"War is the only alternative to intra-Afghan deal," says US special envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, while attending the regional connectivity conference in Tashkent. He also said that the recent gains by the Taliban were unexpected.

War is the only alternative to intra-Afghan deal, says US special envoy to Afghanistan

The Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian photojournalist, Danish Siddiqui was killed in a Taliban strike when he was on a reporting trip along with Afghan security personnel.

Kandahar: India condemns killing of journalist Danish Siddiqui at UNSC

A 10-member delegation of Afghan politicians to visit Doha to hold talks with Taliban, amid escalating violence in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Afghan peace conference in Islamabad has been delayed over support to the Taliban.

Intra-Afghan talks in Doha: New quad group for Afghan peace process

Government officials in a western Afghan province said that they had negotiated "an indefinite ceasefire" with the Taliban to prevent further attacks on the capital of the province. A spokesman for the Taliban however denied any ceasefire agreement and said that they have left the city to avoid civilian casualties.

Officials, Taliban strike ceasefire deal in western Afghan province

Russia on Friday said that it wanted to help kickstart peace talks between warring sides in Afghanistan. This has come after fierce clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban near Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Talibam seized the border area on Wednesday. It is the second-largest crossing on Pakistan border. This is one of the most important objectives the Taliban have achieved

"I would like to confirm Russia's interest in facilitating dialogue between Afghanistan's warring sides with the aim of ending the years-long war and establishing Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent and neutral state," Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. He was speaking at a conference with senior Central Asian officials in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

Rapid US exit from Afghanistan can be a security headache for Russia. It fears that spiralling fighting in Afghanistan may push refugees into its Central Asian backyard and destabilise its southern defensive flank.

Russian officials have previously called on all sides of the Afghanistan conflict to show restraint and said that Russia and the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military bloc will act decisively to prevent aggression on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan if needed.

Russia on Wednesday urged Afghan officials to launch proper negotiations with the Taliban about the country's future before it was too late.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Friday said that it wanted to help kickstart peace talks between warring sides in Afghanistan. This has come after fierce clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban near Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Russia on Friday said that it wanted to help kickstart peace talks between warring sides in Afghanistan. This has come after fierce clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban near Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Talibam seized the border area on Wednesday. It is the second-largest crossing on Pakistan border. This is one of the most important objectives the Taliban have achieved "I would like to confirm Russia's interest in facilitating dialogue between Afghanistan's warring sides with the aim of ending the years-long war and establishing Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent and neutral state," Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. He was speaking at a conference with senior Central Asian officials in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Rapid US exit from Afghanistan can be a security headache for Russia. It fears that spiralling fighting in Afghanistan may push refugees into its Central Asian backyard and destabilise its southern defensive flank. Russian officials have previously called on all sides of the Afghanistan conflict to show restraint and said that Russia and the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military bloc will act decisively to prevent aggression on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan if needed. Russia on Wednesday urged Afghan officials to launch proper negotiations with the Taliban about the country's future before it was too late. (With inputs from agencies)

Want to help start Afghan peace talks: Russia

The Taliban has issued a letter asking parents to "gift their daughters" as wives to its terrorists. Women have been told not to leave their homes alone. Men are being asked to grow their beards.

Gravitas: Taliban wants girls above 15 to be "gifted to fighters as wives"

Afghanistan’s First Vice President Amrullah Saleh on Thursday evening alleged that Pakistani forces were supporting the Afghan Taliban after they took control of the Spin Boldak border crossing

Pakistan rejects Afghanistan's claim of providing 'air support' to Taliban

The Taliban has offered a three-month ceasefire in exchange for releasing 7,000 jailed fighters. Is this a ploy to consolidate their gains? Palki Sharma tells you why a terrorist talking peace is never genuine.

Gravitas: Taliban offers ceasefire: A ploy to regroup?

Afghan forces conducted airstrikes in the Shuhada district of Badakhshan province against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-says-it-has-retaken-pakistan-border-crossing-from-taliban-398244">Taliban</a> militants, the country's defence ministry said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pulitzer-winning-indian-photojournalist-danish-siddiqui-killed-in-afghanistans-kandahar-province-398424">Also Read:&nbsp;Pulitzer-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui killed in Kandahar&nbsp;</a>

The Afghan government said at least 20&nbsp;Taliban militants were killed and several wounded including a commander. The latest assault by Afghan troops comes as the Taliban continues to engage in heavy fighting in several areas in the north and west.

Reports said the Taliban had struck a ceasefire deal with the government in the western province, however, it could not be confirmed.

Watch:

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Taliban had said earlier it had taken control of Spin Boldak district in the south which is a major border crossing with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-vice-president-accuses-pak-air-force-of-trying-to-help-taliban-398410">Pakistan</a>, however, Afghan troops said they had taken back control of the area.

The militant group has captured key border crossing in Herat, Farah and Kunduz provinces with Afghan troops under pressure to retain control. Taliban had earlier claimed it had seized an important border town called Wesh in Kandahar and were in control of (Spin) Boldak and Chaman and Kandahar customs.

The militant group has said it has also captured border crossing along Turkmenistan and Iran.

The fighting in the past month intensified between Afghan troops and the militant group as US President Joe Biden announced that&nbsp;last US troops will pull out of the region by August 31.

On Wednesday, Tajikistan authorities said hundreds of refugees had poured into the country as the Taliban continued their offensive in the area.

Taliban had earlier seized Afghanistan's main Shir Khan Bandar border crossing with Tajikistan as 1,000 Afghan troops crossed over to Tajikistan.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Afghan forces conducted airstrikes in the Shuhada district of Badakhshan province against Taliban militants, the country's defence ministry said on Friday. Also Read: Pulitzer-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui killed in Kandahar The Afghan government said at least 20 Taliban militants were killed and several wounded including a commander.

Afghan forces conducted airstrikes in the Shuhada district of Badakhshan province against Taliban militants, the country's defence ministry said on Friday. Also Read: Pulitzer-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui killed in Kandahar The Afghan government said at least 20 Taliban militants were killed and several wounded including a commander. The latest assault by Afghan troops comes as the Taliban continues to engage in heavy fighting in several areas in the north and west. Reports said the Taliban had struck a ceasefire deal with the government in the western province, however, it could not be confirmed. Watch: Taliban had said earlier it had taken control of Spin Boldak district in the south which is a major border crossing with Pakistan, however, Afghan troops said they had taken back control of the area. The militant group has captured key border crossing in Herat, Farah and Kunduz provinces with Afghan troops under pressure to retain control. Taliban had earlier claimed it had seized an important border town called Wesh in Kandahar and were in control of (Spin) Boldak and Chaman and Kandahar customs. The militant group has said it has also captured border crossing along Turkmenistan and Iran. The fighting in the past month intensified between Afghan troops and the militant group as US President Joe Biden announced that last US troops will pull out of the region by August 31. On Wednesday, Tajikistan authorities said hundreds of refugees had poured into the country as the Taliban continued their offensive in the area. Taliban had earlier seized Afghanistan's main Shir Khan Bandar border crossing with Tajikistan as 1,000 Afghan troops crossed over to Tajikistan. (With inputs from Agencies)

Afghan forces conduct airstrikes against Taliban; several militants killed

Powerful photos by Danish Siddiqui, Indian journalist killed in Afghanistan

For Beijing, a stable and cooperative administration in Kabul would pave the way to an expansion of its Belt and Road Initiative into Afghanistan and through the Central Asian republics.

Will China gain from Taliban-led Afghanistan?

Afghanistan's Defence Ministry has said that airstrikes in the Badakhshan province have killed at least 20 Taliban insurgence. This comes as the Taliban has been gaining ground across the country, taking control of numerous districts and border crossings.

Afghan defence: 20 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrikes in Badakhshan province

Pakistan rejected allegations made by Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh regarding Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 'providing close air support to Taliban' in certain areas of the country. Pakistan has also closed down its key border crossing with Afghanistan following reports of the Taliban taking control of an important border crossing point Spin Boldak.

Pakistan denies Afghan VP's allegations of 'providing air support' to Taliban

Afghan vice president Amrullah Saleh on Thursday accused the Pakistan Air Force of warning Afghan security forces that it would retaliate against any move to remove the Taliban fighters in the strategic border region of Spin Boldak.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, he wrote, "Breaking: Pakistan air force has issued an official warning to the Afghan Army and Air Force that any move to dislodge the Taliban from Spin Boldak area will be faced and repelled by the Pakistan Air Force. Pak air force is now providing close air support to Taliban in certain areas".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-says-it-has-retaken-pakistan-border-crossing-from-taliban-398244">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan government says it has retaken Pakistan border crossing from Taliban</a>

In another tweet, he wrote that he was “ready to share evidence” about the warning from the Pakistani military to the Afghan side. He added that Afghan aircraft “as far as 10 kilometres from Spin Boldak R warned 2 back off or face air to air missiles”. 
There was no immediate response to the allegation from the Pakistani side.

Meanwhile, a senior Afghan government official said that the government forces had retaken control of a major border crossing with Pakistan from the Taliban. However, Taliban dismissed the claim saying that they still control the border crossing.

Taliban fighters captured the Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing on Wednesday, the second most important crossing on the border with Pakistan and a major source of revenue for the Western-backed government in Kabul.

But Afghan forces retook the area's main market, the customs department and other government installations in the border town a few hours later on Wednesday, as per the government officials in Kandahar province.

Government forces, who had initially fallen back to minimise civilian and security personnel losses, were conducting clearing operations, the official said.

Afghan vice president Amrullah Saleh on Thursday accused the Pakistan Air Force of warning Afghan security forces that it would retaliate against any move to remove the Taliban fighters in the strategic border region of Spin Boldak.

Afghan vice president Amrullah Saleh on Thursday accused the Pakistan Air Force of warning Afghan security forces that it would retaliate against any move to remove the Taliban fighters in the strategic border region of Spin Boldak. Taking to his official Twitter handle, he wrote, "Breaking: Pakistan air force has issued an official warning to the Afghan Army and Air Force that any move to dislodge the Taliban from Spin Boldak area will be faced and repelled by the Pakistan Air Force. Pak air force is now providing close air support to Taliban in certain areas". Also read | Afghan government says it has retaken Pakistan border crossing from Taliban In another tweet, he wrote that he was “ready to share evidence” about the warning from the Pakistani military to the Afghan side. He added that Afghan aircraft “as far as 10 kilometres from Spin Boldak R warned 2 back off or face air to air missiles”. There was no immediate response to the allegation from the Pakistani side. Meanwhile, a senior Afghan government official said that the government forces had retaken control of a major border crossing with Pakistan from the Taliban. However, Taliban dismissed the claim saying that they still control the border crossing. Taliban fighters captured the Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing on Wednesday, the second most important crossing on the border with Pakistan and a major source of revenue for the Western-backed government in Kabul. But Afghan forces retook the area's main market, the customs department and other government installations in the border town a few hours later on Wednesday, as per the government officials in Kandahar province. Government forces, who had initially fallen back to minimise civilian and security personnel losses, were conducting clearing operations, the official said.

Afghan vice president accuses Pak Air Force of trying to help Taliban

Senior Afghan leaders will be arriving in Doha for talks with the Taliban on Friday (16 June) as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations. The renewed push to reach a peace deal comes as the United States winds down its military presence in Afghanistan.

Senior Afghan leaders to meet in Doha for talks with Taliban

Uzbekistan is hosting a two-day high-level meeting in the capital city of Tashkent. Around 250 participants and 40 delegates from different countries will assemble for a conference titled 'The International Conference on Central and South Asia'.

Afghanistan: India's foreign minister meets Ashraf Ghani

Speaking to WION, Afghanistan's Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay said that Kabul could seek military aid from India if there is no peaceful settlement to the conflict.

Gravitas: Taliban's Offensive: Afghanistan may seek military aid from India

A senior Afghan government official said that the government forces had retaken control of a major border crossing with Pakistan from Taliban. However, Taliban dismissed the claim saying that they still control the border crossing.

Taliban fighters captured the Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing on Wednesday, the second most important crossing on the border with Pakistan and a major source of revenue for the Western-backed government in Kabul.

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But Afghan forces retook the area's main market, the customs department and other government installations in the border town a few hours later on Wednesday, as per the government officials in Kandahar province.

Government forces, who had initially fallen back to minimise civilian and security personnel losses, were conducting clearing operations, the official said.

However, the official has warned that threat remained high since Taliban fighter outnumber government forces in the area.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his forces still held the border post.

"It is merely propaganda and a baseless claim by the Kabul administration," he told Reuters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-offer-three-month-ceasefire-in-exchange-of-prisoner-release-398231">Taliban offer three-month ceasefire in exchange of prisoner release</a>

Pakistan, worried about a spillover of fighting, had shut its side of the border at the second busiest border crossing on the main commercial artery between the second Afghan city of Kandahar and Pakistani ports.

Clashes between the Taliban and government forces have intensified as U.S.-led international forces have been withdrawing and the Taliban have captured several districts and other border crossings in the north and west.

(With inputs from agencies)

A senior Afghan government official said that the government forces had retaken control of a major border crossing with Pakistan from Taliban. However, Taliban dismissed the claim saying that they still control the border crossing.

A senior Afghan government official said that the government forces had retaken control of a major border crossing with Pakistan from Taliban. However, Taliban dismissed the claim saying that they still control the border crossing. Taliban fighters captured the Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing on Wednesday, the second most important crossing on the border with Pakistan and a major source of revenue for the Western-backed government in Kabul. × But Afghan forces retook the area's main market, the customs department and other government installations in the border town a few hours later on Wednesday, as per the government officials in Kandahar province. Government forces, who had initially fallen back to minimise civilian and security personnel losses, were conducting clearing operations, the official said. However, the official has warned that threat remained high since Taliban fighter outnumber government forces in the area. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his forces still held the border post. "It is merely propaganda and a baseless claim by the Kabul administration," he told Reuters. Also Read | Taliban offer three-month ceasefire in exchange of prisoner release Pakistan, worried about a spillover of fighting, had shut its side of the border at the second busiest border crossing on the main commercial artery between the second Afghan city of Kandahar and Pakistani ports. Clashes between the Taliban and government forces have intensified as U.S.-led international forces have been withdrawing and the Taliban have captured several districts and other border crossings in the north and west. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan government says it has retaken Pakistan border crossing from Taliban

As the Taliban continues its offensive against Afghanistan government, the militant group has offered a three-month ceasefire in exchange of release of 7000 insurgent prisoners. A negotiator of Afghan governemnt said this on Thursday.

"It is a big demand," said Nader Nadery, a key member of the government team involved in peace talks with the Taliban, adding the insurgents also demanded the removal of their leaders' names from a United Nations blacklist.

It was not immediately clear how the government would react to the ceasefire offer.

The offer has come as United States increased the pace of troop withdrawal that is likely to be finished by August 31.

Nadery's revelation came as Pakistan security forces used tear gas Thursday to disperse hundreds of people who tried to force their way across the border from Chaman to Spin Boldak in Afghanistan.

The border was closed Wednesday by Pakistan officials after the Taliban seized Spin Boldak and raised insurgent flags above the town.

"An unruly mob of about 400 people tried to cross the gate forcefully. They threw stones, which forced us to use tear gas," said a security official on the Pakistan side.

He said around 1,500 people had gathered at the border Wednesday waiting to cross.

Jumadad Khan, a senior government official in Chaman, said the situation was now "under control".

An Afghan Taliban source told AFP that hundreds of people had also gathered on the Afghan side, hoping to travel in the other direction.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Taliban continues its offensive against Afghanistan government, the militant group has offered a three-month ceasefire in exchange of release of 7000 insurgent prisoners.

As the Taliban continues its offensive against Afghanistan government, the militant group has offered a three-month ceasefire in exchange of release of 7000 insurgent prisoners. A negotiator of Afghan governemnt said this on Thursday. "It is a big demand," said Nader Nadery, a key member of the government team involved in peace talks with the Taliban, adding the insurgents also demanded the removal of their leaders' names from a United Nations blacklist. It was not immediately clear how the government would react to the ceasefire offer. The offer has come as United States increased the pace of troop withdrawal that is likely to be finished by August 31. Nadery's revelation came as Pakistan security forces used tear gas Thursday to disperse hundreds of people who tried to force their way across the border from Chaman to Spin Boldak in Afghanistan. The border was closed Wednesday by Pakistan officials after the Taliban seized Spin Boldak and raised insurgent flags above the town. "An unruly mob of about 400 people tried to cross the gate forcefully. They threw stones, which forced us to use tear gas," said a security official on the Pakistan side. He said around 1,500 people had gathered at the border Wednesday waiting to cross. Jumadad Khan, a senior government official in Chaman, said the situation was now "under control". An Afghan Taliban source told AFP that hundreds of people had also gathered on the Afghan side, hoping to travel in the other direction. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban offer three-month ceasefire in exchange of prisoner release

An Afghan government negotiator said that the Taliban has offered a three-month ceasefire in exchange for the release of 7,000 insurgent prisoners. He also added that the insurgents have also demanded the removal of the Taliban's leaders from a United Nations blacklist.

Afghanistan: Taliban offer three-month ceasefire in return for release of 7,000 insurgents

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday. 
 
"Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it," he was quoted as saying in the newspaper. 
 
However, Wallace warned that Britain will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-take-a-stand-against-them-taliban-warns-turkey-over-involvement-in-kabul-airport-397830">Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport</a>

The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, have been fighting for 20 years to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. 
 
Emboldened by the departure of foreign forces by a September target, the Sunni Muslim insurgent group is making a fresh push to surround cities and gain territory. 
 
In his interview with the newspaper, Wallace recognised that the prospect of the UK working with the Taliban would be controversial. 
 
"What (the Taliban) desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support (for) nation building, and you don't do that with a terrorist balaclava on," he said. 
 
"You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time", he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kills-22-afghan-commandos-after-they-try-to-surrender-report-397798">Taliban kills 22 Afghan commandos after they try to surrender: Report&nbsp;</a>

Wallace appealed for the Taliban and Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, to work together to bring stability to the country after decades of conflict. 
 
Senior Afghan leaders will fly to Doha for talks with the Taliban this week, as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations, even warning Turkey against plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul's main airport. 
 
Taliban officials said last week the group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan.

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday.

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday. "Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it," he was quoted as saying in the newspaper. However, Wallace warned that Britain will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'. Also Read | Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, have been fighting for 20 years to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. Emboldened by the departure of foreign forces by a September target, the Sunni Muslim insurgent group is making a fresh push to surround cities and gain territory. In his interview with the newspaper, Wallace recognised that the prospect of the UK working with the Taliban would be controversial. "What (the Taliban) desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support (for) nation building, and you don't do that with a terrorist balaclava on," he said. "You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time", he added. Also Read | Taliban kills 22 Afghan commandos after they try to surrender: Report Wallace appealed for the Taliban and Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, to work together to bring stability to the country after decades of conflict. Senior Afghan leaders will fly to Doha for talks with the Taliban this week, as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations, even warning Turkey against plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul's main airport. Taliban officials said last week the group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan.

British defence minister says UK will work with Taliban should they come to power: Report

First Vice President of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh has said that the Taliban are guided by special units of the Pakistani army. Saleh wrote on his Facebook page that from the organisational point of view, the Taliban are divided into three sections, the first of which is guided by Pakistan's special anti-terrorist cells.

Taliban are guided by Pakistan says Afghanistan's first Vice President Amrullah Saleh

Taliban has warned Turkey of severe "consequences" after Ankara offered to provide troops to guard the Kabul international airport. Taliban has said that the move will be a violation of its deal with the United States.

Taliban warn Of 'consequences' over Turkey's offer to run Kabul airport

Taliban fighters have executed 22 Afghan commandos in the town of Dawlat Abad in Faryab province as they surrendered after some clashes. Several videos have surfaced of the incident.

Taliban fighters execute 22 unarmed Afghan soldiers who surrendered

Without taking any names, Afghan envoy&nbsp;Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay&nbsp;has said&nbsp;'without the support of the countries in the region', the Taliban's&nbsp;'existence may have not been possible'. Pakistan's support for the Taliban has been well-known, and the envoy's comments come even as the group is making rapid territorial gains.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay&nbsp;called India&nbsp;'very critical'&nbsp;for&nbsp;his country&nbsp;even as he highlighted that the Indian mission's "services remain&nbsp;uninterrupted&nbsp;and as open and active&nbsp;as it should have been'&nbsp;in the country. India has&nbsp;shifted&nbsp;its diplomats from the southern city of Kandahar&nbsp;to Kabul&nbsp;as violence escalates.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;What is&nbsp;the security situation in your country?&nbsp;

Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay:&nbsp;There is an intense fight going on in several provinces, many districts as&nbsp;much as&nbsp;150. The attacks came as a surprise when the Taliban had attacked several of our districts at a time when we were busy with the withdrawal of the international forces. Sadly,&nbsp;we lost a number of districts. The past few days have been good in terms of recapturing, retaking some of those districts back. We have been able to recapture 10 plus districts in the past 3-4 days. There have been gains on their part as well, there have been gains or regains our part.&nbsp;We were not as prepared as we should have been, we were thinking the Taliban will give peace a chance. They would believe in a process that will put an end to the violence. Sadly,&nbsp;and contrary to what our beliefs were, they chose the path of the violence and continued to inflict harm and continue with the bloodshed of the innocents.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;How far are external forces, particularly,&nbsp;one of your&nbsp;neighbours,&nbsp;responsible for the current situation?&nbsp;

Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay:&nbsp;If you look at the number of Taliban supporters in terms of terrorist entities, terrorist groups that help them, you will be amazed to see 20 plus terrorist groups supporting the Taliban and of course,&nbsp;without the support of the countries in the region their existence may have not been possible. They would have not been in a position today if they were no support infrastructure. So yes, support infrastructure has been there to which we&nbsp;have been&nbsp;raising&nbsp;concerns&nbsp;time and&nbsp;again&nbsp;for the past 20 years.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Has India taken back its diplomats from Kandahar?&nbsp;

Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay:&nbsp;We were concerned about the safety and security of diplomats across our country and we respect the decision of the Indian government to temporarily suspend services in Kandahar and Herat. We support their decision&nbsp;and ensure&nbsp;security of the diplomatic mission of important countries. India is very&nbsp;important for&nbsp;us. We want their&nbsp;missions across the country&nbsp;as&nbsp;people want it but given the security realities in the country,&nbsp;we think it is in everyone's interest to suspend the services for time being. As things&nbsp;normalise&nbsp;in the future, we will see the reopening of the consulates. What is important is the services provided by the Indian mission in Afghanistan.&nbsp;These services remain uninterrupted and as open and active&nbsp;as it&nbsp;should have been.&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;patients seek medical treatment in India.&nbsp;They still&nbsp;go&nbsp;on a regular basis.&nbsp;Our Hindu and Sikh Afghan community&nbsp;also visit.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the services&nbsp;should&nbsp;remain uninterrupted. Yes, they may have not been serving a particular province, or particular region but the presence of Indian diplomatic consular and economic service and assistance is there that is what the government and people of Afghanistan want.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What next for Afghanistan? How do you see the situation panning out?&nbsp;

Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay:&nbsp;Sadly,&nbsp;we would be seeing&nbsp;more difficult days as things stand today, we don't see any reduction or cessation of violence on part of the Taliban, they have chosen a path that will continue to bleed our people. The next&nbsp;two&nbsp;months are very difficult months as the international forces would complete their full withdrawal. Ideally, we would want peace to be given a chance but that seems to be a distant reality at this stage.&nbsp;

Without taking any names, Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay has said 'without the support of the countries in the region', the Taliban's 'existence may have not been possible'.

Without taking any names, Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay has said 'without the support of the countries in the region', the Taliban's 'existence may have not been possible'. Pakistan's support for the Taliban has been well-known, and the envoy's comments come even as the group is making rapid territorial gains. Speaking to WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Farid Mamundzay called India 'very critical' for his country even as he highlighted that the Indian mission's "services remain uninterrupted and as open and active as it should have been' in the country. India has shifted its diplomats from the southern city of Kandahar to Kabul as violence escalates. Sidhant Sibal: What is the security situation in your country? Farid Mamundzay: There is an intense fight going on in several provinces, many districts as much as 150. The attacks came as a surprise when the Taliban had attacked several of our districts at a time when we were busy with the withdrawal of the international forces. Sadly, we lost a number of districts. The past few days have been good in terms of recapturing, retaking some of those districts back. We have been able to recapture 10 plus districts in the past 3-4 days. There have been gains on their part as well, there have been gains or regains our part. We were not as prepared as we should have been, we were thinking the Taliban will give peace a chance. They would believe in a process that will put an end to the violence. Sadly, and contrary to what our beliefs were, they chose the path of the violence and continued to inflict harm and continue with the bloodshed of the innocents. Sidhant Sibal: How far are external forces, particularly, one of your neighbours, responsible for the current situation? Farid Mamundzay: If you look at the number of Taliban supporters in terms of terrorist entities, terrorist groups that help them, you will be amazed to see 20 plus terrorist groups supporting the Taliban and of course, without the support of the countries in the region their existence may have not been possible. They would have not been in a position today if they were no support infrastructure. So yes, support infrastructure has been there to which we have been raising concerns time and again for the past 20 years. Sidhant Sibal: Has India taken back its diplomats from Kandahar? Farid Mamundzay: We were concerned about the safety and security of diplomats across our country and we respect the decision of the Indian government to temporarily suspend services in Kandahar and Herat. We support their decision and ensure security of the diplomatic mission of important countries. India is very important for us. We want their missions across the country as people want it but given the security realities in the country, we think it is in everyone's interest to suspend the services for time being. As things normalise in the future, we will see the reopening of the consulates. What is important is the services provided by the Indian mission in Afghanistan. These services remain uninterrupted and as open and active as it should have been. Afghan patients seek medical treatment in India. They still go on a regular basis. Our Hindu and Sikh Afghan community also visit. So, the services should remain uninterrupted. Yes, they may have not been serving a particular province, or particular region but the presence of Indian diplomatic consular and economic service and assistance is there that is what the government and people of Afghanistan want. Sidhant Sibal: What next for Afghanistan? How do you see the situation panning out? Farid Mamundzay: Sadly, we would be seeing more difficult days as things stand today, we don't see any reduction or cessation of violence on part of the Taliban, they have chosen a path that will continue to bleed our people. The next two months are very difficult months as the international forces would complete their full withdrawal. Ideally, we would want peace to be given a chance but that seems to be a distant reality at this stage.

Taliban's existence not possible without support of countries in the region, says Afghan envoy to India Farid 

Even as the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates as the Taliban makes territorial gains, India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam&nbsp;Jaishankar has said a seizure of power by violence cannot be legitimised.&nbsp;

Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-Afghanistan contact group meeting, Jaishankar&nbsp;said, "The challenge is to act seriously and sincerely on these beliefs. Because there are forces at work with a very different agenda."

"The world is against seizure of power by violence and force. It will not legitimise such actions" he added.

The situation in Afghanistan remains precarious. Earlier today, it emerged that the Taliban has captured the crucial Spin Boldak crossing with Pakistan. Fall of Spin Boldak is seen as symbolic in terms of the Taliban's gains.

Taliban officials said on Friday the Sunni Muslim insurgent group had taken control of 85 per cent&nbsp;of territory in Afghanistan, as the United States and others withdrew the bulk of their troops after 20 years of fighting.

Calling for&nbsp;"peace negotiations in earnest" as the "only answer", Jaishankar&nbsp;pointed to an "acceptable compromise that reflects Doha process, Moscow format and Istanbul process is essential".

He said, "future of Afghanistan cannot be its past" and a "whole new generation has different expectations" which "should not let them down".

In a few days' time, Chairman of the&nbsp;High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah and former Afghan president Hamid Karzai will be travelling to Doha, Qatar for talks with the Taliban. Previous rounds of Afghan government-Taliban talks, known as intra-Afghan talks, have been inconclusive.

At the meet in Dushanbe, which saw Afghanistan being represented by Afghan FM Hanif Atmar, India called for "independent, neutral, unified, peaceful, democratic and prosperous nation".

On Tuesday, Jaishankar and&nbsp;Afghan FM Atmar had held talks in which the latter lauds India's role in building regional consensus on Afghan peace process.

Even as the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates as the Taliban makes territorial gains, India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said a seizure of power by violence cannot be legitimised.

Even as the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates as the Taliban makes territorial gains, India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said a seizure of power by violence cannot be legitimised. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-Afghanistan contact group meeting, Jaishankar said, "The challenge is to act seriously and sincerely on these beliefs. Because there are forces at work with a very different agenda." "The world is against seizure of power by violence and force. It will not legitimise such actions" he added. The situation in Afghanistan remains precarious. Earlier today, it emerged that the Taliban has captured the crucial Spin Boldak crossing with Pakistan. Fall of Spin Boldak is seen as symbolic in terms of the Taliban's gains. Taliban officials said on Friday the Sunni Muslim insurgent group had taken control of 85 per cent of territory in Afghanistan, as the United States and others withdrew the bulk of their troops after 20 years of fighting. Calling for "peace negotiations in earnest" as the "only answer", Jaishankar pointed to an "acceptable compromise that reflects Doha process, Moscow format and Istanbul process is essential". He said, "future of Afghanistan cannot be its past" and a "whole new generation has different expectations" which "should not let them down". In a few days' time, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah and former Afghan president Hamid Karzai will be travelling to Doha, Qatar for talks with the Taliban. Previous rounds of Afghan government-Taliban talks, known as intra-Afghan talks, have been inconclusive. At the meet in Dushanbe, which saw Afghanistan being represented by Afghan FM Hanif Atmar, India called for "independent, neutral, unified, peaceful, democratic and prosperous nation". On Tuesday, Jaishankar and Afghan FM Atmar had held talks in which the latter lauds India's role in building regional consensus on Afghan peace process.

Seizure of power by violence can't be legitimised: India on worsening situation in Afghanistan

Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar has lauded&nbsp;India's "constructive&nbsp;role"&nbsp;in&nbsp;"strengthening regional consensus on the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process".

The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;minister and&nbsp;Indian External Affairs Minister Dr&nbsp;S Jaishankar held an&nbsp;in-person bilateral&nbsp;in&nbsp;Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers' meet.

"Minister Atmar underscored the constructive&nbsp;role&nbsp;of&nbsp;India&nbsp;in...the preservation of the achievements of the last two decades", an&nbsp;Afghan foreign ministry statement said. The country has seen women's rights, minority rights being granted, and&nbsp;increased liberty as compared to the Taliban era of the 1990s, which many countries have called to be preserved.

The meet comes amid&nbsp;increased violence&nbsp;in&nbsp;the country by the Taliban as American forces leave after two&nbsp;decades. While many districts have fallen&nbsp;into the hands of the Taliban, the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;forces are also giving tough resistance. &nbsp;

Referring to the escalation of the Taliban attacks&nbsp;in&nbsp;"collusion with foreign fighters and regional and&nbsp;international terrorist networks against civilians and the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;defense forces", Atmar said, "overcoming this common threat was of vital importance to regional security."

During the meet, many issues were discussed, such as&nbsp;India's cooperation with&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in&nbsp;various fields,&nbsp;including the joint fight against terrorism. The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;foreign minister also briefed about&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;President Ghani's visit to Washington DC.

The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;foreign minister also had a meeting with Pakistani FM SM Qureshi and the contrast was evident with the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;side asking Islamabad to cut funding for the Taliban.

Terming the "presence of foreign fighters and regional and&nbsp;international terrorist networks alongside the Taliban a major threat to the region",&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;FM emphasised "practical cooperation between regional countries, particularly Pakistan&nbsp;in&nbsp;closing shelters and ceasing funding sources of the Taliban."

Pakistan has been openly supporting the Taliban and its leaders have been meeting their cadres&nbsp;in&nbsp;the country. Quetta and Peshawar shuras are well-known&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;Taliban decision-making bodies named after Pakistani cities.

The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;FM also asked Pakistani FM to "encourage" the group to "resume meaningful talks and find a political solution to the success of the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process". Islamabad's&nbsp;influence over the Taliban is well known, something it has been flaunting as well with videos of Taliban delegation hugging the Pakistani foreign minister.

Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar has lauded India's "constructive role" in "strengthening regional consensus on the Afghan peace process". The Afghan minister and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held an in-person bilateral in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers' meet.

Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar has lauded India's "constructive role" in "strengthening regional consensus on the Afghan peace process". The Afghan minister and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held an in-person bilateral in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers' meet. "Minister Atmar underscored the constructive role of India in...the preservation of the achievements of the last two decades", an Afghan foreign ministry statement said. The country has seen women's rights, minority rights being granted, and increased liberty as compared to the Taliban era of the 1990s, which many countries have called to be preserved. The meet comes amid increased violence in the country by the Taliban as American forces leave after two decades. While many districts have fallen into the hands of the Taliban, the Afghan forces are also giving tough resistance. Referring to the escalation of the Taliban attacks in "collusion with foreign fighters and regional and international terrorist networks against civilians and the Afghan defense forces", Atmar said, "overcoming this common threat was of vital importance to regional security." During the meet, many issues were discussed, such as India's cooperation with Afghanistan in various fields, including the joint fight against terrorism. The Afghan foreign minister also briefed about Afghan President Ghani's visit to Washington DC. The Afghan foreign minister also had a meeting with Pakistani FM SM Qureshi and the contrast was evident with the Afghan side asking Islamabad to cut funding for the Taliban. Terming the "presence of foreign fighters and regional and international terrorist networks alongside the Taliban a major threat to the region", Afghan FM emphasised "practical cooperation between regional countries, particularly Pakistan in closing shelters and ceasing funding sources of the Taliban." Pakistan has been openly supporting the Taliban and its leaders have been meeting their cadres in the country. Quetta and Peshawar shuras are well-known Afghan Taliban decision-making bodies named after Pakistani cities. The Afghan FM also asked Pakistani FM to "encourage" the group to "resume meaningful talks and find a political solution to the success of the Afghan peace process". Islamabad's influence over the Taliban is well known, something it has been flaunting as well with videos of Taliban delegation hugging the Pakistani foreign minister.

Afghanistan lauds India's role in peace process

Taliban said on Wednesday claimed it had captured a key border crossing&nbsp;along the Pakistan frontier with US troops set to pull out&nbsp;completely in a few weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The checkpoint Spin Boldak was reportedly seized by the Taliban, however, the Afghan government said its security forces had repelled the attack.

"The Mujahideen have captured an important border town called Wesh in Kandahar," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-executes-22-afghan-commandos-397934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"With this, the important road between (Spin) Boldak and Chaman and Kandahar customs have come under Mujahideen control," it added.

Taliban had earlier captured areas in Herat, Farah and Kunduz provinces as it continues to make major headway in the country as US and NATO forces leave the country.

President Ashraf Ghani travelled to the northern province of Balkh on Tuesday to assess security and meet civilians.&nbsp;

Taliban had&nbsp;earlier taken control of&nbsp;checkpoints along Turkemenstein and Iran border areas&nbsp;including near Tajikistan as several Afghan soldiers poured into the country as the militant group made rapid inroads.

Taliban had earlier declared that it controls 85 per cent of territory in Afghanistan, however, it was&nbsp;dismissed by the government. Meanwhile, Russia's senior Afghanistan official Zamir Kabulov who is President Putin's special representative on Afghanistan asked the Afghan government to open proper negotiations with the Taliban.

A report in the British media said the UK will work with the Taliban if they become part of the government. The report quoted British defence minister Ben Wallace saying that it will review the relationship if they(Taliban) "behave in a way that is seriously against human rights".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban said on Wednesday claimed it had captured a key border crossing along the Pakistan frontier with US troops set to pull out completely in a few weeks. The checkpoint Spin Boldak was reportedly seized by the Taliban, however, the Afghan government said its security forces had repelled the attack.

Taliban said on Wednesday claimed it had captured a key border crossing along the Pakistan frontier with US troops set to pull out completely in a few weeks. The checkpoint Spin Boldak was reportedly seized by the Taliban, however, the Afghan government said its security forces had repelled the attack. "The Mujahideen have captured an important border town called Wesh in Kandahar," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. Watch: "With this, the important road between (Spin) Boldak and Chaman and Kandahar customs have come under Mujahideen control," it added. Taliban had earlier captured areas in Herat, Farah and Kunduz provinces as it continues to make major headway in the country as US and NATO forces leave the country. President Ashraf Ghani travelled to the northern province of Balkh on Tuesday to assess security and meet civilians. Taliban had earlier taken control of checkpoints along Turkemenstein and Iran border areas including near Tajikistan as several Afghan soldiers poured into the country as the militant group made rapid inroads. Taliban had earlier declared that it controls 85 per cent of territory in Afghanistan, however, it was dismissed by the government. Meanwhile, Russia's senior Afghanistan official Zamir Kabulov who is President Putin's special representative on Afghanistan asked the Afghan government to open proper negotiations with the Taliban. A report in the British media said the UK will work with the Taliban if they become part of the government. The report quoted British defence minister Ben Wallace saying that it will review the relationship if they(Taliban) "behave in a way that is seriously against human rights". (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban claim control over key border crossing with Pakistan

The Taliban killed 22 Afghan Commandos in cold blood. In Kunduz, the terrorist group claims it shot down two choppers of the Afghanistan Air Force. WION's Palki tells you how the Taliban is trying to impose its will on Afghanistan and the region.

Gravitas: Taliban executes 22 Afghan Commandos

Despite spending more than $2 trillion, the U.S has failed to achieve its objectives in Afghanistan. American troops are leaving behind a nation on the brink of civil war.

Gravitas: Buried under dollars: Cost of the Afghan war

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has visited the Balkh province in the north to access the ongoing situation. Ghani said that the security situation across the country will improve significantly in the next three months.

Afghanistan President Ghani visits Balkh province to access situation

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