The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, said a spokesperson of US State Department.&nbsp;

After the Taliban insisted it will not agree on ceasefire and peace unless there is an agreement on a new government in Afghanistan, the United States has called on the group “to engage in serious negotiations”. &nbsp;

US State Department’s deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter said, “We call on the Taliban to engage in serious negotiations to determine a political roadmap for Afghanistan's future that leads to a just and durable settlement.” &nbsp;

“A negotiated settlement between the Islamic Republic and the Taliban is the only way to end 40 years of war and bring Afghans to peace that they seek and deserve,” spokesperson added. &nbsp;

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, she said. And also added that legitimacy and assistance for any Afghan government can only be possible if that government has a basic right, basic respect excuse me for human rights. &nbsp;

The violence should also end against the Afghans, who worked alongside Americans in the Afghanistan war, Porter stressed.&nbsp;

A report on Friday said, the Taliban beheaded an Afghan interpreter for US Army in May.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, said a spokesperson of US State Department. After the Taliban insisted it will not agree on ceasefire and peace unless there is an agreement on a new government in Afghanistan, the United States has called on the group “to engage in serious negotiations”.

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, said a spokesperson of US State Department. After the Taliban insisted it will not agree on ceasefire and peace unless there is an agreement on a new government in Afghanistan, the United States has called on the group “to engage in serious negotiations”. US State Department’s deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter said, “We call on the Taliban to engage in serious negotiations to determine a political roadmap for Afghanistan's future that leads to a just and durable settlement.” “A negotiated settlement between the Islamic Republic and the Taliban is the only way to end 40 years of war and bring Afghans to peace that they seek and deserve,” spokesperson added. The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, she said. And also added that legitimacy and assistance for any Afghan government can only be possible if that government has a basic right, basic respect excuse me for human rights. The violence should also end against the Afghans, who worked alongside Americans in the Afghanistan war, Porter stressed. A report on Friday said, the Taliban beheaded an Afghan interpreter for US Army in May. (With inputs from agencies)

Engage in ‘serious negotiations’, US tells Taliban 

Canada said on Friday that it would resettle Afghan interpreters, embassy stayy and their families as situation in Afghanistan was "dynamic and deteriorating".&nbsp;

"Canada is here to support those who supported us," said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, adding that "several thousand" people would be eligible and the first arrivals would be landing in Canada very shortly.

"We appreciate that there is a need to act quickly and decisively but that we must also do so safely given the very dynamic and deteriorating situation," Mendicino told a televised news conference in Ottawa.

He did not give a specific number of people who would be admitted or say when exactly they would arrive.

"Many Afghan citizens put themselves at risk to assist Canada ... now they face even greater threats from the Taliban," he said.

Taliban is on the offensive in Afghanistan and capturing more and more territory from overstretched Afghan forces. They have control or sizeable presence in half of Afghanistan's districts. Taliban claims that they have control of 90 per cent of Afghanistan's border with other countries. The claim is vehemently disputed by Afghan government.

As Taliban advanse, their is fear among Afghans who worked for the international coalition. They fear that there will be reprisal from the Taliban.

Canadian officials are identifying eligible Afghans, focusing on those who worked for Canada as interpreters or who provided "critical support," embassy staff and their families, Mendicino said.

Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan ended a decade ago, after which the country resettled about 800 Afghans who had worked for the country as interpreters or in other roles.

"The pace of the Taliban's advances over the course of the past month is troubling," Foreign Minister Marc Garneau told the news conference.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada said on Friday that it would resettle Afghan interpreters, embassy stayy and their families as situation in Afghanistan was "dynamic and deteriorating". "Canada is here to support those who supported us," said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, adding that "several thousand" people would be eligible and the first arrivals would be landing in Canada very shortly.

Canada said on Friday that it would resettle Afghan interpreters, embassy stayy and their families as situation in Afghanistan was "dynamic and deteriorating". "Canada is here to support those who supported us," said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, adding that "several thousand" people would be eligible and the first arrivals would be landing in Canada very shortly. "We appreciate that there is a need to act quickly and decisively but that we must also do so safely given the very dynamic and deteriorating situation," Mendicino told a televised news conference in Ottawa. He did not give a specific number of people who would be admitted or say when exactly they would arrive. "Many Afghan citizens put themselves at risk to assist Canada ... now they face even greater threats from the Taliban," he said. Taliban is on the offensive in Afghanistan and capturing more and more territory from overstretched Afghan forces. They have control or sizeable presence in half of Afghanistan's districts. Taliban claims that they have control of 90 per cent of Afghanistan's border with other countries. The claim is vehemently disputed by Afghan government. As Taliban advanse, their is fear among Afghans who worked for the international coalition. They fear that there will be reprisal from the Taliban. Canadian officials are identifying eligible Afghans, focusing on those who worked for Canada as interpreters or who provided "critical support," embassy staff and their families, Mendicino said. Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan ended a decade ago, after which the country resettled about 800 Afghans who had worked for the country as interpreters or in other roles. "The pace of the Taliban's advances over the course of the past month is troubling," Foreign Minister Marc Garneau told the news conference. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada to resettle Afghan interpreters who fear reprisal from Taliban

Reeling from a surge in battlefield losses, Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US&nbsp;officials say. 
 
The politically perilous strategy will inevitably cede territory to Taliban insurgents. But officials say it appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. 
 
The consolidation of forces, which has been publicly acknowledged but not reported in such detail before, coincides with the US&nbsp;military withdrawal ahead of a formal end to the military mission on August&nbsp;31, on orders from President Joe Biden. 
 
Taliban insurgents are gaining control of more and more territory, which the Pentagon estimated on Wednesday now extends to over half of half Afghanistan's district centers. The Taliban are also putting pressure on the outskirts of half of the provincial capitals, trying to isolate them. 
 
US&nbsp;intelligence assessments have warned that the Afghan government could fall in as little as six months, US&nbsp;officials told Reuters. 
 
One Afghan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the "reorientation" of troops would help Kabul hold strategic territory and defend infrastructure, including a dam built with India's assistance, and major highways. 
 
But consolidating troops also means leaving other areas unguarded, a hard sell to Afghan communities or ethnic groups who will feel they are being abandoned to the Taliban. 
 
"How do you communicate this to a public that has been jittery - and understandably so - over the past few weeks in which the Taliban have been taking over districts?" the Afghan official asked. 
 
"Because a major part of this reorientation would entail, at least in the short term, the Taliban filling in the vacuum that we're leaving behind." 
 
US&nbsp;Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the strategy would involve "giving up district centers" to protect larger population centers, like the capital Kabul. He said the Taliban appeared to have "strategic momentum." 
 
"There's a possibility of a complete Taliban takeover or a possibility of any number of other scenarios," Milley told a news conference on Wednesday, adding: "I don't think the endgame is yet written." 
 
US&nbsp;Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US&nbsp;Central Command, which oversees US&nbsp;forces in Afghanistan and support to Afghan troops, said after being briefed on the plan this month the Afghans knew they had to pick their battles. 
 
"You can't defend everything. If you defend everywhere, you defend nowhere. So I think the Afghans realize they need to consolidate," McKenzie said, without offering details. 
 
He noted years-old US&nbsp;concerns about how Afghan forces were manning checkpoints, including in remote or hostile areas that are particularly vulnerable or serve little strategic value. 
 
"So, I think now they're now in the process of recognizing you got to pull back, you got to consolidate, you got to defend those areas that are absolutely critical," McKenzie said. 
 
The Afghan ministry of defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
The Taliban's swift territorial gains are rattling Afghans just as the United States withdraws from a war that succeeded in punishing al Qaeda following its September&nbsp;11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington but failed to deliver anything close to peace for Afghanistan. 
 
Biden has promised to provide financial assistance to Afghan forces and to redouble diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace talks. 
 
But the Taliban have not responded to calls from 15 diplomatic missions and the NATO representative in Afghanistan on Monday to halt their military offensives. The insurgents and the Afghan government also failed to agree on a ceasefire at talks in Doha for this week's Eid holidays. 
 
In the past, the Taliban have called short ceasefires for Eid, saying they wanted to let Afghans spend them in peace. 
 
US&nbsp;military officials believe the Taliban are seeking to end the war with a battlefield victory, instead of at the negotiating table.

Reeling from a surge in battlefield losses, Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US officials say.

Reeling from a surge in battlefield losses, Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US officials say. The politically perilous strategy will inevitably cede territory to Taliban insurgents. But officials say it appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. The consolidation of forces, which has been publicly acknowledged but not reported in such detail before, coincides with the US military withdrawal ahead of a formal end to the military mission on August 31, on orders from President Joe Biden. Taliban insurgents are gaining control of more and more territory, which the Pentagon estimated on Wednesday now extends to over half of half Afghanistan's district centers. The Taliban are also putting pressure on the outskirts of half of the provincial capitals, trying to isolate them. US intelligence assessments have warned that the Afghan government could fall in as little as six months, US officials told Reuters. One Afghan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the "reorientation" of troops would help Kabul hold strategic territory and defend infrastructure, including a dam built with India's assistance, and major highways. But consolidating troops also means leaving other areas unguarded, a hard sell to Afghan communities or ethnic groups who will feel they are being abandoned to the Taliban. "How do you communicate this to a public that has been jittery - and understandably so - over the past few weeks in which the Taliban have been taking over districts?" the Afghan official asked. "Because a major part of this reorientation would entail, at least in the short term, the Taliban filling in the vacuum that we're leaving behind." US Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the strategy would involve "giving up district centers" to protect larger population centers, like the capital Kabul. He said the Taliban appeared to have "strategic momentum." "There's a possibility of a complete Taliban takeover or a possibility of any number of other scenarios," Milley told a news conference on Wednesday, adding: "I don't think the endgame is yet written." US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, which oversees US forces in Afghanistan and support to Afghan troops, said after being briefed on the plan this month the Afghans knew they had to pick their battles. "You can't defend everything. If you defend everywhere, you defend nowhere. So I think the Afghans realize they need to consolidate," McKenzie said, without offering details. He noted years-old US concerns about how Afghan forces were manning checkpoints, including in remote or hostile areas that are particularly vulnerable or serve little strategic value. "So, I think now they're now in the process of recognizing you got to pull back, you got to consolidate, you got to defend those areas that are absolutely critical," McKenzie said. The Afghan ministry of defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Taliban's swift territorial gains are rattling Afghans just as the United States withdraws from a war that succeeded in punishing al Qaeda following its September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington but failed to deliver anything close to peace for Afghanistan. Biden has promised to provide financial assistance to Afghan forces and to redouble diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace talks. But the Taliban have not responded to calls from 15 diplomatic missions and the NATO representative in Afghanistan on Monday to halt their military offensives. The insurgents and the Afghan government also failed to agree on a ceasefire at talks in Doha for this week's Eid holidays. In the past, the Taliban have called short ceasefires for Eid, saying they wanted to let Afghans spend them in peace. US military officials believe the Taliban are seeking to end the war with a battlefield victory, instead of at the negotiating table.

As Taliban advances, Afghan military overhauls war strategy to limit losses

The Taliban claims that it now controls 90 percent of Afghanistan's borders. The country shares its borders with Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Pakistan.

Taliban claims to control 90% of Afghanistan's borders

In support of the Afghan National&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban,&nbsp;the United&nbsp;States&nbsp;carried out airstrikes&nbsp;across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman&nbsp;on Thursday.&nbsp;

In an off-camera press briefing,&nbsp;Pentagon spokesman John Kirby refused to provide details about the airstrikes.&nbsp;Kirby said,&nbsp;“Without&nbsp;going into specifics, I can say that in the last several days, we have acted through airstrikes to support the ANDSF.&nbsp;But I won't get into tactical details of those strikes.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

The spokesman added,&nbsp;“But we continue to be able to and we continue to, as the Secretary said yesterday, conduct airstrikes in support of the ANDSF. General McKenzie has those authorities.”&nbsp;

In a statement on Friday,&nbsp;the Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;ministry said 17 Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike by Afghan Air Force on Thursday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 10 Taliban fighters were also killed in another airstrike conducted in&nbsp;Nijrab&nbsp;district,&nbsp;Kapisa province on Thursday night, the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although the Taliban has rejected the Ministry of&nbsp;Defence’s&nbsp;figures,&nbsp;the ministry has&nbsp;also&nbsp;not mentioned anything in its statements about US airstrikes on Taliban targets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In support of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban, the United States carried out airstrikes across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman on Thursday.

In support of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban, the United States carried out airstrikes across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman on Thursday. In an off-camera press briefing, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby refused to provide details about the airstrikes. Kirby said, “Without going into specifics, I can say that in the last several days, we have acted through airstrikes to support the ANDSF. But I won't get into tactical details of those strikes.” The spokesman added, “But we continue to be able to and we continue to, as the Secretary said yesterday, conduct airstrikes in support of the ANDSF. General McKenzie has those authorities.” In a statement on Friday, the Afghan defence ministry said 17 Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike by Afghan Air Force on Thursday night. Around 10 Taliban fighters were also killed in another airstrike conducted in Nijrab district, Kapisa province on Thursday night, the defence Ministry added. Although the Taliban has rejected the Ministry of Defence’s figures, the ministry has also not mentioned anything in its statements about US airstrikes on Taliban targets. (With inputs from agencies)

US holds airstrikes to support Afghan security forces against Taliban, says Pentagon

In a recent interview,&nbsp;Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen&nbsp;said the group is ready to&nbsp;lay down&nbsp;arms&nbsp;after&nbsp;a negotiated government acceptable to all sides&nbsp;of&nbsp;the conflict is installed in Kabul and President Ashraf Ghani is removed.

Shaheen, who is also a member of the group’s negotiating team,&nbsp;gave interview to&nbsp;The Associated Press news agency.&nbsp;The&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“I want to make it clear that we do not believe in the monopoly of power because any governments,&nbsp;who (sought) to&nbsp;monopolise&nbsp;power in Afghanistan in the past, were not successful governments.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also&nbsp;apparently included&nbsp;the Taliban’s own five-year rule in the&nbsp;assessment, and added,&nbsp;“So,&nbsp;we do not want to repeat that same formula.”&nbsp;He&nbsp;laid out the group’s stance on what should come next in the&nbsp;war-torn&nbsp;country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, after reeling from a surge in battlefield losses, Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US officials say.&nbsp;

The politically perilous strategy will inevitably cede territory to Taliban insurgents. But officials say it appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country.&nbsp;

The consolidation of forces, which has been publicly acknowledged but not reported in such detail before, coincides with the US military withdrawal ahead of a formal end to the military mission on August 31, on orders from President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a recent interview, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the group is ready to lay down arms after a negotiated government acceptable to all sides of the conflict is installed in Kabul and President Ashraf Ghani is removed.

In a recent interview, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the group is ready to lay down arms after a negotiated government acceptable to all sides of the conflict is installed in Kabul and President Ashraf Ghani is removed. Shaheen, who is also a member of the group’s negotiating team, gave interview to The Associated Press news agency. The spokesman said, “I want to make it clear that we do not believe in the monopoly of power because any governments, who (sought) to monopolise power in Afghanistan in the past, were not successful governments.” He also apparently included the Taliban’s own five-year rule in the assessment, and added, “So, we do not want to repeat that same formula.” He laid out the group’s stance on what should come next in the war-torn country. Meanwhile, after reeling from a surge in battlefield losses, Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US officials say. The politically perilous strategy will inevitably cede territory to Taliban insurgents. But officials say it appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. The consolidation of forces, which has been publicly acknowledged but not reported in such detail before, coincides with the US military withdrawal ahead of a formal end to the military mission on August 31, on orders from President Joe Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban offer peace deal, but want Afghan President removed 

Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Friday that Taliban's claims of holding 90 per cent of country's borders was an "absolute lie". The ministry insisited that government forces were in control of country's frontiers

"It is baseless propaganda," deputy spokesman of the Ministry of Defence Fawad Aman told AFP, a day after the insurgents made the claim, which was not possible to independently verify.

Taliban had made the claim on Thursday. It came after the group captured key border crossings with Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Pakistan in recent weeks in a staggering offensive launched as US-led foreign forces began their final troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

On Friday, the deputy spokesman of defence ministry said that government forces were in control of country's borders and all "main cities and highways".

And even as large-scale fighting decreased during this week's Eid al-Adha holiday, the interior ministry accused the Taliban of killing about 100 civilians in the town of Spin Boldak along the border with Pakistan since seizing the crossing last week.

"Afghan security forces will soon take revenge on these wild terrorists," interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanekzai said on Twitter.

"The Taliban whenever they get control (of territory), the first thing they do is destroy public facilities or public infrastructure, harass people and forcefully displace families," Aman told AFP.

"It happened in Spin Boldak too."

With the withdrawal of American-led foreign forces all but complete, the resurgent Taliban now controls about half of Afghanistan's roughly 400 districts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Friday that Taliban's claims of holding 90 per cent of country's borders was an "absolute lie". The ministry insisited that government forces were in control of country's frontiers "It is baseless propaganda," deputy spokesman of the Ministry of Defence Fawad Aman told AFP, a day after the insurgents made the claim, which was not possible to independently verify.

Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Friday that Taliban's claims of holding 90 per cent of country's borders was an "absolute lie". The ministry insisited that government forces were in control of country's frontiers "It is baseless propaganda," deputy spokesman of the Ministry of Defence Fawad Aman told AFP, a day after the insurgents made the claim, which was not possible to independently verify. Taliban had made the claim on Thursday. It came after the group captured key border crossings with Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Pakistan in recent weeks in a staggering offensive launched as US-led foreign forces began their final troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. On Friday, the deputy spokesman of defence ministry said that government forces were in control of country's borders and all "main cities and highways". And even as large-scale fighting decreased during this week's Eid al-Adha holiday, the interior ministry accused the Taliban of killing about 100 civilians in the town of Spin Boldak along the border with Pakistan since seizing the crossing last week. "Afghan security forces will soon take revenge on these wild terrorists," interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanekzai said on Twitter. "The Taliban whenever they get control (of territory), the first thing they do is destroy public facilities or public infrastructure, harass people and forcefully displace families," Aman told AFP. "It happened in Spin Boldak too." With the withdrawal of American-led foreign forces all but complete, the resurgent Taliban now controls about half of Afghanistan's roughly 400 districts. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan says Taliban's claim of controlling 90% of border is 'absolute lie'

After their seizure of Spin Boldak district in Kandahar province, the Taliban killed 100 civilians in Kandahar , said Tolo News quoting spokesman for Ministry of Interior.

The brutal terrorists on the order of their Punjabi bosses (Pakistan) ambushed the homes of the innocent Afghans in certain areas of Spin Boldak, looted the homes and martyred 100 innocent people,” Tolo News quoted the spokesman as saying.

“This unveils the real face of the cruel enemy,” said Mirwais Stanekzai, the spokesman, as quoted by Tolo News. The portal mentioned Taliban denying the claim.

Taliban has been on the offensive ever since US declared pullout of troops. The insurgents have speedily established their control especially in the northern part of the country, once a bastion of anti-Taliban Northern Alliance. Taliban now controls Afghanistan's border crossing with Tajikistan and Pakistan. They have claimed that they control 90 per cent of the Afghanistan's border. The claim is heavily contested by the government.

The developments in Afghanistan have countries in the region on alert. On Thursday, Tajikistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-neighbour-tajikistan-holds-largest-ever-military-exercise-amid-taliban-advance-399746">held its largest-ever military exercise</a> that involved its entire army. On the same day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-deploys-military-machinery-near-afghanistan-border-399777">Russia deployed military machinery</a> at its base near Afghan border

After their seizure of Spin Boldak district in Kandahar province, the Taliban killed 100 civilians in Kandahar , said Tolo News quoting spokesman for Ministry of Interior.

After their seizure of Spin Boldak district in Kandahar province, the Taliban killed 100 civilians in Kandahar , said Tolo News quoting spokesman for Ministry of Interior. The brutal terrorists on the order of their Punjabi bosses (Pakistan) ambushed the homes of the innocent Afghans in certain areas of Spin Boldak, looted the homes and martyred 100 innocent people,” Tolo News quoted the spokesman as saying. “This unveils the real face of the cruel enemy,” said Mirwais Stanekzai, the spokesman, as quoted by Tolo News. The portal mentioned Taliban denying the claim. Taliban has been on the offensive ever since US declared pullout of troops. The insurgents have speedily established their control especially in the northern part of the country, once a bastion of anti-Taliban Northern Alliance. Taliban now controls Afghanistan's border crossing with Tajikistan and Pakistan. They have claimed that they control 90 per cent of the Afghanistan's border. The claim is heavily contested by the government. The developments in Afghanistan have countries in the region on alert. On Thursday, Tajikistan held its largest-ever military exercise that involved its entire army. On the same day, Russia deployed military machinery at its base near Afghan border

Taliban killed 100 civilians in Kandahar: Report

Indian officials have nabbed multiple drug mules carrying heroin - reportedly smuggled by the Taliban. Where are these drugs headed? How did they reach India?

Gravitas: Taliban smuggling heroin via India

The Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley has now ruled out the Taliban's victory even as the insurgents have the 'strategic momentum' in their sweeping offenses across Afghanistan.

Gen. Mark Milley: Taliban automatic military takeover is not a foregone conclusion

In perhaps first major defense move with developments in Afghanistan in mind, Russia on Thursday deployed military machinery on its base in Tajikistan. The Russian base is close to the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border. In a video posted by Reuters watermarked 'Russian Defence Ministry' a Russian Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) was seen being unloaded at the base in Tajikistan.

The Taliban have made huge gains in Afghanistan and control a large portion of the country. The Taliban also control the border crossing with Tajikistan. Countries in the region are monitoring the situation closely to prevent spillover of the fighting within&nbsp;their borders.

Russia's deployment has come on the same day Tajikistan held its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-neighbour-tajikistan-holds-largest-ever-military-exercise-amid-taliban-advance-399746">biggest ever military exercise</a>. The exercise involved its entire army

On Thursday, Tajikistan mobilised 130,000 men from its military reserve in addition to 100,000 active servicemen for the three-hour exercise. Tajikistan's President has warned his people to "be ready to protect the peace and stability that have been achieved at a high price"

Russian media on Thursday quoted Taliban Spokesperson who claimed that the insurgent group controlled 90 per cent of Afghan border.

"Afghanistan's borders with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, or about 90 percent of the border, are under our control," Zabihullah Mujahid told the RIA Novosti news agency. The&nbsp;claim that could not be independently verified.

In perhaps first major defense move with developments in Afghanistan in mind, Russia on Thursday deployed military machinery on its base in Tajikistan. The Russian base is close to the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.

In perhaps first major defense move with developments in Afghanistan in mind, Russia on Thursday deployed military machinery on its base in Tajikistan. The Russian base is close to the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border. In a video posted by Reuters watermarked 'Russian Defence Ministry' a Russian Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) was seen being unloaded at the base in Tajikistan. The Taliban have made huge gains in Afghanistan and control a large portion of the country. The Taliban also control the border crossing with Tajikistan. Countries in the region are monitoring the situation closely to prevent spillover of the fighting within their borders. Russia's deployment has come on the same day Tajikistan held its biggest ever military exercise. The exercise involved its entire army On Thursday, Tajikistan mobilised 130,000 men from its military reserve in addition to 100,000 active servicemen for the three-hour exercise. Tajikistan's President has warned his people to "be ready to protect the peace and stability that have been achieved at a high price" Russian media on Thursday quoted Taliban Spokesperson who claimed that the insurgent group controlled 90 per cent of Afghan border. "Afghanistan's borders with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, or about 90 percent of the border, are under our control," Zabihullah Mujahid told the RIA Novosti news agency. The claim that could not be independently verified.

Russia deploys military machinery near Afghanistan border

Tajikistan, Afghanistan's neighbour in the north on Thursday held its largest-ever military exercise involving its entire army. The Central Asian country's President Emomali Rakhmon urged vigilance. The military exercise has come amid Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan to control territory as US-led international forces leave.

Right since USA announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban has been on the offensive. At present they control large part of the country and have been able to encircle many of the main cities. The border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is now under Taliban's control.

On Thursday, Tajikistan mobilised 130,000 men from its military reserve in addition to 100,000 active servicemen for the three-hour exercise.

More than 1,000 military vehicles, hundreds of artillery guns and mortars and dozens of aircraft including helicopters were deployed during the exercise, Rakhmon's office said in a statement.

"Due to the unstable situation in the region I once again remind the people of Tajikistan that we must be ready to protect the peace and stability that have been achieved at a high price," Rakhmon said in a speech broadcast by state television.

He said that 20,000 from the military reserve had been sent to reinforce Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan.

Earlier this month, hundreds of Afghan servicemen crossed border into Tajikistan as they retreated from Taliban offensive. Tajikistan later sent them back as the Kabul government arranged special flights to return its soldiers.

Russia, which operates a military base in Tajikistan, plans to hold joint drills there with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, another former Soviet republic bordering Afghanistan, next month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tajikistan, Afghanistan's neighbour in the north on Thursday held its largest-ever military exercise involving its entire army. The Central Asian country's President Emomali Rakhmon urged vigilance.

Tajikistan, Afghanistan's neighbour in the north on Thursday held its largest-ever military exercise involving its entire army. The Central Asian country's President Emomali Rakhmon urged vigilance. The military exercise has come amid Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan to control territory as US-led international forces leave. Right since USA announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban has been on the offensive. At present they control large part of the country and have been able to encircle many of the main cities. The border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is now under Taliban's control. On Thursday, Tajikistan mobilised 130,000 men from its military reserve in addition to 100,000 active servicemen for the three-hour exercise. More than 1,000 military vehicles, hundreds of artillery guns and mortars and dozens of aircraft including helicopters were deployed during the exercise, Rakhmon's office said in a statement. "Due to the unstable situation in the region I once again remind the people of Tajikistan that we must be ready to protect the peace and stability that have been achieved at a high price," Rakhmon said in a speech broadcast by state television. He said that 20,000 from the military reserve had been sent to reinforce Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan. Earlier this month, hundreds of Afghan servicemen crossed border into Tajikistan as they retreated from Taliban offensive. Tajikistan later sent them back as the Kabul government arranged special flights to return its soldiers. Russia, which operates a military base in Tajikistan, plans to hold joint drills there with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, another former Soviet republic bordering Afghanistan, next month. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan's neighbour Tajikistan holds largest-ever military exercise amid Taliban advance

Taliban in Afghanistan's Balkh province are recruiting local people and collecting funds forcefully, ANI said citing officials. The Taliban are reportedly forcing the people to give them part of their income.

"The Taliban are also trying to recruit from among the local people," said the officials, reported Tolo News.

"There are only about 20 Taliban fighters inside the district building compound and the police headquarters; the rest of them have taken up positions inside the villages to collect Zakat (charity)," said Mohammad Yousuf, the acting district governor of Kaldar district.

As per Tolo News, there are about 200 Taliban fighters in the district but they are looking to recruit more.

"They have imposed taxes on the shops and bazaars and on the local people--which is beyond their capacity to pay. They also harassed the people who don`t have the capacity to pay a large amount of money," said Mohammad Hashem Mansoori, a District Governor for Shortepa district in Balkh province. Business activity has also been affected following the increased violence by the Taliban, especially in those regions where there are dry ports, such as at Hairatan.

"The people have serious concerns, the business owners are very fearful because of the businesses," said Sifatullah, a resident in Hairatan.

Security authorities however have assured the people that the Afghan security forces are fully prepared to defend the people`s lives and property, reported Tolo News.

"The morale of our forces is very high; they are fully prepared and have the strength to defend the city. Soon we will launch our offensive operations," said Khanullah Shuja, the commander of 209 Shaheen Army Corps.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban in Afghanistan's Balkh province are recruiting local people and collecting funds forcefully, ANI said citing officials. The Taliban are reportedly forcing the people to give them part of their income.

Taliban in Afghanistan's Balkh province are recruiting local people and collecting funds forcefully, ANI said citing officials. The Taliban are reportedly forcing the people to give them part of their income. "The Taliban are also trying to recruit from among the local people," said the officials, reported Tolo News. "There are only about 20 Taliban fighters inside the district building compound and the police headquarters; the rest of them have taken up positions inside the villages to collect Zakat (charity)," said Mohammad Yousuf, the acting district governor of Kaldar district. As per Tolo News, there are about 200 Taliban fighters in the district but they are looking to recruit more. "They have imposed taxes on the shops and bazaars and on the local people--which is beyond their capacity to pay. They also harassed the people who don`t have the capacity to pay a large amount of money," said Mohammad Hashem Mansoori, a District Governor for Shortepa district in Balkh province. Business activity has also been affected following the increased violence by the Taliban, especially in those regions where there are dry ports, such as at Hairatan. "The people have serious concerns, the business owners are very fearful because of the businesses," said Sifatullah, a resident in Hairatan. Security authorities however have assured the people that the Afghan security forces are fully prepared to defend the people`s lives and property, reported Tolo News. "The morale of our forces is very high; they are fully prepared and have the strength to defend the city. Soon we will launch our offensive operations," said Khanullah Shuja, the commander of 209 Shaheen Army Corps. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban demands money from civilians, tries recruiting fighters

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;appear to have the "strategic&nbsp;momentum" in their sweeping offensives across&nbsp;Afghanistan, but their victory is far from assured, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff&nbsp;General&nbsp;Mark Milley said Wednesday.

Nearly 20 years after the US toppled the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;regime in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and with the withdrawal of American-led foreign forces all but complete, the resurgent militants now control about half of&nbsp;Afghanistan's roughly 400 districts.

But they have none of the country's densely populated main cities, Milley told a press conference.

With the militants putting pressure on around half of the country's provincial capitals, Afghan troops are "consolidating their forces" to protect those major urban centres, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-taliban-says-it-doesnt-have-ties-with-pak-based-terror-groups-like-let-jem-398814">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive:&nbsp;Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like&nbsp;LeT,&nbsp;JeM&nbsp;</a>

"They're taking an approach to protect the population, and most of the population lives in the provincial capitals and capital city of Kabul," Milley said.

"A&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;automatic military takeover is not a foregone conclusion."

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;are surging across&nbsp;Afghanistan, snapping up territory, seizing border crossings and encircling cities.&nbsp;

Their success has tested the morale of the Afghan army, already battered by years of shockingly high casualties and, more recently, the decision by international troops to leave.

Though the Afghan army has been trained and equipped by international forces, and estimates show it vastly outnumbers the&nbsp;Taliban's ranks, Milley said numbers are not all it takes to win a war.

"The two most important combat multipliers actually are will and leadership. And this is going to be a test now of the will and leadership of the Afghan people, the Afghan security forces and the government of&nbsp;Afghanistan," he said.

US President Joe Biden has also said that a&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;takeover is "not inevitable."

But earlier this month he also warned that Afghans must come together against the insurgents, and admitted it was "highly unlikely" that one unified government would end up controlling the entire country.

End game 'not yet written'

The US has insisted it will continue supporting the Afghan army.&nbsp;

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States handed over three Blackhawk helicopter gunships to the Afghan army on Friday and that more equipment would follow.&nbsp;

He added that US units had been positioned in Qatar to keep fighting jihadists in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;after the withdrawal.&nbsp;

"We remain committed to helping the Afghan security forces and the Afghan government going forward," he said.

The State Department also said a first group of around 700 Afghans who worked for the US army -- making them targets for the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;-- will arrive in the United States next week with their immediate families.

Another 4,000 workers and their families, totalling some 20,000 people, have been cleared to receive immigrant visas, State Department official Tracey Jacobson said.&nbsp;

Milley said US withdrawal is 95 percent complete, with the evacuation of equipment equivalent to the cargo of 984 C-17 aircraft.

His comments came hours after the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;said Wednesday they would fight only to defend themselves over the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, but stopped short of declaring a formal ceasefire.&nbsp;

The militants have said they "strenuously favour" a political settlement to end the war with the government in Kabul.

But their push to capitalise on the&nbsp;withdrawal has left many Afghans sceptical.

President Ashraf Ghani said Tuesday the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;had proved "they have no will and intention for peace," and more than a dozen diplomatic missions in Kabul this week called for "an urgent end" to the offensive.

Afghan civilians, who have long taken the brunt of the fighting, are also watching the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;advance in fear.

Many -- especially women and minorities -- stand to lose hard-won rights and freedoms if the militants return to any form of power.

Even if Kabul can hold them off, civilians face the possibility of a protracted and bloody civil war or the country fracturing along ethnic lines.

Milley said the chance of a negotiated political settlement is "still out there."

"There's a possibility of a complete&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;takeover or possibility of any number of other scenarios -- breakdowns, warlordism, all kinds of other scenarios out there," he said.

"We're monitoring very closely. I don't think the end game is yet written."

The Taliban appear to have the "strategic momentum" in their sweeping offensives across Afghanistan, but their victory is far from assured, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley said Wednesday.

The Taliban appear to have the "strategic momentum" in their sweeping offensives across Afghanistan, but their victory is far from assured, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley said Wednesday. Nearly 20 years after the US toppled the Taliban regime in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and with the withdrawal of American-led foreign forces all but complete, the resurgent militants now control about half of Afghanistan's roughly 400 districts. But they have none of the country's densely populated main cities, Milley told a press conference. With the militants putting pressure on around half of the country's provincial capitals, Afghan troops are "consolidating their forces" to protect those major urban centres, he added. Also read | Exclusive: Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like LeT, JeM "They're taking an approach to protect the population, and most of the population lives in the provincial capitals and capital city of Kabul," Milley said. "A Taliban automatic military takeover is not a foregone conclusion." The Taliban are surging across Afghanistan, snapping up territory, seizing border crossings and encircling cities. Their success has tested the morale of the Afghan army, already battered by years of shockingly high casualties and, more recently, the decision by international troops to leave. Though the Afghan army has been trained and equipped by international forces, and estimates show it vastly outnumbers the Taliban's ranks, Milley said numbers are not all it takes to win a war. "The two most important combat multipliers actually are will and leadership. And this is going to be a test now of the will and leadership of the Afghan people, the Afghan security forces and the government of Afghanistan," he said. US President Joe Biden has also said that a Taliban takeover is "not inevitable." But earlier this month he also warned that Afghans must come together against the insurgents, and admitted it was "highly unlikely" that one unified government would end up controlling the entire country. End game 'not yet written' The US has insisted it will continue supporting the Afghan army. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States handed over three Blackhawk helicopter gunships to the Afghan army on Friday and that more equipment would follow. He added that US units had been positioned in Qatar to keep fighting jihadists in Afghanistan after the withdrawal. "We remain committed to helping the Afghan security forces and the Afghan government going forward," he said. The State Department also said a first group of around 700 Afghans who worked for the US army -- making them targets for the Taliban -- will arrive in the United States next week with their immediate families. Another 4,000 workers and their families, totalling some 20,000 people, have been cleared to receive immigrant visas, State Department official Tracey Jacobson said. Milley said US withdrawal is 95 percent complete, with the evacuation of equipment equivalent to the cargo of 984 C-17 aircraft. His comments came hours after the Taliban said Wednesday they would fight only to defend themselves over the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, but stopped short of declaring a formal ceasefire. The militants have said they "strenuously favour" a political settlement to end the war with the government in Kabul. But their push to capitalise on the withdrawal has left many Afghans sceptical. President Ashraf Ghani said Tuesday the Taliban had proved "they have no will and intention for peace," and more than a dozen diplomatic missions in Kabul this week called for "an urgent end" to the offensive. Afghan civilians, who have long taken the brunt of the fighting, are also watching the Taliban advance in fear. Many -- especially women and minorities -- stand to lose hard-won rights and freedoms if the militants return to any form of power. Even if Kabul can hold them off, civilians face the possibility of a protracted and bloody civil war or the country fracturing along ethnic lines. Milley said the chance of a negotiated political settlement is "still out there." "There's a possibility of a complete Taliban takeover or possibility of any number of other scenarios -- breakdowns, warlordism, all kinds of other scenarios out there," he said. "We're monitoring very closely. I don't think the end game is yet written."

Taliban seem to have 'strategic momentum' in Afghanistan: top US general

Afghanistan Vice-President Amrullah Saleh aimed at Pakistani trolls by sharing a photo of the Pakistan Army surrendering to the Indian Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

"We don't have, and never will have, such a picture in our history...Dear Pak Twitter attackers, the [Taliban] and terrorism will not be able to cure the trauma of this image. Find other ways," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We don't have such a picture in our history and won't ever have. Yes, yesterday I flinched for a friction of a second as a rocket flew above &amp; landed few meters away. Dear Pak twitter attackers, Talibn &amp; terrorism won't heal the trauma of this picture. Find other ways. <a href="https://t.co/lwm6UyVpoh">pic.twitter.com/lwm6UyVpoh</a>
— Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2/status/1417723613784985602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Yes, yesterday I flinched for a fraction of a second as a rocket flew above and landed few meters away,” Saleh said.

He was referring to the rocket attacks that took place on Tuesday while President Ashraf Ghani and others were offering prayers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha at the Presidential Palace in Kabul. 
 
On July 15, the Afghan First Vice President, Amrullah Saleh had said that the Pakistani air force has warned the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan Air Force that any attempt to evict the Taliban from the neighbouring Spin Boldak area would be met with and repelled by the Pakistan Air Force.&nbsp;

A solemn surrender ceremony was performed at Dacca Race Course on December 16, 1971, during which Pakistani Lt General AAK Niazi signed the "Instrument of Surrender" in the presence of Indian Army Lt General Jagjit Singh Aurora.

The paper allowed 93,000 Pakistani soldiers from the Pakistan Armed Forces Eastern Command to surrender, effectively ending the Bangladesh Liberation War and paving the way for the formation of Bangladesh.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan Vice-President Amrullah Saleh aimed at Pakistani trolls by sharing a photo of the Pakistan Army surrendering to the Indian Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

Afghanistan Vice-President Amrullah Saleh aimed at Pakistani trolls by sharing a photo of the Pakistan Army surrendering to the Indian Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. "We don't have, and never will have, such a picture in our history...Dear Pak Twitter attackers, the [Taliban] and terrorism will not be able to cure the trauma of this image. Find other ways," he tweeted. We don't have such a picture in our history and won't ever have. Yes, yesterday I flinched for a friction of a second as a rocket flew above & landed few meters away. Dear Pak twitter attackers, Talibn & terrorism won't heal the trauma of this picture. Find other ways. pic.twitter.com/lwm6UyVpoh — Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) July 21, 2021 × “Yes, yesterday I flinched for a fraction of a second as a rocket flew above and landed few meters away,” Saleh said. He was referring to the rocket attacks that took place on Tuesday while President Ashraf Ghani and others were offering prayers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha at the Presidential Palace in Kabul. On July 15, the Afghan First Vice President, Amrullah Saleh had said that the Pakistani air force has warned the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan Air Force that any attempt to evict the Taliban from the neighbouring Spin Boldak area would be met with and repelled by the Pakistan Air Force. A solemn surrender ceremony was performed at Dacca Race Course on December 16, 1971, during which Pakistani Lt General AAK Niazi signed the "Instrument of Surrender" in the presence of Indian Army Lt General Jagjit Singh Aurora. The paper allowed 93,000 Pakistani soldiers from the Pakistan Armed Forces Eastern Command to surrender, effectively ending the Bangladesh Liberation War and paving the way for the formation of Bangladesh. (With inputs from agencies)

'We don’t have such a picture in our history': Afghan VP Amrullah Saleh slams Pakistani trolls with an image of 1971 Pak Army surrender

Last year, the Taliban had a budget of more than $1 Billion. It is making millions in profits through a host of illegal activities - like drugs, smuggling and extortion.

Gravitas: The Taliban's billion-dollar business empire

The conflict in Afghanistan is intensifying. Rockets targeted the Afghan Presidential Palace today during Eid Prayers. There is growing evidence that Pakistan is supporting the Taliban's offensive.

Gravitas: Rockets Target Afghan Presidential Palace: Ghani slams Taliban, Pakistan

More than a dozen foreign diplomatic missions and the NATO representative in Afghanistan have urged the Taliban to halt their military offensives just hours after the rival Afghan sides failed to agree on a ceasefire at a peace meeting in Doha.

Diplomatic missions and NATO in Afghanistan call for ceasefire with Taliban

At least three rockets were fired near the presidential palace, minutes before Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was to deliver a speech marking the Muslim festival of Eid-Adha.&nbsp;

The rockets hit just as President Ghani was about to deliver an address on the Eid holiday.

Multiple loud explosions were heard within the property, according to regional news outlets, disrupting an outside prayer gathering.

As the prayers proceeded, rocket bursts could be heard in the background. Ghani was present at the site.&nbsp;

No one was hurt, and the rockets landed beyond the strongly protected palace grounds, according to Mirwais Stanikzai, the interior minister's spokesman.

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Video by national TV shows the moment rockets landed near the Presidential Palace during Eid prayers this morning. <a href="https://t.co/WmEniyfLfM">pic.twitter.com/WmEniyfLfM</a>
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/1417339614222766091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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No one claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, which appeared to be more meant to agitate than to cause damage.&nbsp;

The barrage comes as the United States and NATO finish their troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, leaving Afghans fearful that their war-torn country would descend further into disorder and violence.

In a speech earlier this month, President Joe Biden stated that the withdrawal is more than 95 per cent complete and that the last US soldier will leave by August 31.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least three rockets were fired near the presidential palace, minutes before Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was to deliver a speech marking the Muslim festival of Eid-Adha.

At least three rockets were fired near the presidential palace, minutes before Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was to deliver a speech marking the Muslim festival of Eid-Adha. The rockets hit just as President Ghani was about to deliver an address on the Eid holiday. Multiple loud explosions were heard within the property, according to regional news outlets, disrupting an outside prayer gathering. As the prayers proceeded, rocket bursts could be heard in the background. Ghani was present at the site. No one was hurt, and the rockets landed beyond the strongly protected palace grounds, according to Mirwais Stanikzai, the interior minister's spokesman. Video by national TV shows the moment rockets landed near the Presidential Palace during Eid prayers this morning. pic.twitter.com/WmEniyfLfM — TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) July 20, 2021 × No one claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, which appeared to be more meant to agitate than to cause damage. The barrage comes as the United States and NATO finish their troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, leaving Afghans fearful that their war-torn country would descend further into disorder and violence. In a speech earlier this month, President Joe Biden stated that the withdrawal is more than 95 per cent complete and that the last US soldier will leave by August 31. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Three rockets land near Afghanistan presidential palace ahead of Eid-al-Adha

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and 15 diplomatic missions in Kabul on MOnday joined hands to urge Taliban for a ceasefire and halt to military offensives across Afghanistan. The appeal came just hours after a peace meeting in Doha failed to meet on ceasefire.

A senior delegation of Afghan leaders met the Taliban's political leadership in the Qatari capital over the last two days, but a Taliban statement issued late on Sunday made no mention of a halt to Afghanistan's rising violence.

"This Eid al-Adha, the Taliban should lay down their weapons for good and show the world their commitment to the peace process," the 15 missions and the NATO representative said, referring to Tuesday's Muslim holiday in Afghanistan.

The statement was supported by Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the European Union delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Britain and the United States and NATO's senior civilian representative.

The Taliban had called temporary ceasefires over the last few Eid holidays saying they wanted to let Afghans spend them in peace.

This time there has been no such announcement, as the Taliban make swift territorial gains in near-unprecedented levels of fighting nationwide.

The insurgents have been emboldened as foreign forces near a complete withdrawal after 20 years of fighting.

Monday's statement also condemned rights violations, such as efforts to shut schools and media outfits reported by media in areas recently captured by the Taliban, which has previously denied such assertions.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and 15 diplomatic missions in Kabul on MOnday joined hands to urge Taliban for a ceasefire and halt to military offensives across Afghanistan.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and 15 diplomatic missions in Kabul on MOnday joined hands to urge Taliban for a ceasefire and halt to military offensives across Afghanistan. The appeal came just hours after a peace meeting in Doha failed to meet on ceasefire. A senior delegation of Afghan leaders met the Taliban's political leadership in the Qatari capital over the last two days, but a Taliban statement issued late on Sunday made no mention of a halt to Afghanistan's rising violence. "This Eid al-Adha, the Taliban should lay down their weapons for good and show the world their commitment to the peace process," the 15 missions and the NATO representative said, referring to Tuesday's Muslim holiday in Afghanistan. The statement was supported by Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the European Union delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Britain and the United States and NATO's senior civilian representative. The Taliban had called temporary ceasefires over the last few Eid holidays saying they wanted to let Afghans spend them in peace. This time there has been no such announcement, as the Taliban make swift territorial gains in near-unprecedented levels of fighting nationwide. The insurgents have been emboldened as foreign forces near a complete withdrawal after 20 years of fighting. Monday's statement also condemned rights violations, such as efforts to shut schools and media outfits reported by media in areas recently captured by the Taliban, which has previously denied such assertions. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Foreign missions issue joint call for Taliban ceasefire

Delegations from the Afghan government and the Taliban said that they will meet again and plan to expedite peace negotiations after two days of inconclusive talks in Doha.

Afghanistan leaders, Taliban to meet again after inconclusive Doha talks

NATO nations including 15 diplomatic missions have urged the Taliban to stop military operations in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-recalls-envoy-to-pakistan-over-daughter-abduction-incident-398916">Afghanistan</a> as the militant group failed to reach a ceasefire agreement in&nbsp;Doha.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-favours-political-settlement-to-afghan-conflict-398821">Taliban</a> said on Monday it had captured the Dehrawood district in Uruzgan province after clashes with Afghan forces&nbsp;

"The Taliban's offensive is in direct contradiction to their claim to support a negotiated settlement," the statement by diplomatic missions consisting of EU, US, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany among other nations said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-says-it-doesnt-has-ties-with-pak-based-terror-groups-like-let-jem-398877/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It has resulted in the loss of innocent Afghan lives, including through continued targeted killings, displacement of the civilian population, looting and burning of buildings, destruction of vital infrastructure, and damage to communication networks," the statement added.

The government forces had recaptured Dara-e-Sof Bala district in northern Samangan with casualties suffered by the Taliban with clashes reportedly underway.

Amid the fighting, President&nbsp;Ashraf Ghani visited Herat province on Monday where the Taliban has captured several districts.

The Taliban has escalated its campaign since mid-May and engaged in heavy&nbsp;fighting with government troops in the past month as US President Joe Biden announced the last American troops will pull out from the region by August 31.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry said it will stage military drills next month with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan near the border with Afghanistan.

The joint drills with will take place from August 5-10 at the Kharbmaidon training ground in Tajikistan near the Afghan border. Hundreds of Afghan forces had earlier poured into Tajikistan as the Taliban captured main checkpoints&nbsp;along the area.

Reports claimed last week that several Afghan refugees which included women and children had also crossed over to Tajikistan amid heavy fighting between Afghan and Taliban forces in the area.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

NATO nations including 15 diplomatic missions have urged the Taliban to stop military operations in Afghanistan as the militant group failed to reach a ceasefire agreement in Doha.

NATO nations including 15 diplomatic missions have urged the Taliban to stop military operations in Afghanistan as the militant group failed to reach a ceasefire agreement in Doha. Taliban said on Monday it had captured the Dehrawood district in Uruzgan province after clashes with Afghan forces "The Taliban's offensive is in direct contradiction to their claim to support a negotiated settlement," the statement by diplomatic missions consisting of EU, US, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany among other nations said. Watch: "It has resulted in the loss of innocent Afghan lives, including through continued targeted killings, displacement of the civilian population, looting and burning of buildings, destruction of vital infrastructure, and damage to communication networks," the statement added. The government forces had recaptured Dara-e-Sof Bala district in northern Samangan with casualties suffered by the Taliban with clashes reportedly underway. Amid the fighting, President Ashraf Ghani visited Herat province on Monday where the Taliban has captured several districts. The Taliban has escalated its campaign since mid-May and engaged in heavy fighting with government troops in the past month as US President Joe Biden announced the last American troops will pull out from the region by August 31. Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry said it will stage military drills next month with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan near the border with Afghanistan. The joint drills with will take place from August 5-10 at the Kharbmaidon training ground in Tajikistan near the Afghan border. Hundreds of Afghan forces had earlier poured into Tajikistan as the Taliban captured main checkpoints along the area. Reports claimed last week that several Afghan refugees which included women and children had also crossed over to Tajikistan amid heavy fighting between Afghan and Taliban forces in the area. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia to conduct military drills near Afghan border as Taliban continues onslaught in Afghanistan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw.

"God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul.&nbsp;

Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport.

Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June.

Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces".

Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said.

Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible".

"We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said.&nbsp;

Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach"

"In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation.&nbsp;

"We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan."

Turkey plans to talk with Taliban over Kabul airport

 
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw.

"God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul.&nbsp;

Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport.

Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June.

Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces".

Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said.

Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible".

"We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said.&nbsp;

Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach"

"In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation.&nbsp;

"We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan."

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw. "God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul. Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport. Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June. Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces". Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said. Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible". "We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said. Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach" "In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation. "We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan." Turkey plans to talk with Taliban over Kabul airport Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw. "God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul. Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport. Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June. Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces". Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said. Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible". "We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said. Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach" "In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation. "We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan." (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey plans to talk with Taliban over Kabul airport

The Taliban is getting stronger each day. The threat to India cannot be downplayed. With hostile neighbours already intent on breaching borders, the Taliban could act as a force multiplier. On Gravitas Plus, WION's Palki Sharma tells you what India's options are.

Gravitas Plus | Taliban's Rise: The threat to India

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Silsila Alikhil has been admitted to a hospital and is under medical care after being released from captivity.

Afghan envoy's daughter abducted, tortured in Islamabad

Taliban has said that it has sent a "message" to international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that the soil of Afghanistan will not be used against "any other country". Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Taliban's Spokesman for International Media Suhail Shaheen has said that they "don’t have any ties with" the 2 Pakistan-based terror groups.

Taliban says it doesn't has ties with Pak Based Terror groups like LeT, JeM

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Sunday said that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The announcement comes after the representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents sat down for a new round of talks in Doha over the weekend, stirring hopes that the long-stalled peace talks were being resuscitated.

In a message released ahead of next week's Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adham, &nbsp;Akhundzada said, "In spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate strenuously favours a political settlement in the country".

He added, "Every opportunity for the establishment of an Islamic system, peace and security that presents itself will be made use of by the Islamic Emirate," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-taliban-says-it-doesnt-have-ties-with-pak-based-terror-groups-like-let-jem-398814">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive:&nbsp;Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like&nbsp;LeT,&nbsp;JeM&nbsp;</a>

The two sides were due to talk again on Sunday.

The Taliban leader said his group remained committed to forging a solution to end the war but slammed "the opposition parties" for "wasting time".

"Our message remains that instead of relying on foreigners, let us resolve our issues among ourselves and rescue our homeland from the prevailing crisis," he added.

Taliban has capitalised on the last stages of the withdrawal of US and other foreign troops from Afghanistan to launch a series of lightning offensives. The group is now believed to control roughly half of the nation's 400 districts. Also, it is controlling several important border crossings, and have laid siege to a string of vital provincial capitals.&nbsp;

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Sunday said that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan. The announcement comes after the representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents sat down for a new round of talks in Doha over the weekend, stirring hopes that the long-stalled peace talks were being resuscitated.

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Sunday said that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan. The announcement comes after the representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents sat down for a new round of talks in Doha over the weekend, stirring hopes that the long-stalled peace talks were being resuscitated. In a message released ahead of next week's Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adham, Akhundzada said, "In spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate strenuously favours a political settlement in the country". He added, "Every opportunity for the establishment of an Islamic system, peace and security that presents itself will be made use of by the Islamic Emirate," he added. Also read | Exclusive: Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like LeT, JeM The two sides were due to talk again on Sunday. The Taliban leader said his group remained committed to forging a solution to end the war but slammed "the opposition parties" for "wasting time". "Our message remains that instead of relying on foreigners, let us resolve our issues among ourselves and rescue our homeland from the prevailing crisis," he added. Taliban has capitalised on the last stages of the withdrawal of US and other foreign troops from Afghanistan to launch a series of lightning offensives. The group is now believed to control roughly half of the nation's 400 districts. Also, it is controlling several important border crossings, and have laid siege to a string of vital provincial capitals.

Taliban leader 'favours political settlement' to Afghan conflict

Taliban has said that it has sent a&nbsp;'message'&nbsp;to international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that the soil of Afghanistan will not be used against&nbsp;'any other country'.&nbsp; Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Taliban's&nbsp;spokesman for International Media Suhail Shaheen has said that they&nbsp;'don’t have any ties with'&nbsp;the&nbsp;two&nbsp;Pakistan-based terror groups.&nbsp;

Last week, Afghan President Ghani said intelligence estimates indicate the influx of over&nbsp;10,000&nbsp;Jihadi fighters from Pakistan and other places in the past month. This even as the Taliban is making rapid territorial gains.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On protection of major infrastructure projects, Shaheen said that the group has a policy of protecting&nbsp;'national projects like dams'. India has constructed major infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan Friendship dam in western Herat province.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Are Taliban and India talking?&nbsp;Having some kind of engagement at any level. Any back-channel communication between the&nbsp;two, if yes, how?&nbsp;

Suhail Shaheen: I can’t confirm reports about the Indian delegation meeting with IEA seniors. It has not happened.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Has Taliban cut ties with UN listed terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)?&nbsp;

Suhail Shaheen: We have clearly sent a message to all that we are not allowing anyone to use the soil of Afghanistan against any other country. We don’t have any ties with them. About India, it is essential for them to remain impartial in the Afghan issue and not to support a moribund regime that is killing its own people day and night by drones, airplanes&nbsp;strikes, and weapons received from foreign countries.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India's development projects, capacity building projects. Can you assure them they will be protected? Recently,&nbsp;16 security personnel were killed in a Taliban attack near the Salma dam in Herat?&nbsp;

Suhail Shaheen: Protection of national projects like dams is an IEA or Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan policy. We have announced this policy more than once. However, Indian military hardware assistance&nbsp;to&nbsp;Kabul,&nbsp;which ultimately end&nbsp;up in&nbsp;killing innocent Afghan people,&nbsp;is hostility&nbsp;towards&nbsp;the Afghan people. This&nbsp;is bad for&nbsp;India’s image in the eyes of the Afghan people and&nbsp;makes&nbsp;a hostile perception. It is for them to review their position.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: India has been saying gains of the last 20 years, like women's rights, minority rights, rights of Hindus, Sikhs should not be impacted? How do you see that, plus, will the rights of minorities be protected? or will they have to flee home to take refuge in India?&nbsp;A large number have already come to India.&nbsp;

Suhail Shaheen: We are committed to the rights of minorities in Afghanistan and they have equal rights like other Afghans. Similarly, we admit all basic rights of women including access to education and work in the light of our Islamic rules. Moreover, there is no security issue for any Afghan citizen intending to lead a normal life in the country.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp; How&nbsp;do you see the current situation in Afghanistan with violence being increased by Taliban fighters? Do you plan to create an Islamic emirate in the country?&nbsp;

Suhail Shaheen: Talks are underway in Doha currently. We hope to reach a peaceful solution through talks and form an Afghan inclusive Islamic government where all Afghans&nbsp;can&nbsp;participate.&nbsp;

Taliban has said that it has sent a 'message' to international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that the soil of Afghanistan will not be used against 'any other country'.

Taliban has said that it has sent a 'message' to international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that the soil of Afghanistan will not be used against 'any other country'. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Taliban's spokesman for International Media Suhail Shaheen has said that they 'don’t have any ties with' the two Pakistan-based terror groups. Last week, Afghan President Ghani said intelligence estimates indicate the influx of over 10,000 Jihadi fighters from Pakistan and other places in the past month. This even as the Taliban is making rapid territorial gains. On protection of major infrastructure projects, Shaheen said that the group has a policy of protecting 'national projects like dams'. India has constructed major infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan Friendship dam in western Herat province. Sidhant Sibal: Are Taliban and India talking? Having some kind of engagement at any level. Any back-channel communication between the two, if yes, how? Suhail Shaheen: I can’t confirm reports about the Indian delegation meeting with IEA seniors. It has not happened. Sidhant Sibal: Has Taliban cut ties with UN listed terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)? Suhail Shaheen: We have clearly sent a message to all that we are not allowing anyone to use the soil of Afghanistan against any other country. We don’t have any ties with them. About India, it is essential for them to remain impartial in the Afghan issue and not to support a moribund regime that is killing its own people day and night by drones, airplanes strikes, and weapons received from foreign countries. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India's development projects, capacity building projects. Can you assure them they will be protected? Recently, 16 security personnel were killed in a Taliban attack near the Salma dam in Herat? Suhail Shaheen: Protection of national projects like dams is an IEA or Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan policy. We have announced this policy more than once. However, Indian military hardware assistance to Kabul, which ultimately end up in killing innocent Afghan people, is hostility towards the Afghan people. This is bad for India’s image in the eyes of the Afghan people and makes a hostile perception. It is for them to review their position. Sidhant Sibal: India has been saying gains of the last 20 years, like women's rights, minority rights, rights of Hindus, Sikhs should not be impacted? How do you see that, plus, will the rights of minorities be protected? or will they have to flee home to take refuge in India? A large number have already come to India. Suhail Shaheen: We are committed to the rights of minorities in Afghanistan and they have equal rights like other Afghans. Similarly, we admit all basic rights of women including access to education and work in the light of our Islamic rules. Moreover, there is no security issue for any Afghan citizen intending to lead a normal life in the country. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the current situation in Afghanistan with violence being increased by Taliban fighters? Do you plan to create an Islamic emirate in the country? Suhail Shaheen: Talks are underway in Doha currently. We hope to reach a peaceful solution through talks and form an Afghan inclusive Islamic government where all Afghans can participate.

Exclusive: Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like LeT, JeM 

Afghan politicians met Taliban representatives in Qatar on Saturday (July 17). Both sides called for peace even as fighting went on in Afghanistan between Taliban and Afghan government. As US-led international forces began their withdrawal May onwards, Taliban has been aggressively launching offensives, taking districts and border crossing and encircling provincial capitals.

In Doha, negotiators have been meeting since September but they have failed to make sizeable progress. Foreign troops are to exit completely from Afghanistan by September 11.&nbsp;

In southern Kandahar, Taliban has seized Spin Boldak, an area that borders Pakistan. However, the Afghan government claimed that it had regained control of the border crossing.

Reuters journalist Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday (July 16) while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in the area.

Officials on the Pakistan side of the border said the crossing had opened on Saturday, allowing hundreds of Afghans stranded in Pakistan during the fighting to return.

More than 2,000 people were displaced in Kandahar this month, according to the United Nations' humanitarian agency, and Kandahar's provincial governor on Friday evening declared a curfew in Kandahar city at night due to the fighting.

The U.N. refugee agency estimates 270,000 Afghans have been displaced inside the country since January, bringing the number of people forced from their homes to more than 3.5 million.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghan politicians met Taliban representatives in Qatar on Saturday (July 17). Both sides called for peace even as fighting went on in Afghanistan between Taliban and Afghan government.

Afghan politicians met Taliban representatives in Qatar on Saturday (July 17). Both sides called for peace even as fighting went on in Afghanistan between Taliban and Afghan government. As US-led international forces began their withdrawal May onwards, Taliban has been aggressively launching offensives, taking districts and border crossing and encircling provincial capitals. In Doha, negotiators have been meeting since September but they have failed to make sizeable progress. Foreign troops are to exit completely from Afghanistan by September 11. In southern Kandahar, Taliban has seized Spin Boldak, an area that borders Pakistan. However, the Afghan government claimed that it had regained control of the border crossing. Reuters journalist Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday (July 16) while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in the area. Officials on the Pakistan side of the border said the crossing had opened on Saturday, allowing hundreds of Afghans stranded in Pakistan during the fighting to return. More than 2,000 people were displaced in Kandahar this month, according to the United Nations' humanitarian agency, and Kandahar's provincial governor on Friday evening declared a curfew in Kandahar city at night due to the fighting. The U.N. refugee agency estimates 270,000 Afghans have been displaced inside the country since January, bringing the number of people forced from their homes to more than 3.5 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan politicians, Taliban meet in Doha

Expressing regret over the&nbsp;38-year-old&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;journalist’s death in Kandahar,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taliban’s spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“We are not aware during&nbsp;whose&nbsp;firing the journalist was killed. We do not know how he died."&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Any journalist entering the war zone should inform us. We will take proper care of that particular individual," the Taliban’s spokesperson told&nbsp;CNN-News18 on Friday.&nbsp;

Pulitzer Prize-winning&nbsp;photojournalist&nbsp;Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday&nbsp;during clashes between&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;fighters and&nbsp;Afghanistan’s&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;near a border crossing with Pakistan, Reuters cited an Afghan commander as saying.&nbsp;

“We are sorry for Indian journalist Danish Siddiqui’s death. We regret that journalists are entering war zone without an intimation to us," Mujahid added.&nbsp;

The Afghan Ambassador to India, Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay, confirmed the news of his death on Friday.&nbsp;

The photojournalist was killed in a Taliban strike when he was on a reporting trip along with Afghan security personnel.&nbsp;

"Deeply disturbed by the sad news of the killing of a friend, Danish&nbsp;Seddiqi&nbsp;in Kandahar last night. The Indian Journalist &amp; winner of Pulitzer Prize was embedded with Afghan security forces. I met him two weeks ago before his departure to Kabul. Condolences to his family &amp; Reuters, " tweeted Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay.&nbsp;

In 2018, Siddiqui and his colleague Adnan Abidi became the first Indians to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for their coverage of the Rohingya refugee crisis.&nbsp;

Siddiqui had been regularly posting photographs from Afghanistan on social media as the Taliban is rapidly gaining territory at a time when the US and its allies are retreating.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On July 13, he last posted a Twitter thread with photos reporting what he was seeing there.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Expressing regret over the 38-year-old Reuters journalist’s death in Kandahar, the Taliban’s spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said, “We are not aware during whose firing the journalist was killed.

Expressing regret over the 38-year-old Reuters journalist’s death in Kandahar, the Taliban’s spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said, “We are not aware during whose firing the journalist was killed. We do not know how he died." “Any journalist entering the war zone should inform us. We will take proper care of that particular individual," the Taliban’s spokesperson told CNN-News18 on Friday. Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday during clashes between Taliban fighters and Afghanistan’s security forces near a border crossing with Pakistan, Reuters cited an Afghan commander as saying. “We are sorry for Indian journalist Danish Siddiqui’s death. We regret that journalists are entering war zone without an intimation to us," Mujahid added. The Afghan Ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, confirmed the news of his death on Friday. The photojournalist was killed in a Taliban strike when he was on a reporting trip along with Afghan security personnel. "Deeply disturbed by the sad news of the killing of a friend, Danish Seddiqi in Kandahar last night. The Indian Journalist & winner of Pulitzer Prize was embedded with Afghan security forces. I met him two weeks ago before his departure to Kabul. Condolences to his family & Reuters, " tweeted Farid Mamundzay. In 2018, Siddiqui and his colleague Adnan Abidi became the first Indians to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for their coverage of the Rohingya refugee crisis. Siddiqui had been regularly posting photographs from Afghanistan on social media as the Taliban is rapidly gaining territory at a time when the US and its allies are retreating. On July 13, he last posted a Twitter thread with photos reporting what he was seeing there. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban deny role in Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui’s death: Report 

Pakistan on Saturday allowed "up to 4,000 Afghans" into Afghanistan through its border. The strategic town across the border in Afghanistan is held by Taliban. AFP quoted a border official as saying that the move was taken on "humanitarian grounds".

Pakistan partially opened its southern crossing on Saturday. Thousands of Afghans were left stranded in the Pakistani town of Chaman after militants captured Spin Boldak from Kabul's forces on Wednesday.

"We have opened the Chaman border... allowing crowds of up to 4,000 Afghans including women and children to cross over to Afghanistan to celebrate Eid al-Adha with their families, purely on humanitarian grounds," a border official, who did not want to be named, told AFP.

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People would be allowed to cross until the evening, with the possibility the border would open again tomorrow, the official added.

Muhammad Tayyab, a local paramilitary official, said the decision was taken because of "relative calm on the other side", but said the crossing would remain closed to trade.

An AFP photographer said the gates were rushed by families as soon as they opened.

Qudratullah, 30, who lives in neighbouring Kandahar province in Afghanistan was returning after taking his father to Karachi for a heart bypass three months ago.

"I have to come back (to Pakistan) for a routine check-up of my father, but let's see if I am able to come back or not," he said.&nbsp;

Muhammad Khan, 50, who works as a labourer in Quetta, said he had been waiting at the border trying to reach Afghanistan for the Muslim holiday Eid.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/taliban-denies-role-in-indian-photojournalist-danish-siddiquis-death-report-398624">Taliban denies role in Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui’s death: Report&nbsp;</a>

"I will definitely try to come back after Eid because there is unemployment in Afghanistan and I will not be able to get any job there," he said.

Afghan forces on Friday launched an operation to try and take back control of Spin Boldak.

Following fierce skirmishes, dozens of wounded Taliban fighters were brought across the border and were being treated at a Pakistan hospital, an AFP correspondent at the scene reported.

On Saturday, the Taliban's white flags could still be seen flying over the crossing.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan on Saturday allowed "up to 4,000 Afghans" into Afghanistan through its border. The strategic town across the border in Afghanistan is held by Taliban. AFP quoted a border official as saying that the move was taken on "humanitarian grounds".

Pakistan on Saturday allowed "up to 4,000 Afghans" into Afghanistan through its border. The strategic town across the border in Afghanistan is held by Taliban. AFP quoted a border official as saying that the move was taken on "humanitarian grounds". Pakistan partially opened its southern crossing on Saturday. Thousands of Afghans were left stranded in the Pakistani town of Chaman after militants captured Spin Boldak from Kabul's forces on Wednesday. "We have opened the Chaman border... allowing crowds of up to 4,000 Afghans including women and children to cross over to Afghanistan to celebrate Eid al-Adha with their families, purely on humanitarian grounds," a border official, who did not want to be named, told AFP. × People would be allowed to cross until the evening, with the possibility the border would open again tomorrow, the official added. Muhammad Tayyab, a local paramilitary official, said the decision was taken because of "relative calm on the other side", but said the crossing would remain closed to trade. An AFP photographer said the gates were rushed by families as soon as they opened. Qudratullah, 30, who lives in neighbouring Kandahar province in Afghanistan was returning after taking his father to Karachi for a heart bypass three months ago. "I have to come back (to Pakistan) for a routine check-up of my father, but let's see if I am able to come back or not," he said. Muhammad Khan, 50, who works as a labourer in Quetta, said he had been waiting at the border trying to reach Afghanistan for the Muslim holiday Eid. Also Read: Taliban denies role in Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui’s death: Report "I will definitely try to come back after Eid because there is unemployment in Afghanistan and I will not be able to get any job there," he said. Afghan forces on Friday launched an operation to try and take back control of Spin Boldak. Following fierce skirmishes, dozens of wounded Taliban fighters were brought across the border and were being treated at a Pakistan hospital, an AFP correspondent at the scene reported. On Saturday, the Taliban's white flags could still be seen flying over the crossing. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan allows thousands to cross into Afghanistan through border

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