The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan is, first and foremost, a tragedy for Afghans. The world’s attention is rightly focused on trying to help those desperately trying to flee the country and worrying about those left behind, notably women and girls.

But it is also a severe blow to the West. Europe and the United States were united as never before in Afghanistan: It was the first time that NATO’s Article 5, committing all members to defend one another, was invoked. And for many years, Europeans provided a strong military commitment and an important economic aid program, amounting to a total of 17.2 billion euros, or $20.3 billion.

But in the end, the timing and nature of the withdrawal were set in Washington. We Europeans found ourselves — not only for the evacuations out of the Kabul airport but also more broadly — depending on American decisions.

That should serve as a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the Atlantic alliance. The United States understandably does not want to do everything alone. To become a more capable ally, Europe must invest more in its security capabilities and develop the ability to think and act in strategic terms. The events in Afghanistan have been harrowing. But they should lead us to deepen, not divide, the alliance with America. And to strengthen our cooperation, Europe must step up.

To do so, we first need to have a shared sense of the threats we face and how best to address them — a common strategic culture. In that vein, the European Union is working on a European Strategic Compass, a document that will precisely define our ambitions for security and defense for the next five to 10 years.

Member states are fully involved in this exercise. Some, for example, have suggested the creation of a European “initial entry force,” consisting of about 5,000 troops, that could undertake rapid and robust action. Helping to secure an airport in challenging circumstances, as in Kabul, could be the type of operation we aim for in the future. By embracing the spirit and potential of collaboration, we hope the document — to be issued in spring 2022 — will serve as a guide to our collective future.

It’s an uncertain future, full of threats in different domains, including cyberspace, the sea and outer space. That’s why it’s vital that Europeans, whether in NATO, the United Nations or the E.U., work together more on defense. Alongside increasing pivotal military capabilities — airlift and refueling, command and control, strategic reconnaissance and space-based assets — we need forces that are more capable, more deployable and more interoperable. Efforts to achieve just that, in the form of several initiatives, are already underway.

But we must go further and faster. The European Defence Fund, established to boost the bloc’s defense capabilities, will receive close to 8 billion euros, or $9.4 billion, over the next six years. That should be used to significantly support collaborative research and the development of much-needed defense technologies.

A more strategically autonomous and militarily capable E.U. would be better able to address the challenges to come in Europe’s neighborhood and beyond. It would also, I am convinced, be a boon for the United States and in the interest of the Atlantic alliance. After all, any partnership needs capable allies and political trust.

The task could not be more urgent. The Taliban’s return to power brings with it the risk of renewed terrorist attacks, a growth in drug trafficking and a large amount of irregular migration. We must be resolute in combating these threats, as well as in responding to a changed regional landscape. China, Russia and Iran will have greater sway in the region, while Pakistan, India, Turkey and Gulf monarchies will all reposition themselves. We cannot let them be the only interlocutors with Afghanistan after the Western withdrawal. Europe, along with the United States, has to reframe its engagement.

Not least with the Taliban themselves. After failing to prevent their capture of the country, we will now have to deal with them, carefully weighing our options and working for a coordinated international approach. That must be subject, of course, to clear conditions on their behavior, notably respect for human rights.

What’s more, we must continue supporting the Afghan people, especially minorities and women and girls. To this end, the European Commission has already decided to quadruple its humanitarian aid this year to 200 million euros, or $236 million, while suspending development aid. And though it will be a challenge, we will have to find ways to get humanitarian aid in and delivered — and safe passage out for those who feel under imminent threat.

The events in Afghanistan are not an invitation to withdraw from further international challenges. On the contrary, they should embolden Europe to deepen its alliances and strengthen its commitment — and ability — to defend its interests.

Some events catalyze history: The Afghanistan debacle is one of them. We Europeans must learn its lessons.

(Josep Borrell Fontelles is the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, and vice president of the European Commission)

The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan is, first and foremost, a tragedy for Afghans. The world’s attention is rightly focused on trying to help those desperately trying to flee the country and worrying about those left behind, notably women and girls.

The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan is, first and foremost, a tragedy for Afghans. The world’s attention is rightly focused on trying to help those desperately trying to flee the country and worrying about those left behind, notably women and girls. But it is also a severe blow to the West. Europe and the United States were united as never before in Afghanistan: It was the first time that NATO’s Article 5, committing all members to defend one another, was invoked. And for many years, Europeans provided a strong military commitment and an important economic aid program, amounting to a total of 17.2 billion euros, or $20.3 billion. But in the end, the timing and nature of the withdrawal were set in Washington. We Europeans found ourselves — not only for the evacuations out of the Kabul airport but also more broadly — depending on American decisions. That should serve as a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the Atlantic alliance. The United States understandably does not want to do everything alone. To become a more capable ally, Europe must invest more in its security capabilities and develop the ability to think and act in strategic terms. The events in Afghanistan have been harrowing. But they should lead us to deepen, not divide, the alliance with America. And to strengthen our cooperation, Europe must step up. To do so, we first need to have a shared sense of the threats we face and how best to address them — a common strategic culture. In that vein, the European Union is working on a European Strategic Compass, a document that will precisely define our ambitions for security and defense for the next five to 10 years. Member states are fully involved in this exercise. Some, for example, have suggested the creation of a European “initial entry force,” consisting of about 5,000 troops, that could undertake rapid and robust action. Helping to secure an airport in challenging circumstances, as in Kabul, could be the type of operation we aim for in the future. By embracing the spirit and potential of collaboration, we hope the document — to be issued in spring 2022 — will serve as a guide to our collective future. It’s an uncertain future, full of threats in different domains, including cyberspace, the sea and outer space. That’s why it’s vital that Europeans, whether in NATO, the United Nations or the E.U., work together more on defense. Alongside increasing pivotal military capabilities — airlift and refueling, command and control, strategic reconnaissance and space-based assets — we need forces that are more capable, more deployable and more interoperable. Efforts to achieve just that, in the form of several initiatives, are already underway. But we must go further and faster. The European Defence Fund, established to boost the bloc’s defense capabilities, will receive close to 8 billion euros, or $9.4 billion, over the next six years. That should be used to significantly support collaborative research and the development of much-needed defense technologies. A more strategically autonomous and militarily capable E.U. would be better able to address the challenges to come in Europe’s neighborhood and beyond. It would also, I am convinced, be a boon for the United States and in the interest of the Atlantic alliance. After all, any partnership needs capable allies and political trust. The task could not be more urgent. The Taliban’s return to power brings with it the risk of renewed terrorist attacks, a growth in drug trafficking and a large amount of irregular migration. We must be resolute in combating these threats, as well as in responding to a changed regional landscape. China, Russia and Iran will have greater sway in the region, while Pakistan, India, Turkey and Gulf monarchies will all reposition themselves. We cannot let them be the only interlocutors with Afghanistan after the Western withdrawal. Europe, along with the United States, has to reframe its engagement. Not least with the Taliban themselves. After failing to prevent their capture of the country, we will now have to deal with them, carefully weighing our options and working for a coordinated international approach. That must be subject, of course, to clear conditions on their behavior, notably respect for human rights. What’s more, we must continue supporting the Afghan people, especially minorities and women and girls. To this end, the European Commission has already decided to quadruple its humanitarian aid this year to 200 million euros, or $236 million, while suspending development aid. And though it will be a challenge, we will have to find ways to get humanitarian aid in and delivered — and safe passage out for those who feel under imminent threat. The events in Afghanistan are not an invitation to withdraw from further international challenges. On the contrary, they should embolden Europe to deepen its alliances and strengthen its commitment — and ability — to defend its interests. Some events catalyze history: The Afghanistan debacle is one of them. We Europeans must learn its lessons. (Josep Borrell Fontelles is the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, and vice president of the European Commission)

Europe, Afghanistan Is Your Wake-Up Call

A video of Taliban piloting one of the several Black Hawk helicopters left behind by US forces in Afghanistan has gone viral on the internet. A person can also be seen hanging from the helicopter in the video.

Many western reporters posted this video on Twitter, claiming that the Taliban killed a man and hoisted him from a US military helicopter patrolling the Kandahar area.

The video claimed to show a man being hung from a US military helicopter while flying over Kandahar Province.

The video recorded from the ground did not clearly show the victim tied to the helicopter. 
 
The man's identity is unknown, there is speculation that he worked for the United States as an interpreter. That, however, has yet to be confirmed. It's also unclear whether the individual was alive or dead. 
 
On social media, the photographs of the hanging man have provoked fury, with Joe Biden being blamed for the failed evacuation and the Taliban getting modern American military weaponry.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
If this is what it looks like… the Taliban hanging somebody from an American Blackhawk… I could vomit. Joe Biden is responsible. 
 
<a href="https://t.co/muHLEi3UvK">pic.twitter.com/muHLEi3UvK</a>
— Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Liz_Wheeler/status/1432459048448897026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of this viral video)

The Islamic Emirate's air force helicopters are currently flying above Kandahar and patrolling the city.

The United States has abandoned billions of dollars worth of military equipment in Afghanistan, which the Taliban will now use.

Aside from the 73 planes at Kabul Airport, the Taliban has also been given 27 Humvees (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles).

In addition, large quantities of C-RAM (Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar) missile defence systems, guns, ammo, and night vision goggles were left behind.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, as the US troops left Afghanistan on Monday night, the Taliban in a statement said, "Congratulations to Afghanistan... this victory belongs to us all."&nbsp;

The Taliban added that it is a "big lesson for other invaders and for our future generation," adding: "It is also a lesson for the world."

(With inputs from agencies)

A video of Taliban piloting one of the several Black Hawk helicopters left behind by US forces in Afghanistan has gone viral on the internet. A person can also be seen hanging from the helicopter in the video.

A video of Taliban piloting one of the several Black Hawk helicopters left behind by US forces in Afghanistan has gone viral on the internet. A person can also be seen hanging from the helicopter in the video. Many western reporters posted this video on Twitter, claiming that the Taliban killed a man and hoisted him from a US military helicopter patrolling the Kandahar area. The video claimed to show a man being hung from a US military helicopter while flying over Kandahar Province. The video recorded from the ground did not clearly show the victim tied to the helicopter. The man's identity is unknown, there is speculation that he worked for the United States as an interpreter. That, however, has yet to be confirmed. It's also unclear whether the individual was alive or dead. On social media, the photographs of the hanging man have provoked fury, with Joe Biden being blamed for the failed evacuation and the Taliban getting modern American military weaponry. If this is what it looks like… the Taliban hanging somebody from an American Blackhawk… I could vomit. Joe Biden is responsible. pic.twitter.com/muHLEi3UvK — Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) August 30, 2021 × (Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of this viral video) The Islamic Emirate's air force helicopters are currently flying above Kandahar and patrolling the city. The United States has abandoned billions of dollars worth of military equipment in Afghanistan, which the Taliban will now use. Aside from the 73 planes at Kabul Airport, the Taliban has also been given 27 Humvees (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles). In addition, large quantities of C-RAM (Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar) missile defence systems, guns, ammo, and night vision goggles were left behind. Meanwhile, as the US troops left Afghanistan on Monday night, the Taliban in a statement said, "Congratulations to Afghanistan... this victory belongs to us all." The Taliban added that it is a "big lesson for other invaders and for our future generation," adding: "It is also a lesson for the world." (With inputs from agencies)

Viral video: Taliban pilot a US Black Hawk helicopter with a body hanging from it

In the absence of political leadership in Afghanistan, diplomacy is at stake. Qatar's foreign minister has warned that isolating the Taliban 'could further destabilise Afghanistan'. The minister has also urged nations to engage with the Taliban.

Qatar urges Taliban to combat 'terrorism' after US pullout

Even before the last U.S. flight left Kabul at midnight on Monday, many of the bright and garish sights and sounds of city life in Afghanistan were changing as those left behind tried to fit in with the austere tone of their new Taliban rulers.

The Taliban have so far been at pains to show a more conciliatory face to the world, with none of the harsh public punishments and outright bans on public entertainments that characterized their previous time in power before 2001.

Cultural activities are allowed, they say, so long as they do not go against Sharia law and Afghanistan's Islamic culture.

Taliban authorities in Kandahar, the birthplace of the movement issued a formal order against radio stations playing music and female announcers last week but for many, no formal order was necessary.

Already, colourful signs outside beauty parlours have been painted over, jeans have been replaced by traditional dress and radio stations have replaced their normal menu of Hindi and Persian pop and call-in shows with sombre patriotic music.

"It's not that the Taliban ordered us to change anything, we have altered the programming for now as we don't want Taliban to force us to close down," said Khalid Sediqqi, a producer at a private radio station in the central city of Ghazni.

"Also no one in this country is in the mood for entertainment, we are all in a state of shock," he said. "I am not even sure if anyone is tuning to radio anymore."

During the 20 years of Western-backed government, a lively popular culture grew up in Kabul and other cities with a mashup of body building, energy drinks, extravagant sculpted hairstyles and jangly pop songs. Turkish soap operas, call-in programmes and television talent shows like 'Afghan Star' became major hits.

'TOXIC'

For senior Taliban, many raised in religious madrassas and with the experience of years of fighting and hardship, the change is overdue.

"Our culture has become toxic, we see Russian and American influence everywhere even in the food we eat, that is something people should realise and make necessary changes," a Taliban commander said. "This will take time but it will happen."

Across the country, the change has been noticeable.

While senior Taliban officials have said repeatedly their forces should treat the population respectfully and not hand out arbitrary punishments, many mistrust them or don't believe they can control the footsoldiers on the streets.

"There is no music in all Jalalalad city, people are scared and afraid because Taliban are beating people," Naseem, a former official in the eastern province of Nangarhar.

Zarifullah Sahel, a local journalist in Laghman province near Kabul said the head of the Taliban's local cultural commission told the state-run public radio and six other private stations to adjust their programming to ensure it was in line with Sharia law.

Since then music programmes and political, cultural and news programming not related to religious issues had dried up.

But even where formal orders have not been issued, the message that the freewheeling era has come to an end and that it is safer not to stand out has been clear.

"I fear the Taliban may target me if was seen wearing jeans or western shirts or a suit," said Mustafa Ali Rahman, a former tax official in Lagman province. "One just doesn't know what they can do to punish us."

A former civil activist in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif said shops and restaurants appeared to have decided for themselves and turned off their radios.

"There is no warning about music, but people themselves have stopped," he said.

Even before the last U.S. flight left Kabul at midnight on Monday, many of the bright and garish sights and sounds of city life in Afghanistan were changing as those left behind tried to fit in with the austere tone of their new Taliban rulers.

Even before the last U.S. flight left Kabul at midnight on Monday, many of the bright and garish sights and sounds of city life in Afghanistan were changing as those left behind tried to fit in with the austere tone of their new Taliban rulers. The Taliban have so far been at pains to show a more conciliatory face to the world, with none of the harsh public punishments and outright bans on public entertainments that characterized their previous time in power before 2001. Cultural activities are allowed, they say, so long as they do not go against Sharia law and Afghanistan's Islamic culture. Taliban authorities in Kandahar, the birthplace of the movement issued a formal order against radio stations playing music and female announcers last week but for many, no formal order was necessary. Already, colourful signs outside beauty parlours have been painted over, jeans have been replaced by traditional dress and radio stations have replaced their normal menu of Hindi and Persian pop and call-in shows with sombre patriotic music. "It's not that the Taliban ordered us to change anything, we have altered the programming for now as we don't want Taliban to force us to close down," said Khalid Sediqqi, a producer at a private radio station in the central city of Ghazni. "Also no one in this country is in the mood for entertainment, we are all in a state of shock," he said. "I am not even sure if anyone is tuning to radio anymore." During the 20 years of Western-backed government, a lively popular culture grew up in Kabul and other cities with a mashup of body building, energy drinks, extravagant sculpted hairstyles and jangly pop songs. Turkish soap operas, call-in programmes and television talent shows like 'Afghan Star' became major hits. 'TOXIC' For senior Taliban, many raised in religious madrassas and with the experience of years of fighting and hardship, the change is overdue. "Our culture has become toxic, we see Russian and American influence everywhere even in the food we eat, that is something people should realise and make necessary changes," a Taliban commander said. "This will take time but it will happen." Across the country, the change has been noticeable. While senior Taliban officials have said repeatedly their forces should treat the population respectfully and not hand out arbitrary punishments, many mistrust them or don't believe they can control the footsoldiers on the streets. "There is no music in all Jalalalad city, people are scared and afraid because Taliban are beating people," Naseem, a former official in the eastern province of Nangarhar. Zarifullah Sahel, a local journalist in Laghman province near Kabul said the head of the Taliban's local cultural commission told the state-run public radio and six other private stations to adjust their programming to ensure it was in line with Sharia law. Since then music programmes and political, cultural and news programming not related to religious issues had dried up. But even where formal orders have not been issued, the message that the freewheeling era has come to an end and that it is safer not to stand out has been clear. "I fear the Taliban may target me if was seen wearing jeans or western shirts or a suit," said Mustafa Ali Rahman, a former tax official in Lagman province. "One just doesn't know what they can do to punish us." A former civil activist in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif said shops and restaurants appeared to have decided for themselves and turned off their radios. "There is no warning about music, but people themselves have stopped," he said.

As Afghanistan adjusts to Taliban rule, music goes silent

In a significant development, the chief of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai met the Indian envoy to Qatar Deepak Mittal.

The official announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs. The meet happened at the request of Taliban side, it said.

During the meet, ambassador Mittal raised the issue of repatriation of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan.

“Discussions focused on safety, security and early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan &amp; travel of Afghan nationals, especially minorities, who wish to visit to India also came up,” the MEA said in its statement.

The meet between Stanekzai and Mittal is the first ever public acknowledgement by New Delhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/surrender-or-die-taliban-pin-chilling-letters-on-doors-says-report-409709">Surrender or die': Taliban pin chilling letters on doors, says report</a>

So far, India has evacuated 565 people, of which 175 are embassy personnel, 263 are other Indian nationals. The number of evacuees also include 112 Afghan nationals, including Hindus and Sikhs.

In the meeting, Ambassador Mittal also raised India’s concern that Afghanistan’s soil should not be used for anti-Indian activities and terrorism in any manner, the MEA said.

India has often expressed its concerns publically over Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed finding safe haven in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The statement by the MEA said the Taliban representative assured the Ambassador that these issues would be “positively addressed.”

&nbsp;

In a significant development, the chief of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai met the Indian envoy to Qatar Deepak Mittal. The official announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs.

In a significant development, the chief of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai met the Indian envoy to Qatar Deepak Mittal. The official announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs. The meet happened at the request of Taliban side, it said. During the meet, ambassador Mittal raised the issue of repatriation of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan. “Discussions focused on safety, security and early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan & travel of Afghan nationals, especially minorities, who wish to visit to India also came up,” the MEA said in its statement. The meet between Stanekzai and Mittal is the first ever public acknowledgement by New Delhi. Also read | Surrender or die': Taliban pin chilling letters on doors, says report So far, India has evacuated 565 people, of which 175 are embassy personnel, 263 are other Indian nationals. The number of evacuees also include 112 Afghan nationals, including Hindus and Sikhs. In the meeting, Ambassador Mittal also raised India’s concern that Afghanistan’s soil should not be used for anti-Indian activities and terrorism in any manner, the MEA said. India has often expressed its concerns publically over Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed finding safe haven in Afghanistan. The statement by the MEA said the Taliban representative assured the Ambassador that these issues would be “positively addressed.”

Indian envoy, Taliban leader meet in Doha, talks on evacuation, terrorism

The Taliban, fully in control of power in Afghanistan in the wake of US withdrawal have been pinning letters asking those Afghans who assisted Western powers to 'surrender or die'. The letters are reportedly being pinned to the doors of residences in rural areas and now even in the cities.

Daily Mail reported that the letters are ordering the addressees to attend a Taliban-convened court or face death.

Pinning such letters is a traditional Afghan method of intimidation. This method by used even during the Soviet occupation and then by Taliban to instill fear.

One of those to receive a warning was Naz, a 34-year-old father-of-six whose construction company helped the UK military build roads in Helmand and the runway at Camp Bastion, the report said.

He had applied for sanctuary in Britain under ARAP, the Afghan relocation programme, but had been rejected.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explainer-what-is-badri-313-unit-talibans-so-called-special-force-409665">Explainer: What is Badri 313 unit? Taliban's so-called 'special force'</a>

Naz said: "The letter was official and stamped by the Taliban. It is a clear message that they want to kill me. If I attend the court, I will be punished with my life.

"If I don`t, they will kill me ? that is why I am in hiding, trying to find a way to escape. But I need help."

Those received by former British translators are designed to both spread fear and compliance with Taliban directives with threats of violence or death if "demands are not met", the Daily Mail report said

As in Naz`s case, that usually involves an interpreter surrendering to a Taliban court.

Shir, 47, worked on the front lines in Helmand and qualified for relocation. But he was unable to force his way through the airport to board an evacuation flight.

"My daughter found the letter on our door with a nail in it. It instructed me to surrender myself for the judgment of the court of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban) or they would act like hunters to find me. They would then kill me."

He immediately moved home and is now in hiding.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Taliban, fully in control of power in Afghanistan in the wake of US withdrawal have been pinning letters asking those Afghans who assisted Western powers to 'surrender or die'.

The Taliban, fully in control of power in Afghanistan in the wake of US withdrawal have been pinning letters asking those Afghans who assisted Western powers to 'surrender or die'. The letters are reportedly being pinned to the doors of residences in rural areas and now even in the cities. Daily Mail reported that the letters are ordering the addressees to attend a Taliban-convened court or face death. Pinning such letters is a traditional Afghan method of intimidation. This method by used even during the Soviet occupation and then by Taliban to instill fear. One of those to receive a warning was Naz, a 34-year-old father-of-six whose construction company helped the UK military build roads in Helmand and the runway at Camp Bastion, the report said. He had applied for sanctuary in Britain under ARAP, the Afghan relocation programme, but had been rejected. Also Read | Explainer: What is Badri 313 unit? Taliban's so-called 'special force' Naz said: "The letter was official and stamped by the Taliban. It is a clear message that they want to kill me. If I attend the court, I will be punished with my life. "If I don`t, they will kill me ? that is why I am in hiding, trying to find a way to escape. But I need help." Those received by former British translators are designed to both spread fear and compliance with Taliban directives with threats of violence or death if "demands are not met", the Daily Mail report said As in Naz`s case, that usually involves an interpreter surrendering to a Taliban court. Shir, 47, worked on the front lines in Helmand and qualified for relocation. But he was unable to force his way through the airport to board an evacuation flight. "My daughter found the letter on our door with a nail in it. It instructed me to surrender myself for the judgment of the court of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban) or they would act like hunters to find me. They would then kill me." He immediately moved home and is now in hiding. (With inputs from agencies)

'Surrender or die': Taliban pin chilling letters on doors, says report

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will adopt a resolution on Afghanistan later today, the first such resolution on the country this month as crisis deepens. The resolution will be adopted at 12.30 am IST, and will be put to vote. Any member country wanting to give explanation can make a statement. This&nbsp;is the 4th document by the Council this month on Afghanistan as America leaves the country after 20 years and Taliban becomes the dominant force.&nbsp;

The wording of the resolution will be carefully noted. Mention of Taliban has gradually been removed from previous 3 press statements. The month of August saw 3 press statements on Afghanistan -- &nbsp;first on August 3 (after attack on UN compound in Herat), then on August 16 (after fall of Kabul to Taliban) and August 27 (after terror attack at Kabul airport)

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/talibans-return-powered-by-tech-409401/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

August 3 statement made the mention of Taliban twice, expressing "deep concern about the high levels of violence in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s military offensive,". The statement called for an "immediate reduction of violence" &amp; calling for Afghan republic and Taliban to engage "meaningfully in an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process". The 16th August press statement mentioned Taliban once saying, "neither the Taliban nor any other Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any other country. There was no mention of Taliban in August 27 statement.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/should-have-informed-us-taliban-condemn-arbitrary-us-drone-strike-claim-civilians-killed-409410">‘Should have informed us’: Taliban condemn ‘arbitrary’ US drone strike, claim civilians killed</a> 
 
Any press statement or resolution or any UNSC document requires consensus among all 15 members of the council. India is president of the council for the month of August, and takes call on key issues that need to be taken for consideration. While it had 3 signature events -- maritime security, counter-terror and UN peacekeeping, Afghanistan remained its top priority.&nbsp;

In fact, on 15th August (Sunday), when Kabul fell to Taliban, India was ready to hold an emergency meet in matter of hours.

The council saw 2 debates on Afghanistan in August, first on 6th August and then on 16th August.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will adopt a resolution on Afghanistan later today, the first such resolution on the country this month as crisis deepens.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will adopt a resolution on Afghanistan later today, the first such resolution on the country this month as crisis deepens. The resolution will be adopted at 12.30 am IST, and will be put to vote. Any member country wanting to give explanation can make a statement. This is the 4th document by the Council this month on Afghanistan as America leaves the country after 20 years and Taliban becomes the dominant force. The wording of the resolution will be carefully noted. Mention of Taliban has gradually been removed from previous 3 press statements. The month of August saw 3 press statements on Afghanistan -- first on August 3 (after attack on UN compound in Herat), then on August 16 (after fall of Kabul to Taliban) and August 27 (after terror attack at Kabul airport) × August 3 statement made the mention of Taliban twice, expressing "deep concern about the high levels of violence in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s military offensive,". The statement called for an "immediate reduction of violence" & calling for Afghan republic and Taliban to engage "meaningfully in an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process". The 16th August press statement mentioned Taliban once saying, "neither the Taliban nor any other Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any other country. There was no mention of Taliban in August 27 statement. Also Read | ‘Should have informed us’: Taliban condemn ‘arbitrary’ US drone strike, claim civilians killed Any press statement or resolution or any UNSC document requires consensus among all 15 members of the council. India is president of the council for the month of August, and takes call on key issues that need to be taken for consideration. While it had 3 signature events -- maritime security, counter-terror and UN peacekeeping, Afghanistan remained its top priority. In fact, on 15th August (Sunday), when Kabul fell to Taliban, India was ready to hold an emergency meet in matter of hours. The council saw 2 debates on Afghanistan in August, first on 6th August and then on 16th August.

United Nations Security Council to adopt resolution on Afghanistan tonight

Counter terror expert Ahmad Mohibi spoke to WION on the crisis in Afghanistan and said that the Taliban can't be trusted.

Counter terror expert speaks to WION, says Taliban can't be trusted

Hundreds of Boko Haram militants attacked a military post in southern Niger overnight, killing 16 soldiers and wounding nine more, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

About 50 of the Islamist militants were killed in the resulting combat in the West African country’s Diffa region and significant quantities of weapons were recovered, the ministry said in a statement.

The Boko Haram insurgency broke out in north-eastern Nigeria in 2009, but violence frequently spills over into neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon in the Lake Chad Basin.

In December, an attack blamed on Boko Haram killed 28 people and burned 800 homes in the Diffa region.

Hundreds of Boko Haram militants attacked a military post in southern Niger overnight, killing 16 soldiers and wounding nine more, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

Hundreds of Boko Haram militants attacked a military post in southern Niger overnight, killing 16 soldiers and wounding nine more, the defence ministry said on Wednesday. About 50 of the Islamist militants were killed in the resulting combat in the West African country’s Diffa region and significant quantities of weapons were recovered, the ministry said in a statement. The Boko Haram insurgency broke out in north-eastern Nigeria in 2009, but violence frequently spills over into neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon in the Lake Chad Basin. In December, an attack blamed on Boko Haram killed 28 people and burned 800 homes in the Diffa region.

Boko Haram attack kills 16 soldiers in southern Niger

The Biden administration's plan of withdrawing all American personnel out of Afghanistan by August 31 has not changed, according to US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby.&nbsp;

“Every day, we are making progress in bringing Americans out, as well as Special Immigrant Visa applications and vulnerable Afghans,” he continued.

Kirby stated, “We are committed to getting any and all Americans who wish to go out.”&nbsp;

“We still believe – certainly now that we have been able to increase the capacity and the flow -- we believe that we have the ability to get that done by the end of the month.”&nbsp;

Earlier, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Tuesday that his group will accept "no extensions" to the August 31 deadline set by the Biden administration for the removal of all American forces from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

According to the Pentagon, new bases may be required to house Afghans evacuated from the war-torn country.

According to CNN, the US has evacuated some 12,700 individuals from Kabul airport in the last 24 hours, citing a White House official.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration's plan of withdrawing all American personnel out of Afghanistan by August 31 has not changed, according to US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby.

The Biden administration's plan of withdrawing all American personnel out of Afghanistan by August 31 has not changed, according to US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby. “Every day, we are making progress in bringing Americans out, as well as Special Immigrant Visa applications and vulnerable Afghans,” he continued. Kirby stated, “We are committed to getting any and all Americans who wish to go out.” “We still believe – certainly now that we have been able to increase the capacity and the flow -- we believe that we have the ability to get that done by the end of the month.” Earlier, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Tuesday that his group will accept "no extensions" to the August 31 deadline set by the Biden administration for the removal of all American forces from Afghanistan. According to the Pentagon, new bases may be required to house Afghans evacuated from the war-torn country. According to CNN, the US has evacuated some 12,700 individuals from Kabul airport in the last 24 hours, citing a White House official. (With inputs from agencies)

'No change' to August 31 withdrawal deadline: Pentagon’s John Kirby

The Taliban said they would not agree to an extension of a looming deadline to evacuate Afghans from Kabul airport, even as Western countries said they were running out of time.

In answer to WION's Anas Mallick's query concerning a covert meeting between the chief of the American intelligence agency CIA, William J Burns, and Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar, the spokesperson declined to confirm or deny it.

"All diplomats and embassies, including the United States, have been meeting with the Islamic Emirates Political Office," a Taliban spokeswoman asserted.

He said he can not confirm Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar's meeting with CIA Director.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> at the Taliban press conference in Kabul. In response to <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnasMallick</a>’s question on a secret meeting between Taliban leader Mullah Baradar &amp; the CIA chief, the spokesperson refuses to confirm/deny. Says the political office has been meeting all embassies in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afganistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afganistan</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Ppamy2WJVv">pic.twitter.com/Ppamy2WJVv</a>
— Palki Sharma (@palkisu) <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu/status/1430167767823573003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to the Washington Post, who cited anonymous US officials, CIA Director William J Burns conducted a secret meeting with Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday.&nbsp;

According to the Washington Post, this was the highest-level face-to-face meeting between the two sides and came more than a week after the militant organisation seized power in Afghanistan. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/shocking-images-of-children-trapped-at-kabul-airport-amid-evacuation-407731">Pictures | Shocking images of children trapped at Kabul airport amid evacuation</a>

About 50,000 foreigners and Afghans have fled the country from Kabul's airport since the Taliban swept into power nine days ago, according to the US government.

Many Afghans fear a repeat of the brutal interpretation of sharia law the Taliban implemented when they were first in power from 1996-2001, and retribution for working with the US-backed government over the past two decades. 
 
Watch | Kabul airport witnesses rush after people flee Afghanistan owing to Taliban's siege

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kabul-airport-witnesses-rush-after-people-flee-afghanistan-owing-to-talibans-siege-408035/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Taliban, who ended two decades of war with an astonishingly swift rout of government forces, have been publicly tolerant of the evacuation effort.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban said they would not agree to an extension of a looming deadline to evacuate Afghans from Kabul airport, even as Western countries said they were running out of time.

The Taliban said they would not agree to an extension of a looming deadline to evacuate Afghans from Kabul airport, even as Western countries said they were running out of time. In answer to WION's Anas Mallick's query concerning a covert meeting between the chief of the American intelligence agency CIA, William J Burns, and Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar, the spokesperson declined to confirm or deny it. "All diplomats and embassies, including the United States, have been meeting with the Islamic Emirates Political Office," a Taliban spokeswoman asserted. He said he can not confirm Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar's meeting with CIA Director. .@WIONews at the Taliban press conference in Kabul. In response to @AnasMallick’s question on a secret meeting between Taliban leader Mullah Baradar & the CIA chief, the spokesperson refuses to confirm/deny. Says the political office has been meeting all embassies in #Afganistan. pic.twitter.com/Ppamy2WJVv — Palki Sharma (@palkisu) August 24, 2021 × According to the Washington Post, who cited anonymous US officials, CIA Director William J Burns conducted a secret meeting with Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday. According to the Washington Post, this was the highest-level face-to-face meeting between the two sides and came more than a week after the militant organisation seized power in Afghanistan. Pictures | Shocking images of children trapped at Kabul airport amid evacuation About 50,000 foreigners and Afghans have fled the country from Kabul's airport since the Taliban swept into power nine days ago, according to the US government. Many Afghans fear a repeat of the brutal interpretation of sharia law the Taliban implemented when they were first in power from 1996-2001, and retribution for working with the US-backed government over the past two decades. Watch | Kabul airport witnesses rush after people flee Afghanistan owing to Taliban's siege The Taliban, who ended two decades of war with an astonishingly swift rout of government forces, have been publicly tolerant of the evacuation effort. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Tuesday that the August 31 deadline for Kabul evacuations will not be extended.

He goes on to say that there is enough time to get foreign nationals out before the deadline. 
 
The Taliban, according to Zabihullah Mujahid, are no longer allowing Afghan people to travel to Kabul airport due to the chaotic situation there.

At the&nbsp;press conference, Zabihullah stated that passengers at the airport should return home since their safety would be ensured.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/shocking-images-of-children-trapped-at-kabul-airport-amid-evacuation-407731">Pictures | Shocking images of children trapped at Kabul airport amid evacuation</a> 
 
We need skilled people: 
 
Mujahid called on the US to "not encourage" Afghan people - especially doctors, engineers and the "educated elite" - to leave Afghanistan. 
 
He said: "We urge the Americans not to push skilled Afghans to go... We need their talent."

He went on to say that Afghan media outlets, as well as hospitals, schools, universities, and local governments, were now operational. 
 
Watch | Kabul airport witnesses rush after people flee Afghanistan owing to Taliban's siege

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kabul-airport-witnesses-rush-after-people-flee-afghanistan-owing-to-talibans-siege-408035/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Women not permanently barred from work

"It's currently for their benefit to prevent any ill-treatment," the Taliban spokesman confirmed, implying that women will not be barred from working indefinitely.

He claims that ladies have not been fired and that their salaries will be paid, so they should stay at home for the time being.&nbsp; 
 
About 50,000 foreigners and Afghans have fled the country from Kabul's airport since the Taliban swept into power nine days ago, according to the US government.

Many Afghans fear a repeat of the brutal interpretation of sharia law the Taliban implemented when they were first in power from 1996-2001, and retribution for working with the US-backed government over the past two decades.

The Taliban, who ended two decades of war with an astonishingly swift rout of government forces, have been publicly tolerant of the evacuation effort. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Tuesday that the August 31 deadline for Kabul evacuations will not be extended. He goes on to say that there is enough time to get foreign nationals out before the deadline.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Tuesday that the August 31 deadline for Kabul evacuations will not be extended. He goes on to say that there is enough time to get foreign nationals out before the deadline. The Taliban, according to Zabihullah Mujahid, are no longer allowing Afghan people to travel to Kabul airport due to the chaotic situation there. At the press conference, Zabihullah stated that passengers at the airport should return home since their safety would be ensured. Pictures | Shocking images of children trapped at Kabul airport amid evacuation We need skilled people: Mujahid called on the US to "not encourage" Afghan people - especially doctors, engineers and the "educated elite" - to leave Afghanistan. He said: "We urge the Americans not to push skilled Afghans to go... We need their talent." He went on to say that Afghan media outlets, as well as hospitals, schools, universities, and local governments, were now operational. Watch | Kabul airport witnesses rush after people flee Afghanistan owing to Taliban's siege Women not permanently barred from work "It's currently for their benefit to prevent any ill-treatment," the Taliban spokesman confirmed, implying that women will not be barred from working indefinitely. He claims that ladies have not been fired and that their salaries will be paid, so they should stay at home for the time being. About 50,000 foreigners and Afghans have fled the country from Kabul's airport since the Taliban swept into power nine days ago, according to the US government. Many Afghans fear a repeat of the brutal interpretation of sharia law the Taliban implemented when they were first in power from 1996-2001, and retribution for working with the US-backed government over the past two decades. The Taliban, who ended two decades of war with an astonishingly swift rout of government forces, have been publicly tolerant of the evacuation effort. (With inputs from agencies)

Evacuations must be completed by August 31, Afghans not allowed to go to airport: Taliban

The Islamic World remains divided in its views on Afghan crisis and Taliban. A few countries like Pakistan and Turkey have welcomed Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. Others have warned against the threat of terrorism.

Pakistan and Turkey welcome Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan

While briefing the media after UNSC meet on 'threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts', Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar said that aid that New Delhi is “very carefully” following the developments in Afghanistan and India’s focus is on ensuring the security and safe return of Indian nationals still in the war-torn country.

India's foreign minister Jaishankar briefs media after UNSC meet

The US and NATO military invaded Afghanistan 20 years ago. The most mighty force on the planet aimed to expel both the Taliban and Al-Qaeda from the country. It turns out that it was just a daydream. 20 years on the humiliating departure of the US forces has come as a massive morale boost to terrorists all over the world.

Will Afghanistan become a safe haven for terror?

The Taliban reportedly raided the shuttered Indian Consulates in Kandahar and Herat two days ago, seizing documents from both missions.

The militants allegedly stormed into the Consulate premises and took away parked vehicles, according to reports.

After the Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15, four Indian consulates in Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, and Jalalabad were shuttered.

The Indian Embassy staffs were evacuated by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft on Tuesday, carrying back 120 Indians, including ITBP personnel, from the Kabul airport, despite the dangerous situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The evacuation of surviving Indian employees was also reviewed during a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed that all necessary efforts be taken to return them.&nbsp;

The Taliban leadership claimed earlier this week that the fighters have been instructed not to enter vacant diplomatic buildings of foreign countries or to manhandle their vehicles.

The newest allegations of raids against Indian missions, on the other hand, contradict the Taliban commanders' statements.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban reportedly raided the shuttered Indian Consulates in Kandahar and Herat two days ago, seizing documents from both missions. The militants allegedly stormed into the Consulate premises and took away parked vehicles, according to reports.

The Taliban reportedly raided the shuttered Indian Consulates in Kandahar and Herat two days ago, seizing documents from both missions. The militants allegedly stormed into the Consulate premises and took away parked vehicles, according to reports. After the Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15, four Indian consulates in Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, and Jalalabad were shuttered. The Indian Embassy staffs were evacuated by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft on Tuesday, carrying back 120 Indians, including ITBP personnel, from the Kabul airport, despite the dangerous situation in Afghanistan. The evacuation of surviving Indian employees was also reviewed during a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed that all necessary efforts be taken to return them. The Taliban leadership claimed earlier this week that the fighters have been instructed not to enter vacant diplomatic buildings of foreign countries or to manhandle their vehicles. The newest allegations of raids against Indian missions, on the other hand, contradict the Taliban commanders' statements. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban broke into Indian consulates, took away documents and parked vehicles

What looked difficult some years ago, just probable after the beginning of the withdrawal of the NATO forces from Afghanistan and inevitable in the last few months has finally happened: The Taliban, so far notorious as an ultra-conservative and fundamentalist Islamic terrorist organisation with medieval mindset and scant respect for universal values, has finally taken control of Afghanistan (15th August 2021) after a lapse of 20 years, putting an end to democracy and rule of law in that country.&nbsp;

The only element of surprise is the swift manner in which the Taliban walked into Kabul without having to face any meaningful resistance from the President Ashraf Ghani’s Afghan Government and Afghan Army; the flip side of the story is that Kabul was spared of the bloodshed witnessed in some other parts of Afghanistan for which President Ghani who was allowed to leave the country is claiming credit.

It is also intriguing that the global players and international community remained a silent spectator and literally did nothing substantial to prevent the takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/womens-rights-will-be-protected-within-islamic-law-says-taliban-in-first-pc-after-kabul-takeover-406606/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The key objectives of the continued presence and involvement of the US in Afghanistan beyond May 2011 when their arch enemy Osama Bin Laden was captured and killed, were manifold : On the one hand the Western powers were keen to strengthen the institutions of democracy and rule of law and build the required infrastructure. On the other hand the US presence was needed to counter the resistance from the Taliban and in this context considerable investments were being made in training and equipping the Afghan armed forces to make them capable of countering the Taliban offensive. .&nbsp;

They have failed for sure in their objective to neutralise Taliban and other terror outfits operating from Afghan soil and Afghan-Pakistan border areas; also the gains made in democratic governance and infusion of liberal thoughts in the Afghan society now face serious threat at the hands of Taliban.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-such-images-of-happy-women-in-afghanistan-be-a-thing-of-the-past-406291">Will such images of happy women in Afghanistan be a thing of the past?</a>

So who is responsible for the latest Afghan debacle? The US or the Afghan government/ army or both or perhaps the entire international community?

Arguably, the US and its allies could not have stayed on in Afghanistan forever. The US is reported to have spent USD 2.6 trillion on military operations and development assistance in Afghanistan. However, the US cannot escape the criticism over the manner in which they abandoned the Afghan ship midstream in the midst of a devastating storm.

The US intention to ultimately withdraw its forces from Afghanistan was made known even during the tenure of the then US President Barack Obama. His successor, President Trump sealed the decision by entering into a formal agreement with the Taliban on 29th February 2020 and setting 31st May 2021 as the day for the final US withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for the assurances that the Taliban would not target the US interests in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The agreement was signed without the involvement of elected government of Afghanistan but provided for an intra-Afghan negotiations to agree upon the future political roadmap for the country.

Two messages emerged loud and clear from the US-Taliban agreement: One, the US had come to the conclusion that it could not fight a sustained war forever against Taliban and it was in America’s interests to exit Afghanistan after negotiating a deal with Taliban. Two, the US did not care anymore as to what would or could be the outcome of the “intra-Afghan” talks, which were imposed on the duly elected government in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Americans also did not consider it necessary to link their withdrawal with progress in peace talks leading to an amicable political resolution.

President Biden who reversed several of the decisions taken by his predecessor Donald Trump, however, chose to adhere to the idea of draw-down from Afghanistan except that he extended the deadline to 11th September, 2021.

He stood indifferent when the Taliban created hurdles in peace talks, did not abandon violence and kept capturing districts after districts and provinces after provinces through violent means. Biden was reportedly vacationing when the Taliban was knocking at the doors of Kabul. He later defended his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan and even held the Afghan leadership for the debacle. He went to the extent of making an erroneous statement that the nation-building in Afghanistan was never a part of the US plans.

Current Scenario

Aware of its poor reputation, the Taliban, in control of most of Afghan territory, is engaged in an exercise of image building to escape international isolation and economic sanctions. On the previous occasion only three countries; Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan; had recognised the Taliban regime. Its spokesperson has made several benign statements to calm the nerves both at home and abroad. All these statements have to be taken with a pinch of salt, considering particularly that the Taliban has made it amply clear that they are in the process of establishing an Islamic State and all human rights will be available within the framework of Sharia. If Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia remains what it was in 1990s, the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and child girls are in for difficult times.

What Next?

The international community failed to prevent the take- over of Afghanistan by the Taliban through the route of bullets rather ballots. The least it can do now is to collectively ensure that the sufferings of the common Afghan people are minimised through humanitarian assistance. In fact the international community must use humanitarian assistance as a leverage to ensure that the Taliban grants human rights to its people in letter and spirit.&nbsp;

Another important issue on the table is the international acceptance or rejection of the Taliban as legitimate government in Afghanistan. Looking at the trend so far, some of the countries such as Pakistan, China and Russia followed by others may selectively accord diplomatic recognition in near future.

Takeaway for India

From India’s Perspective, the Taliban victory is a definite setback to its political, economic and strategic interests in Afghanistan where India invested around $3bn to develop much-required infrastructure, besides capacity building. As a result, India enjoyed close relations with the elected government and enormous goodwill of the Afghan people. Unfortunately, at no point of time, India was in a position to influence the evolving political roadmap of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The position is worse now.&nbsp;

India is now required to carve some space for itself on a territory that has largely fallen under the influence of its adversaries namely Pakistan and China. Pakistan and Taliban were always in hand-in-glove.&nbsp;

The latter has been reached out by Taliban on more than one occasion, and has several strategic and economic interests including the use of Taliban to counter radical Uighur Muslims, enormous natural resources of Afghanistan which await to be exploited and finally extension of Belt and Road Initiative project. One of the biggest foreign policy challenge for India is to choose between ideology and pragmatism. Needless to add that it is premature to expect any articulation of its position in black and white in immediate future from the Indian government which has rightly adopted a wait-and–watch policy though sooner or later India will have to take a tough call.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 
&nbsp;

What looked difficult some years ago, just probable after the beginning of the withdrawal of the NATO forces from Afghanistan and inevitable in the last few months has finally happened: The Taliban, so far notorious as an ultra-conservative and fundamentalist Islamic terrorist organisation with medieval mindset and scant respect for universal values, has finally taken control of Afghanistan (15th August 2021) after a lapse of 20 years, putting an end to democracy and rule of law in that country.

What looked difficult some years ago, just probable after the beginning of the withdrawal of the NATO forces from Afghanistan and inevitable in the last few months has finally happened: The Taliban, so far notorious as an ultra-conservative and fundamentalist Islamic terrorist organisation with medieval mindset and scant respect for universal values, has finally taken control of Afghanistan (15th August 2021) after a lapse of 20 years, putting an end to democracy and rule of law in that country. The only element of surprise is the swift manner in which the Taliban walked into Kabul without having to face any meaningful resistance from the President Ashraf Ghani’s Afghan Government and Afghan Army; the flip side of the story is that Kabul was spared of the bloodshed witnessed in some other parts of Afghanistan for which President Ghani who was allowed to leave the country is claiming credit. It is also intriguing that the global players and international community remained a silent spectator and literally did nothing substantial to prevent the takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban. × The key objectives of the continued presence and involvement of the US in Afghanistan beyond May 2011 when their arch enemy Osama Bin Laden was captured and killed, were manifold : On the one hand the Western powers were keen to strengthen the institutions of democracy and rule of law and build the required infrastructure. On the other hand the US presence was needed to counter the resistance from the Taliban and in this context considerable investments were being made in training and equipping the Afghan armed forces to make them capable of countering the Taliban offensive. . They have failed for sure in their objective to neutralise Taliban and other terror outfits operating from Afghan soil and Afghan-Pakistan border areas; also the gains made in democratic governance and infusion of liberal thoughts in the Afghan society now face serious threat at the hands of Taliban. Also Read | Will such images of happy women in Afghanistan be a thing of the past? So who is responsible for the latest Afghan debacle? The US or the Afghan government/ army or both or perhaps the entire international community? Arguably, the US and its allies could not have stayed on in Afghanistan forever. The US is reported to have spent USD 2.6 trillion on military operations and development assistance in Afghanistan. However, the US cannot escape the criticism over the manner in which they abandoned the Afghan ship midstream in the midst of a devastating storm. The US intention to ultimately withdraw its forces from Afghanistan was made known even during the tenure of the then US President Barack Obama. His successor, President Trump sealed the decision by entering into a formal agreement with the Taliban on 29th February 2020 and setting 31st May 2021 as the day for the final US withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for the assurances that the Taliban would not target the US interests in Afghanistan. The agreement was signed without the involvement of elected government of Afghanistan but provided for an intra-Afghan negotiations to agree upon the future political roadmap for the country. Two messages emerged loud and clear from the US-Taliban agreement: One, the US had come to the conclusion that it could not fight a sustained war forever against Taliban and it was in America’s interests to exit Afghanistan after negotiating a deal with Taliban. Two, the US did not care anymore as to what would or could be the outcome of the “intra-Afghan” talks, which were imposed on the duly elected government in Afghanistan. The Americans also did not consider it necessary to link their withdrawal with progress in peace talks leading to an amicable political resolution. President Biden who reversed several of the decisions taken by his predecessor Donald Trump, however, chose to adhere to the idea of draw-down from Afghanistan except that he extended the deadline to 11th September, 2021. He stood indifferent when the Taliban created hurdles in peace talks, did not abandon violence and kept capturing districts after districts and provinces after provinces through violent means. Biden was reportedly vacationing when the Taliban was knocking at the doors of Kabul. He later defended his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan and even held the Afghan leadership for the debacle. He went to the extent of making an erroneous statement that the nation-building in Afghanistan was never a part of the US plans. Current Scenario Aware of its poor reputation, the Taliban, in control of most of Afghan territory, is engaged in an exercise of image building to escape international isolation and economic sanctions. On the previous occasion only three countries; Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan; had recognised the Taliban regime. Its spokesperson has made several benign statements to calm the nerves both at home and abroad. All these statements have to be taken with a pinch of salt, considering particularly that the Taliban has made it amply clear that they are in the process of establishing an Islamic State and all human rights will be available within the framework of Sharia. If Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia remains what it was in 1990s, the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and child girls are in for difficult times. What Next? The international community failed to prevent the take- over of Afghanistan by the Taliban through the route of bullets rather ballots. The least it can do now is to collectively ensure that the sufferings of the common Afghan people are minimised through humanitarian assistance. In fact the international community must use humanitarian assistance as a leverage to ensure that the Taliban grants human rights to its people in letter and spirit. Another important issue on the table is the international acceptance or rejection of the Taliban as legitimate government in Afghanistan. Looking at the trend so far, some of the countries such as Pakistan, China and Russia followed by others may selectively accord diplomatic recognition in near future. Takeaway for India From India’s Perspective, the Taliban victory is a definite setback to its political, economic and strategic interests in Afghanistan where India invested around $3bn to develop much-required infrastructure, besides capacity building. As a result, India enjoyed close relations with the elected government and enormous goodwill of the Afghan people. Unfortunately, at no point of time, India was in a position to influence the evolving political roadmap of Afghanistan. The position is worse now. India is now required to carve some space for itself on a territory that has largely fallen under the influence of its adversaries namely Pakistan and China. Pakistan and Taliban were always in hand-in-glove. The latter has been reached out by Taliban on more than one occasion, and has several strategic and economic interests including the use of Taliban to counter radical Uighur Muslims, enormous natural resources of Afghanistan which await to be exploited and finally extension of Belt and Road Initiative project. One of the biggest foreign policy challenge for India is to choose between ideology and pragmatism. Needless to add that it is premature to expect any articulation of its position in black and white in immediate future from the Indian government which has rightly adopted a wait-and–watch policy though sooner or later India will have to take a tough call. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Return of Taliban: What does it mean for India and the world?

The terrorist group Islamic State has claimed that the Taliban in Afghanistan are fake jihadists and that the group is collaborating with the US. 
 
IS has mocked the Taliban's success in Afghanistan in its official weekly publication Al-Naba, alleging that the country was simply handed over to the Islamist rival by the withdrawal of American soldiers.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Will India recognise the Taliban in Afghanistan?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-india-recognise-the-taliban-in-afghanistan-407269/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
The article shows a long-standing and bitter rivalry between the Islamic State and the Taliban. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/muscles-sliced-off-strangled-with-scarf-nine-men-of-the-hazara-minority-killed-by-taliban-407237">Also read | Muscles sliced off, strangled with scarf: Nine men of the Hazara minority killed by Taliban</a>

In its first statement since the Taliban took control of Kabul, the terrorist group claimed that the Afghan movement had not engaged in genuine "jihad" — or holy war — and raised doubts about its ability to impose true sharia rule in the country. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-burn-down-amusement-park-in-afghanistan-406897">Watch: Taliban burn down amusement park in Afghanistan</a>

Due to ideological differences, IS has a foothold in Afghanistan's Khorasan province and is a sworn adversary of the Taliban.&nbsp;

According to one extract of the editorial, "during the Taliban's march into Kabul, we saw how the American troops and the Taliban coordinated directly, and how the evacuation procedures for thousands of Crusaders and spies continued amid strong trust between the two sides."

IS supporters are likely to begin a coordinated hashtag campaign online to promote the latest IS statement, as they have been doing for days. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-facebook-twitter-and-linkedin-secure-users-accounts-amid-taliban-takeover-407020">Live: Afghanistan crisis</a>:

IS has described the Taliban as a "Mullah Bradley" project, a reference to jihadists recruited by the US to destabilise the movement from inside.&nbsp;

It also mocked the new Taliban as a tool in the guise of Islam, which would be used by the US to mislead Muslims and combat the Islamic State's foothold in the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The terrorist group Islamic State has claimed that the Taliban in Afghanistan are fake jihadists and that the group is collaborating with the US. IS has mocked the Taliban's success in Afghanistan in its official weekly publication Al-Naba, alleging that the country was simply handed over to the Islamist rival by the withdrawal of American soldiers.

The terrorist group Islamic State has claimed that the Taliban in Afghanistan are fake jihadists and that the group is collaborating with the US. IS has mocked the Taliban's success in Afghanistan in its official weekly publication Al-Naba, alleging that the country was simply handed over to the Islamist rival by the withdrawal of American soldiers. Watch | Will India recognise the Taliban in Afghanistan? The article shows a long-standing and bitter rivalry between the Islamic State and the Taliban. Also read | Muscles sliced off, strangled with scarf: Nine men of the Hazara minority killed by Taliban In its first statement since the Taliban took control of Kabul, the terrorist group claimed that the Afghan movement had not engaged in genuine "jihad" — or holy war — and raised doubts about its ability to impose true sharia rule in the country. Watch: Taliban burn down amusement park in Afghanistan Due to ideological differences, IS has a foothold in Afghanistan's Khorasan province and is a sworn adversary of the Taliban. According to one extract of the editorial, "during the Taliban's march into Kabul, we saw how the American troops and the Taliban coordinated directly, and how the evacuation procedures for thousands of Crusaders and spies continued amid strong trust between the two sides." IS supporters are likely to begin a coordinated hashtag campaign online to promote the latest IS statement, as they have been doing for days. Live: Afghanistan crisis: IS has described the Taliban as a "Mullah Bradley" project, a reference to jihadists recruited by the US to destabilise the movement from inside. It also mocked the new Taliban as a tool in the guise of Islam, which would be used by the US to mislead Muslims and combat the Islamic State's foothold in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban takeover of Afghanistan a 'US-backed conspiracy': Islamic State

Terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen's chief, Syed Salahuddin, has released an audio message threatening India.

In this audio message, he requested the Taliban militants for assistance in spreading terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

In the celebratory statement posted online, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin said, "I pray to Allah that he strengthens the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan so that they may support Kashmiris against India."&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Will India recognise the Taliban in Afghanistan?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-india-recognise-the-taliban-in-afghanistan-407269/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, despite the Taliban's conciliatory tone, Afghans and foreigners continue to flee Kabul.

A top US general says Thursday the US has airlifted 7,000 people since evacuations began on August 14.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-declares-syed-salahuddin-as-isi-official-325850/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After the Taliban kill a relative of a journalist for the German state broadcaster as they search for the reporter, a UN intelligence report Friday says militants have been conducting "targeted door-to-door visits" searching for opponents and their families.&nbsp;

A German civilian is also shot on his way to Kabul airport.

However, India's security officers are evaluating the impact on Kashmir.

The US exit and the emergence of the Taliban, similar to what happened following the Soviet pullout from Afghanistan in the late 1980s, might reignite terrorism in Kashmir, especially now that India's emphasis has turned from Pakistan to China.

(With inputs from agencies)

Terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen's chief, Syed Salahuddin, has released an audio message threatening India. In this audio message, he requested the Taliban militants for assistance in spreading terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen's chief, Syed Salahuddin, has released an audio message threatening India. In this audio message, he requested the Taliban militants for assistance in spreading terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. In the celebratory statement posted online, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin said, "I pray to Allah that he strengthens the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan so that they may support Kashmiris against India." Watch | Will India recognise the Taliban in Afghanistan? Meanwhile, despite the Taliban's conciliatory tone, Afghans and foreigners continue to flee Kabul. A top US general says Thursday the US has airlifted 7,000 people since evacuations began on August 14. × After the Taliban kill a relative of a journalist for the German state broadcaster as they search for the reporter, a UN intelligence report Friday says militants have been conducting "targeted door-to-door visits" searching for opponents and their families. A German civilian is also shot on his way to Kabul airport. However, India's security officers are evaluating the impact on Kashmir. The US exit and the emergence of the Taliban, similar to what happened following the Soviet pullout from Afghanistan in the late 1980s, might reignite terrorism in Kashmir, especially now that India's emphasis has turned from Pakistan to China. (With inputs from agencies)

Hizbul Mujahideen's chief, Syed Salahuddin, seeks support from Taliban to attack India

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar chaired a high-level United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meet on 'threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts' on Thursday.

Indian FM S Jaishankar speaks on 'threats to peace caused by terrorist acts' at UNSC meet

For the first time since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's terror worries on Thursday, identifying particular groups in another first.

He said that the world must never compromise with the evil of terrorism.

Dr S Jaishankar was addressing the high-level UN Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security by terrorist acts.

"There is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivations; terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group; we must never be afraid to call out double standards; those who extend state hospitality to entities with the blood of innocent people on their hands," Jaishankar said at the UNSC.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | "...Whether it's in Afghanistan or against India, LeT &amp; JeM continue to operate with both impunity &amp; encouragement.. This Council must not take a selective view of the problems we face..." EAM S Jaishankar ta UNSC briefing <a href="https://t.co/n56EhB3lQu">pic.twitter.com/n56EhB3lQu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1428376628657225740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Whether in Afghanistan or against India, groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate with impunity and encouragement," he said. "What is true of COVID-19 is true of terrorism. No one is safe until all of us are safe... (But) some countries undermine our collective resolve," Jaishankar said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It is also important therefore to end the stalemate preventing the adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which India has championed for so long. We reiterate our full support for counter-terrorism cooperation under the auspices of the UN: EAM
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1428371617663492096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"When we see state hospitality being extended to those with blood of innocents on their hands, we must call out the doublespeak," he added. 
 
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will return to India on Friday and not travel onwards to Mexico, Panama and Guyana in view of the developments in Afghanistan, sources said.

India on Tuesday rushed back home its ambassador, Rudrendra Tandon, and staff from the embassy in Kabul in a military transport aircraft following escalating tension, fear, and uncertainty gripping the Afghan capital after Taliban insurgents seized the Afghan capital on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's terror worries on Thursday, identifying particular groups in another first.

For the first time since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's terror worries on Thursday, identifying particular groups in another first. He said that the world must never compromise with the evil of terrorism. Dr S Jaishankar was addressing the high-level UN Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security by terrorist acts. "There is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivations; terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group; we must never be afraid to call out double standards; those who extend state hospitality to entities with the blood of innocent people on their hands," Jaishankar said at the UNSC. #WATCH | "...Whether it's in Afghanistan or against India, LeT & JeM continue to operate with both impunity & encouragement.. This Council must not take a selective view of the problems we face..." EAM S Jaishankar ta UNSC briefing pic.twitter.com/n56EhB3lQu — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2021 × "Whether in Afghanistan or against India, groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate with impunity and encouragement," he said. "What is true of COVID-19 is true of terrorism. No one is safe until all of us are safe... (But) some countries undermine our collective resolve," Jaishankar said. It is also important therefore to end the stalemate preventing the adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which India has championed for so long. We reiterate our full support for counter-terrorism cooperation under the auspices of the UN: EAM — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2021 × "When we see state hospitality being extended to those with blood of innocents on their hands, we must call out the doublespeak," he added. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will return to India on Friday and not travel onwards to Mexico, Panama and Guyana in view of the developments in Afghanistan, sources said. India on Tuesday rushed back home its ambassador, Rudrendra Tandon, and staff from the embassy in Kabul in a military transport aircraft following escalating tension, fear, and uncertainty gripping the Afghan capital after Taliban insurgents seized the Afghan capital on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Terrorists are terrorists, distinctions can only be made at our own peril: Dr S Jaishankar

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will chair the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts on Thursday, under India's presidency in August.

India's FM Jaishankar to chair UNSC meet on counter-terrorism

Abu Omar Khorasani was taken from Kabul’s Pul-i-Charkhi prison and unceremoniously shot. The first and only person to have been executed since the Taliban gained full control of Afghanistan, Mr Khorasani was the head of the Islamic State in South Asia until he was arrested by government forces last year.

The precise circumstances of his execution are not known. His killing was, however, at least in part designed to send a message to the international community, and particularly Afghanistan’s neighbours, including China and Iran, as well as Russia, Central Asia’s security overlord.

The message was that the Taliban were cracking down on foreign jihadists and militants in Afghanistan. Mr Khorasani was an easy symbol. The Taliban and the Islamic State, whose ranks of foreigners are primarily populated by Pakistanis and a sprinkling of Central Asians, Uighurs, Russians, Turks, Iranians, Indonesians, Indians, and Frenchmen, have long been adversarial. The Islamic State recently accused the Taliban of being more nationalist than pious in their negotiations with the United States.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-return-of-taliban-what-does-it-mean-for-india-and-the-world-406612">Opinion | Return of Taliban: What does it mean for India and the World?</a>

The Taliban message is a partial truth at best. What is true for the Islamic State is not true for Al-Qaeda and others such as the Uighur Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

The Taliban appear to believe that they can get away with the differentiation because they perceived the United States as more focused in the withdrawal negotiations on ensuring that the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, and other militants will not be allowed to use Afghanistan as a base for international operations rather than on getting them expelled from the country.

The perceived US focus may have been rooted in a concern that if Taliban’s hands were forced, they would let militants slip out of the country and not hand them over to authorities. That would make it difficult to control their movements or ensure that they are either entered into deradicalization programs or, if warranted, brought to justice.

“It’s a Catch-22. The Taliban ensuring that Al Qaeda sticks to rule risks putting a fox in charge of the chicken coop. How much better that is than having foxes run wild remains to be seen,” said a retired counter-terrorism official.

Officials of the Trump administration that negotiated the agreement suggest that the continued presence of Al-Qaeda and other militants in Afghanistan would violate the accord with the Taliban.

Former US Vice President Mike Pence as well as Trump era State Department counterterrorism coordinator Nathan Sales argued that the deal “required the Taliban…to refuse terrorists safe harbour.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-too-big-for-pakistan-to-swallow-says-self-proclaimed-president-amarullah-saleh-406900">Afghanistan too big for Pakistan to swallow, says self-proclaimed president Amarullah Saleh</a>

Russia and China, while publicly more measured in their statements, are likely to share western concerns.&nbsp;Russia held military drills earlier this month with Tajik and Uzbek troops in Tajikistan, 20 kilometres from the border with Afghanistan.

Al-Qaeda may have been boosted in recent weeks by multiple prison breaks in which the Taliban freed operatives of Al-Qaeda and other militant groups. It remains unclear however to what degree the breaks will help the group strengthen its presence in Afghanistan.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned this week that Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State could quickly rebuild their networks in Afghanistan.

The United Nations recently reported that Al-Qaeda “is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces”, and that its affiliate in the Indian subcontinent, “operates under Taliban protection from Kandahar, Helmand and Nimruz provinces.”&nbsp;

“Without information on who exactly escaped, it is difficult to determine whether historically significant figures remain within AQ’s AfPak network, or if it is mainly composed of newer figures these days, whether local or regional foreign fighters,” cautioned political violence scholar Aaron Y. Zelin. Mr Zelin was referring to Al-Qaeda’s Afghanistan-Pakistan network.

Also unclear is whether Al-Qaeda operatives in Iran will be allowed to relocate to Afghanistan. 
The prison breaks further go to concerns about relying on the Taliban to police jihadists and other militants with aspirations beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Of particular concern is the fact that the balance of power has yet to be determined between Taliban leaders who in recent days have been eager to put a more moderate, accommodating foot forward with security guarantees for their opponents, minorities and women and the group’s far-flung less polished rank and file.

The concern about the Taliban’s ability and willingness to control militant activity on Afghan soil is magnified by worry regarding the continued existence of warlords with the power to organise violence, provide jobs and public services, and forge or strengthen ties with militants.

“Warlords will play an active role in the future of Afghanistan. They will remain businessmen and political leaders, connected to global economic processes and networks. They will develop the military power that they need to control territory and wage war. They will, finally, continue to fight for more autonomy and, in some cases, might even manage to partially form their old regional polities once again,” said Romain Malejacq, author of a book on Afghan warlords.

“Afghanistan’s availability as a sanctuary for terrorists is, to say the least, related to its status as a warlord-ridden wasteland,” said journalist and author Graeme Wood.

The Taliban’s refusal to expel militants not only complicates the group’s efforts to garner legitimacy in the international community and particularly its neighbours, even if Al-Qaeda has been significantly weakened since 9/11 and is less focussed on attacking the United States and more on the Muslim world.

It also strengthens those who fear that Afghanistan will again emerge as a launching pad for trans-national political violence. “We are going to go back to a pre-9/11 state—a breeding ground for terrorism,” warned Michael McCaul, the ranking Republican member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee. “They (the Taliban) will not restrict terrorist groups, just ask them to operate low-key,” added Douglas London, a former head of CIA counterterrorism operations for South and Southwest Asia.

The Taliban proved already 20 years ago that they valued loyalty when they rejected US and Saudi pressure to hand over Osama bin Laden no matter the cost. The Taliban have since come to appreciate Al Qaeda’s fighting skills and contributions to the Afghan militants’ cause.

Taliban fighters this week, in a violation of their pledge to inclusiveness, demonstrated their ideological anti-Shiite affinity with Al-Qaeda by blowing up a statue of Abdul Ali Mazari, a Shiite Hazara militia leader killed by the Taliban when they first took power in 1996.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Abu Omar Khorasani was taken from Kabul’s Pul-i-Charkhi prison and unceremoniously shot. The first and only person to have been executed since the Taliban gained full control of Afghanistan, Mr Khorasani was the head of the Islamic State in South Asia until he was arrested by government forces last year.

Abu Omar Khorasani was taken from Kabul’s Pul-i-Charkhi prison and unceremoniously shot. The first and only person to have been executed since the Taliban gained full control of Afghanistan, Mr Khorasani was the head of the Islamic State in South Asia until he was arrested by government forces last year. The precise circumstances of his execution are not known. His killing was, however, at least in part designed to send a message to the international community, and particularly Afghanistan’s neighbours, including China and Iran, as well as Russia, Central Asia’s security overlord. The message was that the Taliban were cracking down on foreign jihadists and militants in Afghanistan. Mr Khorasani was an easy symbol. The Taliban and the Islamic State, whose ranks of foreigners are primarily populated by Pakistanis and a sprinkling of Central Asians, Uighurs, Russians, Turks, Iranians, Indonesians, Indians, and Frenchmen, have long been adversarial. The Islamic State recently accused the Taliban of being more nationalist than pious in their negotiations with the United States. Also Read: Opinion | Return of Taliban: What does it mean for India and the World? The Taliban message is a partial truth at best. What is true for the Islamic State is not true for Al-Qaeda and others such as the Uighur Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. The Taliban appear to believe that they can get away with the differentiation because they perceived the United States as more focused in the withdrawal negotiations on ensuring that the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, and other militants will not be allowed to use Afghanistan as a base for international operations rather than on getting them expelled from the country. The perceived US focus may have been rooted in a concern that if Taliban’s hands were forced, they would let militants slip out of the country and not hand them over to authorities. That would make it difficult to control their movements or ensure that they are either entered into deradicalization programs or, if warranted, brought to justice. “It’s a Catch-22. The Taliban ensuring that Al Qaeda sticks to rule risks putting a fox in charge of the chicken coop. How much better that is than having foxes run wild remains to be seen,” said a retired counter-terrorism official. Officials of the Trump administration that negotiated the agreement suggest that the continued presence of Al-Qaeda and other militants in Afghanistan would violate the accord with the Taliban. Former US Vice President Mike Pence as well as Trump era State Department counterterrorism coordinator Nathan Sales argued that the deal “required the Taliban…to refuse terrorists safe harbour.” Also Read | Afghanistan too big for Pakistan to swallow, says self-proclaimed president Amarullah Saleh Russia and China, while publicly more measured in their statements, are likely to share western concerns. Russia held military drills earlier this month with Tajik and Uzbek troops in Tajikistan, 20 kilometres from the border with Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda may have been boosted in recent weeks by multiple prison breaks in which the Taliban freed operatives of Al-Qaeda and other militant groups. It remains unclear however to what degree the breaks will help the group strengthen its presence in Afghanistan. General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned this week that Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State could quickly rebuild their networks in Afghanistan. The United Nations recently reported that Al-Qaeda “is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces”, and that its affiliate in the Indian subcontinent, “operates under Taliban protection from Kandahar, Helmand and Nimruz provinces.” “Without information on who exactly escaped, it is difficult to determine whether historically significant figures remain within AQ’s AfPak network, or if it is mainly composed of newer figures these days, whether local or regional foreign fighters,” cautioned political violence scholar Aaron Y. Zelin. Mr Zelin was referring to Al-Qaeda’s Afghanistan-Pakistan network. Also unclear is whether Al-Qaeda operatives in Iran will be allowed to relocate to Afghanistan. The prison breaks further go to concerns about relying on the Taliban to police jihadists and other militants with aspirations beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Of particular concern is the fact that the balance of power has yet to be determined between Taliban leaders who in recent days have been eager to put a more moderate, accommodating foot forward with security guarantees for their opponents, minorities and women and the group’s far-flung less polished rank and file. The concern about the Taliban’s ability and willingness to control militant activity on Afghan soil is magnified by worry regarding the continued existence of warlords with the power to organise violence, provide jobs and public services, and forge or strengthen ties with militants. “Warlords will play an active role in the future of Afghanistan. They will remain businessmen and political leaders, connected to global economic processes and networks. They will develop the military power that they need to control territory and wage war. They will, finally, continue to fight for more autonomy and, in some cases, might even manage to partially form their old regional polities once again,” said Romain Malejacq, author of a book on Afghan warlords. “Afghanistan’s availability as a sanctuary for terrorists is, to say the least, related to its status as a warlord-ridden wasteland,” said journalist and author Graeme Wood. The Taliban’s refusal to expel militants not only complicates the group’s efforts to garner legitimacy in the international community and particularly its neighbours, even if Al-Qaeda has been significantly weakened since 9/11 and is less focussed on attacking the United States and more on the Muslim world. It also strengthens those who fear that Afghanistan will again emerge as a launching pad for trans-national political violence. “We are going to go back to a pre-9/11 state—a breeding ground for terrorism,” warned Michael McCaul, the ranking Republican member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee. “They (the Taliban) will not restrict terrorist groups, just ask them to operate low-key,” added Douglas London, a former head of CIA counterterrorism operations for South and Southwest Asia. The Taliban proved already 20 years ago that they valued loyalty when they rejected US and Saudi pressure to hand over Osama bin Laden no matter the cost. The Taliban have since come to appreciate Al Qaeda’s fighting skills and contributions to the Afghan militants’ cause. Taliban fighters this week, in a violation of their pledge to inclusiveness, demonstrated their ideological anti-Shiite affinity with Al-Qaeda by blowing up a statue of Abdul Ali Mazari, a Shiite Hazara militia leader killed by the Taliban when they first took power in 1996. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Taliban and Al-Qaeda: Putting a fox in charge of the chicken coop?

The US Department of Homeland Security issued a&nbsp;new&nbsp;terrorism&nbsp;threat&nbsp;advisory on Friday&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of the&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the September&nbsp;11&nbsp;terror attacks and amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic.

The National&nbsp;Terrorism&nbsp;Advisory System Bulletin said the United States faces a "heightened&nbsp;threat&nbsp;environment" from both domestic terrorists "and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences."

It cited increased use of "online forums to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity."

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;advisory updated a January alert following the attack on the US Congress by supporters of then-president Donald Trump, when DHS said the country faced "increasingly complex and volatile" threats from anti-government and racially motivated extremists, often stirred up by online influence from abroad.

The bulletin had already been amended in May, with DHS&nbsp;warning&nbsp;violent extremists could exploit the easing of Covid-19 restrictions to conduct attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/businesses-in-portland-oregon-close-early-amid-scorching-heat-405201">Also read |&nbsp;Businesses in Portland, Oregon, close early amid scorching heat</a>

"Extremists may seek to exploit the emergence of Covid-19 variants by viewing the potential re-establishment of public health restrictions across the United States as a rationale to conduct attacks," the DHS advisory said, adding that "pandemic-related stressors... may contribute to more violence this year."

Despite a rapid vaccination program, coronavirus case numbers have increased sharply in recent months in the United States due to the spread of the Delta variant, prompting&nbsp;new&nbsp;health measures.

The advisory, which expires on November&nbsp;11, also noted that in the lead-up to the 20th&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the September&nbsp;11&nbsp;attacks, the Yemeni branch of Al-Qaeda, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), had put out an English-language version of its propaganda "Inspire" magazine for the first time in over four years.&nbsp;

This "demonstrates that foreign terrorist organisations continue efforts to inspire US-based individuals susceptible to violent extremist influences," DHS said.

The United States, which considers AQAP the terror group's most dangerous branch, has carried out a campaign of drone strikes against its fighters in Yemen since soon after the&nbsp;9/11&nbsp;attacks.&nbsp;

DHS was established after&nbsp;9/11&nbsp;and regularly&nbsp;issues&nbsp;terrorism&nbsp;threat&nbsp;advisories.

The US Department of Homeland Security issued a new terrorism threat advisory on Friday ahead of the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks and amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic.

The US Department of Homeland Security issued a new terrorism threat advisory on Friday ahead of the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks and amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic. The National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin said the United States faces a "heightened threat environment" from both domestic terrorists "and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences." It cited increased use of "online forums to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity." The new advisory updated a January alert following the attack on the US Congress by supporters of then-president Donald Trump, when DHS said the country faced "increasingly complex and volatile" threats from anti-government and racially motivated extremists, often stirred up by online influence from abroad. The bulletin had already been amended in May, with DHS warning violent extremists could exploit the easing of Covid-19 restrictions to conduct attacks. Also read | Businesses in Portland, Oregon, close early amid scorching heat "Extremists may seek to exploit the emergence of Covid-19 variants by viewing the potential re-establishment of public health restrictions across the United States as a rationale to conduct attacks," the DHS advisory said, adding that "pandemic-related stressors... may contribute to more violence this year." Despite a rapid vaccination program, coronavirus case numbers have increased sharply in recent months in the United States due to the spread of the Delta variant, prompting new health measures. The advisory, which expires on November 11, also noted that in the lead-up to the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Yemeni branch of Al-Qaeda, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), had put out an English-language version of its propaganda "Inspire" magazine for the first time in over four years. This "demonstrates that foreign terrorist organisations continue efforts to inspire US-based individuals susceptible to violent extremist influences," DHS said. The United States, which considers AQAP the terror group's most dangerous branch, has carried out a campaign of drone strikes against its fighters in Yemen since soon after the 9/11 attacks. DHS was established after 9/11 and regularly issues terrorism threat advisories.

US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary

In an address during the&nbsp;main Independence Day ceremony being held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad&nbsp;on Saturday,&nbsp;Pakistan’s&nbsp;President Dr Arif Alvi said the country sacrificed over 100,000 lives in the war against terrorism and came out victorious, a Geo TV report said.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;president also&nbsp;lauded&nbsp;armed forces and the people for bravely fighting terrorism. He said&nbsp;Pakistan is the only country in the world to have&nbsp;defeated terrorism.&nbsp;

This comes as the country has been accused of&nbsp;harbouring&nbsp;several terrorist groups, such as Taliban, al Qaeda,&nbsp;LeT,&nbsp;etc, for years.&nbsp;Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden was also found to be in Pakistan when the US forces killed him.&nbsp;

Alvi also&nbsp;paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Allam Iqbal, Syed Ahmad Khan and other founding leaders of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Not just this,&nbsp;the president also claimed that&nbsp;three wars were imposed on Pakistan under various pretexts.&nbsp;He also said that an arms race was also imposed on Pakistan.&nbsp;

The country is celebrating the day&nbsp;with traditional zeal and enthusiasm. It is holding&nbsp;special prayers, a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute at all provincial capitals. Special prayers were also being offered in mosques at dawn for solidarity, peace and prosperity of the country.&nbsp;

In an address during the main Independence Day ceremony being held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Saturday, Pakistan’s President Dr Arif Alvi said the country sacrificed over 100,000 lives in the war against terrorism and came out victorious, a Geo TV report said.

In an address during the main Independence Day ceremony being held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Saturday, Pakistan’s President Dr Arif Alvi said the country sacrificed over 100,000 lives in the war against terrorism and came out victorious, a Geo TV report said. The president also lauded armed forces and the people for bravely fighting terrorism. He said Pakistan is the only country in the world to have defeated terrorism. This comes as the country has been accused of harbouring several terrorist groups, such as Taliban, al Qaeda, LeT, etc, for years. Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden was also found to be in Pakistan when the US forces killed him. Alvi also paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Allam Iqbal, Syed Ahmad Khan and other founding leaders of Pakistan. Not just this, the president also claimed that three wars were imposed on Pakistan under various pretexts. He also said that an arms race was also imposed on Pakistan. The country is celebrating the day with traditional zeal and enthusiasm. It is holding special prayers, a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute at all provincial capitals. Special prayers were also being offered in mosques at dawn for solidarity, peace and prosperity of the country.

On Independence Day, President Alvi claims Pak to be only country in world to ‘defeat terrorism’ 

Tanzanian opposition leader Freedom Mbowe appeared in court on Friday on terrorism charges that his supporters have denounced as a politically-motivated move to silence dissent.

It was the first time Mbowe was seen in public since his arrest along with other members of his Chadema party on July 21, just hours before they were to hold a public forum on constitutional reform.

Mbowe, 59, flashed the V-for-victory sign as he arrived at the court in Tanzania's economic capital Dar es Salaam, transported in a green van from the prison.

Security was tight to prevent a repeat of a demonstration by his supporters outside the court on Thursday that was broken up by riot police.

But Chadema said 11 members of the party were arrested when they turned up to the court on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanzania-arrests-opposition-protesters-as-court-hearing-postponed-403141">Also read |&nbsp;Tanzania arrests opposition protesters as court hearing postponed</a>

Mbowe has been charged with terrorism financing and conspiracy in a case that has triggered concern among rights groups and Western nations about the state of democracy under Tanzania's new President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The case against him was adjourned until August 13.

Mbowe had initially been due to appear in court via video link from prison on Thursday but the case was postponed to Friday because of connection problems, his&nbsp;defence lawyer Peter Kibatala said.

Kibatala said Thursday the charges against Mbowe "have no basis in law", describing them as "opportunistic and probably politically motivated."

Mbowe's arrest came four months after Hassan took office following the sudden death of her predecessor John Magufuli.

There had been hopes Hassan would usher in&nbsp;change from the autocratic rule of Magufuli, nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising style.

But Chadema leaders say the arrest of Mbowe and his colleagues reflect a deepening slide into "dictatorship" under Hassan.

Tanzanian opposition leader Freedom Mbowe appeared in court on Friday on terrorism charges that his supporters have denounced as a politically-motivated move to silence dissent.

Tanzanian opposition leader Freedom Mbowe appeared in court on Friday on terrorism charges that his supporters have denounced as a politically-motivated move to silence dissent. It was the first time Mbowe was seen in public since his arrest along with other members of his Chadema party on July 21, just hours before they were to hold a public forum on constitutional reform. Mbowe, 59, flashed the V-for-victory sign as he arrived at the court in Tanzania's economic capital Dar es Salaam, transported in a green van from the prison. Security was tight to prevent a repeat of a demonstration by his supporters outside the court on Thursday that was broken up by riot police. But Chadema said 11 members of the party were arrested when they turned up to the court on Friday. Also read | Tanzania arrests opposition protesters as court hearing postponed Mbowe has been charged with terrorism financing and conspiracy in a case that has triggered concern among rights groups and Western nations about the state of democracy under Tanzania's new President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The case against him was adjourned until August 13. Mbowe had initially been due to appear in court via video link from prison on Thursday but the case was postponed to Friday because of connection problems, his defence lawyer Peter Kibatala said. Kibatala said Thursday the charges against Mbowe "have no basis in law", describing them as "opportunistic and probably politically motivated." Mbowe's arrest came four months after Hassan took office following the sudden death of her predecessor John Magufuli. There had been hopes Hassan would usher in change from the autocratic rule of Magufuli, nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising style. But Chadema leaders say the arrest of Mbowe and his colleagues reflect a deepening slide into "dictatorship" under Hassan.

Tanzania opposition leader in court on terrorism charges

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

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

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

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

Top Army and police officials claimed on Saturday that security forces had killed 89 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir this year, including seven Pakistani nationals, while maintaining that over 200 ultras remain active in the union territory.&nbsp;

"Seven of the 89 terrorists were FTs (foreign terrorists or Pakistanis).Although the number is lower than previous year, more top commanders have been slain this year "Vijay Kumar, Kashmir's Inspector General of Police (IGP), said.&nbsp;

He was speaking at a joint news conference with Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey, the Army's 15 Corps commander, and Major Gen Rashim Bali, the commander of the Victor Force in south Kashmir.

Lt Gen Pandey responded to a query regarding the number of militants in J&amp;K by saying that around 200-225 ultras were operating across the UT.

He did say, however, that no successful infiltrations along the Line of Control (LoC) have occurred this year.&nbsp;

"There has been information about one or two infiltrations. We have launched operations, which are on to check or neutralise them (infiltrators). But, according to ground inputs, there has been no successful infiltration or intrusion in the 15 Corps zone in the Valley so far," LT Gen Pandey said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Top Army and police officials claimed on Saturday that security forces had killed 89 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir this year, including seven Pakistani nationals, while maintaining that over 200 ultras remain active in the union territory.

Top Army and police officials claimed on Saturday that security forces had killed 89 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir this year, including seven Pakistani nationals, while maintaining that over 200 ultras remain active in the union territory. "Seven of the 89 terrorists were FTs (foreign terrorists or Pakistanis).Although the number is lower than previous year, more top commanders have been slain this year "Vijay Kumar, Kashmir's Inspector General of Police (IGP), said. He was speaking at a joint news conference with Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey, the Army's 15 Corps commander, and Major Gen Rashim Bali, the commander of the Victor Force in south Kashmir. Lt Gen Pandey responded to a query regarding the number of militants in J&K by saying that around 200-225 ultras were operating across the UT. He did say, however, that no successful infiltrations along the Line of Control (LoC) have occurred this year. "There has been information about one or two infiltrations. We have launched operations, which are on to check or neutralise them (infiltrators). But, according to ground inputs, there has been no successful infiltration or intrusion in the 15 Corps zone in the Valley so far," LT Gen Pandey said. (With inputs from agencies)

89 terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year; over 200 still active

The first person charged under Hong Kong's National Security Law has been found guilty of terrorism and inciting secession. More than 100 people have been arrested under the law since it came into force in 2019.

Hong Kong: Man found guilty of terrorism & inciting secession under National Security Law

Afghan officials said on Sunday that more 22,000 Afghan families had fled to escape fighting in Kandahar. It is a former bastion of the Taliban

"The fighting has displaced 22,000 families in the past one month in Kandahar," Dost Mohammad Daryab, head of the provincial refugee department, told AFP.

"They have all moved from the volatile districts of the city to safer areas."&nbsp;

Violence has surged in Afghanistan since May in the run up to the withdrawal of the US forces. Taliban has been on the offensive and now controls half of the district in Afghanistan.

On Sunday, fighting continued on the outskirts of Kandahar city.

"The negligence of some security forces, especially the police, has made way for the Taliban to come that close," Lalai Dastageeri, deputy governor of Kandahar province, told AFP.

"We are now trying to organise our security forces."

Local authorities had set up four camps for the displaced people who are estimated to be about 154,000.

Kandahar resident Hafiz Mohammad Akbar said his house had been taken over by the Taliban after he fled.

"They forced us to leave... I am now living with my 20-member family in a compound with no toilet," said Akbar.

Fears of fighting to increase

Residents expressed concerns the fighting might increase in days ahead.

"If they really want to fight, they should go to a desert and fight, not destroy the city," said Khan Mohammad, who moved to a camp with his family.

"Even if they win, they can't rule a ghost town."

Kandahar, with its 650,000 inhabitants, is the second-largest city in Afghanistan after Kabul.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Afghan officials said on Sunday that more 22,000 Afghan families had fled to escape fighting in Kandahar. It is a former bastion of the Taliban "The fighting has displaced 22,000 families in the past one month in Kandahar," Dost Mohammad Daryab, head of the provincial refugee department, told AFP.

Afghan officials said on Sunday that more 22,000 Afghan families had fled to escape fighting in Kandahar. It is a former bastion of the Taliban "The fighting has displaced 22,000 families in the past one month in Kandahar," Dost Mohammad Daryab, head of the provincial refugee department, told AFP. "They have all moved from the volatile districts of the city to safer areas." Violence has surged in Afghanistan since May in the run up to the withdrawal of the US forces. Taliban has been on the offensive and now controls half of the district in Afghanistan. On Sunday, fighting continued on the outskirts of Kandahar city. "The negligence of some security forces, especially the police, has made way for the Taliban to come that close," Lalai Dastageeri, deputy governor of Kandahar province, told AFP. "We are now trying to organise our security forces." Local authorities had set up four camps for the displaced people who are estimated to be about 154,000. Kandahar resident Hafiz Mohammad Akbar said his house had been taken over by the Taliban after he fled. "They forced us to leave... I am now living with my 20-member family in a compound with no toilet," said Akbar. Fears of fighting to increase Residents expressed concerns the fighting might increase in days ahead. "If they really want to fight, they should go to a desert and fight, not destroy the city," said Khan Mohammad, who moved to a camp with his family. "Even if they win, they can't rule a ghost town." Kandahar, with its 650,000 inhabitants, is the second-largest city in Afghanistan after Kabul. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Afghan families flee from fighting in Kandahar

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have shot down a drone in the Akhnoor area. Police have also recovered 5 kg of an improvised explosive device (IED) which was to be assembled and to be used by terrorists.

News Alert: Drone shot down by Jammu Police in Akhnoor, 5 kg IED recovered

terrorism

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