of the so-called "loya jirga" -- where some 3,000 tribal elders, religious figures, and politicians from across Afghanistan are gathering over four days to discuss possible conditions for a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-peace-if-taliban-do-not-adapt-us-envoy-zalmay-khalilzad-214206"> peace deal with the Taliban</a>.

Taliban suicide bombers armed with rockets and guns attacked a 2010 peace jirga at the same venue, and in 2011, two rockets were fired into Kabul during a two-day jirga.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-caliphate-collapse-jihadists-head-to-afghanistan-to-plot-attacks-214689">After 'caliphate' collapse, jihadists head to Afghanistan to plot attacks: US officials</a>

Despite such past attacks, Kabul residents are infuriated with the scale of the lockdown, which has already been blamed for at least one death and has paralysed businesses in what would ordinarily be a busy week before Ramadan begins.

Local media reported that a newborn baby died when the father, who was trying to take the infant to a hospital, was blocked by security forces.

Adding to the slowdown, authorities have declared a week-long public holiday in Kabul.

"Yesterday, I could only take two passengers from one part of the city to the other. It took me three hours to complete a 15-minute ride," Nasrullah, a taxi driver who gave only his first name, told AFP.&nbsp;

Shopkeeper Taj Mohammad said poor people had been particularly impacted.

"It is good to provide security for the participants, but that should not cost people's businesses," Mohammad said.

Siam Pasarly, an economics expert, estimated the holidays were costing the business community $1 million a day.&nbsp;

"Afghanistan is a developing country and its economic engine should be running all day," he said. "A week-long shutdown is like a poison to the economy."

The loya jirga -- literally "grand assembly" in Pashto -- is being held as the US and Taliban are discussing a possible foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and various Taliban pledges.

The jirga is seen as an attempt by the Afghan government to influence the peace talks which so far have cut out President Ashraf Ghani, whom the Taliban view as a US stooge.

But some prominent Afghans, presidential hopefuls, and government officials including the country's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah have boycotted the assembly.&nbsp;

Ahmad Khan, another taxi driver, bemoaned the meeting as a "waste of time".

"Holding this jirga is an economic blow for poor labour like us, who come out in the morning for a morsel of food, and how can we provide food for our families in the next few days," he told AFP.

"Such jirgas have been held in the past with no positive results, and the government have failed to convince the Taliban to join the talks." 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan's usually bustling capital Kabul slowed to a crawl Tuesday amid massive security for a high-stakes peace summit that has previously been a target for insurgent attacks.

Afghanistan's usually bustling capital Kabul slowed to a crawl Tuesday amid massive security for a high-stakes peace summit that has previously been a target for insurgent attacks. Police flooded the city and authorities blocked off key roads around the venue of the so-called "loya jirga" -- where some 3,000 tribal elders, religious figures, and politicians from across Afghanistan are gathering over four days to discuss possible conditions for a peace deal with the Taliban. Taliban suicide bombers armed with rockets and guns attacked a 2010 peace jirga at the same venue, and in 2011, two rockets were fired into Kabul during a two-day jirga. Also read: After 'caliphate' collapse, jihadists head to Afghanistan to plot attacks: US officials Despite such past attacks, Kabul residents are infuriated with the scale of the lockdown, which has already been blamed for at least one death and has paralysed businesses in what would ordinarily be a busy week before Ramadan begins. Local media reported that a newborn baby died when the father, who was trying to take the infant to a hospital, was blocked by security forces. Adding to the slowdown, authorities have declared a week-long public holiday in Kabul. "Yesterday, I could only take two passengers from one part of the city to the other. It took me three hours to complete a 15-minute ride," Nasrullah, a taxi driver who gave only his first name, told AFP. Shopkeeper Taj Mohammad said poor people had been particularly impacted. "It is good to provide security for the participants, but that should not cost people's businesses," Mohammad said. Siam Pasarly, an economics expert, estimated the holidays were costing the business community $1 million a day. "Afghanistan is a developing country and its economic engine should be running all day," he said. "A week-long shutdown is like a poison to the economy." The loya jirga -- literally "grand assembly" in Pashto -- is being held as the US and Taliban are discussing a possible foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and various Taliban pledges. The jirga is seen as an attempt by the Afghan government to influence the peace talks which so far have cut out President Ashraf Ghani, whom the Taliban view as a US stooge. But some prominent Afghans, presidential hopefuls, and government officials including the country's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah have boycotted the assembly. Ahmad Khan, another taxi driver, bemoaned the meeting as a "waste of time". "Holding this jirga is an economic blow for poor labour like us, who come out in the morning for a morsel of food, and how can we provide food for our families in the next few days," he told AFP. "Such jirgas have been held in the past with no positive results, and the government have failed to convince the Taliban to join the talks."

Kabul on lockdown as assembly discusses peace with the Taliban

US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Sunday (April 28) said the possibility of a peace agreement with the Taliban depends on the declaration of a permanent ceasefire and a commitment to end the ongoing war.

Afghan peace deal hinges on ceasefire by Taliban: US peace envoy

Thousands of Afghans congregated in Kabul on Monday for a rare consultative meeting aimed at finding ways to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban and end Afghanistan's war.

The four-day consultative grand assembly, known as a Loya Jirga, is an attempt by<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-ghani-push-intra-afghan-talks-214023&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRzaHI6_ThAhWhheYKHbX2D3UQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kU-p3lLJ2ZOc9hXT10edu"> President Ashraf Ghani </a>to influence peace talks between the United States and the Taliban, which the Taliban have excluded his government from.

"It is a proud moment for me to have representatives from all over the country here and today we are gathered to speak about the peace talks," Ghani said in an opening ceremony in a huge tent set up for such assemblies in central Kabul.

A Loya Jirga is aimed at building consensus among various ethnic groups and tribal factions and is traditionally convened under extraordinary circumstances.

This week's meeting, being attended by 3,200 trial elders, and community and religious leaders from all 34 provinces, aims to set out Kabul's conditions for any peace deal.

But opposition political leaders and government critics, including former president Hamid Karzai, are boycotting the assembly accusing Ghani of using it as a platform to boost his status as a leader in an election year.

The US&nbsp;talks with the Taliban in Qatar are part of President Donald Trump's efforts to end America's longest war, which began when US-backed forces ousted the Taliban weeks after September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Since October, US&nbsp;and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks aimed at ensuring a safe exit for US&nbsp;forces in return for a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used by militants to threaten the rest of the world.

But the Taliban have refused to talk to Ghani's government, denouncing it as foreign "puppet", and intense fighting is going on in various parts of the country, with the Taliban controlling and influencing more territory than at any point since 2001.

Ghani invited the Taliban to the Loya Jirga but they have urged people to boycott it, denouncing it as an attempt by the Western-backed government to deceive the country and extend what the Taliban see as its illegitimate rule.

"Do not participate in the enemy's conspiracy under the name of Jirga, instead find ways to further sideline the shaky administration of Kabul," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

In the past, the Taliban have fired rockets at the Loya Jirga tent, and much of Kabul was under virtual lockdown on Monday, amid a massive security operation for the meeting.

Ghani, who hopes to secure a second term in the presidential election set for September, is feeling isolated from the peace process and the Loya Jirga was a bid to broaden his support, Western diplomats in Kabul said.

"He wants to prove that he has the ability to secure a peace deal and also enjoys the support of Afghans," said one diplomat.

"Ghani fears the opposition is using the Taliban refusal to engage with him to undermine him politically," the diplomat said.

Thousands of Afghans congregated in Kabul on Monday for a rare consultative meeting aimed at finding ways to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban and end Afghanistan's war.

Thousands of Afghans congregated in Kabul on Monday for a rare consultative meeting aimed at finding ways to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban and end Afghanistan's war. The four-day consultative grand assembly, known as a Loya Jirga, is an attempt by President Ashraf Ghani to influence peace talks between the United States and the Taliban, which the Taliban have excluded his government from. "It is a proud moment for me to have representatives from all over the country here and today we are gathered to speak about the peace talks," Ghani said in an opening ceremony in a huge tent set up for such assemblies in central Kabul. A Loya Jirga is aimed at building consensus among various ethnic groups and tribal factions and is traditionally convened under extraordinary circumstances. This week's meeting, being attended by 3,200 trial elders, and community and religious leaders from all 34 provinces, aims to set out Kabul's conditions for any peace deal. But opposition political leaders and government critics, including former president Hamid Karzai, are boycotting the assembly accusing Ghani of using it as a platform to boost his status as a leader in an election year. The US talks with the Taliban in Qatar are part of President Donald Trump's efforts to end America's longest war, which began when US-backed forces ousted the Taliban weeks after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Since October, US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks aimed at ensuring a safe exit for US forces in return for a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used by militants to threaten the rest of the world. But the Taliban have refused to talk to Ghani's government, denouncing it as foreign "puppet", and intense fighting is going on in various parts of the country, with the Taliban controlling and influencing more territory than at any point since 2001. Ghani invited the Taliban to the Loya Jirga but they have urged people to boycott it, denouncing it as an attempt by the Western-backed government to deceive the country and extend what the Taliban see as its illegitimate rule. "Do not participate in the enemy's conspiracy under the name of Jirga, instead find ways to further sideline the shaky administration of Kabul," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. In the past, the Taliban have fired rockets at the Loya Jirga tent, and much of Kabul was under virtual lockdown on Monday, amid a massive security operation for the meeting. Ghani, who hopes to secure a second term in the presidential election set for September, is feeling isolated from the peace process and the Loya Jirga was a bid to broaden his support, Western diplomats in Kabul said. "He wants to prove that he has the ability to secure a peace deal and also enjoys the support of Afghans," said one diplomat. "Ghani fears the opposition is using the Taliban refusal to engage with him to undermine him politically," the diplomat said.

Afghan president opens grand assembly in bid to gain initiative in Taliban talks

Thousands of politicians and officials from across<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-grand-assembly-for-troubled-peace-process-213609&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwijhvG35vThAhXC7HMBHYH9ANkQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2j535LCvVwBz6_yAzm3xrk"> Afghanistan gathered amid tight security in Kabul</a> Monday to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

More than 3,000 people have been invited to the rare "loya jirga", which is being billed as the largest in modern Afghan history, in a bid to set possible conditions under which they might accept a peace settlement.

The loya jirga -- literally "grand assembly" in Pashto -- is being held at the US and Taliban are discussing a possible foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and various Taliban pledges.&nbsp;

The talks have so far cut out the government of<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-ghani-push-intra-afghan-talks-214023&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwijhvG35vThAhXC7HMBHYH9ANkQFjADegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3D_YniyhB3LPFKzlWdOqDD"> President Ashraf Ghani</a>, whom the Taliban view as a US stooge.

"We want to specify the main lines for the negotiations with the Taliban," Ghani said at the start of the summit. "We want clear advice from all of you."

Ghani's government hopes the high-stakes meeting will set out Kabul's conditions for any deal, including the continuation of the constitution and the protection of women's rights, the media, and free speech.

Ghani had invited the Taliban but the insurgents, having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war since 2001, refused.&nbsp;

Much of Kabul was locked down Monday, with a weeklong public holiday declared for the duration of the four-day event.

Streets across the capital were closed and hilly overlooks blocked. In the past, the Taliban have blasted rockets at a tent hosting a loya jirga.

In a statement, the Taliban have vowed that any decisions or resolutions made at a loya jirga are "never acceptable to the real and devout sons of this homeland".

The most recent jirga was held in 2013 when Afghan officials endorsed a security agreement that allowed US troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond their planned withdrawal in 2014.

Thousands of politicians and officials from across Afghanistan gathered amid tight security in Kabul Monday to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

Thousands of politicians and officials from across Afghanistan gathered amid tight security in Kabul Monday to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban. More than 3,000 people have been invited to the rare "loya jirga", which is being billed as the largest in modern Afghan history, in a bid to set possible conditions under which they might accept a peace settlement. The loya jirga -- literally "grand assembly" in Pashto -- is being held at the US and Taliban are discussing a possible foreign troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and various Taliban pledges. The talks have so far cut out the government of President Ashraf Ghani, whom the Taliban view as a US stooge. "We want to specify the main lines for the negotiations with the Taliban," Ghani said at the start of the summit. "We want clear advice from all of you." Ghani's government hopes the high-stakes meeting will set out Kabul's conditions for any deal, including the continuation of the constitution and the protection of women's rights, the media, and free speech. Ghani had invited the Taliban but the insurgents, having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war since 2001, refused. Much of Kabul was locked down Monday, with a weeklong public holiday declared for the duration of the four-day event. Streets across the capital were closed and hilly overlooks blocked. In the past, the Taliban have blasted rockets at a tent hosting a loya jirga. In a statement, the Taliban have vowed that any decisions or resolutions made at a loya jirga are "never acceptable to the real and devout sons of this homeland". The most recent jirga was held in 2013 when Afghan officials endorsed a security agreement that allowed US troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond their planned withdrawal in 2014.

Thousands gather in Kabul for Afghan peace meeting

There will be no enduring peace in Afghanistan unless the Taliban adapt to the changes that have swept the country since they were ousted in 2001, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-representative-zalmay-khalilzad-to-be-back-to-focus-on-intra-afghan-dialogue-196488">US diplomat </a>said Sunday.

Special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban, made the comments in a visit to Kabul as he continues a months-long push for a settlement.

Speaking to Tolo News, Khalilzad said the Taliban recognise their government "made a lot mistakes" when it was in power from 1996-2001, and "they have learned a lot".

"If the Taliban insist on going back to the system they used to have, in my personal opinion it means the continuation of war not peace," said Afghan-born Khalilzad, speaking in Dari.

Khalilzad has signalled progress in talks, which centre on the Taliban guaranteeing Afghanistan can never again be used as a springboard for foreign terror attacks, in return for an eventual withdrawal of foreign forces.

When the hard-line Islamists were in power, they barred girls from school, executed women on flimsy allegations of adultery and banned a free press, music and many other basic freedoms.

Khalilzad is expected to meet with the Taliban in Doha in the coming days, but critics have lashed peace talks for so far failing to include members of the Afghan government, which the Taliban view as a puppet regime.

The special envoy said it was vital all parties communicate in an "intra-Afghan dialogue". Such a meeting was supposed to take place in Doha this month but it collapsed amid squabbling about the size of the guest list.

"We have started discussion for the withdrawal of the (US) forces, but for the past few weeks my struggles were focused on providing a ground for intra-Afghan talks," Khalilzad said.&nbsp;

"That is the first step for further discussion, but there has been no proper progress yet."

He added that Washington is "a bit impatient" to end the war, given its $45 billion annual cost to the US taxpayer and the continued toll it takes on US forces.

Washington wants "to put an end to their expenses in Afghanistan and the dangers the forces face but also Washington has a responsibility and wants to end this war responsibly and leave a good legacy," Khalilzad said.

There will be no enduring peace in Afghanistan unless the Taliban adapt to the changes that have swept the country since they were ousted in 2001, a US diplomat said Sunday.

There will be no enduring peace in Afghanistan unless the Taliban adapt to the changes that have swept the country since they were ousted in 2001, a US diplomat said Sunday. Special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban, made the comments in a visit to Kabul as he continues a months-long push for a settlement. Speaking to Tolo News, Khalilzad said the Taliban recognise their government "made a lot mistakes" when it was in power from 1996-2001, and "they have learned a lot". "If the Taliban insist on going back to the system they used to have, in my personal opinion it means the continuation of war not peace," said Afghan-born Khalilzad, speaking in Dari. Khalilzad has signalled progress in talks, which centre on the Taliban guaranteeing Afghanistan can never again be used as a springboard for foreign terror attacks, in return for an eventual withdrawal of foreign forces. When the hard-line Islamists were in power, they barred girls from school, executed women on flimsy allegations of adultery and banned a free press, music and many other basic freedoms. Khalilzad is expected to meet with the Taliban in Doha in the coming days, but critics have lashed peace talks for so far failing to include members of the Afghan government, which the Taliban view as a puppet regime. The special envoy said it was vital all parties communicate in an "intra-Afghan dialogue". Such a meeting was supposed to take place in Doha this month but it collapsed amid squabbling about the size of the guest list. "We have started discussion for the withdrawal of the (US) forces, but for the past few weeks my struggles were focused on providing a ground for intra-Afghan talks," Khalilzad said. "That is the first step for further discussion, but there has been no proper progress yet." He added that Washington is "a bit impatient" to end the war, given its $45 billion annual cost to the US taxpayer and the continued toll it takes on US forces. Washington wants "to put an end to their expenses in Afghanistan and the dangers the forces face but also Washington has a responsibility and wants to end this war responsibly and leave a good legacy," Khalilzad said.

Peace not possible unless the Taliban adapt: US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-diego-area-synagogue-shooting-appears-to-be-hate-crime-trump-214020">San Diego-area synagogue shooting appears to be hate crime, says Trump as gunman identified</a>

US President Donald&nbsp;Trump on Saturday sent his sympathies to the families of the victims of a San Diego-area synagogue shooting, saying it appeared to be a hate crime and that authorities will "get to the bottom of it."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-says-its-fighters-behind-police-clashes-in-sri-lanka-214029">Islamic State says its fighters behind police clashes in Sri Lanka</a>

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for three men who blew themselves up in clashes with Sri Lankan police, the militant group said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-fires-barca-to-eighth-la-liga-title-in-11-years-214022">Messi fires Barcelona to eighth La Liga title in 11 years</a>

Lionel Messi clinched an eighth La Liga title for Barcelona in 11 seasons on Saturday as he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at home to Levante.

The Argentine star struck his league-leading 34th goal of the campaign after coming off the bench for the second half to help Barca wrap up the title with three games remaining.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ask-sbi-to-release-one-months-salary-to-jet-airways-staff-national-aviators-guild-to-pm-modi-214028">Ask SBI to release one month's salary to Jet Airways staff: National Aviator's Guild to PM Modi</a>

The National Aviator's Guild (NAG), which represents pilots of the grounded carrier Jet Airways, Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "direct" the airline's lender State Bank of India to release one month's salary of all the employees.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-ghani-push-intra-afghan-talks-214023">US envoy, Ghani push 'intra-Afghan' talks</a>

The United States and Afghanistan stressed the need for "intra-Afghan dialogue" when US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held talks on Saturday, a palace statement said.

San Diego-area synagogue shooting appears to be hate crime, says Trump as gunman identified US President Donald Trump on Saturday sent his sympathies to the families of the victims of a San Diego-area synagogue shooting, saying it appeared to be a hate crime and that authorities will "get to the bottom of it.

San Diego-area synagogue shooting appears to be hate crime, says Trump as gunman identified US President Donald Trump on Saturday sent his sympathies to the families of the victims of a San Diego-area synagogue shooting, saying it appeared to be a hate crime and that authorities will "get to the bottom of it." Islamic State says its fighters behind police clashes in Sri Lanka The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for three men who blew themselves up in clashes with Sri Lankan police, the militant group said in a statement. Messi fires Barcelona to eighth La Liga title in 11 years Lionel Messi clinched an eighth La Liga title for Barcelona in 11 seasons on Saturday as he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at home to Levante. The Argentine star struck his league-leading 34th goal of the campaign after coming off the bench for the second half to help Barca wrap up the title with three games remaining. Ask SBI to release one month's salary to Jet Airways staff: National Aviator's Guild to PM Modi The National Aviator's Guild (NAG), which represents pilots of the grounded carrier Jet Airways, Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "direct" the airline's lender State Bank of India to release one month's salary of all the employees. US envoy, Ghani push 'intra-Afghan' talks The United States and Afghanistan stressed the need for "intra-Afghan dialogue" when US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held talks on Saturday, a palace statement said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The assault trial of a Canadian man once held hostage with his American wife in Afghanistan was suspended Friday while a legal dispute over evidence is sorted out.

Joshua Boyle, 35, was arrested and charged with sexual assault and forcible confinement at the end of 2017 just two months after he and his wife Caitlan Coleman, 33, returned to Canada after their five-year hostage ordeal.

He pleaded not guilty at his trial, which started in March but could now be delayed for months while Coleman fights the introduction of evidence of the couple's past consensual sexual activities.

A hearing is scheduled for May 15.&nbsp;

Defence lawyer Eric Granger said the trial could resume as early as July. "That's theoretically possible," he told AFP, following reports that Coleman won't appeal the decision on evidence, whatever the outcome.

Boyle and Coleman, who married in 2011, were kidnapped by the Taliban during what they have called a backpacking trip in 2012 and were transferred to the custody of the Taliban-allied Haqqani network.

Coleman testified that during captivity, Boyle became physically abusive, biting, choking, punching, slapping and spanking her, as well as casually threatening to kill her in front of their children -- who were born in captivity.

The assaults and abuse, she said, paused briefly after their release, but then started up again.

The court heard Boyle's 911 call on the day Coleman walked out of the couple's Ottawa apartment at the end of December. He claimed she was mentally unstable, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, and might harm herself.

But the call triggered a police investigation that led to him being charged.

The court has banned the identification of a second alleged victim in the case.

The assault trial of a Canadian man once held hostage with his American wife in Afghanistan was suspended Friday while a legal dispute over evidence is sorted out.

The assault trial of a Canadian man once held hostage with his American wife in Afghanistan was suspended Friday while a legal dispute over evidence is sorted out. Joshua Boyle, 35, was arrested and charged with sexual assault and forcible confinement at the end of 2017 just two months after he and his wife Caitlan Coleman, 33, returned to Canada after their five-year hostage ordeal. He pleaded not guilty at his trial, which started in March but could now be delayed for months while Coleman fights the introduction of evidence of the couple's past consensual sexual activities. A hearing is scheduled for May 15. Defence lawyer Eric Granger said the trial could resume as early as July. "That's theoretically possible," he told AFP, following reports that Coleman won't appeal the decision on evidence, whatever the outcome. Boyle and Coleman, who married in 2011, were kidnapped by the Taliban during what they have called a backpacking trip in 2012 and were transferred to the custody of the Taliban-allied Haqqani network. Coleman testified that during captivity, Boyle became physically abusive, biting, choking, punching, slapping and spanking her, as well as casually threatening to kill her in front of their children -- who were born in captivity. The assaults and abuse, she said, paused briefly after their release, but then started up again. The court heard Boyle's 911 call on the day Coleman walked out of the couple's Ottawa apartment at the end of December. He claimed she was mentally unstable, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, and might harm herself. But the call triggered a police investigation that led to him being charged. The court has banned the identification of a second alleged victim in the case.

Former Afghan hostage Joshua Boyle's assault trial delayed

Afghanistan on Monday will convene a rare "loya jirga" -- a massive meeting for delegates from across the country to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

More than 2,000 people have been invited to gather amid tight security for four days of debate under a large tent in Kabul.

Here is a look at the history of loya jirgas, and what to expect from this one.

What is a loya jirga?

A loya jirga -- literally "grand assembly" in Pashto -- is traditionally comprised of Afghan elders.

Such gatherings have a centuries-old history in Afghan culture and are periodically convened to reach a consensus on major political issues.

The most recent jirga was held in 2013, when Afghan officials endorsed a security agreement that allowed US troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond their planned withdrawal in 2014.

In August 2007, the first joint Afghan-Pakistan jirga was held in Kabul after relations between the neighbours deteriorated amid Afghan accusations that Pakistan was harbouring Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters.

In 2003, former president Sibghatullah Mojaddedi chaired a loya jirga that approved Afghanistan's new constitution for a post-Taliban era.

The events usually comprise political figures, religious scholars, teachers, activists and community leaders. Delegates typically break into smaller groups to tackle various matters.

What is on the agenda?

The upcoming loya jirga is being held at a time when the US and Taliban militants have held several rounds of talks.

The two sides have discussed a possible troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a ceasefire and various pledges from the Taliban.&nbsp;

But crucially, the talks have thus far cut out the government of President Ashraf Ghani, whom the Taliban view as a US stooge.

Ghani's government is jostling for influence in the peace talks and the jirga aims to set out Kabul's red lines for any deal, including the continuation of the constitution and the protection of women's rights, the media, and free speech.

Ghani has invited the Taliban to participate, but the insurgents, having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war since 2001, have predictably refused.&nbsp;

In the past, the Taliban have blasted rockets at the loya jirga tent, and much of Kabul is being locked down under a massive security operation for this year's event.

In a statement, the Taliban vowed that any decisions or resolutions made at a loya jirga are "never acceptable to the real and devout sons of this homeland".

Who will be there?

Top politicians including Ghani, former president Hamid Karzai, ex-foreign minister Zalmay Rassoul, former warlord Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayyaf and many other Afghan officials are attending.

But chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, notorious former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, and Ghani's former national security advisor Mohammad Haneef Atmar are boycotting the event, saying it was pulled together without consultation and is being used by Ghani to campaign ahead of presidential elections slated for September.

What is at stake?

A lot. Ghani's credibility, fast dwindling in the eyes of the West, will be put to the test, with observers waiting to see if he can secure a meaningful consensus, or whether the event will unravel amid bickering and in-fighting.

A planned meeting between Afghan officials and the Taliban in Qatar collapsed at the last minute this month over recriminations about the number of delegates Ghani wanted to bring to Doha.

His original roster comprised 250 members, which the Taliban likened to a guest list for an Afghan wedding.&nbsp;

A new round of talks between the Taliban and the US is due to take place in Doha in the coming days.

A meaningful and clear signal from Kabul will be key for US negotiators.&nbsp;

Afghanistan on Monday will convene a rare "loya jirga" -- a massive meeting for delegates from across the country to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

Afghanistan on Monday will convene a rare "loya jirga" -- a massive meeting for delegates from across the country to discuss the war and US efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban. More than 2,000 people have been invited to gather amid tight security for four days of debate under a large tent in Kabul. Here is a look at the history of loya jirgas, and what to expect from this one. What is a loya jirga? A loya jirga -- literally "grand assembly" in Pashto -- is traditionally comprised of Afghan elders. Such gatherings have a centuries-old history in Afghan culture and are periodically convened to reach a consensus on major political issues. The most recent jirga was held in 2013, when Afghan officials endorsed a security agreement that allowed US troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond their planned withdrawal in 2014. In August 2007, the first joint Afghan-Pakistan jirga was held in Kabul after relations between the neighbours deteriorated amid Afghan accusations that Pakistan was harbouring Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters. In 2003, former president Sibghatullah Mojaddedi chaired a loya jirga that approved Afghanistan's new constitution for a post-Taliban era. The events usually comprise political figures, religious scholars, teachers, activists and community leaders. Delegates typically break into smaller groups to tackle various matters. What is on the agenda? The upcoming loya jirga is being held at a time when the US and Taliban militants have held several rounds of talks. The two sides have discussed a possible troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a ceasefire and various pledges from the Taliban. But crucially, the talks have thus far cut out the government of President Ashraf Ghani, whom the Taliban view as a US stooge. Ghani's government is jostling for influence in the peace talks and the jirga aims to set out Kabul's red lines for any deal, including the continuation of the constitution and the protection of women's rights, the media, and free speech. Ghani has invited the Taliban to participate, but the insurgents, having waged an unrelenting guerrilla war since 2001, have predictably refused. In the past, the Taliban have blasted rockets at the loya jirga tent, and much of Kabul is being locked down under a massive security operation for this year's event. In a statement, the Taliban vowed that any decisions or resolutions made at a loya jirga are "never acceptable to the real and devout sons of this homeland". Who will be there? Top politicians including Ghani, former president Hamid Karzai, ex-foreign minister Zalmay Rassoul, former warlord Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayyaf and many other Afghan officials are attending. But chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, notorious former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, and Ghani's former national security advisor Mohammad Haneef Atmar are boycotting the event, saying it was pulled together without consultation and is being used by Ghani to campaign ahead of presidential elections slated for September. What is at stake? A lot. Ghani's credibility, fast dwindling in the eyes of the West, will be put to the test, with observers waiting to see if he can secure a meaningful consensus, or whether the event will unravel amid bickering and in-fighting. A planned meeting between Afghan officials and the Taliban in Qatar collapsed at the last minute this month over recriminations about the number of delegates Ghani wanted to bring to Doha. His original roster comprised 250 members, which the Taliban likened to a guest list for an Afghan wedding. A new round of talks between the Taliban and the US is due to take place in Doha in the coming days. A meaningful and clear signal from Kabul will be key for US negotiators.

Afghanistan's grand assembly for troubled peace process

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/iran-has-suffered-from-terrorists-operating-from-pakistan-imran-khan-to-president-rouhani-212892&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRwfm0s-vhAhXJuY8KHet6BtcQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2dGht5GN8_qZ3zmEetgk6i">Iran</a> on Wednesday criticized US talks with the Taliban on ending the Afghanistan war, saying Washington was elevating the role of the militants.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif acknowledged that Iran had also opened a dialogue with the Taliban but said that the US push for a deal with the extremists was "seriously wrong."

"An attempt to exclude everybody and just talk to the Taliban has alienated the government, has alienated the region, has alienated everybody else and it achieved nothing, as you've seen from the statement that came from the Taliban," Zarif said, apparently referring to the militants' announcement of a new spring offensive.

"I was the first to say that in any peace in Afghanistan, the Taliban cannot be set aside or isolated," Zarif said at the Asia Society in New York, which he was visiting to take part in a UN session.

"But you cannot negotiate the future of Afghanistan with the Taliban.

The Taliban only represent a segment of Afghan society, not all of it," he said.

President Donald Trump has voiced impatience at ending the longest-ever US war, launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is set shortly to hold a fresh round of talks in Qatar with the Taliban, with early indications saying Washington will agree to pull troops and that the militants will promise not to allow foreign extremists on their soil.

But the Taliban have refused to negotiate with President Ashraf Ghani's internationally recognized government, with a would-be breakthrough meeting recently collapsing in a dispute over the delegation list.

Despite its tense relations with the United States, Iran had quietly backed the initial US invasion that ousted the Taliban, Sunni Muslims who imposed an austere interpretation of Islam over Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.

Iran, led by Shiite clerics, nearly went to war with the Taliban in 1998 after an attack on its consulate in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif killed nine Iranian diplomats and a journalist.

But Iran has more recently sought to build relations with the Taliban, mindful of preserving interests in the neighbouring country.

Iran on Wednesday criticized US talks with the Taliban on ending the Afghanistan war, saying Washington was elevating the role of the militants. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif acknowledged that Iran had also opened a dialogue with the Taliban but said that the US push for a deal with the extremists was "seriously wrong.

Iran on Wednesday criticized US talks with the Taliban on ending the Afghanistan war, saying Washington was elevating the role of the militants. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif acknowledged that Iran had also opened a dialogue with the Taliban but said that the US push for a deal with the extremists was "seriously wrong." "An attempt to exclude everybody and just talk to the Taliban has alienated the government, has alienated the region, has alienated everybody else and it achieved nothing, as you've seen from the statement that came from the Taliban," Zarif said, apparently referring to the militants' announcement of a new spring offensive. "I was the first to say that in any peace in Afghanistan, the Taliban cannot be set aside or isolated," Zarif said at the Asia Society in New York, which he was visiting to take part in a UN session. "But you cannot negotiate the future of Afghanistan with the Taliban. The Taliban only represent a segment of Afghan society, not all of it," he said. President Donald Trump has voiced impatience at ending the longest-ever US war, launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is set shortly to hold a fresh round of talks in Qatar with the Taliban, with early indications saying Washington will agree to pull troops and that the militants will promise not to allow foreign extremists on their soil. But the Taliban have refused to negotiate with President Ashraf Ghani's internationally recognized government, with a would-be breakthrough meeting recently collapsing in a dispute over the delegation list. Despite its tense relations with the United States, Iran had quietly backed the initial US invasion that ousted the Taliban, Sunni Muslims who imposed an austere interpretation of Islam over Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Iran, led by Shiite clerics, nearly went to war with the Taliban in 1998 after an attack on its consulate in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif killed nine Iranian diplomats and a journalist. But Iran has more recently sought to build relations with the Taliban, mindful of preserving interests in the neighbouring country.

Iran denounces US talks with Taliban on ending Afghanistan war

Afghan civilians are for the first time being killed in greater numbers by US and pro-government forces than by the Taliban and other insurgent groups, a UN report released Wednesday revealed.

The bloody milestone comes as the US steps up its air campaign in Afghanistan while pushing for a peace deal with the Taliban, who now control or influence more parts of the country than at any time since they were ousted in 2001.

During the first three months of 2019, international and pro-government forces were responsible for the deaths of 305 civilians, whereas insurgent groups killed 227 people, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a quarterly report.

Most of the deaths resulted from air strikes or from search operations on the ground, primarily conducted by US-backed Afghan forces, some of which UNAMA said "appear to act with impunity".

"UNAMA urges both the Afghan national security forces and international military forces to conduct investigations into allegations of civilian casualties, to publish the results of their findings, and to provide compensation to victims as appropriate," the report states.&nbsp;

UNAMA started compiling civilian casualty data in 2009 amid deteriorating security conditions in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

It is the first tally since records began that shows pro-government forces have killed more civilians than insurgents have.&nbsp;

In 2017, the US military started quickening its operational tempo after President Donald Trump loosened restrictions and made it easier for American forces to bomb Taliban positions.&nbsp;

While other nations may contribute logistical or technical support, it is US aircraft that conduct most strikes. Afghanistan's fledgeling air force is also flying more sorties.

The US has sent huge B-52 bombers on runs over the country and benefited from an increase in aerial hardware as operations against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria tapered off.

UNAMA's report did however find that overall, civilian casualties dropped 23 per cent as compared to the first three months of 2018.

In all, UNAMA documented 1,773 casualties last quarter: 581 deaths and 1,192 injured -- the lowest first-quarter toll since 2013.&nbsp;

The drop was driven by a decrease in the use of suicide bomb attacks, but UNAMA did not know if this trend came as a result of a harsh winter or if the Taliban were trying to kill fewer civilians during peace talks.

Still, UNAMA chief Tadamichi Yamamoto, who also serves as the UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan, said a "shocking number" of civilians are being killed or maimed.

"All parties must do more to safeguard civilians," Yamamoto said in a statement.

Last year was the deadliest yet for Afghan civilians, with 3,804 killed, according to UNAMA.

Afghan civilians are for the first time being killed in greater numbers by US and pro-government forces than by the Taliban and other insurgent groups, a UN report released Wednesday revealed.

Afghan civilians are for the first time being killed in greater numbers by US and pro-government forces than by the Taliban and other insurgent groups, a UN report released Wednesday revealed. The bloody milestone comes as the US steps up its air campaign in Afghanistan while pushing for a peace deal with the Taliban, who now control or influence more parts of the country than at any time since they were ousted in 2001. During the first three months of 2019, international and pro-government forces were responsible for the deaths of 305 civilians, whereas insurgent groups killed 227 people, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a quarterly report. Most of the deaths resulted from air strikes or from search operations on the ground, primarily conducted by US-backed Afghan forces, some of which UNAMA said "appear to act with impunity". "UNAMA urges both the Afghan national security forces and international military forces to conduct investigations into allegations of civilian casualties, to publish the results of their findings, and to provide compensation to victims as appropriate," the report states. UNAMA started compiling civilian casualty data in 2009 amid deteriorating security conditions in Afghanistan. It is the first tally since records began that shows pro-government forces have killed more civilians than insurgents have. In 2017, the US military started quickening its operational tempo after President Donald Trump loosened restrictions and made it easier for American forces to bomb Taliban positions. While other nations may contribute logistical or technical support, it is US aircraft that conduct most strikes. Afghanistan's fledgeling air force is also flying more sorties. The US has sent huge B-52 bombers on runs over the country and benefited from an increase in aerial hardware as operations against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria tapered off. UNAMA's report did however find that overall, civilian casualties dropped 23 per cent as compared to the first three months of 2018. In all, UNAMA documented 1,773 casualties last quarter: 581 deaths and 1,192 injured -- the lowest first-quarter toll since 2013. The drop was driven by a decrease in the use of suicide bomb attacks, but UNAMA did not know if this trend came as a result of a harsh winter or if the Taliban were trying to kill fewer civilians during peace talks. Still, UNAMA chief Tadamichi Yamamoto, who also serves as the UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan, said a "shocking number" of civilians are being killed or maimed. "All parties must do more to safeguard civilians," Yamamoto said in a statement. Last year was the deadliest yet for Afghan civilians, with 3,804 killed, according to UNAMA.

More civilians now killed by US, Afghan forces than by insurgents: UN report

Afghan Taliban insurgents are battling fighters loyal to Islamic State over control of territory in eastern Afghanistan in some of the heaviest clashes over the past year between the rival militants, officials said on Wednesday.

The fighting erupted on Monday in two districts of the eastern Afghan border province of Nangarhar, when Islamic State fighters attacked villages under Taliban control.&nbsp;

"Islamic State fighters have captured six villages in Khogyani and Shirzad districts but the fighting has not stopped," said Sohrab Qaderi, a member Nangarhar`s the provincial council.

About 500 families had fled from the fighting, he said.

Casualty figures were not available.

A spokesman for the Taliban, who control more territory than at any point since they were ousted from power nearly 18 years ago, was not available for comment.

Islamic State fighters first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in around 2014 and have battled the Taliban as well as government and foreign forces.

The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, sometimes known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), after an old name for the region that includes Afghanistan, has made some inroads into other areas, in the north in particular.

It has also established a reputation for unusual cruelty, even by the standards of the Afghan conflict, and has been behind some of the deadliest attacks in urban centres.

While Nangarhar, on the border with Pakistan, has been an Islamic State stronghold, some villages in Khogyani and Shirzad districts have been controlled by the Taliban.

Fleeing villagers said they had to run for their lives.

"I could only rescue my family. We had to leave everything," said Shawkat, 36, a resident of Markikhel village in Shirzad district who sought safety in a neighbouring village.

Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the provincial governor said, authorities would help the displaced villagers with food and medicine.

In August, more than 150 Islamic State fighters surrendered to the Afghan security forces after they were defeated by the Taliban in the northwestern province of Jawzjan.

The US military estimates there are about 2,000 Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan.

Many are former Taliban. There is scant evidence of direct links with Islamic State in the Middle East, where the group has lost territory it once held in Syria and Iraq to Western-backed forces.

Afghan Taliban insurgents are battling fighters loyal to Islamic State over control of territory in eastern Afghanistan in some of the heaviest clashes over the past year between the rival militants, officials said on Wednesday.

Afghan Taliban insurgents are battling fighters loyal to Islamic State over control of territory in eastern Afghanistan in some of the heaviest clashes over the past year between the rival militants, officials said on Wednesday. The fighting erupted on Monday in two districts of the eastern Afghan border province of Nangarhar, when Islamic State fighters attacked villages under Taliban control. "Islamic State fighters have captured six villages in Khogyani and Shirzad districts but the fighting has not stopped," said Sohrab Qaderi, a member Nangarhar`s the provincial council. About 500 families had fled from the fighting, he said. Casualty figures were not available. A spokesman for the Taliban, who control more territory than at any point since they were ousted from power nearly 18 years ago, was not available for comment. Islamic State fighters first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in around 2014 and have battled the Taliban as well as government and foreign forces. The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, sometimes known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), after an old name for the region that includes Afghanistan, has made some inroads into other areas, in the north in particular. It has also established a reputation for unusual cruelty, even by the standards of the Afghan conflict, and has been behind some of the deadliest attacks in urban centres. While Nangarhar, on the border with Pakistan, has been an Islamic State stronghold, some villages in Khogyani and Shirzad districts have been controlled by the Taliban. Fleeing villagers said they had to run for their lives. "I could only rescue my family. We had to leave everything," said Shawkat, 36, a resident of Markikhel village in Shirzad district who sought safety in a neighbouring village. Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the provincial governor said, authorities would help the displaced villagers with food and medicine. In August, more than 150 Islamic State fighters surrendered to the Afghan security forces after they were defeated by the Taliban in the northwestern province of Jawzjan. The US military estimates there are about 2,000 Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan. Many are former Taliban. There is scant evidence of direct links with Islamic State in the Middle East, where the group has lost territory it once held in Syria and Iraq to Western-backed forces.

Heavy fighting flares between Taliban, Islamic State in Afghanistan

Upcoming talks between the Taliban and the United States will focus on the timetable for pulling all foreign forces from Afghanistan, according to a senior Taliban member.

In an interview with AFP, the Taliban's political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said previous negotiations with Washington saw the two sides agree to a total withdrawal, with only the details needing to be fleshed out.

"In our last round of talks with the US side, we agreed with them on withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan," Shaheen said late Saturday in Doha.

In return for a withdrawal, he said the Taliban have committed to preventing terror groups using Afghanistan as a safe haven or for launching attacks on other countries.

"But still there are some details to be discussed, and this discussion will take place in our next round of talks and that is about (the) timetable of the withdrawal of forces from the country and other details," Shaheen said.

The next round of talks is expected to take place in Doha in the coming weeks, but no dates have been formally announced.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the talks for Washington, said after the latest round ended that "real strides" had been made, but he insisted no agreement was reached on when the US and other countries might leave Afghanistan.

He spoke of an agreement "in draft" on the issues of counter-terrorism, assurances from the Taliban and troop withdrawal, and suggested the next phases would be intra-Afghan dialogue and a ceasefire, but stressed that nothing was finalised.&nbsp;

Khalilzad has also said that "nothing is agreed to until everything has been agreed to."

Collapsed summit

A summit between the Taliban and Afghan politicians and representatives that was due to take place over the weekend collapsed amid bickering about Kabul's lengthy list of delegates, which initially comprised 250 people.&nbsp;

The conference would have been separate from main US-Taliban peace talks.

The main delegation did not meet with the Taliban, but women's rights organisation Women for Afghan Women (WAW) said two of its members had been present at a meeting that included about two dozen Taliban officials.&nbsp;

Talks so far have faced fierce criticism in Afghanistan and internationally for their lack of women participants.

"WAW expressed concerns for women's future role in society, noting the tremendous strides they have made since 2001," the group said in a statement.

While in power from 1996-2001, the Taliban banned girls' education, shredded any Western notion of women's rights and executed women on flimsy allegations of adultery.

The militants now say they support some access to education for girls, though this would be along religious lines in segregated schools.

Shaheen spoke to AFP in Qatari capital Doha, which has become the main hub for Afghanistan peace talks and once hosted a political office for the Taliban.&nbsp;

That facility was closed down after protests by Kabul, which said the Taliban were using the office as a de facto embassy.

"Right now, we do not have any office," Shaheen said.&nbsp;

"We need an office in order to issue statements, to hold the press conferences in order to give information out to the media about peace and to our own people on a daily basis".

Upcoming talks between the Taliban and the United States will focus on the timetable for pulling all foreign forces from Afghanistan, according to a senior Taliban member.

Upcoming talks between the Taliban and the United States will focus on the timetable for pulling all foreign forces from Afghanistan, according to a senior Taliban member. In an interview with AFP, the Taliban's political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said previous negotiations with Washington saw the two sides agree to a total withdrawal, with only the details needing to be fleshed out. "In our last round of talks with the US side, we agreed with them on withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan," Shaheen said late Saturday in Doha. In return for a withdrawal, he said the Taliban have committed to preventing terror groups using Afghanistan as a safe haven or for launching attacks on other countries. "But still there are some details to be discussed, and this discussion will take place in our next round of talks and that is about (the) timetable of the withdrawal of forces from the country and other details," Shaheen said. The next round of talks is expected to take place in Doha in the coming weeks, but no dates have been formally announced. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the talks for Washington, said after the latest round ended that "real strides" had been made, but he insisted no agreement was reached on when the US and other countries might leave Afghanistan. He spoke of an agreement "in draft" on the issues of counter-terrorism, assurances from the Taliban and troop withdrawal, and suggested the next phases would be intra-Afghan dialogue and a ceasefire, but stressed that nothing was finalised. Khalilzad has also said that "nothing is agreed to until everything has been agreed to." Collapsed summit A summit between the Taliban and Afghan politicians and representatives that was due to take place over the weekend collapsed amid bickering about Kabul's lengthy list of delegates, which initially comprised 250 people. The conference would have been separate from main US-Taliban peace talks. The main delegation did not meet with the Taliban, but women's rights organisation Women for Afghan Women (WAW) said two of its members had been present at a meeting that included about two dozen Taliban officials. Talks so far have faced fierce criticism in Afghanistan and internationally for their lack of women participants. "WAW expressed concerns for women's future role in society, noting the tremendous strides they have made since 2001," the group said in a statement. While in power from 1996-2001, the Taliban banned girls' education, shredded any Western notion of women's rights and executed women on flimsy allegations of adultery. The militants now say they support some access to education for girls, though this would be along religious lines in segregated schools. Shaheen spoke to AFP in Qatari capital Doha, which has become the main hub for Afghanistan peace talks and once hosted a political office for the Taliban. That facility was closed down after protests by Kabul, which said the Taliban were using the office as a de facto embassy. "Right now, we do not have any office," Shaheen said. "We need an office in order to issue statements, to hold the press conferences in order to give information out to the media about peace and to our own people on a daily basis".

US withdrawal from Afghanistan focus of next talks: Taliban

Kobra Samim, who rides for Afghanistan's national cycling team, wrote on Facebook that women's participation in sport is her "red line" as the US tries to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

Former politician Farkhunda Zahra Naderi tweeted that the protection of female leadership roles should be non-negotiable. And activist Samira Hamidi is demanding that women be included in the peace talks.

Across Afghanistan, women have taken to social media to join a campaign dubbed #MyRedLine that aims to pressure the government, the Taliban and the United States into ensuring women's hard-won advancements are not tossed aside in a rush for a peace accord.

"If the Taliban come back, we won't have the right to education, sports, and we will even be banned from coming out of houses," Samim, 23, told AFP as she adjusted the saddle on her mountain bike before setting off along a run-down Kabul street.&nbsp;

"We want peace, but also we want to continue our sports and cycling."

Farahnaz Forotan, a journalist and activist who started the #MyRedLine campaign with support from UN Women Afghanistan, said her own red line was "my pen and my freedom of expression".&nbsp;

"If peace doesn't bring social justice to all victims of war in every corner of the country, then it won't be a stable peace," Forotan told AFP.

She said the #MyRedLine hashtag had been shared or retweeted thousands of times since the social media campaign was launched last month, with even President Ashraf Ghani tweeting that women's rights were the government's "red line" in the peace process.

The campaign is also being shared on Facebook, in English, Pashto and Dari.&nbsp;

'More vulnerable than anyone'

Before being toppled by the US invasion of 2001, the Taliban governed Afghanistan for nearly five years with a strict interpretation of sharia law.

Women were confined to their homes, forced to wear burqas and forbidden from going to school. Some were publicly stoned to death on flimsy allegations of adultery.

"Women were more vulnerable than anyone during the Taliban regime," Forotan said.

The United States is holding direct talks with Taliban leaders -- all men --- in a bid to forge a peace deal.&nbsp;

Two Afghan women were invited to informal talks in Moscow in February between the Taliban and Afghan representatives, but their presence was very peripheral.&nbsp;

A second, similar summit between Afghan delegates and the insurgents that was to take place in Doha this weekend and had been set to include more women has been postponed indefinitely.

International observers have blasted the talks, led on the US side by peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, for their lack of female inclusion.

Other social media hashtags such as #afghanwomenwillnotgoback have also gained traction, and Khalilzad appears to have taken note.

On a trip to Afghanistan this month, the Afghan-born American envoy met with locals from all walks of life and with women's groups.

The Taliban, however, appear unmoved. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid recently tweeted to deny reports that women were being included in the Taliban negotiating team and "neither do we believe it is necessary".

'Tough odds'

Heather Barr, the acting co-director of the Women's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, said the online campaign was encouraging.&nbsp;

"They're up against tough odds at the moment, but their efforts are a sign that Afghan society is changing in fundamental ways, regardless of the outcome of these talks," Barr told AFP.

In the United States, powerful women are lending their voices to the Afghan campaign.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who sits on the influential Senate Armed Services Committee that oversees the US military, said such a move is key.

"Women's interests, as well as the interests of a broad segment of Afghan society need to be included as part of any negotiation," Shaheen told a group of journalists on a visit to Kabul this week.&nbsp;

"It is vital for women to be included in talks with the Taliban."

American actor and United Nations special envoy Angelina Jolie brought some celebrity power to the campaign last week, penning an opinion piece in TIME magazine calling for women to be included in "significant" numbers.&nbsp;

"Afghan women must be able to speak for themselves," Jolie wrote.&nbsp;

Kobra Samim, who rides for Afghanistan's national cycling team, wrote on Facebook that women's participation in sport is her "red line" as the US tries to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

Kobra Samim, who rides for Afghanistan's national cycling team, wrote on Facebook that women's participation in sport is her "red line" as the US tries to forge a peace deal with the Taliban. Former politician Farkhunda Zahra Naderi tweeted that the protection of female leadership roles should be non-negotiable. And activist Samira Hamidi is demanding that women be included in the peace talks. Across Afghanistan, women have taken to social media to join a campaign dubbed #MyRedLine that aims to pressure the government, the Taliban and the United States into ensuring women's hard-won advancements are not tossed aside in a rush for a peace accord. "If the Taliban come back, we won't have the right to education, sports, and we will even be banned from coming out of houses," Samim, 23, told AFP as she adjusted the saddle on her mountain bike before setting off along a run-down Kabul street. "We want peace, but also we want to continue our sports and cycling." Farahnaz Forotan, a journalist and activist who started the #MyRedLine campaign with support from UN Women Afghanistan, said her own red line was "my pen and my freedom of expression". "If peace doesn't bring social justice to all victims of war in every corner of the country, then it won't be a stable peace," Forotan told AFP. She said the #MyRedLine hashtag had been shared or retweeted thousands of times since the social media campaign was launched last month, with even President Ashraf Ghani tweeting that women's rights were the government's "red line" in the peace process. The campaign is also being shared on Facebook, in English, Pashto and Dari. 'More vulnerable than anyone' Before being toppled by the US invasion of 2001, the Taliban governed Afghanistan for nearly five years with a strict interpretation of sharia law. Women were confined to their homes, forced to wear burqas and forbidden from going to school. Some were publicly stoned to death on flimsy allegations of adultery. "Women were more vulnerable than anyone during the Taliban regime," Forotan said. The United States is holding direct talks with Taliban leaders -- all men --- in a bid to forge a peace deal. Two Afghan women were invited to informal talks in Moscow in February between the Taliban and Afghan representatives, but their presence was very peripheral. A second, similar summit between Afghan delegates and the insurgents that was to take place in Doha this weekend and had been set to include more women has been postponed indefinitely. International observers have blasted the talks, led on the US side by peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, for their lack of female inclusion. Other social media hashtags such as #afghanwomenwillnotgoback have also gained traction, and Khalilzad appears to have taken note. On a trip to Afghanistan this month, the Afghan-born American envoy met with locals from all walks of life and with women's groups. The Taliban, however, appear unmoved. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid recently tweeted to deny reports that women were being included in the Taliban negotiating team and "neither do we believe it is necessary". 'Tough odds' Heather Barr, the acting co-director of the Women's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, said the online campaign was encouraging. "They're up against tough odds at the moment, but their efforts are a sign that Afghan society is changing in fundamental ways, regardless of the outcome of these talks," Barr told AFP. In the United States, powerful women are lending their voices to the Afghan campaign. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who sits on the influential Senate Armed Services Committee that oversees the US military, said such a move is key. "Women's interests, as well as the interests of a broad segment of Afghan society need to be included as part of any negotiation," Shaheen told a group of journalists on a visit to Kabul this week. "It is vital for women to be included in talks with the Taliban." American actor and United Nations special envoy Angelina Jolie brought some celebrity power to the campaign last week, penning an opinion piece in TIME magazine calling for women to be included in "significant" numbers. "Afghan women must be able to speak for themselves," Jolie wrote.

Afghan women go online to set #myredline for peace

Gunmen have attacked the communications ministry in the centre of Kabul, interrupting months of relative calm in the Afghan capital and underlining security threats that have continued despite efforts to open peace talks with the Taliban.

Afghan communications ministry attacked by gunmen in Kabul

Two Pakistan Taliban terrorists have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Danial Pearl and several terror-related activities in the country, officials said on Friday.

The Counter-Terrorism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Manshera district said they are the most dreaded terrorists of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Azeem Jan and Muhammad Anwar were arrested during an intelligence-based operation, officials said.

They were involved in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Pearl in 2002.

Pearl, who was the South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, was kidnapped and later beheaded by terrorists in Pakistan.

Azeem, an active member of the TTP Karachi, TTP Swat and Shagla districts, was a trained terrorist and a suicide bombing trainer who supplied trained suicide bombers to the TTP, they said, adding that he was also the chief of financial affairs of TTP Miranshah.

He was also involved in the terrorist attack on the French embassy staff in Karachi and provided suicide bombers for an attack on former president Gen Pervez Musharaf.

Anwar, who was trained in Khyber, was the mastermind behind the attack on Daewoo Bus terminal Peshawar wherein two policemen were killed.&nbsp;

Two Pakistan Taliban terrorists have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Danial Pearl and several terror-related activities in the country, officials said on Friday.

Two Pakistan Taliban terrorists have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Danial Pearl and several terror-related activities in the country, officials said on Friday. The Counter-Terrorism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Manshera district said they are the most dreaded terrorists of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Azeem Jan and Muhammad Anwar were arrested during an intelligence-based operation, officials said. They were involved in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Pearl in 2002. Pearl, who was the South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, was kidnapped and later beheaded by terrorists in Pakistan. Azeem, an active member of the TTP Karachi, TTP Swat and Shagla districts, was a trained terrorist and a suicide bombing trainer who supplied trained suicide bombers to the TTP, they said, adding that he was also the chief of financial affairs of TTP Miranshah. He was also involved in the terrorist attack on the French embassy staff in Karachi and provided suicide bombers for an attack on former president Gen Pervez Musharaf. Anwar, who was trained in Khyber, was the mastermind behind the attack on Daewoo Bus terminal Peshawar wherein two policemen were killed.

Two terrorists involved in US journalist Danial Pearl's killing held in Pakistan

An upcoming conference between Afghan representatives and the Taliban appeared to be in trouble Wednesday even before it begins, with the militants deriding Kabul's plan to send 250 delegates -- several of whom have already dropped out.

President Ashraf Ghani's administration had announced Tuesday a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hundreds-of-afghan-delegates-to-meet-with-taliban-in-doha-211107">list of people from all walks of Afghan life</a>, including some from the government, that it wants to send to the so-called intra-Afghan dialogue in Doha this weekend.

But the Taliban poured scorn on the lengthy list, saying it was not "normal" and that they had "no plans" to meet with so many people.

"The creators of (the) Kabul list must realise that this is an orderly and prearranged conference in a far-away Khaleeji (Gulf) country and not an invitation to some wedding or other party at a hotel in Kabul," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

The Taliban -- who see Ghani as a US stooge and his government as a puppet regime -- also continue to insist they will not be negotiating with Kabul at the conference, and any administration officials are involved merely in a "personal capacity".

Further doubts were cast when some of those Ghani said would attend the conference announced they would not go.

Ghani's own running mate Amrullah Saleh, the former head of Afghan intelligence and a longtime Taliban critic, was among them.

The Taliban "should agree to direct &amp; focused negotiations with the Afghan government", he tweeted.

Atta Mohammad Noor, a key opposition figure and former governor of Balkh province, had also been included on the list, which was meant as an inclusive representation of Afghan society.

But Noor slammed the delegation as politically biased toward Ghani.

"We won't be attending the talks with this running order," Noor tweeted Wednesday, adding he viewed the list as Ghani's "intentional act to sabotage the peace efforts".

A senior Taliban commander based in Pakistan told AFP that the mammoth delegation showed the "Americans and their puppet Afghan government are not serious about the peaceful settlement of the issue".

Ghani met with the delegates Wednesday, giving no indication of any trouble, saying, "We and the Afghan nation expect you to return home successfully and proudly from meeting with the Taliban in Qatar." The US has been holding separate bilateral peace negotiations with the Taliban in Doha as part of a months-long peace push led by Washington.

The intra-Afghan dialogue comes as part of the effort, but the US is not believed to be attending.

Taliban expert Rahimullah Yusufzai told AFP that while the Afghan government needs to be inclusive in who it sends to Doha, "this is not realistic".

"I have seen in the list people who have no influence. You have to pick and choose, 250 is not manageable," Yusufzai said.

"The Afghan government is under pressure. With the elections coming, they don't want to make anyone angry. There are alliances to keep in mind," he added, referring to presidential elections set for September.

Yusufzai predicted the conference would be postponed, and that finding a new date might be tough before Ramadan begins next month.

The developments come as fresh violence rips across Afghanistan with the Taliban launching their so-called spring offensive.

The militants now control or influence about half the country, and last year was the deadliest yet for civilians.&nbsp;

An upcoming conference between Afghan representatives and the Taliban appeared to be in trouble Wednesday even before it begins, with the militants deriding Kabul's plan to send 250 delegates -- several of whom have already dropped out.

An upcoming conference between Afghan representatives and the Taliban appeared to be in trouble Wednesday even before it begins, with the militants deriding Kabul's plan to send 250 delegates -- several of whom have already dropped out. President Ashraf Ghani's administration had announced Tuesday a list of people from all walks of Afghan life, including some from the government, that it wants to send to the so-called intra-Afghan dialogue in Doha this weekend. But the Taliban poured scorn on the lengthy list, saying it was not "normal" and that they had "no plans" to meet with so many people. "The creators of (the) Kabul list must realise that this is an orderly and prearranged conference in a far-away Khaleeji (Gulf) country and not an invitation to some wedding or other party at a hotel in Kabul," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. The Taliban -- who see Ghani as a US stooge and his government as a puppet regime -- also continue to insist they will not be negotiating with Kabul at the conference, and any administration officials are involved merely in a "personal capacity". Further doubts were cast when some of those Ghani said would attend the conference announced they would not go. Ghani's own running mate Amrullah Saleh, the former head of Afghan intelligence and a longtime Taliban critic, was among them. The Taliban "should agree to direct & focused negotiations with the Afghan government", he tweeted. Atta Mohammad Noor, a key opposition figure and former governor of Balkh province, had also been included on the list, which was meant as an inclusive representation of Afghan society. But Noor slammed the delegation as politically biased toward Ghani. "We won't be attending the talks with this running order," Noor tweeted Wednesday, adding he viewed the list as Ghani's "intentional act to sabotage the peace efforts". A senior Taliban commander based in Pakistan told AFP that the mammoth delegation showed the "Americans and their puppet Afghan government are not serious about the peaceful settlement of the issue". Ghani met with the delegates Wednesday, giving no indication of any trouble, saying, "We and the Afghan nation expect you to return home successfully and proudly from meeting with the Taliban in Qatar." The US has been holding separate bilateral peace negotiations with the Taliban in Doha as part of a months-long peace push led by Washington. The intra-Afghan dialogue comes as part of the effort, but the US is not believed to be attending. Taliban expert Rahimullah Yusufzai told AFP that while the Afghan government needs to be inclusive in who it sends to Doha, "this is not realistic". "I have seen in the list people who have no influence. You have to pick and choose, 250 is not manageable," Yusufzai said. "The Afghan government is under pressure. With the elections coming, they don't want to make anyone angry. There are alliances to keep in mind," he added, referring to presidential elections set for September. Yusufzai predicted the conference would be postponed, and that finding a new date might be tough before Ramadan begins next month. The developments come as fresh violence rips across Afghanistan with the Taliban launching their so-called spring offensive. The militants now control or influence about half the country, and last year was the deadliest yet for civilians.

Peace talks in trouble as Taliban slam Afghan guest list

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talks-in-trouble-as-taliban-slam-afghan-guest-list-211426">meeting between the Taliban and Afghan politicians</a> and civil society aimed at ending more than 17 years of war in Afghanistan has been postponed, officials and diplomats said on Thursday, citing Taliban objections to the size of the Afghan delegation.

The talks were set to begin on Friday in Doha, but a senior government official in Kabul said, "the gathering has been called off for now and details were being reworked."

Afghan delegates scheduled to fly to the Qatari capital on Thursday were told the trip was postponed and new dates were being discussed, a western diplomat in Kabul said.

"The government will have to change the composition of the delegation to make this meeting happen," the diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said leaders of the hardline Islamist group were uncomfortable with the size of the Afghan delegation and its composition.

"Presence of some participants was completely against the list of what was agreed upon," Mujahid told Reuters over phone, adding that the delegation included Afghans working for the government.

The Taliban has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghani's government, which they call a puppet regime, but have held several rounds of peace talks with US officials.

Ghani said Wednesday the 250-member Afghan delegation included some government officials attending in a personal capacity. But the group did not include some of the most powerful figures in Afghan politics, who are reluctant to join forces with Ghani ahead of presidential elections due in September.

A meeting between the Taliban and Afghan politicians and civil society aimed at ending more than 17 years of war in Afghanistan has been postponed, officials and diplomats said on Thursday, citing Taliban objections to the size of the Afghan delegation.

A meeting between the Taliban and Afghan politicians and civil society aimed at ending more than 17 years of war in Afghanistan has been postponed, officials and diplomats said on Thursday, citing Taliban objections to the size of the Afghan delegation. The talks were set to begin on Friday in Doha, but a senior government official in Kabul said, "the gathering has been called off for now and details were being reworked." Afghan delegates scheduled to fly to the Qatari capital on Thursday were told the trip was postponed and new dates were being discussed, a western diplomat in Kabul said. "The government will have to change the composition of the delegation to make this meeting happen," the diplomat said on condition of anonymity. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said leaders of the hardline Islamist group were uncomfortable with the size of the Afghan delegation and its composition. "Presence of some participants was completely against the list of what was agreed upon," Mujahid told Reuters over phone, adding that the delegation included Afghans working for the government. The Taliban has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghani's government, which they call a puppet regime, but have held several rounds of peace talks with US officials. Ghani said Wednesday the 250-member Afghan delegation included some government officials attending in a personal capacity. But the group did not include some of the most powerful figures in Afghan politics, who are reluctant to join forces with Ghani ahead of presidential elections due in September.

Peace talks postponed as Taliban objects to size of Afghan delegation

The Taliban group has mocked the Afghan government over the list of 250 delegates for Qatar talks, saying ‘the creators of the list must realize that this is an orderly and prearranged conference in a far-away Gulf country and not an invitation to some wedding or other party at a hotel in Kabul.’

Taliban mocks government over list of 250 delegates for Qatar talks

Taliban mocks Ghani's government and says 'new Afghan government represents personal views'. watch video to know more.

Taliban: New Afghan government represents personal views

Women will be&nbsp;taking part in the intra-Afghan <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-to-hold-peace-talks-with-taliban-in-qatar-208717&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjapuTUl9ThAhXBOY8KHfJLBIAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw20HNDiCJDOhdsfs-GhQpAt">peace talks</a> in Qatar this month, the Taliban's main spokesman said on Monday, ahead of the latest round of meetings aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan.

The April 19-21 meeting in Doha will be between the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-peace-talks-progress-is-being-made-in-qatar-with-taliban-reports-us-201426&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjapuTUl9ThAhXBOY8KHfJLBIAQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Wl2tye10c_Z-RCoCzNnQQ">Taliban </a>and a delegation comprising prominent Afghans, including opposition politicians and civil society activists. It follows similar talks between the two sides in Moscow in February.

The non-Taliban delegation that was in Moscow could be expanded next week to include some government officials, but acting in their private capacities as the insurgents have refused to hold formal talks with Kabul.

"There will be women among Taliban delegation members in the Doha, Qatar meeting," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's main spokesman, said by telephone.

He did not name the women, but added, "These women have no family relationship with the senior members of the Taliban, they are normal Afghans, from inside and outside the country, who have been supporters and part of the struggle of the Islamic Emirate".

In a tweet, he specified that the women would only join the discussions with Afghan civil society and political representatives, not in the main negotiations with American officials, led by US &nbsp;special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Khalilzad has not yet set dates for the next round of talks with the Taliban, a State Department spokesperson said.

"We do not have new US talks with the Taliban to announce at this time. Before additional talks, we look forward to knowing the outcome of the intra-Afghan dialogue," the spokesperson said in an email.

Khalilzad, a veteran Afghan-born US diplomat, is working to secure an accord with the Taliban on a US troop pullout, measures to prevent al Qaeda and other extremists from using Afghanistan as a springboard for attacks, a ceasefire and inter-Afghan talks that include the government on the country`s political future.

The Taliban have rejected formal talks with the government, which they dismiss as a "puppet" regime controlled by the United States.

While Afghanistan remains a deeply conservative country, especially in rural areas, there have been major advances in women`s rights since the US-led campaign of 2001 that toppled the Taliban government.

Fawzia Koofi, a former member of parliament who took part in the meetings in Moscow, said the presence of women in the Taliban team was a "good step".

"Only women can feel the pain and miseries that Afghan women have suffered. The presence of women among the Taliban negotiators shows that the Taliban`s ideology has changed."

Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, who has been pressing for women to play a role in the peace talks said the process should be inclusive.

Future international support for Afghanistan could be affected by whether women`s rights were properly respected in any settlement, she said.

"There are certain levers that we have, that the Taliban are interested in," she told reporters in Kabul, where she was visiting as part of a Congressional delegation.

"There is going to be an interest in economic support after the conflict ends."

"I think if the Taliban has any interest in getting international support ... it would be in their interest to recognise the importance of including women and including human rights as part of any settlement that happens."

Women will be taking part in the intra-Afghan peace talks in Qatar this month, the Taliban's main spokesman said on Monday, ahead of the latest round of meetings aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan.

Women will be taking part in the intra-Afghan peace talks in Qatar this month, the Taliban's main spokesman said on Monday, ahead of the latest round of meetings aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan. The April 19-21 meeting in Doha will be between the Taliban and a delegation comprising prominent Afghans, including opposition politicians and civil society activists. It follows similar talks between the two sides in Moscow in February. The non-Taliban delegation that was in Moscow could be expanded next week to include some government officials, but acting in their private capacities as the insurgents have refused to hold formal talks with Kabul. "There will be women among Taliban delegation members in the Doha, Qatar meeting," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's main spokesman, said by telephone. He did not name the women, but added, "These women have no family relationship with the senior members of the Taliban, they are normal Afghans, from inside and outside the country, who have been supporters and part of the struggle of the Islamic Emirate". In a tweet, he specified that the women would only join the discussions with Afghan civil society and political representatives, not in the main negotiations with American officials, led by US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Khalilzad has not yet set dates for the next round of talks with the Taliban, a State Department spokesperson said. "We do not have new US talks with the Taliban to announce at this time. Before additional talks, we look forward to knowing the outcome of the intra-Afghan dialogue," the spokesperson said in an email. Khalilzad, a veteran Afghan-born US diplomat, is working to secure an accord with the Taliban on a US troop pullout, measures to prevent al Qaeda and other extremists from using Afghanistan as a springboard for attacks, a ceasefire and inter-Afghan talks that include the government on the country`s political future. The Taliban have rejected formal talks with the government, which they dismiss as a "puppet" regime controlled by the United States. While Afghanistan remains a deeply conservative country, especially in rural areas, there have been major advances in women`s rights since the US-led campaign of 2001 that toppled the Taliban government. Fawzia Koofi, a former member of parliament who took part in the meetings in Moscow, said the presence of women in the Taliban team was a "good step". "Only women can feel the pain and miseries that Afghan women have suffered. The presence of women among the Taliban negotiators shows that the Taliban`s ideology has changed." Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, who has been pressing for women to play a role in the peace talks said the process should be inclusive. Future international support for Afghanistan could be affected by whether women`s rights were properly respected in any settlement, she said. "There are certain levers that we have, that the Taliban are interested in," she told reporters in Kabul, where she was visiting as part of a Congressional delegation. "There is going to be an interest in economic support after the conflict ends." "I think if the Taliban has any interest in getting international support ... it would be in their interest to recognise the importance of including women and including human rights as part of any settlement that happens."

Women to take part in intra-Afghan peace talks in Qatar: Taliban spokesman

Afghanistan published Tuesday a lengthy list of delegates who will meet with the Taliban in Doha this week, including government officials, in what could become the highest-level dialogue between the sworn enemies in years.

A massive roster published by the presidential palace comprises 250 names, including President Ashraf Ghani's chief of staff, Abdul Salam Rahimi, as well as his election running mate, Amrullah Saleh, the former head of Afghan intelligence.

Other delegates named on the list come from many walks of Afghan life including youth leaders, tribal elders and -- significantly -- 52 women.

The last time the Taliban met with the Afghan government was at secretive talks in Pakistan in 2015, which were quickly derailed by the news that Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar had died.

The three days of talks in Qatar, scheduled to start Friday, come amid a months-long push led by Washington for peace nearly 18 years after the US invasion, and as fresh violence rips across Afghanistan.

Any contact between the Kabul government and the Taliban is seen as hugely significant, because the insurgents view Ghani as a US stooge and his government as a puppet regime, and have long refused to speak with them directly.

They have insisted that any government officials attending this week's talks will be doing so only in a "personal capacity".

The US, which has cited significant progress after holding direct talks with the militants in Doha several times since September, is not expected to attend.&nbsp;

The militants have not announced a final list of who is headed to Doha, and distanced themselves from a report that suggested their delegation might also include women.

The peace process thus far has been widely criticised for a lack of female representation, and US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has pushed for greater inclusivity.

While the Taliban previously met with Afghan representatives and politicians in Moscow in February, those talks did not include members of Ghani's government.

The spokesman for former president Hamid Karzai, who was at the Moscow talks, said Karzai supported the "intra-Afghan" conference in Doha but would not be attending.

Kabul has also been left out of the talks with the Khalilzad and the US delegation, prompting concerns the Afghan government is being sidelined in its own peace process and underscoring the importance of this week's meetings in Doha.

This month, the United Nations said it had lifted travel bans for 11 Taliban delegates so they could attend talks.&nbsp;

That list includes Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Islamist movement and its top political leader, as well as Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's chief negotiator and former deputy minister of foreign affairs.

The Taliban last week announced the start of Operation Fath, this year's spring offensive, and violence has continued apace across Afghanistan despite Khalilzad calling for a ceasefire.

Afghanistan published Tuesday a lengthy list of delegates who will meet with the Taliban in Doha this week, including government officials, in what could become the highest-level dialogue between the sworn enemies in years.

Afghanistan published Tuesday a lengthy list of delegates who will meet with the Taliban in Doha this week, including government officials, in what could become the highest-level dialogue between the sworn enemies in years. A massive roster published by the presidential palace comprises 250 names, including President Ashraf Ghani's chief of staff, Abdul Salam Rahimi, as well as his election running mate, Amrullah Saleh, the former head of Afghan intelligence. Other delegates named on the list come from many walks of Afghan life including youth leaders, tribal elders and -- significantly -- 52 women. The last time the Taliban met with the Afghan government was at secretive talks in Pakistan in 2015, which were quickly derailed by the news that Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar had died. The three days of talks in Qatar, scheduled to start Friday, come amid a months-long push led by Washington for peace nearly 18 years after the US invasion, and as fresh violence rips across Afghanistan. Any contact between the Kabul government and the Taliban is seen as hugely significant, because the insurgents view Ghani as a US stooge and his government as a puppet regime, and have long refused to speak with them directly. They have insisted that any government officials attending this week's talks will be doing so only in a "personal capacity". The US, which has cited significant progress after holding direct talks with the militants in Doha several times since September, is not expected to attend. The militants have not announced a final list of who is headed to Doha, and distanced themselves from a report that suggested their delegation might also include women. The peace process thus far has been widely criticised for a lack of female representation, and US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has pushed for greater inclusivity. While the Taliban previously met with Afghan representatives and politicians in Moscow in February, those talks did not include members of Ghani's government. The spokesman for former president Hamid Karzai, who was at the Moscow talks, said Karzai supported the "intra-Afghan" conference in Doha but would not be attending. Kabul has also been left out of the talks with the Khalilzad and the US delegation, prompting concerns the Afghan government is being sidelined in its own peace process and underscoring the importance of this week's meetings in Doha. This month, the United Nations said it had lifted travel bans for 11 Taliban delegates so they could attend talks. That list includes Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Islamist movement and its top political leader, as well as Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's chief negotiator and former deputy minister of foreign affairs. The Taliban last week announced the start of Operation Fath, this year's spring offensive, and violence has continued apace across Afghanistan despite Khalilzad calling for a ceasefire.

Hundreds of Afghan delegates to meet with Taliban in Doha

The United Nations Security Council condemned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-announce-spring-offensive-amid-afghan-peace-push-209755">Afghanistan's Taliban</a> on Monday for announcing a spring offensive and called on all parties to instead seize the opportunity to begin talks.

In a unanimous statement, the council said the Taliban's announcement will "only result in more unnecessary suffering and destruction for the Afghan people."

The Taliban launched attacks near the northern city of Kunduz and in Kabul on Saturday, hours after announcing the start of the spring offensive.&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed and scores wounded in those attacks, according to Afghan officials.

The bloodshed came as the US pushes for a peace settlement with the Taliban, and ahead of a new round of talks expected to take place in Qatar later this month.

The Security Council "called on all parties to the conflict to seize the opportunity to begin an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations that result in a political settlement," said the statement.

US officials have already met several times with the Taliban and further talks are expected in the Qatari capital Doha later this month that would include Afghan political leaders.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US diplomat who has held several rounds of talks with the Taliban in hopes of reaching a peace deal, called the announcement of the spring offensive "reckless" and "irresponsible."

To facilitate travel to Doha, the council has lifted travel bans for 11 Taliban delegates, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a cofounder of the Islamist movement and its top political leader, as well as Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's former deputy minister of foreign affairs.

The United Nations Security Council condemned Afghanistan's Taliban on Monday for announcing a spring offensive and called on all parties to instead seize the opportunity to begin talks.

The United Nations Security Council condemned Afghanistan's Taliban on Monday for announcing a spring offensive and called on all parties to instead seize the opportunity to begin talks. In a unanimous statement, the council said the Taliban's announcement will "only result in more unnecessary suffering and destruction for the Afghan people." The Taliban launched attacks near the northern city of Kunduz and in Kabul on Saturday, hours after announcing the start of the spring offensive. At least nine people were killed and scores wounded in those attacks, according to Afghan officials. The bloodshed came as the US pushes for a peace settlement with the Taliban, and ahead of a new round of talks expected to take place in Qatar later this month. The Security Council "called on all parties to the conflict to seize the opportunity to begin an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations that result in a political settlement," said the statement. US officials have already met several times with the Taliban and further talks are expected in the Qatari capital Doha later this month that would include Afghan political leaders. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US diplomat who has held several rounds of talks with the Taliban in hopes of reaching a peace deal, called the announcement of the spring offensive "reckless" and "irresponsible." To facilitate travel to Doha, the council has lifted travel bans for 11 Taliban delegates, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a cofounder of the Islamist movement and its top political leader, as well as Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's former deputy minister of foreign affairs.

United Nations condemns Taliban spring offensive in Afghanistan

Deadly Taliban attack in Afghanistan, 6 killed & more than 50 injured. Watch complete video to know more.

Deadly Taliban attack in Afghanistan, 6 killed & more than 50 injured

Taliban forces attacked the northern Afghan city of Kunduz on Saturday, a day after the launch of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-announce-spring-offensive-amid-afghan-peace-push-209755">annual spring offensive</a>, as fighting intensified across the country ahead of the next round of peace talks with US&nbsp;representatives.

Heavy fighting has been going on for weeks but the announcement of the spring offensive while peace talks were due was a blow to any hopes of a quick agreement and was criticised as "reckless" by US&nbsp;special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement the movement was committed to the peace process but accused Afghan and international forces of stepping up their own operations.

"We are committed to the ongoing process of negotiation and peaceful resolution, but we cannot be unmoved in the face of military operations and the terrorist wave of occupiers and mercenaries," Khalilzad said.

However, security officials in Kabul said that apart from the operation in Kunduz, Saturday's attacks in 15 provinces across the country were limited in scope and had largely been contained.

"They engaged Afghan security forces to show their presence with the start of their spring offensive," one senior official said. "But Afghan forces were on high alert across the country and therefore several attacks were pushed back."

Strategic city

In Kunduz, the strategic city which briefly fell to the Taliban in 2015, fighters attacked from several directions in the early hours of the morning, causing heavy casualties, the provincial governor's spokesman Enhamuddin Rahmani said.

A local health official said more than 70 dead and wounded had been brought into the main city hospital.

There were also attacks in the northern provinces of Baghlan, Takhar and Badakhshan, as well as Faryab, Sar-e Pul and Balkh, but there were no reports of significant casualties among security forces.

In southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-27-afghan-taliban-fighters-killed-in-own-attack-on-govt-building-210061">Afghanistan</a>, Taliban forces launched attacks in the opium-rich province of Helmand, with operations in Nad Ali, Gereshk and Sangin districts, areas that have been fought over for the past 17 years.

Omar Zwak, the provincial governor's spokesman, said the attacks had been repelled at the cost of four soldiers and 15 Taliban. "The fighting will further increase as the weather warms up," he said.

Separately, seven members of the security forces were killed in an ambush in the western province of Ghor, leading to an hours-long firefight, provincial government spokesman Abdul Hai Khatibi said.

While much of the fighting consisted of small-scale engagements, the spread of operations across most parts of the country underlined the struggle facing the Afghan government, still shut out of the peace process by the Taliban's refusal to talk to what they consider a puppet regime.

According to US&nbsp;estimates, government forces control just over half the country, but with many areas out of reach of easy communications, an accurate picture is difficult.

Peace talks are due to resume in Doha next week between US&nbsp;envoy Khalilzad and Taliban officials.

Taliban forces attacked the northern Afghan city of Kunduz on Saturday, a day after the launch of their annual spring offensive, as fighting intensified across the country ahead of the next round of peace talks with US representatives.

Taliban forces attacked the northern Afghan city of Kunduz on Saturday, a day after the launch of their annual spring offensive, as fighting intensified across the country ahead of the next round of peace talks with US representatives. Heavy fighting has been going on for weeks but the announcement of the spring offensive while peace talks were due was a blow to any hopes of a quick agreement and was criticised as "reckless" by US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement the movement was committed to the peace process but accused Afghan and international forces of stepping up their own operations. "We are committed to the ongoing process of negotiation and peaceful resolution, but we cannot be unmoved in the face of military operations and the terrorist wave of occupiers and mercenaries," Khalilzad said. However, security officials in Kabul said that apart from the operation in Kunduz, Saturday's attacks in 15 provinces across the country were limited in scope and had largely been contained. "They engaged Afghan security forces to show their presence with the start of their spring offensive," one senior official said. "But Afghan forces were on high alert across the country and therefore several attacks were pushed back." Strategic city In Kunduz, the strategic city which briefly fell to the Taliban in 2015, fighters attacked from several directions in the early hours of the morning, causing heavy casualties, the provincial governor's spokesman Enhamuddin Rahmani said. A local health official said more than 70 dead and wounded had been brought into the main city hospital. There were also attacks in the northern provinces of Baghlan, Takhar and Badakhshan, as well as Faryab, Sar-e Pul and Balkh, but there were no reports of significant casualties among security forces. In southern Afghanistan, Taliban forces launched attacks in the opium-rich province of Helmand, with operations in Nad Ali, Gereshk and Sangin districts, areas that have been fought over for the past 17 years. Omar Zwak, the provincial governor's spokesman, said the attacks had been repelled at the cost of four soldiers and 15 Taliban. "The fighting will further increase as the weather warms up," he said. Separately, seven members of the security forces were killed in an ambush in the western province of Ghor, leading to an hours-long firefight, provincial government spokesman Abdul Hai Khatibi said. While much of the fighting consisted of small-scale engagements, the spread of operations across most parts of the country underlined the struggle facing the Afghan government, still shut out of the peace process by the Taliban's refusal to talk to what they consider a puppet regime. According to US estimates, government forces control just over half the country, but with many areas out of reach of easy communications, an accurate picture is difficult. Peace talks are due to resume in Doha next week between US envoy Khalilzad and Taliban officials.

Afghanistan: Taliban forces attack northern city of Kunduz, open offensive before peace talks

Islamic State on Saturday claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing which took place in Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-death-toll-in-quetta-blast-rises-to-20-several-injured-209827">At least 20 people were killed and 48 wounded</a> in the blast which targeted the Shia Hazara ethnic minority at a crowded fruit market in Pakistan's Quetta city on Friday.

Earlier, a little faction of the Pakistani Taliban also claimed responsibility for the blast. They also said that they had collaborated with Lakshar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ).

Balochistan home minister Zia Ullah Langu gave the toll and confirmed it was a suicide blast, adding that two of the dead were children.

The bomb detonated near a site where produce was being loaded for distribution around the market.

Islamic State on Saturday claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing which took place in Pakistan. At least 20 people were killed and 48 wounded in the blast which targeted the Shia Hazara ethnic minority at a crowded fruit market in Pakistan's Quetta city on Friday.

Islamic State on Saturday claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing which took place in Pakistan. At least 20 people were killed and 48 wounded in the blast which targeted the Shia Hazara ethnic minority at a crowded fruit market in Pakistan's Quetta city on Friday. Earlier, a little faction of the Pakistani Taliban also claimed responsibility for the blast. They also said that they had collaborated with Lakshar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ). Balochistan home minister Zia Ullah Langu gave the toll and confirmed it was a suicide blast, adding that two of the dead were children. The bomb detonated near a site where produce was being loaded for distribution around the market.

Islamic State claims responsibility for suicide attack in Pakistan's Quetta

At least 27 <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kill-12-afghan-security-forces-in-western-afghanistan-208762&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiqnruq7szhAhUIiHAKHcfHCzEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw32temNMOClA8i1AUQ4js2x">Taliban</a> fighters have been killed in their attack on a government building in the province of Nangarhar, eastern Afghanistan, officials said on Saturday.

Two members of the security forces were also killed.

The attack began on Friday around 8 pm local time when suicide bombers detonated two trucks loaded with explosives against the administrative headquarters of Shirzad district and an adjacent security base, the provincial governor's spokesman Attaullah Khogyanai told EFE.

"After the two truck bombs, their fighters started an armed attack against security forces, who were guarding the district compound. [As a] result of the fighting, 27 Taliban fighters were killed and another 32 were injured,” he added.

During the attack, which lasted several hours, two members of the security forces lost their lives and another eight were wounded, with two of them in critical condition, Khogyanai said.

The "Taliban were using nearby civilian houses as fighting positions and security forces were unable to use artillery and air strikes against them,” the spokesman added.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement in which he said that “tens of soldiers and police were killed and injured.”

The attack came a day after the Taliban announced its traditional spring offensive - an increase in operations with which they seek to increase their control in urban areas - and at the same time that the insurgents are trying to move forward in peace talks with the United States.&nbsp;

On Twitter, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, denounced the Taliban's spring offensive announcement as "reckless.”

“Through this announcement, Taliban leaders demonstrate their indifference to the demands of Afghans across the country. The call for more fighting will not advance peace efforts. If executed, it will only yield more suffering and thousands of more casualties,” he said, adding that “a call for fighting suggests the Taliban are stuck in the ways of the past.”

It is expected that the Taliban, politicians and representatives of the Afghan government will be in Doha from Apr. 19 to 21, in what would be the first meeting between representatives of the government and the insurgents since the US and the Taliban began peace talks last year.&nbsp;

At least 27 Taliban fighters have been killed in their attack on a government building in the province of Nangarhar, eastern Afghanistan, officials said on Saturday.

At least 27 Taliban fighters have been killed in their attack on a government building in the province of Nangarhar, eastern Afghanistan, officials said on Saturday. Two members of the security forces were also killed. The attack began on Friday around 8 pm local time when suicide bombers detonated two trucks loaded with explosives against the administrative headquarters of Shirzad district and an adjacent security base, the provincial governor's spokesman Attaullah Khogyanai told EFE. "After the two truck bombs, their fighters started an armed attack against security forces, who were guarding the district compound. [As a] result of the fighting, 27 Taliban fighters were killed and another 32 were injured,” he added. During the attack, which lasted several hours, two members of the security forces lost their lives and another eight were wounded, with two of them in critical condition, Khogyanai said. The "Taliban were using nearby civilian houses as fighting positions and security forces were unable to use artillery and air strikes against them,” the spokesman added. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement in which he said that “tens of soldiers and police were killed and injured.” The attack came a day after the Taliban announced its traditional spring offensive - an increase in operations with which they seek to increase their control in urban areas - and at the same time that the insurgents are trying to move forward in peace talks with the United States. On Twitter, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, denounced the Taliban's spring offensive announcement as "reckless.” “Through this announcement, Taliban leaders demonstrate their indifference to the demands of Afghans across the country. The call for more fighting will not advance peace efforts. If executed, it will only yield more suffering and thousands of more casualties,” he said, adding that “a call for fighting suggests the Taliban are stuck in the ways of the past.” It is expected that the Taliban, politicians and representatives of the Afghan government will be in Doha from Apr. 19 to 21, in what would be the first meeting between representatives of the government and the insurgents since the US and the Taliban began peace talks last year.

At least 27 Afghan Taliban fighters killed in own attack on government building

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-talks-end-for-now-with-no-afghan-peace-deal-202982&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjoxKC96snhAhW1mOYKHUaIAtQQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw29bMLan5YRoAWvYAmzG7U0">Taliban</a> on Friday announced their annual spring offensive, which comes as the US and Afghan politicians try to negotiate for a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/afghan-peace-talks-india-must-update-its-contingency-plans-to-prevent-talibans-takeover-of-kabul-207911&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjoxKC96snhAhW1mOYKHUaIAtQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0k-myC0IJfFubpmNnpeaaN">peace</a> settlement with the Islamist militants.

Operation Fath -- which means "victory" in Arabic -- will be conducted across Afghanistan with the aim of "eradicating occupation" and "cleansing our Muslim homeland from invasion and corruption", the Taliban said in a statement.

The annual spring offensive traditionally marks the start of the so-called fighting season, though the announcement is largely symbolic as in recent winters the Taliban have continued fighting Afghan and US forces.

"Our Jihadi obligation has not yet ended," the Taliban said.&nbsp;

"Even as large parts of our homeland have been freed from the enemy, yet the foreign occupying forces continue exercising military and political influence in our Islamic country."

Qais Mangal, a spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Defence, said the Taliban's spring offensive is "mere propaganda."

"The Taliban will not reach their vicious goals and their operations will be defeated like previous years," Mangal said.&nbsp;

After suffering horrific bloodshed in 2018, Kabul has in recent weeks enjoyed something of a lull in violence.

But on Monday three US Marines were killed in a Taliban attack at Bagram air base north of the city, and authorities in the capital are on high alert.&nbsp;

The administration of President Ashraf Ghani recently declared its own spring offensive, Operation Khalid, and the Taliban used that announcement as a justification for launching a new push.

It shows "the enemy still seeks to attain its malicious objectives through the use of force", the Taliban said.&nbsp;

The US has held several rounds of talks with the Taliban in a bid to bring an end to the war against the insurgents.&nbsp;

Separately, Afghan politicians also have met with the Taliban in Moscow, and a fresh round of talks is expected to take place later this month between officials from the Kabul government and the Taliban in the Qatari capital Doha.&nbsp;

The US still has about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, nearly 18 years after the US-led invasion to topple the Taliban.

While Western forces quickly ousted the group, the insurgents have reclaimed much of Afghanistan over the years, primarily in rural areas.&nbsp;

In 2018 a record 10,993 civilians were wounded or killed in Afghanistan, according to UN figures.

US President Donald Trump last year decided to slash the number of American soldiers in Afghanistan, though no such drawdown has happened yet.&nbsp;

The Taliban on Friday announced their annual spring offensive, which comes as the US and Afghan politicians try to negotiate for a peace settlement with the Islamist militants.

The Taliban on Friday announced their annual spring offensive, which comes as the US and Afghan politicians try to negotiate for a peace settlement with the Islamist militants. Operation Fath -- which means "victory" in Arabic -- will be conducted across Afghanistan with the aim of "eradicating occupation" and "cleansing our Muslim homeland from invasion and corruption", the Taliban said in a statement. The annual spring offensive traditionally marks the start of the so-called fighting season, though the announcement is largely symbolic as in recent winters the Taliban have continued fighting Afghan and US forces. "Our Jihadi obligation has not yet ended," the Taliban said. "Even as large parts of our homeland have been freed from the enemy, yet the foreign occupying forces continue exercising military and political influence in our Islamic country." Qais Mangal, a spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Defence, said the Taliban's spring offensive is "mere propaganda." "The Taliban will not reach their vicious goals and their operations will be defeated like previous years," Mangal said. After suffering horrific bloodshed in 2018, Kabul has in recent weeks enjoyed something of a lull in violence. But on Monday three US Marines were killed in a Taliban attack at Bagram air base north of the city, and authorities in the capital are on high alert. The administration of President Ashraf Ghani recently declared its own spring offensive, Operation Khalid, and the Taliban used that announcement as a justification for launching a new push. It shows "the enemy still seeks to attain its malicious objectives through the use of force", the Taliban said. The US has held several rounds of talks with the Taliban in a bid to bring an end to the war against the insurgents. Separately, Afghan politicians also have met with the Taliban in Moscow, and a fresh round of talks is expected to take place later this month between officials from the Kabul government and the Taliban in the Qatari capital Doha. The US still has about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, nearly 18 years after the US-led invasion to topple the Taliban. While Western forces quickly ousted the group, the insurgents have reclaimed much of Afghanistan over the years, primarily in rural areas. In 2018 a record 10,993 civilians were wounded or killed in Afghanistan, according to UN figures. US President Donald Trump last year decided to slash the number of American soldiers in Afghanistan, though no such drawdown has happened yet.

Taliban announce spring offensive amid Afghan peace push

A contractor that officials initially reported having been killed in a Taliban attack on a convoy at a US air base, in fact, survived the incident, NATO said Tuesday.

Three US troops were killed in the suicide bomb attack outside Bagram Air Base north of Kabul on Monday.&nbsp;

"The contractor who was reported as killed is alive," NATO's Resolute Support mission said in a statement.&nbsp;

The contractor, an Afghan citizen, was in stable condition and was treated at Bagram, officials said.

Monday's blast was the deadliest for US forces in Afghanistan this year and brings to seven the number of American troops killed in 2019, compared to 12 for all of last year.

The US now has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan -- down from a peak of around 100,000 -- most of them deployed to train and advise Afghan counterparts.

A contractor that officials initially reported having been killed in a Taliban attack on a convoy at a US air base, in fact, survived the incident, NATO said Tuesday.

A contractor that officials initially reported having been killed in a Taliban attack on a convoy at a US air base, in fact, survived the incident, NATO said Tuesday. Three US troops were killed in the suicide bomb attack outside Bagram Air Base north of Kabul on Monday. "The contractor who was reported as killed is alive," NATO's Resolute Support mission said in a statement. The contractor, an Afghan citizen, was in stable condition and was treated at Bagram, officials said. Monday's blast was the deadliest for US forces in Afghanistan this year and brings to seven the number of American troops killed in 2019, compared to 12 for all of last year. The US now has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan -- down from a peak of around 100,000 -- most of them deployed to train and advise Afghan counterparts.

Afghan contractor survived Taliban attack on US convoy

Three American soldiers and a US contractor were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb on Monday near the main US base in Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

4 Americans die in roadside Afghanistan blast, Taliban claims responsiblity

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