A senior Taliban leader blamed the United States for the chaotic situation at Kabul airport. He said America has failed to bring order to the airport. He also added that apart from Kabul airport situation in the rest of Afghanistan is peaceful.

Taliban blames US for Kabul airport chaos, says situation in rest of Afghanistan is peaceful

Days after the Taliban vowed to respect women’s rights, images of women have been covered up or vandalised on storefronts around Kabul. The absence of women from public places has become a defining feature of the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Taliban's war against women: Images of women vandalised outside beauty salons in Kabul

The takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban has prompted hundreds of Afghans to rush to Kabul airport in an effort to flee. WION tells you which nation is doing what to support Afghanistan refugees.

Afghan Refugee Crisis: All eyes on what stand Muslim nations are taking

President Joe Biden once again defended the decision of US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan. He said that changes had been made in Kabul to ease the ability of Americans and Afghan allies to flee the country amid emerging threats, and admitted there are discussions about extending the August 31 deadline for US troops to leave Afghanistan.

Biden says US troops widened 'safe zone' in Kabul airport

Two persons out of the 146 passengers who landed in Delhi from Afghanistan on Monday were found positive for COVID-19.

Speaking to ANI, Rajendra Kumar, Sub Divisional Magistrate said, "Two people coming from Afghanistan have been found COVID positive. They have been sent to LNJP Hospital."

The second batch of 146 Indian nationals who were evacuated from Afghanistan via Doha arrived in the national capital on Monday on various flights.

India on Sunday brought back nearly 400 people including 329 of its nationals in three different flights.

Earlier on Saturday, government sources told ANI that India has been allowed to operate two flights per day from Kabul to evacuate its nationals stranded in Afghanistan.

Permission has been granted by the American and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces, which have been controlling operations of the Hamid Karzai International Airport after the Afghan capital was taken over by the Taliban on August 15.

Hundreds of Indian nationals have to be taken out of Kabul, which is now under the Taliban's control. India is airlifting its citizens through Dushanbe in Tajikistan and Qatar.

Two persons out of the 146 passengers who landed in Delhi from Afghanistan on Monday were found positive for COVID-19. Speaking to ANI, Rajendra Kumar, Sub Divisional Magistrate said, "Two people coming from Afghanistan have been found COVID positive.

Two persons out of the 146 passengers who landed in Delhi from Afghanistan on Monday were found positive for COVID-19. Speaking to ANI, Rajendra Kumar, Sub Divisional Magistrate said, "Two people coming from Afghanistan have been found COVID positive. They have been sent to LNJP Hospital." The second batch of 146 Indian nationals who were evacuated from Afghanistan via Doha arrived in the national capital on Monday on various flights. India on Sunday brought back nearly 400 people including 329 of its nationals in three different flights. Earlier on Saturday, government sources told ANI that India has been allowed to operate two flights per day from Kabul to evacuate its nationals stranded in Afghanistan. Permission has been granted by the American and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces, which have been controlling operations of the Hamid Karzai International Airport after the Afghan capital was taken over by the Taliban on August 15. Hundreds of Indian nationals have to be taken out of Kabul, which is now under the Taliban's control. India is airlifting its citizens through Dushanbe in Tajikistan and Qatar.

Two passengers from Afghanistan test COVID-19 positive in New Delhi 

Reports announced that the Taliban won't make announcements on any new government until the last US troops left Afghanistan. However, the Taliban held the first jirga after capturing Kabul. Nearly 800 Muslim scholars attended the event.

Taliban holds first loya jirga after capturing Kabul

Britain is expected to push for sanctions on the Taliban in the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan.

WION Live Broadcast: G7 Meet: Britain to push for sanctions on Taliban

Amidst the calls for extension of&nbsp;US troops withdrawal&nbsp;deadline,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;have&nbsp;issued a stark warning against the move. The&nbsp;Taliban spokesperson said&nbsp;if the US or the UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations,&nbsp;the answer is no or there would be consequences.&nbsp;

Watch: Taliban 'mock US' with propaganda photo copying Iwo Jima flag raising

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In an interview to Sky News in Doha,&nbsp;Taliban spokesperson Dr Suhail Shaheen said, "It's a red line. President Biden announced that on August 31, they would withdraw all their military forces. So, if they extend it that means they are extending occupation while there is no need for that."&nbsp;

Just days away, the&nbsp;deadline for&nbsp;US&nbsp;troops withdrawal&nbsp;from Afghanistan&nbsp;is approaching. It has made the&nbsp;evacuation of people more intense. Several calls are being made for its extension.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-founder-of-only-all-girls-school-burns-records-for-students-safety-407754">Afghanistan: Founder of only all-girls school burns records for students' safety</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Taliban spokesperson&nbsp;added,&nbsp;"If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations - the answer is no. Or there would be consequences.&nbsp;It will create mistrust between us. If they are intent on continuing the occupation it will provoke a reaction."&nbsp;

The development comes as&nbsp;United&nbsp;Kingdom&nbsp;Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Boris Johnson is&nbsp;about to&nbsp;ask&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&nbsp;President&nbsp;Joe Biden to extend&nbsp;the&nbsp;deadline&nbsp;for&nbsp;withdrawal&nbsp;to allow more people to flee the Taliban&nbsp;rule.&nbsp;

Amidst the calls for extension of US troops withdrawal deadline, the Taliban have issued a stark warning against the move. The Taliban spokesperson said if the US or the UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations, the answer is no or there would be consequences.

Amidst the calls for extension of US troops withdrawal deadline, the Taliban have issued a stark warning against the move. The Taliban spokesperson said if the US or the UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations, the answer is no or there would be consequences. Watch: Taliban 'mock US' with propaganda photo copying Iwo Jima flag raising × In an interview to Sky News in Doha, Taliban spokesperson Dr Suhail Shaheen said, "It's a red line. President Biden announced that on August 31, they would withdraw all their military forces. So, if they extend it that means they are extending occupation while there is no need for that." Just days away, the deadline for US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan is approaching. It has made the evacuation of people more intense. Several calls are being made for its extension. Also Read | Afghanistan: Founder of only all-girls school burns records for students' safety Taliban spokesperson added, "If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations - the answer is no. Or there would be consequences. It will create mistrust between us. If they are intent on continuing the occupation it will provoke a reaction." The development comes as United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is about to ask United States President Joe Biden to extend the deadline for withdrawal to allow more people to flee the Taliban rule.

Taliban warn of 'consequences' if US troops withdrawal deadline of August 31 is not met 

World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday that more than 500 tonnes of medical supplies are stuck because of Kabul airport restrictions. It&nbsp;includes surgical equipment and kits to alleviate severe malnutrition.

The UN agency said it was critical that medical and food supplies reach about 300,000 people displaced in Afghanistan over past two months.

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Nearly 18.5 million people - half the population - rely on aid and the humanitarian needs are expected to grow due to drought. But the closure of Kabul airport to commercial flights has held up deliveries, WHO regional emergency director Dr&nbsp;Richard Brennan told Reuters.

"While the eyes of the world now are on the people being evacuated and the planes leaving, we need to get supplies in to help those who are left behind," Brennan said in an emailed statement.

He said that WHO was calling for empty planes to divert to its warehouse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to collect the supplies on their way to pick up evacuees from the country.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-founder-of-only-all-girls-school-burns-records-for-students-safety-407754">Afghanistan: Founder of only all-girls school burns records for students' safety</a>

The WHO is also looking at setting up a "humanitarian air bridge" to send in supplies, Brennan added.

The executive director of the UN children's agency UNICEF, Henrietta Fore, said on Monday around 10 million children across Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance and that conditions are expected to deteriorate further.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday that more than 500 tonnes of medical supplies are stuck because of Kabul airport restrictions. It includes surgical equipment and kits to alleviate severe malnutrition.

World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday that more than 500 tonnes of medical supplies are stuck because of Kabul airport restrictions. It includes surgical equipment and kits to alleviate severe malnutrition. The UN agency said it was critical that medical and food supplies reach about 300,000 people displaced in Afghanistan over past two months. × Nearly 18.5 million people - half the population - rely on aid and the humanitarian needs are expected to grow due to drought. But the closure of Kabul airport to commercial flights has held up deliveries, WHO regional emergency director Dr Richard Brennan told Reuters. "While the eyes of the world now are on the people being evacuated and the planes leaving, we need to get supplies in to help those who are left behind," Brennan said in an emailed statement. He said that WHO was calling for empty planes to divert to its warehouse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to collect the supplies on their way to pick up evacuees from the country. Also Read: Afghanistan: Founder of only all-girls school burns records for students' safety The WHO is also looking at setting up a "humanitarian air bridge" to send in supplies, Brennan added. The executive director of the UN children's agency UNICEF, Henrietta Fore, said on Monday around 10 million children across Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance and that conditions are expected to deteriorate further. (With inputs from agencies)

Tonnes of medical supplies stuck due to Kabul airport restrictions: WHO

Singapore on Monday offered America one of its tanker aircraft to airlift stranded civilians from war-torn Afghanistan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said as he held talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris during which the two countries signed a number of key agreements to enhance cooperation, including in defence and cybersecurity.

Vice President Harris' visit to Singapore is part of a diplomatic charm offensive by the Biden administration in Southeast Asia, a region that is crucial to the future prosperity and security of the United States, amidst China's aggressive actions in the region.

Harris thanked Lee for the "very generous offer"&nbsp;to assist the US in its evacuations from Afghanistan.&nbsp;"We look forward to following up on that discussion,"&nbsp;she said.

The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft of the Singapore Air Force, which attained full operational capability in April, is capable of conducting air-to-air refuelling and airlift roles simultaneously.

It enhances the Singapore Armed Forces' ability to contribute to international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, and peace support operations. 
Lee, at a press conference held along with Harris, said that the safety and security of the civilians is on the minds of everyone all over the world, and that he hopes that all sides there can work to ensure this.

The MRTT aircraft of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) can carry up to 266 passengers or 37,000 kgs of cargo, and can be used to evacuate sick or injured personnel.

"I mentioned to Vice President (Harris) that we knew that the US was conducting an evacuation operation of refugees from Afghanistan, and Singapore would like to offer to the US the use of (RSAF's MRTT) aircraft in order to help with the airlift,"&nbsp;said Lee.

The US is evacuating Americans from Kabul which fell to the Taliban on August 15.

Lee noted that Singapore is not unfamiliar with the challenges, and that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have deployed personnel there in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISEF).

The ISEF was an international military mission in Afghanistan, established by the United Nations Security Council, to train the Afghan National Security Forces and assist the country in rebuilding key government institutions.

Singapore has sent personnel to Afghanistan because it is a key battlefront in the global fight against extremist terrorism, Lee said, noting that extremist ideas and capabilities have been exported from there to the region here.

The Prime Minister said that the US' intervention in the region 20 years ago has stopped terrorist groups from using Afghanistan as a safe base.

"For this, Singapore is grateful. We hope Afghanistan does not become an epicentre for terrorism again,"&nbsp;he said.

Meanwhile, the US and Singapore have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation on cybersecurity in the public, defence and financial sectors.

The MoUs were signed during the US Vice President's official visit to Singapore, where she is looking to deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple areas, including defence and cybersecurity.

The first MoU was signed by Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) chief executive David Koh and director of the US' Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Jen

Easterly. It builds on a similar pact signed in 2016.

This MoU will establish cooperation in areas like regular exchange of information on cyber threats, coordination of response to cybersecurity incidents, and joint cybersecurity training and exercises, the CSA said in a statement.

It also covers mutual guidance on prevailing cybersecurity trends and best practices, joint cooperation in capacity building activities as well as raising cybersecurity awareness among respective constituents.

Koh said Singapore and the US share "deep mutual interests"&nbsp;in improving cybersecurity cooperation, particularly as cybersecurity has become a ?key enabler? for both countries to utilise the benefits of digitalisation to grow their economies and improve lives.

Easterly said the borderless nature of cyber threats makes international collaboration a "key part"&nbsp;of the current US administration's approach to cybersecurity.

"The MoU allows us to strengthen our existing partnership with Singapore so that we can more effectively work together to collectively defend against the threats of today and secure against the risks of tomorrow,"&nbsp;she said.

The CSA said the pact will expand into new areas of cooperation, like critical technologies as well as research and development.

Separately, Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the US' Department of Defence also signed an MoU on cyberspace cooperation, aimed at institutionalising cyber cooperation between both defence establishments.

Signed on August 20, the pact will improve cooperation in information sharing, ops-to-ops and technical exchanges, as well as collaboration in regional capacity building efforts.

"Such cooperation and engagements are professionally valuable, and help to build mutual understanding, and facilitate info-sharing and collaboration between trusted partners in capacity-building efforts," MINDEF said in a statement.

The MoU concerning cooperation in cyberspace was signed by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Aquilino and Commander of the US Cyber Command General Paul Nakasone.

A third MoU on cybersecurity cooperation was signed between Singapore's Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the US' Department of the Treasury, aimed at maintaining and strengthening bilateral institutional ties.

The agreement, signed on August 11, will cover information sharing related to the financial sector. This includes cybersecurity regulations and guidance, cybersecurity incidents, and cybersecurity threat intelligence.

There will also be staff training and study visits, as well as competency-building activities including the conduct of cross-border cybersecurity exercises, the MAS said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the US and Singapore have agreed to a partnership to better collaborate on climate action, environmental governance, sustainable development and low-carbon solutions.

The US-Singapore Climate Partnership will "create opportunities for businesses and workers" in green growth sectors, including in energy transitions, clean energy infrastructure development, sustainable transport, sustainable finance and quality carbon credits markets, said the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).

Climate change is one area in which Harris is looking to deepen bilateral cooperation, senior US administration officials had earlier said. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity, defence and digital trade are the others.

In February, Singapore unveiled the Green Plan 2030, a "whole of nation movement" to advance sustainable development. One area of focus is growing the green economy to create new jobs, transform industries and use sustainability as a competitive advantage.

The MTI called climate change a "critical global challenge" and a top priority for Singapore and the US, saying that sustainability and economic growth can go "hand in hand".

"Both countries support global efforts to address this key challenge and are fully committed to implementing our commitments under the Paris Agreement and taking bold climate actions. 
"By mainstreaming sustainability into the global economy, we can work together towards greater benefits and opportunities for Singapore, the US and the region,"&nbsp;it said.

Potential areas of cooperation under the partnership include sustainable finance, energy transitions and quality carbon credit markets.

Sustainable finance includes the use of private capital for sustainable infrastructure and environmental risk management in the financial sector, while energy transitions include sustainable transport.

The partnership could also involve expert consultations on the setting of green standards and the management of environmental financial risks.

"Both countries will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen our collaboration in more areas of climate change and the green economy, in line with our mutual interests," the MTI said. 
Singapore and the US will also launch two new programmes next year on helping cities become more sustainable through the lowering of emissions.

The programmes will improve knowledge sharing and collaboration between Singapore, US and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members through the ASEAN Smart

Cities Network, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement.

"Upscaling green digital solutions will also maximise the benefits of technology from the digital revolution," the ministry added.

Singapore on Monday offered America one of its tanker aircraft to airlift stranded civilians from war-torn Afghanistan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said as he held talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris during which the two countries signed a number of key agreements to enhance cooperation, including in defence and cybersecurity.

Singapore on Monday offered America one of its tanker aircraft to airlift stranded civilians from war-torn Afghanistan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said as he held talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris during which the two countries signed a number of key agreements to enhance cooperation, including in defence and cybersecurity. Vice President Harris' visit to Singapore is part of a diplomatic charm offensive by the Biden administration in Southeast Asia, a region that is crucial to the future prosperity and security of the United States, amidst China's aggressive actions in the region. Harris thanked Lee for the "very generous offer" to assist the US in its evacuations from Afghanistan. "We look forward to following up on that discussion," she said. The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft of the Singapore Air Force, which attained full operational capability in April, is capable of conducting air-to-air refuelling and airlift roles simultaneously. It enhances the Singapore Armed Forces' ability to contribute to international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, and peace support operations. Lee, at a press conference held along with Harris, said that the safety and security of the civilians is on the minds of everyone all over the world, and that he hopes that all sides there can work to ensure this. The MRTT aircraft of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) can carry up to 266 passengers or 37,000 kgs of cargo, and can be used to evacuate sick or injured personnel. "I mentioned to Vice President (Harris) that we knew that the US was conducting an evacuation operation of refugees from Afghanistan, and Singapore would like to offer to the US the use of (RSAF's MRTT) aircraft in order to help with the airlift," said Lee. The US is evacuating Americans from Kabul which fell to the Taliban on August 15. Lee noted that Singapore is not unfamiliar with the challenges, and that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have deployed personnel there in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISEF). The ISEF was an international military mission in Afghanistan, established by the United Nations Security Council, to train the Afghan National Security Forces and assist the country in rebuilding key government institutions. Singapore has sent personnel to Afghanistan because it is a key battlefront in the global fight against extremist terrorism, Lee said, noting that extremist ideas and capabilities have been exported from there to the region here. The Prime Minister said that the US' intervention in the region 20 years ago has stopped terrorist groups from using Afghanistan as a safe base. "For this, Singapore is grateful. We hope Afghanistan does not become an epicentre for terrorism again," he said. Meanwhile, the US and Singapore have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation on cybersecurity in the public, defence and financial sectors. The MoUs were signed during the US Vice President's official visit to Singapore, where she is looking to deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple areas, including defence and cybersecurity. The first MoU was signed by Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) chief executive David Koh and director of the US' Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Jen Easterly. It builds on a similar pact signed in 2016. This MoU will establish cooperation in areas like regular exchange of information on cyber threats, coordination of response to cybersecurity incidents, and joint cybersecurity training and exercises, the CSA said in a statement. It also covers mutual guidance on prevailing cybersecurity trends and best practices, joint cooperation in capacity building activities as well as raising cybersecurity awareness among respective constituents. Koh said Singapore and the US share "deep mutual interests" in improving cybersecurity cooperation, particularly as cybersecurity has become a ?key enabler? for both countries to utilise the benefits of digitalisation to grow their economies and improve lives. Easterly said the borderless nature of cyber threats makes international collaboration a "key part" of the current US administration's approach to cybersecurity. "The MoU allows us to strengthen our existing partnership with Singapore so that we can more effectively work together to collectively defend against the threats of today and secure against the risks of tomorrow," she said. The CSA said the pact will expand into new areas of cooperation, like critical technologies as well as research and development. Separately, Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the US' Department of Defence also signed an MoU on cyberspace cooperation, aimed at institutionalising cyber cooperation between both defence establishments. Signed on August 20, the pact will improve cooperation in information sharing, ops-to-ops and technical exchanges, as well as collaboration in regional capacity building efforts. "Such cooperation and engagements are professionally valuable, and help to build mutual understanding, and facilitate info-sharing and collaboration between trusted partners in capacity-building efforts," MINDEF said in a statement. The MoU concerning cooperation in cyberspace was signed by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Aquilino and Commander of the US Cyber Command General Paul Nakasone. A third MoU on cybersecurity cooperation was signed between Singapore's Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the US' Department of the Treasury, aimed at maintaining and strengthening bilateral institutional ties. The agreement, signed on August 11, will cover information sharing related to the financial sector. This includes cybersecurity regulations and guidance, cybersecurity incidents, and cybersecurity threat intelligence. There will also be staff training and study visits, as well as competency-building activities including the conduct of cross-border cybersecurity exercises, the MAS said in a statement. Meanwhile, the US and Singapore have agreed to a partnership to better collaborate on climate action, environmental governance, sustainable development and low-carbon solutions. The US-Singapore Climate Partnership will "create opportunities for businesses and workers" in green growth sectors, including in energy transitions, clean energy infrastructure development, sustainable transport, sustainable finance and quality carbon credits markets, said the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). Climate change is one area in which Harris is looking to deepen bilateral cooperation, senior US administration officials had earlier said. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity, defence and digital trade are the others. In February, Singapore unveiled the Green Plan 2030, a "whole of nation movement" to advance sustainable development. One area of focus is growing the green economy to create new jobs, transform industries and use sustainability as a competitive advantage. The MTI called climate change a "critical global challenge" and a top priority for Singapore and the US, saying that sustainability and economic growth can go "hand in hand". "Both countries support global efforts to address this key challenge and are fully committed to implementing our commitments under the Paris Agreement and taking bold climate actions. "By mainstreaming sustainability into the global economy, we can work together towards greater benefits and opportunities for Singapore, the US and the region," it said. Potential areas of cooperation under the partnership include sustainable finance, energy transitions and quality carbon credit markets. Sustainable finance includes the use of private capital for sustainable infrastructure and environmental risk management in the financial sector, while energy transitions include sustainable transport. The partnership could also involve expert consultations on the setting of green standards and the management of environmental financial risks. "Both countries will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen our collaboration in more areas of climate change and the green economy, in line with our mutual interests," the MTI said. Singapore and the US will also launch two new programmes next year on helping cities become more sustainable through the lowering of emissions. The programmes will improve knowledge sharing and collaboration between Singapore, US and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members through the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement. "Upscaling green digital solutions will also maximise the benefits of technology from the digital revolution," the ministry added.

Singapore offers tanker aircraft to US for Afghan evacuation as VP Harris holds talks with PM Lee

Days after the Taliban vowed to respect women’s rights, images of women, have been covered up or vandalised on storefronts around Kabul. The absence of women from public places has become a defining feature of the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Women's rights become biggest casualties of Taliban rule

In its statement the Taliban has said that hundreds of its fighters are heading to the Panjshir valley, one of those parts in Afghanistan where the group has not seized control.

Taliban's fighters head to Panjshir valley after capturing major provincial cities of Afghanistan

Although Taliban have given assurances that their regime would be different than&nbsp;the one in the 90s, apprehensions remain in Afghan society as to whether words will translate into positive action. The latest indicator of this sentiment surfaced as founder of the country's only all-girls boarding school&nbsp;burnt student records to protect them from Taliban's ire.

In a series of tweets, Shabana Basij-Rasikh, also posted video of the records being burnt.

"... I’m burning my students’ records not to erase them, but to protect them and their families..." she said in one of her tweets.

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Nearly 20 years later, as the founder of the only all-girls boarding school in Afghanistan, I’m burning my students’ records not to erase them, but to protect them and their families. 
2/6 <a href="https://t.co/JErbZCSPuC">pic.twitter.com/JErbZCSPuC</a>
— Shabana Basij-Rasikh (@sbasijrasikh) <a href="https://twitter.com/sbasijrasikh/status/1428776691820908548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

She struck a defiant and valiant tone as she declared that she would continue to work for Afghan women's education.

"...As the world focuses on the dramatic - those Afghans who are managing to get out - the fire in me to invest in the education of Afghan girls who have no way out grows brighter, stronger, and louder," she tweeted.

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As the world focuses on the dramatic - those Afghans who are managing to get out - the fire in me to invest in the education of Afghan girls who have no way out grows brighter, stronger, and louder. 
3/6
— Shabana Basij-Rasikh (@sbasijrasikh) <a href="https://twitter.com/sbasijrasikh/status/1428776696858255365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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During their regime in late 90s, the Taliban asserted their hardline beliefs against women's rights and women's education. The fearful memories haven't faded from collective Afghan conscience.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-woman-gives-birth-to-baby-girl-on-us-aircraft-at-germany-air-base-407619">Afghan woman gives birth to baby girl on US aircraft at Germany air base</a>

This is not the only case where attempts are made to destroy women students' educational records.

A few days ago, soon after Taliban's takeover of power in Kabul, a 24-year-old Afghan woman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-womans-impassioned-blog-makes-waves-online-406127">shared her similar ordeal in a blog</a> that made waves online.

Although Taliban have given assurances that their regime would be different than the one in the 90s, apprehensions remain in Afghan society as to whether words will translate into positive action.

Although Taliban have given assurances that their regime would be different than the one in the 90s, apprehensions remain in Afghan society as to whether words will translate into positive action. The latest indicator of this sentiment surfaced as founder of the country's only all-girls boarding school burnt student records to protect them from Taliban's ire. In a series of tweets, Shabana Basij-Rasikh, also posted video of the records being burnt. "... I’m burning my students’ records not to erase them, but to protect them and their families..." she said in one of her tweets. Nearly 20 years later, as the founder of the only all-girls boarding school in Afghanistan, I’m burning my students’ records not to erase them, but to protect them and their families. 2/6 pic.twitter.com/JErbZCSPuC — Shabana Basij-Rasikh (@sbasijrasikh) August 20, 2021 × She struck a defiant and valiant tone as she declared that she would continue to work for Afghan women's education. "...As the world focuses on the dramatic - those Afghans who are managing to get out - the fire in me to invest in the education of Afghan girls who have no way out grows brighter, stronger, and louder," she tweeted. As the world focuses on the dramatic - those Afghans who are managing to get out - the fire in me to invest in the education of Afghan girls who have no way out grows brighter, stronger, and louder. 3/6 — Shabana Basij-Rasikh (@sbasijrasikh) August 20, 2021 × During their regime in late 90s, the Taliban asserted their hardline beliefs against women's rights and women's education. The fearful memories haven't faded from collective Afghan conscience. Also Read: Afghan woman gives birth to baby girl on US aircraft at Germany air base This is not the only case where attempts are made to destroy women students' educational records. A few days ago, soon after Taliban's takeover of power in Kabul, a 24-year-old Afghan woman shared her similar ordeal in a blog that made waves online.

Afghanistan: Founder of only all-girls school burns records for students' safety

The Taliban appear to have released a photo mocking the Americans, copying one of the most recognisable photos of World War II. This photo shows US Marines raising the flag on the island of Iwo Jima while donning US-made tactical gear.

Taliban 'mock US' with propaganda photo copying Iwo Jima flag raising

Austria's conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz opposes taking in any more people fleeing<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-afghans-still-wait-at-kabul-airport-us-allies-issue-advisory-407518"> Afghanistan</a> now that the Taliban have seized power, he said in remarks published on Sunday.

Austria took in more than one per cent of its population in asylum seekers during Europe's migration crisis in 2015 and 2016, and Kurz has built his career on taking a hard line on immigration, winning every parliamentary election since 2017.

While the European Union grapples with what to do with Afghans who assisted it over the past 20 years, Kurz said coming to Austria was not an option.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-the-desperate-scramble-to-escape-afghanistans-day-6-under-taliban-407479/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I am clearly opposed to us now voluntarily taking in more people and that will not happen during my chancellorship," Kurz said in an interview with TV channel Puls 24. Excerpts of the interview were released before it was broadcast later on Sunday.

Austria has more than 40,000 Afghan refugees, the second-biggest number in Europe after Germany, which has 148,000, according to data from the UN&nbsp;refugee agency UNHCR for 2020.&nbsp;

The European Union has not recognised the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-one-mask-elon-musks-tweet-on-taliban-goes-viral-407571"> Taliban</a>, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday, nor is it holding political talks with the militants, a week after they seized control of Afghanistan.

The Taliban completed a lightning takeover of Afghanistan on Sunday, walking into the capital Kabul without firing a shot.

The head of the EU executive spoke after visiting a reception centre in Madrid for Afghan employees of EU institutions evacuated from Kabul.

Von der Leyen said she would propose an increase of $67 million&nbsp;in humanitarian aid which the Commission had allocated this year for Afghanistan.

She said EU development aid is tied to respect of human rights, good treatment of minorities and respect for the rights of women and girls.

"We may well hear the Taliban's words but we will measure them above all by their deeds and actions," von der Leyen told a news conference.

She said the Commission was ready to provide funding to EU countries which help resettle refugees, and she planned to raise the resettlement issue at a G7 meeting next week.

After a peak in 2015 when more than one million migrants came to the EU, mostly from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, the EU has cut the number of arrivals thanks to a deal with Turkey which receives EU funds to host asylum seekers in its territory.

Austria's conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz opposes taking in any more people fleeing Afghanistan now that the Taliban have seized power, he said in remarks published on Sunday.

Austria's conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz opposes taking in any more people fleeing Afghanistan now that the Taliban have seized power, he said in remarks published on Sunday. Austria took in more than one per cent of its population in asylum seekers during Europe's migration crisis in 2015 and 2016, and Kurz has built his career on taking a hard line on immigration, winning every parliamentary election since 2017. While the European Union grapples with what to do with Afghans who assisted it over the past 20 years, Kurz said coming to Austria was not an option. Watch: "I am clearly opposed to us now voluntarily taking in more people and that will not happen during my chancellorship," Kurz said in an interview with TV channel Puls 24. Excerpts of the interview were released before it was broadcast later on Sunday. Austria has more than 40,000 Afghan refugees, the second-biggest number in Europe after Germany, which has 148,000, according to data from the UN refugee agency UNHCR for 2020. The European Union has not recognised the Taliban, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday, nor is it holding political talks with the militants, a week after they seized control of Afghanistan. The Taliban completed a lightning takeover of Afghanistan on Sunday, walking into the capital Kabul without firing a shot. The head of the EU executive spoke after visiting a reception centre in Madrid for Afghan employees of EU institutions evacuated from Kabul. Von der Leyen said she would propose an increase of $67 million in humanitarian aid which the Commission had allocated this year for Afghanistan. She said EU development aid is tied to respect of human rights, good treatment of minorities and respect for the rights of women and girls. "We may well hear the Taliban's words but we will measure them above all by their deeds and actions," von der Leyen told a news conference. She said the Commission was ready to provide funding to EU countries which help resettle refugees, and she planned to raise the resettlement issue at a G7 meeting next week. After a peak in 2015 when more than one million migrants came to the EU, mostly from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, the EU has cut the number of arrivals thanks to a deal with Turkey which receives EU funds to host asylum seekers in its territory.

Austria opposes taking in more Afghans; EU says no recognition for Taliban

The American experiment on Afghanistan has come to an end. Washington has failed to control the Talibanmonster it created. On, Gravitas Plus Wion's Palki Sharma tells you why this failure should weigh heavily on American conscience.

Gravitas Plus: Who created the Taliban?

According to reports, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-afghans-still-wait-at-kabul-airport-us-allies-issue-advisory-407518">Taliban</a> has banned co-education in government and private universities in Herat.

Khaama Press news agency reported the decision was taken&nbsp;after a meeting between professors, owners of private institutions and Taliban leaders.

Watch:

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Reports said women&nbsp;lecturers would be allowed to teach only female students and not male students. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-websites-go-offline-as-social-media-giants-crackdown-on-group-407446">Taliban's</a> representative and head of higher education in the country Mullah Farid reportedly said co-education was the "root of all evils in society".

Reports had claimed earlier that women were being asked to go back home from their workplace as the militant group took control of the country.

<img alt="Schools girls in Herat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a71422c2-11eb-4aa3-a5ba-e89233a830a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Herr1.jpg" />

Taliban spokesperson earlier in the week had said that women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university", however, the militant group's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had added that it should within the norms of Islamic law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/spirit-of-sport-afghanistans-cricket-team-attends-training-session-in-kabul-see-pics-407546">In Pics:&nbsp;Afghanistan's cricket team attends training session in Kabul</a>

Another Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had claimed that women "can get education from primary to higher education that means university".

Girls had reportedly returned to classrooms wearing hijabs as schools reopened in Herat this week. Herat is a key trading city with close proximity to the Iranian border and lies along the ancient Silk Road famous for its poetry and arts.

Reports said the Taliban in Kunduz were allowing women's education but under strict gender segregation norms. Women teachers have reportedly not been allowed to work alongside men.

The Taliban have reportedly also not allowed music or singing in Kunduz as some reports claimed women had started wearing the burqa out of fear.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, the Taliban has banned co-education in government and private universities in Herat. Khaama Press news agency reported the decision was taken after a meeting between professors, owners of private institutions and Taliban leaders.

According to reports, the Taliban has banned co-education in government and private universities in Herat. Khaama Press news agency reported the decision was taken after a meeting between professors, owners of private institutions and Taliban leaders. Watch: Reports said women lecturers would be allowed to teach only female students and not male students. Taliban's representative and head of higher education in the country Mullah Farid reportedly said co-education was the "root of all evils in society". Reports had claimed earlier that women were being asked to go back home from their workplace as the militant group took control of the country. Taliban spokesperson earlier in the week had said that women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university", however, the militant group's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had added that it should within the norms of Islamic law. In Pics: Afghanistan's cricket team attends training session in Kabul Another Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had claimed that women "can get education from primary to higher education that means university". Girls had reportedly returned to classrooms wearing hijabs as schools reopened in Herat this week. Herat is a key trading city with close proximity to the Iranian border and lies along the ancient Silk Road famous for its poetry and arts. Reports said the Taliban in Kunduz were allowing women's education but under strict gender segregation norms. Women teachers have reportedly not been allowed to work alongside men. The Taliban have reportedly also not allowed music or singing in Kunduz as some reports claimed women had started wearing the burqa out of fear. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban bans co-education in Herat as girls return to classrooms

As the Taliban swept into power across Afghanistan, Afghan women losing gains made in the last 20 years. Watch this report to know more.

Afghan women losing gains made in the last 20 years

In the two decades since the Taliban lost control of Afghanistan living conditions have improved markedly but after the Taliban swept into power across Afghanistan, country's economy stares at a bleak future.

Afghanistan: WION ground report from the streets of Kabul

On Saturday, an Afghan woman gave birth on board a U.S. evacuation plane moments after landing at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the U.S. Air Force said.

Afghan refugee gives birth on U.S. evacuation plane at Ramstein Air Base

After taking control of Kabul and several other cities of Afghanistan, the Taliban are now headed towards the Panjshir Valley, which is one of the few parts of the country that is still not under Taliban’s rule.<o:p></o:p>

The group claimed that hundreds of Taliban insurgents are making their way to the northeastern part of the country. Taliban claim they have had to gather their army and march towards the valley only because the state has refused to give up power peacefully.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-to-soon-form-new-government-in-afghanistan-407661" hreflang="en">Taliban to soon form new government in Afghanistan</a>

<o:p></o:p>

"Hundreds of Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate are heading towards the state of Panjshir to control it, after local state officials refused to hand it over peacefully," the group wrote on its Arabic Twitter account.<o:p></o:p>

This news has come as it was revealed that hundreds of locals have been making their way to the Panjshir Valley to either save their lives or join the fight against the Taliban. "We are seeing Panjshir become a safe zone for all those groups who feel threatened in other provinces," said Ali Maisam Nazary, Head of Foreign Relations for the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-us-failed-to-bring-order-to-the-airport-407642">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-us-failed-to-bring-order-to-the-airport-407642/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Ahmad Massoud, the son of legendary mujahideen commander Ahmad Shah Massoud who was assassinated by Al-Qaeda two days before the September 11, 2001 attacks, has started assembling and training a resistance of nearly 9,000 people. This force is being trained to counter the Taliban militants.<o:p></o:p>

"Government forces came to Panjshir from several Afghan provinces," Massoud told Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya broadcaster Sunday.&nbsp;"The Taliban will not last long if it continues on this path. We are ready to defend Afghanistan and we warn of a bloodshed."<o:p></o:p>

After taking control of Kabul and several other cities of Afghanistan, the Taliban are now headed towards the Panjshir Valley, which is one of the few parts of the country that is still not under Taliban’s rule.

After taking control of Kabul and several other cities of Afghanistan, the Taliban are now headed towards the Panjshir Valley, which is one of the few parts of the country that is still not under Taliban’s rule. The group claimed that hundreds of Taliban insurgents are making their way to the northeastern part of the country. Taliban claim they have had to gather their army and march towards the valley only because the state has refused to give up power peacefully. Also read | Taliban to soon form new government in Afghanistan "Hundreds of Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate are heading towards the state of Panjshir to control it, after local state officials refused to hand it over peacefully," the group wrote on its Arabic Twitter account. This news has come as it was revealed that hundreds of locals have been making their way to the Panjshir Valley to either save their lives or join the fight against the Taliban. "We are seeing Panjshir become a safe zone for all those groups who feel threatened in other provinces," said Ali Maisam Nazary, Head of Foreign Relations for the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan. WATCH | Meanwhile, Ahmad Massoud, the son of legendary mujahideen commander Ahmad Shah Massoud who was assassinated by Al-Qaeda two days before the September 11, 2001 attacks, has started assembling and training a resistance of nearly 9,000 people. This force is being trained to counter the Taliban militants. "Government forces came to Panjshir from several Afghan provinces," Massoud told Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya broadcaster Sunday. "The Taliban will not last long if it continues on this path. We are ready to defend Afghanistan and we warn of a bloodshed."

'Hundreds' of Taliban fighters head towards Panjshir Valley

As the Taliban take control of Afghanistan, SpaceX founder Elon Musk questioned whether the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-afghans-still-wait-at-kabul-airport-us-allies-issue-advisory-407518">Taliban</a>&nbsp;"even knows about the Delta variant"&nbsp;tweeting a photo of&nbsp;leaders without masks.

The tweet went viral on social media as a reader joked masks weren't their focus as several users put across their views on the Taliban's takeover.

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<a href="https://t.co/EOBHkQvFPR">pic.twitter.com/EOBHkQvFPR</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1428809514946416642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Taliban had entered capital Kabul virtually unopposed last week on Sunday as the Afghan troops crumbled under the militant group's onslaught which had gathered steam in the past fortnight.

Watch:

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There were chaotic scenes witnessed at Hamid Karzai international airport as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-women-taliban-send-back-afghans-government-employees-407472">Afghans </a>scrambled to catch flights evacuating foreign nationals and diplomats who hurried to get out of the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/spirit-of-sport-afghanistans-cricket-team-attends-training-session-in-kabul-see-pics-407546">In Pics:&nbsp;Afghanistan's cricket team attends training session in Kabul&nbsp;</a>

The Taliban later in the week had asked Afghans without a valid visa to go back home, however, thousands are still gathered at the international airport.

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Loving how <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> is taking on the Taliban!! Man's got sense of humour got to give him that.
— SeabiscuitATH (@SeabiscuitATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeabiscuitATH/status/1428976474061639688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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When <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> gives <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> a shoutout <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaVariant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeltaVariant</a> spread some love on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> <a href="https://t.co/wQ8f3K2MSi">https://t.co/wQ8f3K2MSi</a>
— AK (@AkHakimyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkHakimyy/status/1429299713732448262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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US and Germany have issued advisories to their citizens not to travel to the airport amid the chaos even as Australia declared it had pulled out several nationals from the country overnight.

Reports claim there are at least 15,000 Americans and 50,000 to 60,000 Afghan allies who need to be evacuated. The Biden administration had declared earlier that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-alternative-to-taliban-any-kind-of-resistance-will-fail-russian-envoy-to-afghanistan-407450"> Taliban</a> had given safe passage to the Americans amid chaos in the capital.

The Pentagon claimed at least 17,000 people have been evacuated since August 14 when the operation began with thousands more reportedly left on other foreign military flights.

President Biden had said US troops will be staying beyond the August 31 deadline set earlier as several thousand Americans still need to return home safely.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the Taliban take control of Afghanistan, SpaceX founder Elon Musk questioned whether the Taliban "even knows about the Delta variant" tweeting a photo of leaders without masks.

As the Taliban take control of Afghanistan, SpaceX founder Elon Musk questioned whether the Taliban "even knows about the Delta variant" tweeting a photo of leaders without masks. The tweet went viral on social media as a reader joked masks weren't their focus as several users put across their views on the Taliban's takeover. pic.twitter.com/EOBHkQvFPR — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 20, 2021 × The Taliban had entered capital Kabul virtually unopposed last week on Sunday as the Afghan troops crumbled under the militant group's onslaught which had gathered steam in the past fortnight. Watch: There were chaotic scenes witnessed at Hamid Karzai international airport as Afghans scrambled to catch flights evacuating foreign nationals and diplomats who hurried to get out of the country. In Pics: Afghanistan's cricket team attends training session in Kabul The Taliban later in the week had asked Afghans without a valid visa to go back home, however, thousands are still gathered at the international airport. Loving how @elonmusk is taking on the Taliban!! Man's got sense of humour got to give him that. — SeabiscuitATH (@SeabiscuitATH) August 21, 2021 × When @elonmusk gives #Afghanistan a shoutout #DeltaVariant spread some love on the #Taliban https://t.co/wQ8f3K2MSi — AK (@AkHakimyy) August 22, 2021 × US and Germany have issued advisories to their citizens not to travel to the airport amid the chaos even as Australia declared it had pulled out several nationals from the country overnight. Reports claim there are at least 15,000 Americans and 50,000 to 60,000 Afghan allies who need to be evacuated. The Biden administration had declared earlier that the Taliban had given safe passage to the Americans amid chaos in the capital. The Pentagon claimed at least 17,000 people have been evacuated since August 14 when the operation began with thousands more reportedly left on other foreign military flights. President Biden had said US troops will be staying beyond the August 31 deadline set earlier as several thousand Americans still need to return home safely. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Not one mask': Elon Musk's tweet on Taliban goes viral

Taliban on Sunday announced that it will soon form a new government in Afghanistan, a week after it seized control of the state capital Kabul.

Taliban spokesperson&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid said the talks are on with Afghan political leaders and added that a new government will be announced in the near future, reports TOLO news.

“Our political officials met with leaders here in Kabul, their views are important, discussions are moving, InshaAllah, there is hope for an announcement on the government soon,” Mujahid was quoted as saying.

The announcement on the government formation comes even as thousands of Afghan locals try to flee the conflict-ridden state, fearing a harsher Islamic law, similar to the one imposed by the Taliban regime around two decades ago.

The situation has turned so worse that seven people were killed near the Kabul airport during the evacuation process.

Earlier on Saturday, members of the Taliban’s political office met with a number of politicians, including former president Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, the head of High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), in Kabul to hold discussions on “the overall political situation” in the state.&nbsp;

Abdullah Abdullah in a Facebook post later confirmed the meeting with the Taliban leaders, saying that the discussions were focused on the formation of an inclusive government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-dispatch-18-commercial-aircraft-to-lift-us-citizens-vulnerable-afghans-from-kabul-407644">Also read |&nbsp;US to dispatch 18 commercial aircraft to lift US citizens, ‘vulnerable’ Afghans from Kabul</a>

However, some Afghan political leaders criticized the way the discussions are being held.

“I don’t see this game as a good one because it looks like a game of individuals, everyone tries to promote himself and does not show respect for&nbsp;the Afghans,” Sayed Eshaq Gailani, the head of the Nahzat-e-Hambastagi Afghanistan party, said.

Meanwhile, Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of Balkh, said the next government will not be acceptable if it is not inclusive.

“The war has not ended, we have a long way to go, we will test them (the Taliban), we will emerge again ... either to resolve it through an inclusive government or war,” Noor said.

Taliban on Sunday announced that it will soon form a new government in Afghanistan, a week after it seized control of the state capital Kabul. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the talks are on with Afghan political leaders and added that a new government will be announced in the near future, reports TOLO news.

Taliban on Sunday announced that it will soon form a new government in Afghanistan, a week after it seized control of the state capital Kabul. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the talks are on with Afghan political leaders and added that a new government will be announced in the near future, reports TOLO news. “Our political officials met with leaders here in Kabul, their views are important, discussions are moving, InshaAllah, there is hope for an announcement on the government soon,” Mujahid was quoted as saying. The announcement on the government formation comes even as thousands of Afghan locals try to flee the conflict-ridden state, fearing a harsher Islamic law, similar to the one imposed by the Taliban regime around two decades ago. The situation has turned so worse that seven people were killed near the Kabul airport during the evacuation process. Earlier on Saturday, members of the Taliban’s political office met with a number of politicians, including former president Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, the head of High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), in Kabul to hold discussions on “the overall political situation” in the state. Abdullah Abdullah in a Facebook post later confirmed the meeting with the Taliban leaders, saying that the discussions were focused on the formation of an inclusive government. Also read | US to dispatch 18 commercial aircraft to lift US citizens, ‘vulnerable’ Afghans from Kabul However, some Afghan political leaders criticized the way the discussions are being held. “I don’t see this game as a good one because it looks like a game of individuals, everyone tries to promote himself and does not show respect for the Afghans,” Sayed Eshaq Gailani, the head of the Nahzat-e-Hambastagi Afghanistan party, said. Meanwhile, Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of Balkh, said the next government will not be acceptable if it is not inclusive. “The war has not ended, we have a long way to go, we will test them (the Taliban), we will emerge again ... either to resolve it through an inclusive government or war,” Noor said.

Taliban to soon form new government in Afghanistan

Former Afghan government forces forming a resistance movement in a fortified valley are preparing for "long-term conflict", but are also seeking to negotiate with the Taliban, their spokesman told AFP in an interview.

Since the Taliban took control of the country following a lightning charge into the capital Kabul, thousands of people have made their way to Panjshir to both join the fight and find a safe haven to continue their lives, Ali Maisam Nazary said.

There, Ahmad Massoud, the son of legendary Mujahideen commander Ahmad Shah Massoud who was assassinated by Al-Qaeda two days before the September 11, 2001 attacks, has assembled a fighting force of around 9,000 people, Nazary added.

Pictures taken by AFP during training exercises show dozens of recruits performing fitness routines, and a handful of armoured humvees driving across the valley northeast of Kabul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-blames-us-for-chaos-at-kabul-airport-says-peace-in-rest-of-afghanistan-407638">Taliban blames US for ‘chaos’ at Kabul airport, says peace in rest of Afghan</a>

The National Resistance Front's main goal is to avoid further bloodshed in Afghanistan and press for a new system of government.&nbsp;

But Nazary said the group is also prepared for conflict, and if the Taliban do not negotiate they will face resistance across the country.

"The conditions for a peace deal with the Taliban is decentralisation — a system that ensures social justice, equality, rights, and freedom for all," said Nazary, the NRF's head of foreign relations, adding if the Taliban do not agree there will be "long-term conflict".

Talks between local leaders from Afghanistan's north and authorities in Pakistan were taking place until just days ago, he added.

While the Taliban control the vast majority of Afghanistan, Nazary optimistically highlighted reports that local militias in some districts have already begun resisting their hardline rule and have formed links with Massoud's NRF.

"Massoud did not give the order for these things to happen but they are all associated with us," Nazary said.

"The Taliban are overstretched. They cannot be everywhere at the same time. Their resources are limited. They do not have support amongst the majority."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-us-failed-to-bring-order-to-the-airport-407642">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-us-failed-to-bring-order-to-the-airport-407642/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said, however, that Masood had different views to Amrullah Saleh, latterly the country's vice president who is also holed out in the valley and last week vowed to lead an uprising.

"Mr Saleh is in Panjshir. He opted to stay in the country and not flee," Nazary said, noting Saleh's strong anti-Pakistan stance was at odds with Massoud who wanted good relations with Afghanistan's Taliban-supporting neighbour.

"Mr Saleh is anti-Taliban and anti-Pakistani. That does not mean he is a part of this movement. He is in Panjshir and he is respected."

The aim right now is to defend Panjshir and its people, Nazary said.

"If there is any aggression because our fight is only for defence; if anyone attacks us we will defend ourselves."&nbsp;

Safe zone

Alongside Massoud's fighting force, Panjshir now hosts more than 1,000 displaced people from across Afghanistan who have poured into the valley looking for sanctuary, Nazary said.

"We are seeing Panjshir become a safe zone for all those groups who feel threatened in other provinces."

He added the province has seen an influx of intellectuals, women's and human rights activists, and politicians "who feel threatened by the Taliban".&nbsp;

Massoud appealed for weapons from the United States in an op-ed published in the Washington Post on Thursday. Nazary told AFP that they also require humanitarian assistance to feed and take care of the newly arrived.

Massoud is determined to stand by the people of the valley and take up his father's mantle, Nazary added, stressing Afghanistan needs a federated system of government to close its endless cycle of war.&nbsp;

"War is just a byproduct of conflict in Afghanistan. What has caused the conflict is that Afghanistan is a country made up of ethnic minorities ... (and) in a multi-ethnic country you cannot have one ethnic group dominate politics and others having a presence in the margins."

Nazary says Massoud's resistance, and others across Afghanistan, are vital in making this change happen.&nbsp;

"Panjshir has always been a beacon of hope."

Former Afghan government forces forming a resistance movement in a fortified valley are preparing for "long-term conflict", but are also seeking to negotiate with the Taliban, their spokesman told AFP in an interview.

Former Afghan government forces forming a resistance movement in a fortified valley are preparing for "long-term conflict", but are also seeking to negotiate with the Taliban, their spokesman told AFP in an interview. Since the Taliban took control of the country following a lightning charge into the capital Kabul, thousands of people have made their way to Panjshir to both join the fight and find a safe haven to continue their lives, Ali Maisam Nazary said. There, Ahmad Massoud, the son of legendary Mujahideen commander Ahmad Shah Massoud who was assassinated by Al-Qaeda two days before the September 11, 2001 attacks, has assembled a fighting force of around 9,000 people, Nazary added. Pictures taken by AFP during training exercises show dozens of recruits performing fitness routines, and a handful of armoured humvees driving across the valley northeast of Kabul. Also read | Taliban blames US for ‘chaos’ at Kabul airport, says peace in rest of Afghan The National Resistance Front's main goal is to avoid further bloodshed in Afghanistan and press for a new system of government. But Nazary said the group is also prepared for conflict, and if the Taliban do not negotiate they will face resistance across the country. "The conditions for a peace deal with the Taliban is decentralisation — a system that ensures social justice, equality, rights, and freedom for all," said Nazary, the NRF's head of foreign relations, adding if the Taliban do not agree there will be "long-term conflict". Talks between local leaders from Afghanistan's north and authorities in Pakistan were taking place until just days ago, he added. While the Taliban control the vast majority of Afghanistan, Nazary optimistically highlighted reports that local militias in some districts have already begun resisting their hardline rule and have formed links with Massoud's NRF. "Massoud did not give the order for these things to happen but they are all associated with us," Nazary said. "The Taliban are overstretched. They cannot be everywhere at the same time. Their resources are limited. They do not have support amongst the majority." WATCH | He said, however, that Masood had different views to Amrullah Saleh, latterly the country's vice president who is also holed out in the valley and last week vowed to lead an uprising. "Mr Saleh is in Panjshir. He opted to stay in the country and not flee," Nazary said, noting Saleh's strong anti-Pakistan stance was at odds with Massoud who wanted good relations with Afghanistan's Taliban-supporting neighbour. "Mr Saleh is anti-Taliban and anti-Pakistani. That does not mean he is a part of this movement. He is in Panjshir and he is respected." The aim right now is to defend Panjshir and its people, Nazary said. "If there is any aggression because our fight is only for defence; if anyone attacks us we will defend ourselves." Safe zone Alongside Massoud's fighting force, Panjshir now hosts more than 1,000 displaced people from across Afghanistan who have poured into the valley looking for sanctuary, Nazary said. "We are seeing Panjshir become a safe zone for all those groups who feel threatened in other provinces." He added the province has seen an influx of intellectuals, women's and human rights activists, and politicians "who feel threatened by the Taliban". Massoud appealed for weapons from the United States in an op-ed published in the Washington Post on Thursday. Nazary told AFP that they also require humanitarian assistance to feed and take care of the newly arrived. Massoud is determined to stand by the people of the valley and take up his father's mantle, Nazary added, stressing Afghanistan needs a federated system of government to close its endless cycle of war. "War is just a byproduct of conflict in Afghanistan. What has caused the conflict is that Afghanistan is a country made up of ethnic minorities ... (and) in a multi-ethnic country you cannot have one ethnic group dominate politics and others having a presence in the margins." Nazary says Massoud's resistance, and others across Afghanistan, are vital in making this change happen. "Panjshir has always been a beacon of hope."

Afghan resistance ready for conflict but prefers negotiations

In a bid to bring hundreds of Indians trapped in Taliban-held Afghanistan back home, an evacuation flight from Kabul landed in Delhi this morning. It was the first passenger flight by Air India carrying over 85 Indians. The Air India flight had departed from Tajikistan, assisted and supported by the Indian embassy in Dushanbe. Other flights are also on their way to India bringing Indian nationals.

Kabul: India evacuates 20 Afghan Sikhs, 2 Sikh MPs

Spirit of sport: Afghanistan's cricket team attends training session in Kabul - see pics

The United States will be sending 18 commercial planes to expedite the evacuation process, President Joe Biden said on Sunday.

The latest decision comes in the backdrop of Washington facing difficulty in carrying out the evacuation of US citizens and vulnerable Afghan citizens, who are fearful of the Taliban regime.

“The aircraft would not fly into Kabul but, would be used to carry people who have already been flown out of Afghanistan,” Reuters quoted Pentagon spokesman John Kirby as saying.

He asserted that it was only the beginning of the evacuation program, hinting that more commercial aircraft could be used.

Among the airlines that would be dispatched to Kabul include American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines and Omni Air would provide three aircraft each, two from Hawaiian Airlines, and four from United Airlines.

Kirby said in a statement that the Department of Defence “does not anticipate a major impact to commercial flights from this activation.”

There is also increasing concern about security in Kabul, where roughly 5,800 troops are protecting the airport.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday the United States has “secured the capacity to get large numbers of Americans safe passage through the airport and onto the airfield” in Afghanistan.

The United States will be sending 18 commercial planes to expedite the evacuation process, President Joe Biden said on Sunday. The latest decision comes in the backdrop of Washington facing difficulty in carrying out the evacuation of US citizens and vulnerable Afghan citizens, who are fearful of the Taliban regime.

The United States will be sending 18 commercial planes to expedite the evacuation process, President Joe Biden said on Sunday. The latest decision comes in the backdrop of Washington facing difficulty in carrying out the evacuation of US citizens and vulnerable Afghan citizens, who are fearful of the Taliban regime. “The aircraft would not fly into Kabul but, would be used to carry people who have already been flown out of Afghanistan,” Reuters quoted Pentagon spokesman John Kirby as saying. He asserted that it was only the beginning of the evacuation program, hinting that more commercial aircraft could be used. Among the airlines that would be dispatched to Kabul include American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines and Omni Air would provide three aircraft each, two from Hawaiian Airlines, and four from United Airlines. Kirby said in a statement that the Department of Defence “does not anticipate a major impact to commercial flights from this activation.” There is also increasing concern about security in Kabul, where roughly 5,800 troops are protecting the airport. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday the United States has “secured the capacity to get large numbers of Americans safe passage through the airport and onto the airfield” in Afghanistan.

US to dispatch 18 commercial aircraft to lift US citizens, ‘vulnerable’ Afghans from Kabul

The Taliban has blamed the US for the evacuation chaos unfolding in Kabul. Now Kabul airport has been witnessing a mad dash of thousands of Afghans and foreign nationals fleeing the country ever since the Taliban seized power a week ago, despite repeated assurances from the Taliban.

Taliban: US failed to bring order to the airport

Amid chaotic scenes at Kabul airport, the United States and Germany advised citizens not to travel to the Hamid Karzai international airport.

The warning comes as crowds have increased over the past week since chaos took hold at the airport on Monday as thousands gathered to flee as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-alternative-to-taliban-any-kind-of-resistance-will-fail-russian-envoy-to-afghanistan-407450">Taliban</a> took control of the city.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kabul-airport-on-the-edge-desperate-afghans-waiting-to-flee-407360/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Although the Taliban have asked people without travel documents to go home but thousands are still reportedly at the airport waiting to fly along with the US and coalition troops.

Reports say at least 12 people have been killed since last Sunday around the airport although it is not clear how they have died whether due to firing or a stampede.

In an advisory, the US embassy said: "Because of potential security threats outside the gates at the Kabul airport, we are advising US citizens to avoid travelling to the airport and to avoid airport gates."

The German embassy has also reportedly asked its citizens not to travel to the airport due to strict measures being undertaken by the Taliban.

The Pentagon said at least 5,800 US troops remain at the airport. The US has reportedly evacuated 17,000 people, including 2,500 Americans&nbsp;from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-women-taliban-send-back-afghans-government-employees-407472">Kabul </a>in the past week.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the US is "fighting against both time and space" in its bid to evacuate citizens safely.

Meanwhile, the Taliban's co-founder, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-websites-go-offline-as-social-media-giants-crackdown-on-group-407446">Mullah Baradar</a> arrived in Kabul to begin talks with leaders in order to form the next government.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid chaotic scenes at Kabul airport, the United States and Germany advised citizens not to travel to the Hamid Karzai international airport. The warning comes as crowds have increased over the past week since chaos took hold at the airport on Monday as thousands gathered to flee as the Taliban took control of the city.

Amid chaotic scenes at Kabul airport, the United States and Germany advised citizens not to travel to the Hamid Karzai international airport. The warning comes as crowds have increased over the past week since chaos took hold at the airport on Monday as thousands gathered to flee as the Taliban took control of the city. Watch: Although the Taliban have asked people without travel documents to go home but thousands are still reportedly at the airport waiting to fly along with the US and coalition troops. Reports say at least 12 people have been killed since last Sunday around the airport although it is not clear how they have died whether due to firing or a stampede. In an advisory, the US embassy said: "Because of potential security threats outside the gates at the Kabul airport, we are advising US citizens to avoid travelling to the airport and to avoid airport gates." The German embassy has also reportedly asked its citizens not to travel to the airport due to strict measures being undertaken by the Taliban. The Pentagon said at least 5,800 US troops remain at the airport. The US has reportedly evacuated 17,000 people, including 2,500 Americans from Kabul in the past week. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the US is "fighting against both time and space" in its bid to evacuate citizens safely. Meanwhile, the Taliban's co-founder, Mullah Baradar arrived in Kabul to begin talks with leaders in order to form the next government. (With inputs from Agencies)

Thousands of Afghans still wait at Kabul airport; US, allies issue advisory

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan would directly impact the security situation in Russia, while adding that he does not want Afghanistan militants arriving under the guise of refugees, local Russian media reported.

"Does that mean that they can be sent without visas to those countries, to our neighbours, while they themselves (the West) don't want to take them without visas?"&nbsp;TASS news agency quoted Putin as saying.

"Why is there such a humiliating approach to solving the problem?"&nbsp;he added.

His remarks came days after Putin demanded the countries to stop interfering in Afghanistan, saying the west “must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”.

The Russian president said he hoped the Taliban would “guarantee the security of locals and foreign diplomats” and that the country would not break apart after the withdrawal of US-led forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-says-anti-taliban-forces-are-gathering-north-of-kabul-406947">Also read |&nbsp;Russia says anti-Taliban forces are gathering north of Kabul</a>

Despite several western countries decrying the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, some regional countries like Russia&nbsp;and China&nbsp;have been attempting&nbsp;to establish formal relations with the militia group.

Recently, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov declared that the Taliban are the “de facto” authority in the restive country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan would directly impact the security situation in Russia, while adding that he does not want Afghanistan militants arriving under the guise of refugees, local Russian media reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan would directly impact the security situation in Russia, while adding that he does not want Afghanistan militants arriving under the guise of refugees, local Russian media reported. "Does that mean that they can be sent without visas to those countries, to our neighbours, while they themselves (the West) don't want to take them without visas?" TASS news agency quoted Putin as saying. "Why is there such a humiliating approach to solving the problem?" he added. His remarks came days after Putin demanded the countries to stop interfering in Afghanistan, saying the west “must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”. The Russian president said he hoped the Taliban would “guarantee the security of locals and foreign diplomats” and that the country would not break apart after the withdrawal of US-led forces. Also read | Russia says anti-Taliban forces are gathering north of Kabul Despite several western countries decrying the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, some regional countries like Russia and China have been attempting to establish formal relations with the militia group. Recently, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov declared that the Taliban are the “de facto” authority in the restive country.

Don’t want Afghan militants in Russia, says Putin

In spite of sitting on mineral resources reportedly worth a trillion dollars, Afghanistan, which was tremendously dependent on foreign aid, will face financial challenges as prospects under Taliban rule look uncertain.

In spite of sitting on mineral resources reportedly worth a trillion dollars, Afghanistan, which was tremendously dependent on foreign aid, will face financial challenges as prospects under Taliban rule look uncertain. After Taliban's swift and shocking takeover of the Afghanistan government, how they are seen by the rest of the world will largely impact the country's future financial assistance receipts. Amid the political chaos, some major donors have already halted their support for the country. European Union said not a single euro from the allotted billion-euro development aid will go to a country that violates rights of women and girls. Canada has "no plans" to recognise the Taliban and Germany suspended its development aid. ALSO READ | Black Hawk choppers to armoured Humvees: Billions in US weaponry seized by Taliban However, some important countries like Russia, China and Turkey have welcomed the Taliban's public statements as the insurgents have promised to improve Afghanistan's economy. The conundrum leads to some unavoidable questions : What tools do they have and do they have the needed skill set to run a country? How will an insurgent group, with men wielding guns roaming the streets, promise a stable society? Will they be trusted by foreign investors? Here's an in-depth examination of what we know about the Afghan economy and future economic prospects, a country that has a population of just under 40 million and is categorised as one of the poorest nations in the world. ALSO READ | Armed, but holy! Afghanistan observes first Friday prayers under Taliban rule Afghanistan's GDP After Taliban were driven from power in 2001, Afghanistan's economy was gradually progressing. A Bloomberg report stated that country's gross domestic product, estimated at $22 billion, has grown nearly threefold since 2001. After Taliban's exit, the economy was managed by experts, technocrats, some of them Western-educated or trained. But the question is, will they stay on in the country now? And how will a skill-deprived Taliban rulers run the economy? In 2020, aid flows represented 42.9 per cent of Afghanistan's $19.8 billion GDP, according to World Bank data. Trillion-dollar worth of minerals A report published in 2010 revealed that Afghanistan is sitting on mineral deposits worth nearly $1 trillion. The data by US military officials and geologists determined that vast supplies of iron, copper, gold and rare earth minerals are scattered over the country. The value of the mineral deposits will be more now as compared to what it was estimated in 2010. The reports also stated that Afghanistan could be home to one of the world's biggest deposits of lithium. It is an essential but scarce component required in rechargeable batteries and other technologies vital to tackling the climate crisis, like solar panels and wind farms. Copper, which is needed to make power cables, became a hot commodity this year as prices soared to more than $10,000 per tonne. World demand for lithium is expected to grow by over 40 times by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency. In 2010, the US Geological Survey's Jack Medlin said during a Pentagon briefing that "It's not a quick win" , as converting the potential of mineral wealth into actual revenue take years and huge investments. In an attempt to extract the minerals, the Taliban will face security challenges and a lack of infrastructure but such valuable minerals might lure foreign players despite the chaos. Afghanistan's possible wealth has the potential to enable a better future but other countries might try to exploit it, even as internal corruption poses a bigger threat. Opium and taxes According to a May 2020 report from a UN Security Council sanctions committee, the Taliban gets much of its revenue from criminal activities such as the cultivation of poppies used to make heroin and opium, as well as from drug trafficking. Extortion of businesses, as well as ransom from kidnapping, also provide income, according to the report which estimated the group's revenues at $300 million to $1.5 billion a year. It is imperative to note that the international community spent billions of dollars over the years to help Afghanistan eradicate poppy cultivation, but the country still produces more than 80 per cent of the world's opium. The industry employs hundreds of thousands of people in a country with high unemployment after 40 years of conflict. However, the Taliban have promised that they will end the narcotics industry in Afghanistan. But is it really possible? Watch: Who created the Taliban? × International relations Since the Taliban took over the Afghanistan capital, it appears that they want to be recognised by the international community as being a legitimate government. In a recent interview with ABC News, US President Joe Biden said that the Taliban are going through sort of an "existential crisis". Despite their promises of running the country smoothly, the "positively different" insurgents-turned-rulers have received a mixed response. Some countries have reacted on the basis of how the Taliban's reputation precedes them but some foreign donors trust the group. As mentioned before, Russia, China and Turkey have all welcomed the insurgents' first public statements. However, United States is wary. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country has "no plans" to recognise the Taliban. Germany announced the suspension of its development aid as it was going to provide $503.1 million in aid this year, including $292.5 million for development. China, however, can play a massive role here as some of the political experts have indicated China's substantial interest in the Afgan economy at the moment. However, it is not clear if it will fill the void should relations with western nations remain cold, especially with the United States. According to the World Bank's most recent estimates from May, remittance flows to Afghanistan from overseas were estimated at $789 million in 2020. Cash on hand How much cash on hand does the country have? Amid uncertainties, international organisations are not willing to trust the Taliban as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced it would freeze aid to the country. Apart from IMF, The Biden administration has frozen the Afghan central bank’s assets and halted shipments of cash to the country. Central bank governor Ajmal Ahmady said on Twitter the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) had around $9 billion in reserves, but most of that is held overseas, out of reach of the Taliban. "As per international standards, most assets are held in safe, liquid assets such as treasuries and gold," said Ahmady. The US Federal Reserve holds $7 billion of the country's reserves, including $1.2 billion in gold, while the rest is held in foreign accounts including at the Basel-based Bank for International Settlements, Ahmady added. Also note that the Western Union also said that it was temporarily cutting off wire transfers to the country — another vital source of cash for the people. The World Bank has more than two dozen development projects ongoing in the country and has provided $5.3 billion since 2002, mostly in grants. The status of those programmes is unclear as the development lender works to pull staff out of the country. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic The Coronavirus has also impacted the reeling Afghan economy, and the Taliban has acknowledged that it cannot improve the situation without foreign help. (inputs and quotes from agencies)

Minerals worth trillion dollars: So really how big is Afghanistan's economy under Taliban control?

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