A clash between Pashtun activists and local militants today killed two people and wounded 25 others in a restive Pakistani tribal region near the Afghan border, officials said.

The incident occurred in the Rustam Bazar of Wana, the main town of South Waziristan where the military has in the past conducted a string of punishing offensives to hunt down Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants.

Supporters of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), which is led by young activist Manzoor Pashteen, wanted to hold a rally to protest against growing corruption in the tribal regions.

"The clash erupted after supporters of Manzoor Pashteen were stopped from holding a protest rally by local militants belonging to Maulvi Nazir group " a senior local administration official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The Pashtun activists torched two offices of the militants, which led to an exchange of fire, killing two people and wounding 25 others, the offical said. Authorities were not immediately able to ascertain the identities of those killed and injured.

Maulvi Nazir Wazir was a pro-government militant commander who carried out attacks on US troops deployed in Afghanistan. He was killed in a drone strike in 2013.&nbsp

The incident occurred in the Rustam Bazar of Wana, the main town of South Waziristan where the military has in the past conducted a string of punishing offensives to hunt down Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants

A clash between Pashtun activists and local militants today killed two people and wounded 25 others in a restive Pakistani tribal region near the Afghan border, officials said. The incident occurred in the Rustam Bazar of Wana, the main town of South Waziristan where the military has in the past conducted a string of punishing offensives to hunt down Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants. Supporters of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), which is led by young activist Manzoor Pashteen, wanted to hold a rally to protest against growing corruption in the tribal regions. "The clash erupted after supporters of Manzoor Pashteen were stopped from holding a protest rally by local militants belonging to Maulvi Nazir group " a senior local administration official told AFP on condition of anonymity. The Pashtun activists torched two offices of the militants, which led to an exchange of fire, killing two people and wounding 25 others, the offical said. Authorities were not immediately able to ascertain the identities of those killed and injured. Maulvi Nazir Wazir was a pro-government militant commander who carried out attacks on US troops deployed in Afghanistan. He was killed in a drone strike in 2013.

Two killed as activists clash with militants in Pakistan tribal area

A blast occurred near a Polytechnic University where clerics had gathered, reports said.

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Reports said the explosion occurred as the clerics were leaving the area.

Reuters quoting security officials said a suicide bomber exploded a device near a tent where Muslim clerics had gathered to denounce terrorism.

Local media reported that at least 14 people, including 7 religious scholars and 4 security personnel, were killed in the&nbsp;attack.

The reports added that three others killed had not yet been identified.

The reports said 17 others had been wounded.

"Our initial information shows that the suicide attack took place when guests were exiting the tent where the meeting was being held," police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai said.

Terrorists had opened fire in the Afghan capital last week leading to a gunfight with security forces.&nbsp;

Security officials said a suicide bomber exploded a device near a tent where Muslim clerics had gathered to denounce terrorism

A blast occurred near a Polytechnic University where clerics had gathered, reports said. × Reports said the explosion occurred as the clerics were leaving the area. Reuters quoting security officials said a suicide bomber exploded a device near a tent where Muslim clerics had gathered to denounce terrorism. Local media reported that at least 14 people, including 7 religious scholars and 4 security personnel, were killed in the attack. The reports added that three others killed had not yet been identified. The reports said 17 others had been wounded. "Our initial information shows that the suicide attack took place when guests were exiting the tent where the meeting was being held," police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai said. Terrorists had opened fire in the Afghan capital last week leading to a gunfight with security forces.

Afghanistan: At least 14 killed in suicide bomb attack in Kabul

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday.

The number of children deprived of schooling is at its highest rate since 2002 -- the year after the US-led ouster of the repressive Taliban regime, which had banned girls from the classroom.

Girls remain more likely to miss out on a formal education, making up 60 percent of the 3.7 million children aged between seven and 17 not at school.

Spreading violence has forced many schools to close, undermining fragile gains in education for girls in a country where millions have never set foot in a class room.

Some 3.7 million children between the ages of seven and 17, or 44 percent, are out of school, 2.7 million of them girls, Education Minister Mirwais Balkhi told a seminar, explaining a study conducted by UNICEF, USAID and the independent Samuel Hall think-tank.

The Taliban, seeking to oust the U.S.-backed government and return the country to strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster, are adamantly opposed to education for girls and threats from Islamic State have forced the closure of dozens of schools.

Child marriages and a shortage of female teachers were additional factors keeping girls away from the classroom.

The report by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) also estimated that up to 300,000 children are at risk of dropping out before the end of the year.&nbsp

Those children most at risk often live in rural areas and face displacement, insecurity and a lack of schooling facilities.&nbsp

Without mentioning the Taliban or Islamic State, Balkhi said there were "many reasons" for children not going to school.

"Education of children is the most important development in all human communities," he said. "It is the most important tool in fighting war, poverty and unemployment."

In April this year, militants set ablaze two schools and widespread violence had led to closure of hundreds of private schools.

"Business as usual is not an option for Afghanistan if we are to fulfil the right to education for every child," said Adele Khodr of UNICEF in the report.

"When children are not in school, they are at increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment."

The number of children deprived of schooling is at its highest rate since 2002 -- the year after the US-led ouster of the repressive Taliban regime, which had banned girls from the classroom

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday. The number of children deprived of schooling is at its highest rate since 2002 -- the year after the US-led ouster of the repressive Taliban regime, which had banned girls from the classroom. Girls remain more likely to miss out on a formal education, making up 60 percent of the 3.7 million children aged between seven and 17 not at school. Spreading violence has forced many schools to close, undermining fragile gains in education for girls in a country where millions have never set foot in a class room. Some 3.7 million children between the ages of seven and 17, or 44 percent, are out of school, 2.7 million of them girls, Education Minister Mirwais Balkhi told a seminar, explaining a study conducted by UNICEF, USAID and the independent Samuel Hall think-tank. The Taliban, seeking to oust the U.S.-backed government and return the country to strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster, are adamantly opposed to education for girls and threats from Islamic State have forced the closure of dozens of schools. Child marriages and a shortage of female teachers were additional factors keeping girls away from the classroom. The report by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) also estimated that up to 300,000 children are at risk of dropping out before the end of the year. Those children most at risk often live in rural areas and face displacement, insecurity and a lack of schooling facilities. Without mentioning the Taliban or Islamic State, Balkhi said there were "many reasons" for children not going to school. "Education of children is the most important development in all human communities," he said. "It is the most important tool in fighting war, poverty and unemployment." In April this year, militants set ablaze two schools and widespread violence had led to closure of hundreds of private schools. "Business as usual is not an option for Afghanistan if we are to fulfil the right to education for every child," said Adele Khodr of UNICEF in the report. "When children are not in school, they are at increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment."

Nearly half Afghan children out of school, number rising for first time in years

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday.

Spreading violence has forced many schools to close, undermining fragile gains in education for girls in a country where millions have never set foot in a class room.

Some 3.7 million children between the ages of seven and 17, or 44 per cent of all children, are out of school, 2.7 million of them girls, Education Minister Mirwais Balkhi told a seminar, explaining a study conducted by UNICEF, USAID and the independent Samuel Hall think-tank.

The Taliban, seeking to oust the U.S.-backed government and return the country to strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster, are adamantly opposed to education for girls and threats from Islamic State has forced the closure of dozens of schools.

Without mentioning the Taliban or Islamic State, Balkhi said there were "many reasons" for children not going to school.

"Education of children is the most important development in all human communities," he said. "It is the most important tool in fighting war, poverty and unemployment."

In the worst affected provinces, up to 85 per cent of girls are not going to school, the aid groups said. They did not give specific time periods or comparisons.

In April this year, militants set ablaze two schools and widespread violence had led to closure of hundreds of private schools.

"Business as usual is not an option for Afghanistan if we are to fulfil the right to edIucation for every child," said Adele Khodr of UNICEF in the report.

"When children are not in school, they are at increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment."

One teenage girl, Ziwar, from central Daikundi, one of the safest provinces in the country, said she had been at school until she was 14.

"I can read and write. I can write a letter," she told seminar delegates. "I learn from books. I want to continue my studies. I want to become a doctor in the future."

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday

Nearly half all children in Afghanistan are out of school due to conflict, poverty, child marriage and discrimination against girls, the number rising for the first time since 2002, humanitarian organisations said in a report on Sunday. Spreading violence has forced many schools to close, undermining fragile gains in education for girls in a country where millions have never set foot in a class room. Some 3.7 million children between the ages of seven and 17, or 44 per cent of all children, are out of school, 2.7 million of them girls, Education Minister Mirwais Balkhi told a seminar, explaining a study conducted by UNICEF, USAID and the independent Samuel Hall think-tank. The Taliban, seeking to oust the U.S.-backed government and return the country to strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster, are adamantly opposed to education for girls and threats from Islamic State has forced the closure of dozens of schools. Without mentioning the Taliban or Islamic State, Balkhi said there were "many reasons" for children not going to school. "Education of children is the most important development in all human communities," he said. "It is the most important tool in fighting war, poverty and unemployment." In the worst affected provinces, up to 85 per cent of girls are not going to school, the aid groups said. They did not give specific time periods or comparisons. In April this year, militants set ablaze two schools and widespread violence had led to closure of hundreds of private schools. "Business as usual is not an option for Afghanistan if we are to fulfil the right to edIucation for every child," said Adele Khodr of UNICEF in the report. "When children are not in school, they are at increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment." One teenage girl, Ziwar, from central Daikundi, one of the safest provinces in the country, said she had been at school until she was 14. "I can read and write. I can write a letter," she told seminar delegates. "I learn from books. I want to continue my studies. I want to become a doctor in the future."

Nearly half Afghan children out of school, rising for first time since 2002

Former Taliban hostage Joshua Boyle, who is facing criminal charges in Canada related to incidents after his release from captivity, was granted bail by an Ontario court on Friday, local media reported.

Boyle, 34, was arrested by Canadian police in December 2017, two months after he was freed, along with his American wife and their three children, and returned to Canada.

The specifics of the accusations against Boyle have not been made public, though he faces 19 charges including assault, sexual assault, forcible confinement and uttering death threats.

The court has imposed a publication ban that prevents media from reporting on the bail proceedings or information that could identify any victims or witnesses.

Boyle and his wife, Caitlan Coleman, were kidnapped in October 2012 while backpacking in Afghanistan. They spent five years in captivity, during which their three children were born.

Boyle said a fourth child had been murdered and his spouse raped after their capture by the Taliban-allied Haqqani network. The Taliban denied the accusations of rape and murder.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) reported from the Ottawa court on Friday that Boyle would be released on several conditions including that he stayed in his parents' home under house arrest and was monitored by GPS ankle bracelet. He must also surrender his passport, the CBC reported.

Joshua Boyle, 34, was arrested by Canadian police in December 2017, two months after he was freed, along with his American wife and their three children, and returned to Canada

Former Taliban hostage Joshua Boyle, who is facing criminal charges in Canada related to incidents after his release from captivity, was granted bail by an Ontario court on Friday, local media reported. Boyle, 34, was arrested by Canadian police in December 2017, two months after he was freed, along with his American wife and their three children, and returned to Canada. The specifics of the accusations against Boyle have not been made public, though he faces 19 charges including assault, sexual assault, forcible confinement and uttering death threats. The court has imposed a publication ban that prevents media from reporting on the bail proceedings or information that could identify any victims or witnesses. Boyle and his wife, Caitlan Coleman, were kidnapped in October 2012 while backpacking in Afghanistan. They spent five years in captivity, during which their three children were born. Boyle said a fourth child had been murdered and his spouse raped after their capture by the Taliban-allied Haqqani network. The Taliban denied the accusations of rape and murder. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) reported from the Ottawa court on Friday that Boyle would be released on several conditions including that he stayed in his parents' home under house arrest and was monitored by GPS ankle bracelet. He must also surrender his passport, the CBC reported.

Former Taliban hostage facing criminal charges in Canada granted bail: Report

The Taliban say they "categorically reject" a statement made this week by the US commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan about "off stage" contacts and dialogue taking place between the Kabul government and the insurgents, according to news reports.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says in a statement distributed to the media today that Gen. John Nicholson's remarks, made to reporters at the Pentagon from his Kabul office, were a "baseless claim."&nbsp;

Nicholson said Wednesday that "mid-level, senior-level Taliban leaders" are "engaging with Afghans," adding that unspecified international organizations, foreign governments and other interested parties also are involved.

Mujahid says that "American General Nicholson is making such fabricated statements to divert attention from his failures and keep the Washington media busy with false claims instead of exposing the failed Trump (administration's) strategy" in Afghanistan. 
&nbsp;

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says in a statement distributed to the media today that Gen. John Nicholson's remarks, made to reporters at the Pentagon from his Kabul office, were a "baseless claim."

The Taliban say they "categorically reject" a statement made this week by the US commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan about "off stage" contacts and dialogue taking place between the Kabul government and the insurgents, according to news reports. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says in a statement distributed to the media today that Gen. John Nicholson's remarks, made to reporters at the Pentagon from his Kabul office, were a "baseless claim." Nicholson said Wednesday that "mid-level, senior-level Taliban leaders" are "engaging with Afghans," adding that unspecified international organizations, foreign governments and other interested parties also are involved. Mujahid says that "American General Nicholson is making such fabricated statements to divert attention from his failures and keep the Washington media busy with false claims instead of exposing the failed Trump (administration's) strategy" in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Taliban rejects US commander's statement on peace talks

Senior Taliban officials have been secretly negotiating with Afghan officials on a possible ceasefire, the Pentagon said Wednesday, even as US forces killed over 50 Taliban leaders in a series of strikes.

"A lot of the diplomatic activity and dialogue is occurring off the stage, and it's occurring at multiple levels," General John Nicholson said in a teleconference with reporters at the Pentagon.

He would not identify the figures involved in the negotiations, except to say that they included mid- and senior-level Taliban officials.

"I should point out they met in secret. This is how they were able to advance the talks," he said, adding that the success of the effort depends in part on the "confidentiality of the process."

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in late February proposed peace talks with the Taliban, saying they could be recognized as a political party if they accepted a ceasefire and recognized the country's 2004 constitution.

The Taliban have not officially responded, but deadly attacks have proliferated since then, particularly in Kabul, which has become the most dangerous place in the country for civilians.

On Wednesday, militants launched a gun and bomb attack on the Interior Ministry in Kabul, killing a policeman in another demonstration of their ability to strike at the heart of the Afghan capital.

The Taliban also claimed responsibility for a predawn attack on a police station in the capital of Logar province, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Kabul.

Six police officers were killed and eight civilians were wounded, provincial police spokesman Shapoor Ahmadzai said.

But Nicholson, who has sought to drive the Taliban to the negotiating table by bringing to bear increased US military pressure, maintained that violence and progress can coexist.

He likened the situation in Afghanistan to that of Colombia where the fighting continued up until the FARC guerrilla group and the government signed a peace accord in 2016.

In a statement Wednesday, the US command in Afghanistan said the strikes against those behind a recent attack in the Helmand provincial capital of Farah resulted in "more than 50 casualties."

After pushing out fighters in Farah, Afghan and US forces continued to pursue them, Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon via video link.

Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a center for poppy cultivation.

On May 24, they were spotted in a known Taliban command center in Musa Qala.

Among the dead was the number two Taliban leader in Helmand, Abdul Manan, and several district governors and local leaders in Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Farah, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in late February proposed peace talks with the Taliban

Senior Taliban officials have been secretly negotiating with Afghan officials on a possible ceasefire, the Pentagon said Wednesday, even as US forces killed over 50 Taliban leaders in a series of strikes. "A lot of the diplomatic activity and dialogue is occurring off the stage, and it's occurring at multiple levels," General John Nicholson said in a teleconference with reporters at the Pentagon. He would not identify the figures involved in the negotiations, except to say that they included mid- and senior-level Taliban officials. "I should point out they met in secret. This is how they were able to advance the talks," he said, adding that the success of the effort depends in part on the "confidentiality of the process." Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in late February proposed peace talks with the Taliban, saying they could be recognized as a political party if they accepted a ceasefire and recognized the country's 2004 constitution. The Taliban have not officially responded, but deadly attacks have proliferated since then, particularly in Kabul, which has become the most dangerous place in the country for civilians. On Wednesday, militants launched a gun and bomb attack on the Interior Ministry in Kabul, killing a policeman in another demonstration of their ability to strike at the heart of the Afghan capital. The Taliban also claimed responsibility for a predawn attack on a police station in the capital of Logar province, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Kabul. Six police officers were killed and eight civilians were wounded, provincial police spokesman Shapoor Ahmadzai said. But Nicholson, who has sought to drive the Taliban to the negotiating table by bringing to bear increased US military pressure, maintained that violence and progress can coexist. He likened the situation in Afghanistan to that of Colombia where the fighting continued up until the FARC guerrilla group and the government signed a peace accord in 2016. In a statement Wednesday, the US command in Afghanistan said the strikes against those behind a recent attack in the Helmand provincial capital of Farah resulted in "more than 50 casualties." After pushing out fighters in Farah, Afghan and US forces continued to pursue them, Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon via video link. Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a center for poppy cultivation. On May 24, they were spotted in a known Taliban command center in Musa Qala. Among the dead was the number two Taliban leader in Helmand, Abdul Manan, and several district governors and local leaders in Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Farah, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces.

Taliban, Afghan officials in ceasefire talks: US general

US forces killed over 50 Taliban leaders in a series of strikes against those behind a recent attack in the Helmand provincial capital of Farah, US military and NATO commander General John Nicholson said&nbsp;Wednesday.

After pushing out fighters in Farah, Afghan and US forces continued to pursue them, Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon via video link.

Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a&nbsp;center&nbsp;for poppy cultivation.

On May 24, they were spotted in a known Taliban command&nbsp;center&nbsp;in Musa Qala.

"What it looks like is it was a group of commanders, meeting in part to discuss the operation in Farah that many of them had just participated in," said General Nicholson.&nbsp;

"And they obviously thought they were meeting in relative safety in Musa Qala, but our intelligence was able to identify the group and effectively conduct the strike."

The group was involved in drug trafficking, Nicholson added.

"I would not call it strategic significance, but it definitely has a significant local significance in terms of the fight in Southern Afghanistan," he said.

In a statement, the US command in Afghanistan said the strike resulted in "more than 50 casualties," among them the number two Taliban leader in Helmand, Abdul Manan, and several district governors and local leaders in Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Farah, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces.

Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a centre for poppy cultivation

US forces killed over 50 Taliban leaders in a series of strikes against those behind a recent attack in the Helmand provincial capital of Farah, US military and NATO commander General John Nicholson said Wednesday. After pushing out fighters in Farah, Afghan and US forces continued to pursue them, Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon via video link. Under surveillance by the Marines, the Taliban fighters returned to their Helmand stronghold, a center for poppy cultivation. On May 24, they were spotted in a known Taliban command center in Musa Qala. "What it looks like is it was a group of commanders, meeting in part to discuss the operation in Farah that many of them had just participated in," said General Nicholson. "And they obviously thought they were meeting in relative safety in Musa Qala, but our intelligence was able to identify the group and effectively conduct the strike." The group was involved in drug trafficking, Nicholson added. "I would not call it strategic significance, but it definitely has a significant local significance in terms of the fight in Southern Afghanistan," he said. In a statement, the US command in Afghanistan said the strike resulted in "more than 50 casualties," among them the number two Taliban leader in Helmand, Abdul Manan, and several district governors and local leaders in Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Farah, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces.

Afghanistan: Over 50 Taliban leaders killed in US operation

More than 50 Taliban commanders were killed during an artillery strike on a meeting in Afghanistan's Helmand province, officials&nbspinformed on Wednesday.&nbsp

Reports quoted officials as saying that a weapon system known as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, which is capable of firing GPS-guided rockets, destroyed a command-and-control position that was a known meeting place for high-level Taliban leaders.

He also added that because of a large number of leaders killed and their involvement in a range of attack planning, the impact of the HIMARS strike “will be felt beyond Helmand province.”

The attack on a meeting of commanders in the district of Musa Qala in Helmand, one of the heartlands of the Taliban insurgency, was a significant blow to the insurgents, said Lt. Col. Martin O'Donnell, spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

"It's certainly a notable strike," he said, adding that several other senior and lower level commanders had been killed during operations over a 10-day period this month.

The Taliban dismissed the report as "propaganda" and said the attack had hit two civilian houses in Musa Qala, killing five civilians and wounding three.

"This was a civilian residential area, which had no connection with the Taliban," spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmadi said in a statement.

The statement further added that the structure was a known meeting location for prominent Taliban leaders, where they planned and facilitated attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, who are supporting election security in the area.&nbsp

The US&nbspmilitary said the May 24 meeting involved commanders from different Afghan provinces, including neighbouring Farah, where Taliban fighters briefly threatened to overrun the provincial capital this month.

"We think the meeting was to plan next steps," O'Donnell said. While the strike by an artillery rocket system would disrupt Taliban operations, it would not necessarily mean any interruption to the fighting, he said.

Reports quoted officials as saying that a weapon system known as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, which is capable of firing GPS-guided rockets, destroyed a command-and-control position

More than 50 Taliban commanders were killed during an artillery strike on a meeting in Afghanistan's Helmand province, officials&nbspinformed on Wednesday. Reports quoted officials as saying that a weapon system known as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, which is capable of firing GPS-guided rockets, destroyed a command-and-control position that was a known meeting place for high-level Taliban leaders. He also added that because of a large number of leaders killed and their involvement in a range of attack planning, the impact of the HIMARS strike “will be felt beyond Helmand province.” The attack on a meeting of commanders in the district of Musa Qala in Helmand, one of the heartlands of the Taliban insurgency, was a significant blow to the insurgents, said Lt. Col. Martin O'Donnell, spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. "It's certainly a notable strike," he said, adding that several other senior and lower level commanders had been killed during operations over a 10-day period this month. The Taliban dismissed the report as "propaganda" and said the attack had hit two civilian houses in Musa Qala, killing five civilians and wounding three. "This was a civilian residential area, which had no connection with the Taliban," spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmadi said in a statement. The statement further added that the structure was a known meeting location for prominent Taliban leaders, where they planned and facilitated attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, who are supporting election security in the area. The US&nbspmilitary said the May 24 meeting involved commanders from different Afghan provinces, including neighbouring Farah, where Taliban fighters briefly threatened to overrun the provincial capital this month. "We think the meeting was to plan next steps," O'Donnell said. While the strike by an artillery rocket system would disrupt Taliban operations, it would not necessarily mean any interruption to the fighting, he said.

Over 50 Taliban leaders killed in rocket strike in Afghanistan

Kabul police said today that gunfire was head near the interior ministry building today.

A spokesman for the interior ministry Najib Danish confirmed that explosions occurred close to a new building at the ministry on airport road.

The spokesman&nbsp;said casualties are feared. Reports said gunfire is ongoing near the interior ministry building.

Security forces have reportedly blocked traffic on the road.

Kabul police said gunfire was heard near the interior ministry

Kabul police said today that gunfire was head near the interior ministry building today. A spokesman for the interior ministry Najib Danish confirmed that explosions occurred close to a new building at the ministry on airport road. The spokesman said casualties are feared. Reports said gunfire is ongoing near the interior ministry building. Security forces have reportedly blocked traffic on the road.

Afghanistan: Explosion near interior ministry building in Kabul

The door of the blue bus slides open and dozens of children excitedly bound up the steps, eager to get their hands on hard-to-find books in Kabul's first mobile library.

Named Charmaghz -- the Dari for walnut, which is associated with logic in Afghanistan because the nut resembles a brain -- the converted public bus is hard to miss as it winds through the dusty streets of the Afghan capital.

The library-on-wheels offers pupils and street kids free access to children's books, which are in short supply at public schools and libraries.

It also offers one of the few spaces outside the home that children can use in a city where fear is increasingly keeping residents behind closed doors.

As both the Taliban and the Islamic State group step up their attacks in Kabul, with civilians paying the price, many parents -- traumatised by the violence, some of them already devastated by loss -- have stopped taking their children out in public.

Charmaghz, used by as many as 300 children every day, is a rare exception.

The vehicle, which is rented from a state-owned bus company and takes precautions to avoid government buildings, main roads or other crowded areas targeted by militants in Kabul, is a relatively secure place for them to read, play chess and see friends.

"Boys, you sit in the back and girls in the front. It is important to be organised," one of three volunteers tells the children as he pulls books from an overhead shelf and places them in outstretched hands.

Unlike traditional libraries where chatting is discouraged, the constant hum of voices fills Charmaghz.

Children sit cross-legged on the carpeted floor or at desks reading aloud from some of the 600 books that have been donated by Afghan publishers.

"I come to the bus once a week to read books," 13-year-old Zahra told AFP.

"Today I'm reading about how to improve your health. I'm reading what I should do and what I should eat."

"When I go home I share the stories I read here with my brothers and sisters."

The library bus was launched in February by Oxford University graduate Freshta Karim, who has dedicated herself to improving the reading and storytelling abilities of children in Afghanistan -- an opportunity she never had as a child.

Karim grew up as a refugee in Pakistan and returned to Afghanistan after the fall of Taliban in 2002. She completed her undergraduate degree in Kabul before winning a Chevening scholarship to study a master's in public policy at Oxford.

"When we were children we did not have access to... libraries for children," Karim, 26, told AFP

"I remember as a kid at school we didn't even have chairs -- we were sitting on the floor to study."

The library bus stops at schools, parks or orphanages throughout the week, and is an "efficient" way to reach lots of children, Karim said, helping to improve Afghanistan's low general rate of literacy of just 36 percent.

Even now most public schools in Afghanistan do not have libraries, said Shafiullah, who used to work at Kabul's main public library and now helps non-profit organisations publish children's books.

"Young people and children do not have access to different types of books except their school textbooks," Shafiullah, who like many Afghans goes by one name, told AFP.

"And there are only a few non-governmental organisations that sometimes help publish books for children."

The time many children spend at schools in Afghanistan is limited.

Afghans receive an average of 4.6 years of formal education, according to a 2017 survey by the Asia Foundation.

Inside Charmaghz, 15-year-old Abbas reads to his friends the tragic story of Rostam, a hero in Persian mythology, and his son Sohrab.

Abbas said the library bus had given him access to books he could not find at his school.

"At school, you have a limited choice. You don't have a lot of books. But here you can find a whole range," he told AFP.

More than eight million children are enrolled in schools across Afghanistan this year, official figures show.

But 3.5 million other school-age kids will miss out due to school closures, grinding conflict and poverty.

Karim is realistic about the changes to literacy the mobile library can achieve in a country the size of Afghanistan.

But it is a start, said Karim, who is hoping to garner enough donations to rent another two buses.

"I don't think a mobile library will solve the thousands of problems that we have in our education system," she said.

"But a mobile library is a small effort among a lot of efforts that we have to make."

The library-on-wheels offers pupils and street kids free access to children's books, which are in short supply at public schools and libraries

The door of the blue bus slides open and dozens of children excitedly bound up the steps, eager to get their hands on hard-to-find books in Kabul's first mobile library. Named Charmaghz -- the Dari for walnut, which is associated with logic in Afghanistan because the nut resembles a brain -- the converted public bus is hard to miss as it winds through the dusty streets of the Afghan capital. The library-on-wheels offers pupils and street kids free access to children's books, which are in short supply at public schools and libraries. It also offers one of the few spaces outside the home that children can use in a city where fear is increasingly keeping residents behind closed doors. As both the Taliban and the Islamic State group step up their attacks in Kabul, with civilians paying the price, many parents -- traumatised by the violence, some of them already devastated by loss -- have stopped taking their children out in public. Charmaghz, used by as many as 300 children every day, is a rare exception. The vehicle, which is rented from a state-owned bus company and takes precautions to avoid government buildings, main roads or other crowded areas targeted by militants in Kabul, is a relatively secure place for them to read, play chess and see friends. "Boys, you sit in the back and girls in the front. It is important to be organised," one of three volunteers tells the children as he pulls books from an overhead shelf and places them in outstretched hands. Unlike traditional libraries where chatting is discouraged, the constant hum of voices fills Charmaghz. Children sit cross-legged on the carpeted floor or at desks reading aloud from some of the 600 books that have been donated by Afghan publishers. "I come to the bus once a week to read books," 13-year-old Zahra told AFP. "Today I'm reading about how to improve your health. I'm reading what I should do and what I should eat." "When I go home I share the stories I read here with my brothers and sisters." The library bus was launched in February by Oxford University graduate Freshta Karim, who has dedicated herself to improving the reading and storytelling abilities of children in Afghanistan -- an opportunity she never had as a child. Karim grew up as a refugee in Pakistan and returned to Afghanistan after the fall of Taliban in 2002. She completed her undergraduate degree in Kabul before winning a Chevening scholarship to study a master's in public policy at Oxford. "When we were children we did not have access to... libraries for children," Karim, 26, told AFP "I remember as a kid at school we didn't even have chairs -- we were sitting on the floor to study." The library bus stops at schools, parks or orphanages throughout the week, and is an "efficient" way to reach lots of children, Karim said, helping to improve Afghanistan's low general rate of literacy of just 36 percent. Even now most public schools in Afghanistan do not have libraries, said Shafiullah, who used to work at Kabul's main public library and now helps non-profit organisations publish children's books. "Young people and children do not have access to different types of books except their school textbooks," Shafiullah, who like many Afghans goes by one name, told AFP. "And there are only a few non-governmental organisations that sometimes help publish books for children." The time many children spend at schools in Afghanistan is limited. Afghans receive an average of 4.6 years of formal education, according to a 2017 survey by the Asia Foundation. Inside Charmaghz, 15-year-old Abbas reads to his friends the tragic story of Rostam, a hero in Persian mythology, and his son Sohrab. Abbas said the library bus had given him access to books he could not find at his school. "At school, you have a limited choice. You don't have a lot of books. But here you can find a whole range," he told AFP. More than eight million children are enrolled in schools across Afghanistan this year, official figures show. But 3.5 million other school-age kids will miss out due to school closures, grinding conflict and poverty. Karim is realistic about the changes to literacy the mobile library can achieve in a country the size of Afghanistan. But it is a start, said Karim, who is hoping to garner enough donations to rent another two buses. "I don't think a mobile library will solve the thousands of problems that we have in our education system," she said. "But a mobile library is a small effort among a lot of efforts that we have to make."

Kabul library bus drives Afghan children to read

Several soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed in a suicide attack in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan, on Sunday.

The incident took place in the vicinity of Nad-e-Ali district after a suicide bomber detonated a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) near a military base, reported Khaama Press.

According to the reports, the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The number of casualties has not been confirmed yet, as, according to provincial governor's spokesman Omar Zwak, two soldiers have lost their lives, while another security official stated that eight Afghan soldiers were killed and nearly a dozen more injured.

Helmand is among the relatively volatile provinces in South of Afghanistan where the anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating in its various districts and often carry out insurgency activities.

On Friday, a ground-based rocket artillery was carried out against Taliban leaders in Musa Qala district in Helmand, Task Force-Southwest, under US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A)

A ground-based rocket artillery was carried out against Taliban leaders in Musa Qala district in Helmand, Task Force-Southwest, under US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A)

The incident took place in the vicinity of Nad-e-Ali district after a suicide bomber detonated a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) near a military base,

Several soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed in a suicide attack in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan, on Sunday. The incident took place in the vicinity of Nad-e-Ali district after a suicide bomber detonated a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) near a military base, reported Khaama Press. According to the reports, the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. The number of casualties has not been confirmed yet, as, according to provincial governor's spokesman Omar Zwak, two soldiers have lost their lives, while another security official stated that eight Afghan soldiers were killed and nearly a dozen more injured. Helmand is among the relatively volatile provinces in South of Afghanistan where the anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating in its various districts and often carry out insurgency activities. On Friday, a ground-based rocket artillery was carried out against Taliban leaders in Musa Qala district in Helmand, Task Force-Southwest, under US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A) A ground-based rocket artillery was carried out against Taliban leaders in Musa Qala district in Helmand, Task Force-Southwest, under US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A)

Several Afghan soldiers killed in suicide blast in Helmand

The Special Forces of the Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), have foiled Taliban's bid to carry out a coordinated attack in Afghanistan's western Farah province.

The Special Forces of the directorate targeted a large compound of the Taliban in Farah Rod district which the terror outfit wanted to put to use for the attack, reported Afghan's news agency Khaama Press, citing, NDS, as saying, in a statement.

According to the report, senior commanders, leading a group of 100 insurgents, were using the compound to mobilize forces for the attack.

At least fifteen Taliban insurgents were killed during the operation including a commander of the group identified as Lawang.

According to the statement issued by NDS, the Special Forces also confiscated six tons of explosives along with several weapons and ammunition during the operation.

The Special Forces of the directorate targeted a large compound of the Taliban in Farah Rod district which the terror outfit wanted to put to use for the attack, reported Afghan's news agency Khaama Press, citing, NDS, as saying, in a statement

The Special Forces of the Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), have foiled Taliban's bid to carry out a coordinated attack in Afghanistan's western Farah province. The Special Forces of the directorate targeted a large compound of the Taliban in Farah Rod district which the terror outfit wanted to put to use for the attack, reported Afghan's news agency Khaama Press, citing, NDS, as saying, in a statement. According to the report, senior commanders, leading a group of 100 insurgents, were using the compound to mobilize forces for the attack. At least fifteen Taliban insurgents were killed during the operation including a commander of the group identified as Lawang. According to the statement issued by NDS, the Special Forces also confiscated six tons of explosives along with several weapons and ammunition during the operation.

Afghanistan: Taliban's bid to conduct coordinated attack foiled

The United States wasted billions of dollars trying to stabilize fragile parts of Afghanistan from 2001-2017 and some efforts caused more harm than good, a US government watchdog said&nbsp;Thursday.

A report by the office of the Special Inspector for Afghanistan Reconstruction found that Washington had set unrealistic expectations for itself after the US-led invasion in 2001 and massively overestimated its ability to build and reform government institutions.

"Despite some heroic efforts to stabilize insecure and contested areas in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2017, the program mostly failed," Special Inspector General John Sopko said as he presented the report in Washington.

"This happened for a number of reasons, including the establishment of a set of unrealistic expectations about what could be achieved in just a few years' time."

The report found that the military pressured aid groups to build schools and infrastructure in areas that were still being contested by the Taliban, leading to the failure of many projects.

Most of the $4.7 billion in stabilization funds were spent after 2009 when a surge in troops to Afghanistan saw large area cleared of the Taliban -- a rush of Western experts then tried to build institutions in these areas.

But the "large sums of stabilization dollars the United States devoted to Afghanistan in search of quick gains often exacerbated conflicts, enabled corruption and bolstered support for insurgents," the report states.

"Opportunities for corruption and elite capture abounded, making many of those projects far more harmful than helpful," it adds.

The SIGAR analysis found that Washington had set expectations and programs not properly tailored for Afghanistan, and noted that successes in stabilizing Afghan districts rarely lasted longer than the physical presence of coalition troops and civilians.

"Under immense pressure to quickly stabilize insecure districts, US government agencies spent far too much money, far too quickly, in a country woefully unprepared to absorb it," SIGAR noted.

'Despite some heroic efforts to stabilize insecure and contested areas in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2017, the program mostly failed,' Special Inspector General John Sopko said

The United States wasted billions of dollars trying to stabilize fragile parts of Afghanistan from 2001-2017 and some efforts caused more harm than good, a US government watchdog said Thursday. A report by the office of the Special Inspector for Afghanistan Reconstruction found that Washington had set unrealistic expectations for itself after the US-led invasion in 2001 and massively overestimated its ability to build and reform government institutions. "Despite some heroic efforts to stabilize insecure and contested areas in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2017, the program mostly failed," Special Inspector General John Sopko said as he presented the report in Washington. "This happened for a number of reasons, including the establishment of a set of unrealistic expectations about what could be achieved in just a few years' time." The report found that the military pressured aid groups to build schools and infrastructure in areas that were still being contested by the Taliban, leading to the failure of many projects. Most of the $4.7 billion in stabilization funds were spent after 2009 when a surge in troops to Afghanistan saw large area cleared of the Taliban -- a rush of Western experts then tried to build institutions in these areas. But the "large sums of stabilization dollars the United States devoted to Afghanistan in search of quick gains often exacerbated conflicts, enabled corruption and bolstered support for insurgents," the report states. "Opportunities for corruption and elite capture abounded, making many of those projects far more harmful than helpful," it adds. The SIGAR analysis found that Washington had set expectations and programs not properly tailored for Afghanistan, and noted that successes in stabilizing Afghan districts rarely lasted longer than the physical presence of coalition troops and civilians. "Under immense pressure to quickly stabilize insecure districts, US government agencies spent far too much money, far too quickly, in a country woefully unprepared to absorb it," SIGAR noted.

US wasted billions in failed Afghan stabilization efforts: Official

At least 16 people were killed and 38 wounded today when a minivan packed with explosives detonated as security forces were trying to defuse it in southern Afghanistan, officials said.

Security forces in Kandahar had already cleared the area around a bus station where the van was found, provincial governor spokesman Daud Ahmadi said.

"As the security forces were trying to defuse the van, it detonated," said police spokesman Mohammad Qasim Azad.

"The latest figures show 16 dead and 38 wounded people brought to the hospital. We still have two ambulances at the site because there might be more people under the rubble," Dr Nehmat Barak, chief of the Mirwais Hospital in Kandahar, said.

Ahmadi confirmed the toll, adding that the dead included four security forces personnel. At least five children and 10 members of the security forces were among the wounded.

The blast was so powerful that the majority of the casualties were passers-by outside the cleared area.

Ahmadi said security forces also found a large container of explosives, rocket-propelled grenades, suicide vests, and ammunition near the site.

The terrorists planned to conduct a big attack at end of Ramadan in the city among crowds of people as they went out shopping for Eid... Security forces prevented a disaster from happening," one security official told AFP. 
No group immediately claimed responsibility.

The blast comes as the Taliban step up their spring offensive across the war-torn country.

Last week the insurgent group attacked western Farah city, but were repelled by commandos backed by the Afghan and US Air Force.

Yesterday, the Taliban warned Kabul residents to avoid "military centres" in the heavily fortified city, saying they are planning more attacks in the Afghan capital.

A US government watchdog also warned yesterday that upbeat assessments of improving security in the country did not match facts on the ground.

The Pentagon's Office of the Inspector General said there were "few signs of progress" in the fight against the Taliban.

Top US officials and military commanders insist the Afghan security forces -- which have suffered thousands of casualties and are beset with low morale and corruption -- are now doing a better job of maintaining order.

But the Taliban still control swathes of the country and are staging repeated attacks, while the Islamic State group has conducted a series of high-profile suicide blasts in Kabul and elsewhere.&nbsp;

Nematullah Barak, a head of the Mirwais hospital in Kandahar, said 16 dead and 38 wounded, including several children, had been brought in but the final total could be higher as ambulances were still at the scene

At least 16 people were killed and 38 wounded today when a minivan packed with explosives detonated as security forces were trying to defuse it in southern Afghanistan, officials said. Security forces in Kandahar had already cleared the area around a bus station where the van was found, provincial governor spokesman Daud Ahmadi said. "As the security forces were trying to defuse the van, it detonated," said police spokesman Mohammad Qasim Azad. "The latest figures show 16 dead and 38 wounded people brought to the hospital. We still have two ambulances at the site because there might be more people under the rubble," Dr Nehmat Barak, chief of the Mirwais Hospital in Kandahar, said. Ahmadi confirmed the toll, adding that the dead included four security forces personnel. At least five children and 10 members of the security forces were among the wounded. The blast was so powerful that the majority of the casualties were passers-by outside the cleared area. Ahmadi said security forces also found a large container of explosives, rocket-propelled grenades, suicide vests, and ammunition near the site. The terrorists planned to conduct a big attack at end of Ramadan in the city among crowds of people as they went out shopping for Eid... Security forces prevented a disaster from happening," one security official told AFP. No group immediately claimed responsibility. The blast comes as the Taliban step up their spring offensive across the war-torn country. Last week the insurgent group attacked western Farah city, but were repelled by commandos backed by the Afghan and US Air Force. Yesterday, the Taliban warned Kabul residents to avoid "military centres" in the heavily fortified city, saying they are planning more attacks in the Afghan capital. A US government watchdog also warned yesterday that upbeat assessments of improving security in the country did not match facts on the ground. The Pentagon's Office of the Inspector General said there were "few signs of progress" in the fight against the Taliban. Top US officials and military commanders insist the Afghan security forces -- which have suffered thousands of casualties and are beset with low morale and corruption -- are now doing a better job of maintaining order. But the Taliban still control swathes of the country and are staging repeated attacks, while the Islamic State group has conducted a series of high-profile suicide blasts in Kabul and elsewhere.

16 killed, 38 wounded by minivan blast in Afghanistan's Kandahar

At least six people were killed in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Tuesday after a bomb kept in a minibus exploded near a security checkpoint. The attacker too died in the incident.

Thirty people, including several children, were also reportedly injured in the blast which occurred in the city's main market.

The injured have been rushed to the nearest hospital and the area has been cordoned off by security officials.

The official number of the casualties could increase as news agency Reuters reported that more injured people are arriving at the hospital.

The minibus packed with explosives was discovered by the security officials at the securoty checkpoint. The terrorist driving the van, detonated his vehicle even before the security forces could even defuse the explosives.

So far no one has claimed the responsibility for the attack.

Over the past few months Afghanistan has seen several explosions in which hundreds of people have been killed and injured.

Apart from Kabul many other provincial cities have also been hit by such incidents as the Taliban, seeking to reimpose hardline Islamic rule, have stepped up fighting across the country ahead of the polls.

Kandahar province, on the border with Pakistan, is a major centre of opium cultivation and a stronghold of the Taliban but the city itself has recently been relatively secure.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The official number of the casualties could increase as news agency Reuters reported that more casualties are arriving

At least six people were killed in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Tuesday after a bomb kept in a minibus exploded near a security checkpoint. The attacker too died in the incident. Thirty people, including several children, were also reportedly injured in the blast which occurred in the city's main market. The injured have been rushed to the nearest hospital and the area has been cordoned off by security officials. The official number of the casualties could increase as news agency Reuters reported that more injured people are arriving at the hospital. The minibus packed with explosives was discovered by the security officials at the securoty checkpoint. The terrorist driving the van, detonated his vehicle even before the security forces could even defuse the explosives. So far no one has claimed the responsibility for the attack. Over the past few months Afghanistan has seen several explosions in which hundreds of people have been killed and injured. Apart from Kabul many other provincial cities have also been hit by such incidents as the Taliban, seeking to reimpose hardline Islamic rule, have stepped up fighting across the country ahead of the polls. Kandahar province, on the border with Pakistan, is a major centre of opium cultivation and a stronghold of the Taliban but the city itself has recently been relatively secure. (With inputs from Reuters)

Afghanistan: 6 people dead including attacker in minibus explosion

President Donald Trump's South Asia strategy has shown few signs of progress this quarter, a US&nbsp;government watchdog report said&nbsp;on Monday, despite public assertions by the US&nbsp;military that Taliban militants were on the back foot.

An inspector general report said that there had been few signs of significant progress by Afghan security forces and the Taliban continued to carry out deadly attacks.

"Available metrics showed few signs of progress, and during the quarter, the Taliban and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria - Khorasan each launched high-profile attacks in Kabul that killed hundreds," a statement accompanying the report said.

In August, Trump committed the United States to an open-ended conflict in&nbsp;Afghanistan, dispatching an additional 3,000 troops to the nearly 17-year-old war that has killed tens of thousands of Afghan civilians.

Publicly, US&nbsp;officials have presented an optimistic view of the situation in&nbsp;Afghanistan. U.S. Army General John Nicholson, who leads US&nbsp;and international forces in&nbsp;Afghanistan, in November said the country had "turned the corner."

Nicholson was the latest US&nbsp;military official to try and put a positive image on the war, despite few signs of an end to the conflict.

"This quarter the Taliban continued to hold territory and launched devastating terrorist attacks in Kabul and across the country," the watchdog report said.

The report covered the war in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;from January to the end of March and was compiled by the inspector generals from the Pentagon, State Department and US&nbsp;Agency for International Development.

A Pentagon spokesman said the military felt that progress was being made.

"Chaos and progress can coexist and that is exactly what we feel is happening in&nbsp;Afghanistan," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Robert Manning said.

In a sign of the precarious security situation, Taliban fighters closed in on another district in Afghanistan&nbsp;over the weekend, a development at odds with the positive image US&nbsp;military officials have conveyed.

"Given the different audiences that US&nbsp;military officials have in mind when they make these (public) announcements, there is simply a very strong incentive to accentuate and even embellish the positives, (and) to minimize the negatives," said Michael Kugelman, with the Wilson Center think tank in Washington.

It is a war that many Americans don't support and don't understand and yet it is a war that is probably going to continue for the foreseeable future ... it is just like Vietnam.

There had been few signs of significant progress by Afghan security forces and the Taliban continued to carry out deadly attacks, stated the report

President Donald Trump's South Asia strategy has shown few signs of progress this quarter, a US government watchdog report said on Monday, despite public assertions by the US military that Taliban militants were on the back foot. An inspector general report said that there had been few signs of significant progress by Afghan security forces and the Taliban continued to carry out deadly attacks. "Available metrics showed few signs of progress, and during the quarter, the Taliban and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria - Khorasan each launched high-profile attacks in Kabul that killed hundreds," a statement accompanying the report said. In August, Trump committed the United States to an open-ended conflict in Afghanistan, dispatching an additional 3,000 troops to the nearly 17-year-old war that has killed tens of thousands of Afghan civilians. Publicly, US officials have presented an optimistic view of the situation in Afghanistan. U.S. Army General John Nicholson, who leads US and international forces in Afghanistan, in November said the country had "turned the corner." Nicholson was the latest US military official to try and put a positive image on the war, despite few signs of an end to the conflict. "This quarter the Taliban continued to hold territory and launched devastating terrorist attacks in Kabul and across the country," the watchdog report said. The report covered the war in Afghanistan from January to the end of March and was compiled by the inspector generals from the Pentagon, State Department and US Agency for International Development. A Pentagon spokesman said the military felt that progress was being made. "Chaos and progress can coexist and that is exactly what we feel is happening in Afghanistan," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Robert Manning said. In a sign of the precarious security situation, Taliban fighters closed in on another district in Afghanistan over the weekend, a development at odds with the positive image US military officials have conveyed. "Given the different audiences that US military officials have in mind when they make these (public) announcements, there is simply a very strong incentive to accentuate and even embellish the positives, (and) to minimize the negatives," said Michael Kugelman, with the Wilson Center think tank in Washington. It is a war that many Americans don't support and don't understand and yet it is a war that is probably going to continue for the foreseeable future ... it is just like Vietnam.

Watchdog finds little progress in Afghanistan, despite US military optimism

Taliban fighters closed in on another district in Afghanistan on Sunday as officials sought to reassure an increasingly angry public that security would improve.

On Sunday, the insurgents were besieging the governor's compound in Ajrestan district in Ghazni, south of the capital Kabul, although officials said reinforcements had arrived and were relieving police defending the town.

The fighting in Ghazni, which has long had a heavy Taliban presence, follows several days of fighting in Farah province, on the other side of Afghanistan on the border with Iran where the insurgents came close to overrunning the provincial capital.

General John Nicholson, the top US&nbspcommander in Afghanistan visited Farah on Saturday with the ministers of the interior and defence and the head of the NDS intelligence service.

"Farah did not fall and Farah will never fall," he said, calling on the Taliban to accept President Ashraf Ghani's offer of peace talks. "We will stay with you until we bring this war to a peaceful conclusion," he said.

He met local officials in the governor`s compound and heard a bitter litany of complaints about the failure of the government to protect the city and the province, where the Taliban control many areas.

"If you want to make Farah better, then please, you should help before there`s an incident," said Belqis Roshan, a former senator. "We have 10 districts, and apart from the centres, they`re under Taliban rule," she said.

Reinforcements rushed in from other provinces and repeated strikes by Afghan and US&nbspair forces pushed the insurgents back from the city centre but bazaars remain deserted and the streets empty.

"People are still worried about the situation," said Farah resident Abdullah. "The Taliban have a strong presence in almost all districts and are still hiding in some parts of the city."

As the Taliban have continued the spring offensive they launched last month, heavy fighting has been seen from Badakhshan and Baghlan provinces in the north to Farah in the west and Ghazni and Zabul in the centre.

In Ajrestan district in Ghazni, Mohammad Arif Noori, a spokesman for the provincial governor said fresh commando forces had arrived and the Taliban pushed back from the town centre.

"Fighting is continuing but the attacks on the district center have been repelled," he said. 
 
However local officials said the centre remained under severe threat and the local governor had fled.

"Since last night, we have lost contact with officials and security forces in Ajrestan. Since then we have had no report on the situation in the district," said Mansoor Faqiri, a member of the Ghazni provincial council.

Taliban fighters closed in on another district in Afghanistan on Sunday as officials sought to reassure an increasingly angry public that security would improve

Taliban fighters closed in on another district in Afghanistan on Sunday as officials sought to reassure an increasingly angry public that security would improve. On Sunday, the insurgents were besieging the governor's compound in Ajrestan district in Ghazni, south of the capital Kabul, although officials said reinforcements had arrived and were relieving police defending the town. The fighting in Ghazni, which has long had a heavy Taliban presence, follows several days of fighting in Farah province, on the other side of Afghanistan on the border with Iran where the insurgents came close to overrunning the provincial capital. General John Nicholson, the top US&nbspcommander in Afghanistan visited Farah on Saturday with the ministers of the interior and defence and the head of the NDS intelligence service. "Farah did not fall and Farah will never fall," he said, calling on the Taliban to accept President Ashraf Ghani's offer of peace talks. "We will stay with you until we bring this war to a peaceful conclusion," he said. He met local officials in the governor`s compound and heard a bitter litany of complaints about the failure of the government to protect the city and the province, where the Taliban control many areas. "If you want to make Farah better, then please, you should help before there`s an incident," said Belqis Roshan, a former senator. "We have 10 districts, and apart from the centres, they`re under Taliban rule," she said. Reinforcements rushed in from other provinces and repeated strikes by Afghan and US&nbspair forces pushed the insurgents back from the city centre but bazaars remain deserted and the streets empty. "People are still worried about the situation," said Farah resident Abdullah. "The Taliban have a strong presence in almost all districts and are still hiding in some parts of the city." As the Taliban have continued the spring offensive they launched last month, heavy fighting has been seen from Badakhshan and Baghlan provinces in the north to Farah in the west and Ghazni and Zabul in the centre. In Ajrestan district in Ghazni, Mohammad Arif Noori, a spokesman for the provincial governor said fresh commando forces had arrived and the Taliban pushed back from the town centre. "Fighting is continuing but the attacks on the district center have been repelled," he said. However local officials said the centre remained under severe threat and the local governor had fled. "Since last night, we have lost contact with officials and security forces in Ajrestan. Since then we have had no report on the situation in the district," said Mansoor Faqiri, a member of the Ghazni provincial council.

Afghan government under pressure as Taliban threaten new district

Taliban fighters emerged from hiding in the dead of night to launch attacks in the Afghan city of Farah, battling government forces who thought they had cleared out the insurgents following heavy clashes earlier in the week, residents and officials said.

The heavily armed fighters had gone to ground in residential areas following their surprise attack on Tuesday, when they nearly overran Farah, before Afghan troops backed by US&nbspair power fought them off.

"From one side, there were Taliban and from the other side, war planes firing from the air. People were terrified," said city shopkeeper Qudratullah.

The Taliban fighters emerged from their hiding places about an hour before midnight on Wednesday, some of them firing on security forces from rooftops, with gunbattles raging into the early hours of Thursday.

At least one suicide bomb attack was launched near the city's police headquarters.

"The city has been turned into a military zone, people are worried and shops are closed," said resident Baz Mohammad.

"After what happened last night, anything can happen any time."

Schools were also declared closed for the whole of the month of Ramadan, which began on Thursday, because of the security situation, said Kabir Haqmal, media advisor to the ministry of education.

After months of relative calm over the winter, the latest fighting underlines the challenge facing the Kabul government and its US&nbspallies who are struggling to contain the Taliban insurgency.

The United States has sent thousands of extra trainers to help Afghan forces and stepped up air strikes dramatically, with the aim of pressing the Taliban to the negotiating table, but there has been little to indicate the plan is working.

Blaming Iran

In Farah, US&nbspforces have provided air support with A-10 attack aircraft and pilotless drones, while the Afghan air force has conducted numerous strikes with its own helicopters and A-29 ground attack aircraft.

Officials had earlier said the city was clear of Taliban but confirmed the fighting overnight.

"A number of Taliban clashed with Afghan forces in different parts of the city," said Fazel Ahmad Sherzad, the city's police chief.

"Right now there is no fighting but a search and clearance operation is underway," he said.

He said a number of foreign fighters appeared to be operating with the Taliban but there was no way of independently verifying that. Officials in Farah often blame neighbouring Iran for helping the Taliban in the area.

Fighting has increased across Afghanistan in recent weeks with government forces under heavy pressure in provinces including Badakhshan, Baghlan and Faryab in the north, Farah in the west and Zabul and Ghazni south of the capital Kabul.

In addition, Kabul itself has been targeted by a wave of suicide attacks that have killed and wounded hundreds of people since the beginning of the year.

Remote and sparsely populated Farah, on the border with Iran has seen heavy fighting for months with Taliban forces inflicting heavy casualties on the police and army and even on elite special forces units.

The Taliban fighters emerged from their hiding places about an hour before midnight on Wednesday

Taliban fighters emerged from hiding in the dead of night to launch attacks in the Afghan city of Farah, battling government forces who thought they had cleared out the insurgents following heavy clashes earlier in the week, residents and officials said. The heavily armed fighters had gone to ground in residential areas following their surprise attack on Tuesday, when they nearly overran Farah, before Afghan troops backed by US&nbspair power fought them off. "From one side, there were Taliban and from the other side, war planes firing from the air. People were terrified," said city shopkeeper Qudratullah. The Taliban fighters emerged from their hiding places about an hour before midnight on Wednesday, some of them firing on security forces from rooftops, with gunbattles raging into the early hours of Thursday. At least one suicide bomb attack was launched near the city's police headquarters. "The city has been turned into a military zone, people are worried and shops are closed," said resident Baz Mohammad. "After what happened last night, anything can happen any time." Schools were also declared closed for the whole of the month of Ramadan, which began on Thursday, because of the security situation, said Kabir Haqmal, media advisor to the ministry of education. After months of relative calm over the winter, the latest fighting underlines the challenge facing the Kabul government and its US&nbspallies who are struggling to contain the Taliban insurgency. The United States has sent thousands of extra trainers to help Afghan forces and stepped up air strikes dramatically, with the aim of pressing the Taliban to the negotiating table, but there has been little to indicate the plan is working. Blaming Iran In Farah, US&nbspforces have provided air support with A-10 attack aircraft and pilotless drones, while the Afghan air force has conducted numerous strikes with its own helicopters and A-29 ground attack aircraft. Officials had earlier said the city was clear of Taliban but confirmed the fighting overnight. "A number of Taliban clashed with Afghan forces in different parts of the city," said Fazel Ahmad Sherzad, the city's police chief. "Right now there is no fighting but a search and clearance operation is underway," he said. He said a number of foreign fighters appeared to be operating with the Taliban but there was no way of independently verifying that. Officials in Farah often blame neighbouring Iran for helping the Taliban in the area. Fighting has increased across Afghanistan in recent weeks with government forces under heavy pressure in provinces including Badakhshan, Baghlan and Faryab in the north, Farah in the west and Zabul and Ghazni south of the capital Kabul. In addition, Kabul itself has been targeted by a wave of suicide attacks that have killed and wounded hundreds of people since the beginning of the year. Remote and sparsely populated Farah, on the border with Iran has seen heavy fighting for months with Taliban forces inflicting heavy casualties on the police and army and even on elite special forces units.

Taliban emerge from hiding to battle Afghan forces in city near Iran

&nbsp;A notorious Islamist militant wanted for more than 100 murders was killed in an intense gunfight with security forces in southwestern Pakistan today, the military said.

Pakistani forces raided the Killi Almas village on the outskirts of Quetta, capital of the restive Balochistan province, based on a tip that there were suicide bombers hiding there, according to a military statement.

Three militants were killed in the firefight that erupted, including Salman Badeni, the provincial commander of the sectarian militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ).

Badeni -- described by authorities as a "high-value target" -- was wanted for his involvement in the killing of more than 100 people, including policemen and members of the minority Shiite Hazara community.

The other two militants were suicide bombers, the military said.

An army intelligence officer was also killed in the operation, it added, and four other soldiers were wounded -- two of them critically.

LeJ, a Sunni group, is widely considered to be one of the most violent sectarian outfits in Pakistan. It has claimed responsibility for a number of high-profile attacks in recent years on Shiites, who are considered heretics by sectarian Sunni extremists.

Several Islamist militant groups are active in Balochistan, including the Taliban and local affiliates of the Islamic State group.

More than 1,500 Shiite Hazaras have been killed in the province in recent years, according to Abdul Khaliq Hazara, chairman of the Hazara Democratic Party.

Many of them were killed in attacks blamed on LeJ and IS.

Both groups claimed responsibility for an attack on lawyers in Quetta last year that killed more than 70 people.

Pakistan has also been battling separatist insurgents in Balochistan for over a decade, with hundreds of soldiers and rebels killed in the fighting.

Pakistani forces raided the Killi Almas village on the outskirts of Quetta, capital of the restive Balochistan province, based on a tip that there were suicide bombers hiding there

A notorious Islamist militant wanted for more than 100 murders was killed in an intense gunfight with security forces in southwestern Pakistan today, the military said. Pakistani forces raided the Killi Almas village on the outskirts of Quetta, capital of the restive Balochistan province, based on a tip that there were suicide bombers hiding there, according to a military statement. Three militants were killed in the firefight that erupted, including Salman Badeni, the provincial commander of the sectarian militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ). Badeni -- described by authorities as a "high-value target" -- was wanted for his involvement in the killing of more than 100 people, including policemen and members of the minority Shiite Hazara community. The other two militants were suicide bombers, the military said. An army intelligence officer was also killed in the operation, it added, and four other soldiers were wounded -- two of them critically. LeJ, a Sunni group, is widely considered to be one of the most violent sectarian outfits in Pakistan. It has claimed responsibility for a number of high-profile attacks in recent years on Shiites, who are considered heretics by sectarian Sunni extremists. Several Islamist militant groups are active in Balochistan, including the Taliban and local affiliates of the Islamic State group. More than 1,500 Shiite Hazaras have been killed in the province in recent years, according to Abdul Khaliq Hazara, chairman of the Hazara Democratic Party. Many of them were killed in attacks blamed on LeJ and IS. Both groups claimed responsibility for an attack on lawyers in Quetta last year that killed more than 70 people. Pakistan has also been battling separatist insurgents in Balochistan for over a decade, with hundreds of soldiers and rebels killed in the fighting.

Pakistani forces kill militant wanted for over 100 murders

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani apologised Wednesday to the families of civilians, mainly children, killed when the country's air force sprayed an outdoor religious gathering with rockets and machine gun fire last month.

The April 2 airstrike on a ceremony attended by hundreds of men and boys in Dasht-e-Archi district -- a Taliban stronghold in the northern province of Kunduz -- left at least 36 people dead including 30 &nbspchildren, a United Nations investigation has shown.&nbsp

Seventy-one people were wounded, including 51 children, it said, adding that it had "credible information" the tolls could be even higher.

Originally the government and military had said the Afghan Air Force targeted a Taliban base where senior members of the group were planning attacks.&nbsp

The defence ministry initially denied any civilians had been hurt, then claimed the Taliban had shot them.

On Wednesday Ghani met families as well as local elders and apologised, a statement from the presidential palace said.

"(T)he difference between evildoers and a legitimate government is that a legitimate government apologises for the mistakes made," he said, according to the statement.&nbsp

He also vowed that the government would pay compensation to the families, and build a minaret in memory of the victims as well as a mosque for the region. The statement gave no further details.&nbsp

The UN investigators could not confirm if the casualties were all civilians or whether Taliban leaders had been present at the time of the air strike. They have called for further investigations. &nbsp &nbsp&nbsp

The government has sent two teams to conduct an investigation into the incident but so far neither team has "publicly reported their findings", the UN said.&nbsp

The April 2 airstrike on a ceremony attended by hundreds of men and boys in Dasht-e-Archi district -- a Taliban stronghold in the northern province of Kunduz -- left at least 36 people dead including 30 children

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani apologised Wednesday to the families of civilians, mainly children, killed when the country's air force sprayed an outdoor religious gathering with rockets and machine gun fire last month. The April 2 airstrike on a ceremony attended by hundreds of men and boys in Dasht-e-Archi district -- a Taliban stronghold in the northern province of Kunduz -- left at least 36 people dead including 30 &nbspchildren, a United Nations investigation has shown. Seventy-one people were wounded, including 51 children, it said, adding that it had "credible information" the tolls could be even higher. Originally the government and military had said the Afghan Air Force targeted a Taliban base where senior members of the group were planning attacks. The defence ministry initially denied any civilians had been hurt, then claimed the Taliban had shot them. On Wednesday Ghani met families as well as local elders and apologised, a statement from the presidential palace said. "(T)he difference between evildoers and a legitimate government is that a legitimate government apologises for the mistakes made," he said, according to the statement. He also vowed that the government would pay compensation to the families, and build a minaret in memory of the victims as well as a mosque for the region. The statement gave no further details. The UN investigators could not confirm if the casualties were all civilians or whether Taliban leaders had been present at the time of the air strike. They have called for further investigations. The government has sent two teams to conduct an investigation into the incident but so far neither team has "publicly reported their findings", the UN said.

Ashraf Ghani apologises after Afghan air strike kills 30 children

Taliban fighters with heavy weapons and night-vision equipment fought their way close to the centre of the western city of Farah on Tuesday, as Afghan government forces backed by US&nbsp;air strikes battled to keep control, officials and residents said.

Residents of the city, capital of Farah province on the border with Iran, have warned for months the city was vulnerable and the attack threatened a repeat of the Taliban's capture of the northern city of Kunduz, which fell briefly in 2015.

"The Taliban are moving very fast, if the government does not take serious and speedy action, the province is going to collapse to Taliban," said Hamidullah, a resident of the city reached by telephone.

Residents said Taliban forces began their attack at around 2.00 am&nbsp;(2130 GMT Monday) from several directions.

Mohammad Radmanish, a spokesman for the defence ministry in Kabul, said security forces from neighbouring provinces had been ordered to Farah to protect civilians and government buildings and said the Taliban had been pushed out of the city.

"Fortunately, special forces and commandos are in the city and there is no danger of it falling," he said, adding that the Afghan air force was attacking Taliban positions.

The NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Kabul said in a statement the city remained under government control and US&nbsp;A-10 attack aircraft were supporting Afghan forces in defending it.

However, the attack adds to the problems facing President Ashraf Ghani's government, which has come under increasing public pressure over worsening security ahead of parliamentary elections due in October.

There were no immediate casualty assessments but residents said there were wounded and dead on both sides as well as among the civilian population.

In one incident, at least 18 soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber in the Askarabad area of the city, Farid Bakhtawar, head of a provincial council said. However, Radmanish said only two soldiers were killed in the blast.

Officials said the insurgents were close to overrunning four police districts and the city's headquarters of the National Directorate of Security, the main intelligence service, was under heavy attack.

"Farah is in dire need of air support," Dadullah Qane, a provincial council member, said by telephone. "The Taliban are well equipped with heavy arms and night vision equipment."

He said fighting had come close to the provincial governor's house and police headquarters and the governor and other officials had left the city.

Many officials, including the governor's spokesman, were not answering their telephones and it was not immediately possible to confirm the governor's whereabouts.

New US strategy

The fighting adds to the growing number of crisis points around Afghanistan since the Taliban began their annual spring offensive last month, including a series of deadly suicide attacks in the capital, Kabul.

District centres have been lost or threatened in the northern provinces of Baghlan and Badakhshan and there has been heavy fighting in Faryab in the northwest and Ghazni and Zabul, south of Kabul.

Although the insurgents have been unable to take and hold any provincial centre, they are active across Afghanistan and the government has firm control over no more than 56 percent of the country, according to U.S. estimates.

The United States has boosted its assistance to the government under a new strategy announced by President Donald Trump last year, sending thousands of additional troops and advisers and stepping up air strikes to support Afghan forces.

Although US&nbsp;commanders have been relatively upbeat about improvements in the performance of Afghan forces, the Taliban appear to have made significant gains this year.

Farah, a remote and sparsely populated province on the border with Iran, has seen months of heavy fighting, with hundreds of police and soldiers killed and severe losses inflicted even on elite special forces units.

Farah residents have said Taliban forces were being supported by Iran. The governor of the province stepped down in January, denouncing worsening security and what he said was political interference and corruption.

The province, which also borders the opium-rich Taliban heartland of Helmand province, has key smuggling routes into Iran. Hundreds of fighters have moved there as US&nbsp;and Afghan forces have stepped up operations in Helmand.

As the fighting raged on Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi warned civilians to remain in their houses.

"Mujahideen have nothing to do with civilians, only military positions are the target," he said in a statement, referring to Taliban fighters.

Residents said shops, schools and government offices were closed and the Taliban had set up posts around the city and were checking identity cards and preventing people from fleeing.

Residents of the city, capital of Farah province on the border with Iran, have warned for months the city was vulnerable

Taliban fighters with heavy weapons and night-vision equipment fought their way close to the centre of the western city of Farah on Tuesday, as Afghan government forces backed by US air strikes battled to keep control, officials and residents said. Residents of the city, capital of Farah province on the border with Iran, have warned for months the city was vulnerable and the attack threatened a repeat of the Taliban's capture of the northern city of Kunduz, which fell briefly in 2015. "The Taliban are moving very fast, if the government does not take serious and speedy action, the province is going to collapse to Taliban," said Hamidullah, a resident of the city reached by telephone. Residents said Taliban forces began their attack at around 2.00 am (2130 GMT Monday) from several directions. Mohammad Radmanish, a spokesman for the defence ministry in Kabul, said security forces from neighbouring provinces had been ordered to Farah to protect civilians and government buildings and said the Taliban had been pushed out of the city. "Fortunately, special forces and commandos are in the city and there is no danger of it falling," he said, adding that the Afghan air force was attacking Taliban positions. The NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Kabul said in a statement the city remained under government control and US A-10 attack aircraft were supporting Afghan forces in defending it. However, the attack adds to the problems facing President Ashraf Ghani's government, which has come under increasing public pressure over worsening security ahead of parliamentary elections due in October. There were no immediate casualty assessments but residents said there were wounded and dead on both sides as well as among the civilian population. In one incident, at least 18 soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber in the Askarabad area of the city, Farid Bakhtawar, head of a provincial council said. However, Radmanish said only two soldiers were killed in the blast. Officials said the insurgents were close to overrunning four police districts and the city's headquarters of the National Directorate of Security, the main intelligence service, was under heavy attack. "Farah is in dire need of air support," Dadullah Qane, a provincial council member, said by telephone. "The Taliban are well equipped with heavy arms and night vision equipment." He said fighting had come close to the provincial governor's house and police headquarters and the governor and other officials had left the city. Many officials, including the governor's spokesman, were not answering their telephones and it was not immediately possible to confirm the governor's whereabouts. New US strategy The fighting adds to the growing number of crisis points around Afghanistan since the Taliban began their annual spring offensive last month, including a series of deadly suicide attacks in the capital, Kabul. District centres have been lost or threatened in the northern provinces of Baghlan and Badakhshan and there has been heavy fighting in Faryab in the northwest and Ghazni and Zabul, south of Kabul. Although the insurgents have been unable to take and hold any provincial centre, they are active across Afghanistan and the government has firm control over no more than 56 percent of the country, according to U.S. estimates. The United States has boosted its assistance to the government under a new strategy announced by President Donald Trump last year, sending thousands of additional troops and advisers and stepping up air strikes to support Afghan forces. Although US commanders have been relatively upbeat about improvements in the performance of Afghan forces, the Taliban appear to have made significant gains this year. Farah, a remote and sparsely populated province on the border with Iran, has seen months of heavy fighting, with hundreds of police and soldiers killed and severe losses inflicted even on elite special forces units. Farah residents have said Taliban forces were being supported by Iran. The governor of the province stepped down in January, denouncing worsening security and what he said was political interference and corruption. The province, which also borders the opium-rich Taliban heartland of Helmand province, has key smuggling routes into Iran. Hundreds of fighters have moved there as US and Afghan forces have stepped up operations in Helmand. As the fighting raged on Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi warned civilians to remain in their houses. "Mujahideen have nothing to do with civilians, only military positions are the target," he said in a statement, referring to Taliban fighters. Residents said shops, schools and government offices were closed and the Taliban had set up posts around the city and were checking identity cards and preventing people from fleeing.

Taliban battle into west Afghan city in new crisis for government

Afghan security forces and Taliban clashed in the&nbsp;poppy-growing western city of Farah on Tuesday after terrorists launched an overnight attack with gunfire and explosions.

At least 100 government&nbsp;commandos launched an attack on the Taliban on Tuesday morning. "Heavy fighting continues inside the city and aircraft have just started bombarding Taliban positions," &nbsp;local provincial council member Jamila Amini told AFP Tuesday from inside the city.

At least 1 convoy was hit by suicide bombers, reports said.

Earlier in the week, at least 10 people were killed and over 40 injured after terrorists stormed a government building in Jalalabad.

The attack began after terrorists noted a car bomb outside the finance department. The Islamic State group claimed it carried out the attack.

At least 100 government launched an attack on the Taliban on Tuesday morning.

Afghan security forces and Taliban clashed in the poppy-growing western city of Farah on Tuesday after terrorists launched an overnight attack with gunfire and explosions. At least 100 government commandos launched an attack on the Taliban on Tuesday morning. "Heavy fighting continues inside the city and aircraft have just started bombarding Taliban positions," local provincial council member Jamila Amini told AFP Tuesday from inside the city. At least 1 convoy was hit by suicide bombers, reports said. Earlier in the week, at least 10 people were killed and over 40 injured after terrorists stormed a government building in Jalalabad. The attack began after terrorists noted a car bomb outside the finance department. The Islamic State group claimed it carried out the attack.

Afghan commandos, Taliban clash in Farah after overnight attack

The seven <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/taliban-suspected-in-abduction-of-indian-engineers-sources-to-wion-135052">Indian&nbspengineers who were abducted</a> in Afghanistan on Sunday, at least four belonged to Jharkhand, report said.

The Indians belonged to&nbspJhargram in Jharkhand's populous Giridih district. All the engineers&nbspworked for a private company named KEC.

They were abducted by unidentified gunmen on Sunday.&nbspReports said Taliban could be behind the kidnappings but there has been no confirmation so far.

The Indian government continues to engage with the Afghanistan&nbspgovernment over the abduction of seven engineers.

The engineers were travelling in a bus to the power plant when they were abducted by unknown gunmen in northern Baghlan province of Afghanistan.

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has been in touch with the Afghanistan foreign minister with very little information available on the ground.

Nearly a week after the incident, there is no news of the abducted Indians and no organizations has yet taken responsibility for the abduction.

The engineers were travelling in a bus to the power plant when they were abducted by unknown gunmen in northern Baghlan province of Afghanistan.

The seven Indian&nbspengineers who were abducted in Afghanistan on Sunday, at least four belonged to Jharkhand, report said. The Indians belonged to&nbspJhargram in Jharkhand's populous Giridih district. All the engineers&nbspworked for a private company named KEC. They were abducted by unidentified gunmen on Sunday.&nbspReports said Taliban could be behind the kidnappings but there has been no confirmation so far. The Indian government continues to engage with the Afghanistan&nbspgovernment over the abduction of seven engineers. The engineers were travelling in a bus to the power plant when they were abducted by unknown gunmen in northern Baghlan province of Afghanistan. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has been in touch with the Afghanistan foreign minister with very little information available on the ground. Nearly a week after the incident, there is no news of the abducted Indians and no organizations has yet taken responsibility for the abduction.

Indians abducted in Afghanistan: 4 belonged to Jharkhand

Afghan police and terrorists are engaged in a gunbattle in Kabul close to the police headquarters&nbsp;in the Dasht-e-Barchi area, reports said.

Reports said a blast occurred near the police headquarters after that police and terrorists exchanged heavy gunfire.

Police have surrounded the area as the gunbattle continues.

A second blast was heard in Qala-e-Fatalullah&nbsp;area in Kabul, reports said.

AFP report said several blasts were heard in the heart of the capital followed by gunshots.

Reports said a blast occurred near the police headquarters

Afghan police and terrorists are engaged in a gunbattle in Kabul close to the police headquarters in the Dasht-e-Barchi area, reports said. Reports said a blast occurred near the police headquarters after that police and terrorists exchanged heavy gunfire. Police have surrounded the area as the gunbattle continues. A second blast was heard in Qala-e-Fatalullah area in Kabul, reports said. AFP report said several blasts were heard in the heart of the capital followed by gunshots.

Blasts in Kabul as police, terrorists exchange gunfire

Taliban fighters seized a district in the northern province of Baghlan on Tuesday and kept up pressure on the central city of Ghazni as heavy fighting continued across Afghanistan following the start of the insurgents` annual spring offensive last month.

Police officials said security forces had abandoned the district centre of Tala-wa Bafrak after becoming cut off from supplies during days of fighting.

"The Taliban have been attacking the district for a few days and at 11 am we had to retreat," said provincial police spokesman Zabihullah Shuja.

The loss follows Taliban pressure last week on the northern province of Badakhshan, where the insurgents took control of a district centre and have been battling government forces who claimed to have retaken it.

In Ghazni province, south of the capital Kabul, government forces backed by air strikes have been battling for control of a key highway and fierce fighting continued on Tuesday, with the Taliban saying it had killed more than 100 government troops.

Mohammad Zaman, police chief of Ghazni said five Taliban militants were killed and their bodies were left at the site of the attack.

Security officials said around 100 Taliban fighters had been killed in clashes in four provinces over the past 48 hours, with heavy fighting also seen in Faryab province in the northwest.

Estimates of enemy casualties on both sides in the Afghan conflict are often inflated but the numbers point to heavy fighting, underlining the challenge for the government as it prepares for parliamentary elections in October.

Dozens of people have been killed in suicide attacks in Kabul in recent weeks, including some 60 people at a voter registration centre and nine journalists in a blast on April 30.

The elections are seen as a key test of the government`s credibility and require millions of voters to register at vulnerable election centres across the country.&nbsp

In addition to the attack in Kabul, at least 17 people were killed by a blast at a mosque that housed a voter centre in the eastern province of Khost last week.

A military spokesman said 66 Taliban militants had been killed and 28 injured during ongoing operations in five districts in Baghlan and Faryab provinces.

In Nangarhar, an eastern province, officials said 19 suspected Taliban militants, including seven Pakistani citizens, were killed in clashes with special forces units, Attaullah Khogyani, the provincial governor`s spokesman said.&nbsp

Taliban fighters seized a district in the northern province of Baghlan on Tuesday and kept up pressure on the central city of Ghazni as heavy fighting continued across Afghanistan following the start of the insurgents` annual spring offensive last month

Taliban fighters seized a district in the northern province of Baghlan on Tuesday and kept up pressure on the central city of Ghazni as heavy fighting continued across Afghanistan following the start of the insurgents` annual spring offensive last month. Police officials said security forces had abandoned the district centre of Tala-wa Bafrak after becoming cut off from supplies during days of fighting. "The Taliban have been attacking the district for a few days and at 11 am we had to retreat," said provincial police spokesman Zabihullah Shuja. The loss follows Taliban pressure last week on the northern province of Badakhshan, where the insurgents took control of a district centre and have been battling government forces who claimed to have retaken it. In Ghazni province, south of the capital Kabul, government forces backed by air strikes have been battling for control of a key highway and fierce fighting continued on Tuesday, with the Taliban saying it had killed more than 100 government troops. Mohammad Zaman, police chief of Ghazni said five Taliban militants were killed and their bodies were left at the site of the attack. Security officials said around 100 Taliban fighters had been killed in clashes in four provinces over the past 48 hours, with heavy fighting also seen in Faryab province in the northwest. Estimates of enemy casualties on both sides in the Afghan conflict are often inflated but the numbers point to heavy fighting, underlining the challenge for the government as it prepares for parliamentary elections in October. Dozens of people have been killed in suicide attacks in Kabul in recent weeks, including some 60 people at a voter registration centre and nine journalists in a blast on April 30. The elections are seen as a key test of the government`s credibility and require millions of voters to register at vulnerable election centres across the country. In addition to the attack in Kabul, at least 17 people were killed by a blast at a mosque that housed a voter centre in the eastern province of Khost last week. A military spokesman said 66 Taliban militants had been killed and 28 injured during ongoing operations in five districts in Baghlan and Faryab provinces. In Nangarhar, an eastern province, officials said 19 suspected Taliban militants, including seven Pakistani citizens, were killed in clashes with special forces units, Attaullah Khogyani, the provincial governor`s spokesman said.

Taliban seize another district centre as Afghan fighting continues

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seven-indian-engineers-kidnapped-in-afghanistan-police-134950">seven Indians and an Afghan national</a> who were abducted when they were traveling to a government-run power station in a minibus on Sunday are suspected to be kidnapped by the terrorist-outfit Taliban, sources told WION on Monday.&nbsp;

The Afghanistan foreign Minister has since contacted External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for help. There has been no information on their whereabouts or the reason behind the abduction yet.&nbsp;

The seven Indians were engineers working for a power plant in Afghanistan&nbsp;were on their way when unknown gunmen abducted them and their Afghan driver, Zabihullah Shuja.&nbsp;

Two officials at the Indian embassy in Kabul confirmed the kidnapping of the engineers, all working for the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) that operates power generating stations.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VH9VezeFp2o" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The seven Indians were engineers working for a power plant in Afghanistan who were on their way when unknown gunmen abducted them and their Afghan driver

The seven Indians and an Afghan national who were abducted when they were traveling to a government-run power station in a minibus on Sunday are suspected to be kidnapped by the terrorist-outfit Taliban, sources told WION on Monday. The Afghanistan foreign Minister has since contacted External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for help. There has been no information on their whereabouts or the reason behind the abduction yet. The seven Indians were engineers working for a power plant in Afghanistan were on their way when unknown gunmen abducted them and their Afghan driver, Zabihullah Shuja. Two officials at the Indian embassy in Kabul confirmed the kidnapping of the engineers, all working for the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) that operates power generating stations.

Taliban suspected in abduction of seven Indian engineers: Sources to WION

Afghanistan Police saved dozens of lives on Monday after they prevented a suicide bomber from attacking a busy area in the capital city Kabul.&nbsp;

The police shot dead a suicide bomber who was apparently planning to attack an outdoor blood donor facility in central Kabul.

The police opened fire at him as he approached the centre, in a park in the Shar-e-Naw commercial district.&nbsp;

Besides the bomber, nobody else was injured in the area.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of bomb blasts in the recent weeks. Nine journalists were killed in twin blasts that jolted capital city Kabul on April 30.

The country is undergoing an increase in bombings and other attacks since April 25, after the Taliban announced the onset of their spring season.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The suicide bomber was apparently planning to attack an outdoor blood donor facility in central Kabul

Afghanistan Police saved dozens of lives on Monday after they prevented a suicide bomber from attacking a busy area in the capital city Kabul. The police shot dead a suicide bomber who was apparently planning to attack an outdoor blood donor facility in central Kabul. The police opened fire at him as he approached the centre, in a park in the Shar-e-Naw commercial district. Besides the bomber, nobody else was injured in the area. Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of bomb blasts in the recent weeks. Nine journalists were killed in twin blasts that jolted capital city Kabul on April 30. The country is undergoing an increase in bombings and other attacks since April 25, after the Taliban announced the onset of their spring season.

Afghanistan Police prevent attack, shoot dead suicide bomber in Kabul

Security officials in Afghanistan are working with local tribal elders to trace the seven Indian engineers <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/taliban-suspected-in-abduction-of-indian-engineers-sources-to-wion-135052">abducted by Taliban gunmen</a> in the restive northern Baghlan province, media reports said today.

Provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja said the Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station.&nbsp;

They were abducted by the militants from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area yesterday while they were travelling to inspect the work progress.

Shuja said the Afghan driver of the engineers is also missing and an operation is underway for their release, according to media reports.

The security officials in the province said efforts are underway by the Afghan forces and the government officials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of the Indian engineers.&nbsp;

Provincial governor Abdul Nemati said the security forces and the local officials are busy tracking the missing engineers and their driver.

He said apart from the security forces and the government officials, the local tribal elders have also stepped up efforts for the release of the Indian nationals.

Nemati assured that the missing Indian engineers and their driver will be released soon.

Baghlan Governor had yesterday said the terror group had abducted the Indian engineers and their driver, believing they were government employees.

No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the abduction.

The External Affairs Ministry had said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Many of the earlier abductions in the war-torn country have been linked to Taliban.&nbsp;

In 2016, 40-year-old Indian aid worker Judith D'Souza was kidnapped in Kabul. She was released after 40 days.

India has provided at least USD 2 billion aid to Afghanistan for the economic development of the war-torn nation.&nbsp;

The engineers, employees of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on the construction of a power sub-station. They were kidnapped on Sunday

Security officials in Afghanistan are working with local tribal elders to trace the seven Indian engineers abducted by Taliban gunmen in the restive northern Baghlan province, media reports said today. Provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja said the Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station. They were abducted by the militants from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area yesterday while they were travelling to inspect the work progress. Shuja said the Afghan driver of the engineers is also missing and an operation is underway for their release, according to media reports. The security officials in the province said efforts are underway by the Afghan forces and the government officials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of the Indian engineers. Provincial governor Abdul Nemati said the security forces and the local officials are busy tracking the missing engineers and their driver. He said apart from the security forces and the government officials, the local tribal elders have also stepped up efforts for the release of the Indian nationals. Nemati assured that the missing Indian engineers and their driver will be released soon. Baghlan Governor had yesterday said the terror group had abducted the Indian engineers and their driver, believing they were government employees. No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the abduction. The External Affairs Ministry had said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan. Many of the earlier abductions in the war-torn country have been linked to Taliban. In 2016, 40-year-old Indian aid worker Judith D'Souza was kidnapped in Kabul. She was released after 40 days. India has provided at least USD 2 billion aid to Afghanistan for the economic development of the war-torn nation.

Afghan officials working with tribal elders to find 7 abducted Indian engineers

A bomb explosion in Afghanistan's Laghman province on Sunday led to&nbsp;injuries of at least eleven civilians on Sunday.

The injured includes five woman, two children and four men.

The injured people have been moved to the hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

The authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion and have deployed a team at the explosion site.

Though the province is&nbsp;comparatively&nbsp;peaceful in the country, Taliban militants and Islamic State are active in few remote parts of the province.

The United Nations recently expressed concern and outrage over the frequent terror attacks in the country.

Twin suicide blasts, claimed by the ISIS, in the Afghan capital Kabul killed 25 people, including 10 journalists earlier this week. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The United Nations recently expressed concern and outrage over the frequent terror attacks in the country

A bomb explosion in Afghanistan's Laghman province on Sunday led to injuries of at least eleven civilians on Sunday. The injured includes five woman, two children and four men. The injured people have been moved to the hospital for treatment. The authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion and have deployed a team at the explosion site. Though the province is comparatively peaceful in the country, Taliban militants and Islamic State are active in few remote parts of the province. The United Nations recently expressed concern and outrage over the frequent terror attacks in the country. Twin suicide blasts, claimed by the ISIS, in the Afghan capital Kabul killed 25 people, including 10 journalists earlier this week. (With inputs from ANI)

11 wounded in Laghman explosion in Afghanistan

Afghan security forces arrested seven suspected militants who were planning to attack a government-run hospital and an interior ministry office in the capital Kabul on Thursday, officials said.

The arrests come two days after twin blasts near government buildings in Kabul killed at least 26 people including nine journalists.

Hundreds of people have been killed and wounded in a series of high profile attacks in Kabul in recent months, exposing the inability of security officials and the government to pre-empt or prevent them.

Last month, the Taliban announced the start of its annual spring offensive or the fighting season, saying it will target U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

On Thursday, officials at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the seven alleged militants were interrogated and confessed plans to attack an old compound of the interior ministry and the Ghazi Amanullah Khan hospital that provides treatment to Afghan security forces.

The arrested men, according to the NDS statement, were brought to Kabul by a facilitator after they were equipped to mount attacks and become suicide bombers.

An NDS official said the seven youths were trained in different madrassas (religious schools) located in Chaman district, situated on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Afghanistan’s Western-backed government has long accused Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban insurgents, a charge that Islamabad denies.

Islamabad, in turn, accuses Afghanistan of not doing enough to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants, many of whom are based in Afghanistan and mostly carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

Hundreds of people have been killed and wounded in a series of high profile attacks in Kabul in recent months, exposing the inability of security officials and the government to Kabul or prevent them.

Afghan security forces arrested seven suspected militants who were planning to attack a government-run hospital and an interior ministry office in the capital Kabul on Thursday, officials said. The arrests come two days after twin blasts near government buildings in Kabul killed at least 26 people including nine journalists. Hundreds of people have been killed and wounded in a series of high profile attacks in Kabul in recent months, exposing the inability of security officials and the government to pre-empt or prevent them. Last month, the Taliban announced the start of its annual spring offensive or the fighting season, saying it will target U.S. forces in Afghanistan. On Thursday, officials at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the seven alleged militants were interrogated and confessed plans to attack an old compound of the interior ministry and the Ghazi Amanullah Khan hospital that provides treatment to Afghan security forces. The arrested men, according to the NDS statement, were brought to Kabul by a facilitator after they were equipped to mount attacks and become suicide bombers. An NDS official said the seven youths were trained in different madrassas (religious schools) located in Chaman district, situated on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Afghanistan’s Western-backed government has long accused Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban insurgents, a charge that Islamabad denies. Islamabad, in turn, accuses Afghanistan of not doing enough to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants, many of whom are based in Afghanistan and mostly carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

Afghan forces say attacks on government building, hospital foiled

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