As the US and other European troops pull out of Afghanistan, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he is not entirely sure Turkey wants to control the Kabul airport.<o:p></o:p>

Turkey had been planning to help secure and run the Kabul airport, which has become a target area for the ISIS in the past few days. However, the Turkish leader seems to have trashed the idea now as the country started withdrawing its 500 non-combat forces from Afghanistan.

<o:p>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/best-dad-pregnant-wife-of-us-marine-killed-in-kabul-pays-emotional-tribute-409184">&nbsp;'Best dad': Pregnant wife of US Marine killed in Kabul pays emotional tribute</a></o:p>

The chances of Turkey securing and running the most popular and only safe way out of Afghanistan are very less now, as per the statements issued by Erdogan.<o:p></o:p>

Erdogan took this decision after holding first talks with the Taliban in Kabul. "What does the Taliban say with regard to the airport issue? They say 'give us the security but you operate it'," Erdogan said in comments published by the official Anadolu news agency and other media outlets. "Let's say you took over the security but how would we explain to the world if another bloodbath takes place there? It's not an easy job." <o:p></o:p>

He also announced that the Turkish embassy in Kabul is now moving back to the designated building in the capital city of Afghanistan. For more than a week, the Turkish officials had been operating out of the Kabul airport as the Taliban took control of the country.

"They returned to our embassy building in the city centre the other day and they are continuing their activities from here," Erdogan was quoted saying by a local broadcaster NTV. "Our plan now is to maintain our diplomatic presence in this way. We are continuously updating our plans according to developments regarding the security situation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-the-taliban-to-announce-new-cabinet-in-2-weeks-409207">WATCH |</a>

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-the-taliban-to-announce-new-cabinet-in-2-weeks-409207/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Turkey's&nbsp;Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said the country cannot welcome take the burden of a new refugee wave incoming from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"As Turkey, we have sufficiently carried out our moral and humanitarian responsibilities regarding migration,"&nbsp;Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with&nbsp;German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.&nbsp;"It is out of the question for us to take an additional refugee burden."

This news has come as the US carried out an airstrike claiming that it successfully hit active suicide bombers of ISIS-K who were planning to attack the Kabul airport.

The airstrike came a few days after the ISIS-K carried out bomb attacks near the Kabul airport which took more than 160 lives of civilians, 13 US troops and injured several others. The US, however, claims it has managed to kill the planner of the attack and another ISIS member through drone strikes.<o:p></o:p>

As the US and other European troops pull out of Afghanistan, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he is not entirely sure Turkey wants to control the Kabul airport.

As the US and other European troops pull out of Afghanistan, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he is not entirely sure Turkey wants to control the Kabul airport. Turkey had been planning to help secure and run the Kabul airport, which has become a target area for the ISIS in the past few days. However, the Turkish leader seems to have trashed the idea now as the country started withdrawing its 500 non-combat forces from Afghanistan. Also read | 'Best dad': Pregnant wife of US Marine killed in Kabul pays emotional tribute The chances of Turkey securing and running the most popular and only safe way out of Afghanistan are very less now, as per the statements issued by Erdogan. Erdogan took this decision after holding first talks with the Taliban in Kabul. "What does the Taliban say with regard to the airport issue? They say 'give us the security but you operate it'," Erdogan said in comments published by the official Anadolu news agency and other media outlets. "Let's say you took over the security but how would we explain to the world if another bloodbath takes place there? It's not an easy job." He also announced that the Turkish embassy in Kabul is now moving back to the designated building in the capital city of Afghanistan. For more than a week, the Turkish officials had been operating out of the Kabul airport as the Taliban took control of the country. "They returned to our embassy building in the city centre the other day and they are continuing their activities from here," Erdogan was quoted saying by a local broadcaster NTV. "Our plan now is to maintain our diplomatic presence in this way. We are continuously updating our plans according to developments regarding the security situation." WATCH | Meanwhile, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said the country cannot welcome take the burden of a new refugee wave incoming from Afghanistan. "As Turkey, we have sufficiently carried out our moral and humanitarian responsibilities regarding migration," Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. "It is out of the question for us to take an additional refugee burden." This news has come as the US carried out an airstrike claiming that it successfully hit active suicide bombers of ISIS-K who were planning to attack the Kabul airport. The airstrike came a few days after the ISIS-K carried out bomb attacks near the Kabul airport which took more than 160 lives of civilians, 13 US troops and injured several others. The US, however, claims it has managed to kill the planner of the attack and another ISIS member through drone strikes.

Turkey's Erdogan pulls back from plans of running Kabul airport

Turkey cannot take the burden of a new migrant wave from Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday after talks with his German counterpart, as concerns about a new migrant wave remain after the Taliban`s taking of power.

The events in Afghanistan have fuelled worries in the European Union of a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis, when nearly a million people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and beyond crossed to Greece from Turkey before travelling north to wealthier states.

To stem the flow of refugees, the EU reached an agreement with Turkey in 2016 for it to host Syrians fleeing the war in their country in return for billions of euros for refugee projects.

Cavusoglu said on Sunday that Europe, as well as regional countries, would also be affected if migration from Afghanistan turns into a crisis and that lessons should be learned from the Syrian refugee crisis.

"As Turkey, we have sufficiently carried out our moral and humanitarian responsibilities regarding migration," Cavusoglu said, speaking in a joint news conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

"It is out of the question for us to take an additional refugee burden," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey currently hosts 3.7 million Syrian refugees, the world`s largest refugee population, in addition to around 300,000 Afghans. It has been reinforcing measures along its eastern border to prevent crossings in anticipation of a new migrant wave from Afghanistan.

Maas said Germany was grateful to Turkey for its offer to continue to help run Kabul airport after NATO`s withdrawal and said Germany was ready to support that financially and technically.

"It is in our own interests to ensure that the collapse in Afghanistan does not destabilise the entire region," he said in a statement.

Maas is on a trip to Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Qatar to show Germany`s support for the countries most likely to suffer the fallout of the crisis in Afghanistan.

Turkey`s neighbour Greece has completed a 40-km fence and surveillance system to keep out migrants who still manage to enter Turkey and try to reach the European Union.

Turkey cannot take the burden of a new migrant wave from Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday after talks with his German counterpart, as concerns about a new migrant wave remain after the Taliban`s taking of power.

Turkey cannot take the burden of a new migrant wave from Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday after talks with his German counterpart, as concerns about a new migrant wave remain after the Taliban`s taking of power. The events in Afghanistan have fuelled worries in the European Union of a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis, when nearly a million people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and beyond crossed to Greece from Turkey before travelling north to wealthier states. To stem the flow of refugees, the EU reached an agreement with Turkey in 2016 for it to host Syrians fleeing the war in their country in return for billions of euros for refugee projects. Cavusoglu said on Sunday that Europe, as well as regional countries, would also be affected if migration from Afghanistan turns into a crisis and that lessons should be learned from the Syrian refugee crisis. "As Turkey, we have sufficiently carried out our moral and humanitarian responsibilities regarding migration," Cavusoglu said, speaking in a joint news conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. "It is out of the question for us to take an additional refugee burden," Cavusoglu said. Turkey currently hosts 3.7 million Syrian refugees, the world`s largest refugee population, in addition to around 300,000 Afghans. It has been reinforcing measures along its eastern border to prevent crossings in anticipation of a new migrant wave from Afghanistan. Maas said Germany was grateful to Turkey for its offer to continue to help run Kabul airport after NATO`s withdrawal and said Germany was ready to support that financially and technically. "It is in our own interests to ensure that the collapse in Afghanistan does not destabilise the entire region," he said in a statement. Maas is on a trip to Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Qatar to show Germany`s support for the countries most likely to suffer the fallout of the crisis in Afghanistan. Turkey`s neighbour Greece has completed a 40-km fence and surveillance system to keep out migrants who still manage to enter Turkey and try to reach the European Union.

Turkey cannot take new refugee burden, foreign minister says

Militant fire from across the border in Afghanistan killed two Pakistani soldiers on Sunday, the army said, in the first such attack since the Taliban took over Kabul ten days ago.

The army said it retaliated and killed two or three attackers, a claim not verifiable because the tribal districts along the Afghan border are off limits to journalists and human rights organisations.

The incident in Pakistan`s Bajaur district is the first of its kind reported since the Taliban took over Kabul on August 15.

Bajaur is one of several lawless tribal regions along the Afghan border which have long sheltered militants, including an Islamist militant umbrella organisation called Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The TTP, which renewed an allegiance to the Afghan Taliban after the fall of Kabul, has recently stepped up its campaign against the Pakistani army.

The army did not say which group it thought was responsible for Sunday`s attack, but has long held that TTP leaders and fighters are sheltering in Afghanistan after fleeing the tribal districts during military operations targeting militants.

"As per intelligence reports, due to fire of Pakistan army troops, 2-3 terrorists got killed and 3-4 terrorists got injured," the military said in a statement.

The statement condemned the "the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that existing and future set-up in Afghanistan will not allow such activities against Pakistan."

Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has said that Islamabad expected the Afghan Taliban to ensure that the anti-Pakistan Taliban did not use Afghan soil as a launch pad for attacks inside Pakistan.

Islamabad accuses the TTP of having used Afghanistan as a base from where to carry a suicide attack in northern Pakistan in July that killed nine Chinese workers and four Pakistanis.

"We expected that the way things were unfolding in Afghanistan, the violence can spill over in Pakistan," Pakistan army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar told a news conference on Friday.

The Afghan Taliban`s spokesman Zabihullah Muhaid said in his maiden news conference that the Islamist militants wouldn`t allow any group to use Afghan soil against anyone.

Militant fire from across the border in Afghanistan killed two Pakistani soldiers on Sunday, the army said, in the first such attack since the Taliban took over Kabul ten days ago.

Militant fire from across the border in Afghanistan killed two Pakistani soldiers on Sunday, the army said, in the first such attack since the Taliban took over Kabul ten days ago. The army said it retaliated and killed two or three attackers, a claim not verifiable because the tribal districts along the Afghan border are off limits to journalists and human rights organisations. The incident in Pakistan`s Bajaur district is the first of its kind reported since the Taliban took over Kabul on August 15. Bajaur is one of several lawless tribal regions along the Afghan border which have long sheltered militants, including an Islamist militant umbrella organisation called Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The TTP, which renewed an allegiance to the Afghan Taliban after the fall of Kabul, has recently stepped up its campaign against the Pakistani army. The army did not say which group it thought was responsible for Sunday`s attack, but has long held that TTP leaders and fighters are sheltering in Afghanistan after fleeing the tribal districts during military operations targeting militants. "As per intelligence reports, due to fire of Pakistan army troops, 2-3 terrorists got killed and 3-4 terrorists got injured," the military said in a statement. The statement condemned the "the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that existing and future set-up in Afghanistan will not allow such activities against Pakistan." Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has said that Islamabad expected the Afghan Taliban to ensure that the anti-Pakistan Taliban did not use Afghan soil as a launch pad for attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad accuses the TTP of having used Afghanistan as a base from where to carry a suicide attack in northern Pakistan in July that killed nine Chinese workers and four Pakistanis. "We expected that the way things were unfolding in Afghanistan, the violence can spill over in Pakistan," Pakistan army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar told a news conference on Friday. The Afghan Taliban`s spokesman Zabihullah Muhaid said in his maiden news conference that the Islamist militants wouldn`t allow any group to use Afghan soil against anyone.

Militant fire across Afghan border kills two Pakistani soldiers, says army

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada -- who has never made a public appearance and whose whereabouts have largely remained unknown -- is in Afghanistan, the hardline Islamist group confirmed on Sunday.&nbsp;

"He is present in Kandahar. He has been living there from the very beginning," said&nbsp;Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

"He will soon appear in public," added deputy spokesman Bilal Karimi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-as-us-official-admits-military-strike-carried-out-in-same-area-409224" hreflang="en">Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US targets active ISIS-K suicide bombers</a>

The so-called commander of the faithful, Akhundzada has shepherded the Taliban as its chief since 2016 when snatched from relative obscurity to oversee a movement in crisis.

Little is still known about Akhundzada's day-to-day role, with his public profile largely limited to the release of annual messages during Islamic holidays.

He has yet to issue any kind of statement since the Taliban swept to power and took control of Afghanistan in mid-August.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-afghanistan-5-faces-to-watch-out-for-409241">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-afghanistan-5-faces-to-watch-out-for-409241/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Taliban have a long history of keeping their top leader in the shadows.

The group's enigmatic founder Mullah Mohammad Omar was notorious for his hermit ways and rarely travelled to Kabul when the group was in power in the 1990s.

Instead, Omar stayed largely out of sight in his compound in Kandahar, reluctant even to meet visiting delegations.

Kandahar was the birthplace of the militant movement and the epicentre of the Taliban's iron-fisted Islamist government in the 1990s.

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada -- who has never made a public appearance and whose whereabouts have largely remained unknown -- is in Afghanistan, the hardline Islamist group confirmed on Sunday.

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada -- who has never made a public appearance and whose whereabouts have largely remained unknown -- is in Afghanistan, the hardline Islamist group confirmed on Sunday. "He is present in Kandahar. He has been living there from the very beginning," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. "He will soon appear in public," added deputy spokesman Bilal Karimi. Also read | Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US targets active ISIS-K suicide bombers The so-called commander of the faithful, Akhundzada has shepherded the Taliban as its chief since 2016 when snatched from relative obscurity to oversee a movement in crisis. Little is still known about Akhundzada's day-to-day role, with his public profile largely limited to the release of annual messages during Islamic holidays. He has yet to issue any kind of statement since the Taliban swept to power and took control of Afghanistan in mid-August. WATCH | The Taliban have a long history of keeping their top leader in the shadows. The group's enigmatic founder Mullah Mohammad Omar was notorious for his hermit ways and rarely travelled to Kabul when the group was in power in the 1990s. Instead, Omar stayed largely out of sight in his compound in Kandahar, reluctant even to meet visiting delegations. Kandahar was the birthplace of the militant movement and the epicentre of the Taliban's iron-fisted Islamist government in the 1990s.

Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in Afghanistan: Spokesman

The Taliban’s acting higher education minister on Sunday imposed a ban on co-education classes in Afghanistan, saying that “the women will be allowed to study in university, but they won’t be sitting in the same classroom with the men.”

Abdul Baqi Haqqani said the Taliban group will respect progress made in women’s rights, but only according to their strict interpretation of Islamic law.

“The... people of Afghanistan will continue their higher education in the light of Sharia law in safety without being in a mixed male and female environment,” AFP quoted Abdul Baqi Haqqani while speaking at a meeting with elders, known as a loya jirga.

He further said their government will ensure that girls and boys are segregated at primary and secondary schools.

“The Taliban wants to create a reasonable and Islamic curriculum that is in line with our Islamic, national and historical values and, on the other hand, be able to compete with other countries,” Haqqani said.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kill-afghan-folk-singer-days-after-having-tea-with-him-409240">Taliban kill Afghan folk singer days after having tea with him</a>

Ever since the Taliban stormed to power in mid-August usurping the western-backed government, the radical Islamist group have repeatedly stressed to rule differently than their 1990s stint when girls and women were banned from education.

However, recent reports of the Taliban killing popular local folk singer Fawad Andarabi and comedian Nazar Mohammad have reinstated fears of the earlier days of the oppressive regime where entertainment was considered a sin as per their understanding of Islamic law.

The Taliban have yet to announce their government, saying they would wait until after the departure of US and foreign forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban’s acting higher education minister on Sunday imposed a ban on co-education classes in Afghanistan, saying that “the women will be allowed to study in university, but they won’t be sitting in the same classroom with the men.

The Taliban’s acting higher education minister on Sunday imposed a ban on co-education classes in Afghanistan, saying that “the women will be allowed to study in university, but they won’t be sitting in the same classroom with the men.” Abdul Baqi Haqqani said the Taliban group will respect progress made in women’s rights, but only according to their strict interpretation of Islamic law. “The... people of Afghanistan will continue their higher education in the light of Sharia law in safety without being in a mixed male and female environment,” AFP quoted Abdul Baqi Haqqani while speaking at a meeting with elders, known as a loya jirga. He further said their government will ensure that girls and boys are segregated at primary and secondary schools. “The Taliban wants to create a reasonable and Islamic curriculum that is in line with our Islamic, national and historical values and, on the other hand, be able to compete with other countries,” Haqqani said. Also read | Taliban kill Afghan folk singer days after having tea with him Ever since the Taliban stormed to power in mid-August usurping the western-backed government, the radical Islamist group have repeatedly stressed to rule differently than their 1990s stint when girls and women were banned from education. However, recent reports of the Taliban killing popular local folk singer Fawad Andarabi and comedian Nazar Mohammad have reinstated fears of the earlier days of the oppressive regime where entertainment was considered a sin as per their understanding of Islamic law. The Taliban have yet to announce their government, saying they would wait until after the departure of US and foreign forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban 2.0: Women allowed to study, but ban on co-education classes in Afghanistan

The Department of Defense on Saturday identified the 13 members of the U.S. military who were killed in the attack on the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Thursday as they worked to evacuate people to safety. They hailed from across the country — from California to Wyoming to Tennessee — and had an average age of just over 22. Eleven were Marines, one was a Navy medic and another was a member of the Army.

Here is what we know about them.

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City.

Hoover was a born leader, his father Darin Hoover said, who loved the United States and was on his third tour in Afghanistan. “He led his men into that, and they followed him, but I know — I know in my heart of hearts, he was out front,” Darin Hoover said. “And they would’ve followed him through the gates of hell if that’s what it took, and, ultimately, that’s pretty much what he did.”

Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Rosario should be “recognized as the hero that she was,” her family told the mayor of Lawrence. Her former junior ROTC instructor recalled her as an “absolute warrior” in high school, and Marine 1st Lt. John Coppola said in a statement that she had been “crucial to evacuating thousands of women and children.” The Dominican Republic’s embassy in the U.S. said that she was Dominican American.

Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California.

In Gee’s most recent post on Instagram, less than a week ago, she stands next to a long line of people waiting to file into a military plane at the Kabul airport. “Escorting evacuees onto the bird,” she wrote. In another post, in which she is holding a child in Kabul, she wrote, “I love my job.” A fellow sergeant wrote on Facebook that Gee’s car was still in the lot at a Marine Corps base in North Carolina: “I drove it around the parking lot every once in a while to make sure it would be good for when she came home.”

Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California.

Lopez’s mother told a reporter in Southern California that her son had recently carried an Afghan toddler several miles to safety, and asked people to light a candle in his honor. Lopez’s parents both work for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in California, his father as a captain and his mother as a deputy. “Like his parents who serve our community, being a Marine to Hunter wasn’t a job; it was a calling,” the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association wrote in a statement.

Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska.

Page grew up in Red Oak, Iowa, and in the area around Omaha, and joined the Marines after high school, his family said in a statement. He had four siblings and was a member of the Boy Scouts, played club hockey, hunted with his father and had a “soft spot in his heart for dogs,” they said. “To his younger siblings, he was their favorite jungle gym and to his friends, he was a genuinely happy guy that you could always count on,” the family said, adding that he was being mourned by his parents, stepparents, siblings, grandparents and his girlfriend.

Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana.

Sanchez lived in a small city about 1 1/2 hours north of Indianapolis and had graduated from Logansport High School. The mayor of Logansport said that Sanchez “still had his entire life ahead of him” and that the young man had sacrificed himself by “putting himself into harm’s way” as part of the mission in Kabul. Gov. Eric Holcomb of Indiana vowed “to honor him in every way” possible. “Few among us answer a call of duty so dangerous as Cpl. Sanchez volunteered to do,” he said.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas.

Espinoza’s mother told a local television station that she had received a call at 2:30 a.m. informing her of her young son’s death. “I am proud of him because of what he did but as a mother, you know, it’s hard,” his mother, Elizabeth Holguin, told the station, KGNS-TV, as she teared up. The station reported that Espinoza’s sister had just turned 13. Espinoza was born in Laredo, Texas, his family said, and he had been stationed in Jordan for two years before being transferred to Kabul about a week ago. “He always knew” how much his parents loved him, Holguin said.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri.

Schmitz, who lived in a suburb of St. Louis, had been stationed in Jordan on his first deployment before being transferred to Afghanistan for the evacuation mission about two weeks ago, his father, Mark Schmitz, told KMOX radio in St. Louis. “It’s something he always wanted to do and I’ve never seen a young man train as hard as he did to be the best soldier he could be,” Schmitz said, adding that the family was both devastated and furious. “Somebody just came along and took the easy way out and ended everything for him and for us — and for those others that were killed,” he said.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming.

McCollum had dreamed of becoming a Marine ever since he was 3 years old, his father, Jim, said in an interview. He, too, was recently transferred from Jordan to Afghanistan, and McCollum began checking his phone for a little green dot on a messaging app that showed that his son was online — and OK. When news came that 13 Americans had died in the attack, he again checked for the dot and sent him a message with no response. “In my heart yesterday afternoon, I knew,” McCollum said, adding that his son was “a beautiful soul.”

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Merola was “one of the best kids ever,” said Cheryl Merola, his mother. He was “kind, loving” and “would give anything for anybody,” she told KCBS-TV. His grandmother told the station that Merola would frequently say he wanted to come home to his family. He had been transferred to Afghanistan about a week and a half ago, and left a voicemail message with his mother saying he would not be able to talk to her for a while and that he loved her. Los Osos High School in Southern California, from which he recently graduated, held a moment of silence for him at a football game on Friday.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California.

Nikoui was a young martial arts champion whose father told Reuters that he had watched television nonstop for updates on the attack until he learned the devastating news from three Marines at his door. “He was born the same year it started, and ended his life with the end of this war,” Steve Nikoui said. He told The Daily Beast that his son loved his Marine family and wanted to “make a career out of this,” and added that he was frustrated that President Joe Biden had sent his and others’ children into harm’s way. “They sent my son over there as a paper pusher and then had the Taliban outside providing security,” he said.

Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio.

Soviak grew up playing football in a small northern Ohio community where his death has left a “Maxton-sized hole” in his loved ones’ lives, his sister Marilyn wrote in an Instagram post. He was a Navy medic who had graduated from high school in 2017. “Everybody looked to Max in tough situations,” said Jim Hall, his high school football coach, who described Soviak as a deeply loyal friend. “He was energetic. He wore his emotions on his sleeve. He was a passionate kid. He didn’t hold anything back.”

Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee.

Knauss was “a motivated young man who loved his country,” his grandfather Wayne Knauss told WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee. “He was a believer so we will see him again in heaven.” He had been in the military for five years, his grandfather said, and his stepmother told the station that he had planned to move to Washington when he returned to the United States. One of his former teachers said he had been “quiet but confident” in school and that he had written an essay that said his role models were people who stand up against power to help people. “He wrote that nine years ago as a 14-year-old boy, not knowing the man he was going to become,” Angela Hoffman, the teacher, told the station.

The Department of Defense on Saturday identified the 13 members of the U.S. military who were killed in the attack on the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Thursday as they worked to evacuate people to safety.

The Department of Defense on Saturday identified the 13 members of the U.S. military who were killed in the attack on the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Thursday as they worked to evacuate people to safety. They hailed from across the country — from California to Wyoming to Tennessee — and had an average age of just over 22. Eleven were Marines, one was a Navy medic and another was a member of the Army. Here is what we know about them. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City. Hoover was a born leader, his father Darin Hoover said, who loved the United States and was on his third tour in Afghanistan. “He led his men into that, and they followed him, but I know — I know in my heart of hearts, he was out front,” Darin Hoover said. “And they would’ve followed him through the gates of hell if that’s what it took, and, ultimately, that’s pretty much what he did.” Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts. Rosario should be “recognized as the hero that she was,” her family told the mayor of Lawrence. Her former junior ROTC instructor recalled her as an “absolute warrior” in high school, and Marine 1st Lt. John Coppola said in a statement that she had been “crucial to evacuating thousands of women and children.” The Dominican Republic’s embassy in the U.S. said that she was Dominican American. Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California. In Gee’s most recent post on Instagram, less than a week ago, she stands next to a long line of people waiting to file into a military plane at the Kabul airport. “Escorting evacuees onto the bird,” she wrote. In another post, in which she is holding a child in Kabul, she wrote, “I love my job.” A fellow sergeant wrote on Facebook that Gee’s car was still in the lot at a Marine Corps base in North Carolina: “I drove it around the parking lot every once in a while to make sure it would be good for when she came home.” Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California. Lopez’s mother told a reporter in Southern California that her son had recently carried an Afghan toddler several miles to safety, and asked people to light a candle in his honor. Lopez’s parents both work for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in California, his father as a captain and his mother as a deputy. “Like his parents who serve our community, being a Marine to Hunter wasn’t a job; it was a calling,” the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association wrote in a statement. Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska. Page grew up in Red Oak, Iowa, and in the area around Omaha, and joined the Marines after high school, his family said in a statement. He had four siblings and was a member of the Boy Scouts, played club hockey, hunted with his father and had a “soft spot in his heart for dogs,” they said. “To his younger siblings, he was their favorite jungle gym and to his friends, he was a genuinely happy guy that you could always count on,” the family said, adding that he was being mourned by his parents, stepparents, siblings, grandparents and his girlfriend. Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana. Sanchez lived in a small city about 1 1/2 hours north of Indianapolis and had graduated from Logansport High School. The mayor of Logansport said that Sanchez “still had his entire life ahead of him” and that the young man had sacrificed himself by “putting himself into harm’s way” as part of the mission in Kabul. Gov. Eric Holcomb of Indiana vowed “to honor him in every way” possible. “Few among us answer a call of duty so dangerous as Cpl. Sanchez volunteered to do,” he said. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas. Espinoza’s mother told a local television station that she had received a call at 2:30 a.m. informing her of her young son’s death. “I am proud of him because of what he did but as a mother, you know, it’s hard,” his mother, Elizabeth Holguin, told the station, KGNS-TV, as she teared up. The station reported that Espinoza’s sister had just turned 13. Espinoza was born in Laredo, Texas, his family said, and he had been stationed in Jordan for two years before being transferred to Kabul about a week ago. “He always knew” how much his parents loved him, Holguin said. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri. Schmitz, who lived in a suburb of St. Louis, had been stationed in Jordan on his first deployment before being transferred to Afghanistan for the evacuation mission about two weeks ago, his father, Mark Schmitz, told KMOX radio in St. Louis. “It’s something he always wanted to do and I’ve never seen a young man train as hard as he did to be the best soldier he could be,” Schmitz said, adding that the family was both devastated and furious. “Somebody just came along and took the easy way out and ended everything for him and for us — and for those others that were killed,” he said. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming. McCollum had dreamed of becoming a Marine ever since he was 3 years old, his father, Jim, said in an interview. He, too, was recently transferred from Jordan to Afghanistan, and McCollum began checking his phone for a little green dot on a messaging app that showed that his son was online — and OK. When news came that 13 Americans had died in the attack, he again checked for the dot and sent him a message with no response. “In my heart yesterday afternoon, I knew,” McCollum said, adding that his son was “a beautiful soul.” Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California. Merola was “one of the best kids ever,” said Cheryl Merola, his mother. He was “kind, loving” and “would give anything for anybody,” she told KCBS-TV. His grandmother told the station that Merola would frequently say he wanted to come home to his family. He had been transferred to Afghanistan about a week and a half ago, and left a voicemail message with his mother saying he would not be able to talk to her for a while and that he loved her. Los Osos High School in Southern California, from which he recently graduated, held a moment of silence for him at a football game on Friday. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California. Nikoui was a young martial arts champion whose father told Reuters that he had watched television nonstop for updates on the attack until he learned the devastating news from three Marines at his door. “He was born the same year it started, and ended his life with the end of this war,” Steve Nikoui said. He told The Daily Beast that his son loved his Marine family and wanted to “make a career out of this,” and added that he was frustrated that President Joe Biden had sent his and others’ children into harm’s way. “They sent my son over there as a paper pusher and then had the Taliban outside providing security,” he said. Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio. Soviak grew up playing football in a small northern Ohio community where his death has left a “Maxton-sized hole” in his loved ones’ lives, his sister Marilyn wrote in an Instagram post. He was a Navy medic who had graduated from high school in 2017. “Everybody looked to Max in tough situations,” said Jim Hall, his high school football coach, who described Soviak as a deeply loyal friend. “He was energetic. He wore his emotions on his sleeve. He was a passionate kid. He didn’t hold anything back.” Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee. Knauss was “a motivated young man who loved his country,” his grandfather Wayne Knauss told WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee. “He was a believer so we will see him again in heaven.” He had been in the military for five years, his grandfather said, and his stepmother told the station that he had planned to move to Washington when he returned to the United States. One of his former teachers said he had been “quiet but confident” in school and that he had written an essay that said his role models were people who stand up against power to help people. “He wrote that nine years ago as a 14-year-old boy, not knowing the man he was going to become,” Angela Hoffman, the teacher, told the station.

What we know about the 13 US service members killed in Kabul attack

A little after the US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan.

While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the&nbsp;Khwaja Bugra area in PD15.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-visits-us-air-base-to-pay-tribute-to-service-personnel-killed-in-kabul-409232">Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A US airstrike targeted a vehicle carrying “multiple suicide bombers” from Afghanistan’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IslamicState?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IslamicState</a> affiliate before they could target the ongoing American military evacuation at Kabul’s international airport<a href="https://twitter.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> talks to <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnasMallick</a> to bring you the details <a href="https://t.co/w2e4yh0YMT">pic.twitter.com/w2e4yh0YMT</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1431992788887883776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

US officials have claimed that the US&nbsp;targeted some ISIS-K members through a fresh military strike.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson,&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed in a text message to journalists that on Sunday the&nbsp;US&nbsp; targeted active suicide bombers of ISIS-K&nbsp;in a vehicle who was about to attack the Kabul airport. The vehicle was parked inside the house that was targeted by the US forces on Sunday evening.

The officials claim the vehicle was laden with explosions and now "a substantial amount of explosive material" has been destroyed.

"We are confident we successfully hit the target," a US official told CNN. No civilian casualty has been officially reported yet.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-military-airstrike-vehicle-was-to-be-used-by-isis-k-car-bomber-409254">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-military-airstrike-vehicle-was-to-be-used-by-isis-k-car-bomber-409254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Following the explosion, Taliban have increased security in the area.

This explosion happened a few hours after the US President Joe Biden warned that there is a possibility of another attack near the Kabul airport and the US embassy in Kabul had urged its citizens to stay away from the clear vicinity of the airport.

"The situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous, our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours," Biden had announced.

While Kabul is once again bleeding by terrorism,&nbsp;Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden arrived at the&nbsp;Dover Air Force Base&nbsp;in Delaware to pay respect to the 13 members of the US troops who were killed in the deadly Kabul airport attack that took place last week.

(This is a developing story)

A little after the US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan. While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15.

A little after the US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan. While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15. Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul A US airstrike targeted a vehicle carrying “multiple suicide bombers” from Afghanistan’s #IslamicState affiliate before they could target the ongoing American military evacuation at Kabul’s international airport@MollyGambhir talks to @AnasMallick to bring you the details pic.twitter.com/w2e4yh0YMT — WION (@WIONews) August 29, 2021 × US officials have claimed that the US targeted some ISIS-K members through a fresh military strike. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed in a text message to journalists that on Sunday the US targeted active suicide bombers of ISIS-K in a vehicle who was about to attack the Kabul airport. The vehicle was parked inside the house that was targeted by the US forces on Sunday evening. The officials claim the vehicle was laden with explosions and now "a substantial amount of explosive material" has been destroyed. "We are confident we successfully hit the target," a US official told CNN. No civilian casualty has been officially reported yet. WATCH | Following the explosion, Taliban have increased security in the area. This explosion happened a few hours after the US President Joe Biden warned that there is a possibility of another attack near the Kabul airport and the US embassy in Kabul had urged its citizens to stay away from the clear vicinity of the airport. "The situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous, our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours," Biden had announced. While Kabul is once again bleeding by terrorism, Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden arrived at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to pay respect to the 13 members of the US troops who were killed in the deadly Kabul airport attack that took place last week. (This is a developing story)

Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US targets active ISIS-K suicide bombers

President Joe Biden has warned that another terrorist attack on the Kabul airport is “highly likely” in the next 24 to 36 hours, as the US rushed to evacuate the few remaining Americans and Afghan allies ahead of the August 31 deadline to withdraw from Afghanistan.

Biden: Another terrorist attack on Kabul airport 'highly likely' soon

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties.

In his 45-minute-long speech in Pashto, Stanikzai touched upon several subjects like the formation of an inclusive government and maintaining ties with regional countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

“India is a very important country in the subcontinent. We want to continue our economic and diplomatic relations with them. Our business is linked with India through Pakistan, and we want to keep that connectivity opened,” he said.

Outlining the Taliban’s plan for boosting trading ties with India, Stanikzai said the air freight corridor, which was established in 2017 to promote bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kabul bypassing Pakistan, would remain “open”.

“We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard. We want these relations to continue,” Stanikzai said.

The India-Afghanistan air corridor has borne fruits for the restive country as it opened the market for their products in India. It has been one of the most lucrative air corridors Afghanistan has had with any other country.

During his speech, he also mentioned about the role of Chabahar port in Iran and extended his support for it. He said the traders should use the port, adding “there will be no barriers towards for trading through the port”.

Chabahar port has been one of the key investments for India's westwards connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. &nbsp;India sees the port as the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.

Stanikzai also mentioned the TAPI project— a proposed pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—and said that the Taliban place high importance on this project.

Speaking on the government formation, the Taliban leader said consultations are on with different ethnic groups and the group is “committed to forming an Islamic government in which all people from different walks of life will be included.”

While several Taliban spokespersons—Zabiullah Mujahid and Suhail Shaheen—have mentioned&nbsp;about maintaining ties with India in the past, this is the first time that a top Taliban leader commander has come out in the open about forging relations with New Delhi.

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties.

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties. In his 45-minute-long speech in Pashto, Stanikzai touched upon several subjects like the formation of an inclusive government and maintaining ties with regional countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. “India is a very important country in the subcontinent. We want to continue our economic and diplomatic relations with them. Our business is linked with India through Pakistan, and we want to keep that connectivity opened,” he said. Outlining the Taliban’s plan for boosting trading ties with India, Stanikzai said the air freight corridor, which was established in 2017 to promote bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kabul bypassing Pakistan, would remain “open”. “We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard. We want these relations to continue,” Stanikzai said. The India-Afghanistan air corridor has borne fruits for the restive country as it opened the market for their products in India. It has been one of the most lucrative air corridors Afghanistan has had with any other country. During his speech, he also mentioned about the role of Chabahar port in Iran and extended his support for it. He said the traders should use the port, adding “there will be no barriers towards for trading through the port”. Chabahar port has been one of the key investments for India's westwards connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. India sees the port as the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. Stanikzai also mentioned the TAPI project— a proposed pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—and said that the Taliban place high importance on this project. Speaking on the government formation, the Taliban leader said consultations are on with different ethnic groups and the group is “committed to forming an Islamic government in which all people from different walks of life will be included.” While several Taliban spokespersons—Zabiullah Mujahid and Suhail Shaheen—have mentioned about maintaining ties with India in the past, this is the first time that a top Taliban leader commander has come out in the open about forging relations with New Delhi.

Taliban leader Stanikzai bats for good ties with India, extends support to Chabahar port

UK troops left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-highly-likely-in-next-24-36-hours-says-biden-on-kabul-airport-409079">Afghanistan</a> late on Saturday after evacuating over 15,000 people in the last two weeks ending their operation in the country after nearly 20 years.

Britain's defence ministry said: "The final flight carrying UK armed forces personnel has left Kabul."&nbsp;

As the final British troops left the country defence minister Ben Wallace lauded the efforts of the troops while "welcoming to those coming for a better life and sad for those left behind."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-vows-consequences-if-deadline-not-met-409087/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

UK had entered the war in Afghanistan alongside the United States in 2001 during former prime minister Tony Blair's tenure. At least 450 British troops died in the Afghanistan operation in the last two decades.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At 21.25hrs tonight the last RAF plane left Kabul Airport ending the evacuation of military and Afghan personnel. In 14 days over 15,000 people have been airlifted on over 165 flights. We should be proud of our armed forces, welcoming to those coming for a better life, and …
— Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BWallaceMP/status/1431731905993625608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Defence minister Wallace had said earlier that it would not be possible to airlift 800 and 1,100 Afghans who worked for the British government, however, he added that they could leave by land route and the UK government would provide support.

PM Johnson had assured that his government would ensure full support for Afghans who want to leave Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-kabul-residents-protest-against-closure-of-banks-409061#afghans-protest-against-bank-closure-409056">In pics| Kabul residents protest against closure of banks</a>

"What I would say to them is that we will shift heaven and earth to help them get out, we will do whatever we can in the second phase," the British PM said, adding, "of course, as we come down to the final hours of the operation there will sadly be people who haven't got through, people who might qualify."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also praised the efforts of the troops asserting that he was proud of them. The British prime minister had earlier discussed the Afghanistan situation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

During the meeting, Johnson told Merkel that "recognition and engagement" for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-not-responsible-for-talibans-actions-in-afghanistan-pm-imran-khan-409085">Taliban </a>was tied to allowing safe passage for Afghans who want to leave the country including "respecting human rights".

British citizens were killed during Thursday's suicide attack in Kabul airport. According to foreign minister Dominic Raab, two British nationals and a child of another British citizen were killed.

(With inputs from Agencies)

UK troops left Afghanistan late on Saturday after evacuating over 15,000 people in the last two weeks ending their operation in the country after nearly 20 years.

UK troops left Afghanistan late on Saturday after evacuating over 15,000 people in the last two weeks ending their operation in the country after nearly 20 years. Britain's defence ministry said: "The final flight carrying UK armed forces personnel has left Kabul." As the final British troops left the country defence minister Ben Wallace lauded the efforts of the troops while "welcoming to those coming for a better life and sad for those left behind." Watch: UK had entered the war in Afghanistan alongside the United States in 2001 during former prime minister Tony Blair's tenure. At least 450 British troops died in the Afghanistan operation in the last two decades. At 21.25hrs tonight the last RAF plane left Kabul Airport ending the evacuation of military and Afghan personnel. In 14 days over 15,000 people have been airlifted on over 165 flights. We should be proud of our armed forces, welcoming to those coming for a better life, and … — Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) August 28, 2021 × Defence minister Wallace had said earlier that it would not be possible to airlift 800 and 1,100 Afghans who worked for the British government, however, he added that they could leave by land route and the UK government would provide support. PM Johnson had assured that his government would ensure full support for Afghans who want to leave Afghanistan. In pics| Kabul residents protest against closure of banks "What I would say to them is that we will shift heaven and earth to help them get out, we will do whatever we can in the second phase," the British PM said, adding, "of course, as we come down to the final hours of the operation there will sadly be people who haven't got through, people who might qualify." Prime Minister Boris Johnson also praised the efforts of the troops asserting that he was proud of them. The British prime minister had earlier discussed the Afghanistan situation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. During the meeting, Johnson told Merkel that "recognition and engagement" for the Taliban was tied to allowing safe passage for Afghans who want to leave the country including "respecting human rights". British citizens were killed during Thursday's suicide attack in Kabul airport. According to foreign minister Dominic Raab, two British nationals and a child of another British citizen were killed. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Sad for those left behind': Last UK military flight leaves Afghanistan

In recent&nbsp;comments to Afghan media representatives, which were aired on Thursday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;government cannot be held responsible for Taliban's actions in Afghanistan. He added&nbsp;Islamabad is not a spokesperson for the group.

The&nbsp;prime minister&nbsp;also said Pakistan will have good relations with whoever the citizens of Afghanistan choose.

As per a Dawn report,&nbsp;Khan said,&nbsp;"What the Taliban are doing or aren't doing has nothing to do with us. We are not responsible, neither are we spokespersons for the Taliban."

Watch |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Flights take off from Kabul as evacuations resume

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/afghanistan-flights-take-off-from-kabul-as-evacuations-resume-409022/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<a href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

Accused of&nbsp;being a Taliban supporter&nbsp;several times,&nbsp;the PM's remarks seem to be an attempt to distance itself from the group.

It is also in continuation to warnings by the country's leaders that it would not accept the responsibility if it was blamed for any setbacks in the Afghan peace process.

Distancing Islamabad from the developments in Kabul,&nbsp;Khan said, "All we want is peace in Afghanistan."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-airport-blasts-taliban-condemn-us-drone-attack-on-is-k-militant-409070" hreflang="en">Kabul airport blasts: Taliban condemn US drone attack on IS-K militant</a>

The people of Afghanistan&nbsp;had a choice to make, either pursue military solution or a political settlement where there is an inclusive government. "(The latter) is the only solution," he added.&nbsp;

"There are three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, almost all of them are Pashtuns and most will have sympathies with the Taliban. How is Pakistan supposed to check, who is going over there to fight when we have about 30,000 people crossing into Afghanistan every day. How is Pakistan going to check that?" Khan asked.

Khan said it was not in Pakistan's interest to have civil war in Afghanistan. "What interest could Pakistan have in backing someone to take over Afghanistan?" the PM asked.

(With inputs from agencies)

In recent comments to Afghan media representatives, which were aired on Thursday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan government cannot be held responsible for Taliban's actions in Afghanistan.

In recent comments to Afghan media representatives, which were aired on Thursday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan government cannot be held responsible for Taliban's actions in Afghanistan. He added Islamabad is not a spokesperson for the group. The prime minister also said Pakistan will have good relations with whoever the citizens of Afghanistan choose. As per a Dawn report, Khan said, "What the Taliban are doing or aren't doing has nothing to do with us. We are not responsible, neither are we spokespersons for the Taliban." Watch | Afghanistan: Flights take off from Kabul as evacuations resume × Accused of being a Taliban supporter several times, the PM's remarks seem to be an attempt to distance itself from the group. It is also in continuation to warnings by the country's leaders that it would not accept the responsibility if it was blamed for any setbacks in the Afghan peace process. Distancing Islamabad from the developments in Kabul, Khan said, "All we want is peace in Afghanistan." Also Read | Kabul airport blasts: Taliban condemn US drone attack on IS-K militant The people of Afghanistan had a choice to make, either pursue military solution or a political settlement where there is an inclusive government. "(The latter) is the only solution," he added. "There are three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, almost all of them are Pashtuns and most will have sympathies with the Taliban. How is Pakistan supposed to check, who is going over there to fight when we have about 30,000 people crossing into Afghanistan every day. How is Pakistan going to check that?" Khan asked. Khan said it was not in Pakistan's interest to have civil war in Afghanistan. "What interest could Pakistan have in backing someone to take over Afghanistan?" the PM asked. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan not responsible for Taliban's actions in Afghanistan: PM Imran Khan

The clock is certainly ticking, in three days all foreign troops will leave Afghanistan as per the deadline set for US troops withdrawal after 20 years of war but the world is dreading a thought that what will happen after August 31 in Afghanistan? WION brings you a report.

Taliban vows 'consequences' if deadline not met

Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen recently blamed Ashraf Ghani for the chaos that the country has to go through and said that he did a mistake by abandoning the government all of a sudden.

Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen recently blamed Ashraf Ghani for the chaos that the country has to go through and said that he did a mistake by abandoning the government all of a sudden. In an exclusive interview to Doha News, the spokesperson said on August 15, when the Taliban were 'looking forward to' a peaceful transfer of power and the fighters were waiting outside the gate of Kabul, Ashraf Ghani suddenly fled. "He made a mistake of abandoning the government...This is what resulted in the sudden vacuum, plundering and shooting," the Taliban spokesperson said. 🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Taliban’s political spokesperson in Qatar, @SuhailShaheen1 says Afghan President Ashraf Ghani must return “the money of the people of Afghanistan”#afghanistan #taliban #qatar #dohanews WATCH ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/v7E2xdIIYD — Doha News (@dohanews) August 29, 2021 × On the other hand, Ashraf Ghani refuted reports of both fleeing the country and fleeing with money. He gave a message saying that that he was forced to leave the country to avoid bloodshed. He did not even have the time to change his slippers, he said, adding that there was no question of taking 'tonnes of money'. Meanwhile, a little after US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan. Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15. The source of the explosion was a rocket that has hit a house near the north gate of Kabul airport. However, the airport has not been hit. US officials have told news agency Reuters that the US has carried out a strike in Kabul and it is understood that the same rocket strike landed in the residential area. However, the claim is yet to be confirmed. The officials have claimed that the US was targeting some ISIS-K members through a fresh military strike. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed in a text message to journalists that on Sunday the US was targeting a suicide bomber of ISIS-K in a vehicle who was about to attack the Kabul airport. Following the explosion, Taliban have increased security in the area. This explosion happened a few hours after the US President Joe Biden warned that there is a possibility of another attack near the Kabul airport and the US embassy in Kabul had urged its citizens to stay away from the clear vicinity of the airport.

Taliban accuses Ashraf Ghani of fleeing the country with money

Nick Cannon is now the father of 12 children. Cannon and his girlfriend, Alyssa Scott, welcomed their second child, a baby girl, on December 14. On December 29th, Scott shared the good news with the world via her Instagram handle.

Nick Cannon is now the father of 12 children. Cannon and his girlfriend, Alyssa Scott, welcomed their second child, a baby girl, on December 14. On December 29th, Scott shared the good news with the world via her Instagram handle. Sharing a heartwarming video in which the model remembered her late son Zen, Scott penned a touching note as she revealed the name of their baby girl, i.e., Halo Marie Cannon. Vivienne Westwood dies, Victoria Beckham, Claudia Schiffer and others pay tribute: 'A talented dame' ''December 14, 2022, Our lives are forever changed. Zen is in every breath I take. I know his spirit was with us in the room that morning. I know he is watching down on us; he shows me signs every day. I will hold on to this memory forever. I will remember the sound of Nick's voice saying "It’s a girl" and the look of everything we’ve been through flashing across his face. I will remember the sound of her crying out with her first breath and feeling her heartbeat against mine. My sweet girl, I got my surprise!! We love you, Halo Marie Cannon!" Alyssa captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alyssa (@itsalyssaemm) × Nick and Alyssa's first child, Zen, died in December 2021 due to a brain tumour. Scott is also a mother of a four-year-old daughter Zeela. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alyssa (@itsalyssaemm) × In November, Alyssa revealed that she was expecting her second child with Nick. Sharing a photo from their maternity shoot, Alyssa wrote: "This is a MIRACLE & a BLESSING.'' Nick Cannon welcomed his 11th child, a baby girl, in November this year. The 'Masked Singer' announced the birth of his baby girl, Beautiful Zeppelin Cannon, with model Abby De La Rosa. Cannon and Rosa are already parents of twins, Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alyssa (@itsalyssaemm) × Andy Cohen will still be drinking on-air during New Year's Eve telecast despite drinking ban In September, Brittany Bell gave birth to her third child and Nick's 10th, Rise Messiah Cannon. Bell and Nichol also share a son, Golden, and a daughter, Powerful Queen. This year, Cannon also welcomed a daughter, Onyx, with model Lanisha Cole. This year, in July, Nick welcomed his eighth child, a baby boy with model Bre Tiesi. He was previously married to singer Mariah Carey from 2008 to 2016, and with her, he has two children: a son, Moroccan, and a daughter, Monroe.

Taliban kill Afghan folk singer days after having tea with him

As the deadline of withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan draws near,&nbsp;US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has announced that the Taliban will allow a safe passage even after August 31.

"The Taliban have made commitments to us...and we have leverage to hold them to those commitment," Sullivan claimed.

However, he also announced that the US will not have a physical presence in Afghanistan from September, but the US will consider "more strikes, other operations" against the ISIS-K — the terrorist group which attacked the Kabul airport a week ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-as-us-official-admits-military-strike-carried-out-in-same-area-409224">Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US official admits military strike carried out in same area</a>

"The US is capable of suppressing the terrorism threat in Afghanistan without a permanent military presence on the ground," Sullivan said.

Sullivan's assurance has come as the&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that only 300 American citizens are left to be evacuated from Afghanistan now.

"We have about 300 American citizens left, who have indicated to us that they want to leave. We are very actively working to help them get to the airport, get on a plane and get out of Afghanistan," he told ABC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-visits-us-air-base-to-pay-tribute-to-service-personnel-killed-in-kabul-409232">Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul</a>

The issue of Taliban providing a safe passage to US citizens after August 31 deadline came as some American citizens have decided to stay back in Afghanistan for now. Assuring that these American citizens "are not going to be stuck in Afghanistan", Blinken assured that the US government has&nbsp;"a mechanism to get them out."

This announcement by the US officials have come as another loud explosion was heard across the Kabul city. After the explosion, smoke was seen rising from the residential area of the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15 — an area that is few kilometres away from the north gate of Kabul airport.

Meanwhile, US President&nbsp;Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden paid respects to the 13 members of the US troops who were killed in the deadly Kabul airport attack that took place last week.&nbsp;

As the deadline of withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan draws near, US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has announced that the Taliban will allow a safe passage even after August 31.

As the deadline of withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan draws near, US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has announced that the Taliban will allow a safe passage even after August 31. "The Taliban have made commitments to us...and we have leverage to hold them to those commitment," Sullivan claimed. However, he also announced that the US will not have a physical presence in Afghanistan from September, but the US will consider "more strikes, other operations" against the ISIS-K — the terrorist group which attacked the Kabul airport a week ago. Also read | Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US official admits military strike carried out in same area "The US is capable of suppressing the terrorism threat in Afghanistan without a permanent military presence on the ground," Sullivan said. Sullivan's assurance has come as the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that only 300 American citizens are left to be evacuated from Afghanistan now. "We have about 300 American citizens left, who have indicated to us that they want to leave. We are very actively working to help them get to the airport, get on a plane and get out of Afghanistan," he told ABC. Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul The issue of Taliban providing a safe passage to US citizens after August 31 deadline came as some American citizens have decided to stay back in Afghanistan for now. Assuring that these American citizens "are not going to be stuck in Afghanistan", Blinken assured that the US government has "a mechanism to get them out." This announcement by the US officials have come as another loud explosion was heard across the Kabul city. After the explosion, smoke was seen rising from the residential area of the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15 — an area that is few kilometres away from the north gate of Kabul airport. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden paid respects to the 13 members of the US troops who were killed in the deadly Kabul airport attack that took place last week.

Blinken says only 300 Americans left to evacuate; Sullivan assures Taliban to provide safe passage after August 31

US&nbsp;forces were in the final phase of pulling out of Kabul, ending two decades of costly involvement in&nbsp;Afghanistan, as the country's new Taliban rulers prepared to take control of the airport.

An explosion was heard near the airport, witnesses said, and television footage showed black smoke rising into the sky but there was no immediate word on any casualties.

Two witnesses said the blast appeared to have been caused by a rocket that hit a house in an area to the northern side of the airport but there was no immediate confirmation.

Just over 1,000 civilians remained at the airport on Sunday to be flown out before the troops finally leave, a Western security official told Reuters.

"We want to ensure that every foreign civilian and those who are at risk are evacuated today. Forces will start flying out once this process is over," said the official, who is stationed at the airport.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-as-us-official-admits-military-strike-carried-out-in-same-area-409224">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US official admits military strike carried out in same area</a>

US&nbsp;President&nbsp;Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;has said he will stick by his deadline to withdraw all U.S. troops&nbsp;from&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;by Tuesday. A US&nbsp;official told Reuters on Saturday that fewer than 4,000 troops remained at the airport.

US&nbsp;and allied forces have mounted a massive two-week effort to ferry foreign nationals and tens of thousands of vulnerable Afghans out of the country.

The airlift, one of the biggest such evacuation operations ever, marked the end of a 20-year Western mission in Afghanistan that began when US led forces ousted a Taliban government that had provided&nbsp;safe&nbsp;haven for the perpetrators of the September&nbsp;11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

The final chapter came quickly after the United States and the Taliban made a deal to end the foreign involvement. The Western-backed government and Afghan army melted away as Taliban fighters swept across the country and took control of Kabul on August&nbsp;15.

The United States and allies have taken about 114,400 people out of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in the past two weeks, but tens of thousands who want to go will be left behind.

"We tried every option because our lives are in danger. They (the&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;or foreigners) must show us a way to be saved. We should leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;or they should provide a&nbsp;safe&nbsp;place for us," said one woman outside the airport.

A Taliban official told Reuters the Islamist group had engineers and technicians ready to take charge of the airport.

"We are waiting for the final nod&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;to secure full control over Kabul airport as both sides aim for a swift handover," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Britain's last military flight left Kabul on Saturday night after a chaotic two weeks at the airport that was plunged into a bloodbath on Thursday when an Islamic State suicide bomb attack outside the airport gates killed at least 90 Afghans and 13 American troops.

Biden&nbsp;headed on Sunday to Dover Air Force Base to honour members of the US&nbsp;military killed in the attack as their remains were returned to the United States.

A top US official&nbsp;said the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration expects the Taliban to continue allowing&nbsp;safe&nbsp;passage&nbsp;for&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;and others to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;after the U.S. military withdrawal is completed.

"The Taliban have both communicated privately and publicly that they will allow for&nbsp;safe&nbsp;passage," said Jake Sullivan,&nbsp;Biden's national security adviser, in a CBS TV interview set to be broadcast Sunday.

FINANCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

The collapse of the Afghan government leaves an administrative vacuum that has led to fears of an economic crisis and widespread hunger.

Prices for commodities like flour, oil and rice are rapidly rising and the currency is plunging, with money changers across the border in Pakistan already refusing to accept the afghani.

On Saturday, officials ordered banks to re-open and imposed a limit on withdrawals of $200 or 20,000 afghani. Long queues forming outside bank branches of people trying to get money out.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has said the difficulties will subside quickly once the new administration is up and running.

But with its economy shattered by decades of war,&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is now facing the end of billions of dollars in foreign aid poured in by Western donors.

Mujahid said the Taliban would announce a full cabinet in the coming days. It had appointed governors and police chiefs in all but one of&nbsp;Afghanistan's 34 provinces, he said.

It also appealed to the United States and other Western nations to maintain diplomatic relations after withdrawing. Britain said that should happen only if the Taliban allow&nbsp;safe&nbsp;passage&nbsp;for those who want to leave and respect human rights.

The Taliban's 1996-2001 rule was marked by a harsh version of sharia, Islamic law, with many political rights and basic freedoms curtailed and women severely oppressed.

Afghanistan&nbsp;was also a hub for anti-Western militants, and Washington, London and others fear it might become so again.

CITY CALM

While Kabul's airport has been in chaos, the rest of the city has been generally calm. The Taliban have told residents to hand over government equipment including weapons and vehicles within a week.

The Western security official said crowds at the airport gates had diminished after a specific warning&nbsp;from&nbsp;the U.S. government of another attack by ISIS-K, the branch of Islamic State in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;that is an enemy of both the West and the Taliban.

The United States said on Saturday it had killed two ISIS-K militants.&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;had vowed to hunt down the perpetrators of the explosion and said the strike was not the last.

The Taliban condemned the US drone strike, which took place in Nangarhar province, an eastern area that borders Pakistan.

The airport attack added fuel to criticism&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;faced at home and abroad for the chaos. He has defended his decisions, saying the United States long ago achieved its rationale for invading in 2001.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain would not have wished to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in such a manner.

But Richard Dannatt, a former head of the British army, said the government need to investigate why it was so ill-prepared for the rapid fall of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;to the Taliban.

"It is unfathomable why it would appear that the government was asleep on watch," Dannat told Times Radio.

US forces were in the final phase of pulling out of Kabul, ending two decades of costly involvement in Afghanistan, as the country's new Taliban rulers prepared to take control of the airport.

US forces were in the final phase of pulling out of Kabul, ending two decades of costly involvement in Afghanistan, as the country's new Taliban rulers prepared to take control of the airport. An explosion was heard near the airport, witnesses said, and television footage showed black smoke rising into the sky but there was no immediate word on any casualties. Two witnesses said the blast appeared to have been caused by a rocket that hit a house in an area to the northern side of the airport but there was no immediate confirmation. Just over 1,000 civilians remained at the airport on Sunday to be flown out before the troops finally leave, a Western security official told Reuters. "We want to ensure that every foreign civilian and those who are at risk are evacuated today. Forces will start flying out once this process is over," said the official, who is stationed at the airport. Also read | Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US official admits military strike carried out in same area US President Joe Biden has said he will stick by his deadline to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Tuesday. A US official told Reuters on Saturday that fewer than 4,000 troops remained at the airport. US and allied forces have mounted a massive two-week effort to ferry foreign nationals and tens of thousands of vulnerable Afghans out of the country. The airlift, one of the biggest such evacuation operations ever, marked the end of a 20-year Western mission in Afghanistan that began when US led forces ousted a Taliban government that had provided safe haven for the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. The final chapter came quickly after the United States and the Taliban made a deal to end the foreign involvement. The Western-backed government and Afghan army melted away as Taliban fighters swept across the country and took control of Kabul on August 15. The United States and allies have taken about 114,400 people out of Afghanistan in the past two weeks, but tens of thousands who want to go will be left behind. "We tried every option because our lives are in danger. They (the Americans or foreigners) must show us a way to be saved. We should leave Afghanistan or they should provide a safe place for us," said one woman outside the airport. A Taliban official told Reuters the Islamist group had engineers and technicians ready to take charge of the airport. "We are waiting for the final nod from the Americans to secure full control over Kabul airport as both sides aim for a swift handover," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Britain's last military flight left Kabul on Saturday night after a chaotic two weeks at the airport that was plunged into a bloodbath on Thursday when an Islamic State suicide bomb attack outside the airport gates killed at least 90 Afghans and 13 American troops. Biden headed on Sunday to Dover Air Force Base to honour members of the US military killed in the attack as their remains were returned to the United States. A top US official said the Biden administration expects the Taliban to continue allowing safe passage for Americans and others to leave Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrawal is completed. "The Taliban have both communicated privately and publicly that they will allow for safe passage," said Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser, in a CBS TV interview set to be broadcast Sunday. FINANCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS The collapse of the Afghan government leaves an administrative vacuum that has led to fears of an economic crisis and widespread hunger. Prices for commodities like flour, oil and rice are rapidly rising and the currency is plunging, with money changers across the border in Pakistan already refusing to accept the afghani. On Saturday, officials ordered banks to re-open and imposed a limit on withdrawals of $200 or 20,000 afghani. Long queues forming outside bank branches of people trying to get money out. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has said the difficulties will subside quickly once the new administration is up and running. But with its economy shattered by decades of war, Afghanistan is now facing the end of billions of dollars in foreign aid poured in by Western donors. Mujahid said the Taliban would announce a full cabinet in the coming days. It had appointed governors and police chiefs in all but one of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, he said. It also appealed to the United States and other Western nations to maintain diplomatic relations after withdrawing. Britain said that should happen only if the Taliban allow safe passage for those who want to leave and respect human rights. The Taliban's 1996-2001 rule was marked by a harsh version of sharia, Islamic law, with many political rights and basic freedoms curtailed and women severely oppressed. Afghanistan was also a hub for anti-Western militants, and Washington, London and others fear it might become so again. CITY CALM While Kabul's airport has been in chaos, the rest of the city has been generally calm. The Taliban have told residents to hand over government equipment including weapons and vehicles within a week. The Western security official said crowds at the airport gates had diminished after a specific warning from the U.S. government of another attack by ISIS-K, the branch of Islamic State in Afghanistan that is an enemy of both the West and the Taliban. The United States said on Saturday it had killed two ISIS-K militants. Biden had vowed to hunt down the perpetrators of the explosion and said the strike was not the last. The Taliban condemned the US drone strike, which took place in Nangarhar province, an eastern area that borders Pakistan. The airport attack added fuel to criticism Biden faced at home and abroad for the chaos. He has defended his decisions, saying the United States long ago achieved its rationale for invading in 2001. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain would not have wished to leave Afghanistan in such a manner. But Richard Dannatt, a former head of the British army, said the government need to investigate why it was so ill-prepared for the rapid fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. "It is unfathomable why it would appear that the government was asleep on watch," Dannat told Times Radio.

US in final phase of Kabul evacuations, Taliban prepares government

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.”

Like the United States, UK has also been facing criticism for failing to pre-empt the quick takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban forces and not making adequate preparations for the smooth evacuation of British nationals and vulnerable Afghans.

In a video clip uploaded to Twitter, he said, “UK troops and officials have worked around the clock to a remorseless deadline in harrowing conditions. They have expended all the patience and care and thought they possess to help people in fear for their lives.”

“They’ve seen at first-hand barbaric terrorist attacks on the queues of people they were trying to comfort, as well as on our American friends. They didn't flinch. They kept calm. They got on with the job. It’s thanks to their colossal exertions that this country has now processed, checked, vetted and airlifted more than 15,000 people to safety in less than two weeks.”

On Saturday, the final British troops and diplomatic staff were airlifted from Kabul, culminating a chaotic two weeks&nbsp;of the evacuation process which saw thousands of Afghans fleeing, fearing the Taliban rule.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-few-hours-after-bidens-warning-409224">Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning</a>

However, as per reports, over 150 British nationals and more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted the western forces have been left behind.&nbsp;

Johnson said however that while Britain would not have wished to leave Afghanistan in the way it did, the armed forces should still be proud of their achievements.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said it had worked tirelessly to evacuate people but it had always cautioned that it would not be able to help everyone. The spokesperson declined to give any further details on the process.

Britain`s defence minister, Ben Wallace, predicted last week that time had run out to evacuate around 1,000 Afghans who were eligible to come to Britain, including former staff to the UK.

(with inputs from agencies)

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.” Like the United States, UK has also been facing criticism for failing to pre-empt the quick takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban forces and not making adequate preparations for the smooth evacuation of British nationals and vulnerable Afghans. In a video clip uploaded to Twitter, he said, “UK troops and officials have worked around the clock to a remorseless deadline in harrowing conditions. They have expended all the patience and care and thought they possess to help people in fear for their lives.” “They’ve seen at first-hand barbaric terrorist attacks on the queues of people they were trying to comfort, as well as on our American friends. They didn't flinch. They kept calm. They got on with the job. It’s thanks to their colossal exertions that this country has now processed, checked, vetted and airlifted more than 15,000 people to safety in less than two weeks.” On Saturday, the final British troops and diplomatic staff were airlifted from Kabul, culminating a chaotic two weeks of the evacuation process which saw thousands of Afghans fleeing, fearing the Taliban rule. Also read | Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning However, as per reports, over 150 British nationals and more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted the western forces have been left behind. Johnson said however that while Britain would not have wished to leave Afghanistan in the way it did, the armed forces should still be proud of their achievements. A Foreign Office spokesperson said it had worked tirelessly to evacuate people but it had always cautioned that it would not be able to help everyone. The spokesperson declined to give any further details on the process. Britain`s defence minister, Ben Wallace, predicted last week that time had run out to evacuate around 1,000 Afghans who were eligible to come to Britain, including former staff to the UK. (with inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson defends Kabul evacuation amid criticism

The US is in its final stage of leaving Kabul with just about a thousand civilians left at the airport to be airlifted. With this, the Taliban is set to take control of the Kabul airport.

US Troop withdrawal starts, last 1000 civilians to be airlifted

Afghanistan plunges into deeper turmoil with an imminent threat to the neighboring nations. India is stepping up efforts to be on the safe side and in the latest development Indian Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his US counterpart Anthony Blinken over the phone.

Jaishankar discusses afghan crisis with US Secy of State

Days after a deadly attack at the Kabul airport killed scores of civilians, America has warned of another terror attack that is likely to hit the Kabul airport. US President Joe Biden has issued a statement where he has warned that the situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous and a new attack on Kabul airport is highly likely in 24 to 36 hours.

US President Joe Biden Warns, this strike was not the last

The rivalry between two extremist movements the Taliban and the Islamic State is now at the far front of Afghanistan following the suicide bomb attack at the Kabul airport claimed by is Khorasan.

Report: 6 Islamic state operatives, including 2 Malaysians arrested

The Taliban are preparing a new cabinet as the US-led evacuation nears its end. The Taliban may announce their new cabinet within the next two weeks.

Afghanistan: The Taliban to announce new cabinet in 2 weeks?

The United Nations Security Council(UNSC) has reportedly not referred to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-not-responsible-for-talibans-actions-in-afghanistan-pm-imran-khan-409085"> Taliban</a> in its statement on terror attacks near Kabul airport which took place on Thursday.

The change was pointed out by Syed Akbaruddin who was India's permanent representative at the United Nations.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In diplomacy… 
A fortnight is a long time… 
The ‘T’ word is gone…🤔 
 
Compare the marked portions of <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> Security Council statements issued on 16 August &amp; on 27 August… <a href="https://t.co/BPZTk23oqX">pic.twitter.com/BPZTk23oqX</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1431645567181017089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"In diplomacy…a fortnight is a long time. The ‘T’ word is gone," Akbaruddin said in his tweet while citing the two statements.

In the first statement issued on August 16, the UNSC said: “The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan to ensure the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, and that neither the Taliban nor any other Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any other country.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-highly-likely-in-next-24-36-hours-says-biden-on-kabul-airport-409079">Also Read:&nbsp;Attack highly likely in next 24-36 hours, says Biden on Kabul airport</a>

On August 27, the UNSC while issuing the statement after the suicide attack at Kabul airport said: “The members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan to ensure the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, and that no Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country.”

The attack was claimed by Islamic State in Khorasan(ISIS-K) which the UNS statement said was affiliated to Islamic State in Iraq and Levant(ISIL/Da'esh).

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/macron-says-france-britain-to-propose-safe-zone-in-kabul-409127/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UNSC while condemning the "deplorable attack" said in the statement that "all parties must respect their obligations under the international humanitarian law in all circumstances."

India which is the president of the UNSC this month signed off on the statement and issued it as the chair for the month of August.

The Taliban was first designated as a terrorist organization in 1999 by the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;

UNSC resolution 1267 adopted in October 1999 had designated slain al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and his associates as "terrorists" including al-Qaida and the Taliban.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The United Nations Security Council(UNSC) has reportedly not referred to the Taliban in its statement on terror attacks near Kabul airport which took place on Thursday.

The United Nations Security Council(UNSC) has reportedly not referred to the Taliban in its statement on terror attacks near Kabul airport which took place on Thursday. The change was pointed out by Syed Akbaruddin who was India's permanent representative at the United Nations. In diplomacy… A fortnight is a long time… The ‘T’ word is gone…🤔 Compare the marked portions of @UN Security Council statements issued on 16 August & on 27 August… pic.twitter.com/BPZTk23oqX — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) August 28, 2021 × "In diplomacy…a fortnight is a long time. The ‘T’ word is gone," Akbaruddin said in his tweet while citing the two statements. In the first statement issued on August 16, the UNSC said: “The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan to ensure the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, and that neither the Taliban nor any other Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any other country.” Also Read: Attack highly likely in next 24-36 hours, says Biden on Kabul airport On August 27, the UNSC while issuing the statement after the suicide attack at Kabul airport said: “The members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan to ensure the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, and that no Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country.” The attack was claimed by Islamic State in Khorasan(ISIS-K) which the UNS statement said was affiliated to Islamic State in Iraq and Levant(ISIL/Da'esh). Watch: The UNSC while condemning the "deplorable attack" said in the statement that "all parties must respect their obligations under the international humanitarian law in all circumstances." India which is the president of the UNSC this month signed off on the statement and issued it as the chair for the month of August. The Taliban was first designated as a terrorist organization in 1999 by the United Nations Security Council. UNSC resolution 1267 adopted in October 1999 had designated slain al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and his associates as "terrorists" including al-Qaida and the Taliban. (With inputs from Agencies)

UNSC does not refer to Taliban in Kabul airport attack statement

Almost two weeks have passed since the Taliban took over Afghanistan. Now Afghan economy is on the brink of collapse, the country is facing an acute financial crunch.

Afghan economy on brink of collapse after Taliban takeover

''US President Joe Biden made the wrong call in Afghanistan,'' says Fred Fleitz, President of Center For Security Policy & Former NSC Chief of Staff in a conversation with WION's. He also added that Biden chose to withdraw abruptly without working with the Afghan army.

'Biden chose to withdraw abruptly without working with Afghan army', says Fred Fleitz

The Taliban forces sealed off the Kabul airport to most Afghans hoping for evacuation on Sunday.&nbsp;

The development&nbsp;comes as the US and its allies began winding down the chaotic airlift that will end two decades of military engagement in Afghanistan.

The western leaders acknowledged that their withdrawal would mean leaving behind some of their citizens and many locals who helped them over the years.

Also, they vowed to try to continue working with the Taliban to allow local allies to leave after President Joe Biden’s Tuesday’s deadline to withdraw from the country.

The US planned to keep its flights going until the deadline, even after most of its allies had finished their evacuation flights.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-killed-two-high-profile-isis-targets-in-afghanistan-drone-strike-pentagon-409060">Also read |&nbsp;US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon</a>

US said that 113,500 people had been evacuated since August 14, the day before the Taliban claimed Kabul.

Biden has also warned that commanders had told him another attack was “highly likely in the next 24-36 hours,” and the US embassy issued a new warning early Sunday for all Americans to avoid the airport area entirely.

However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to “shift heaven and earth” to get more of those at risk from the Taliban to Britain by other means.

Britain’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Laurie Bristow, said that it was "time to close this phase of the operation now."&nbsp;

“But we haven’t forgotten the people who still need to leave,” he said. “We’ll continue to do everything we can to help them. Nor have we forgotten the brave, decent people of Afghanistan. They deserve to live in peace and security.”

While the flow of planes slowed, others arrived in locales around the world carrying Afghans who managed to secure places on the last evacuation flights, including in the Washington area, Philadelphia, Madrid, and Birmingham, England.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on Saturday that the group’s forces were holding some positions within the airport and were ready to peacefully take control of it as American forces flew out.&nbsp;

However, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby denied the claim.

The Taliban forces sealed off the Kabul airport to most Afghans hoping for evacuation on Sunday. The development comes as the US and its allies began winding down the chaotic airlift that will end two decades of military engagement in Afghanistan.

The Taliban forces sealed off the Kabul airport to most Afghans hoping for evacuation on Sunday. The development comes as the US and its allies began winding down the chaotic airlift that will end two decades of military engagement in Afghanistan. The western leaders acknowledged that their withdrawal would mean leaving behind some of their citizens and many locals who helped them over the years. Also, they vowed to try to continue working with the Taliban to allow local allies to leave after President Joe Biden’s Tuesday’s deadline to withdraw from the country. The US planned to keep its flights going until the deadline, even after most of its allies had finished their evacuation flights. Also read | US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon US said that 113,500 people had been evacuated since August 14, the day before the Taliban claimed Kabul. Biden has also warned that commanders had told him another attack was “highly likely in the next 24-36 hours,” and the US embassy issued a new warning early Sunday for all Americans to avoid the airport area entirely. However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to “shift heaven and earth” to get more of those at risk from the Taliban to Britain by other means. Britain’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Laurie Bristow, said that it was "time to close this phase of the operation now." “But we haven’t forgotten the people who still need to leave,” he said. “We’ll continue to do everything we can to help them. Nor have we forgotten the brave, decent people of Afghanistan. They deserve to live in peace and security.” While the flow of planes slowed, others arrived in locales around the world carrying Afghans who managed to secure places on the last evacuation flights, including in the Washington area, Philadelphia, Madrid, and Birmingham, England. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on Saturday that the group’s forces were holding some positions within the airport and were ready to peacefully take control of it as American forces flew out. However, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby denied the claim.

Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan

As the deadline for the US troops' withdrawal nears, the world is rushing to evacuate its citizens and vulnerable Afghans and the forefront is the United States. WION brings you all about the final phase of evacuation in Kabul.

As clock ticks countries rush to evacuate nationals from Afghanistan

Osama bin Laden was found & killed in Pakistan. Taliban leader Mullah Baradar was arrested from Pakistan. Designated terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar still live in Pakistan. How did Pakistan become the world capital of terrorism? WION's Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas | Pakistan: Terror capital of the world

The Haqqani Network is the most-feared terror group in Afghanistan. It has a reputation for ruthlessness. The Haqqanis have attacked the Indian embassy, tried to assassinate then-Afghan President Hamid Karzai. How did this terror group become so powerful?

Gravitas: The rise of the Haqqanis

Gravitas | Bangladesh is feeling the repercussions of Taliban's comeback. Pro-Taliban sentiments are growing on Social Media. Dormant terror groups have become active. Many have left Bangladesh by sea to join the Taliban. WION's Palkis Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Bangladesh witnesses rise in Islamist Fundamentalism

They are called the Afghan branch of the Islamic State. They accuse the Taliban of 'not being radical enough'. And they have claimed responsibility for the Kabul blasts. Who are ISIS-K - the extremists putting Taliban to shame? WION's Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: ISIS-K: Group behind the Kabul blasts

taliban

Taliban, News on Taliban, stories on Taliban, articles on Taliban, Taliban stories at Wion, Taliban news, Taliban latest news