Out of the 28,000 Afghans who applied for temporary admission into the United States under the humanitarian parole shortly before the Taliban recaptured Afghanistan, only 100 of them have been approved, according to US federal officials.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which has been struggling to keep up with the rise in applicants, has assured to ramp up the staff to sort out the growing backlog.

Many Afghan families who settled in the US&nbsp; years ago say that they are frustrated with the slow pace of approvals, claiming that any further delay would threaten the safety of their loved ones, who face an uncertain future under the hard-line Islamic government because of their ties to the West.

“We're worried for their lives,” news agency AP quoted Safi, a Massachusetts resident whose family is sponsoring 21 relatives seeking humanitarian parole.

“Sometimes, I think there will be a day when I wake up and receive a call saying that they're no more.”

Another 38-year-old Afghan-based US resident is hoping to bring over her sister, her uncle and their families.

She told AP that the families have been in hiding and their house was destroyed in a recent bombing because her uncle had been a prominent local official before the Taliban took over.

Victoria Palmer, a USCIS spokesperson, said the agency has trained 44 additional staff to help address the application surge. As of mid-October, the agency had only six staffers detailed to the program.

Of the more than 100 approved as of July 1, some are still in Afghanistan and some have made it to third countries, she said, declining to provide details.

The program typically receives fewer than 2,000 requests annually from all nationalities, of which USCIS approves an average of about 500, according to Palmer.

(With inputs from agencies)

Out of the 28,000 Afghans who applied for temporary admission into the United States under the humanitarian parole shortly before the Taliban recaptured Afghanistan, only 100 of them have been approved, according to US federal officials.

Out of the 28,000 Afghans who applied for temporary admission into the United States under the humanitarian parole shortly before the Taliban recaptured Afghanistan, only 100 of them have been approved, according to US federal officials. US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which has been struggling to keep up with the rise in applicants, has assured to ramp up the staff to sort out the growing backlog. Many Afghan families who settled in the US years ago say that they are frustrated with the slow pace of approvals, claiming that any further delay would threaten the safety of their loved ones, who face an uncertain future under the hard-line Islamic government because of their ties to the West. “We're worried for their lives,” news agency AP quoted Safi, a Massachusetts resident whose family is sponsoring 21 relatives seeking humanitarian parole. “Sometimes, I think there will be a day when I wake up and receive a call saying that they're no more.” Another 38-year-old Afghan-based US resident is hoping to bring over her sister, her uncle and their families. She told AP that the families have been in hiding and their house was destroyed in a recent bombing because her uncle had been a prominent local official before the Taliban took over. Victoria Palmer, a USCIS spokesperson, said the agency has trained 44 additional staff to help address the application surge. As of mid-October, the agency had only six staffers detailed to the program. Of the more than 100 approved as of July 1, some are still in Afghanistan and some have made it to third countries, she said, declining to provide details. The program typically receives fewer than 2,000 requests annually from all nationalities, of which USCIS approves an average of about 500, according to Palmer. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 28,000 Afghans apply for US temporary entry, but only 100 applicants approved

The Taliban`s officials in central Daikundi province said that they arrested 11 people who are suspected to be affiliates of ISIS-K, the terror group which recently speeded its attacks in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of it, reported local media.

The officials said that the suspects are from Helmand, Ghazni, and Urozgan provinces but added that further investigations have been started, said Khaama Press.Weapons of the suspects have been seized by the Taliban.

A few days back, the Taliban arrested ten ISIS-K affiliates and killed three more during large-scale operations in Kandahar province.The four hideouts of the ISIS-K have been eliminated in the province, according to the Taliban`s officials in Kandahar province.

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan branch is now the only terror group that operates against the Taliban in Afghanistan and inflicts causalities on civilians people mainly the Shia Muslims, according to Khaama Press.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Taliban`s officials in central Daikundi province said that they arrested 11 people who are suspected to be affiliates of ISIS-K, the terror group which recently speeded its attacks in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of it, reported local media.

The Taliban`s officials in central Daikundi province said that they arrested 11 people who are suspected to be affiliates of ISIS-K, the terror group which recently speeded its attacks in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of it, reported local media. The officials said that the suspects are from Helmand, Ghazni, and Urozgan provinces but added that further investigations have been started, said Khaama Press.Weapons of the suspects have been seized by the Taliban. A few days back, the Taliban arrested ten ISIS-K affiliates and killed three more during large-scale operations in Kandahar province.The four hideouts of the ISIS-K have been eliminated in the province, according to the Taliban`s officials in Kandahar province. Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan branch is now the only terror group that operates against the Taliban in Afghanistan and inflicts causalities on civilians people mainly the Shia Muslims, according to Khaama Press.

Taliban arrest 11 IS suspects in central Daikundi province

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai on Sunday said she was concerned that the Taliban's block on girls' education in Afghanistan will not be temporary, as claimed.

Yousafzai, who was shot by the Pakistani Taliban in 2012 for campaigning for girls' education, told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that "I'm afraid that this ban that they have announced right now that they're calling temporary might not actually be temporary."

A similar ban in 1996 "lasted for five years", she pointed out.

After seizing power in August, the hardline Islamist Taliban in September excluded girls from returning to secondary school while ordering boys back to class.

The Taliban have claimed they will allow girls to return once they have ensured security and stricter segregation under their interpretation of Islamic law -- but many are sceptical.&nbsp;

"We're calling on the Taliban to immediately allow girls to have access to their complete education, we're calling on G20 leaders and other world leaders to ensure that girls' rights are protected in Afghanistan," said Yousafzai.

The 24-year-old activist, who revealed on Twitter this week that she had tied the knot with partner Asser Malik, sent an open letter last month urging the ban be reversed.

When she was 15, Yousafzai was shot in the head by militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban, in her home town in the Swat valley while on a school bus.

She recovered after months of treatment at home and abroad before co-writing a best-selling memoir titled "I am Malala."

Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as a 17-year-old in 2014, sharing the award with Kailash Satyarthi, a children's rights activist from India.

She graduated last year from the University of Oxford with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai on Sunday said she was concerned that the Taliban's block on girls' education in Afghanistan will not be temporary, as claimed.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai on Sunday said she was concerned that the Taliban's block on girls' education in Afghanistan will not be temporary, as claimed. Yousafzai, who was shot by the Pakistani Taliban in 2012 for campaigning for girls' education, told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that "I'm afraid that this ban that they have announced right now that they're calling temporary might not actually be temporary." A similar ban in 1996 "lasted for five years", she pointed out. After seizing power in August, the hardline Islamist Taliban in September excluded girls from returning to secondary school while ordering boys back to class. The Taliban have claimed they will allow girls to return once they have ensured security and stricter segregation under their interpretation of Islamic law -- but many are sceptical. "We're calling on the Taliban to immediately allow girls to have access to their complete education, we're calling on G20 leaders and other world leaders to ensure that girls' rights are protected in Afghanistan," said Yousafzai. The 24-year-old activist, who revealed on Twitter this week that she had tied the knot with partner Asser Malik, sent an open letter last month urging the ban be reversed. When she was 15, Yousafzai was shot in the head by militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban, in her home town in the Swat valley while on a school bus. She recovered after months of treatment at home and abroad before co-writing a best-selling memoir titled "I am Malala." Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as a 17-year-old in 2014, sharing the award with Kailash Satyarthi, a children's rights activist from India. She graduated last year from the University of Oxford with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics.

Nobel winner Malala fears Taliban will keep girls out of school

Taliban's show of strength: Military parade with US-made weapons

Despite the apparent calm, the NRF remains a problem for the Taliban. In recent videos, which emerged on social media through Telegram channels, reportedly show a crackdown being led by the Taliban to deal with the remnants of Panjshir resistance.

Afghanistan: NRF still remains a thorn at Taliban's side

Taliban forces held a military parade in Kabul on Sunday to display their ongoing transformation from an insurgent force to a regular standing army. Interestingly American-made armored vehicles and Russian helicopters were on full display at the parade.

Afghanistan: Show of might by the Taliban forces in Kabul

In an alarming incident, a video doing rounds on social media shows a woman who says that she was brutally whipped by a senior Taliban commander allegedly for refusing his advances.

Afghanistan: Woman claims Taliban commander beat her

On August 15, the Taliban seized power in Kabul, three months on Afghanistan is on the brink of an economic collapse. Attacks by the ISIS-K have been rising, women are virtually absent from public life, they have been barred from working and receiving education.

Three months since Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, violence continues to plague country

The Taliban claim to have complete control over Afghanistan. However, recent evidence points to the contrary.&nbsp;

Despite the Taliban government's best efforts, even after three months of the group's takeover of the country, the National Resistance Front (NRF) remains a thorn in its side.

Back in September, the Afghan National Resistance Front (NRF), a group of Panjshiri fighters and remnants of the defeated Afghan army, made their last stand against the heavily armed and well-funded Taliban.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/talibans-show-of-strength-military-parade-with-us-made-weapons-429432" hreflang="en">Taliban's show of strength:&nbsp;Military parade with US-made weapons</a>

Prior to that, the NRF was the only force capable of mounting serious armed opposition to the Taliban's relentless sweep through Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Even with the apparent calm of the last two months, the resistance has continued to be a problem for the Taliban.&nbsp;

Although the group claims they are not pursuing revenge, recently, a number of videos have emerged from social media channels, on Telegram channels appearing to show a Taliban crackdown on what is left-over of the Panjshir resistance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-afghan-girl-alleges-beating-by-taliban-commander-for-refusing-sex-taliban-post-video-to-refute-claim-429216" hreflang="en">Watch: Afghan girl alleges beating by Taliban commander for refusing sex, Taliban post video to refute claim</a>

In a video that has been circulating on social media recently, a Taliban fighter can allegedly be seen standing in front of three bodies claiming they were NRF fighters.&nbsp;

Responding to the rumours, the resistance group has denied the Taliban's claims, saying that the bodies of men pictured in these videos in fact belong to relatives of the fighters.&nbsp;

In another version of the story, a spokesman for the province of Khost has stated that the bodies were in fact of robbers.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-million-afghan-children-at-risk-of-dying-due-to-acute-malnutrition-who-428916" hreflang="en">One million Afghan children at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition: WHO</a>

An Afghan commander is said to have been tasked with dealing with the remnants of the resistance.&nbsp;

Hamid Khorasan, the Taliban commander in Afghanistan, is allegedly leading the crackdown. In another video gaining traction on social media, he can be seen giving orders to a row of Taliban gunmen.

Watch |&nbsp;Afghanistan: NRF still remains a thorn at Taliban's side

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-nrf-still-remains-a-thorn-at-talibans-side-429418/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, it is unclear when and at what point these videos were shot during the Taliban's crackdown.

Nonetheless, reports indicate that there is still a significant concentration of NRF fighters in northern Afghanistan's Baghlan province as well as in northeastern Afghanistan's Kapisa province.

While the Taliban continue to downplay the internal threats it faces in the country, even a few hundred members of the resistance can rally the people against the group. This is at a time when the Taliban government is seeking international legitimacy.

The Taliban claim to have complete control over Afghanistan. However, recent evidence points to the contrary. Despite the Taliban government's best efforts, even after three months of the group's takeover of the country, the National Resistance Front (NRF) remains a thorn in its side.

The Taliban claim to have complete control over Afghanistan. However, recent evidence points to the contrary. Despite the Taliban government's best efforts, even after three months of the group's takeover of the country, the National Resistance Front (NRF) remains a thorn in its side. Back in September, the Afghan National Resistance Front (NRF), a group of Panjshiri fighters and remnants of the defeated Afghan army, made their last stand against the heavily armed and well-funded Taliban. Also read | Taliban's show of strength: Military parade with US-made weapons Prior to that, the NRF was the only force capable of mounting serious armed opposition to the Taliban's relentless sweep through Afghanistan. Even with the apparent calm of the last two months, the resistance has continued to be a problem for the Taliban. Although the group claims they are not pursuing revenge, recently, a number of videos have emerged from social media channels, on Telegram channels appearing to show a Taliban crackdown on what is left-over of the Panjshir resistance. Also read | Watch: Afghan girl alleges beating by Taliban commander for refusing sex, Taliban post video to refute claim In a video that has been circulating on social media recently, a Taliban fighter can allegedly be seen standing in front of three bodies claiming they were NRF fighters. Responding to the rumours, the resistance group has denied the Taliban's claims, saying that the bodies of men pictured in these videos in fact belong to relatives of the fighters. In another version of the story, a spokesman for the province of Khost has stated that the bodies were in fact of robbers. Also read | One million Afghan children at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition: WHO An Afghan commander is said to have been tasked with dealing with the remnants of the resistance. Hamid Khorasan, the Taliban commander in Afghanistan, is allegedly leading the crackdown. In another video gaining traction on social media, he can be seen giving orders to a row of Taliban gunmen. Watch | Afghanistan: NRF still remains a thorn at Taliban's side However, it is unclear when and at what point these videos were shot during the Taliban's crackdown. Nonetheless, reports indicate that there is still a significant concentration of NRF fighters in northern Afghanistan's Baghlan province as well as in northeastern Afghanistan's Kapisa province. While the Taliban continue to downplay the internal threats it faces in the country, even a few hundred members of the resistance can rally the people against the group. This is at a time when the Taliban government is seeking international legitimacy.

Afghanistan | 3 months since takeover, is NRF still a thorn in the Taliban's side?

There's no end to attacks in Afghanistan. In the latest at least five people have been killed and six injured, in a blast in capital Kabul. A bomb targeted a minibus near a Taliban checkpoint.

At least five people killed, six injured in a blast in Afghanistan's Kabul

When Taliban took to power, they assured the world that this time their reign will be different from the older times. The group claimed that women will have more freedom, safety and rights. However, actions have not been able to match their words, till now.<o:p></o:p>

As per a new accusation, an Afghan girl was brutally beaten by a Taliban commander because she refused when he demanded sex from her.<o:p></o:p>

The girl also showed alleged bruises of her body in a video posted on social media, which went viral. The incident reportedly took place in Herat, as per the local reports and the video.

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An Afghan girl in Herat was severely beaten after a Taliban commander Sibghat demanded sex from her. Taliban continue to terrorise Afghans and women continue to suffer the most under the terrorists. The world does not seem to care. <a href="https://t.co/RUyhvuKYTy">pic.twitter.com/RUyhvuKYTy</a>
— Ihtesham Afghan (@IhteshamAfghan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IhteshamAfghan/status/1459584954824855554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In the video being shared on Twitter the girl is seen crying on camera as she claims she was physically abused. She then showed marks of what appears to be the thrashing on her back, legs and other body parts.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

However, Taliban rubbished these accusations and claimed that the incident had nothing to do with their commander. The ministry of interior affairs of Afghanistan also produced a boy and a girl who claimed that there had been some confusion and the Taliban commander was not involved in this episode.<o:p></o:p>

Some people, however, believe that the girl seen in the viral video and the one produced by Taliban were different. The woman brought forward by Taliban looks unharmed, giving rise to suspicions that the two girls are different.

<o:p>"The woman, who was accused of being a criminal in the 12th district of Kabul, was arrested and confessed to doing so at the instigation of another woman,"&nbsp;Inamullah Samangani, deputy spokesperson of Taliban regime said in a tweet along with the video he posted.</o:p>

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خانم که در حوزه دوازدهم کابل آمر جنایی را متهم کرده بود گرفتار شد و اعتراف کرد که این کار را به تحریک یک خانم دیگر انجام داده است. 
جزئیات بیشتر در ویدیو 
۱/۲ <a href="https://t.co/PGQcDnFecZ">pic.twitter.com/PGQcDnFecZ</a>
— Inamullah Samangani (@HabibiSamangani) <a href="https://twitter.com/HabibiSamangani/status/1459582726118555655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This accusation comes at a time when women have been fighting for their safety, freedom and rights under the new Taliban rule. Local girls and women have been fighting for their right to study, even though Taliban claim that nearly 75 per cent of girl students are not back in local schools. The statement was made by Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi while he was speaking at the Centre for Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) in Pakistan's Islamabad on Friday.<o:p></o:p>

"When we came to power, in the initial stage, we reopened all male schools from Grade 1 to Grade 12, all the way up to university levels.&nbsp;In the second phase, we opened all girls’ schools in Afghanistan from Grade 1 to Grade 6, and in the third phase from Grade 7 to Grade 12 onwards, they have been reopened in some of the provinces, and they will continue. It is not as if the opening of girls' schools is at a standstill," he said.<o:p></o:p>

When Taliban took to power, they assured the world that this time their reign will be different from the older times. The group claimed that women will have more freedom, safety and rights.

When Taliban took to power, they assured the world that this time their reign will be different from the older times. The group claimed that women will have more freedom, safety and rights. However, actions have not been able to match their words, till now. As per a new accusation, an Afghan girl was brutally beaten by a Taliban commander because she refused when he demanded sex from her. The girl also showed alleged bruises of her body in a video posted on social media, which went viral. The incident reportedly took place in Herat, as per the local reports and the video. An Afghan girl in Herat was severely beaten after a Taliban commander Sibghat demanded sex from her. Taliban continue to terrorise Afghans and women continue to suffer the most under the terrorists. The world does not seem to care. pic.twitter.com/RUyhvuKYTy — Ihtesham Afghan (@IhteshamAfghan) November 13, 2021 × In the video being shared on Twitter the girl is seen crying on camera as she claims she was physically abused. She then showed marks of what appears to be the thrashing on her back, legs and other body parts. However, Taliban rubbished these accusations and claimed that the incident had nothing to do with their commander. The ministry of interior affairs of Afghanistan also produced a boy and a girl who claimed that there had been some confusion and the Taliban commander was not involved in this episode. Some people, however, believe that the girl seen in the viral video and the one produced by Taliban were different. The woman brought forward by Taliban looks unharmed, giving rise to suspicions that the two girls are different. "The woman, who was accused of being a criminal in the 12th district of Kabul, was arrested and confessed to doing so at the instigation of another woman," Inamullah Samangani, deputy spokesperson of Taliban regime said in a tweet along with the video he posted. خانم که در حوزه دوازدهم کابل آمر جنایی را متهم کرده بود گرفتار شد و اعتراف کرد که این کار را به تحریک یک خانم دیگر انجام داده است. جزئیات بیشتر در ویدیو ۱/۲ pic.twitter.com/PGQcDnFecZ — Inamullah Samangani (@HabibiSamangani) November 13, 2021 × This accusation comes at a time when women have been fighting for their safety, freedom and rights under the new Taliban rule. Local girls and women have been fighting for their right to study, even though Taliban claim that nearly 75 per cent of girl students are not back in local schools. The statement was made by Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi while he was speaking at the Centre for Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) in Pakistan's Islamabad on Friday. "When we came to power, in the initial stage, we reopened all male schools from Grade 1 to Grade 12, all the way up to university levels. In the second phase, we opened all girls’ schools in Afghanistan from Grade 1 to Grade 6, and in the third phase from Grade 7 to Grade 12 onwards, they have been reopened in some of the provinces, and they will continue. It is not as if the opening of girls' schools is at a standstill," he said.

Watch: Afghan girl alleges beating by Taliban commander for refusing sex, Taliban post video to refute claim

As the Taliban government struggles to seek international recognition to allow them to receive foreign aid to stave off the economic crisis, the World Health Organisation has warned that around one million children in Afghanistan are at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition.

According to news agency Reuters, 3.2 million children in Afghanistan are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition in Afghanistan by the end of this year, with the condition likely to worsen further as temperatures begin to drop.

Aid agencies have warned of famine as a drought coincides with a failing economy following the withdrawal of Western financial support in the aftermath of a Taliban takeover in August.

The health sector has been hit especially hard, with many healthcare workers fleeing due to unpaid salaries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-on-brink-of-complete-economy-fall-and-extreme-poverty-un-envoy-412105">Afghanistan on brink of complete economy fall and extreme poverty: UN Envoy</a>

“It's an uphill battle as starvation grips the country. The world must not and cannot afford to turn its back on Afghanistan,” WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris told Geneva-based journalists by telephone from the capital Kabul.

Harris said that nighttime temperatures are falling below zero degrees Celsius and colder temperatures are expected to make the old and the young more susceptible to other diseases.

“In some places, people are chopping down trees to provide fuel for the hospitals amid widespread shortages, she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/engage-with-taliban-to-avert-total-collapse-of-afghan-economy-un-chief-antonio-guterres-412850">Engage with Taliban to avert total collapse of Afghan economy: UN chief Antonio Guterres</a>

Measles cases are rising in the country and WHO data shows 24,000 clinical cases had so far been reported.

“For malnourished children, measles is a death sentence. We will see so many more deaths if we don't move on this quickly,” Harris said.

After the Taliban came to power in August, foreign funding was stopped. Moreover, most of Afghanistan's foreign currency reserves abroad were frozen.

According to the International Monetary Fund, Afghanistan's economy will shrink by up to 30 per cent this year.

Afghanistan's GDP in 2020 was only around $20 billion. And according to the World Bank, 43 per cent of that was based on aid money from abroad. Before the Taliban takeover, 75 per cent of public spending came from foreign aid grants.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Taliban government struggles to seek international recognition to allow them to receive foreign aid to stave off the economic crisis, the World Health Organisation has warned that around one million children in Afghanistan are at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition.

As the Taliban government struggles to seek international recognition to allow them to receive foreign aid to stave off the economic crisis, the World Health Organisation has warned that around one million children in Afghanistan are at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition. According to news agency Reuters, 3.2 million children in Afghanistan are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition in Afghanistan by the end of this year, with the condition likely to worsen further as temperatures begin to drop. Aid agencies have warned of famine as a drought coincides with a failing economy following the withdrawal of Western financial support in the aftermath of a Taliban takeover in August. The health sector has been hit especially hard, with many healthcare workers fleeing due to unpaid salaries. Also read | Afghanistan on brink of complete economy fall and extreme poverty: UN Envoy “It's an uphill battle as starvation grips the country. The world must not and cannot afford to turn its back on Afghanistan,” WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris told Geneva-based journalists by telephone from the capital Kabul. Harris said that nighttime temperatures are falling below zero degrees Celsius and colder temperatures are expected to make the old and the young more susceptible to other diseases. “In some places, people are chopping down trees to provide fuel for the hospitals amid widespread shortages, she added. Also read | Engage with Taliban to avert total collapse of Afghan economy: UN chief Antonio Guterres Measles cases are rising in the country and WHO data shows 24,000 clinical cases had so far been reported. “For malnourished children, measles is a death sentence. We will see so many more deaths if we don't move on this quickly,” Harris said. After the Taliban came to power in August, foreign funding was stopped. Moreover, most of Afghanistan's foreign currency reserves abroad were frozen. According to the International Monetary Fund, Afghanistan's economy will shrink by up to 30 per cent this year. Afghanistan's GDP in 2020 was only around $20 billion. And according to the World Bank, 43 per cent of that was based on aid money from abroad. Before the Taliban takeover, 75 per cent of public spending came from foreign aid grants. (With inputs from agencies)

One million Afghan children at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition: WHO

Let's shift our attention to Afghanistan now where terrorists have struck a mosque during yesterday's Friday prayers. This has become a nightmare on repeat. Almost every Friday now a bomb goes off. What is the Taliban doing to break this cycle of violence? Nothing. They are busy with target practice at the Bamiyan buddhas. Here is a report.

Terrorists strike mosque during Friday prayers in Afghanistan

A day after a blast ripped through a mosque in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, a bomb exploded in capital Kabul on Saturday.

Reports say at least six people have been killed in the blast and seven wounded. The blast took place in &nbsp;Dasht-e-Barchi area in Kabul.

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An Explosion has occurred in Dasht e Barchi area of Kabul, the neighborhood is pre-dominantly is of Hazara Shia populous. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick/status/1459503434764333057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A minibus was reportedly destroyed in the blast.&nbsp;Reports claimed a magnetic bomb was attached to the minivan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-at-mosque-in-afghanistan-3-killed-at-least-20-injured-428725">Also Read:&nbsp;Blast at mosque in Afghanistan; 3 killed, at least 20 injured</a>

The blast reportedly took place near a Taliban checkpoint. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast. The area is reportedly populated by the ethnic Hazaras. &nbsp;

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BREAKING: 
Moments ago, an explosion took place in the Gulai Mahtab Qala, Dasht-e-Barchi of Kabul.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanistanToday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanistanToday</a> <a href="https://t.co/mrW8TgeCXn">pic.twitter.com/mrW8TgeCXn</a>
— Ziar Khan Yaad (@ziaryaad) <a href="https://twitter.com/ziaryaad/status/1459504331493941251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, a blast had taken place at a mosque in Spin Ghar area in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province killing at least three people and injuring twenty as the Friday prayers were taking place.&nbsp;

The imam of the mosque was also hurt in the attack. The bomb was reportedly hidden inside the loudspeaker.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A day after a blast ripped through a mosque in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, a bomb exploded in capital Kabul on Saturday. Reports say at least six people have been killed in the blast and seven wounded.

A day after a blast ripped through a mosque in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, a bomb exploded in capital Kabul on Saturday. Reports say at least six people have been killed in the blast and seven wounded. The blast took place in Dasht-e-Barchi area in Kabul. An Explosion has occurred in Dasht e Barchi area of Kabul, the neighborhood is pre-dominantly is of Hazara Shia populous. #Afghanistan — Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) November 13, 2021 × A minibus was reportedly destroyed in the blast. Reports claimed a magnetic bomb was attached to the minivan. Also Read: Blast at mosque in Afghanistan; 3 killed, at least 20 injured The blast reportedly took place near a Taliban checkpoint. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast. The area is reportedly populated by the ethnic Hazaras. BREAKING: Moments ago, an explosion took place in the Gulai Mahtab Qala, Dasht-e-Barchi of Kabul.#AfghanistanToday pic.twitter.com/mrW8TgeCXn — Ziar Khan Yaad (@ziaryaad) November 13, 2021 × On Friday, a blast had taken place at a mosque in Spin Ghar area in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province killing at least three people and injuring twenty as the Friday prayers were taking place. The imam of the mosque was also hurt in the attack. The bomb was reportedly hidden inside the loudspeaker. (With inputs from Agencies)

Blast near Taliban checkpoint in Kabul; at least 6 killed

The Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has slammed the United States and NATO. Muttaqi alleges U.S & NATO failed to bring peace and stability in the region despite a 20-year military presence & huge inflow of cash.

Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi slams United States, NATO

“Positively noting” the joint statement — the Delhi Declaration —issued by eight countries on Afghanistan, the Taliban on Thursday expressed displeasure over the participant&nbsp;countries of the NSA meet&nbsp;calling Afghanistan “a safe haven for terrorism.”

Speaking exclusively to WION days after India hosted the NSA security dialogue meeting to discuss the Afghanistan situation, deputy spokesperson of Taliban, Imanallah Samangani said the concerns raised by the participant&nbsp;countries were “unfounded.”

Seven countries had participated in the summit hosted by India. They are: Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

He also completely rejected the reports that Pakistan is buying US-made weapons from the Taliban that were left behind in Afghanistan in the aftermath of troops withdrawal.

The Taliban spokesperson also expressed hope that the ‘Troika Plus’ meeting that is taking place in Islamabad currently will bring forth a “positive result” for the Taliban government.

WION: A meeting is currently ongoing in Islamabad called the ‘Troika Plus’. The Taliban government delegation is also expected to meet the Troika Plus members. What will be the demands of the Taliban government? What are Taliban expecting from this meeting?&nbsp;

Samangani: We are looking positively at the meeting. And we hope and expect that our neighbours take steps in a calculated and positive manner for Afghanistan. I hope they respect the current situation and conditions of Afghanistan with regard to governance. Afghanistan is an independent country. We expect that our neighbours assist us given the current conditions in Afghanistan and help us uplift the current conditions of the people.

&nbsp;WION: Yesterday, India hosted a meeting of the National Security Advisors of those regions&nbsp;neighbouring Afghanistan. Do you concur with the Delhi Declaration issued by the participant countries?

Samangani: The regional summit that took place in Delhi, we have noted it positively. Yesterday, we saw the Delhi Declaration and I would want to say that there are some legitimate demands mentioned in the declaration, but those demands have largely already been met. The declaration also raises some concerns about Afghanistan posing a security threat to its neighbours in the region. I think these concerns are unfounded. By the grace of God, there is a centralised government in Afghanistan now. We have guaranteed security to the Afghanistani people. Most importantly, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan understands its national responsibilities and international responsibilities very well, and it knows what responsibility it has and owes towards its neighbouring countries. There might be some genuine concerns raised, but it can always be resolved through dialogue, which opens room for understanding.&nbsp;

WION: Recently, there was a report in a Pakistani daily newspaper that the Taliban are in talks with Pakistan to sell US-made weapons. It estimates that US troops left behind or abandoned at 200,000 weapons. What is your take on this report?

Samangani:&nbsp;We completely reject these reports. The Islamic Emirate has its own security organ in the country, and we now have a free Afghanistan and a free government. And this free government needs to ensure Afghanistan’s security in the future. Therefore, we need military equipment and facilities. And it is by no means possible to sell Afghanistan’s existing equipment and facilities.&nbsp;

WION: There are reports that the Taliban are at the forefront between the Pakistani government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban. What is the status and would you want to tell the contours of this deal to the global community?

Samangani:&nbsp;Islamic Emirate is of the opinion that security should be provided and guaranteed in the entire region. Because the bigger problem we have in the region is the issue of security. Our region would be facing a major economic crisis until the issues regarding security are not resolved. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to solve the problems linked to political and security as soon as possible. We have the opportunity to take more serious steps for the economic prosperity of the region. So, if progress has been made in Pakistan in this direction, we welcome it and hope that other problems, too, will be solved.&nbsp;

WION: India was a major development partner of Afghanistan before Taliban took control of Afghanistan. What are Taliban going to do to reinstate that, and will you be welcoming India in Afghanistan?&nbsp;

Samangani: We understand that India is the second-largest population in the world and the fifth-largest economy in the world. It plays an important role in world politics and has been active in Afghanistan in the past. Regardless of the mistakes of the Indian government’s policies and strategies they made in the past, we don’t want to look back and instead want to look forward. Therefore, we hope that the (Indian government’s) policies and strategies will be reconsidered with the current situation in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate also believes that there should be an inter-regional understanding in the whole region. The problems that we face in Afghanistan, India can play a major role in this case. We hope that India understands the current realities of modern-day Afghanistan and engages with us. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wants to have good economic, diplomatic, transit and trade relations with all neighbouring countries and there are no restrictions placed in this regard.&nbsp;

WION: The US Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West recently stated that the US has no plans to open its embassy here in Kabul. What will the Taliban be doing to convince them in these Troika talks to come back to Afghanistan and establish diplomatic relations?

Samangani: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan attaches great importance to the political dialogue, and everyone knows that only through dialogue is how the emirate will be able to get rid of the problems plaguing Afghanistan. Let me be clear that the United States and other countries should respect and understand the realities of Afghanistan, which is in everyone’s interest, so that we can enter the phase of formal interaction as soon as possible. If the American side is ready and if it has any concerns, it can solve all the problems and issues with the Islamic Emirate only through political dialogue.

“Positively noting” the joint statement — the Delhi Declaration —issued by eight countries on Afghanistan, the Taliban on Thursday expressed displeasure over the participant countries of the NSA meet calling Afghanistan “a safe haven for terrorism.

“Positively noting” the joint statement — the Delhi Declaration —issued by eight countries on Afghanistan, the Taliban on Thursday expressed displeasure over the participant countries of the NSA meet calling Afghanistan “a safe haven for terrorism.” Speaking exclusively to WION days after India hosted the NSA security dialogue meeting to discuss the Afghanistan situation, deputy spokesperson of Taliban, Imanallah Samangani said the concerns raised by the participant countries were “unfounded.” Seven countries had participated in the summit hosted by India. They are: Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan He also completely rejected the reports that Pakistan is buying US-made weapons from the Taliban that were left behind in Afghanistan in the aftermath of troops withdrawal. The Taliban spokesperson also expressed hope that the ‘Troika Plus’ meeting that is taking place in Islamabad currently will bring forth a “positive result” for the Taliban government. WION: A meeting is currently ongoing in Islamabad called the ‘Troika Plus’. The Taliban government delegation is also expected to meet the Troika Plus members. What will be the demands of the Taliban government? What are Taliban expecting from this meeting? Samangani: We are looking positively at the meeting. And we hope and expect that our neighbours take steps in a calculated and positive manner for Afghanistan. I hope they respect the current situation and conditions of Afghanistan with regard to governance. Afghanistan is an independent country. We expect that our neighbours assist us given the current conditions in Afghanistan and help us uplift the current conditions of the people. WION: Yesterday, India hosted a meeting of the National Security Advisors of those regions neighbouring Afghanistan. Do you concur with the Delhi Declaration issued by the participant countries? Samangani: The regional summit that took place in Delhi, we have noted it positively. Yesterday, we saw the Delhi Declaration and I would want to say that there are some legitimate demands mentioned in the declaration, but those demands have largely already been met. The declaration also raises some concerns about Afghanistan posing a security threat to its neighbours in the region. I think these concerns are unfounded. By the grace of God, there is a centralised government in Afghanistan now. We have guaranteed security to the Afghanistani people. Most importantly, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan understands its national responsibilities and international responsibilities very well, and it knows what responsibility it has and owes towards its neighbouring countries. There might be some genuine concerns raised, but it can always be resolved through dialogue, which opens room for understanding. WION: Recently, there was a report in a Pakistani daily newspaper that the Taliban are in talks with Pakistan to sell US-made weapons. It estimates that US troops left behind or abandoned at 200,000 weapons. What is your take on this report? Samangani: We completely reject these reports. The Islamic Emirate has its own security organ in the country, and we now have a free Afghanistan and a free government. And this free government needs to ensure Afghanistan’s security in the future. Therefore, we need military equipment and facilities. And it is by no means possible to sell Afghanistan’s existing equipment and facilities. WION: There are reports that the Taliban are at the forefront between the Pakistani government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban. What is the status and would you want to tell the contours of this deal to the global community? Samangani: Islamic Emirate is of the opinion that security should be provided and guaranteed in the entire region. Because the bigger problem we have in the region is the issue of security. Our region would be facing a major economic crisis until the issues regarding security are not resolved. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to solve the problems linked to political and security as soon as possible. We have the opportunity to take more serious steps for the economic prosperity of the region. So, if progress has been made in Pakistan in this direction, we welcome it and hope that other problems, too, will be solved. WION: India was a major development partner of Afghanistan before Taliban took control of Afghanistan. What are Taliban going to do to reinstate that, and will you be welcoming India in Afghanistan? Samangani: We understand that India is the second-largest population in the world and the fifth-largest economy in the world. It plays an important role in world politics and has been active in Afghanistan in the past. Regardless of the mistakes of the Indian government’s policies and strategies they made in the past, we don’t want to look back and instead want to look forward. Therefore, we hope that the (Indian government’s) policies and strategies will be reconsidered with the current situation in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate also believes that there should be an inter-regional understanding in the whole region. The problems that we face in Afghanistan, India can play a major role in this case. We hope that India understands the current realities of modern-day Afghanistan and engages with us. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wants to have good economic, diplomatic, transit and trade relations with all neighbouring countries and there are no restrictions placed in this regard. WION: The US Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West recently stated that the US has no plans to open its embassy here in Kabul. What will the Taliban be doing to convince them in these Troika talks to come back to Afghanistan and establish diplomatic relations? Samangani: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan attaches great importance to the political dialogue, and everyone knows that only through dialogue is how the emirate will be able to get rid of the problems plaguing Afghanistan. Let me be clear that the United States and other countries should respect and understand the realities of Afghanistan, which is in everyone’s interest, so that we can enter the phase of formal interaction as soon as possible. If the American side is ready and if it has any concerns, it can solve all the problems and issues with the Islamic Emirate only through political dialogue.

Exclusive: Taliban express displeasure over Afghanistan ‘safe heaven for terror’ remark  in Delhi Declaration

In what comes as a move that could trigger violence, the Taliban have replaced the statue of a Hazara leader, Abdul Ali Mazari, with the replica of the Koran. Mazari was declared a national martyr by the former government as he was killed while he was a prisoner of the Taliban regime.&nbsp;

"Yesterday, they completely removed the statue and replaced it with a replica of the Koran," said Abdul Danishyar, a civil society activist in Bamiyan.&nbsp;

While speaking to AFP, he said, "They are trying to wipe out the history from Bamiyan, the people are going to react violently to this."

The statue which stood in Bamiyan's central square was decapitated by a rocket-propelled grenade soon after the Taliban returned to power in August. Earlier, the Taliban had blown two massive 1,500-year-old statues of Buddha in 2001.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-taliban-express-displeasure-over-afghanistan-safe-heaven-for-terror-remark-in-delhi-declaration-428572">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive: Taliban express displeasure over Afghanistan ‘safe heaven for terror’ remark in Delhi Declaration</a>

Also, the square, which was named after Mazari, has been renamed "military street," Danishyar revealed.

Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the situation has not been so good. The country has been struggling to battle poverty. &nbsp;Amid concerns of rising poverty and starvation, various aid agencies distributed food, blankets and cash to nearly 130 displaced families in Kabul.&nbsp;

UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch said that around 9 million Afghans are "just one step away from starvation." He further added that 700,000 people, mostly women and children, have been displaced this year alone.

The Taliban government is aiming to distribute 11,600 tons of wheat in Kabul, and nearly 55,000 tons in cities such as Herat, Jalalabad, Kandahar, Mazar-i-Sharif and Pol-i-Khomri, and a few more areas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In what comes as a move that could trigger violence, the Taliban have replaced the statue of a Hazara leader, Abdul Ali Mazari, with the replica of the Koran. Mazari was declared a national martyr by the former government as he was killed while he was a prisoner of the Taliban regime.

In what comes as a move that could trigger violence, the Taliban have replaced the statue of a Hazara leader, Abdul Ali Mazari, with the replica of the Koran. Mazari was declared a national martyr by the former government as he was killed while he was a prisoner of the Taliban regime. "Yesterday, they completely removed the statue and replaced it with a replica of the Koran," said Abdul Danishyar, a civil society activist in Bamiyan. While speaking to AFP, he said, "They are trying to wipe out the history from Bamiyan, the people are going to react violently to this." The statue which stood in Bamiyan's central square was decapitated by a rocket-propelled grenade soon after the Taliban returned to power in August. Earlier, the Taliban had blown two massive 1,500-year-old statues of Buddha in 2001. Also read | Exclusive: Taliban express displeasure over Afghanistan ‘safe heaven for terror’ remark in Delhi Declaration Also, the square, which was named after Mazari, has been renamed "military street," Danishyar revealed. Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the situation has not been so good. The country has been struggling to battle poverty. Amid concerns of rising poverty and starvation, various aid agencies distributed food, blankets and cash to nearly 130 displaced families in Kabul. UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch said that around 9 million Afghans are "just one step away from starvation." He further added that 700,000 people, mostly women and children, have been displaced this year alone. The Taliban government is aiming to distribute 11,600 tons of wheat in Kabul, and nearly 55,000 tons in cities such as Herat, Jalalabad, Kandahar, Mazar-i-Sharif and Pol-i-Khomri, and a few more areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Trying to wipe history? Taliban replaces statue of Hazara leader with Koran

There are still several dozen immediate family members of U.S. service members in Afghanistan. Families await response from Pentagon the dozens who are trapped there.

Afghan Crisis: US Families await to hear from US government

Pakistan is reportedly buying American weapons from Taliban for 'safekeeping'. The Joe Biden administration is said to have left behind 200,000 weapons in Afghanistan. How many of them will Pak buy & for what? Palki Sharma tells you why India needs to be alert.

Gravitas: Is Pakistan buying American weapons from Taliban?

After India hosted NSA-level talks on Afghanistan and reiterated support for a peaceful resolution in the crisis-hit country, the Taliban government have called to establish economic and diplomatic relations with New Delhi. WION's Anas Mallick in an exclusive conversation with Taliban's spokesperson Imanallah Samangani.

'Have noted Delhi summit positively,' says Taliban deputy spokesperson Imanallah Samangani

The latest Congressional report on Afghanistan has revealed that Pakistan has for a long period played an active role in Afghan affairs. The report accuses Pakistan of playing a "disruptive and destabilising" role in offering support to the Taliban.&nbsp;

"Pakistan has long played an active and, by many accounts, disruptive and destabilising role in Afghan affairs, including through the provision of active and passive support to the Taliban. Many observers see the Taliban's takeover (of Afghanistan) as a substantive triumph for Pakistan, bolstering its influence in Afghanistan and advancing its decades-long efforts to limit Indian influence there," the report read.&nbsp;

Prepared by independent subject area experts, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service said that if other countries such as Pakistan, Russia, China, or US partners such as Qatar begin to accept the Taliban, it could lead to the isolation of US.

This could further weaken its leverage and give the Taliban greater opportunities to evade US pressure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-and-local-taliban-terror-group-on-road-to-peace-agree-to-one-month-ceasefire-427875">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan and local Taliban terror group on road to peace; agree to one-month ceasefire</a>

Pakistani officials have claimed that their influence over the Taliban is 'limited.'&nbsp;

"More broadly, despite some implicitly pro-Taliban statements from top Pakistani officials, the Taliban's takeover may present challenges and complications for Pakistan," states the report.

The report further highlights how the acceptance of the Taliban could pose serious challenges for US policymakers.

"A less oppositional US approach towards the Taliban could allow for greater US access to, and perhaps influence over, the group and events in Afghanistan. Engagement with a Taliban government that acts in support of some US interests and against others could compel US policymakers to weigh and prioritise those interests, posing a difficult challenge," the report said.

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August after the withdrawal of American forces which started on May 1.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The latest Congressional report on Afghanistan has revealed that Pakistan has for a long period played an active role in Afghan affairs. The report accuses Pakistan of playing a "disruptive and destabilising" role in offering support to the Taliban.

The latest Congressional report on Afghanistan has revealed that Pakistan has for a long period played an active role in Afghan affairs. The report accuses Pakistan of playing a "disruptive and destabilising" role in offering support to the Taliban. "Pakistan has long played an active and, by many accounts, disruptive and destabilising role in Afghan affairs, including through the provision of active and passive support to the Taliban. Many observers see the Taliban's takeover (of Afghanistan) as a substantive triumph for Pakistan, bolstering its influence in Afghanistan and advancing its decades-long efforts to limit Indian influence there," the report read. Prepared by independent subject area experts, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service said that if other countries such as Pakistan, Russia, China, or US partners such as Qatar begin to accept the Taliban, it could lead to the isolation of US. This could further weaken its leverage and give the Taliban greater opportunities to evade US pressure. Also read | Pakistan and local Taliban terror group on road to peace; agree to one-month ceasefire Pakistani officials have claimed that their influence over the Taliban is 'limited.' "More broadly, despite some implicitly pro-Taliban statements from top Pakistani officials, the Taliban's takeover may present challenges and complications for Pakistan," states the report. The report further highlights how the acceptance of the Taliban could pose serious challenges for US policymakers. "A less oppositional US approach towards the Taliban could allow for greater US access to, and perhaps influence over, the group and events in Afghanistan. Engagement with a Taliban government that acts in support of some US interests and against others could compel US policymakers to weigh and prioritise those interests, posing a difficult challenge," the report said. The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August after the withdrawal of American forces which started on May 1. (With inputs from agencies)

US Congress report accuses Pakistan of playing 'disruptive and destabilising' role in Afghan affairs

Afghanistan's former finance minister blames hundreds of thousands of "ghost troops" for allowing Kabul to fall into Taliban hands after the United States removed all military personnel from the nation.

Khalid Payenda, who resigned from his job immediately after the Taliban took control in August, told the BBC that corrupt officials created over 300,000 troops and police to pad government books so generals could pocket their salary and receive money from the Taliban.

He claimed that the "ghost troops" existed only on paper.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-living-in-the-land-of-zombies-416292">Also read | WION exclusive: Life under Taliban- ‘Living in the land of zombies’</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Payenda said that documents stating government security numbers large enough to overpower the Taliban were false.&nbsp;</div>

"The way the accountability was done, you would ask the chief in that province how many people you have and based on that you could calculate salaries and ration expenses and they would always be inflated," he said. 
 
Watch | WION Exclusive: Women-run studio of Baano TV forced to shut down in Kabul

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-women-run-studio-of-baano-tv-forced-to-shut-down-in-kabul-417048/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Payenda said that certain commanders would hold bank cards of people who were never found in order to steal their pay.

He speculated that the figures may have been exaggerated by more than six times.

The ex-finance minister made the "ghost" assertion for the first time in September, telling Afghanistan Analysts Network that military figures were "all a fraud."

He calculated that Afghanistan had 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers at most.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan's former finance minister blames hundreds of thousands of "ghost troops" for allowing Kabul to fall into Taliban hands after the United States removed all military personnel from the nation.

Afghanistan's former finance minister blames hundreds of thousands of "ghost troops" for allowing Kabul to fall into Taliban hands after the United States removed all military personnel from the nation. Khalid Payenda, who resigned from his job immediately after the Taliban took control in August, told the BBC that corrupt officials created over 300,000 troops and police to pad government books so generals could pocket their salary and receive money from the Taliban. He claimed that the "ghost troops" existed only on paper. Also read | WION exclusive: Life under Taliban- ‘Living in the land of zombies’ Payenda said that documents stating government security numbers large enough to overpower the Taliban were false. "The way the accountability was done, you would ask the chief in that province how many people you have and based on that you could calculate salaries and ration expenses and they would always be inflated," he said. Watch | WION Exclusive: Women-run studio of Baano TV forced to shut down in Kabul Payenda said that certain commanders would hold bank cards of people who were never found in order to steal their pay. He speculated that the figures may have been exaggerated by more than six times. The ex-finance minister made the "ghost" assertion for the first time in September, telling Afghanistan Analysts Network that military figures were "all a fraud." He calculated that Afghanistan had 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers at most. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban easily won Afghanistan because 300,000-strong army did not exist: Ex-finance minister

More than 140 Afghan Air Force pilots and crew members were evacuated as the Taliban had pressured Uzbekistan to return the pilots and crew.

Why did Taliban call on pilots to return?

Polio has been virtually eliminated globally through a decades-long inoculation drive. The World Health Organization and the United Nations children's agency kicked off a polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan on Monday, the first nationwide campaign to fight the disease in three years.

WHO, UNICEF launch polio campaign in Afghanistan

Former Afghanistan's all-rounder Mirwais Ashraf has been appointed as the acting chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday (November 10) to replace Azizullah Fazli, who was in charge for two months.

Former Afghanistan's all-rounder Mirwais Ashraf has been appointed as the acting chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday (November 10) to replace Azizullah Fazli, who was in charge for two months. An official statement on the Twitter handle of Afghanistan's cricket read, "The prime minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has appointed Mirwais Ashraf as acting chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)." As per local media reports, the decision was taken after demands by national players while meeting Taliban officials in Abu Dhabi during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021. ALSO READ | As Australia-Afghanistan Test gets postponed, ANOC's spokesperson sheds light on women athletes' future After the Taliban rapidly seized control of Afghanistan this year in August and the US forces withdrew after 20 years in the country, the status of the participation of women in sports remains uncertain. However, Taliban officials have said they will not repeat the harsh rule of their previous government, which banned most girls' education and forbade women from going out in public without a male guardian. Recently, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Friday (November 5) it has postponed the Afghanistan Test in Hobart scheduled for November 27 until the situation regarding the women's game in the South Asian nation becomes clearer. CA had said in September it would scrap the test if the Taliban government, which took power in August, did not allow women and girls to play the sport. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli as captain: A tale of sugar and spice and everything nice "Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, Cricket Australia and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have agreed to postpone the inaugural men's test match against Afghanistan," CA said in a statement. "CA is committed to support growing the game for women and men in Afghanistan and around the world, however, given the present uncertainty, CA felt it necessary to postpone the test match until a later time when the situation is clearer." The ACB said the postponement followed an "agreement between the boards". The International Cricket Council - which has rules stating all member countries should have both men's and women's teams - has been cautious, saying it will discuss the matter in a board meeting later this month. Still, the ACB announced its team will tour Zimbabwe for three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals next month. The dates of the matches are yet to be finalised. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan's former all-rounder Mirwais Ashraf appointed as new cricket chief

Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has arrived in Pakistan for bilateral talks and will also attend the Troika plus meeting on Afghanistan, this is the first visit of the Taliban minister to Pakistan. Senior officials from the US, Russia and China are also a part of the meet.

Pakistan holds Troika plus meeting, another attempt by Pakistan to garner recognition for Taliban?

The NSA of Iran, Russia and five central Asian countries have held security talks in India's capital New Delhi. Top security officials reiterated their support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, expressed concern over the security situation in the country and condemned the attacks.

India hosts Afghan security meet, here are key takeaways from Delhi declaration

Pakistan has surrendered to terrorists. It has struck a 'ceasefire agreement' with #TTP in return for the release of 102 terrorists. The move comes days after Islamabad lifted the ban on Tehreek-E-Labbaik Pakistan. What does Imran Khan fear? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Pakistan strikes 'ceasefire agreement' with Tehreek-e-Taliban

Last month, the family of Mawlavi Ezzatullah, a member of Afghanistan`s Hizb-e Islami party, received a WhatsApp message from his phone: "We have slaughtered your Mawlavi Ezzat, come and collect his body." 
 
Ezzatullah's killing, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, was one of a steady stream of assassinations and bombings that have undermined Taliban claims that they have brought greater security to Afghanistan after 40 years of war. 
 
Victims have ranged from former security officials from the ousted government to journalists, civil society activists, mullahs, Taliban fighters and apparently random targets like Ezzatullah, whose family said he had no enemies they knew of. 
 
The Taliban have said their victory has brought stability to Afghanistan, where thousands of people were killed in fighting between the group and Western-backed forces between 2001 and 2021 before the hardline Islamists emerged victorious. 
 
But on just one day last week, pictures from Jalalabad - the provincial capital of Nangarhar - appeared online showing two bodies swinging from a rope. Residents also reported a mullah`s murder and video footage was circulated of a group of gunmen firing into a car, apparently killing its occupants, one of whom was identified by local journalists as a Taliban official. 
 
Reuters was unable to verify the images and footage independently. 
 
On Sunday, according to locals, three bodies were brought into a hospital in Jalalabad after a roadside bomb explosion that apparently targeted Taliban fighters in a pickup truck. 
 
Later that day, gunmen shot a former Afghan army soldier in front of his house, killing him and two friends standing nearby. 
 
The Taliban have downplayed such incidents, saying that after decades of war, it will take time for the country to be completely pacified. 
 
"There are 34 provinces in the country and in a week, 20 cases will be prevented for every one that takes place," said spokesman Bilal Karimi. "We have had 20 years of revolution and invasion and the level of these incidents will go down." 
 
Some former soldiers and intelligence officers from the ousted government blame members of the Taliban for targeting them since taking over. The group has promised there would be no reprisals, but accepts rogue fighters may have acted alone. 
 
Many targeted killings remain unclaimed and some may be the result of local vendettas. 
 
But others look the result of increasingly open conflict between the Taliban and a local affiliate of Islamic State, a development which the new U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, Tom West, said on Monday was causing concern&nbsp;in Washington. 
 
The militant jihadi group has claimed some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan in recent months in which hundreds of people have been killed, mainly in big cities. 
 
"They are trying to undermine and discredit the Taliban Emirate. The Emirate promised security and they`re trying to show they can`t deliver it," said Antonio Giustozzi, a specialist in jihadi groups from the Royal United Services Institute in London. 
 
He said Islamic State, which he estimated to have around 4,000 fighters, had been carrying out a campaign of targeted killings since around the summer of 2020 and had continued since the Taliban victory in August on a "roughly comparable scale". 
 
`BIDEN HIRELINGS` 
 
For many going about their business, the violence feels particularly menacing. 
 
"I have never been as terrified as I am now," said a university professor in Nangarhar who has also worked as a journalist and who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted. He described events in Nangarhar as "total chaos." 
 
The violence has fuelled fears that Afghanistan could collapse into anarchy and even return to a new phase of civil war, creating a haven for militant groups to launch attacks in neighbouring countries and the West. 
 
"This is the scenario that has everyone worried," said one Western official with long experience of the region. 
 
Islamic State, which first appeared in Afghanistan in late 2014 and adopted the title Islamic State Khorasan after an ancient name for the region, has been trying to recover from a bruising series of defeats in 2018 and 2019. 
 
The group has claimed a series of strikes against Shi`ite mosques and other targets since the Taliban`s victory in August, most recently on the main military hospital in Kabul which killed at least 25 people. 
 
Less commonly reported are frequent, smaller atrocities which have been taking place not only in Nangarhar, long a stronghold of Islamic State. 
 
Areas affected include Ghazni in central Afghanistan, Herat in the west, Balkh in the north, and Paktia, Paktika and Khost in the southeast. 
 
"The Taliban militia are lost in panic, they do not know how to conceal their shame," an Islamic State video posted on the group`s Telegram channel on Sunday said, accusing the Taliban of being "Biden hirelings". 
 
As an insurgency the Taliban proved an effective and cohesive fighting force. Keeping the peace in a country in crisis presents fresh challenges, including uniting different factions, values and norms within the movement. 
 
Giustozzi, who wrote a book on Islamic State in Afghanistan, said the group, which had retreated into remote strongholds in the east and northeast of the country, was trying to hit the Taliban while the group is still grappling with the transition from insurgency to government. 
 
"They know that if they allow the Taliban Emirate to consolidate, next spring the Taliban will move to destroy them," he said.

Last month, the family of Mawlavi Ezzatullah, a member of Afghanistan`s Hizb-e Islami party, received a WhatsApp message from his phone: "We have slaughtered your Mawlavi Ezzat, come and collect his body.

Last month, the family of Mawlavi Ezzatullah, a member of Afghanistan`s Hizb-e Islami party, received a WhatsApp message from his phone: "We have slaughtered your Mawlavi Ezzat, come and collect his body." Ezzatullah's killing, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, was one of a steady stream of assassinations and bombings that have undermined Taliban claims that they have brought greater security to Afghanistan after 40 years of war. Victims have ranged from former security officials from the ousted government to journalists, civil society activists, mullahs, Taliban fighters and apparently random targets like Ezzatullah, whose family said he had no enemies they knew of. The Taliban have said their victory has brought stability to Afghanistan, where thousands of people were killed in fighting between the group and Western-backed forces between 2001 and 2021 before the hardline Islamists emerged victorious. But on just one day last week, pictures from Jalalabad - the provincial capital of Nangarhar - appeared online showing two bodies swinging from a rope. Residents also reported a mullah`s murder and video footage was circulated of a group of gunmen firing into a car, apparently killing its occupants, one of whom was identified by local journalists as a Taliban official. Reuters was unable to verify the images and footage independently. On Sunday, according to locals, three bodies were brought into a hospital in Jalalabad after a roadside bomb explosion that apparently targeted Taliban fighters in a pickup truck. Later that day, gunmen shot a former Afghan army soldier in front of his house, killing him and two friends standing nearby. The Taliban have downplayed such incidents, saying that after decades of war, it will take time for the country to be completely pacified. "There are 34 provinces in the country and in a week, 20 cases will be prevented for every one that takes place," said spokesman Bilal Karimi. "We have had 20 years of revolution and invasion and the level of these incidents will go down." Some former soldiers and intelligence officers from the ousted government blame members of the Taliban for targeting them since taking over. The group has promised there would be no reprisals, but accepts rogue fighters may have acted alone. Many targeted killings remain unclaimed and some may be the result of local vendettas. But others look the result of increasingly open conflict between the Taliban and a local affiliate of Islamic State, a development which the new U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, Tom West, said on Monday was causing concern in Washington. The militant jihadi group has claimed some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan in recent months in which hundreds of people have been killed, mainly in big cities. "They are trying to undermine and discredit the Taliban Emirate. The Emirate promised security and they`re trying to show they can`t deliver it," said Antonio Giustozzi, a specialist in jihadi groups from the Royal United Services Institute in London. He said Islamic State, which he estimated to have around 4,000 fighters, had been carrying out a campaign of targeted killings since around the summer of 2020 and had continued since the Taliban victory in August on a "roughly comparable scale". `BIDEN HIRELINGS` For many going about their business, the violence feels particularly menacing. "I have never been as terrified as I am now," said a university professor in Nangarhar who has also worked as a journalist and who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted. He described events in Nangarhar as "total chaos." The violence has fuelled fears that Afghanistan could collapse into anarchy and even return to a new phase of civil war, creating a haven for militant groups to launch attacks in neighbouring countries and the West. "This is the scenario that has everyone worried," said one Western official with long experience of the region. Islamic State, which first appeared in Afghanistan in late 2014 and adopted the title Islamic State Khorasan after an ancient name for the region, has been trying to recover from a bruising series of defeats in 2018 and 2019. The group has claimed a series of strikes against Shi`ite mosques and other targets since the Taliban`s victory in August, most recently on the main military hospital in Kabul which killed at least 25 people. Less commonly reported are frequent, smaller atrocities which have been taking place not only in Nangarhar, long a stronghold of Islamic State. Areas affected include Ghazni in central Afghanistan, Herat in the west, Balkh in the north, and Paktia, Paktika and Khost in the southeast. "The Taliban militia are lost in panic, they do not know how to conceal their shame," an Islamic State video posted on the group`s Telegram channel on Sunday said, accusing the Taliban of being "Biden hirelings". As an insurgency the Taliban proved an effective and cohesive fighting force. Keeping the peace in a country in crisis presents fresh challenges, including uniting different factions, values and norms within the movement. Giustozzi, who wrote a book on Islamic State in Afghanistan, said the group, which had retreated into remote strongholds in the east and northeast of the country, was trying to hit the Taliban while the group is still grappling with the transition from insurgency to government. "They know that if they allow the Taliban Emirate to consolidate, next spring the Taliban will move to destroy them," he said.

Safe and stable Afghanistan: Recent Islamic state violence dents Taliban claims

The Taliban have now renamed all eight military core of the Afghanistan army, this comes a day after the hardline Islamist group appointed its own members as key provincial governors.

Taliban renames Afghanistan army, holds military parade to inaugurate new army

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