Herat, the third-largest city in Afghanistan remains precarious. The Taliban continues to make rapid territorial gains in the country. WION's correspondent reports from the heart of the conflict.

WION Ground Report: Third largest city of Afghanistan fears Taliban takeover

After working in Afghanistan for 9 years with NATO and the USA, the Afghan cameraman Salim Zalmi landed in the United States in 2018 escaping the Taliban's escalating threats to the family. WION brings you Zalmi's journey to the US.

Afghan cameraman Salim Zalmi's road to settling in US

Taliban has reportedly seized the northeastern city of Kunduz with the Afghan forces in control of the airport and the army base.

Kunduz, a strategic town lies at the gateway of northern provinces and Central Asia. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-seize-two-more-afghan-provincial-capitals-in-northern-blitz-404055">Taliban </a>spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said its forces were close to the airport.

Last week the Taliban had captured a provincial capital located on the border of Iran and Afghanistan named Zaranj situated in southern Nimroz province.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-in-afghanistan-afghan-civilians-fear-taliban-takeover-404089/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Zaranj city in Nimroz had fallen to the Taliban as it continued its surge in provincial capitals after seizing rural areas and strategic border crossings in Afghanistan even as Kunduz, Sar-e-Pul and Taloqan in the north fell on Sunday.

The security forces fell back in Taloqan in northeastern Takhar province after they failed to get reinforcements.

On Saturday, the Taliban had reportedly seized Jawzjan which was the second provincial capital to fall to the militant outfit in under 24 hours.

The Taliban has increased its offensive since mid-May as the US decided to leave the region. President Joe Biden had declared that the US will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 which is just weeks away.

Ashraf Ayni, a representative in parliament for Takhar province had said its capital Taloqan had fallen to the Taliban which continues to sweep through the country.

The militant group had earlier taken control of rural areas in the north and south but it has now begun its renewed offensive against provincial capitals.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban has reportedly seized the northeastern city of Kunduz with the Afghan forces in control of the airport and the army base. Kunduz, a strategic town lies at the gateway of northern provinces and Central Asia.

Taliban has reportedly seized the northeastern city of Kunduz with the Afghan forces in control of the airport and the army base. Kunduz, a strategic town lies at the gateway of northern provinces and Central Asia. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said its forces were close to the airport. Last week the Taliban had captured a provincial capital located on the border of Iran and Afghanistan named Zaranj situated in southern Nimroz province. Watch: Zaranj city in Nimroz had fallen to the Taliban as it continued its surge in provincial capitals after seizing rural areas and strategic border crossings in Afghanistan even as Kunduz, Sar-e-Pul and Taloqan in the north fell on Sunday. The security forces fell back in Taloqan in northeastern Takhar province after they failed to get reinforcements. On Saturday, the Taliban had reportedly seized Jawzjan which was the second provincial capital to fall to the militant outfit in under 24 hours. The Taliban has increased its offensive since mid-May as the US decided to leave the region. President Joe Biden had declared that the US will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 which is just weeks away. Ashraf Ayni, a representative in parliament for Takhar province had said its capital Taloqan had fallen to the Taliban which continues to sweep through the country. The militant group had earlier taken control of rural areas in the north and south but it has now begun its renewed offensive against provincial capitals. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban seize provincial capitals in Afghanistan as Kunduz falls

Taliban continued its sweep across Afghanistan targeting provincial capitals after overrunning rural areas in the south and north. Last week the Taliban had captured a provincial capital located on the border of Iran and Afghanistan in Nimoroz as US troops continue their final pullout from the country.

Children in America have become the target of the virus surge with the Delta variant spreading rapidly throughout the country even as Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci had earlier warned the failure to control the Delta variant could lead to the emergence of a new variant.

French citizens will have to show their COVID-19 pass from today if they want to enter restaurants as the Macron government aims to boost vaccination numbers.&nbsp;

Also, catch the latest post-Olympics news&nbsp;and check our Video feature.

Click on headlines to read more:

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-seize-provincial-capitals-in-afghanistan-as-kunduz-falls-404107">Taliban seize provincial capitals in Afghanistan as Kunduz falls</a>

<img alt="Taliban" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="898270c0-716b-4f66-b813-0d72d370cffc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/TT1.jpg" />

On Saturday, the Taliban had reportedly seized&nbsp;Jawzjan&nbsp;which was the second provincial capital to fall to the militant outfit in under 24 hours.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-under-threat-as-us-battles-current-virus-outbreak-404108">Children under threat as US battles current virus outbreak</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus in Children" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d924a21-83cc-4edd-8cac-8927438cb49c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CC1.jpg" />

Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci had earlier warned the failure to control the&nbsp;Delta variant&nbsp;could lead to the emergence of a new variant which could be "could be more problematic than Delta."

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-protests-france-to-implement-macrons-covid-19-pass-from-today-404113">Despite protests, France to implement Macron's COVID-19 pass from today</a>

<img alt="Coroanvirus in France" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6daf4185-138f-4bd7-a4b8-69bc2fda4fde" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Liberty1.jpg" />

Reports say the vaccination rates have jumped ever since the French president unveiled his health pass plans last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-pm-yoshihide-sugas-support-slides-to-record-low-as-olympic-games-close-survey-reveals-404103">Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals</a>

<img alt="Japanese PM Suga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a9dce2a-f175-41f5-8d2a-d9dfed40fc7a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Su1.jpg" />

Roughly a third disapproved of holding the Games which closed on Sunday and 60% said they did not want Suga to stay on as premier, according to the poll conducted by Asahi newspaper.

&nbsp;

<a href="&lt;div class=&quot;videoWrapper trancodeVideo&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.wionews.com/videos/wildfires-continue-to-ravage-greece-404049/embed&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;350&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;max-width:560px;&quot; class=&quot;includeVideo&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; autoplay=1 allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">Watch: Wildfires continue to ravage Greece</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wildfires-continue-to-ravage-greece-404049/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Taliban continued its sweep across Afghanistan targeting provincial capitals after overrunning rural areas in the south and north. Last week the Taliban had captured a provincial capital located on the border of Iran and Afghanistan in Nimoroz as US troops continue their final pullout from the country.

Taliban continued its sweep across Afghanistan targeting provincial capitals after overrunning rural areas in the south and north. Last week the Taliban had captured a provincial capital located on the border of Iran and Afghanistan in Nimoroz as US troops continue their final pullout from the country. Children in America have become the target of the virus surge with the Delta variant spreading rapidly throughout the country even as Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci had earlier warned the failure to control the Delta variant could lead to the emergence of a new variant. French citizens will have to show their COVID-19 pass from today if they want to enter restaurants as the Macron government aims to boost vaccination numbers. Also, catch the latest post-Olympics news and check our Video feature. Click on headlines to read more: Taliban seize provincial capitals in Afghanistan as Kunduz falls On Saturday, the Taliban had reportedly seized Jawzjan which was the second provincial capital to fall to the militant outfit in under 24 hours. Children under threat as US battles current virus outbreak Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci had earlier warned the failure to control the Delta variant could lead to the emergence of a new variant which could be "could be more problematic than Delta." Despite protests, France to implement Macron's COVID-19 pass from today Reports say the vaccination rates have jumped ever since the French president unveiled his health pass plans last month. Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals Roughly a third disapproved of holding the Games which closed on Sunday and 60% said they did not want Suga to stay on as premier, according to the poll conducted by Asahi newspaper. Watch: Wildfires continue to ravage Greece

Morning news brief: Taliban capture provincial capitals; virus hits children in US & more

According to sources, the Taliban have also taken government buildings in the northern provincial capital of Sar-e Pul, driving officials out of the main city to a nearby military base, Mohammad Noor Rahmani.

US B-52 bombers hit Taliban's positions in Afghanistan

The Taliban faced heavy casualties when Air Forces targeted their gatherings and hideouts in the city of Sheberghan, killing 200 members of the terrorist outfit.

US B-52 bombers targeted a Taliban rally in Sheberghan

After the city of Zaranj, Nimroz province’s capital, fell to the Taliban on Friday, some people flocked to loot public property from government institutions, a TOLOnews report said. The incident has sparked strong reaction from residents and religious scholars alike.&nbsp;

Several videos have surfaced after the fall of Zaranj to the Taliban, where people can be seen looting different kinds of equipment from government institutions, including governor’s compound.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Looting in Nimruz province as the Taliban overrun the city of Zaranj.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nimruz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nimruz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/b9RtNwlY4Q">pic.twitter.com/b9RtNwlY4Q</a>
— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HabibKhanT/status/1423634347517792256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 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 another video, prisoners can be seen escaping the main provincial prison. The same happened in Sheberghan, Jawzjan’s capital in northern Afghanistan, after it was taken up by Taliban on Saturday.&nbsp;

Presidential adviser Shahussain Murtazawi said, “This shows the Taliban has no plan for governance or for providing service to the people. This time, Talibs are following the policy of looting.”&nbsp;

Zabul provincial council’s chairman Ata Jan Haq Bayan said, “I have already mentioned that if the Taliban had the will to build, they should first come up with peace, sit with Afghans and build this country together.”&nbsp;

This act was also condemned by religious scholars. Mawlawi Abdul Wadood, a religious scholar, said, “Wasting public property is forbidden. Anyone, who takes over public property, must protect it and must prevent its waste.”&nbsp;

After the city of Zaranj, Nimroz province’s capital, fell to the Taliban on Friday, some people flocked to loot public property from government institutions, a TOLOnews report said.

After the city of Zaranj, Nimroz province’s capital, fell to the Taliban on Friday, some people flocked to loot public property from government institutions, a TOLOnews report said. The incident has sparked strong reaction from residents and religious scholars alike. Several videos have surfaced after the fall of Zaranj to the Taliban, where people can be seen looting different kinds of equipment from government institutions, including governor’s compound. Looting in Nimruz province as the Taliban overrun the city of Zaranj.#Nimruz #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/b9RtNwlY4Q — Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) August 6, 2021 × In another video, prisoners can be seen escaping the main provincial prison. The same happened in Sheberghan, Jawzjan’s capital in northern Afghanistan, after it was taken up by Taliban on Saturday. Presidential adviser Shahussain Murtazawi said, “This shows the Taliban has no plan for governance or for providing service to the people. This time, Talibs are following the policy of looting.” Zabul provincial council’s chairman Ata Jan Haq Bayan said, “I have already mentioned that if the Taliban had the will to build, they should first come up with peace, sit with Afghans and build this country together.” This act was also condemned by religious scholars. Mawlawi Abdul Wadood, a religious scholar, said, “Wasting public property is forbidden. Anyone, who takes over public property, must protect it and must prevent its waste.”

In Taliban-held Nimroz, public property gets ‘looted’  

As the Taliban&nbsp;captures two provincial capitals, the UN envoy has reported to the UNSC about the Afghan war entering a deadlier and more destructive phase, with over 1000 civilian casualties.

The US may have declared ending its military mission in Afghanistan as “Mission Accomplished" on the "Global War on Terrorism"&nbsp;(GWOT)”, but in reality, its embarrassing exit will continue to haunt its reputation for a long time.

With Taliban gaining territory every passing day&nbsp;simultaneously imposing horrifying restrictions on captured territory as "Islamic traditions"&nbsp;it indicates the transition of GWOT into global resurgence of terror&nbsp;in collusion with Pakistan.

Other regional stakeholders are concerned&nbsp;but are watching helplessly&nbsp;trying to mitigate the situation by talks. It is evident the strategy adopted by the Taliban&nbsp;assisted by Pakistan has done better than that of the US. A critical analysis of the strategies of each of the three&nbsp;directly involved in Afghanistan is necessary to infer future possibilities.

Why US lost GWOT in Afghanistan?

The US supported by multinational forces entered GWOT, post 9/11 incident&nbsp;with an aim to dislodge the Taliban regime&nbsp;which sheltered al-Qaeda under Osama Bin Laden&nbsp;who masterminded the execution of the barbarous terrorist act in New York.

Their military aim encompassed ensuring that no terror group in Afghanistan becomes strong enough to hit their mainland again, besides eliminating Osama Bin Laden and some other terrorist leaders.

Peace and development in Afghanistan was an expected side-effect, not their main aim. To execute it, the US had to depend on Pakistan for logistics chain, intelligence and boots on the ground&nbsp;despite full knowledge of Pakistan’s support to Taliban and other terror groups&nbsp;having gainfully used services of ISI and Pakistan Army against erstwhile USSR.

As per principles of war, had the US stuck to its aim and exited after dislodging the Taliban regime, reinstating a democratically elected government in place, eliminating Osama Bin Laden, marginalising al-Qaeda and other terror groups, it would have been a graceful exit.

It stretched its aim to an impractical limit&nbsp;of eliminating the Taliban and other Islamic terror outfits from Afghan soil, least realising that the military power by itself can’t eliminate Wahabi ideology. Finding only military solution to the problem of religious fundamentalism was a strategic misjudgement. This shifted the achievement of the aim of multinational forces (MNF)&nbsp;beyond their culmination point, operationally.

MNF was fighting from urban bases&nbsp;through technology and airpower could not eliminate the Taliban from rural areas. People are the centre of gravity in such operations&nbsp;hence one innocent killed in the collateral damage of airstrikes can lead to the birth of many terrorists&nbsp;strengthening the ideology of fundamentalists.

Battle fatigue and political considerations steered the desire of MNF to pull out. In exuberance to do so, sham peace negotiations of the US with the Taliban (which turned out to be an exit deal) was the next error committed by the US. It legitimised the Taliban as a political entity from terrorist status&nbsp;which led to a tired US military, fighting a defensive battle against a resurgent, legalised Taliban for a safe exit.

The US consistently underplayed Pakistan’s support to Sunni terrorists in the region&nbsp;making it a major beneficiary of monetary help and military hardware. It is to the credit of Pakistan that it lured the US to extract maximum&nbsp;by encashing their expertise in terrorism and finally helping the&nbsp;US in defeating itself in GWOT.

Now after 20 years of war, losing 2,400 soldiers and&nbsp;more than $3 trillion, the US and MNF have also lost the strategic space, bases in Pakistan, amounting to a walkover in the AF-Pak region.

A threat by the US&nbsp;not to recognise Taliban, if it takes over Afghanistan by force, forming Quad with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, some drone strikes and evacuating informers are weak responses to mitigate embarrassment indicating its helplessness. US continues to depend on Pakistan&nbsp;with a hope that it might need Pakistan again&nbsp;least realising that its strategic choices are hostage to China and it has no utility to the US, as its NSA recently threatened to say that if the President of the US can’t talk to his PM, “They have other options”.

Is the strategy adopted by the Taliban superior?

A battle-hardened Taliban having learnt some lessons after losing the war against MNF&nbsp;managed to survive in rural areas with full support of Pakistan&nbsp;hosting some of their leaders in safe sanctuaries in their country&nbsp;despite claiming to fight for the US and MNF.

When the MNF crossed their culmination point, the Taliban with Pakistan’s support started expanding in rural areas.

Taliban encashed on the combat fatigue of US forces and its political ramifications&nbsp;encouraged the US administration to talk, establishing its legitimacy as an essential actor. Pakistan’s mediation in this exercise favoured the Taliban and not the US, although the optics was differently narrated.

Thus a rejuvenated Taliban was fighting tired US forces, operating from their bases avoiding rough terrain and infantry dominated operations&nbsp;relying more on technology and firepower&nbsp;which has serious limitations in the type of terrain in the area of operation. The air and drone strikes proved inadequate to prevent the growing influence of the Taliban.

With the US-Taliban peace deal signed and US withdrawal in progress, Taliban gained the maximum strategic advantage by consolidating occupation of rural areas and then increasingly capturing various border districts to takeover crossings of Afghanistan with other countries to isolate Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF)&nbsp;which have numerical superiority but are based in urban areas&nbsp;having a defensive mindset.

With few military gains, the strategic momentum of the Taliban has improved and initiative is on their side. This has increased the pace of capturing territory&nbsp;while their political and diplomatic wing continues with sham talks.

Taliban also encashed on the urgency of US forces to exit&nbsp;by putting up demands like the release of 5,000 prisoners&nbsp;which the Afghanistan government had agreed under US pressure. This in effect increased the number&nbsp;of fighters of the Taliban. In the meantime, Pakistan&nbsp;increasingly under pressure from FATF&nbsp;diverted over 10,000 terrorists to fight alongside the Afghan-Taliban, besides some professional guidance from Pakistan Army and ISI&nbsp;and occasional air support.

Taliban is now in a position to insert itself between important towns to isolate the ANDSF, struggling with low morale&nbsp;due to some surrenders.

Taliban's current strategic aim is to get into power structure on their terms&nbsp;without fighting any elections&nbsp;by putting maximum pressure on the negotiating table&nbsp;after capturing maximum territory.

Taliban is aware that with Sharia law tag it can never win an election (which it terms as non-Islamic governance model of West). It may not be keen to seize power by force due to fear of being isolated&nbsp;which will make it difficult for them to govern&nbsp;giving rise to forces countering them within Afghanistan.

They are aware that they don't have mass people's support&nbsp;who have got used to democracy in the last 20 years. Taliban thus finds talks and offensive simultaneously&nbsp;as their best option for a political solution in their favour.

Terror attacks in Kabul is to strike the minds of Afghan leadership to weaken their resolve and position on the negotiation table. On the political front the Taliban has also successfully managed a photo session with the Chinese hierarchy&nbsp;seeking more legitimacy in exchange of promise of not supporting ETIM&nbsp;which it may/may not fulfil.

All promises of Taliban leaders that it is moderate Taliban in 2021 capable of meeting people's aspirations&nbsp;stand junked as Shariah Law-like curbs are back in place in Taliban controlled areas. Men lose the freedom to shave &amp; smoke, women lose freedom and most disgusting is the listing of single girls between 15 to 45 years&nbsp;to be married to Taliban fighters as a "reward". Even if the Taliban leaders pose as moderates&nbsp;their fighters will not let the leaders settle down for anything but Shariah law.

Pakistan’s double game: Unprecedented opportunity with some concerns!

Pakistan’s strategic aim has always been to seek strategic depth in Afghanistan by enforcing the Durand Line over friendly or weak government in Kabul&nbsp;and edging out other players from Afghanistan.

It has been uncomfortable with the Indian presence for developmental work in Afghanistan and growing closeness between the USA and India to an extent that it was propagating an unsalable narrative that India is trying to encircle it.

Pakistan's&nbsp;nexus with the Taliban is quite old and its assistance to it was one of the causes of the US failure in Afghanistan&nbsp;as it manages to play a double game with the US and Taliban. It was also an opportunity for Pakistan to send out a large number of terrorists to fight alongside the Afghan-Taliban&nbsp;whom it wanted to relocate&nbsp;to avoid FATF fallouts and preserve what it terms them as their "strategic assets"&nbsp;to be used elsewhere later.

The opportunity is also marred with some serious concerns. Taliban in power never compromised on Durand Line and their stance in future is likely to be similar. Taliban also has many groups within including TTP&nbsp;which will also get stronger to strike Pakistan&nbsp;as the power of the Taliban grows.

Innumerable refugees outflow along with some inimical terror groups is also a concern. Pakistan’s strategy of joining hands with the Taliban while&nbsp;dumping Ghani’s government and luring China in this strategic space has gone off well so far. It has also been successful in edging out the US and India out of Afghanistan&nbsp;with its terrorists incrementally damaging Indian built assets.

What is going wrong with ANDSF strategy?

ANDSF in numbers are two to three times more than Taliban fighters&nbsp;but are low in morale&nbsp;suffering a defensive mindset. They are not venturing out of urban areas and trying to halt the Taliban with less potent air power in comparison to Americans.

Over the last&nbsp;20 years, they went into a syndrome of overdependence on foreign forces and foreign aid. The Afghan government with fractured mandate and various groups eyeing to share power&nbsp;weakened the homogeneity&nbsp;as an effective establishment to govern.

In military strategy, a defender can never win, but can at best delay defeat. Operationally ANDSF is&nbsp;making the same mistake as MNF made by trying to win by airpower and defending bases&nbsp;thus leaving the initiative with the Taliban.

If ANDSF fights with an offensive mindset, effective use of available airpower and sound strategy, small gains can improve sagging morale&nbsp;which can change the tide against the Taliban.

Response of other stakeholders!

The US also tried the idea of outsourcing regional peace in Afghanistan to regional stakeholders. All other stakeholders are concerned with the likelihood of export of terrorism&nbsp;but are gravely short of options and leverages&nbsp;as no one is keen to put boots on the ground&nbsp;knowing fully well that no foreign recipe of peace in Afghanistan has worked in past&nbsp;nor will it work in future.

Almost every neighbour (Russia, Pakistan, China, Iran, CAR and Qatar) are organising peace talks between various stakeholders, primarily to suit their own interests&nbsp;making no headway.

China&nbsp;keen on&nbsp;connectivity and economic exploitation of Afghanistan&nbsp;is hesitant on&nbsp;becoming the third power (after USSR and USA) to suffer in the “Graveyard of Empires”&nbsp;hence will prefer working through Pakistan&nbsp;till the power structure stabilise.

India has always emphasised on Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled, elected, democratic government and has invested a&nbsp;tremendous amount of goodwill in the people of Afghanistan and Ghani’s government through a large amount of development projects&nbsp;and capacity building of various institutions including ANDSF&nbsp;with a cumulative sunk cost of $3 billion.

India suffers from a major handicap that despite being a legal neighbour of Afghanistan&nbsp;it doesn’t physically hold a&nbsp;common border, thus has no direct land route. It&nbsp;reduces the capability of India to directly influence outcomes in Afghanistan&nbsp;hence it was never taken seriously by other stakeholders even during talks. Diplomatically India has left no stone unturned to mitigate the crisis.

Way ahead

There is a need to boost the morale of Afghan forces&nbsp;with air support, military assets and maintenance of its existing damaged air assets. An offensive mindset and sound military strategy can turn the tide in ANDSF's&nbsp;favour. They need to focus on recapturing border crossings, utilise other supporting non-state actors in engaging the Taliban to weaken blockades with guerrilla tactics. The momentum of the Taliban can break while fighting in urban areas due to weak peoples&nbsp;support, lesser numbers, and no air resources. There is a need to create a viable countervailing force within Afghanistan.

There is a need for the UNSC to rein/sanction Pakistan for&nbsp;adding strength to the Taliban by using its non-state actors against an elected government of another&nbsp;country&nbsp;for the sake of innocent people, women&nbsp;and children of Afghanistan.

While the statements condemning violence have been issued, but there is a need for a resolution against sponsors and global condemnation of the Taliban’s effort to takeover by force.

India as the president UNSC&nbsp;continues to highlight the issue of violence and atrocities by terrorists in Afghanistan&nbsp;and flags the reports of the Afghan government and UN regarding almost 10,000 Pakistani terrorists fighting alongside the Taliban against the democratically elected government.

If left to Afghan people, civil war will continue and the Taliban even if in power&nbsp;will also face an unprecedented cycle of instability from angry population resenting Sharia law and rival groups in Afghanistan and within the Taliban.

Various tribes and terror groups will ensure that no single entity or foreign player gets that strategic space exclusively. It is unlikely that China-Pakistan will find it easy to exploit the situation amid&nbsp;expected instability.

It&nbsp;will certainly have a telling effect on the regional and global security situation&nbsp;as the Af-Pak region will become the largest breeding ground for terrorism&nbsp;with some of the terror groups again becoming strong enough to strike the US, EU, China, India or CAR.

Afghanistan seems to be heading for a situation wherein different areas will be under influence of different entities, leaving the helpless population&nbsp;suffering under the hands of fundamentalists, if no mid-course correction is undertaken.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

As the Taliban captures two provincial capitals, the UN envoy has reported to the UNSC about the Afghan war entering a deadlier and more destructive phase, with over 1000 civilian casualties.

As the Taliban captures two provincial capitals, the UN envoy has reported to the UNSC about the Afghan war entering a deadlier and more destructive phase, with over 1000 civilian casualties. The US may have declared ending its military mission in Afghanistan as “Mission Accomplished" on the "Global War on Terrorism" (GWOT)”, but in reality, its embarrassing exit will continue to haunt its reputation for a long time. With Taliban gaining territory every passing day simultaneously imposing horrifying restrictions on captured territory as "Islamic traditions" it indicates the transition of GWOT into global resurgence of terror in collusion with Pakistan. Other regional stakeholders are concerned but are watching helplessly trying to mitigate the situation by talks. It is evident the strategy adopted by the Taliban assisted by Pakistan has done better than that of the US. A critical analysis of the strategies of each of the three directly involved in Afghanistan is necessary to infer future possibilities. Why US lost GWOT in Afghanistan? The US supported by multinational forces entered GWOT, post 9/11 incident with an aim to dislodge the Taliban regime which sheltered al-Qaeda under Osama Bin Laden who masterminded the execution of the barbarous terrorist act in New York. Their military aim encompassed ensuring that no terror group in Afghanistan becomes strong enough to hit their mainland again, besides eliminating Osama Bin Laden and some other terrorist leaders. Peace and development in Afghanistan was an expected side-effect, not their main aim. To execute it, the US had to depend on Pakistan for logistics chain, intelligence and boots on the ground despite full knowledge of Pakistan’s support to Taliban and other terror groups having gainfully used services of ISI and Pakistan Army against erstwhile USSR. As per principles of war, had the US stuck to its aim and exited after dislodging the Taliban regime, reinstating a democratically elected government in place, eliminating Osama Bin Laden, marginalising al-Qaeda and other terror groups, it would have been a graceful exit. It stretched its aim to an impractical limit of eliminating the Taliban and other Islamic terror outfits from Afghan soil, least realising that the military power by itself can’t eliminate Wahabi ideology. Finding only military solution to the problem of religious fundamentalism was a strategic misjudgement. This shifted the achievement of the aim of multinational forces (MNF) beyond their culmination point, operationally. MNF was fighting from urban bases through technology and airpower could not eliminate the Taliban from rural areas. People are the centre of gravity in such operations hence one innocent killed in the collateral damage of airstrikes can lead to the birth of many terrorists strengthening the ideology of fundamentalists. Battle fatigue and political considerations steered the desire of MNF to pull out. In exuberance to do so, sham peace negotiations of the US with the Taliban (which turned out to be an exit deal) was the next error committed by the US. It legitimised the Taliban as a political entity from terrorist status which led to a tired US military, fighting a defensive battle against a resurgent, legalised Taliban for a safe exit. The US consistently underplayed Pakistan’s support to Sunni terrorists in the region making it a major beneficiary of monetary help and military hardware. It is to the credit of Pakistan that it lured the US to extract maximum by encashing their expertise in terrorism and finally helping the US in defeating itself in GWOT. Now after 20 years of war, losing 2,400 soldiers and more than $3 trillion, the US and MNF have also lost the strategic space, bases in Pakistan, amounting to a walkover in the AF-Pak region. A threat by the US not to recognise Taliban, if it takes over Afghanistan by force, forming Quad with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, some drone strikes and evacuating informers are weak responses to mitigate embarrassment indicating its helplessness. US continues to depend on Pakistan with a hope that it might need Pakistan again least realising that its strategic choices are hostage to China and it has no utility to the US, as its NSA recently threatened to say that if the President of the US can’t talk to his PM, “They have other options”. Is the strategy adopted by the Taliban superior? A battle-hardened Taliban having learnt some lessons after losing the war against MNF managed to survive in rural areas with full support of Pakistan hosting some of their leaders in safe sanctuaries in their country despite claiming to fight for the US and MNF. When the MNF crossed their culmination point, the Taliban with Pakistan’s support started expanding in rural areas. Taliban encashed on the combat fatigue of US forces and its political ramifications encouraged the US administration to talk, establishing its legitimacy as an essential actor. Pakistan’s mediation in this exercise favoured the Taliban and not the US, although the optics was differently narrated. Thus a rejuvenated Taliban was fighting tired US forces, operating from their bases avoiding rough terrain and infantry dominated operations relying more on technology and firepower which has serious limitations in the type of terrain in the area of operation. The air and drone strikes proved inadequate to prevent the growing influence of the Taliban. With the US-Taliban peace deal signed and US withdrawal in progress, Taliban gained the maximum strategic advantage by consolidating occupation of rural areas and then increasingly capturing various border districts to takeover crossings of Afghanistan with other countries to isolate Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) which have numerical superiority but are based in urban areas having a defensive mindset. With few military gains, the strategic momentum of the Taliban has improved and initiative is on their side. This has increased the pace of capturing territory while their political and diplomatic wing continues with sham talks. Taliban also encashed on the urgency of US forces to exit by putting up demands like the release of 5,000 prisoners which the Afghanistan government had agreed under US pressure. This in effect increased the number of fighters of the Taliban. In the meantime, Pakistan increasingly under pressure from FATF diverted over 10,000 terrorists to fight alongside the Afghan-Taliban, besides some professional guidance from Pakistan Army and ISI and occasional air support. Taliban is now in a position to insert itself between important towns to isolate the ANDSF, struggling with low morale due to some surrenders. Taliban's current strategic aim is to get into power structure on their terms without fighting any elections by putting maximum pressure on the negotiating table after capturing maximum territory. Taliban is aware that with Sharia law tag it can never win an election (which it terms as non-Islamic governance model of West). It may not be keen to seize power by force due to fear of being isolated which will make it difficult for them to govern giving rise to forces countering them within Afghanistan. They are aware that they don't have mass people's support who have got used to democracy in the last 20 years. Taliban thus finds talks and offensive simultaneously as their best option for a political solution in their favour. Terror attacks in Kabul is to strike the minds of Afghan leadership to weaken their resolve and position on the negotiation table. On the political front the Taliban has also successfully managed a photo session with the Chinese hierarchy seeking more legitimacy in exchange of promise of not supporting ETIM which it may/may not fulfil. All promises of Taliban leaders that it is moderate Taliban in 2021 capable of meeting people's aspirations stand junked as Shariah Law-like curbs are back in place in Taliban controlled areas. Men lose the freedom to shave & smoke, women lose freedom and most disgusting is the listing of single girls between 15 to 45 years to be married to Taliban fighters as a "reward". Even if the Taliban leaders pose as moderates their fighters will not let the leaders settle down for anything but Shariah law. Pakistan’s double game: Unprecedented opportunity with some concerns! Pakistan’s strategic aim has always been to seek strategic depth in Afghanistan by enforcing the Durand Line over friendly or weak government in Kabul and edging out other players from Afghanistan. It has been uncomfortable with the Indian presence for developmental work in Afghanistan and growing closeness between the USA and India to an extent that it was propagating an unsalable narrative that India is trying to encircle it. Pakistan's nexus with the Taliban is quite old and its assistance to it was one of the causes of the US failure in Afghanistan as it manages to play a double game with the US and Taliban. It was also an opportunity for Pakistan to send out a large number of terrorists to fight alongside the Afghan-Taliban whom it wanted to relocate to avoid FATF fallouts and preserve what it terms them as their "strategic assets" to be used elsewhere later. The opportunity is also marred with some serious concerns. Taliban in power never compromised on Durand Line and their stance in future is likely to be similar. Taliban also has many groups within including TTP which will also get stronger to strike Pakistan as the power of the Taliban grows. Innumerable refugees outflow along with some inimical terror groups is also a concern. Pakistan’s strategy of joining hands with the Taliban while dumping Ghani’s government and luring China in this strategic space has gone off well so far. It has also been successful in edging out the US and India out of Afghanistan with its terrorists incrementally damaging Indian built assets. What is going wrong with ANDSF strategy? ANDSF in numbers are two to three times more than Taliban fighters but are low in morale suffering a defensive mindset. They are not venturing out of urban areas and trying to halt the Taliban with less potent air power in comparison to Americans. Over the last 20 years, they went into a syndrome of overdependence on foreign forces and foreign aid. The Afghan government with fractured mandate and various groups eyeing to share power weakened the homogeneity as an effective establishment to govern. In military strategy, a defender can never win, but can at best delay defeat. Operationally ANDSF is making the same mistake as MNF made by trying to win by airpower and defending bases thus leaving the initiative with the Taliban. If ANDSF fights with an offensive mindset, effective use of available airpower and sound strategy, small gains can improve sagging morale which can change the tide against the Taliban. Response of other stakeholders! The US also tried the idea of outsourcing regional peace in Afghanistan to regional stakeholders. All other stakeholders are concerned with the likelihood of export of terrorism but are gravely short of options and leverages as no one is keen to put boots on the ground knowing fully well that no foreign recipe of peace in Afghanistan has worked in past nor will it work in future. Almost every neighbour (Russia, Pakistan, China, Iran, CAR and Qatar) are organising peace talks between various stakeholders, primarily to suit their own interests making no headway. China keen on connectivity and economic exploitation of Afghanistan is hesitant on becoming the third power (after USSR and USA) to suffer in the “Graveyard of Empires” hence will prefer working through Pakistan till the power structure stabilise. India has always emphasised on Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled, elected, democratic government and has invested a tremendous amount of goodwill in the people of Afghanistan and Ghani’s government through a large amount of development projects and capacity building of various institutions including ANDSF with a cumulative sunk cost of $3 billion. India suffers from a major handicap that despite being a legal neighbour of Afghanistan it doesn’t physically hold a common border, thus has no direct land route. It reduces the capability of India to directly influence outcomes in Afghanistan hence it was never taken seriously by other stakeholders even during talks. Diplomatically India has left no stone unturned to mitigate the crisis. Way ahead There is a need to boost the morale of Afghan forces with air support, military assets and maintenance of its existing damaged air assets. An offensive mindset and sound military strategy can turn the tide in ANDSF's favour. They need to focus on recapturing border crossings, utilise other supporting non-state actors in engaging the Taliban to weaken blockades with guerrilla tactics. The momentum of the Taliban can break while fighting in urban areas due to weak peoples support, lesser numbers, and no air resources. There is a need to create a viable countervailing force within Afghanistan. There is a need for the UNSC to rein/sanction Pakistan for adding strength to the Taliban by using its non-state actors against an elected government of another country for the sake of innocent people, women and children of Afghanistan. While the statements condemning violence have been issued, but there is a need for a resolution against sponsors and global condemnation of the Taliban’s effort to takeover by force. India as the president UNSC continues to highlight the issue of violence and atrocities by terrorists in Afghanistan and flags the reports of the Afghan government and UN regarding almost 10,000 Pakistani terrorists fighting alongside the Taliban against the democratically elected government. If left to Afghan people, civil war will continue and the Taliban even if in power will also face an unprecedented cycle of instability from angry population resenting Sharia law and rival groups in Afghanistan and within the Taliban. Various tribes and terror groups will ensure that no single entity or foreign player gets that strategic space exclusively. It is unlikely that China-Pakistan will find it easy to exploit the situation amid expected instability. It will certainly have a telling effect on the regional and global security situation as the Af-Pak region will become the largest breeding ground for terrorism with some of the terror groups again becoming strong enough to strike the US, EU, China, India or CAR. Afghanistan seems to be heading for a situation wherein different areas will be under influence of different entities, leaving the helpless population suffering under the hands of fundamentalists, if no mid-course correction is undertaken. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Why US strategy in Afghanistan failed against Taliban-Pakistan nexus?

To give air support to Afghan security forces fighting Taliban in various parts of the country, US President Joe Biden has ordered B-52 bombers and Spectre gunships to target the group’s positions in Afghanistan, a MailOnline report said. Taliban are currently advancing towards key cities on Saturday.&nbsp;

According to the report, the bombers are supported by the AC-130 Spectre gunships, which are armed with a 25mm Gatling gun, a 40mm Bofors cannon and a 105mm M102 cannon. It can provide pinpoint accurate fire from the air.&nbsp;

Fierce fighting is going on in the capital cities of Kunduz, Takhar and Badakhshan provinces between Afghan security forces and the Taliban in the north of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

In Kunduz, the public health directorate said around 11 civilians were killed and 39 more were wounded in fresh clashes that started on Friday evening.&nbsp;

Police said Taliban attacks on Faizabad city were pushed back by Afghan forces in Badakhshan.&nbsp;

As per sources, the city of Sheberghan, Jawzjan province capital in northern Afghanistan, fell to the Taliban after one week of clashes, sources said. It is the second provincial capital, which has fallen into the hands of Taliban in the last two days.&nbsp;

Afghan residents strongly criticise government’s strategy as Taliban make heavy gains. &nbsp;

To give air support to Afghan security forces fighting Taliban in various parts of the country, US President Joe Biden has ordered B-52 bombers and Spectre gunships to target the group’s positions in Afghanistan, a MailOnline report said.

To give air support to Afghan security forces fighting Taliban in various parts of the country, US President Joe Biden has ordered B-52 bombers and Spectre gunships to target the group’s positions in Afghanistan, a MailOnline report said. Taliban are currently advancing towards key cities on Saturday. According to the report, the bombers are supported by the AC-130 Spectre gunships, which are armed with a 25mm Gatling gun, a 40mm Bofors cannon and a 105mm M102 cannon. It can provide pinpoint accurate fire from the air. Fierce fighting is going on in the capital cities of Kunduz, Takhar and Badakhshan provinces between Afghan security forces and the Taliban in the north of Afghanistan. In Kunduz, the public health directorate said around 11 civilians were killed and 39 more were wounded in fresh clashes that started on Friday evening. Police said Taliban attacks on Faizabad city were pushed back by Afghan forces in Badakhshan. As per sources, the city of Sheberghan, Jawzjan province capital in northern Afghanistan, fell to the Taliban after one week of clashes, sources said. It is the second provincial capital, which has fallen into the hands of Taliban in the last two days. Afghan residents strongly criticise government’s strategy as Taliban make heavy gains.

US orders B-52 bombers, Spectre gunships to target Taliban, says report  

The Taliban tightened the noose over northern Afghanistan Sunday, capturing two more provincial capitals as they take their fight to the cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months.

The insurgents have snatched up four provincial capitals in Afghanistan since Friday in a lightning offensive that appears to have overwhelmed government forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-why-us-strategy-in-afghanistan-failed-against-taliban-pakistan-nexus-403844">Opinion | Why US strategy in Afghanistan failed against Taliban-Pakistan nexus?</a>

Kunduz and Sar-e-Pul in the north fell within hours of each other Sunday, lawmakers and residents in the cities confirmed, but not without fierce fighting.

Pro-Taliban social media accounts claimed the insurgents were also close to overrunning the provincial capital of Taloqan.

In Kunduz, one resident described the city as being enveloped in "total chaos".

"After some fierce fighting, the mujahideen, with the grace of God, captured the capital of Kunduz," the Taliban said in a statement.

"The mujahideen also captured Sar-e-Pul city, the government buildings and all the installations there."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-key-installations-in-kunduz-heavy-fighting-underway-in-herat-kandahar-403938">Taliban captures key installations in Kunduz, heavy fighting underway in Herat, Kandahar</a>

Parwina Azimi, a women's rights activist in Sar-e-Pul, told AFP by phone that government officials and the remaining forces had retreated to an army barracks about three kilometres (two miles) from the city.

The Taliban had the compound "surrounded", said Mohammad Hussein Mujahidzada, a member of the provincial council.

Perennial target

Kunduz is the most significant Taliban gain since the insurgents launched an offensive in May as foreign forces began the final stages of their withdrawal.&nbsp;

It has been a perennial target for the Taliban, who briefly overran the city in 2015 and again in 2016 but never managed to hold it for long.&nbsp;

The ministry of defence said government forces were fighting to retake key installations.

"The commando forces have launched a clearing operation. Some areas, including the national radio and TV buildings, have been cleared of the terrorist Taliban," it said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-claims-to-capture-urban-parts-in-kunduz-403956/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kabul's ability to hold the north may prove crucial to the government's long-term survival.

Northern Afghanistan has long been considered an anti-Taliban stronghold that saw some of the stiffest resistance to militant rule in the 1990s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-taliban-held-nimroz-public-property-gets-looted-403846">In Taliban-held Nimroz, public property gets ‘looted’</a>

The region remains home to several militias and is also a fertile recruiting ground for the country's armed forces.&nbsp;

"The capture of Kunduz is quite significant because it will free up a large number of Taliban forces who might then be mobilised in other parts of the north," said Ibraheem Thurial, a consultant for International Crisis Group.

Vivid footage of the fighting was posted on social media over the weekend, including what appeared to be large numbers of prisoners being freed from jails in captured cities.

The Taliban frequently target prisons to release incarcerated fighters to replenish their ranks.

On Friday, the insurgents seized their first provincial capital, Zaranj in southwestern Nimroz on the border with Iran, and followed it up by taking&nbsp;Sheberghan&nbsp;in northern Jawzjan province the next day.

US airstrikes&nbsp;

Fighting was also reported on the outskirts of Herat in the west, and Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south.

The pace of Taliban advances has caught government forces flatfooted, but they won some respite late Saturday after US warplanes bombed Taliban positions in&nbsp;Sheberghan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-orders-b-52-bombers-spectre-gunships-to-target-taliban-says-report-403840">US orders B-52 bombers, Spectre gunships to target Taliban, says report</a> &nbsp;

"US forces have conducted several air strikes in defence of our Afghan partners in recent days," Major Nicole Ferrara, a Central Command spokesperson, told AFP in Washington.

Sheberghan&nbsp;is the stronghold of notorious Afghan warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, whose militiamen and government forces were reportedly retreating east to Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province.

Dostum has overseen one of the largest militias in the north and garnered a fearsome reputation fighting the Taliban in the 1990s -- along with accusations his forces massacred thousands of insurgent prisoners of war.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-international-community-worries-for-afghans-404044/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A retreat of his fighters dents the government's recent hopes that militias could help the overstretched military.

The government has said little about the fall of the provincial capitals, other than vowing to retake them.

That has been a familiar response to most Taliban gains in recent weeks, although government forces have largely failed to make good on promises to retake dozens of districts and border posts.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been displaced by the recent fighting, and on Saturday, 12 people were killed when their bus was struck by a roadside bomb as they tried to flee Gardez in Paktia province.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-violence-in-herat-city-prompt-mass-evacuation-403959/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I lost my mother, father, two brothers, two sisters-in-law and other members of the family," said Noor Jan.

The withdrawal of foreign forces is due to finish at the end of this month ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The US-led invasion sparked by 9/11 toppled the first Taliban regime in 2001.

The Taliban tightened the noose over northern Afghanistan Sunday, capturing two more provincial capitals as they take their fight to the cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months.

The Taliban tightened the noose over northern Afghanistan Sunday, capturing two more provincial capitals as they take their fight to the cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months. The insurgents have snatched up four provincial capitals in Afghanistan since Friday in a lightning offensive that appears to have overwhelmed government forces. Also read | Opinion | Why US strategy in Afghanistan failed against Taliban-Pakistan nexus? Kunduz and Sar-e-Pul in the north fell within hours of each other Sunday, lawmakers and residents in the cities confirmed, but not without fierce fighting. Pro-Taliban social media accounts claimed the insurgents were also close to overrunning the provincial capital of Taloqan. In Kunduz, one resident described the city as being enveloped in "total chaos". "After some fierce fighting, the mujahideen, with the grace of God, captured the capital of Kunduz," the Taliban said in a statement. "The mujahideen also captured Sar-e-Pul city, the government buildings and all the installations there." Also read | Taliban captures key installations in Kunduz, heavy fighting underway in Herat, Kandahar Parwina Azimi, a women's rights activist in Sar-e-Pul, told AFP by phone that government officials and the remaining forces had retreated to an army barracks about three kilometres (two miles) from the city. The Taliban had the compound "surrounded", said Mohammad Hussein Mujahidzada, a member of the provincial council. Perennial target Kunduz is the most significant Taliban gain since the insurgents launched an offensive in May as foreign forces began the final stages of their withdrawal. It has been a perennial target for the Taliban, who briefly overran the city in 2015 and again in 2016 but never managed to hold it for long. The ministry of defence said government forces were fighting to retake key installations. "The commando forces have launched a clearing operation. Some areas, including the national radio and TV buildings, have been cleared of the terrorist Taliban," it said. Kabul's ability to hold the north may prove crucial to the government's long-term survival. Northern Afghanistan has long been considered an anti-Taliban stronghold that saw some of the stiffest resistance to militant rule in the 1990s. Also read | In Taliban-held Nimroz, public property gets ‘looted’ The region remains home to several militias and is also a fertile recruiting ground for the country's armed forces. "The capture of Kunduz is quite significant because it will free up a large number of Taliban forces who might then be mobilised in other parts of the north," said Ibraheem Thurial, a consultant for International Crisis Group. Vivid footage of the fighting was posted on social media over the weekend, including what appeared to be large numbers of prisoners being freed from jails in captured cities. The Taliban frequently target prisons to release incarcerated fighters to replenish their ranks. On Friday, the insurgents seized their first provincial capital, Zaranj in southwestern Nimroz on the border with Iran, and followed it up by taking Sheberghan in northern Jawzjan province the next day. US airstrikes Fighting was also reported on the outskirts of Herat in the west, and Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south. The pace of Taliban advances has caught government forces flatfooted, but they won some respite late Saturday after US warplanes bombed Taliban positions in Sheberghan. Also read | US orders B-52 bombers, Spectre gunships to target Taliban, says report "US forces have conducted several air strikes in defence of our Afghan partners in recent days," Major Nicole Ferrara, a Central Command spokesperson, told AFP in Washington. Sheberghan is the stronghold of notorious Afghan warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, whose militiamen and government forces were reportedly retreating east to Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province. Dostum has overseen one of the largest militias in the north and garnered a fearsome reputation fighting the Taliban in the 1990s -- along with accusations his forces massacred thousands of insurgent prisoners of war. A retreat of his fighters dents the government's recent hopes that militias could help the overstretched military. The government has said little about the fall of the provincial capitals, other than vowing to retake them. That has been a familiar response to most Taliban gains in recent weeks, although government forces have largely failed to make good on promises to retake dozens of districts and border posts. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been displaced by the recent fighting, and on Saturday, 12 people were killed when their bus was struck by a roadside bomb as they tried to flee Gardez in Paktia province. "I lost my mother, father, two brothers, two sisters-in-law and other members of the family," said Noor Jan. The withdrawal of foreign forces is due to finish at the end of this month ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The US-led invasion sparked by 9/11 toppled the first Taliban regime in 2001.

Taliban seize two more Afghan provincial capitals in northern blitz

Amid fighting between Afghan troops and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-orders-b-52-bombers-spectre-gunships-to-target-taliban-says-report-403840">Taliban</a> in Kunduz, the militant group&nbsp;claimed it had captured the key Afghan city.

Reports say street-to-street fighting is taking place in Kunduz after&nbsp;the Taliban seized their first provincial capital&nbsp;Zaranj in Nimroz and Sheberghan in Jawzjan.

Reports said&nbsp;key installations in&nbsp;Kunduz have been captured by the Taliban.

Fierce fighting is also underway in Herat, Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south.

Meanwhile, an Afghan Air Force pilot was reportedly killed in Kabul after a sticky bomb attached to his vehicle detonated. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-b-52-bombers-targeted-a-taliban-rally-in-sheberghan-403906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taliban has made rapid gains in rural Afghanistan in the past two months after President Joe Biden declared the last US troops will be pulled out of the region by August 31 which is now just weeks away.

On Saturday, the Taliban closed a key border in Spin Boldak crossing along the Afghanistan-Pakistan area leaving several hundred travellers stranded.

The militant group had captured Spin Boldak last month. Reports said the Taliban freed several militants after capturing Zaranj amid looting in the area.

Britain on Saturday had urged its citizens to leave the country due to the "worsening security situation".

"Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Afghanistan. Specific methods of attack are evolving and increasing in sophistication," UK's foreign office had said.

On Friday, the Taliban had shot the head of the Afghan government's media information centre even as it had carried out a bomb attack on the country's defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi in the capital.

As the fighting intensified, Central Asian leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met in Avaza on the Caspian Sea promising to "provide all possible assistance" towards achieving peace in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

Tajikistan's President Emomali Rakhmon said the Taliban now controls large parts of Afghanistan's border. "A number of terrorist organisations are actively strengthening their positions in these areas," Rakhmon said.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Amid fighting between Afghan troops and the Taliban in Kunduz, the militant group claimed it had captured the key Afghan city. Reports say street-to-street fighting is taking place in Kunduz after the Taliban seized their first provincial capital Zaranj in Nimroz and Sheberghan in Jawzjan.

Amid fighting between Afghan troops and the Taliban in Kunduz, the militant group claimed it had captured the key Afghan city. Reports say street-to-street fighting is taking place in Kunduz after the Taliban seized their first provincial capital Zaranj in Nimroz and Sheberghan in Jawzjan. Reports said key installations in Kunduz have been captured by the Taliban. Fierce fighting is also underway in Herat, Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south. Meanwhile, an Afghan Air Force pilot was reportedly killed in Kabul after a sticky bomb attached to his vehicle detonated. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. Watch: Taliban has made rapid gains in rural Afghanistan in the past two months after President Joe Biden declared the last US troops will be pulled out of the region by August 31 which is now just weeks away. On Saturday, the Taliban closed a key border in Spin Boldak crossing along the Afghanistan-Pakistan area leaving several hundred travellers stranded. The militant group had captured Spin Boldak last month. Reports said the Taliban freed several militants after capturing Zaranj amid looting in the area. Britain on Saturday had urged its citizens to leave the country due to the "worsening security situation". "Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Afghanistan. Specific methods of attack are evolving and increasing in sophistication," UK's foreign office had said. On Friday, the Taliban had shot the head of the Afghan government's media information centre even as it had carried out a bomb attack on the country's defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi in the capital. As the fighting intensified, Central Asian leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met in Avaza on the Caspian Sea promising to "provide all possible assistance" towards achieving peace in Afghanistan. Tajikistan's President Emomali Rakhmon said the Taliban now controls large parts of Afghanistan's border. "A number of terrorist organisations are actively strengthening their positions in these areas," Rakhmon said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban captures key installations in Kunduz, heavy fighting underway in Herat, Kandahar

Amid strong calls for peace and political settlement. Afghanistan continues to crumble under a Taliban onslaught. In the latest, the Taliban has captured two provincial capitals in two days.

Afghanistan: Taliban captures two provincial capitals

The capital of Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan fell to the Taliban after week-long violent clashes with the government forces, TOLO News reported on Saturday.

The Afghan news agency reported that the strategic city of Sheberghan is the second provincial capital to fall to the Taliban in the last two days.

Local lawmakers blamed the Afghan government for the security situation in Jawzjan and said it has remained indifferent to this matter. This comes as 150 members of the public uprising forces have newly arrived in Sheberghan to help other forces on the ground, media reports said on Friday.

On Friday, the Taliban captured the capital of Nimroz province in southwestern Afghanistan. Zaranj fell to the Taliban with no resistance by government forces, TOLO reported.

At the UNSC meeting on Afghanistan on Friday, member states expressed concern at the deteriorating situation and called for a political settlement.

Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Deborah Lyons, in her address, questioned the Taliban's commitment to peace negotiations and cautioned that the war had now entered a 'deadlier and more destructive' phase, with over 1,000 civilians killed during the past month on account of Taliban offensives.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ghulam M Isaczai said that the Taliban is receiving assistance from foreign fighters of transnational terrorist networks while committing "barbaric" acts in the war-torn country.

"In a deliberate act of barbarism Taliban isn't alone. They're assisted by foreign fighters from transnational terrorist networks. Together they are threatening peace, security and stability in Afghanistan and also in our region and beyond," Isaczai said.

The capital of Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan fell to the Taliban after week-long violent clashes with the government forces, TOLO News reported on Saturday.

The capital of Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan fell to the Taliban after week-long violent clashes with the government forces, TOLO News reported on Saturday. The Afghan news agency reported that the strategic city of Sheberghan is the second provincial capital to fall to the Taliban in the last two days. Local lawmakers blamed the Afghan government for the security situation in Jawzjan and said it has remained indifferent to this matter. This comes as 150 members of the public uprising forces have newly arrived in Sheberghan to help other forces on the ground, media reports said on Friday. On Friday, the Taliban captured the capital of Nimroz province in southwestern Afghanistan. Zaranj fell to the Taliban with no resistance by government forces, TOLO reported. At the UNSC meeting on Afghanistan on Friday, member states expressed concern at the deteriorating situation and called for a political settlement. Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Deborah Lyons, in her address, questioned the Taliban's commitment to peace negotiations and cautioned that the war had now entered a 'deadlier and more destructive' phase, with over 1,000 civilians killed during the past month on account of Taliban offensives. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ghulam M Isaczai said that the Taliban is receiving assistance from foreign fighters of transnational terrorist networks while committing "barbaric" acts in the war-torn country. "In a deliberate act of barbarism Taliban isn't alone. They're assisted by foreign fighters from transnational terrorist networks. Together they are threatening peace, security and stability in Afghanistan and also in our region and beyond," Isaczai said.

Sheberghan: Taliban captures second Afghan provincial capital

In Afghanistan's Paktia, The Taliban dislodged the Sikh religious flag at a historic shrine that was visited by the Guru Nanak. As the Taliban's offensive escalates, the terror group is sending a message to the Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan.

Gravitas: The Taliban is targeting Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan

Before the 1990s, Afghanistan was a cultural melting pot. But when the Taliban captured power, they hunted and killed minorities and destroyed their cultural artefacts.

Gravitas: How the Taliban erased Afghan minorities

Afghanistan on Friday exposed Pakistan's support to the ongoing Taliban offensive in the country by saying how the group continues to enjoy 'safe haven'. Afghan envoy to the United Nations Ghulam M Isaczai, speaking at United Nations Security Council, said, "Taliban continue to enjoy a safe haven in and supply and logistics line extended to their war machine from Pakistan."&nbsp;

He was speaking at the session of UNSC organised under India's presidency of the top UN body. The session was organised days after Afghan foreign minister Hanif Atmar had called India's external Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

The Afghan envoy Isaczai highlighted, how "graphic reports and videos of Taliban fighters congregating close to the Durand Line to enter Afghanistan, fund-raising events, transfer of dead bodies for mass burial, and treatment of injured Taliban in Pakistani hospitals are emerging and are widely available."&nbsp;

Pointing that this is "not only a naked violation of the 1988 UN Security Council Sanctions Regime but also leads to further erosion of trust and confidence towards establishing a collaborative relationship with Pakistan to end the war in our country." &nbsp;

Last month at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had publically slammed Pakistani PM Imran Khan for his country's support to the group and terror elements that are causing mayhem in his country. During a bilateral meet between Ghani and Khan in Tashkent, the latter had urged that Islamabad must help in removing and dismantling of the Taliban’s sanctuary and supply line. Kabul also called for the establishment of a joint monitoring and verification mechanism to make the fight against terrorism effective and credible.&nbsp;

Giving details of the Taliban offensive in 31 of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan, the Afghan envoy said, "these attacks have been launched with the direct support of more than 10,000 foreign terrorists fighters representing 20 groups including al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, TTP, IMU, ETIM, and ISIL, who entered our country and are fighting alongside the Taliban against our population and security forces."&nbsp;

It is not for the first time Pakistan-based international terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's name has been mentioned by the Afghan government. Recently in a briefing to foreign envoys based in Kabul, Afghan FM Atmar had also mentioned Lashkar's name. The terror group has been responsible for attacks in India. &nbsp;

Later at the media stakeout, in response to the WION question that will the Afghan government provide evidence of Pak support to the Taliban, the Afghan envoy said, "Our government is constantly in touch. We have been providing evidence to the Pakistani Government. Should the security council want the evidence, we are ready to provide it."&nbsp;

At the same media stakeout, he thanked India's under whose presidency the council met very urgently on our request and pen holders, Estonia and Norway.&nbsp;

Afghanistan on Friday exposed Pakistan's support to the ongoing Taliban offensive in the country by saying how the group continues to enjoy 'safe haven'. Afghan envoy to the United Nations Ghulam M Isaczai, speaking at United Nations Security Council, said, "Taliban continue to enjoy a safe haven in and supply and logistics line extended to their war machine from Pakistan.

Afghanistan on Friday exposed Pakistan's support to the ongoing Taliban offensive in the country by saying how the group continues to enjoy 'safe haven'. Afghan envoy to the United Nations Ghulam M Isaczai, speaking at United Nations Security Council, said, "Taliban continue to enjoy a safe haven in and supply and logistics line extended to their war machine from Pakistan." He was speaking at the session of UNSC organised under India's presidency of the top UN body. The session was organised days after Afghan foreign minister Hanif Atmar had called India's external Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. The Afghan envoy Isaczai highlighted, how "graphic reports and videos of Taliban fighters congregating close to the Durand Line to enter Afghanistan, fund-raising events, transfer of dead bodies for mass burial, and treatment of injured Taliban in Pakistani hospitals are emerging and are widely available." Pointing that this is "not only a naked violation of the 1988 UN Security Council Sanctions Regime but also leads to further erosion of trust and confidence towards establishing a collaborative relationship with Pakistan to end the war in our country." Last month at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had publically slammed Pakistani PM Imran Khan for his country's support to the group and terror elements that are causing mayhem in his country. During a bilateral meet between Ghani and Khan in Tashkent, the latter had urged that Islamabad must help in removing and dismantling of the Taliban’s sanctuary and supply line. Kabul also called for the establishment of a joint monitoring and verification mechanism to make the fight against terrorism effective and credible. Giving details of the Taliban offensive in 31 of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan, the Afghan envoy said, "these attacks have been launched with the direct support of more than 10,000 foreign terrorists fighters representing 20 groups including al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, TTP, IMU, ETIM, and ISIL, who entered our country and are fighting alongside the Taliban against our population and security forces." It is not for the first time Pakistan-based international terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's name has been mentioned by the Afghan government. Recently in a briefing to foreign envoys based in Kabul, Afghan FM Atmar had also mentioned Lashkar's name. The terror group has been responsible for attacks in India. Later at the media stakeout, in response to the WION question that will the Afghan government provide evidence of Pak support to the Taliban, the Afghan envoy said, "Our government is constantly in touch. We have been providing evidence to the Pakistani Government. Should the security council want the evidence, we are ready to provide it." At the same media stakeout, he thanked India's under whose presidency the council met very urgently on our request and pen holders, Estonia and Norway.

At UNSC, Afghanistan exposes Pakistani support to Taliban's ongoing offensive 

Sheberghan, which is the capital of northern Jawzjan province, is witnessing heavy fighting for second day as Taliban takes over some key areas, including the provincial prison, a TOLOnews report said.&nbsp;

On Saturday morning, a video was released by the Taliban, which showed prisoners escaping Jawzjan prison.&nbsp;

In the city, some key areas remained contested for last 24 hours. The provincial governor’s compound was first taken over by Taliban on Friday, then retaken by Afghan forces and sources said the insurgent group recaptured it, the municipality building and the Jawzjan prison.&nbsp;

The Afghan Government security forces are being supported by public forces loyal to Junbish-e-Milli or the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, which is led by former vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum.&nbsp;

Around 150 members of the public uprising forces, which are loyal to Junbish and led by Commander Ali Sarwar, have arrived in Sheberghan to help other forces on the ground against Taliban, said Sayed Shamsuddin Sadat, a Junbish-e-Milli senior member.&nbsp;

The fighting has also intensified in Panjsad Family, District 1, Jawzjan city where house of Dostum is located, said sources.&nbsp;

Yar Mohammad Dostum, Dostum’s son, is currently leading the public uprising forces in their fight against the Taliban in the city.&nbsp;

Sheberghan, which is the capital of northern Jawzjan province, is witnessing heavy fighting for second day as Taliban takes over some key areas, including the provincial prison, a TOLOnews report said.

Sheberghan, which is the capital of northern Jawzjan province, is witnessing heavy fighting for second day as Taliban takes over some key areas, including the provincial prison, a TOLOnews report said. On Saturday morning, a video was released by the Taliban, which showed prisoners escaping Jawzjan prison. In the city, some key areas remained contested for last 24 hours. The provincial governor’s compound was first taken over by Taliban on Friday, then retaken by Afghan forces and sources said the insurgent group recaptured it, the municipality building and the Jawzjan prison. The Afghan Government security forces are being supported by public forces loyal to Junbish-e-Milli or the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, which is led by former vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum. Around 150 members of the public uprising forces, which are loyal to Junbish and led by Commander Ali Sarwar, have arrived in Sheberghan to help other forces on the ground against Taliban, said Sayed Shamsuddin Sadat, a Junbish-e-Milli senior member. The fighting has also intensified in Panjsad Family, District 1, Jawzjan city where house of Dostum is located, said sources. Yar Mohammad Dostum, Dostum’s son, is currently leading the public uprising forces in their fight against the Taliban in the city.

Heavy fighting continues between Afghan govt forces, Taliban in Sheberghan  

The Taliban on Friday captured their first provincial capital since launching an offensive to coincide with the departure of foreign troops, a major blow to an Afghan government desperately trying to push back the insurgents.

"Zaranj, provincial capital of Nimroz, has fallen to the Taliban," Roh Gul Khairzad, the deputy governor of Nimroz, told AFP.

She said the city -- in southwest Afghanistan near the Iranian border -- had been taken "without a fight", and social media showed clips of insurgents roaming the streets, being cheered by residents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/taliban-needs-to-eschew-the-path-of-violence-cut-ties-with-terror-groups-india-403564" hreflang="en">Taliban needs to eschew the path of violence, cut ties with terror groups: India</a>

The veracity of the videos could not immediately be confirmed.

The fall of Zaranj comes the same day the Taliban claimed responsibility for killing the head of the Afghan government's media information department.

The insurgents warned this week they would target senior administration figures in retaliation for increased air strikes.

The assassination on Friday of Dawa Khan Menapal, one of the government's leading voices, followed another bloody day of fighting as the war increasingly spills into Kabul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-remove-sikh-flag-nishan-sahib-from-historical-gurdwara-in-afghanistans-paktia-403510" hreflang="en">Taliban remove Sikh flag Nishan Sahib from historical Gurdwara in Afghanistan's Paktia</a>

The news from Nimroz also comes as the UN Security Council met in New York to discuss the conflict.

Deborah Lyons, head of the world body's Afghan aid operation, painted a grim picture of the country's deteriorating situation.

"The Security Council must issue an unambiguous statement that attacks against cities must stop now," Lyons said via video-link from Kabul.

'Cowardly act'

In the Afghan capital, officials expressed shock at the fatal shooting of Menapal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorists-assassinated-afghan-govt-media-head-who-was-critical-of-pakistan-taliban-403458" hreflang="en">Terrorists assassinated Afghan govt media head who was critical of Pakistan, Taliban</a>

"Unfortunately, the savage terrorists have committed a cowardly act once again and martyred a patriotic Afghan," said interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai.

Menapal was popular in Kabul's tight-knit media community, and known for pillorying the Taliban on social media -- even jokingly at times.&nbsp;

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid sent a message to the media saying Menapal "was killed in a special attack carried out by mujahideen".

The murder comes after the militants warned Wednesday of more attacks targeting Afghan government leaders.&nbsp;

The day before, defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi escaped an assassination attempt in a bomb-and-gun attack.

The Afghan and US militaries have stepped up air strikes in their fight against the insurgents in a string of cities, and the Taliban said Tuesday's Kabul attack was their response.

Fighting in Afghanistan's long-running conflict has intensified since May, when foreign forces began the final stage of a withdrawal due to be completed later this month.

The Taliban already control large portions of the countryside, and are now challenging government forces in several provincial capitals.

'Nothing left'

Government forces continue to hit Taliban positions with air strikes and commando raids, and the defence ministry boasted Friday of eliminating more than 400 insurgents in the past 24 hours.&nbsp;

Both sides frequently exaggerate battlefield casualty figures, making independent verification virtually impossible.&nbsp;

But even as Afghan officials claimed to be hitting the Taliban hard, security forces have yet to flush out the militants from provincial capitals they have already entered -- with hundreds of thousands of civilians forced to flee in recent weeks.

Social media was also filled with videos of the devastating toll the fighting has taken in the southern city of Lashkar Gah -- capital of Helmand province, with posts showing a major market area in flames.&nbsp;

Aid group Action Against Hunger said its offices had been hit by an "aerial bomb" in the city earlier this week, according to a statement released by the organisation on Friday.

"The building was marked from the street and roof as a non-governmental (NGO) organisation, and the office location has been communicated often to the parties involved in the conflict," said the group, adding that no staff had been harmed.

In the key western city of Herat, a steady stream of people were leaving their homes in anticipation of a government assault on positions recently won by the Taliban.

"We completely evacuated," resident Ahmad Zia told AFP. "We have nothing left and we do not know where to go."

The Taliban on Friday captured their first provincial capital since launching an offensive to coincide with the departure of foreign troops, a major blow to an Afghan government desperately trying to push back the insurgents.

The Taliban on Friday captured their first provincial capital since launching an offensive to coincide with the departure of foreign troops, a major blow to an Afghan government desperately trying to push back the insurgents. "Zaranj, provincial capital of Nimroz, has fallen to the Taliban," Roh Gul Khairzad, the deputy governor of Nimroz, told AFP. She said the city -- in southwest Afghanistan near the Iranian border -- had been taken "without a fight", and social media showed clips of insurgents roaming the streets, being cheered by residents. Also read | Taliban needs to eschew the path of violence, cut ties with terror groups: India The veracity of the videos could not immediately be confirmed. The fall of Zaranj comes the same day the Taliban claimed responsibility for killing the head of the Afghan government's media information department. The insurgents warned this week they would target senior administration figures in retaliation for increased air strikes. The assassination on Friday of Dawa Khan Menapal, one of the government's leading voices, followed another bloody day of fighting as the war increasingly spills into Kabul. Also read | Taliban remove Sikh flag Nishan Sahib from historical Gurdwara in Afghanistan's Paktia The news from Nimroz also comes as the UN Security Council met in New York to discuss the conflict. Deborah Lyons, head of the world body's Afghan aid operation, painted a grim picture of the country's deteriorating situation. "The Security Council must issue an unambiguous statement that attacks against cities must stop now," Lyons said via video-link from Kabul. 'Cowardly act' In the Afghan capital, officials expressed shock at the fatal shooting of Menapal. Also read | Terrorists assassinated Afghan govt media head who was critical of Pakistan, Taliban "Unfortunately, the savage terrorists have committed a cowardly act once again and martyred a patriotic Afghan," said interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai. Menapal was popular in Kabul's tight-knit media community, and known for pillorying the Taliban on social media -- even jokingly at times. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid sent a message to the media saying Menapal "was killed in a special attack carried out by mujahideen". The murder comes after the militants warned Wednesday of more attacks targeting Afghan government leaders. The day before, defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi escaped an assassination attempt in a bomb-and-gun attack. The Afghan and US militaries have stepped up air strikes in their fight against the insurgents in a string of cities, and the Taliban said Tuesday's Kabul attack was their response. Fighting in Afghanistan's long-running conflict has intensified since May, when foreign forces began the final stage of a withdrawal due to be completed later this month. The Taliban already control large portions of the countryside, and are now challenging government forces in several provincial capitals. 'Nothing left' Government forces continue to hit Taliban positions with air strikes and commando raids, and the defence ministry boasted Friday of eliminating more than 400 insurgents in the past 24 hours. Both sides frequently exaggerate battlefield casualty figures, making independent verification virtually impossible. But even as Afghan officials claimed to be hitting the Taliban hard, security forces have yet to flush out the militants from provincial capitals they have already entered -- with hundreds of thousands of civilians forced to flee in recent weeks. Social media was also filled with videos of the devastating toll the fighting has taken in the southern city of Lashkar Gah -- capital of Helmand province, with posts showing a major market area in flames. Aid group Action Against Hunger said its offices had been hit by an "aerial bomb" in the city earlier this week, according to a statement released by the organisation on Friday. "The building was marked from the street and roof as a non-governmental (NGO) organisation, and the office location has been communicated often to the parties involved in the conflict," said the group, adding that no staff had been harmed. In the key western city of Herat, a steady stream of people were leaving their homes in anticipation of a government assault on positions recently won by the Taliban. "We completely evacuated," resident Ahmad Zia told AFP. "We have nothing left and we do not know where to go."

Taliban capture first Afghan provincial capital in blow to government

India's envoy to the United Nations, T S Tirumurti, on Friday called on the Taliban to engage in "negotiations in good faith", "eschew the path of violence" and "severe ties with Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations" at the United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

India's envoy to the United Nations, T S Tirumurti, on Friday called on the Taliban to engage in "negotiations in good faith", "eschew the path of violence" and "severe ties with Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations" at the United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan. The meeting that took place under India's presidency of the top UN body happened days after Afghan foreign minister Hanif Atmar called India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar to hold a meeting as the situation deteriorated in his country. Tirumurti said that the Taliban should "fully commit itself towards reaching a political solution" and "violence and military threats can not be used to strengthen the negotiating position of any side" for which a "tangible demonstration of this commitment is required. "The Taliban have launched a massive offensive against the Afghan government with heavy fighting being witnessed in Herat, Kandahar, and other provinces. The Indian envoy also pointed out that "Any regime devoid of legitimacy in Afghanistan would find it difficult to garner much needed humanitarian and developmental assistance from the international donor community." It is important to remember that the Taliban is keen on getting global legitimacy even as the group has been visiting Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing to garner support. Insisting that "the international community can not afford to set the clock back" and the "future of Afghanistan can not be its past", he said New Delhi supports a "leading role for the United Nations and calls on the Secretary-General to take an initiative towards finding a lasting and durable outcome. ". While an UN-led initiative is envisaged, there are regional platforms like the Doha Process, the Moscow Format and the Istanbul Process which are working to ensure stability in the country. Next week, the troika plus--US, Russia, China, and Pakistan groups will meet to assess the situation in the country. On the issue of terrorism, he said, "For enduring peace in Afghanistan, terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries in the region must be dismantled immediately and terrorist supply chains disrupted."Without mentioning Pakistan's name, the envoy said, "Those providing material and financial support to terrorist entities must be held accountable." He listed the situation in-country, including recent incidents like the attack on the UN compound in Herat, the attack on the residence of the Defence Minister, the "murder" of Indian journalist Danish Siddiqui, and the "merciless" killing of more than 100 Afghan civilians in Spin Boldak. On India's role, Tirumurti said, "we will continue to stand with Afghanistan in ensuring that peace and stability are restored through a legitimate and transparent democratic process that is essential for the long-term stability of Afghanistan and the region." He added, "will continue to provide all support to Afghanistan in realizing their aspirations for a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future, free of terror, where the rights and interests of all sections of Afghan society are promoted and protected." India has been a major donor to Afghanistan in the region and has been involved in major infrastructure projects in the country. The Afghan Parliament and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat have been built by India.

Taliban needs to eschew the path of violence, cut ties with terror groups: India

Despite heavy army deployment by the Afghan govt, Taliban continues advancing every possible province in Afghanistan. Watch this exclusive ground report from Wardak province.

Afghanistan: Despite army's deployment, Taliban continues to make gains

The Afghan Taliban, who are rapidly gaining momentum in the war-torn nation, have forcibly taken the Nishan Sahib, a Sikh holy flag, from a Gurdwara in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province.

The Taliban allegedly ordered the custodian of the Gurdwara Thala Sahib in the Chamkani region of Paktia province to remove the flag from the rooftop, according to sources.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sikhs all across the world are hurt by Taliban removing Nishan Sahib from historical Gurdwara Thala Sahib, which was visited by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji 
Taliban’s action reflects grave threats to Sikhs’ religious freedom in Afghanistan.<a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/htTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@htTweets</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/republic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@republic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/punjabkesari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@punjabkesari</a> <a href="https://t.co/WyV40Opyi2">pic.twitter.com/WyV40Opyi2</a>
— Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) <a href="https://twitter.com/mssirsa/status/1423578296126607360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 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>

Last year, the Taliban kidnapped Nidan Singh Sachdeva, an Afghan leader of the Hindu and Sikh communities, from the Gurdwara.

Sachdeva was kidnapped on June 22, 2020, in Paktia province, and freed after efforts by the Afghan government and community leaders.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FLASH</a> :- The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NishanSahib?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NishanSahib</a> , Sikh religious flag removed by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> Forces from the roof of Gurdwara Thala Sahib , Chamkani , Paktia , <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> : sources <a href="https://t.co/VSxFoLjOhy">pic.twitter.com/VSxFoLjOhy</a>
— Ravinder Singh Robin ਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ راویندرسنگھ روبن (@rsrobin1) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsrobin1/status/1423543627720970244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 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>

An ISIS shooter opened fire at the Guru Har Rai Sahib Gurdwara in Shor Bazar, Kabul, in March of that year, killing at least 25 Sikhs.

In Afghanistan, there were around 650 Sikhs in 2020.

Members of the community have written to the Indian Embassy in Kabul, requesting that special planes be dispatched to them.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Afghan Taliban, who are rapidly gaining momentum in the war-torn nation, have forcibly taken the Nishan Sahib, a Sikh holy flag, from a Gurdwara in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province.

The Afghan Taliban, who are rapidly gaining momentum in the war-torn nation, have forcibly taken the Nishan Sahib, a Sikh holy flag, from a Gurdwara in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province. The Taliban allegedly ordered the custodian of the Gurdwara Thala Sahib in the Chamkani region of Paktia province to remove the flag from the rooftop, according to sources. Sikhs all across the world are hurt by Taliban removing Nishan Sahib from historical Gurdwara Thala Sahib, which was visited by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Taliban’s action reflects grave threats to Sikhs’ religious freedom in Afghanistan.@ANI @htTweets @republic @punjabkesari pic.twitter.com/WyV40Opyi2 — Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) August 6, 2021 × Last year, the Taliban kidnapped Nidan Singh Sachdeva, an Afghan leader of the Hindu and Sikh communities, from the Gurdwara. Sachdeva was kidnapped on June 22, 2020, in Paktia province, and freed after efforts by the Afghan government and community leaders. #FLASH :- The #NishanSahib , Sikh religious flag removed by #Taliban Forces from the roof of Gurdwara Thala Sahib , Chamkani , Paktia , #Afghanistan : sources pic.twitter.com/VSxFoLjOhy — Ravinder Singh Robin ਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ راویندرسنگھ روبن (@rsrobin1) August 6, 2021 × An ISIS shooter opened fire at the Guru Har Rai Sahib Gurdwara in Shor Bazar, Kabul, in March of that year, killing at least 25 Sikhs. In Afghanistan, there were around 650 Sikhs in 2020. Members of the community have written to the Indian Embassy in Kabul, requesting that special planes be dispatched to them. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban remove Sikh flag Nishan Sahib from historical Gurdwara in Afghanistan's Paktia

Taliban murdered the Afghan government's senior media and communications officer in the capital city of Kabul on Friday, according to a spokesperson of the terrorist group.

The incident happened on Darul Aman Road in the west of Kabul on Friday afternoon. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-afghan-woman-dragged-out-of-car-killed-by-taliban-for-not-wearing-veil-403248">Also read | Return to dark days: Afghan woman dragged out of car, killed by Taliban for not wearing veil</a>

A spokesman from the federal interior ministry acknowledged that Dawa Khan Menapal, the chief of the Government Media and Information Centre (GMIC), had been assassinated, but declined to specify who was responsible.

"Unfortunately, the savage terrorists have committed a cowardly act once again and martyred a patriotic Afghan," interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai said of the death of Dawa Khan Menapal. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-did-the-us-achieve-in-afghanistan-nothing-397095/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Menapal has been an outspoken opponent of Pakistan's government as well as the Taliban.

He recently took to Twitter to condemn the assassination of Taliban comedian Nazar Mohammad, also known as Khasha Zwan.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Dawa Khan Menapal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66e78ad3-bad1-48af-b5ce-947233db6abe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_10.JPG" /> 
 
<img alt="Dawa Khan Menapal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1d3c6cb-2424-4e52-90c1-80c27eb27f83" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_18.JPG" />

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KhashaVictimOfTalibanism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KhashaVictimOfTalibanism</a> <a href="https://t.co/bddi5W2Npe">pic.twitter.com/bddi5W2Npe</a>
— Dawa khan Menapal (@menapal1) <a href="https://twitter.com/menapal1/status/1420420048582217730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 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>

He served as deputy presidential spokesperson from 2016 until 2020 before taking over as director of the media and information department.
</div>

In Kandahar, Menapal was also the head of the government's media and communication centre in 2015.

He is from the southern Afghan region of Zabul.

Kabul University awarded him a bachelor's degree in law and political science.&nbsp; 
 
For journalists, Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places on the planet.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a number of recent assaults on civilians, while the government usually blames the Taliban.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban murdered the Afghan government's senior media and communications officer in the capital city of Kabul on Friday, according to a spokesperson of the terrorist group.

Taliban murdered the Afghan government's senior media and communications officer in the capital city of Kabul on Friday, according to a spokesperson of the terrorist group. The incident happened on Darul Aman Road in the west of Kabul on Friday afternoon. Also read | Return to dark days: Afghan woman dragged out of car, killed by Taliban for not wearing veil A spokesman from the federal interior ministry acknowledged that Dawa Khan Menapal, the chief of the Government Media and Information Centre (GMIC), had been assassinated, but declined to specify who was responsible. "Unfortunately, the savage terrorists have committed a cowardly act once again and martyred a patriotic Afghan," interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai said of the death of Dawa Khan Menapal. Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing Menapal has been an outspoken opponent of Pakistan's government as well as the Taliban. He recently took to Twitter to condemn the assassination of Taliban comedian Nazar Mohammad, also known as Khasha Zwan. #KhashaVictimOfTalibanism pic.twitter.com/bddi5W2Npe — Dawa khan Menapal (@menapal1) July 28, 2021 × He served as deputy presidential spokesperson from 2016 until 2020 before taking over as director of the media and information department. In Kandahar, Menapal was also the head of the government's media and communication centre in 2015. He is from the southern Afghan region of Zabul. Kabul University awarded him a bachelor's degree in law and political science. For journalists, Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places on the planet. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a number of recent assaults on civilians, while the government usually blames the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

Terrorists assassinated Afghan govt media head who was critical of Pakistan, Taliban

As the US troop withdrawal in Afghanistan nears official completion, the Taliban has been ramping up its offensive across the country. The Taliban has killed hundreds of peopl so far. The situation is worsening with every passing day and now two of UK's former defence ministers have called on the Johnson administration to return British troops to Afghanistan. The two Tory leaders Tobias Ellwood and Johnny Mercer have urged the British Govt to show int'l leadership.

UK's former defence ministers ask Johnson administration to return British troops to Afghanistan

As the Taliban continued its military offensive in Afghanistan, Russia along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan conducted military exercises in the Khatlon region near the Afghan border.

Heavy fighting is underway between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attacks-bear-the-hallmark-of-taliban-us-402696">Taliban</a> and Afghan government forces in Herat near the Iran border including&nbsp;Kandahar and&nbsp;Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province.

Taliban's offensive intensified as President Joe Biden announced last month that the last US troops will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 which is just weeks away.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-insurgents-infiltrate-into-key-cities-afghan-forces-launch-counter-attack-403398/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Central Asian leaders&nbsp;from&nbsp;Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan&nbsp;and Uzbekistan&nbsp;gathered at Turkmenistan for talks as fighting continued on the ground.

Russia's drill along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan&nbsp;in the Afghan border involving thousands of troops and artillery has led to a complicated situation as Moscow announced it would be deploying four strategic bombers.

According to reports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-led-drills-begin-on-afghanistan-border-403241">Russia</a> has increased arms and military&nbsp;supplies to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan as the Taliban continues to gain territories&nbsp;in the country.

Afghan capital Kabul was hit by a blast on Wednesday reportedly targeted at the defence minister as the Taliban claimed responsibility as gunfire rang out in the city.

Afghan forces have combined with the US to conduct air raids on the Taliban as US Special forces were sent to Lashkar Gah amid heavy fighting.

According to the United Nations at least 40 civilians have been killed in Lashkar Gah in the last 24 hours.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the Taliban continued its military offensive in Afghanistan, Russia along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan conducted military exercises in the Khatlon region near the Afghan border.

As the Taliban continued its military offensive in Afghanistan, Russia along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan conducted military exercises in the Khatlon region near the Afghan border. Heavy fighting is underway between the Taliban and Afghan government forces in Herat near the Iran border including Kandahar and Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province. Taliban's offensive intensified as President Joe Biden announced last month that the last US troops will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 which is just weeks away. Watch: Meanwhile, Central Asian leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan gathered at Turkmenistan for talks as fighting continued on the ground. Russia's drill along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the Afghan border involving thousands of troops and artillery has led to a complicated situation as Moscow announced it would be deploying four strategic bombers. According to reports, Russia has increased arms and military supplies to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan as the Taliban continues to gain territories in the country. Afghan capital Kabul was hit by a blast on Wednesday reportedly targeted at the defence minister as the Taliban claimed responsibility as gunfire rang out in the city. Afghan forces have combined with the US to conduct air raids on the Taliban as US Special forces were sent to Lashkar Gah amid heavy fighting. According to the United Nations at least 40 civilians have been killed in Lashkar Gah in the last 24 hours. (With inputs from Agencies)

Central Asian leaders meet as Taliban continues offensive in Afghanistan

In their quest for power the Taliban insurgents are now fighting to take control over a string of cities in Afghanistan. In response to the increased US airstrikes, the insurgents are now attacking provincial cities. Meanwhile, Afghan forces have also launched a counteroffensive in Lashkar Gah.

Taliban insurgents infiltrate into key cities, Afghan forces launch counter attack

Taliban insurgents fight to take control over cities in Afghanistan after increased US airstrikes

Taliban terrorists shot a woman dead for not wearing a veil, as the Islamist fundamentalist organisation tries to reimpose oppressive regulations in the war-torn province.

According to the allegation, terrorists dragged Nazaneen, 21, from her car while she was driving to the Balkh district centre.&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, has denied these claims. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-taliban-impose-strict-restrictions-on-women-media-in-afghanistans-north-397124">Also read: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north</a>

Balkh is a dangerous region in the north, where the Taliban are active in many areas. Security troops and Taliban fighters have lately clashed in the province.&nbsp;

Afghan women have been subjected to harsh laws and practise since the Taliban implemented its version of Islamic Sharia law from 1996 to 2001. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-did-the-us-achieve-in-afghanistan-nothing-397095/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Taliban orders women to cover themselves from head to toe, forbids them from working outside the house, severely restricts girls' education, and requires them to leave their homes with a male relative only.

Taliban regulations prevent unaccompanied women from purchasing products from stores in several regions.

Residents claim that individuals who disobey the regulations are frequently punished.

Floggings in public were also a hallmark of Taliban governance.&nbsp;

According to the Long War Journal, which agrees with CNN's figures, the Taliban controls 223 districts across the country, with 116 disputed and 68 held by the government.

According to the report, the Taliban are threatening 17 of the 34 provincial capitals.&nbsp;

In the previous two months, the Taliban has made significant inroads across the nation, putting pressure on Afghanistan's IT and other fundamental infrastructures, such as dams, highways, and commerce facilities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Taliban terrorists shot a woman dead for not wearing a veil, as the Islamist fundamentalist organisation tries to reimpose oppressive regulations in the war-torn province.

Taliban terrorists shot a woman dead for not wearing a veil, as the Islamist fundamentalist organisation tries to reimpose oppressive regulations in the war-torn province. According to the allegation, terrorists dragged Nazaneen, 21, from her car while she was driving to the Balkh district centre. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, has denied these claims. Also read: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north Balkh is a dangerous region in the north, where the Taliban are active in many areas. Security troops and Taliban fighters have lately clashed in the province. Afghan women have been subjected to harsh laws and practise since the Taliban implemented its version of Islamic Sharia law from 1996 to 2001. Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing The Taliban orders women to cover themselves from head to toe, forbids them from working outside the house, severely restricts girls' education, and requires them to leave their homes with a male relative only. Taliban regulations prevent unaccompanied women from purchasing products from stores in several regions. Residents claim that individuals who disobey the regulations are frequently punished. Floggings in public were also a hallmark of Taliban governance. According to the Long War Journal, which agrees with CNN's figures, the Taliban controls 223 districts across the country, with 116 disputed and 68 held by the government. According to the report, the Taliban are threatening 17 of the 34 provincial capitals. In the previous two months, the Taliban has made significant inroads across the nation, putting pressure on Afghanistan's IT and other fundamental infrastructures, such as dams, highways, and commerce facilities. (With inputs from agencies)

Return to dark days: Afghan woman dragged out of car, killed by Taliban for not wearing veil

Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Afghan foreign minister, spoke to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday about holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the Taliban's brutality and crimes across Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India is the President of the United Nations Security Council for August and decides upon the work of the top United Nations body.&nbsp;

An Afghan government readout said Afghan FM called Dr S Jaishankar to "discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session on Afghanistan" and that the "UN &amp; international community must play a greater role in stopping the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan due to Taliban violence &amp; atrocities. Appreciate the lead role of India as the current UNSC President. "

The development comes even as the Taliban has increased offensives in many parts of the country, including Herat, Kandahar, and Helmand. The Afghan foreign minister also briefed the foreign envoys, including Indian envoy Rudrendra Tandon, on the situation in his country and how the Taliban is being supported by international terror groups, including the Pakistan-based anti-India Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

On Monday, UNSC President, &nbsp;Indian envoy to the UN, T S Tirumurti, said, "The situation in Afghanistan is of deep concern to all members of the Security Council. We have seen in recent days, violence is only increasing and targeted killing has increased". He made the comments at the customary presser by the UNSC President on the first working day of the council.

He highlighted that "India has supported every opportunity that could bring peace, security, and stability to Afghanistan. We should address the question of violence and targeted attacks. "

A UN report said that the number of casualties from May to June exceeded the number between January and April. Recently, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) compound in Herat came under attack, something that was condemned by the international community.

Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Afghan foreign minister, spoke to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday about holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the Taliban's brutality and crimes across Afghanistan.

Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Afghan foreign minister, spoke to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday about holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the Taliban's brutality and crimes across Afghanistan. India is the President of the United Nations Security Council for August and decides upon the work of the top United Nations body. An Afghan government readout said Afghan FM called Dr S Jaishankar to "discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session on Afghanistan" and that the "UN & international community must play a greater role in stopping the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan due to Taliban violence & atrocities. Appreciate the lead role of India as the current UNSC President. " The development comes even as the Taliban has increased offensives in many parts of the country, including Herat, Kandahar, and Helmand. The Afghan foreign minister also briefed the foreign envoys, including Indian envoy Rudrendra Tandon, on the situation in his country and how the Taliban is being supported by international terror groups, including the Pakistan-based anti-India Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). On Monday, UNSC President, Indian envoy to the UN, T S Tirumurti, said, "The situation in Afghanistan is of deep concern to all members of the Security Council. We have seen in recent days, violence is only increasing and targeted killing has increased". He made the comments at the customary presser by the UNSC President on the first working day of the council. He highlighted that "India has supported every opportunity that could bring peace, security, and stability to Afghanistan. We should address the question of violence and targeted attacks. " A UN report said that the number of casualties from May to June exceeded the number between January and April. Recently, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) compound in Herat came under attack, something that was condemned by the international community.

Taliban attacks: Afghan foreign minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar dials Dr S Jaishankar, calls for emergency UNSC session

A car bomb attack by the Taliban claimed 8 lives and wounded 20 others in Kabul's 'green zone'. Is the Taliban training its guns on Kabul? Can a spirited resistance by the Afghan citizens repel the terrorists?

Gravitas: Taliban claim attack targeting Defence Minister

Almost 200,000 people have been asked to evacuate as the army prepares its offensive against insurgents fighting to take control of a string of besieged cities across Afghanistan.

This comes a day after the country's defence minister escaped a botched assassination attempt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-afghan-defence-minister-in-kabul-claimed-by-taliban-402788">Attack on Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister in&nbsp;Kabul claimed by&nbsp;Taliban</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the first time in months, the war has reached the capital thanks to the attack on Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi.&nbsp;

Taliban militants warned Tuesday of more attacks against Afghan government leaders.&nbsp;

The Taliban's threat came after the Afghan military launched a counterattack in the southern city of&nbsp;Lashkar&nbsp;Gah, where insurgents have infiltrated several parts of the city in numbers.

Saleh Mohammad, a resident, said hundreds of families fled, but many were caught in the crossfire.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attacks-bear-the-hallmark-of-taliban-us-402696">Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US</a>

"There is no way to escape from the area because the fighting is ongoing. There is no guarantee that we will not be killed on the way,"&nbsp;Mohammad told news agency AFP.&nbsp;"The government and the Taliban are destroying us."

Taking advantage of the security vacuum left by the withdrawal of US forces, the insurgents have taken over vast swathes of the countryside and key border towns.

With fierce fighting taking place for a week around Herat, near the western border with Iran, as well as around Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south, the Taliban are now targeting cities.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-claim-responisibilty-for-major-attack-in-kabul-402906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Human Rights Watch has accused the Taliban of "summarily" executing captured officers, policemen, and civilians suspected of having ties to the government in territories&nbsp;they have seized.

Additionally, the group said it had obtained a list of 44 people killed by the Taliban in Spin Boldak, a town on the border with Pakistan which insurgents captured last month.

"Taliban commanders with oversight over such atrocities are also responsible for war crimes," Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at HRW, said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-responsible-for-outrageous-and-atrocious-acts-of-violence-us-state-department-402663">Taliban responsible for 'outrageous and atrocious acts of violence': US State Department</a>

Likewise, the United States and Britain have also accused the insurgents of committing atrocities they say may amount to "war crimes" in the town.

It would be a massive strategic and psychological blow for the Afghan government if Lashkar Gah were lost.

(With inputs from agencies)

Almost 200,000 people have been asked to evacuate as the army prepares its offensive against insurgents fighting to take control of a string of besieged cities across Afghanistan.

Almost 200,000 people have been asked to evacuate as the army prepares its offensive against insurgents fighting to take control of a string of besieged cities across Afghanistan. This comes a day after the country's defence minister escaped a botched assassination attempt. Also read | Attack on Afghan defence minister in Kabul claimed by Taliban For the first time in months, the war has reached the capital thanks to the attack on Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi. Taliban militants warned Tuesday of more attacks against Afghan government leaders. The Taliban's threat came after the Afghan military launched a counterattack in the southern city of Lashkar Gah, where insurgents have infiltrated several parts of the city in numbers. Saleh Mohammad, a resident, said hundreds of families fled, but many were caught in the crossfire. Also read | Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US "There is no way to escape from the area because the fighting is ongoing. There is no guarantee that we will not be killed on the way," Mohammad told news agency AFP. "The government and the Taliban are destroying us." Taking advantage of the security vacuum left by the withdrawal of US forces, the insurgents have taken over vast swathes of the countryside and key border towns. With fierce fighting taking place for a week around Herat, near the western border with Iran, as well as around Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south, the Taliban are now targeting cities. Human Rights Watch has accused the Taliban of "summarily" executing captured officers, policemen, and civilians suspected of having ties to the government in territories they have seized. Additionally, the group said it had obtained a list of 44 people killed by the Taliban in Spin Boldak, a town on the border with Pakistan which insurgents captured last month. "Taliban commanders with oversight over such atrocities are also responsible for war crimes," Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at HRW, said in a statement. Also read | Taliban responsible for 'outrageous and atrocious acts of violence': US State Department Likewise, the United States and Britain have also accused the insurgents of committing atrocities they say may amount to "war crimes" in the town. It would be a massive strategic and psychological blow for the Afghan government if Lashkar Gah were lost. (With inputs from agencies)

Residents asked to flee as fighting rages on in Afghanistan's Lashkar Gah

The&nbsp;UK&nbsp;government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;translators&nbsp;and their&nbsp;families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were committed to relocating the&nbsp;families&nbsp;of&nbsp;500&nbsp;staff who supported British troops in Afghanistan "as soon as possible", some&nbsp;2,500&nbsp;individuals in total.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attacks-bear-the-hallmark-of-taliban-us-402696">Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US</a>

The pledge came after published criticism from senior defence figures, urging a review of the relocation scheme in the face of escalating violence in Afghanistan and threats to former local staff.

"There has been considerable misreporting of the scheme in the media, feeding the impression the Government is not supporting our former and current&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff," Wallace and Patel wrote.

"This could not be further from the truth and since the US announced its withdrawal we have been at the forefront of nations relocating people," they added.

In response to pressure following the announcement of a US military withdrawal from Afghanistan,&nbsp; the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;accelerated its relocation scheme for&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;local staff in May.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-afghan-defence-minister-in-kabul-claimed-by-taliban-402788">Attack on Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister in&nbsp;Kabul claimed by&nbsp;Taliban</a>&nbsp;

Since the expansion was announced, 1,400&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;had been relocated, equalling the total number resettled in Britain since 2014.

Six former heads of the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;armed forces and other senior military figures voiced concern in a letter to The Times last week that&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff had been rejected for a relocation because of security concerns.

Often these individuals were deemed ineligible because they were dismissed from service.

The ministers asserted they needed to ensure a "balance between generosity and security" and would now offer relocation to 264 members of&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff who were dismissed for a "relatively minor administrative offence".&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-claim-responisibilty-for-major-attack-in-kabul-402906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Of these, they said, 121 individuals in that category have already been offered relocation.

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly bomb and gun attack on the capital, Kabul, amid a wider assault by the Islamist group on a string of provincial capitals.

Regular reprisals against&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;and interpreters and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;have escalated as the Taliban have seized vast swathes of the countryside in the weeks following the withdrawal announcement.

As humanitarian displacement from the conflict increases, the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;also said it would make further changes to its rules to allow former&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;to make applications for relocation outside Afghanistan.

The UK government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more Afghan translators and their families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough.

The UK government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more Afghan translators and their families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were committed to relocating the families of 500 staff who supported British troops in Afghanistan "as soon as possible", some 2,500 individuals in total. Also read | Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US The pledge came after published criticism from senior defence figures, urging a review of the relocation scheme in the face of escalating violence in Afghanistan and threats to former local staff. "There has been considerable misreporting of the scheme in the media, feeding the impression the Government is not supporting our former and current Afghan staff," Wallace and Patel wrote. "This could not be further from the truth and since the US announced its withdrawal we have been at the forefront of nations relocating people," they added. In response to pressure following the announcement of a US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the UK accelerated its relocation scheme for Afghan local staff in May. Also read | Attack on Afghan defence minister in Kabul claimed by Taliban Since the expansion was announced, 1,400 Afghan staff and their families had been relocated, equalling the total number resettled in Britain since 2014. Six former heads of the UK armed forces and other senior military figures voiced concern in a letter to The Times last week that Afghan staff had been rejected for a relocation because of security concerns. Often these individuals were deemed ineligible because they were dismissed from service. The ministers asserted they needed to ensure a "balance between generosity and security" and would now offer relocation to 264 members of Afghan staff who were dismissed for a "relatively minor administrative offence". Of these, they said, 121 individuals in that category have already been offered relocation. The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly bomb and gun attack on the capital, Kabul, amid a wider assault by the Islamist group on a string of provincial capitals. Regular reprisals against Afghan and interpreters and their families have escalated as the Taliban have seized vast swathes of the countryside in the weeks following the withdrawal announcement. As humanitarian displacement from the conflict increases, the UK also said it would make further changes to its rules to allow former Afghan staff and their families to make applications for relocation outside Afghanistan.

UK govt aims to relocate 2,500 Afghan translators and families

taliban

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