The Taliban warned&nbsp;Afghanistan's neighbours Wednesday against allowing the United States to operate military bases on their soil, the insurgents insisting they would thwart such a "historic mistake".

Washington is in the final stages of withdrawing its troops from&nbsp;Afghanistan, and a flurry of diplomatic calls between the United States and Pakistan in recent days has fuelled speculation the Pentagon is scouting for new bases to use against the Taliban.

"We urge neighbouring countries not to allow anyone to do so," the Taliban said in a statement.

"If such a step is taken again, it will be a great and historic mistake and disgrace."

They would "not remain silent in the face of such heinous and provocative acts", the statement added.

Several of&nbsp;Afghanistan's neighbours allowed the US military limited use of air bases in the early 2000s after the overthrow of the Taliban.

Such overt physical support has largely ended, however, although some countries do allow their airspace to be used for military flights.

Pakistan on Tuesday dismissed local media reports that it had struck a new deal with Washington.

"This news is baseless and speculative," Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the Senate.

"I want to make it clear on the floor of the house... that Pakistan, under the leadership of Imran Khan, will never allow any American base on its soil."

The Taliban and Washington entered into a landmark deal last year that paved the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from&nbsp;Afghanistan.

In return, the Taliban said it would not allow&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;to be a base for jihadist groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

US President Joe Biden announced last month that all remaining 2,500 American troops would leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;by September 11, the 20th anniversary of Al-Qaeda attacks in the United States that led to the invasion of the country.

But the withdrawal has raised concerns over whether Afghan government forces alone can fight the Taliban.

Violence has soared in recent weeks as government forces and the Taliban clash in near-daily battles, with the insurgents pressing on with their campaign to capture more territory as peace talks to end the war remain deadlocked.

The Taliban warned Afghanistan's neighbours Wednesday against allowing the United States to operate military bases on their soil, the insurgents insisting they would thwart such a "historic mistake".

The Taliban warned Afghanistan's neighbours Wednesday against allowing the United States to operate military bases on their soil, the insurgents insisting they would thwart such a "historic mistake". Washington is in the final stages of withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, and a flurry of diplomatic calls between the United States and Pakistan in recent days has fuelled speculation the Pentagon is scouting for new bases to use against the Taliban. "We urge neighbouring countries not to allow anyone to do so," the Taliban said in a statement. "If such a step is taken again, it will be a great and historic mistake and disgrace." They would "not remain silent in the face of such heinous and provocative acts", the statement added. Several of Afghanistan's neighbours allowed the US military limited use of air bases in the early 2000s after the overthrow of the Taliban. Such overt physical support has largely ended, however, although some countries do allow their airspace to be used for military flights. Pakistan on Tuesday dismissed local media reports that it had struck a new deal with Washington. "This news is baseless and speculative," Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the Senate. "I want to make it clear on the floor of the house... that Pakistan, under the leadership of Imran Khan, will never allow any American base on its soil." The Taliban and Washington entered into a landmark deal last year that paved the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan. In return, the Taliban said it would not allow Afghanistan to be a base for jihadist groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. US President Joe Biden announced last month that all remaining 2,500 American troops would leave Afghanistan by September 11, the 20th anniversary of Al-Qaeda attacks in the United States that led to the invasion of the country. But the withdrawal has raised concerns over whether Afghan government forces alone can fight the Taliban. Violence has soared in recent weeks as government forces and the Taliban clash in near-daily battles, with the insurgents pressing on with their campaign to capture more territory as peace talks to end the war remain deadlocked.

Taliban warn Afghan neighbours against allowing US bases

Afghan army soldiers took part in a military operation against Taliban militants in Mehterlam, Laghman province, amid an increase in violence across the war-torn country. 
 
Taliban militants have intensified activities in eastern Laghman and northern Baghlan provinces over the past weeks, Xinhua news agency. 
 
They are attempting to tighten noose around important highways linking Kabul to the northern and eastern provinces. 
 
Chief of Army Staff General Mohammad Yasin Zia visited Laghman`s provincial capital Mehterlam on Monday, saying the militants` attempts to gain ground had been foiled and the security situation there has been improved. 
 
More than 50 militants were killed and some 60 others injured during clean-up operations in Laghman, the provincial government said in a statement on Monday. 
 
Meanwhile, another clean-up operation is underway in Baghlan as some three dozen militants were killed and injured since Sunday in the restive province, an army statement confirmed. 
 
The Taliban have intensified attacks on provincial capitals, district centres and larger security bases following the drawdown of international forces in Afghanistan, which started on May 1. 
 
Since then, they have been able to take control of four districts in Afghanistan, one of which is only a few kilometres from Kabul. 
 
After 20 years of international troops in the country, the withdrawal, due to be completed by September 11, leaves Afghanistan to a potentially bleak future amid rising attacks by Taliban insurgents. 
 
The Islamic State terror group is also active in the country.

Afghan army soldiers took part in a military operation against Taliban militants in Mehterlam, Laghman province, amid an increase in violence across the war-torn country.

Afghan army soldiers took part in a military operation against Taliban militants in Mehterlam, Laghman province, amid an increase in violence across the war-torn country. Taliban militants have intensified activities in eastern Laghman and northern Baghlan provinces over the past weeks, Xinhua news agency. They are attempting to tighten noose around important highways linking Kabul to the northern and eastern provinces. Chief of Army Staff General Mohammad Yasin Zia visited Laghman`s provincial capital Mehterlam on Monday, saying the militants` attempts to gain ground had been foiled and the security situation there has been improved. More than 50 militants were killed and some 60 others injured during clean-up operations in Laghman, the provincial government said in a statement on Monday. Meanwhile, another clean-up operation is underway in Baghlan as some three dozen militants were killed and injured since Sunday in the restive province, an army statement confirmed. The Taliban have intensified attacks on provincial capitals, district centres and larger security bases following the drawdown of international forces in Afghanistan, which started on May 1. Since then, they have been able to take control of four districts in Afghanistan, one of which is only a few kilometres from Kabul. After 20 years of international troops in the country, the withdrawal, due to be completed by September 11, leaves Afghanistan to a potentially bleak future amid rising attacks by Taliban insurgents. The Islamic State terror group is also active in the country.

Afghanistan soldiers conduct operation against Taliban

Fighting has erupted across Afghanistan as the Taliban has launched an offensive in various provinces on the outskirt of the Laghman province. At least 50 Taliban terrorists have been killed and 60 others have been wounded in the last 24 hours. At least 10 civilians and armed forces have also been killed due to the fighting between government forces and Taliban.

Afghanistan forces fend off offensive from the Taliban

Tribal&nbsp;elders&nbsp;in eastern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan">Afghanistan</a> have achieved something that has long eluded world leaders - a&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;between the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;government.

The month-long stoppage in hostilities in the Alingar district of Laghman province, one of the hardest hit by violence, was called to allow&nbsp;local&nbsp;farmers to harvest their wheat crop and students to sit annual examinations.

"A&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;has been something the world's most powerful countries were trying to establish in&nbsp;Afghanistan, but unfortunately, couldn't," Jaber Alkozai, resident of Alingar, told Reuters on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-resumes-shooting-as-ceasefire-ends-385400" hreflang="en">Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends</a>

Tribal&nbsp;elders&nbsp;drafted a demand letter, known&nbsp;locally as an "Ariza", which was then signed by two&nbsp;local&nbsp;officials of each the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and the&nbsp;government.

Reuters has reviewed a copy of the letter. There have been no reports of fighting in Alinger since the&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;began on Tuesday, despite heavy clashes elsewhere in Laghman.

The&nbsp;ceasefire, which will last until June 21, is not the first such agreement during the war, but it comes at a critical time. Fighting has intensified across the country in the wake of Washington's announcement that it would unconditionally pull out all US&nbsp;troops by September.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-air-raids-kill-12-taliban-terrorists-in-eastern-logar-province-385800">Afghan air raids kill 12 Taliban terrorists in eastern Logar province</a>

Washington-led Western capitals and other influential regional countries have so far been unable to convince the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;to halt fighting against&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;forces for an extended period, despite protracted attempts and talks.

Qari Nabi Sarwar, a&nbsp;tribal&nbsp;elder of Alingar, said farmers had been facing another year of the loss of ready-to-harvest wheat due to fighting. Dozens of stacks of wheat were burned to ashes in previous years after being hit in the crossfire by ammunition, including rocket launchers.

"Farmers were preparing to get the result of their toil, and the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;forces were fingers-on-triggers, looking for a small excuse to fire at each other," Sarwar told Reuters by phone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/warring-afghan-sides-discuss-peace-talks-as-deadly-blast-hits-mosque-385282" hreflang="en">Warring Afghan sides discuss peace talks as deadly blast hits mosque</a>

Farmers in the region plan to begin their wheat harvest on May 22, which marks the first day of the third&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;solar month of Jawza, traditionally the start of harvest across the country.

Haji Abdul Waris, a member of the delegation that approached both sides, told Reuters the&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;would also prevent thousands of students from missing their exams "as their schools are turned into trenches".

Locals are happy with the development because they believe it serves as an important example that a&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;across&nbsp;Afghanistan can be achieved by "true and honest"&nbsp;tribal&nbsp;elders, Alkozai said.

Asadullah Dawlatzai, a spokesman for the Laghman provincial governor, said the&nbsp;government&nbsp;was working with&nbsp;local&nbsp;tribal&nbsp;elders&nbsp;and religious scholars to expand the&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;into other areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-offers-to-host-afghan-peace-talks-backs-leading-role-for-ghani-led-govt-386029">China offers to host Afghan peace talks, backs leading role for Ghani-led govt</a>

"Through this, the&nbsp;local&nbsp;government&nbsp;is trying to reach a permanent&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;even if it is on a village, district or provincial level," he said, adding that it was also in force in Laghman's provincial capital, Mehtarlam.

A spokesman for the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;did not respond to requests for comment. A source in the insurgent group confirmed the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;had agreed to the arrangement, which they described as an agreement with&nbsp;locals, not the&nbsp;government.

The one-page demand letter, signed by&nbsp;local&nbsp;government&nbsp;officials, the military and the&nbsp;Taliban, stipulates both sides will remain limited to areas already held and will undertake no movement or operations during the&nbsp;ceasefire.

"Both sides must take tribes' problems into consideration and help them in solving them; whichever side violates the abovementioned items will be guilty before the tribe," the letter said.

Tribal elders in eastern Afghanistan have achieved something that has long eluded world leaders - a ceasefire between the Taliban and the Afghan government. The month-long stoppage in hostilities in the Alingar district of Laghman province, one of the hardest hit by violence, was called to allow local farmers to harvest their wheat crop and students to sit annual examinations.

Tribal elders in eastern Afghanistan have achieved something that has long eluded world leaders - a ceasefire between the Taliban and the Afghan government. The month-long stoppage in hostilities in the Alingar district of Laghman province, one of the hardest hit by violence, was called to allow local farmers to harvest their wheat crop and students to sit annual examinations. "A ceasefire has been something the world's most powerful countries were trying to establish in Afghanistan, but unfortunately, couldn't," Jaber Alkozai, resident of Alingar, told Reuters on Wednesday. Also read | Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends Tribal elders drafted a demand letter, known locally as an "Ariza", which was then signed by two local officials of each the Taliban and the government. Reuters has reviewed a copy of the letter. There have been no reports of fighting in Alinger since the ceasefire began on Tuesday, despite heavy clashes elsewhere in Laghman. The ceasefire, which will last until June 21, is not the first such agreement during the war, but it comes at a critical time. Fighting has intensified across the country in the wake of Washington's announcement that it would unconditionally pull out all US troops by September. Also read | Afghan air raids kill 12 Taliban terrorists in eastern Logar province Washington-led Western capitals and other influential regional countries have so far been unable to convince the Taliban to halt fighting against Afghan forces for an extended period, despite protracted attempts and talks. Qari Nabi Sarwar, a tribal elder of Alingar, said farmers had been facing another year of the loss of ready-to-harvest wheat due to fighting. Dozens of stacks of wheat were burned to ashes in previous years after being hit in the crossfire by ammunition, including rocket launchers. "Farmers were preparing to get the result of their toil, and the Taliban and Afghan forces were fingers-on-triggers, looking for a small excuse to fire at each other," Sarwar told Reuters by phone. Also read | Warring Afghan sides discuss peace talks as deadly blast hits mosque Farmers in the region plan to begin their wheat harvest on May 22, which marks the first day of the third Afghan solar month of Jawza, traditionally the start of harvest across the country. Haji Abdul Waris, a member of the delegation that approached both sides, told Reuters the ceasefire would also prevent thousands of students from missing their exams "as their schools are turned into trenches". Locals are happy with the development because they believe it serves as an important example that a ceasefire across Afghanistan can be achieved by "true and honest" tribal elders, Alkozai said. Asadullah Dawlatzai, a spokesman for the Laghman provincial governor, said the government was working with local tribal elders and religious scholars to expand the ceasefire into other areas. Also read | China offers to host Afghan peace talks, backs leading role for Ghani-led govt "Through this, the local government is trying to reach a permanent ceasefire even if it is on a village, district or provincial level," he said, adding that it was also in force in Laghman's provincial capital, Mehtarlam. A spokesman for the Taliban did not respond to requests for comment. A source in the insurgent group confirmed the Taliban had agreed to the arrangement, which they described as an agreement with locals, not the government. The one-page demand letter, signed by local government officials, the military and the Taliban, stipulates both sides will remain limited to areas already held and will undertake no movement or operations during the ceasefire. "Both sides must take tribes' problems into consideration and help them in solving them; whichever side violates the abovementioned items will be guilty before the tribe," the letter said.

Tribal elders broker local Taliban, Afghan government ceasefire

Morning news brief: We bring to you the biggest stories of Monday morning-&nbsp;Chile's centre-right ruling coalition has secured 21% of votes for its list of new constitution delegates with 59% of votes counted.&nbsp;In the Israel-Gaza conflict, Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discuss 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life. On the other hand, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause. This and more below. To read the full story, please click on the headline.

<a href="Chile ruling coalition heading for disappointment in constitutional delegates vote">Chile ruling coalition heading for disappointment in constitutional delegates vote</a>

Independent candidates emerged as the big winners of the weekend vote to pick 155 men and women to rewrite the current charter drafted during the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d353ce67-9fa8-4eaa-a4fb-b3495623acc0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.2.PNG" />

<a href="Online gambling soared during lockdown especially among regular gamblers: Study">Online gambling soared during lockdown especially among regular gamblers: Study</a>

For instance, usage of online gambling, including poker, bingo, and casino games, grew six-fold among regular gamblers. Respondents who gambled occasionally were still found to be more than twice as likely than before to gamble online. Those who struggled financially before the pandemic were more likely to report gambling during the lockdown.

<img alt="Online" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4564fb8-6b3c-4e88-9960-f9a9254f5453" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.4.PNG" />

<a href="Taliban open to Istanbul summit but wants end negotiations to take place in Doha">Taliban open to Istanbul summit but wants end negotiations to take place in Doha</a>

According to Tolo News, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause.

<img alt="Taliban" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ccbad2c5-2a04-4f8f-9adb-1c985bc6b4f4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.7.PNG" />

<a href="Israel-Palestine conflict: Gaza fighting enters second week, death toll nears 200">Israel-Palestine conflict: Gaza fighting enters second week, death toll nears 200</a>

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City flatten three buildings and kill at least 42 people on Sunday, as reported by Aljazeera news.

<img alt="Gaza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d70a38b7-8c71-47c6-aa2d-69b31d6b920c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.6.PNG" />

<a href="China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools">China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools</a>

The laws, which will come into effect on Sept. 1, are the latest in a series of measures taken by Beijing to tighten control of its fast-growing education sector and public discourse.

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2e76fab-8eee-4b0e-888e-1af0313cfa96" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.5.PNG" />

<a href="Online gambling soared during lockdown especially among regular gamblers: Study">Blinken discusses Gaza in calls with Qatari, Egyptian, Saudi foreign ministers&nbsp;</a>

Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discussed 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life, the State Department said.&nbsp;

<img alt="Blinken" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91ce0b05-9c18-4fc0-aa34-0202ed892d5b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.8.PNG" />

Watch -&nbsp;<a href="Palestinian FM accuses Israel of 'War Crimes' throughout Gaza">Palestinian FM accuses Israel of 'War Crimes' throughout Gaza</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/palestinian-fm-accuses-israel-of-war-crimes-throughout-gaza-385517/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Watch-&nbsp;<a href="Brazil's fight against COVID-19 hampered by heavy rainfall">Brazil's fight against COVID-19 hampered by heavy rainfall</a></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazils-fight-against-covid-19-hampered-by-heavy-rainfall-385515/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Morning news brief: We bring to you the biggest stories of Monday morning- Chile's centre-right ruling coalition has secured 21% of votes for its list of new constitution delegates with 59% of votes counted.

Morning news brief: We bring to you the biggest stories of Monday morning- Chile's centre-right ruling coalition has secured 21% of votes for its list of new constitution delegates with 59% of votes counted. In the Israel-Gaza conflict, Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discuss 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life. On the other hand, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause. This and more below. To read the full story, please click on the headline. Chile ruling coalition heading for disappointment in constitutional delegates vote Independent candidates emerged as the big winners of the weekend vote to pick 155 men and women to rewrite the current charter drafted during the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Online gambling soared during lockdown especially among regular gamblers: Study For instance, usage of online gambling, including poker, bingo, and casino games, grew six-fold among regular gamblers. Respondents who gambled occasionally were still found to be more than twice as likely than before to gamble online. Those who struggled financially before the pandemic were more likely to report gambling during the lockdown. Taliban open to Istanbul summit but wants end negotiations to take place in Doha According to Tolo News, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause. Israel-Palestine conflict: Gaza fighting enters second week, death toll nears 200 Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City flatten three buildings and kill at least 42 people on Sunday, as reported by Aljazeera news. China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools The laws, which will come into effect on Sept. 1, are the latest in a series of measures taken by Beijing to tighten control of its fast-growing education sector and public discourse. Blinken discusses Gaza in calls with Qatari, Egyptian, Saudi foreign ministers Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discussed 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life, the State Department said. Watch - Palestinian FM accuses Israel of 'War Crimes' throughout Gaza Watch- Brazil's fight against COVID-19 hampered by heavy rainfall

Morning news brief: China bars foreign curriculum, Blinken discusses Gaza in calls with foreign ministers and more

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban has agreed to begin substantive talks with the Republic team in Doha in the coming days, which would end the peace process stalemate.

According to Tolo News, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause.

Also read-&nbsp;Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends

Sources familiar with the meeting said the Taliban has asked to maintain the Doha negotiations--with serious discussions-- but they want the final outcome to be achieved in Doha, not in Istanbul.

Also read-&nbsp;Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss peace talks in Qatar&nbsp;

"I think that this will open the way for an Istanbul conference where the Taliban will attend. They might make the agenda based on who in the Afghan government team will attend, not based on the US agenda," said Sayed Akbar Agha, a former Taliban commander said to Tolo news.

The Republic team said that efforts in Doha and Istanbul will help achieve results in the negotiations, but they stressed that the Taliban's commitment is key.

"A meeting will be meaningful when the attendees include decision-makers and when there is a commitment for decision making. Only participation of high-ranking leaders can affect the current Doha process," said Fawzia Koofi, member of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, a delegation representing the Taliban led by Shai Abdul Hakim Haqqani has been in Pakistan over the last 20 days discussing with the leadership of the group the details of attending the Istanbul summit and the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan.

"Pakistan's influence on the Taliban and the possible encouragement from Pakistan of course has an impact," said Mohammad Amin Waqad, former deputy head of the High Peace Council, as reported by Tolo news.

President Ashraf Ghani has emphasised the need for a decision on peace by the regional players, and for Europe's much-needed role to 'get Pakistan on board'&nbsp;on the ongoing peace talks with Taliban.

"Peace will primarily be decided upon regionally, and I believe we are at a crucial moment of rethinking. It is first and foremost a matter of getting Pakistan on board. The US now plays only a minor role. The question of peace or hostility is now in Pakistani hands," Ghani told the German news website, Der Spiegel, in an interview.

Over Pakistan's influence on the Taliban, Ghani said, "Pakistan operates an organized system of support. The Taliban receive logistics there, their finances are there and recruitment is there."

"The names of the various decision-making bodies of the Taliban are Quetta Shura, Miramshah Shura, and Peshawar Shura - named after the Pakistani cities where they are located. There is a deep relationship with the state," he added.

The negotiations in Doha were stalled after the announcement of a delay in US forces withdrawal in Afghanistan from the original May 1&nbsp;deadline.

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban has agreed to begin substantive talks with the Republic team in Doha in the coming days, which would end the peace process stalemate.

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban has agreed to begin substantive talks with the Republic team in Doha in the coming days, which would end the peace process stalemate. According to Tolo News, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause. Also read- Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends Sources familiar with the meeting said the Taliban has asked to maintain the Doha negotiations--with serious discussions-- but they want the final outcome to be achieved in Doha, not in Istanbul. Also read- Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss peace talks in Qatar "I think that this will open the way for an Istanbul conference where the Taliban will attend. They might make the agenda based on who in the Afghan government team will attend, not based on the US agenda," said Sayed Akbar Agha, a former Taliban commander said to Tolo news. The Republic team said that efforts in Doha and Istanbul will help achieve results in the negotiations, but they stressed that the Taliban's commitment is key. "A meeting will be meaningful when the attendees include decision-makers and when there is a commitment for decision making. Only participation of high-ranking leaders can affect the current Doha process," said Fawzia Koofi, member of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Meanwhile, a delegation representing the Taliban led by Shai Abdul Hakim Haqqani has been in Pakistan over the last 20 days discussing with the leadership of the group the details of attending the Istanbul summit and the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan. "Pakistan's influence on the Taliban and the possible encouragement from Pakistan of course has an impact," said Mohammad Amin Waqad, former deputy head of the High Peace Council, as reported by Tolo news. President Ashraf Ghani has emphasised the need for a decision on peace by the regional players, and for Europe's much-needed role to 'get Pakistan on board' on the ongoing peace talks with Taliban. "Peace will primarily be decided upon regionally, and I believe we are at a crucial moment of rethinking. It is first and foremost a matter of getting Pakistan on board. The US now plays only a minor role. The question of peace or hostility is now in Pakistani hands," Ghani told the German news website, Der Spiegel, in an interview. Over Pakistan's influence on the Taliban, Ghani said, "Pakistan operates an organized system of support. The Taliban receive logistics there, their finances are there and recruitment is there." "The names of the various decision-making bodies of the Taliban are Quetta Shura, Miramshah Shura, and Peshawar Shura - named after the Pakistani cities where they are located. There is a deep relationship with the state," he added. The negotiations in Doha were stalled after the announcement of a delay in US forces withdrawal in Afghanistan from the original May 1 deadline.

Taliban open to Istanbul summit but wants end negotiations to take place in Doha

As American and NATO forces prepare to leave the Afghanistan, interpreters who helped the United States soldiers for years are now fearing for their lives and are facing the prospect of Taliban reprisals.

Afghans who helped US fear being left behind and reprisals by Taiwan

The jihadist&nbsp;Islamic&nbsp;State&nbsp;claimed it carried out this week's attack on a mosque on the outskirts of the Afghan capital that left 12 worshippers dead, SITE Intelligence Group reported.

The explosion happened inside a mosque in Shakar Darah district of Kabul province during Friday prayers and shattered the relative calm of a three-day ceasefire agreed between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-in-kabul-mosque-kills-12-worshippers-shattering-eid-ceasefire-calm-385004">Blast in Kabul mosque kills 12 worshippers, shattering Eid ceasefire calm</a>

IS said its fighters had placed an explosive device inside the mosque and detonated it after worshippers arrived to offer prayers on the second day of the Eid al-Fitr holidays, the US monitor of jihadist groups said late Saturday.

The bombing killed the imam of the mosque, who was leading the prayers.

Friday was also the second day of a three-day ceasefire agreed by the Taliban and the government to mark Eid al-Fitr.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-celebrates-eid-amid-ceasefire-between-taliban-and-government-384764">Afghanistan celebrates Eid amid ceasefire between Taliban and government</a>

The temporary truce was announced after soaring violence since May 01, when the US military began formally withdrawing its last remaining troops from the country.

A series of blasts outside a girls' school in Kabul last week killed more than 50 people and wounded scores, most of them female students.

No group has so far claimed the attack, one of the deadliest in recent years.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bombings-kill-11-afghans-on-first-day-of-ceasefire-384816">Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire</a>

In recent weeks, fighting between the Taliban and government forces had surged across several provinces before the ceasefire was agreed, including in the southern provinces of Kandahar and Helmand.

The jihadist Islamic State claimed it carried out this week's attack on a mosque on the outskirts of the Afghan capital that left 12 worshippers dead, SITE Intelligence Group reported.

The jihadist Islamic State claimed it carried out this week's attack on a mosque on the outskirts of the Afghan capital that left 12 worshippers dead, SITE Intelligence Group reported. The explosion happened inside a mosque in Shakar Darah district of Kabul province during Friday prayers and shattered the relative calm of a three-day ceasefire agreed between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Also read | Blast in Kabul mosque kills 12 worshippers, shattering Eid ceasefire calm IS said its fighters had placed an explosive device inside the mosque and detonated it after worshippers arrived to offer prayers on the second day of the Eid al-Fitr holidays, the US monitor of jihadist groups said late Saturday. The bombing killed the imam of the mosque, who was leading the prayers. Friday was also the second day of a three-day ceasefire agreed by the Taliban and the government to mark Eid al-Fitr. Also read | Afghanistan celebrates Eid amid ceasefire between Taliban and government The temporary truce was announced after soaring violence since May 01, when the US military began formally withdrawing its last remaining troops from the country. A series of blasts outside a girls' school in Kabul last week killed more than 50 people and wounded scores, most of them female students. No group has so far claimed the attack, one of the deadliest in recent years. Also Read | Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire In recent weeks, fighting between the Taliban and government forces had surged across several provinces before the ceasefire was agreed, including in the southern provinces of Kandahar and Helmand.

IS claims Afghan mosque blast that killed 12 worshippers: SITE

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that hasty US withdrawal from Afghanistan deals a serious blow to the peace process and regional stability. He was speaking with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

"Wang Yi noted that the US`s hasty withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan already dealt a serious blow to the peace process in Afghanistan, as well as negatively affected the regional stability," Wang Yi was quoted as saying in the statement by the country`s foreign ministry.

"Under the circumstances, China expects the UN to play its due role, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) needs to closely monitor the situation. Afghanistan`s neighbour countries must strengthen relations, join efforts and take coordinated action," he said during the phone conversation on Saturday ahead of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-resumes-shooting-as-ceasefire-ends-385400">Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends</a>

Taliban has tried to take over some strategic areas in Afghanistan ever since the announcement of the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan

Earlier this week, Wang Yi elaborated on China`s position on the Afghan situation, when holding talks with foreign ministers of Central Asia countries in Xi`an City, Shaanxi Province.

The minister had said that the current evolution of the Afghan situation has drawn great attention from the international community.The Chinese side holds the view that foreign troops should withdraw from Afghanistan in an orderly and responsible manner to prevent any hasty action from adversely affecting and seriously interfering with the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, he added.

US President Joe Biden announced last month the decision to withdraw troops by September 11. The Taliban rejected President Joe Biden`s announcement that troops would stay on past the deadline but withdraw over the next four and a half months.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that hasty US withdrawal from Afghanistan deals a serious blow to the peace process and regional stability. He was speaking with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that hasty US withdrawal from Afghanistan deals a serious blow to the peace process and regional stability. He was speaking with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi. "Wang Yi noted that the US`s hasty withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan already dealt a serious blow to the peace process in Afghanistan, as well as negatively affected the regional stability," Wang Yi was quoted as saying in the statement by the country`s foreign ministry. "Under the circumstances, China expects the UN to play its due role, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) needs to closely monitor the situation. Afghanistan`s neighbour countries must strengthen relations, join efforts and take coordinated action," he said during the phone conversation on Saturday ahead of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. Also Read | Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends Taliban has tried to take over some strategic areas in Afghanistan ever since the announcement of the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan Earlier this week, Wang Yi elaborated on China`s position on the Afghan situation, when holding talks with foreign ministers of Central Asia countries in Xi`an City, Shaanxi Province. The minister had said that the current evolution of the Afghan situation has drawn great attention from the international community.The Chinese side holds the view that foreign troops should withdraw from Afghanistan in an orderly and responsible manner to prevent any hasty action from adversely affecting and seriously interfering with the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, he added. US President Joe Biden announced last month the decision to withdraw troops by September 11. The Taliban rejected President Joe Biden`s announcement that troops would stay on past the deadline but withdraw over the next four and a half months. (With inputs from agencies)

Hasty US withdrawal a blow to Afghan peace process, says China

After an agreed ceasefire of three days, violent clashes resumed between the Taliban and the Afghanistan security forces on Sunday.

A few days ago, the two sides had agreed to a ceasefire for three days with respect to the Eid al-Fitr holiday. However, immediately after the ceasefire period ended, the Taliban group started shooting in the early hours of Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/warring-afghan-sides-discuss-peace-talks-as-deadly-blast-hits-mosque-385282">Warring Afghan sides discuss peace talks as deadly blast hits mosque</a>

"The fighting started early today and is still ongoing," Attaullah Afghan, head of the Helmand provincial council was quoted by the news agency, AFP. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Taliban fighters attacked security checkpoints towards the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, towards the south of the country.

As per local reports, nearly 21 Taliban fighters have been killed till now, Helmand governor's office confirmed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-in-kabul-mosque-kills-12-worshippers-shattering-eid-ceasefire-calm-385004" hreflang="en">Blast in Kabul mosque kills 12 worshippers, shattering Eid ceasefire calm</a>

However, Taliban claims it was the Afghan security forces that started the attack. "They (Afghan forces) started the operation... do not put the blame on us," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP.

Although the two sides had agreed to a ceasefire, a deadly mosque blast had jolted the country, killing 12 people who had gathered to offer their prayers.

The violence in the country has increased since the US started recalling its forces as part of an agreement with the Taliban group.

After an agreed ceasefire of three days, violent clashes resumed between the Taliban and the Afghanistan security forces on Sunday. A few days ago, the two sides had agreed to a ceasefire for three days with respect to the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

After an agreed ceasefire of three days, violent clashes resumed between the Taliban and the Afghanistan security forces on Sunday. A few days ago, the two sides had agreed to a ceasefire for three days with respect to the Eid al-Fitr holiday. However, immediately after the ceasefire period ended, the Taliban group started shooting in the early hours of Sunday. Also read | Warring Afghan sides discuss peace talks as deadly blast hits mosque "The fighting started early today and is still ongoing," Attaullah Afghan, head of the Helmand provincial council was quoted by the news agency, AFP. Taliban fighters attacked security checkpoints towards the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, towards the south of the country. As per local reports, nearly 21 Taliban fighters have been killed till now, Helmand governor's office confirmed. Also read | Blast in Kabul mosque kills 12 worshippers, shattering Eid ceasefire calm However, Taliban claims it was the Afghan security forces that started the attack. "They (Afghan forces) started the operation... do not put the blame on us," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP. Although the two sides had agreed to a ceasefire, a deadly mosque blast had jolted the country, killing 12 people who had gathered to offer their prayers. The violence in the country has increased since the US started recalling its forces as part of an agreement with the Taliban group.

Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends

Negotiators from the Afghan government and Taliban teams met Friday to discuss speeding up stalled peace talks, officials from both sides said, as a deadly mosque blast shattered the calm of a holiday ceasefire in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Despite unprecedented talks opening in September in Doha, the two warring sides have struggled to make headway, with violence escalating in Afghanistan as the United States pulls out the last of its troops.

"Today a meeting was held in Doha between the delegations of both negotiating sides," the Afghan government's peace team tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-in-kabul-mosque-kills-12-worshippers-shattering-eid-ceasefire-calm-385004" hreflang="en">Blast in Kabul mosque kills 12 worshippers, shattering Eid ceasefire calm</a>

The parties "emphasized speeding up the peace talks in Doha", it added.

In a similar statement posted to Twitter, the Taliban said "both sides agreed to continue the talks after (Eid al-Fitr)", which ends on Saturday.

A three-day ceasefire agreed by the warring sides came into force on Thursday to mark the Muslim holiday, after weeks of deadly violence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-army-leaves-kandahar-airfield-as-the-drawdown-continues-in-afghanistan-384977" hreflang="en">US army leaves Kandahar Airfield as the drawdown continues in Afghanistan</a>

But the calm was broken by a blast at a mosque on the outskirts of the Afghan capital, which killed 12 people including the imam leading Friday prayers.&nbsp;

No group has so far claimed the attack and the Taliban denied responsibility.

A spokesman for the interior ministry said the explosives were placed in the mosque ahead of the prayers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bombings-kill-11-afghans-on-first-day-of-ceasefire-384816" hreflang="en">Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire</a>

Afghans have been cautiously enjoying the rare respite from violence, only the fourth such truce in the two decades-long conflict. &nbsp;

Ceasefires in the past have largely held, in what is widely thought to be an exercise by the Taliban leadership to prove it has control over the myriad factions across the country that make up the hardline movement.

US exit from key airfield base

As violence has soared, including a wave of targeted killings on Afghanistan’s educated class, international efforts have been made to jump start the talks -- &nbsp;including a one day conference in Moscow in March attended by representatives on both sides, as well as Russia, the United States, China and Pakistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghanistan-envoy-to-india-thanks-sikh-ngo-for-providing-relief-to-afghan-refugees-384810" hreflang="en">Afghanistan envoy to India thanks Sikh NGO for providing relief to Afghan refugees</a>

Turkey was also scheduled to hold an Afghanistan conference in late April but it was postponed indefinitely because the Taliban declined to attend.

The United States, Russia and other mediators want to see some form of transitional government take power in Afghanistan involving the Taliban, but President Ashraf Ghani has insisted leaders can only be chosen at the ballot box.

Having made enormous gains on the battleground, the Taliban appear to have little to gain from either strategy.

Washington has vowed to end America's longest war but missed a deadline earlier this month to withdraw all of its troops, as agreed with the Taliban in return for security guarantees and a promise to launch talks with the Afghan government, who were cut out of the deal.

President Joe Biden pushed back the date to September 11,&nbsp;20 years after the US invaded Afghanistan and ousted the hardline Taliban.

US and Afghan officials on Friday said Washington had pulled out completely from a major southern air base in the former Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, just a week after US airstrikes were launched from the airfield to push back a Taliban offensive.&nbsp;

An Afghan army officer at Kandahar Airfield, who asked not to be named, told AFP that government forces would be left exposed by the pullout.

"It is now going to be very difficult for us to conduct operations," he said. "Our aircraft can't fly at night so the night operations are going to be difficult."

Kandahar was the birthplace of the Taliban and has in recent months seen intense clashes between the resurgent militants and Afghan forces.&nbsp;

Despite the withdrawal, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a telephone call to President Ashraf Ghani promised "steadfast support" for Afghan forces, the State Department said, adding that he condemned the recent attacks, including a series of blasts outside a girls' school in Kabul which killed more than 50 people, mostly teenage girls.

Negotiators from the Afghan government and Taliban teams met Friday to discuss speeding up stalled peace talks, officials from both sides said, as a deadly mosque blast shattered the calm of a holiday ceasefire in Afghanistan.

Negotiators from the Afghan government and Taliban teams met Friday to discuss speeding up stalled peace talks, officials from both sides said, as a deadly mosque blast shattered the calm of a holiday ceasefire in Afghanistan. Despite unprecedented talks opening in September in Doha, the two warring sides have struggled to make headway, with violence escalating in Afghanistan as the United States pulls out the last of its troops. "Today a meeting was held in Doha between the delegations of both negotiating sides," the Afghan government's peace team tweeted. Also read | Blast in Kabul mosque kills 12 worshippers, shattering Eid ceasefire calm The parties "emphasized speeding up the peace talks in Doha", it added. In a similar statement posted to Twitter, the Taliban said "both sides agreed to continue the talks after (Eid al-Fitr)", which ends on Saturday. A three-day ceasefire agreed by the warring sides came into force on Thursday to mark the Muslim holiday, after weeks of deadly violence. Also read | US army leaves Kandahar Airfield as the drawdown continues in Afghanistan But the calm was broken by a blast at a mosque on the outskirts of the Afghan capital, which killed 12 people including the imam leading Friday prayers. No group has so far claimed the attack and the Taliban denied responsibility. A spokesman for the interior ministry said the explosives were placed in the mosque ahead of the prayers. Also read | Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire Afghans have been cautiously enjoying the rare respite from violence, only the fourth such truce in the two decades-long conflict. Ceasefires in the past have largely held, in what is widely thought to be an exercise by the Taliban leadership to prove it has control over the myriad factions across the country that make up the hardline movement. US exit from key airfield base As violence has soared, including a wave of targeted killings on Afghanistan’s educated class, international efforts have been made to jump start the talks -- including a one day conference in Moscow in March attended by representatives on both sides, as well as Russia, the United States, China and Pakistan. Also read | Afghanistan envoy to India thanks Sikh NGO for providing relief to Afghan refugees Turkey was also scheduled to hold an Afghanistan conference in late April but it was postponed indefinitely because the Taliban declined to attend. The United States, Russia and other mediators want to see some form of transitional government take power in Afghanistan involving the Taliban, but President Ashraf Ghani has insisted leaders can only be chosen at the ballot box. Having made enormous gains on the battleground, the Taliban appear to have little to gain from either strategy. Washington has vowed to end America's longest war but missed a deadline earlier this month to withdraw all of its troops, as agreed with the Taliban in return for security guarantees and a promise to launch talks with the Afghan government, who were cut out of the deal. President Joe Biden pushed back the date to September 11, 20 years after the US invaded Afghanistan and ousted the hardline Taliban. US and Afghan officials on Friday said Washington had pulled out completely from a major southern air base in the former Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, just a week after US airstrikes were launched from the airfield to push back a Taliban offensive. An Afghan army officer at Kandahar Airfield, who asked not to be named, told AFP that government forces would be left exposed by the pullout. "It is now going to be very difficult for us to conduct operations," he said. "Our aircraft can't fly at night so the night operations are going to be difficult." Kandahar was the birthplace of the Taliban and has in recent months seen intense clashes between the resurgent militants and Afghan forces. Despite the withdrawal, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a telephone call to President Ashraf Ghani promised "steadfast support" for Afghan forces, the State Department said, adding that he condemned the recent attacks, including a series of blasts outside a girls' school in Kabul which killed more than 50 people, mostly teenage girls.

Warring Afghan sides discuss peace talks as deadly blast hits mosque

After months of stalled negotiations, the Afghan government's negotiating team and the Taliban leadership met in Doha, Qatar on Friday to discuss speeding up peace talks.&nbsp;

"Today a meeting was held in Doha between the delegations of both negotiating sides," the Afghan government's peace team said in a tweet. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen also confirmed the news on his Twitter account.&nbsp;

"Besides Eid greetings, the two sides discussed the status quo and the speeding up of the intra-Afghan negotiations. They emphasised to continue negotiations after Eid," Taliban Spokesperson tweeted.&nbsp;

This comes as at least 12 people were killed in an explosion inside a mosque in Kabul on Friday afternoon despite a three-day ceasefire, TOLO news reported. So far, no group has taken responsibility. Taliban in a statement had denied involvement in the attack.&nbsp;

A three-day ceasefire agreed by both sides came to mark the Eid holidays, following the surge in violence in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Istanbul conference was scheduled to take place on the issue of Afghan peace in April end but it was postponed indefinitely after the Taliban declined to attend. US withdrawal from Afghanistan is underway and set to complete till September 11. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

After months of stalled negotiations, the Afghan government's negotiating team and the Taliban leadership met in Doha, Qatar on Friday to discuss speeding up peace talks.

After months of stalled negotiations, the Afghan government's negotiating team and the Taliban leadership met in Doha, Qatar on Friday to discuss speeding up peace talks. "Today a meeting was held in Doha between the delegations of both negotiating sides," the Afghan government's peace team said in a tweet. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen also confirmed the news on his Twitter account. "Besides Eid greetings, the two sides discussed the status quo and the speeding up of the intra-Afghan negotiations. They emphasised to continue negotiations after Eid," Taliban Spokesperson tweeted. This comes as at least 12 people were killed in an explosion inside a mosque in Kabul on Friday afternoon despite a three-day ceasefire, TOLO news reported. So far, no group has taken responsibility. Taliban in a statement had denied involvement in the attack. A three-day ceasefire agreed by both sides came to mark the Eid holidays, following the surge in violence in recent weeks. Earlier, the Istanbul conference was scheduled to take place on the issue of Afghan peace in April end but it was postponed indefinitely after the Taliban declined to attend. US withdrawal from Afghanistan is underway and set to complete till September 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss peace talks in Qatar 

A blast at a mosque during Friday prayer rocked the city of Kabul, killing at least&nbsp;12 people. The explosion took place in the mosque located on the outskirts of the Afghan capital amid an Eid ceasefire declared by the Taliban and the Afghan government.

"During Friday congregation, an explosion happened inside a mosque in Shakar Darah district of Kabul (province)," said Ferdaws Framurz, the spokesman for Kabul police.&nbsp;

The blast is the first major incident since a temporary truce between the Taliban and government troops came into force on Thursday.

The warring sides agreed on the truce to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, only the fourth such halt in fighting in the nearly two-decades-old conflict.

The timing of the blast also assumes importance as it took place days after&nbsp;US troops left a major base in Kandahar, once a Taliban stronghold.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bombings-kill-11-afghans-on-first-day-of-ceasefire-384816">Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire</a>

The Kandahar Airfield was turned over to the Afghan National Defence Security Forces earlier this week, the officials said, in a move that signals the urgency of the US effort to fully withdraw from the country by September 11.

"They have not officially handed over the base to us but I can confirm they left the base on Wednesday," said Khoja Yaya Alawi, a spokesman for the Afghan army in Kandahar.&nbsp;

This is the final phase of ending America's “forever war” in Afghanistan after 20 years formally began on May 1.

(With inputs from agencies)

A blast at a mosque during Friday prayer rocked the city of Kabul, killing at least 12 people. The explosion took place in the mosque located on the outskirts of the Afghan capital amid an Eid ceasefire declared by the Taliban and the Afghan government.

A blast at a mosque during Friday prayer rocked the city of Kabul, killing at least 12 people. The explosion took place in the mosque located on the outskirts of the Afghan capital amid an Eid ceasefire declared by the Taliban and the Afghan government. "During Friday congregation, an explosion happened inside a mosque in Shakar Darah district of Kabul (province)," said Ferdaws Framurz, the spokesman for Kabul police. The blast is the first major incident since a temporary truce between the Taliban and government troops came into force on Thursday. The warring sides agreed on the truce to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, only the fourth such halt in fighting in the nearly two-decades-old conflict. The timing of the blast also assumes importance as it took place days after US troops left a major base in Kandahar, once a Taliban stronghold. Also Read | Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire The Kandahar Airfield was turned over to the Afghan National Defence Security Forces earlier this week, the officials said, in a move that signals the urgency of the US effort to fully withdraw from the country by September 11. "They have not officially handed over the base to us but I can confirm they left the base on Wednesday," said Khoja Yaya Alawi, a spokesman for the Afghan army in Kandahar. This is the final phase of ending America's “forever war” in Afghanistan after 20 years formally began on May 1. (With inputs from agencies)

Blast in Kabul mosque kills 12 worshippers, shattering Eid ceasefire calm

Afghans celebrate Eid amid ceasefire between Taliban and government

A three-day ceasefire between Taliban and Afghanistan government came in force as the country celebrated Eid al Fitr on Thuesday. The ceasefire is a respite for Afghans as they celebrate the Muslim festival with friends and family. The truce was proposed by the Taliban and matched by the Afghan government.

If the ceasefire holds, it will be only the fourth pause in fighting in nearly 20 years of conflict.

Early on Thursday, Afghan men, women and children around the country flocked to mosques or gathered in open grounds to offer morning prayers at the start of Eid festivities that would last until Saturday.

Security personnel were deployed to prominent mosques. Worshippers were frisked as they arrived for morning prayers.

Crowds of Kabul residents later packed the capital's main zoo and parks as they celebrated the festival with families, with only a few wearing masks to protect from the coronavirus.

"I feel so relaxed and peaceful today because it is Eid and there is no fighting," said Mirajuddin, who like many Afghans goes by one name, who was visiting Kabul zoo with his five children, all dressed in new clothes. 
Kabul resident Mohammad Sadeq said there was no more justification in fighting.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bombings-kill-11-afghans-on-first-day-of-ceasefire-384816">Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire</a>

"This is no more jihad as the Americans are leaving. Now it is brothers killing brothers because both the Taliban and security forces are Afghans," he said.

'War is not a solution'

Amir Jan Sulaimankhil, a resident of the restive Nangarhar province that has seen several deadly attacks, said the Taliban and government should agree on a permanent ceasefire.

"That will make us happier, as many more lives will be saved," he said.

President Ghani used his annual Eid address to urge the Taliban to agree to a lasting truce now that international troops were leaving.

"We don't want you to surrender, but we want you to accept a political solution. War is not a solution," he said.

Tens of thousands of Afghans have been killed and millions have been displaced by the nearly two-decade-old conflict, which has seen a resurgent Taliban take hold of large swathes of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

A three-day ceasefire between Taliban and Afghanistan government came in force as the country celebrated Eid al Fitr on Thuesday. The ceasefire is a respite for Afghans as they celebrate the Muslim festival with friends and family.

A three-day ceasefire between Taliban and Afghanistan government came in force as the country celebrated Eid al Fitr on Thuesday. The ceasefire is a respite for Afghans as they celebrate the Muslim festival with friends and family. The truce was proposed by the Taliban and matched by the Afghan government. If the ceasefire holds, it will be only the fourth pause in fighting in nearly 20 years of conflict. Early on Thursday, Afghan men, women and children around the country flocked to mosques or gathered in open grounds to offer morning prayers at the start of Eid festivities that would last until Saturday. Security personnel were deployed to prominent mosques. Worshippers were frisked as they arrived for morning prayers. Crowds of Kabul residents later packed the capital's main zoo and parks as they celebrated the festival with families, with only a few wearing masks to protect from the coronavirus. "I feel so relaxed and peaceful today because it is Eid and there is no fighting," said Mirajuddin, who like many Afghans goes by one name, who was visiting Kabul zoo with his five children, all dressed in new clothes. Kabul resident Mohammad Sadeq said there was no more justification in fighting. Also Read | Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire "This is no more jihad as the Americans are leaving. Now it is brothers killing brothers because both the Taliban and security forces are Afghans," he said. 'War is not a solution' Amir Jan Sulaimankhil, a resident of the restive Nangarhar province that has seen several deadly attacks, said the Taliban and government should agree on a permanent ceasefire. "That will make us happier, as many more lives will be saved," he said. President Ghani used his annual Eid address to urge the Taliban to agree to a lasting truce now that international troops were leaving. "We don't want you to surrender, but we want you to accept a political solution. War is not a solution," he said. Tens of thousands of Afghans have been killed and millions have been displaced by the nearly two-decade-old conflict, which has seen a resurgent Taliban take hold of large swathes of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan celebrates Eid amid ceasefire between Taliban and government

Four separate bombings on the first day of Taliban-Afghan government ceasefire killed at least 11 civilians and wounded 13 others. The Taliban and the Afghanistan government have entered into a 3-day ceasefire to mark Eid al-Fitr.

Although there were no reports of direct fighting between Taliban insurgents and government forces as they observe the temporary ceasefire, roadside bombs continued to inflict casualties on civilians.

In Panjwai district, a roadside bomb struck a car killing five civilians including a woman and children said Jamal Naser Barekzai a spokesman for the provincial police.

Two children were killed and three adults were wounded in another incident in Maiwand district where a roadside bomb exploded beneath a taxi

In northern Kunduz province, a sticky bomb attached to a civilian car exploded, killing two civilians and wounding 10 more, said Enhamuddin Rahmani, a spokesman for the province`s police chief.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-celebrates-eid-amid-ceasefire-between-taliban-and-government-384764">Afghanistan celebrates Eid amid ceasefire between Taliban and government</a>

Two civilians were also killed by a roadside bomb in central Ghazni province, officials said.

The three-day ceasefire announced by the Taliban and heeded by the government comes at a time when violence has sharply escalated across Afghanistan following Washington`s announcement last month of plans to pull out all U.S. troops by Sept. 11.

Afghan security forces had mounted an operation to retake a Taliban-held district outside the capital Kabul in neighbouring Wardak province on Wednesday but it was halted to observe the ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four separate bombings on the first day of Taliban-Afghan government ceasefire killed at least 11 civilians and wounded 13 others. The Taliban and the Afghanistan government have entered into a 3-day ceasefire to mark Eid al-Fitr.

Four separate bombings on the first day of Taliban-Afghan government ceasefire killed at least 11 civilians and wounded 13 others. The Taliban and the Afghanistan government have entered into a 3-day ceasefire to mark Eid al-Fitr. Although there were no reports of direct fighting between Taliban insurgents and government forces as they observe the temporary ceasefire, roadside bombs continued to inflict casualties on civilians. In Panjwai district, a roadside bomb struck a car killing five civilians including a woman and children said Jamal Naser Barekzai a spokesman for the provincial police. Two children were killed and three adults were wounded in another incident in Maiwand district where a roadside bomb exploded beneath a taxi In northern Kunduz province, a sticky bomb attached to a civilian car exploded, killing two civilians and wounding 10 more, said Enhamuddin Rahmani, a spokesman for the province`s police chief. Also Read | Afghanistan celebrates Eid amid ceasefire between Taliban and government Two civilians were also killed by a roadside bomb in central Ghazni province, officials said. The three-day ceasefire announced by the Taliban and heeded by the government comes at a time when violence has sharply escalated across Afghanistan following Washington`s announcement last month of plans to pull out all U.S. troops by Sept. 11. Afghan security forces had mounted an operation to retake a Taliban-held district outside the capital Kabul in neighbouring Wardak province on Wednesday but it was halted to observe the ceasefire. (With inputs from agencies)

Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire

China has blamed the abrupt withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan for a surge in attacks in the country, days after a series of explosions in Kabul killed over 60 people, mostly girl students.&nbsp;

According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China was 'shocked' by the attacks and 'deeply saddened' by the death toll, calling on the US to pull out troops 'in a responsible manner'.&nbsp;

"It needs to be pointed out that the recent abrupt US announcement of complete withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan has led to a succession of attacks throughout the country, worsening the security situation and threatening peace and stability as well as people's lives and safety," Hua said in a statement.&nbsp;

"China calls on foreign troops in Afghanistan to take into full account the security of people in the country and the region, pull out in a responsible manner and avoid inflicting more turmoil and suffering on the Afghan people," she added.&nbsp;

Biden announced earlier this month, the decision to withdraw troops from the country starting on that May 1 deadline, with the aim of completely withdrawing from Afghanistan by September 11, which would mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that sparked the war in Afghanistan, the longest conflict in American history.&nbsp;

Beijing has long feared that instability in Afghanistan would give ground to Islamic fundamentalism that would spill over into China's predominantly Muslim Xinjiang region, SCMP reported. The withdrawal of troops by the US has already led to a surge in fighting between Taliban and Afghan security forces.&nbsp;

Observers said Beijing was unlikely to station troops in Afghanistan, but might work with other countries in the region to reduce the security risk to China.&nbsp;

Pang Zhongying, an international relations professor at Ocean University of China, said though China was tempted to fill the vacuum, it was unlikely to play a significant military role there because the risk was too high, the SCMP reported.&nbsp;

She also said that the UN framework is 'too fragile' and it would also be difficult for China to project its strategic influence through this platform. &nbsp;

At least three explosions took place near Sayed-ul-Shuhada High School in the west of Kabul on Saturday afternoon. As many as 63 people, all students, were killed in a Kabul school bombing and 150 more were wounded, TOLO News reported citing sources and relatives of victims.&nbsp;

The incident was heavily condemned by the international community. However, the Taliban has denied any involvement in the attack. "We condemn in strongest terms the killing of civilians in Dashti Barchi, Kabul, as a result of incessant explosions and call for a neutral and transparent investigation," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had said in a tweet. The Taliban later announced that they would observe a three-day ceasefire for the festival of Eid. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

China has blamed the abrupt withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan for a surge in attacks in the country, days after a series of explosions in Kabul killed over 60 people, mostly girl students.

China has blamed the abrupt withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan for a surge in attacks in the country, days after a series of explosions in Kabul killed over 60 people, mostly girl students. According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China was 'shocked' by the attacks and 'deeply saddened' by the death toll, calling on the US to pull out troops 'in a responsible manner'. "It needs to be pointed out that the recent abrupt US announcement of complete withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan has led to a succession of attacks throughout the country, worsening the security situation and threatening peace and stability as well as people's lives and safety," Hua said in a statement. "China calls on foreign troops in Afghanistan to take into full account the security of people in the country and the region, pull out in a responsible manner and avoid inflicting more turmoil and suffering on the Afghan people," she added. Biden announced earlier this month, the decision to withdraw troops from the country starting on that May 1 deadline, with the aim of completely withdrawing from Afghanistan by September 11, which would mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that sparked the war in Afghanistan, the longest conflict in American history. Beijing has long feared that instability in Afghanistan would give ground to Islamic fundamentalism that would spill over into China's predominantly Muslim Xinjiang region, SCMP reported. The withdrawal of troops by the US has already led to a surge in fighting between Taliban and Afghan security forces. Observers said Beijing was unlikely to station troops in Afghanistan, but might work with other countries in the region to reduce the security risk to China. Pang Zhongying, an international relations professor at Ocean University of China, said though China was tempted to fill the vacuum, it was unlikely to play a significant military role there because the risk was too high, the SCMP reported. She also said that the UN framework is 'too fragile' and it would also be difficult for China to project its strategic influence through this platform. At least three explosions took place near Sayed-ul-Shuhada High School in the west of Kabul on Saturday afternoon. As many as 63 people, all students, were killed in a Kabul school bombing and 150 more were wounded, TOLO News reported citing sources and relatives of victims. The incident was heavily condemned by the international community. However, the Taliban has denied any involvement in the attack. "We condemn in strongest terms the killing of civilians in Dashti Barchi, Kabul, as a result of incessant explosions and call for a neutral and transparent investigation," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had said in a tweet. The Taliban later announced that they would observe a three-day ceasefire for the festival of Eid. (With inputs from agencies)

China blames US troop withdrawal for surge in attacks in Afghanistan 

Thirteen people were killed and over 40 were wounded in separate roadside bomb blasts in Zabul and Parwan provinces of Afghanistan, TOLO News reported on Monday, quoting the country’s ministry of interior.

The attack in restive Zabul province killed at least 11 people left another 28 people wounded just hours before the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire to mark this week's Eid al-Fitr holiday.

In another incident, two civilians were killed and nine more were wounded in a roadside bomb blast that targeted a bus in the Pul-e-Matak area in Parwan province.

No one claimed immediate responsibility for the blast.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thirteen people were killed and over 40 were wounded in separate roadside bomb blasts in Zabul and Parwan provinces of Afghanistan, TOLO News reported on Monday, quoting the country’s ministry of interior.

Thirteen people were killed and over 40 were wounded in separate roadside bomb blasts in Zabul and Parwan provinces of Afghanistan, TOLO News reported on Monday, quoting the country’s ministry of interior. The attack in restive Zabul province killed at least 11 people left another 28 people wounded just hours before the Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire to mark this week's Eid al-Fitr holiday. In another incident, two civilians were killed and nine more were wounded in a roadside bomb blast that targeted a bus in the Pul-e-Matak area in Parwan province. No one claimed immediate responsibility for the blast. (With inputs from agencies)

Two separate roadside bomb blasts kill13 civilians in Afghanistan

Taliban and Afghan government on Monday declared a three-day ceasefire over the festival of Eid. The ceasefire has followed a sharp spike in violence from May 1, the day US troops began their final pullout from Afghanistan.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani ordered government forces to match the Taliban's offer of ceasefire.

Early on Monday, the Taliban instructed their fighters "to halt all offensive operations against the enemy countrywide from the first till the third day of Eid".

On Saturday, a series of bombs detonated outside a girls' school in Dasht-e-Barchi, a suburb of Kabul largely populated by the Shiite Hazara community which is often targeted by extremist Sunni Islamist militants.

It was the deadliest attack in more than a year and came as residents were shopping ahead of the Eid holiday. 
On Sunday, on a desolate hilltop cemetery, bodies in small wooden coffins were lowered into graves, one by one, by mourners still in shock.

"I rushed to the scene and found myself in the middle of bodies, their hands and heads cut off and bones smashed," said Mohammad Taqi, whose two daughters were students at the school but escaped the attack.

"All of them were girls. Their bodies piled on top of each other."

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban and Afghan government on Monday declared a three-day ceasefire over the festival of Eid. The ceasefire has followed a sharp spike in violence from May 1, the day US troops began their final pullout from Afghanistan.

Taliban and Afghan government on Monday declared a three-day ceasefire over the festival of Eid. The ceasefire has followed a sharp spike in violence from May 1, the day US troops began their final pullout from Afghanistan. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani ordered government forces to match the Taliban's offer of ceasefire. Early on Monday, the Taliban instructed their fighters "to halt all offensive operations against the enemy countrywide from the first till the third day of Eid". On Saturday, a series of bombs detonated outside a girls' school in Dasht-e-Barchi, a suburb of Kabul largely populated by the Shiite Hazara community which is often targeted by extremist Sunni Islamist militants. It was the deadliest attack in more than a year and came as residents were shopping ahead of the Eid holiday. On Sunday, on a desolate hilltop cemetery, bodies in small wooden coffins were lowered into graves, one by one, by mourners still in shock. "I rushed to the scene and found myself in the middle of bodies, their hands and heads cut off and bones smashed," said Mohammad Taqi, whose two daughters were students at the school but escaped the attack. "All of them were girls. Their bodies piled on top of each other." (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban, Afghan forces declare Eid holiday ceasefire

The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;foreign minister and prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have met in The Hague to discuss the ICC's war crimes investigation in&nbsp;Afghanistan, both sides said in a joint statement on Sunday.

The ICC is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in&nbsp;Afghanistan since 2003 by all sides in the conflict, including by government forces, the Taliban, other armed groups, and US-led forces.

Shortly after the ICC announced its investigation in March 2020, the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;government said it is conducting its own probe into some of the same alleged crimes and asked the international court to defer its investigation.

"We have made encouraging progress in charting the way forward to ensure that no crime goes unpunished," said&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar in a joint statement with the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor.

Atmar met prosecutors in The Hague, Netherlands, where the ICC is based.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-us-sends-reinforcements-to-exiting-troops-as-taliban-captures-second-biggest-dam-383430">Afghanistan: US sends reinforcements to exiting troops as Taliban captures second-biggest dam</a>

Under ICC rules, the court only has the power to prosecute crimes committed on the territory of member states when they are unwilling or unable to do so themselves.

In the joint statement on Sunday, Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she would continue to work with the government of&nbsp;Afghanistan on "how justice may best be served through joint collaborative efforts" while still fulfilling her own duties under the tribunal's rules.

Afghanistan's Attorney General Zabihullah Karimullah, who also attended, said that prosecutors had discussed information-sharing and cooperation.

Bensouda is still assessing&nbsp;Afghanistan's deferral request. In September 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on Bensouda for investigating whether American forces committed war crimes in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

Conflict is still raging in&nbsp;Afghanistan, with security forces locked in daily combat with the Taliban who have waged war to overthrow the foreign-backed government since they were ousted from power in Kabul in 2001.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-carried-out-141-attacks-in-24-hours-across-afghanistan-says-report-382712">Taliban carried out 141 attacks in 24 hours across Afghanistan, says report</a>

Although the United States did not meet the May 1 withdrawal deadline agreed in talks with the Taliban last year, its pull-out has begun, with President Joe Biden announcing all troops will be out by Sept. 11. Critics of the decision say the Islamist militants will try to return to power.

The Afghan foreign minister and prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have met in The Hague to discuss the ICC's war crimes investigation in Afghanistan, both sides said in a joint statement on Sunday.

The Afghan foreign minister and prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have met in The Hague to discuss the ICC's war crimes investigation in Afghanistan, both sides said in a joint statement on Sunday. The ICC is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Afghanistan since 2003 by all sides in the conflict, including by government forces, the Taliban, other armed groups, and US-led forces. Shortly after the ICC announced its investigation in March 2020, the Afghan government said it is conducting its own probe into some of the same alleged crimes and asked the international court to defer its investigation. "We have made encouraging progress in charting the way forward to ensure that no crime goes unpunished," said Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar in a joint statement with the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor. Atmar met prosecutors in The Hague, Netherlands, where the ICC is based. Also read | Afghanistan: US sends reinforcements to exiting troops as Taliban captures second-biggest dam Under ICC rules, the court only has the power to prosecute crimes committed on the territory of member states when they are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. In the joint statement on Sunday, Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she would continue to work with the government of Afghanistan on "how justice may best be served through joint collaborative efforts" while still fulfilling her own duties under the tribunal's rules. Afghanistan's Attorney General Zabihullah Karimullah, who also attended, said that prosecutors had discussed information-sharing and cooperation. Bensouda is still assessing Afghanistan's deferral request. In September 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on Bensouda for investigating whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Conflict is still raging in Afghanistan, with security forces locked in daily combat with the Taliban who have waged war to overthrow the foreign-backed government since they were ousted from power in Kabul in 2001. Also read | Taliban carried out 141 attacks in 24 hours across Afghanistan, says report Although the United States did not meet the May 1 withdrawal deadline agreed in talks with the Taliban last year, its pull-out has begun, with President Joe Biden announcing all troops will be out by Sept. 11. Critics of the decision say the Islamist militants will try to return to power.

Afghan foreign minister meets ICC prosecutors to discuss war crimes investigation

As the American troops began to withdraw from Afghanistan, the Taliban has captured the second-biggest dam of the South Asian country on Thursday.

Dahla Dam, which provides irrigation to farmers via a network of canals as well as drinking water for the provincial capital of Kandahar, has been taken over by the group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghan-tv-host-nemat-rawan-shot-dead-in-kandahar-383308" hreflang="en">Former Afghan TV host Nemat Rawan shot dead in Kandahar</a>

"We have seized the Dahla Dam in Arghandab," Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi told AFP.

A few days ago, Taliban had warned the employees of the Dahla Dam against going to work, Kandahar water department chief Tooryalay Mahboobi told AFP.

This has come almost a month after members of the Taliban had blown up a bridge connecting the dam to adjacent districts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jamaat-hefazat-leaders-determined-to-create-taliban-state-in-bangladesh-382887" hreflang="en">'Jamaat-Hefazat leaders determined to create Taliban state in Bangladesh'</a>

The taking over the dam is being read as a sign by experts, as the dam was built by the US to help the locals with water for irrigating land in almost seven districts of Kandahar.

Before retreating, the Taliban planted explosives across the area — including in residential complexes — officials said.

As the violence escalated in Afghanistan, the US is now deploying extra military resources to protect the withdrawing American troops and other coalition forces.

The US is still circling the area with heavy bombers and fighter jets in the sky and more will be deployed soon to safeguard all troops and civilian contractors.

As of now, six B-52 long-range bombers and 12 F-18 fighters to protect the departing contingents of 2,500 US service members and 16,000 civilian contractors, said Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the American troops began to withdraw from Afghanistan, the Taliban has captured the second-biggest dam of the South Asian country on Thursday. Dahla Dam, which provides irrigation to farmers via a network of canals as well as drinking water for the provincial capital of Kandahar, has been taken over by the group.

As the American troops began to withdraw from Afghanistan, the Taliban has captured the second-biggest dam of the South Asian country on Thursday. Dahla Dam, which provides irrigation to farmers via a network of canals as well as drinking water for the provincial capital of Kandahar, has been taken over by the group. Also read | Former Afghan TV host Nemat Rawan shot dead in Kandahar "We have seized the Dahla Dam in Arghandab," Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi told AFP. A few days ago, Taliban had warned the employees of the Dahla Dam against going to work, Kandahar water department chief Tooryalay Mahboobi told AFP. This has come almost a month after members of the Taliban had blown up a bridge connecting the dam to adjacent districts. Also read | 'Jamaat-Hefazat leaders determined to create Taliban state in Bangladesh' The taking over the dam is being read as a sign by experts, as the dam was built by the US to help the locals with water for irrigating land in almost seven districts of Kandahar. Before retreating, the Taliban planted explosives across the area — including in residential complexes — officials said. As the violence escalated in Afghanistan, the US is now deploying extra military resources to protect the withdrawing American troops and other coalition forces. The US is still circling the area with heavy bombers and fighter jets in the sky and more will be deployed soon to safeguard all troops and civilian contractors. As of now, six B-52 long-range bombers and 12 F-18 fighters to protect the departing contingents of 2,500 US service members and 16,000 civilian contractors, said Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: US sends reinforcements to exiting troops as Taliban captures second-biggest dam

India and the European Union on Tuesday called for an 'immediate, permanent and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan, and said an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country.&nbsp;

Issues relating to the Afghan peace process figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles on the sidelines of a meeting of the G7 in London.&nbsp;

A joint press statement said both Jaishankar and Borrell underlined the importance of ensuring that the soil of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten the security of India and the EU.&nbsp;

It said they agreed that a successful peace process requires the Taliban to engage in good faith, with a serious commitment towards finding a political solution.&nbsp;

"External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Borrell jointly and firmly condemned the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated against the national forces of Afghanistan and civilians and the targeted assassinations of civil rights activists, mediapersons and Ulema," it said.&nbsp;

The statement said Jaiishankar and Borrell reiterated their call for an immediate, permanent and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire.&nbsp;

"An effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the negotiations to proceed meaningfully, for building trust between the parties, in instilling confidence in the Afghan people and for demonstrating a genuine commitment of the Taliban to lasting reconciliation," it said.&nbsp;

It said both sides condemned in the strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructures and countering radicalisation to ensure that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for international terrorism.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)&nbsp;

India and the European Union on Tuesday called for an 'immediate, permanent and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan, and said an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country.

India and the European Union on Tuesday called for an 'immediate, permanent and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan, and said an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country. Issues relating to the Afghan peace process figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles on the sidelines of a meeting of the G7 in London. A joint press statement said both Jaishankar and Borrell underlined the importance of ensuring that the soil of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten the security of India and the EU. It said they agreed that a successful peace process requires the Taliban to engage in good faith, with a serious commitment towards finding a political solution. "External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Borrell jointly and firmly condemned the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated against the national forces of Afghanistan and civilians and the targeted assassinations of civil rights activists, mediapersons and Ulema," it said. The statement said Jaiishankar and Borrell reiterated their call for an immediate, permanent and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire. "An effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the negotiations to proceed meaningfully, for building trust between the parties, in instilling confidence in the Afghan people and for demonstrating a genuine commitment of the Taliban to lasting reconciliation," it said. It said both sides condemned in the strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructures and countering radicalisation to ensure that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for international terrorism. (With input from agencies)

India and EU call for 'immediate and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan 

As the US troops withdraw from Afghanistan, experts fear the Taliban’s return to the South Asian country will undo all the progress made in women’s rights and equality over the years.

These fears were noted in a two-page National Intelligence Council document that claims the views of the Taliban leaders and members have not changed since 2001 — when the US intervened to restore peace in Afghanistan.

"The Taliban remains broadly consistent in its restrictive approach to women's rights and would roll back much of the past two decades' progress if the group regained national power," the report claims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-and-eu-call-for-immediate-and-comprehensive-ceasefire-in-afghanistan-382831" hreflang="en">India and EU call for 'immediate and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan</a>

Taliban was infamous for imposing old-age unequal decisions on women and keeping them away from studies and not allowing them to step out even for work.

The declassified report by the US intelligence warns that there has been very little, if any, change in Taliban’s leadership and the group still remains "inflexible" for any such negotiations and "enforces strict social constraints in areas that it already controls".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/small-afghanistan-attacks-have-no-significant-impact-on-troop-pullout-us-382753" hreflang="en">'Small' Afghanistan attacks have no significant impact on troop pullout: US</a>

"If the Taliban were again Afghanistan's dominant power, we assess that any prospect for moderating the group's policies toward women would lie with ethnic minorities' ability to maintain local variation and technological development," the report said.

While some groups have publically announced plans to respect women's&nbsp;rights, they have also added the condition of doing so only as a condition of Taliban’s fundamentalist interpretation of Sharia law, or Islamic law, the report claimed.

The US intelligence feels international pressure is crucial to maintain the progress of women’s rights in the country, with or without the return of Taliban in the area.

"The Taliban's desires for foreign aid and legitimacy might marginally moderate its conduct over time,"&nbsp;the report read. However, if the group returns back to power in Afghanistan, it will prioritise "extending control on its own terms".

As the US troops withdraw from Afghanistan, experts fear the Taliban’s return to the South Asian country will undo all the progress made in women’s rights and equality over the years.

As the US troops withdraw from Afghanistan, experts fear the Taliban’s return to the South Asian country will undo all the progress made in women’s rights and equality over the years. These fears were noted in a two-page National Intelligence Council document that claims the views of the Taliban leaders and members have not changed since 2001 — when the US intervened to restore peace in Afghanistan. "The Taliban remains broadly consistent in its restrictive approach to women's rights and would roll back much of the past two decades' progress if the group regained national power," the report claims. Also read | India and EU call for 'immediate and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan Taliban was infamous for imposing old-age unequal decisions on women and keeping them away from studies and not allowing them to step out even for work. The declassified report by the US intelligence warns that there has been very little, if any, change in Taliban’s leadership and the group still remains "inflexible" for any such negotiations and "enforces strict social constraints in areas that it already controls". Also read | 'Small' Afghanistan attacks have no significant impact on troop pullout: US "If the Taliban were again Afghanistan's dominant power, we assess that any prospect for moderating the group's policies toward women would lie with ethnic minorities' ability to maintain local variation and technological development," the report said. While some groups have publically announced plans to respect women's rights, they have also added the condition of doing so only as a condition of Taliban’s fundamentalist interpretation of Sharia law, or Islamic law, the report claimed. The US intelligence feels international pressure is crucial to maintain the progress of women’s rights in the country, with or without the return of Taliban in the area. "The Taliban's desires for foreign aid and legitimacy might marginally moderate its conduct over time," the report read. However, if the group returns back to power in Afghanistan, it will prioritise "extending control on its own terms".

Return of Taliban in Afghanistan harmful for women's rights: US report

Taliban have carried out 141 attacks over the last 24 hours in provinces all across the country, Tolo News reported on Sunday citing sources.

In these attacks, at least 20 people were killed including Peramqul Ziaee, a commander of public uprising forces in Takhar, according to Tolo News.

The country's Defence Ministry said that the Taliban's casualties were more than 100 in the last 24 hours. The Taliban rejected this figure.

Data collected by TOLOnews shows that 438 members of Afghan forces and civilians were killed and more than 500 others were wounded in the last 30 days. The data shows that 190 bombings, targeted attacks and offensives happened in the last month.

The attacks have intensified as the May 1 deadline for the United States to withdraw troops from Afghanistan has passed.

"Attacks have been intensified in Uruzgan over the last few days. There are clashes every day," said Amanullah Hotaki, head of the Uruzgan provincial council. "We witness blasts in Kunar every day. The government should prevent such attacks," said Nasir Kamawal, a member of the Kunar provincial council.

"Over the last 24 hours, attacks were carried out in Panjwai, Arghistan, Maiwand, Shah Wali Kot, Nesh, Mianshin and Takhta Pul districts and other outposts," said Jamal Barikzai, spokesman for the Kandahar police.

The government forces said that all Taliban attacks were pushed back and they suffered heavy casualties.

US President Joe Biden announced last month the decision to withdraw troops from the country starting on that May 1 deadline, with the aim of completely withdrawing from Afghanistan by September 11, which would mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that sparked the war in Afghanistan, the longest conflict in American history.

On Thursday, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the US has begun pulling out its forces from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Taliban have carried out 141 attacks over the last 24 hours in provinces all across the country, Tolo News reported on Sunday citing sources. In these attacks, at least 20 people were killed including Peramqul Ziaee, a commander of public uprising forces in Takhar, according to Tolo News.

Taliban have carried out 141 attacks over the last 24 hours in provinces all across the country, Tolo News reported on Sunday citing sources. In these attacks, at least 20 people were killed including Peramqul Ziaee, a commander of public uprising forces in Takhar, according to Tolo News. The country's Defence Ministry said that the Taliban's casualties were more than 100 in the last 24 hours. The Taliban rejected this figure. Data collected by TOLOnews shows that 438 members of Afghan forces and civilians were killed and more than 500 others were wounded in the last 30 days. The data shows that 190 bombings, targeted attacks and offensives happened in the last month. The attacks have intensified as the May 1 deadline for the United States to withdraw troops from Afghanistan has passed. "Attacks have been intensified in Uruzgan over the last few days. There are clashes every day," said Amanullah Hotaki, head of the Uruzgan provincial council. "We witness blasts in Kunar every day. The government should prevent such attacks," said Nasir Kamawal, a member of the Kunar provincial council. "Over the last 24 hours, attacks were carried out in Panjwai, Arghistan, Maiwand, Shah Wali Kot, Nesh, Mianshin and Takhta Pul districts and other outposts," said Jamal Barikzai, spokesman for the Kandahar police. The government forces said that all Taliban attacks were pushed back and they suffered heavy casualties. US President Joe Biden announced last month the decision to withdraw troops from the country starting on that May 1 deadline, with the aim of completely withdrawing from Afghanistan by September 11, which would mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that sparked the war in Afghanistan, the longest conflict in American history. On Thursday, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the US has begun pulling out its forces from Afghanistan.

Taliban carried out 141 attacks in 24 hours across Afghanistan, says report

Three Afghan security forces lost their lives and nine Taliban terrorists were killed in a clash that erupted between them in southern Zabul province on Sunday.&nbsp;

Head of Provincial Council, Ata Jan Haqbayan said the clash erupted when the Taliban attacked a security checkpoint in Qalat, the capital city for Zabul. &nbsp;

According to him, two security forces were injured, reported Afghanistan Times.&nbsp;

After US President Joe Biden's announcement of withdrawing all American service members from Afghanistan, a significant number of security forces as well as civilians suffer casualties on a daily basis.&nbsp;

According to some findings, 226 people including 157 security forces and 69 civilians were killed in 24 of 34 provinces since Biden announced the exit of troops, reported Afghanistan Times. &nbsp;

The Taliban have intensified violence across the country by carrying out targeted killings against journalists, civil activists and massive car bomb blasts, inflicting heavy casualties on civilians and the security forces. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Three Afghan security forces lost their lives and nine Taliban terrorists were killed in a clash that erupted between them in southern Zabul province on Sunday. Head of Provincial Council, Ata Jan Haqbayan said the clash erupted when the Taliban attacked a security checkpoint in Qalat, the capital city for Zabul.

Three Afghan security forces lost their lives and nine Taliban terrorists were killed in a clash that erupted between them in southern Zabul province on Sunday. Head of Provincial Council, Ata Jan Haqbayan said the clash erupted when the Taliban attacked a security checkpoint in Qalat, the capital city for Zabul. According to him, two security forces were injured, reported Afghanistan Times. After US President Joe Biden's announcement of withdrawing all American service members from Afghanistan, a significant number of security forces as well as civilians suffer casualties on a daily basis. According to some findings, 226 people including 157 security forces and 69 civilians were killed in 24 of 34 provinces since Biden announced the exit of troops, reported Afghanistan Times. The Taliban have intensified violence across the country by carrying out targeted killings against journalists, civil activists and massive car bomb blasts, inflicting heavy casualties on civilians and the security forces. (With inputs from agencies)

3 cops, 9 Taliban terrorists killed in clash in Afghanistan's Zabul 

The US has begun its pullout from Afghanistan, the 'forever war' that started after the 9/11 attacks on twin towers in New York 20 years ago. The development has elicited mixed reactions as there are widespread fears among the Afghans about possible Taliban takeover of the country.

US officials on the ground say the withdrawal is already a work in progress -- and May 1 is just a continuation -- but Washington has made an issue of the date because it is a deadline agreed with the Taliban in 2020 to complete the pullout.

The skies above Kabul and nearby Bagram airbase have been buzzing with more US helicopter activity than usual as the pullout gears up, following the start Thursday of a concurrent NATO withdrawal.

On Saturday, Afghan security forces were on high alert&nbsp;for any possible attack on retreating US soldiers.

An emboldened Taliban has stepped up violence in Afghanistan in months leading to US troop pullout. Even if the Taliban has avoided direct clash with the US troops, they have carried out attacks, assassinations and blasts in various parts of the country.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/goons-or-protectors-pakistan-armys-truth-revealed-in-land-grabbing-case-381780">Goons or protectors? Pakistan army's truth revealed in land grabbing case</a>

A stark reminder of what remains came late Friday with a car bomb in Pul-e-Alam, south of the capital, killing at least 24 people and wounding 110 more.

The exit of US forces has only exacerbated the fear felt by ordinary Afghans.

"Everyone is scared that we might go back to the dark days of the Taliban era," said Mena Nowrozi, who works at a private radio station in Kabul.

"The Taliban are still the same; they have not changed. The US should have extended their presence by at least a year or two," she told AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US has begun its pullout from Afghanistan, the 'forever war' that started after the 9/11 attacks on twin towers in New York 20 years ago. The development has elicited mixed reactions as there are widespread fears among the Afghans about possible Taliban takeover of the country.

The US has begun its pullout from Afghanistan, the 'forever war' that started after the 9/11 attacks on twin towers in New York 20 years ago. The development has elicited mixed reactions as there are widespread fears among the Afghans about possible Taliban takeover of the country. US officials on the ground say the withdrawal is already a work in progress -- and May 1 is just a continuation -- but Washington has made an issue of the date because it is a deadline agreed with the Taliban in 2020 to complete the pullout. The skies above Kabul and nearby Bagram airbase have been buzzing with more US helicopter activity than usual as the pullout gears up, following the start Thursday of a concurrent NATO withdrawal. On Saturday, Afghan security forces were on high alert for any possible attack on retreating US soldiers. An emboldened Taliban has stepped up violence in Afghanistan in months leading to US troop pullout. Even if the Taliban has avoided direct clash with the US troops, they have carried out attacks, assassinations and blasts in various parts of the country. Also Read | Goons or protectors? Pakistan army's truth revealed in land grabbing case A stark reminder of what remains came late Friday with a car bomb in Pul-e-Alam, south of the capital, killing at least 24 people and wounding 110 more. The exit of US forces has only exacerbated the fear felt by ordinary Afghans. "Everyone is scared that we might go back to the dark days of the Taliban era," said Mena Nowrozi, who works at a private radio station in Kabul. "The Taliban are still the same; they have not changed. The US should have extended their presence by at least a year or two," she told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: US begins withdrawing troops from the 'forever war'

As the world celebrated the 10th anniversary of terrorist Osama Bin Laden’s death, his terrorist network and group Al Qaeda has vowed war against the US till the forces are "expelled from the rest of the Islamic world".

While US President Joe Biden prepares to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan, Al Qaeda has detached itself from the promise made by the Taliban and has instead vowed war with the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/10-years-after-death-al-qaeda-chief-osama-bin-laden-still-mobilises-jihadists-380730">10 years after death, al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden still mobilises jihadists</a>

Two al Qaeda operatives have told CNN in an exclusive interview that "war against the US will be continuing on all other fronts unless they are expelled from the rest of the Islamic world".

The comment from the al Qaeda operatives has come as a warning that the group might be looking to re-enter Afghanistan as the US troops prepare to move out, as per the deal made with the Taliban.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-pullout-surge-in-insider-attacks-in-afghan-army-says-us-government-report-381730">Afghanistan pullout: Surge in insider attacks in Afghan army, says US government report</a>

"The United States is not a problem for our Afghan brothers, but due to the sacrifices in the Afghan war, the Americans are now defeated. Whether Republicans or Democrats — both have made final decision to pull out from the Afghan war," they said.

In fact, the members of the terrorist group have also thanked the Taliban for keeping the fight against the US going. "Thanks to Afghans for the protection of comrades-in-arms, many such jihadi fronts have been successfully operating in different parts of the Islamic world for a long time," the operative said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-deploy-additional-military-assets-to-afghanistan-as-withdrawal-underway-381534">US to deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan as withdrawal underway</a>

The spokesperson has also hinted that the deal between the Taliban and America might be based on a sham as, al Qaeda claims, the Taliban is not being completely honest with the Biden administration.

They also claimed to have "masterminded" the 2009 attack, which led to the killing of seven CIA operatives. The operatives claimed that the Pakistani Taliban (TP) was their junior partner in the attack and "was in its learning stages” due to which “many mistakes were made by them".

However, now, the group is proud of its influence over the infamous TTP. "Now the organization of Pakistani Taliban and their leadership not only moving forward in the light of Sharia but also making better decisions based on past experiences and recent successes have been made possible by the same unity and adherence to Sharia and Wisdom," they said.

As the world celebrated the 10th anniversary of terrorist Osama Bin Laden’s death, his terrorist network and group Al Qaeda has vowed war against the US till the forces are "expelled from the rest of the Islamic world".

As the world celebrated the 10th anniversary of terrorist Osama Bin Laden’s death, his terrorist network and group Al Qaeda has vowed war against the US till the forces are "expelled from the rest of the Islamic world". While US President Joe Biden prepares to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan, Al Qaeda has detached itself from the promise made by the Taliban and has instead vowed war with the US. Also read | 10 years after death, al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden still mobilises jihadists Two al Qaeda operatives have told CNN in an exclusive interview that "war against the US will be continuing on all other fronts unless they are expelled from the rest of the Islamic world". The comment from the al Qaeda operatives has come as a warning that the group might be looking to re-enter Afghanistan as the US troops prepare to move out, as per the deal made with the Taliban. Also read | Afghanistan pullout: Surge in insider attacks in Afghan army, says US government report "The United States is not a problem for our Afghan brothers, but due to the sacrifices in the Afghan war, the Americans are now defeated. Whether Republicans or Democrats — both have made final decision to pull out from the Afghan war," they said. In fact, the members of the terrorist group have also thanked the Taliban for keeping the fight against the US going. "Thanks to Afghans for the protection of comrades-in-arms, many such jihadi fronts have been successfully operating in different parts of the Islamic world for a long time," the operative said. Also read | US to deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan as withdrawal underway The spokesperson has also hinted that the deal between the Taliban and America might be based on a sham as, al Qaeda claims, the Taliban is not being completely honest with the Biden administration. They also claimed to have "masterminded" the 2009 attack, which led to the killing of seven CIA operatives. The operatives claimed that the Pakistani Taliban (TP) was their junior partner in the attack and "was in its learning stages” due to which “many mistakes were made by them". However, now, the group is proud of its influence over the infamous TTP. "Now the organization of Pakistani Taliban and their leadership not only moving forward in the light of Sharia but also making better decisions based on past experiences and recent successes have been made possible by the same unity and adherence to Sharia and Wisdom," they said.

'War is not over': Al Qaeda warns US as American troops prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan

In another indication of the resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan, a US government report on Friday said that deadly insider attacks by Taliban agent inside Afghanistan army have been on the rise. The report said that a jump was seen in such attacks in the first quarter of this years.&nbsp;

The quarterly report of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said attacks on the Afghan security forces, mainly by the Taliban rebel group, surged 37 percent over the January-March period from a year earlier.

Insider attacks carried out by Taliban agents who had infiltrated the army ranks jumped 82 per cent, said the report.

The report did not specify the overall number of casualties, saying the data is classified.

But as per figures obtained by the coalition 115 Afghan military personnel were killed and 39 were wounded in 31 insider attacks in first three months of this year.

The report made it clear that such attacks threatened stability of the Afghan government after withdrawal of US troops by September.

It noted that the Afghan government and particularly Afghan security forces remain highly dependent on US support, both financial aid and manpower.

"The complete withdrawal of US troops and US defense contractors from Afghanistan will test whether the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces can sustain themselves and defend the Afghan government without direct US and Coalition military support," the report said.

"The basic risk facing the current and any potential post-peace Afghan government is whether future foreign assistance levels during this uncertain period will be sufficient to prevent its collapse," said John Sopko, the SIGAR head.

The pullout will involve around 2,500 US service members, 7,092 other forces in the US-led coalition, and 16,832 civilian contractors for the Pentagon who were in the country at the beginning of April.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In another indication of the resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan, a US government report on Friday said that deadly insider attacks by Taliban agent inside Afghanistan army have been on the rise.

In another indication of the resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan, a US government report on Friday said that deadly insider attacks by Taliban agent inside Afghanistan army have been on the rise. The report said that a jump was seen in such attacks in the first quarter of this years. The quarterly report of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said attacks on the Afghan security forces, mainly by the Taliban rebel group, surged 37 percent over the January-March period from a year earlier. Insider attacks carried out by Taliban agents who had infiltrated the army ranks jumped 82 per cent, said the report. The report did not specify the overall number of casualties, saying the data is classified. But as per figures obtained by the coalition 115 Afghan military personnel were killed and 39 were wounded in 31 insider attacks in first three months of this year. The report made it clear that such attacks threatened stability of the Afghan government after withdrawal of US troops by September. It noted that the Afghan government and particularly Afghan security forces remain highly dependent on US support, both financial aid and manpower. "The complete withdrawal of US troops and US defense contractors from Afghanistan will test whether the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces can sustain themselves and defend the Afghan government without direct US and Coalition military support," the report said. "The basic risk facing the current and any potential post-peace Afghan government is whether future foreign assistance levels during this uncertain period will be sufficient to prevent its collapse," said John Sopko, the SIGAR head. The pullout will involve around 2,500 US service members, 7,092 other forces in the US-led coalition, and 16,832 civilian contractors for the Pentagon who were in the country at the beginning of April. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan pullout: Surge in insider attacks in Afghan army, says US government report

NATO has begun withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, reported AFP quoting a senior official of the alliance.

"NATO Allies decided in mid-April to start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1 and this withdrawal has begun. This will be an orderly, coordinated, and deliberate process," a NATO official told AFP.&nbsp;

The United States and the allied forces are in the process of withdrawing their forces from Afghanistan. Though the US had said initially that troop withdrawal will take place on May 1, US President Joe Biden has previously said that keeping the date would be difficult.

The US had been engaged with Taliban, widely perceived to gain control of the country in peace talks. However, Taliban attacks and the assassination of prominent Afghan figures have raised alarm everywhere.

Members of the US-backed alliance NATO agreed this month to wrap up their 9,600-strong mission in Afghanistan after Biden made the call to end Washington's longest war.

The decision -- which delayed by several months a deadline agreed by former US leader Donald Trump -- came despite fears it could allow the Taliban to regain power in the country.

The NATO official said the safety of the alliance's troops "will be a top priority every step of the way, and we are taking all necessary measures to keep our personnel from harm". &nbsp;

"Any Taliban attacks during the withdrawal will be met with a forceful response. We plan to have our withdrawal completed within a few months," the official said, refusing to give any f

Biden said the US withdrawal would be completed by September 11, the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America that sparked its military involvement in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Germany's defence ministry has said it plans to get its 1,300 troops out of the country by early July.&nbsp; 
NATO's training and support mission, which includes some 2,500 US troops and relies heavily on Washington's military assets, has personnel from 36 alliance member nations and partner countries.

The US has said it is temporarily deploying extra troops to protect international forces as they withdraw and has prolonged the presence of an aircraft carrier in the region to support the pull-out.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NATO has begun withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, reported AFP quoting a senior official of the alliance. "NATO Allies decided in mid-April to start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1 and this withdrawal has begun.

NATO has begun withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, reported AFP quoting a senior official of the alliance. "NATO Allies decided in mid-April to start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1 and this withdrawal has begun. This will be an orderly, coordinated, and deliberate process," a NATO official told AFP. The United States and the allied forces are in the process of withdrawing their forces from Afghanistan. Though the US had said initially that troop withdrawal will take place on May 1, US President Joe Biden has previously said that keeping the date would be difficult. The US had been engaged with Taliban, widely perceived to gain control of the country in peace talks. However, Taliban attacks and the assassination of prominent Afghan figures have raised alarm everywhere. Members of the US-backed alliance NATO agreed this month to wrap up their 9,600-strong mission in Afghanistan after Biden made the call to end Washington's longest war. The decision -- which delayed by several months a deadline agreed by former US leader Donald Trump -- came despite fears it could allow the Taliban to regain power in the country. The NATO official said the safety of the alliance's troops "will be a top priority every step of the way, and we are taking all necessary measures to keep our personnel from harm". "Any Taliban attacks during the withdrawal will be met with a forceful response. We plan to have our withdrawal completed within a few months," the official said, refusing to give any f Biden said the US withdrawal would be completed by September 11, the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America that sparked its military involvement in Afghanistan. Germany's defence ministry has said it plans to get its 1,300 troops out of the country by early July. NATO's training and support mission, which includes some 2,500 US troops and relies heavily on Washington's military assets, has personnel from 36 alliance member nations and partner countries. The US has said it is temporarily deploying extra troops to protect international forces as they withdraw and has prolonged the presence of an aircraft carrier in the region to support the pull-out. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan troop withdrawal has begun, says senior NATO official

Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan called on the Taliban to reaffirm their commitment to achieving a negotiated settlement for Afghan peace. The foreign ministers of these three countries have issued a joint statement after talks in Istanbul.

Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan urge Taliban to agree on ceasefire

Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan </a>has vowed to wipe out terror in his country.

This tall promise came shortly after a suicide attack in Balochistan. On Wednesday night, 50 kgs of RDX exploded at a luxury hotel in Quetta.

Watch |&nbsp;

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The Serena Hotel in Quetta is located right next to the Iranian consulate and the provincial assembly of Balochistan.

As many as four people were killed and 11 have been injured.&nbsp;The Tehreek-e-Taliban, an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack and Islamabad says their target was the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-deadly-blast-at-luxury-hotel-housing-chinese-ambassador-kills-four-379141">Pakistan: Deadly blast at luxury hotel housing Chinese ambassador kills four</a>

"This incident occurred after Iftar (breaking of fast). The car was parked in the parking lot of the Serena Hotel. The blast killed four people&nbsp;and injured 11. One of our police constables is among the injured," Mir Ziaullah Langove, Balochistan provincial minister, said.&nbsp;

Nong Rong, the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, was staying at the hotel with four other Chinese delegates.

He was out for a meeting at the time of the explosion.

In Beijing, the Chinese foreign ministry is alarmed and has condemned the attack, promising to firmly support Pakistan's anti-terrorism efforts.

"China strongly condemns the terrorist attack, expresses its condolences to the tragic victims and extends its sympathy to the injured," Wang Wenbin, foreign ministry spokesperson, said. &nbsp;

"China will continue to firmly support Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, jointly maintain and promote regional security and stability, and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan."

In Islamabad, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened by the loss of innocent lives, promising to not let the scourge of terrorism re-emerge.

However, the people of Balochistan will tell you this promise means nothing.&nbsp;The province has seen six decades of insurgency by separatists who want independence from Pakistan. Their objective is to end Islamabad's monopoly and exploitation of the province's mineral resources.

This conflict intensified with the onset of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2017, which is increasingly turning Balochistan into a Chinese colony.

Billions of dollars are flowing into the regions, thousands of outsiders are getting jobs, but the Baloch people continue to toil in poverty as they are pushed to the margins.

In recent years, they have carried out multiple attacks on Chinese investments.

Three Chinese nationals were injured in a suicide attack near Quetta in 2018.&nbsp;In 2019, gunmen stormed a hotel in the Chinese-run Gwadar seaport, killing five people. And in 2020, Baloch insurgents stormed the Karachi Stock Exchange, in which nine people were killed.&nbsp;

With the latest suicide attack that targeted the Chinese ambassador, it has become absolutely clear that Balochistan is slowly becoming China's Achilles'&nbsp;heel.

It is becoming a big problem for China's mega Belt and Road Initiative and the jewel in its crown, the CPEC.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to wipe out terror in his country. This tall promise came shortly after a suicide attack in Balochistan. On Wednesday night, 50 kgs of RDX exploded at a luxury hotel in Quetta.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to wipe out terror in his country. This tall promise came shortly after a suicide attack in Balochistan. On Wednesday night, 50 kgs of RDX exploded at a luxury hotel in Quetta. Watch | The Serena Hotel in Quetta is located right next to the Iranian consulate and the provincial assembly of Balochistan. As many as four people were killed and 11 have been injured. The Tehreek-e-Taliban, an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack and Islamabad says their target was the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan. Also read | Pakistan: Deadly blast at luxury hotel housing Chinese ambassador kills four "This incident occurred after Iftar (breaking of fast). The car was parked in the parking lot of the Serena Hotel. The blast killed four people and injured 11. One of our police constables is among the injured," Mir Ziaullah Langove, Balochistan provincial minister, said. Nong Rong, the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, was staying at the hotel with four other Chinese delegates. He was out for a meeting at the time of the explosion. In Beijing, the Chinese foreign ministry is alarmed and has condemned the attack, promising to firmly support Pakistan's anti-terrorism efforts. "China strongly condemns the terrorist attack, expresses its condolences to the tragic victims and extends its sympathy to the injured," Wang Wenbin, foreign ministry spokesperson, said. "China will continue to firmly support Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, jointly maintain and promote regional security and stability, and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan." In Islamabad, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened by the loss of innocent lives, promising to not let the scourge of terrorism re-emerge. However, the people of Balochistan will tell you this promise means nothing. The province has seen six decades of insurgency by separatists who want independence from Pakistan. Their objective is to end Islamabad's monopoly and exploitation of the province's mineral resources. This conflict intensified with the onset of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2017, which is increasingly turning Balochistan into a Chinese colony. Billions of dollars are flowing into the regions, thousands of outsiders are getting jobs, but the Baloch people continue to toil in poverty as they are pushed to the margins. In recent years, they have carried out multiple attacks on Chinese investments. Three Chinese nationals were injured in a suicide attack near Quetta in 2018. In 2019, gunmen stormed a hotel in the Chinese-run Gwadar seaport, killing five people. And in 2020, Baloch insurgents stormed the Karachi Stock Exchange, in which nine people were killed. With the latest suicide attack that targeted the Chinese ambassador, it has become absolutely clear that Balochistan is slowly becoming China's Achilles' heel. It is becoming a big problem for China's mega Belt and Road Initiative and the jewel in its crown, the CPEC.

Why Quetta blast is a big concern for China's ambitious projects

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