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

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

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

Canada to resettle Afghan interpreters who fear reprisal from Taliban

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russia deploys military machinery near Afghanistan border

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taliban demands money from civilians, tries recruiting fighters

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

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

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

Afghanistan: Foreign missions issue joint call for Taliban ceasefire

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

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

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

Turkey plans to talk with Taliban over Kabul airport

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

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

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

Afghan politicians, Taliban meet in Doha

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

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

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

Pakistan allows thousands to cross into Afghanistan through border

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

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

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

Want to help start Afghan peace talks: Russia

Israeli army said on Thursday that it made an arrest of dozens of Palestinian students in West Bank. It has accused the students of being "terror operatives" of Islamic group Hamas.

AFP cited Palestinian source to say that the students from Birzeit University were arrested when they were returning from the village of Turmus Ayya. Israeli troops demolished a family home of a Palestinian American in this village earlier this month. The person was awaiting trial on charges of shooting a Jewish student earlier this year.

An Israeli army statement said: "Some of the apprehended terror operatives were directly involved in terror activities, including money transfers, incitement and the organisation of Hamas activities in Judea and Samaria," using the Biblical terms for the West Bank.&nbsp;

Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip and fought an 11-day conflict with Israel in May, is blacklisted by the EU and the US as a terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

A late Wednesday statement announcing the arrests said "dozens of terror operatives" belonging to "a student cell" at Birzeit University had been detained in a joint operation involving the army, police and the Shin Bet domestic security agency. &nbsp;

An army spokesperson told AFP on Thursday that the Shin Bet had taken over the investigation.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, the number of students arrested Wednesday was around 45, but 12 have since been released and the 33 still in detention were all male.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli army said on Thursday that it made an arrest of dozens of Palestinian students in West Bank. It has accused the students of being "terror operatives" of Islamic group Hamas.

Israeli army said on Thursday that it made an arrest of dozens of Palestinian students in West Bank. It has accused the students of being "terror operatives" of Islamic group Hamas. AFP cited Palestinian source to say that the students from Birzeit University were arrested when they were returning from the village of Turmus Ayya. Israeli troops demolished a family home of a Palestinian American in this village earlier this month. The person was awaiting trial on charges of shooting a Jewish student earlier this year. An Israeli army statement said: "Some of the apprehended terror operatives were directly involved in terror activities, including money transfers, incitement and the organisation of Hamas activities in Judea and Samaria," using the Biblical terms for the West Bank. Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip and fought an 11-day conflict with Israel in May, is blacklisted by the EU and the US as a terrorist organisation. A late Wednesday statement announcing the arrests said "dozens of terror operatives" belonging to "a student cell" at Birzeit University had been detained in a joint operation involving the army, police and the Shin Bet domestic security agency. An army spokesperson told AFP on Thursday that the Shin Bet had taken over the investigation. According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, the number of students arrested Wednesday was around 45, but 12 have since been released and the 33 still in detention were all male. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel army arrests Palestinian students over 'terror' allegations

Afghan security forces, with the help of airstrikes, repelled an assault by Taliban fighters on the provincial centre of a key northern province bordering Tajikistan on Sunday, officials said.

The Taliban assault was the latest in a string of offensives that have seen insurgents capture territory across Afghanistan as US-led foreign forces are in the final stages of withdrawing troops after almost 20 years of fighting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-controls-85-of-afghan-territory-taliban-official-says-396921">Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says</a>

"The enemy's offensive attacks were repelled, and they suffered heavy and unprecedented casualties, as a result of which 55 enemy soldiers were killed and 90 were wounded," the governor of Takhar province Abdullah Qarluq said.

Reuters could not independently confirm his account.

More than a dozen Taliban fighters were killed in airstrikes by the Afghan Air Force on hideouts on the outskirts of Takhar's provincial centre, Taluqan, Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Twitter.

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"The Taliban attacked Taluqan from four directions last night (Saturday), but were faced with strong resistance from security forces and (local) people," Khalil Asir, spokesman for Takhar Police Command, told Reuters.

Taluqan is just the latest provincial capital to come under Taliban pressure. Earlier this week Taliban fighters entered the capital of the western province of Badghis, seizing police and security facilities and attempting to take over the governor's office before special forces pushed them back.

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Insurgents have made a fresh push to gain territory in recent weeks, emboldened by the departure of foreign forces. The Pentagon believes that after taking dozens of district centres, the Taliban will make a push for provincial centres.

In southern Afghanistan, too, clashes continued.

India said on Sunday it had temporarily repatriated officials from its consulate in Kandahar, a major city in southern Afghanistan.

"Due to the intense fighting near Kandahar city, India-based personnel have been brought back for the time being," Arindam Bagchi, chief spokesperson at India's foreign ministry, said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-the-return-of-taliban-in-afghanistan-and-the-us-retreat-396932">In Pictures | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat</a>

"India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan," Bagchi said, adding that India's consulate in Kandahar was being run by local staff temporarily.

Taliban officials said on Friday that the Sunni Muslim insurgent group had taken control of 85% of Afghanistan's territory. Afghan government officials dismissed the assertion as propaganda.

Afghan security forces, with the help of airstrikes, repelled an assault by Taliban fighters on the provincial centre of a key northern province bordering Tajikistan on Sunday, officials said.

Afghan security forces, with the help of airstrikes, repelled an assault by Taliban fighters on the provincial centre of a key northern province bordering Tajikistan on Sunday, officials said. The Taliban assault was the latest in a string of offensives that have seen insurgents capture territory across Afghanistan as US-led foreign forces are in the final stages of withdrawing troops after almost 20 years of fighting. Also read | Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says "The enemy's offensive attacks were repelled, and they suffered heavy and unprecedented casualties, as a result of which 55 enemy soldiers were killed and 90 were wounded," the governor of Takhar province Abdullah Qarluq said. Reuters could not independently confirm his account. More than a dozen Taliban fighters were killed in airstrikes by the Afghan Air Force on hideouts on the outskirts of Takhar's provincial centre, Taluqan, Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Twitter. "The Taliban attacked Taluqan from four directions last night (Saturday), but were faced with strong resistance from security forces and (local) people," Khalil Asir, spokesman for Takhar Police Command, told Reuters. Taluqan is just the latest provincial capital to come under Taliban pressure. Earlier this week Taliban fighters entered the capital of the western province of Badghis, seizing police and security facilities and attempting to take over the governor's office before special forces pushed them back. Insurgents have made a fresh push to gain territory in recent weeks, emboldened by the departure of foreign forces. The Pentagon believes that after taking dozens of district centres, the Taliban will make a push for provincial centres. In southern Afghanistan, too, clashes continued. India said on Sunday it had temporarily repatriated officials from its consulate in Kandahar, a major city in southern Afghanistan. "Due to the intense fighting near Kandahar city, India-based personnel have been brought back for the time being," Arindam Bagchi, chief spokesperson at India's foreign ministry, said in a statement. In Pictures | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat "India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan," Bagchi said, adding that India's consulate in Kandahar was being run by local staff temporarily. Taliban officials said on Friday that the Sunni Muslim insurgent group had taken control of 85% of Afghanistan's territory. Afghan government officials dismissed the assertion as propaganda.

Afghan forces repel Taliban assault on provincial capital, governor says

Armed civilians and Afghan forces on Sunday repelled Taliban attack in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province. The governor of the province said that heavy casualties were inflicted on the Taliban.

Taliban launched a massive offensive on Sunday morning to capture Taloqan city, the provincial capital of Takhar. The Taliban attack faced resistance from armed civilians and Afghan security forces. &nbsp;Governor Abdullah Qarluq said adding that 55 Taliban fighters were killed and 90 others wounded.

Reuters said that a video showed armed citizens and Afghan forces on the battlefield on the outskirts of of the city.&nbsp;

Taliban's gains in the northern part of Afghanistan have been dramatic. During Taliban's rule in late 90s and early 2000s, north Afghanistan was bastion of Northern Alliance. Taliban had found it hard to gain a foothold there.

However, the situation is different this time.

The Islamist insurgents have been advancing for weeks, an offensive that has accelerated as the United States pulled out of its main base, effectively ending its two-decade intervention. Taliban gains have been especially dramatic in northern provinces where they had long been kept at bay.

The United States, which toppled the Taliban for sheltering Osama bin Laden in 2001 and has since propped up the Kabul government, agreed under then-President Donald Trump last year to pull out its troops subject to Taliban security guarantees.

Talks between Afghan government and Taliban negotiators in Qatar have failed to make substantive progress, though the warring sides have been holding meetings in recent days.

(With inputs from agencies)

Armed civilians and Afghan forces on Sunday repelled Taliban attack in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province. The governor of the province said that heavy casualties were inflicted on the Taliban.

Armed civilians and Afghan forces on Sunday repelled Taliban attack in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province. The governor of the province said that heavy casualties were inflicted on the Taliban. Taliban launched a massive offensive on Sunday morning to capture Taloqan city, the provincial capital of Takhar. The Taliban attack faced resistance from armed civilians and Afghan security forces. Governor Abdullah Qarluq said adding that 55 Taliban fighters were killed and 90 others wounded. Reuters said that a video showed armed citizens and Afghan forces on the battlefield on the outskirts of of the city. Taliban's gains in the northern part of Afghanistan have been dramatic. During Taliban's rule in late 90s and early 2000s, north Afghanistan was bastion of Northern Alliance. Taliban had found it hard to gain a foothold there. However, the situation is different this time. The Islamist insurgents have been advancing for weeks, an offensive that has accelerated as the United States pulled out of its main base, effectively ending its two-decade intervention. Taliban gains have been especially dramatic in northern provinces where they had long been kept at bay. The United States, which toppled the Taliban for sheltering Osama bin Laden in 2001 and has since propped up the Kabul government, agreed under then-President Donald Trump last year to pull out its troops subject to Taliban security guarantees. Talks between Afghan government and Taliban negotiators in Qatar have failed to make substantive progress, though the warring sides have been holding meetings in recent days. (With inputs from agencies)

Armed civilians, Afghan forces inflict heavy casualties on Taliban in Takhar: Governor

Taliban attacks on security outposts in Gazni city were repelled by Afghan security forces on Sunday,&nbsp;&nbsp;TOLOnews reported, citing a police official.

The Taliban attacked security outposts in PD3, PD6, PD1 and PD5 in the early hours of Sunday morning, the provincial police statement said, adding "the Taliban faced a response from the joint security forces, and their attacks were pushed back."

Provincial police chief Fazel Ahmad assured people that security sources will defend the city.

"The Taliban escaped from the areas after the arrival of the reinforcements. Several Taliban were killed and wounded in the clashes," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/air-defences-installed-at-afghanistans-kabul-airport-as-taliban-gain-ground-397377">Air defences installed at Afghanistan's Kabul airport as Taliban gain ground</a>

There was no mention in the statement about possible casualties among the security forces, said TOLOnews.

General Shir Mohammad Andewal, a military commander in Ghazni, pledged that the security forces will "bravely" defend the city. The Taliban has not yet commented on the attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban attacks on security outposts in Gazni city were repelled by Afghan security forces on Sunday, TOLOnews reported, citing a police official. The Taliban attacked security outposts in PD3, PD6, PD1 and PD5 in the early hours of Sunday morning, the provincial police statement said, adding "the Taliban faced a response from the joint security forces, and their attacks were pushed back.

Taliban attacks on security outposts in Gazni city were repelled by Afghan security forces on Sunday, TOLOnews reported, citing a police official. The Taliban attacked security outposts in PD3, PD6, PD1 and PD5 in the early hours of Sunday morning, the provincial police statement said, adding "the Taliban faced a response from the joint security forces, and their attacks were pushed back." Provincial police chief Fazel Ahmad assured people that security sources will defend the city. "The Taliban escaped from the areas after the arrival of the reinforcements. Several Taliban were killed and wounded in the clashes," he said. Also Read | Air defences installed at Afghanistan's Kabul airport as Taliban gain ground There was no mention in the statement about possible casualties among the security forces, said TOLOnews. General Shir Mohammad Andewal, a military commander in Ghazni, pledged that the security forces will "bravely" defend the city. The Taliban has not yet commented on the attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Taliban attack on Ghazni repelled, say police

Afghan authorities on Saturday prepared to try and retake key border crossing seized by the Taliban. The Taliban has been on the offensive across Afghanistan and have large swathes of territory under their control. A Taliban official said on Friday that the terrorist group is in control of 85 per cent of the country. However, this claim is contested by Afghan government and cannot be independently verified.

Amid withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban said that it had seized two crossings in western Afghanistan. This completes an arc of territory from Iranian border to the frontier with China.

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Meanwhile, China has urged its citizens to leave Afghanistan "as soon as possible". China has criticised US for its hasty withdrawal.

The "complex and severe domestic security situation" prompted the evacuation warning, the foreign ministry said.

Taliban gains

On Friday Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP their fighters had captured the town of Islam Qala on the Iranian frontier and the Torghundi crossing with Turkmenistan.

A Herat governor spokesman said on Saturday that the authorities were deploying fresh troops to retake the Islam Qala post. It is the biggest trade crossing between Iran and Afghanistan.

"They will be sent there soon," he told AFP.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-taliban-impose-strict-restrictions-on-women-media-in-afghanistans-north-397124">Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north</a>

The Afghan government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's gains as having little strategic value, but the seizure of multiple border crossings and the taxes they generate will likely fill the group's coffers with new revenue.

With the Taliban having routed much of northern Afghanistan in recent weeks, the government holds little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must largely be reinforced and resupplied by air.

The air force was under severe strain even before the Taliban's lightning offensive overwhelmed the government's northern and western positions, putting further pressure on the country's limited aircraft and pilots.

On Thursday President Joe Biden said the US military mission would end on August 31 -- nearly 20 years after it began -- but he admitted it was "highly unlikely" Kabul would be able to control the entire country.

"The status quo is not an option," Biden said of staying in the country. "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan."

Biden said the Afghan people alone should determine their future, but he acknowledged the uncertainty about what that would look like.

Asked if a Taliban takeover was inevitable, the president said: "No, it is not."

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghan authorities on Saturday prepared to try and retake key border crossing seized by the Taliban. The Taliban has been on the offensive across Afghanistan and have large swathes of territory under their control.

Afghan authorities on Saturday prepared to try and retake key border crossing seized by the Taliban. The Taliban has been on the offensive across Afghanistan and have large swathes of territory under their control. A Taliban official said on Friday that the terrorist group is in control of 85 per cent of the country. However, this claim is contested by Afghan government and cannot be independently verified. Amid withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban said that it had seized two crossings in western Afghanistan. This completes an arc of territory from Iranian border to the frontier with China. × Meanwhile, China has urged its citizens to leave Afghanistan "as soon as possible". China has criticised US for its hasty withdrawal. The "complex and severe domestic security situation" prompted the evacuation warning, the foreign ministry said. Taliban gains On Friday Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP their fighters had captured the town of Islam Qala on the Iranian frontier and the Torghundi crossing with Turkmenistan. A Herat governor spokesman said on Saturday that the authorities were deploying fresh troops to retake the Islam Qala post. It is the biggest trade crossing between Iran and Afghanistan. "They will be sent there soon," he told AFP. Also Read | Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north The Afghan government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's gains as having little strategic value, but the seizure of multiple border crossings and the taxes they generate will likely fill the group's coffers with new revenue. With the Taliban having routed much of northern Afghanistan in recent weeks, the government holds little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must largely be reinforced and resupplied by air. The air force was under severe strain even before the Taliban's lightning offensive overwhelmed the government's northern and western positions, putting further pressure on the country's limited aircraft and pilots. On Thursday President Joe Biden said the US military mission would end on August 31 -- nearly 20 years after it began -- but he admitted it was "highly unlikely" Kabul would be able to control the entire country. "The status quo is not an option," Biden said of staying in the country. "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan." Biden said the Afghan people alone should determine their future, but he acknowledged the uncertainty about what that would look like. Asked if a Taliban takeover was inevitable, the president said: "No, it is not." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban

Taliban official Shahabuddin Delawar declared in Moscow on Friday that the Taliban control 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory.

After nearly two decades of fighting, foreign forces, including the US, are retreating, emboldening Taliban insurgents to try to take new territory in Afghanistan. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-the-return-of-taliban-in-afghanistan-and-the-us-retreat-396932">In Pictures | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat</a> 
 
Meanwhile, The withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan is more than 90 per cent completed, the Pentagon's Central Command announced Tuesday.

CentCom said it had officially handed over seven former US bases to the Afghan security forces and had evacuated the equivalent of nearly 1,000 C-17 air freighter loads of equipment from the country, ahead of the September deadline to complete the pullout. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-achieved-its-goals-afghans-must-decide-own-future-president-joe-biden-396867">Also read | US achieved its goals, Afghans must decide own future: President Joe Biden</a>

On Friday US forces handed over the sprawling Bagram air base north of Kabul, the main centre of US military operations in the country for most of the past two decades of conflict.

Tuesday's announcement underscored that most of the process of withdrawing US military and civilian personnel ordered by President Joe Biden in April had been completed.

At the time of Biden's order, there were officially 2,500 US troops and 16,000 private contractors.

According to reports, there were also some 1,000 US special forces operating in Afghanistan at the time as well not included in the official tally. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban official Shahabuddin Delawar declared in Moscow on Friday that the Taliban control 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory. After nearly two decades of fighting, foreign forces, including the US, are retreating, emboldening Taliban insurgents to try to take new territory in Afghanistan.

Taliban official Shahabuddin Delawar declared in Moscow on Friday that the Taliban control 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory. After nearly two decades of fighting, foreign forces, including the US, are retreating, emboldening Taliban insurgents to try to take new territory in Afghanistan. In Pictures | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat Meanwhile, The withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan is more than 90 per cent completed, the Pentagon's Central Command announced Tuesday. CentCom said it had officially handed over seven former US bases to the Afghan security forces and had evacuated the equivalent of nearly 1,000 C-17 air freighter loads of equipment from the country, ahead of the September deadline to complete the pullout. Also read | US achieved its goals, Afghans must decide own future: President Joe Biden On Friday US forces handed over the sprawling Bagram air base north of Kabul, the main centre of US military operations in the country for most of the past two decades of conflict. Tuesday's announcement underscored that most of the process of withdrawing US military and civilian personnel ordered by President Joe Biden in April had been completed. At the time of Biden's order, there were officially 2,500 US troops and 16,000 private contractors. According to reports, there were also some 1,000 US special forces operating in Afghanistan at the time as well not included in the official tally. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says

May 1997. The Taliban militia, backed by Pakistan, were moving swiftly to take control of Afghanistan. About two-thirds of the country was under its control and the rest under the Northern Alliance or Jumbish-e-Islami, a coalition of militias loyal to General Abdul Rashid Dostum, the Hizb-e-Wahadat of Karim Khalili and the Jamiat-e-Islami of Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani &amp; Ahmed Shah Masood, the Lion of Panjshir .&nbsp;

I was asked by my then media organization to travel to Afghanistan for a ground report. So, along with a camera person, I chose to go to Mazar-e-Sharif. &nbsp;

We flew from Delhi to Tashkent and onwards to the border town of Termez in Uzbekistan before taking the iron bridge over Amu Darya (Oxus River) to enter Afghanistan. This bridge was built by the Soviet Union, so that their tanks &amp; other heavy supplies could cross over smoothly. After the Soviet Union broke up, it was renamed as the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge.&nbsp;

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At Amu Darya

The moment we crossed the bridge and entered border town of Haeratan in Afghanistan; we were greeted by smartly dressed Uzbek soldiers owing allegiance to Gen Abdul Rashid Dostum. We told them we were Indians and to our surprise one of them started singing the famous Raj Kapoor song, 'Mere Juta Hai Japani' and we were served piping hot green tea. The border formalities were over even before we could finish our green tea. The taxis parked nearby flaunted posters of Bollywood stars like Karishma Kapoor, Juhi Chawla &amp; Shahrukh Khan. &nbsp; &nbsp;

This was my first impression of Afghanistan – which is still imprinted in my mind—even though almost 25 years have gone by.&nbsp;

We were picked up by our local contact and then we drove for about 2-hours thru the highway to Mazar-i-Sharif. Sand covered most of the highway and we noticed burnt tanks, trucks etc on the way. Apparently, they belonged to the erstwhile Soviet army.&nbsp;

As we entered Mazar-e-Sharif, the majestic Hazrat Ali Mazar also popularly known as Blue Mosque surrounded by thousands of white doves, symbols of peace, greeted us. Markets were full of visitors, traffic unruly and Bollywood music blaring out of shops selling tape recorders and cassettes. &nbsp;

<img alt="At blue mosque" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8eefd217-6714-49a1-be76-44cac81246a1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/At%20blue%20mosque.jpeg" />

At Hazrat Ali Mazar, also known as Blue Mosque

We decided to start our reporting from the Balkh University located in Mazar-e-sharif. &nbsp;Here there were no strictures based on the Islamic way of life. Young girls were being imparted education and they mingled freely with men while sharing the same classrooms. It seemed like any other university. In contrast were the pictures from Kabul and areas under Taliban control that we had seen on TV in New Delhi, showing women being flogged for sending young girls to school or college. &nbsp;

This was the Mazar-e-Sharif I saw.&nbsp;

After spending almost two-days at the home of a local commander of the Northern Alliance in Mazar-i-Sharif, our request for a meeting with Lion of Panjshir, Ahmad Shah Masood materialized. The next morning we were on his personal chopper travelling to Takhar province’s capital Taloqan to meet the man himself, a legend whose exploits are the stuff of many stories in the region.&nbsp;

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With personal bodyguards of Ahmed Shah Masood

The first glimpse of the man himself was overwhelming &amp; our first meeting was full of warmth.&nbsp;

The next three-days we spent travelling with him in his black Land Cruiser from one place to another including interiors of the province. His energy was infectious. We went from one meeting to another, where he discussed military strategy with his local commanders. The sole objective was how to defeat the advancing Taliban militia. On average, he was spending over 18-hours a day planning his moves against the rapidly advancing Taliban. &nbsp;

On sighting the Lion of Panjshir, locals would flock to greet him and shake hands. He knew many by first name. And would ask them about their wellbeing and that of their families. As day two ended and we sat to eat our dinner at a local military commander’s home, the man himself appeared and joined us for the meal. The conversation over the dinner ranged from his days fighting the Soviets as a Mujahideen to the future of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

His dream of seeing a peaceful Afghanistan, was then being shattered by the Taliban with support from Pakistan. He acknowledged that India was and will always remain a friend of Afghanistan. Then we talked about our respective families. This was Ahmad Shah Masood to me. Later, I was told that it is rare for the commander to share a meal like this with strangers, and the memorable meal is a privilege I cherish.&nbsp;

Finally, on day 3, we got an opportunity to interview the Lion of Panjshir on record. As we sat down for the formal interview, he was guarded. He talked about how the Taliban militia would never be able to enter the Northern Parts of the country; his relationship with other warlords like General Dostum; how they were planning to defeat the Taliban and retake Kabul; and, how each &amp; every citizen of the country was standing by with them. It was an exhaustive interview.

<img alt="Interviewing Masood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c45e8a06-ca05-4da0-a4d0-5ed6624c6505" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Interviewing%20masood.jpeg" />

Interviewing Masood

At the end of it, we bid adieu with a promise to remain in touch. It was a promise we couldn’t keep.&nbsp; 
Later in the day, we boarded his personal chopper for the flight back to Mazar-e-sharif. There was trouble in store. En route, our chopper was fired upon and we could hear the volley of bullets hitting the helicopter’s outer surface. But thanks to the Lion of Panjshir’s personal pilot, who was remarkably adept in handling the chopper, we managed to evade rest of the gunfire. And, just about survived to tell our story.

<img alt="Masood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edb27b14-38ce-4563-8b7b-02eb2bcf8165" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-07-08%20at%2011.36.32%20AM.jpeg" />

But 2021 is proving to be very different from 1997. The Lion of Panjshir is no more. He was assassinated days before the 9/11 attacks on the US &nbsp;

Media reports emerging from northern areas tell a different story. The Taliban has almost encircled the one-time strongholds of the Northern Alliance. And it continues to make dramatic gains. The Taliban currently controls about 195 districts and in contests over another 129 districts. Afghanistan is once again confronted by the Taliban waging a war to take over the country. And, there is no telling how long the turmoil and violence will last.

Will peace ever return to this beautiful, rugged country? &nbsp;

This question, which I asked Ahmad Shah Masood in 1997, still eludes an answer. &nbsp;

May 1997. The Taliban militia, backed by Pakistan, were moving swiftly to take control of Afghanistan. About two-thirds of the country was under its control and the rest under the Northern Alliance or Jumbish-e-Islami, a coalition of militias loyal to General Abdul Rashid Dostum, the Hizb-e-Wahadat of Karim Khalili and the Jamiat-e-Islami of Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani & Ahmed Shah Masood, the Lion of Panjshir .

May 1997. The Taliban militia, backed by Pakistan, were moving swiftly to take control of Afghanistan. About two-thirds of the country was under its control and the rest under the Northern Alliance or Jumbish-e-Islami, a coalition of militias loyal to General Abdul Rashid Dostum, the Hizb-e-Wahadat of Karim Khalili and the Jamiat-e-Islami of Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani & Ahmed Shah Masood, the Lion of Panjshir . I was asked by my then media organization to travel to Afghanistan for a ground report. So, along with a camera person, I chose to go to Mazar-e-Sharif. We flew from Delhi to Tashkent and onwards to the border town of Termez in Uzbekistan before taking the iron bridge over Amu Darya (Oxus River) to enter Afghanistan. This bridge was built by the Soviet Union, so that their tanks & other heavy supplies could cross over smoothly. After the Soviet Union broke up, it was renamed as the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge. At Amu Darya The moment we crossed the bridge and entered border town of Haeratan in Afghanistan; we were greeted by smartly dressed Uzbek soldiers owing allegiance to Gen Abdul Rashid Dostum. We told them we were Indians and to our surprise one of them started singing the famous Raj Kapoor song, 'Mere Juta Hai Japani' and we were served piping hot green tea. The border formalities were over even before we could finish our green tea. The taxis parked nearby flaunted posters of Bollywood stars like Karishma Kapoor, Juhi Chawla & Shahrukh Khan. This was my first impression of Afghanistan – which is still imprinted in my mind—even though almost 25 years have gone by. We were picked up by our local contact and then we drove for about 2-hours thru the highway to Mazar-i-Sharif. Sand covered most of the highway and we noticed burnt tanks, trucks etc on the way. Apparently, they belonged to the erstwhile Soviet army. As we entered Mazar-e-Sharif, the majestic Hazrat Ali Mazar also popularly known as Blue Mosque surrounded by thousands of white doves, symbols of peace, greeted us. Markets were full of visitors, traffic unruly and Bollywood music blaring out of shops selling tape recorders and cassettes. At Hazrat Ali Mazar, also known as Blue Mosque We decided to start our reporting from the Balkh University located in Mazar-e-sharif. Here there were no strictures based on the Islamic way of life. Young girls were being imparted education and they mingled freely with men while sharing the same classrooms. It seemed like any other university. In contrast were the pictures from Kabul and areas under Taliban control that we had seen on TV in New Delhi, showing women being flogged for sending young girls to school or college. This was the Mazar-e-Sharif I saw. After spending almost two-days at the home of a local commander of the Northern Alliance in Mazar-i-Sharif, our request for a meeting with Lion of Panjshir, Ahmad Shah Masood materialized. The next morning we were on his personal chopper travelling to Takhar province’s capital Taloqan to meet the man himself, a legend whose exploits are the stuff of many stories in the region. With personal bodyguards of Ahmed Shah Masood The first glimpse of the man himself was overwhelming & our first meeting was full of warmth. The next three-days we spent travelling with him in his black Land Cruiser from one place to another including interiors of the province. His energy was infectious. We went from one meeting to another, where he discussed military strategy with his local commanders. The sole objective was how to defeat the advancing Taliban militia. On average, he was spending over 18-hours a day planning his moves against the rapidly advancing Taliban. On sighting the Lion of Panjshir, locals would flock to greet him and shake hands. He knew many by first name. And would ask them about their wellbeing and that of their families. As day two ended and we sat to eat our dinner at a local military commander’s home, the man himself appeared and joined us for the meal. The conversation over the dinner ranged from his days fighting the Soviets as a Mujahideen to the future of Afghanistan. His dream of seeing a peaceful Afghanistan, was then being shattered by the Taliban with support from Pakistan. He acknowledged that India was and will always remain a friend of Afghanistan. Then we talked about our respective families. This was Ahmad Shah Masood to me. Later, I was told that it is rare for the commander to share a meal like this with strangers, and the memorable meal is a privilege I cherish. Finally, on day 3, we got an opportunity to interview the Lion of Panjshir on record. As we sat down for the formal interview, he was guarded. He talked about how the Taliban militia would never be able to enter the Northern Parts of the country; his relationship with other warlords like General Dostum; how they were planning to defeat the Taliban and retake Kabul; and, how each & every citizen of the country was standing by with them. It was an exhaustive interview. Interviewing Masood At the end of it, we bid adieu with a promise to remain in touch. It was a promise we couldn’t keep. Later in the day, we boarded his personal chopper for the flight back to Mazar-e-sharif. There was trouble in store. En route, our chopper was fired upon and we could hear the volley of bullets hitting the helicopter’s outer surface. But thanks to the Lion of Panjshir’s personal pilot, who was remarkably adept in handling the chopper, we managed to evade rest of the gunfire. And, just about survived to tell our story. But 2021 is proving to be very different from 1997. The Lion of Panjshir is no more. He was assassinated days before the 9/11 attacks on the US Media reports emerging from northern areas tell a different story. The Taliban has almost encircled the one-time strongholds of the Northern Alliance. And it continues to make dramatic gains. The Taliban currently controls about 195 districts and in contests over another 129 districts. Afghanistan is once again confronted by the Taliban waging a war to take over the country. And, there is no telling how long the turmoil and violence will last. Will peace ever return to this beautiful, rugged country? This question, which I asked Ahmad Shah Masood in 1997, still eludes an answer.

Blog | Mazar-e-Sharif: Then and Now 

Afghan defence ministry said on Thursday that the governemnt forces had wrested back control of a provincial capital city from the Taliban

The ministry said that some fighting was continuing on the outskirts of Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis province. This province borders Turmenistan.

Insurgents had on Wednesday seized key government buildings in the city including police headquarters as part of a dramatic Taliban advance unfolding as foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan after a 20-year-long intervention.

“The city is fully (back) under our control and we are conducting operations against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city,” Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said.

The ministry said that 69 Taliban fighters had been killed. Qala-e-naw was first provincial capital to see an all-out assault by the Taliban.

A large quantity of Taliban arms and ammunition was also seized by government forces, the ministry said on Twitter.

The rest of Badghis province is in Taliban hands. Western security officials say the Taliban have captured more than 100 districts in Afghanistan; the Taliban say they hold over 200 districts in 34 provinces comprising over half the country. Main cities and provincial capitals remain under government control.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghan defence ministry said on Thursday that the governemnt forces had wrested back control of a provincial capital city from the Taliban The ministry said that some fighting was continuing on the outskirts of Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis province.

Afghan defence ministry said on Thursday that the governemnt forces had wrested back control of a provincial capital city from the Taliban The ministry said that some fighting was continuing on the outskirts of Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis province. This province borders Turmenistan. Insurgents had on Wednesday seized key government buildings in the city including police headquarters as part of a dramatic Taliban advance unfolding as foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan after a 20-year-long intervention. “The city is fully (back) under our control and we are conducting operations against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city,” Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said. The ministry said that 69 Taliban fighters had been killed. Qala-e-naw was first provincial capital to see an all-out assault by the Taliban. A large quantity of Taliban arms and ammunition was also seized by government forces, the ministry said on Twitter. The rest of Badghis province is in Taliban hands. Western security officials say the Taliban have captured more than 100 districts in Afghanistan; the Taliban say they hold over 200 districts in 34 provinces comprising over half the country. Main cities and provincial capitals remain under government control. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan forces retake provincial capital from Taliban

Biden administration is considering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women journalists, activists and politicians who may be targetted by the Taliban, Reuters cited US officials as saying.

Rights groups have been asking the State Department and White House to add up to 2,000 visas specifically for vulnerable women and women's advocates to a developing policy plan to evacuate thousands Afghans after the U.S. military pullout this month. The current plan includes translators who worked with foreign forces.

One of the officials said that US government was not only looking at women under threat but also men and minorities in high risk professions

Women who made gains during the two-decade U.S. occupation, and their supporters and advocates, should be part of any expedited list, rights groups have argued to the White House and State Department.

"Lives are at risk,” said Teresa Casale, advocacy director for Mina’s List, which advocates for women’s representation in governments around the world. "Women leaders are being actively targeted and killed by Taliban forces. They receive threats against their lives and safety every day."

The group and others are recommending these visas be added to an expedited activation process for Afghan people most at risk, by creating a fast track program in State Department, and that U.S. officials actively pursue diplomacy to other countries as well to secure them.

The White House has declined to comment.

Women police officers, media workers, judges and medical workers have been assassinated in Afghanistan as foreign military left the country.

Women who appear on television and radio faced particular threats, Human Rights Watch wrote in April. "Female reporters may be targeted not only for issues they cover but also for challenging perceived social norms prohibiting women from being in a public role and working outside the home."

Under the Taliban, women were barred from education or work, required to fully cover their bodies, and could not leave home without a male relative. "Moral offenses" were punished by flogging and stoning.

(With agency inputs)

Biden administration is considering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women journalists, activists and politicians who may be targetted by the Taliban, Reuters cited US officials as saying.

Biden administration is considering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women journalists, activists and politicians who may be targetted by the Taliban, Reuters cited US officials as saying. Rights groups have been asking the State Department and White House to add up to 2,000 visas specifically for vulnerable women and women's advocates to a developing policy plan to evacuate thousands Afghans after the U.S. military pullout this month. The current plan includes translators who worked with foreign forces. One of the officials said that US government was not only looking at women under threat but also men and minorities in high risk professions Women who made gains during the two-decade U.S. occupation, and their supporters and advocates, should be part of any expedited list, rights groups have argued to the White House and State Department. "Lives are at risk,” said Teresa Casale, advocacy director for Mina’s List, which advocates for women’s representation in governments around the world. "Women leaders are being actively targeted and killed by Taliban forces. They receive threats against their lives and safety every day." The group and others are recommending these visas be added to an expedited activation process for Afghan people most at risk, by creating a fast track program in State Department, and that U.S. officials actively pursue diplomacy to other countries as well to secure them. The White House has declined to comment. Women police officers, media workers, judges and medical workers have been assassinated in Afghanistan as foreign military left the country. Women who appear on television and radio faced particular threats, Human Rights Watch wrote in April. "Female reporters may be targeted not only for issues they cover but also for challenging perceived social norms prohibiting women from being in a public role and working outside the home." Under the Taliban, women were barred from education or work, required to fully cover their bodies, and could not leave home without a male relative. "Moral offenses" were punished by flogging and stoning. (With agency inputs)

US mulls visas for vulnerable Afghan women after military exit

Bagram Air base buzzed again on Monday as Afghan forces settled in the vast complex. US forces have fully vacated the base which was their main hub for 20 years for 20 years until their withdrawal last week.

American soldiers handed over the base to0 Afghan security forces.

“They (Americans) are completely out now and everything is under our control, including watchtowers, air traffic and the hospital,” a senior Afghan government official told Reuters.

Reuters journalists on Monday visited the heavily fortified compound, long a symbol of Western forces deployed to shore up the Afghan government against the Taliban's campaign to regain power after being toppled by a U.S. intervention in 2001.

At the air base, dozens of vehicles left behind by US forces could be seen. Afghan officials and personnel could be seen travelling in others.

Hundreds of Afghan security personnel moved into barracks that once housed US soldiers.

Outside the walls of the vast base, things are not as serene. The Taliban have ramped up offensives against Afghan government forces across the country, particularly in the north where insurgents have gained territory rapidly.

On Sunday, hundreds of members of the Afghan security forces fled to refuge in neighbouring Tajikistan.

There are fears that Afghanistan may once again see a civil war for control of the country. Peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government remain inconclusive

Neighbourhoods and markets in the shadow of the base were left ruing the past and bracing for what comes next.

“It is not a problem for us if there are foreign forces (here) or they leave, but the fact that the Taliban are taking over districts at any moment affects our work,” Wasim Shirzad, a shopkeeper told Reuters.

Another shopkeeper Nematullah Ferdaws, agreed: “Most shopkeepers do not invest...because they are hesitant about the country's future.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Bagram Air base buzzed again on Monday as Afghan forces settled in the vast complex. US forces have fully vacated the base which was their main hub for 20 years for 20 years until their withdrawal last week.

Bagram Air base buzzed again on Monday as Afghan forces settled in the vast complex. US forces have fully vacated the base which was their main hub for 20 years for 20 years until their withdrawal last week. American soldiers handed over the base to0 Afghan security forces. “They (Americans) are completely out now and everything is under our control, including watchtowers, air traffic and the hospital,” a senior Afghan government official told Reuters. Reuters journalists on Monday visited the heavily fortified compound, long a symbol of Western forces deployed to shore up the Afghan government against the Taliban's campaign to regain power after being toppled by a U.S. intervention in 2001. At the air base, dozens of vehicles left behind by US forces could be seen. Afghan officials and personnel could be seen travelling in others. Hundreds of Afghan security personnel moved into barracks that once housed US soldiers. Outside the walls of the vast base, things are not as serene. The Taliban have ramped up offensives against Afghan government forces across the country, particularly in the north where insurgents have gained territory rapidly. On Sunday, hundreds of members of the Afghan security forces fled to refuge in neighbouring Tajikistan. There are fears that Afghanistan may once again see a civil war for control of the country. Peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government remain inconclusive Neighbourhoods and markets in the shadow of the base were left ruing the past and bracing for what comes next. “It is not a problem for us if there are foreign forces (here) or they leave, but the fact that the Taliban are taking over districts at any moment affects our work,” Wasim Shirzad, a shopkeeper told Reuters. Another shopkeeper Nematullah Ferdaws, agreed: “Most shopkeepers do not invest...because they are hesitant about the country's future.” (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan soldiers occupy Bagram air base, former hub of US forces

Three activists with Venezuelan rights group Fundaredes, which has lifted the lid on fighting near the border with Colombia, are facing criminal charges including "terrorism," their lawyer said Saturday.

Director Javier Tarazona and his colleagues Rafael Tarazona and Omar Garcia are accused of "treason, terrorism and incitement to hatred," lawyer Stefania Migliorini said in a video posted on social networks.

According to Fundaredes, the three were arrested Friday when they went to the public prosecutor's office in the northwestern city of Coro to file a complaint against "harassment and persecution" at the hands of police and intelligence agents.

They are now in preventive detention in Caracas, the group said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-orders-investigation-into-ransomware-attack-that-targetted-1000-businesses-395642">Also Read |&nbsp;Joe Biden orders investigation into ransomware attack that targetted 1,000 businesses</a>

Fundaredes had alerted to the presence of Colombian dissident guerrillas on Venezuelan territory and criticized the response of the government, which it accused of harboring the fighters.

It reported on the fighting that broke out on March 21 before the government did. Clashes have since displaced thousands of civilians.

Venezuela does not name the armed groups it blames for the unrest, apart from calling them "terrorists" or linking them to drug trafficking or to Colombian President Ivan Duque.

However, security sources in Colombia say they are likely dissidents of the now-disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group, an analysis Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has conceded was possible.

Bogota has long accused Venezuela of shielding members of the FARC and armed rebel group ELN on its soil -- a charge Maduro denies.

Some FARC fighters who refused to join Colombia's peace process have continued their struggle, while also mixing with and battling drug traffickers.

Venezuela and Colombia, which share a 2,200-kilometer (1,370 miles) border, severed diplomatic ties in January 2019, after Bogota recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the leader of Venezuela over Maduro following a disputed election.

Three activists with Venezuelan rights group Fundaredes, which has lifted the lid on fighting near the border with Colombia, are facing criminal charges including "terrorism," their lawyer said Saturday.

Three activists with Venezuelan rights group Fundaredes, which has lifted the lid on fighting near the border with Colombia, are facing criminal charges including "terrorism," their lawyer said Saturday. Director Javier Tarazona and his colleagues Rafael Tarazona and Omar Garcia are accused of "treason, terrorism and incitement to hatred," lawyer Stefania Migliorini said in a video posted on social networks. According to Fundaredes, the three were arrested Friday when they went to the public prosecutor's office in the northwestern city of Coro to file a complaint against "harassment and persecution" at the hands of police and intelligence agents. They are now in preventive detention in Caracas, the group said. Also Read | Joe Biden orders investigation into ransomware attack that targetted 1,000 businesses Fundaredes had alerted to the presence of Colombian dissident guerrillas on Venezuelan territory and criticized the response of the government, which it accused of harboring the fighters. It reported on the fighting that broke out on March 21 before the government did. Clashes have since displaced thousands of civilians. Venezuela does not name the armed groups it blames for the unrest, apart from calling them "terrorists" or linking them to drug trafficking or to Colombian President Ivan Duque. However, security sources in Colombia say they are likely dissidents of the now-disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group, an analysis Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has conceded was possible. Bogota has long accused Venezuela of shielding members of the FARC and armed rebel group ELN on its soil -- a charge Maduro denies. Some FARC fighters who refused to join Colombia's peace process have continued their struggle, while also mixing with and battling drug traffickers. Venezuela and Colombia, which share a 2,200-kilometer (1,370 miles) border, severed diplomatic ties in January 2019, after Bogota recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the leader of Venezuela over Maduro following a disputed election.

Venezuela activists charged with terrorism: Rights group

The Taliban have taken control of a key Kandahar district after fierce night time fighting, officials said on Sunday. Kandahar is a former bastion of the Taliban. The officials added that scores of families fled from the area. The fight between the Taliban and Afghan forces took place during the night.

The Taliban have continued their offensive since early May when US military began its final withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The fall of Panjwai district in the southern province of Kandahar comes just two days after US and NATO forces vacated their main Bagram Air Base near Kabul, from where they led operations for two decades against the Taliban and their Al-Qaeda allies. Panjwai is the fifth district in the Kandahar region to fall to Taliban.

The Taliban also have control of a border post with Tajikistan in northern Afghanistan.

Over the years, the Taliban and Afghan forces have regularly clashed in and around Panjwai, with the insurgents aiming to seize it given its proximity to Kandahar city, the provincial capital.

The leader of the Taliban, Hibatullah Akhundzada, hails from Panjwai.

The province of Kandahar is the birthplace of the Taliban, who went on to rule Afghanistan with a harsh version of Islamic sharia law until being overthrown by a US-led invasion in 2001.

Panjwai district governor Hasti Mohammad said Afghan forces and the Taliban clashed during the night, resulting in government forces retreating from the area.

"The Taliban have captured the district police headquarters and governor's office building," he told AFP. 
Kandahar provincial council head Sayed Jan Khakriwal confirmed the fall of Panjwai, but accused government forces of "intentionally withdrawing".

'Taliban don't want peace'

Scores of families of Panjwai fled their homes after the Taliban captured the district, an AFP correspondent reported.

"The Taliban fired on our car as I was fleeing with my family. At least five bullets hit my car," Giran, a resident of Panjwai told AFP as he took refuge in Kandahar city.

"The Taliban are on top of the mountains and firing at any moving vehicles. The Taliban don't want peace." 
Assadullah, a commander of border police in the area, said it was only the police force that was fighting against the insurgents.

"The army and the commandos who have better military equipment are not fighting at all," he said. 
Panjwai is the fifth district in Kandahar province to fall to the insurgents in recent weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban have taken control of a key Kandahar district after fierce night time fighting, officials said on Sunday. Kandahar is a former bastion of the Taliban.

The Taliban have taken control of a key Kandahar district after fierce night time fighting, officials said on Sunday. Kandahar is a former bastion of the Taliban. The officials added that scores of families fled from the area. The fight between the Taliban and Afghan forces took place during the night. The Taliban have continued their offensive since early May when US military began its final withdrawal from Afghanistan. The fall of Panjwai district in the southern province of Kandahar comes just two days after US and NATO forces vacated their main Bagram Air Base near Kabul, from where they led operations for two decades against the Taliban and their Al-Qaeda allies. Panjwai is the fifth district in the Kandahar region to fall to Taliban. The Taliban also have control of a border post with Tajikistan in northern Afghanistan. Over the years, the Taliban and Afghan forces have regularly clashed in and around Panjwai, with the insurgents aiming to seize it given its proximity to Kandahar city, the provincial capital. The leader of the Taliban, Hibatullah Akhundzada, hails from Panjwai. The province of Kandahar is the birthplace of the Taliban, who went on to rule Afghanistan with a harsh version of Islamic sharia law until being overthrown by a US-led invasion in 2001. Panjwai district governor Hasti Mohammad said Afghan forces and the Taliban clashed during the night, resulting in government forces retreating from the area. "The Taliban have captured the district police headquarters and governor's office building," he told AFP. Kandahar provincial council head Sayed Jan Khakriwal confirmed the fall of Panjwai, but accused government forces of "intentionally withdrawing". 'Taliban don't want peace' Scores of families of Panjwai fled their homes after the Taliban captured the district, an AFP correspondent reported. "The Taliban fired on our car as I was fleeing with my family. At least five bullets hit my car," Giran, a resident of Panjwai told AFP as he took refuge in Kandahar city. "The Taliban are on top of the mountains and firing at any moving vehicles. The Taliban don't want peace." Assadullah, a commander of border police in the area, said it was only the police force that was fighting against the insurgents. "The army and the commandos who have better military equipment are not fighting at all," he said. Panjwai is the fifth district in Kandahar province to fall to the insurgents in recent weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban seize key Kandahar district

The Indian Army has begun deploying women soldiers for conducting search operations in the Kashmir Valley. These women soldiers from Assam Rifles will be instrumental in maintaining peace in the valley.

These soldiers have been deployed in areas like Ganderbal district in central Kashmir. They have been also deployed at motor-vehicle checkpoints in order to facilitate frisking women and children.

The women soldiers are also helping in house-to-house searches during Cordon and Search Operation (CASO).

"Deployment of Riflewomen of Assam Rifles, is a reflection on the Security Forces, who always keep the sensitivities of the local population paramount &amp; this step, will definitely be of great help in mitigating any problems faced by the women in Kashmir, during operations," said Col Emron Musavi, PRO (Defence),&nbsp;Srinagar

The riflewomen can also help in bridging the gap between locals and army. And while the counterinsurgency operations are on, the female force can be of utmost importance.&nbsp;

<img alt="Jammu and Kashmir" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0a34c74-f295-4ceb-863c-a056d2b77ae0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%20%287%29.jpeg" />

"I am deployed here with Assam Rifles and our main task here is (to ensure) whenever there is an anti-militant operation is going on, women should not face any issues. They are more comfortable with us. So we make sure they don't face issues. Whenever there is an operation we have an important role to play,'' said riflewoman Jyotsna.&nbsp;

The women soldiers are also breaking the stereotype for women and taking on bigger and more challenging responsibilities. They also are trying to inspire other women in the valley to Join the forces.&nbsp;

"We are also trying to inspire women here so that they can also join the forces," said riflewoman Jyotsna.&nbsp;

The same group of women from the Assam Rifles were earlier posted in Kupwara District of North Kashmir to keep an eye on drug trafficking. It became easier for these female soldiers to search the women suspects in the areas close to Line of control.The presence of these female soldiers has helped the security forces to keep a tab on &nbsp;the smuggling of drugs from across the LoC.&nbsp;

The Indian Army has begun deploying women soldiers for conducting search operations in the Kashmir Valley. These women soldiers from Assam Rifles will be instrumental in maintaining peace in the valley.

The Indian Army has begun deploying women soldiers for conducting search operations in the Kashmir Valley. These women soldiers from Assam Rifles will be instrumental in maintaining peace in the valley. These soldiers have been deployed in areas like Ganderbal district in central Kashmir. They have been also deployed at motor-vehicle checkpoints in order to facilitate frisking women and children. The women soldiers are also helping in house-to-house searches during Cordon and Search Operation (CASO). "Deployment of Riflewomen of Assam Rifles, is a reflection on the Security Forces, who always keep the sensitivities of the local population paramount & this step, will definitely be of great help in mitigating any problems faced by the women in Kashmir, during operations," said Col Emron Musavi, PRO (Defence), Srinagar The riflewomen can also help in bridging the gap between locals and army. And while the counterinsurgency operations are on, the female force can be of utmost importance. "I am deployed here with Assam Rifles and our main task here is (to ensure) whenever there is an anti-militant operation is going on, women should not face any issues. They are more comfortable with us. So we make sure they don't face issues. Whenever there is an operation we have an important role to play,'' said riflewoman Jyotsna. The women soldiers are also breaking the stereotype for women and taking on bigger and more challenging responsibilities. They also are trying to inspire other women in the valley to Join the forces. "We are also trying to inspire women here so that they can also join the forces," said riflewoman Jyotsna. The same group of women from the Assam Rifles were earlier posted in Kupwara District of North Kashmir to keep an eye on drug trafficking. It became easier for these female soldiers to search the women suspects in the areas close to Line of control.The presence of these female soldiers has helped the security forces to keep a tab on the smuggling of drugs from across the LoC.

Assam riflewomen to help in counterinsurgency operations in Kashmir

Officials said that hundreds of Taliban fighters were killed in fighting across several provinces of Afghanistan. This came amid announcement from the US that troop withdrawal would complete by the end of August.

The announcement came after US and NATO troops vacated their main Bagram Air Base. The airbase was from where the coalition forces led operations for two decades against Taliban and Al Quaeda.

In last 24 hours, more than 300 Taliban fighters were killed in fighting with government forces, said the Ministry of Defence on Saturday.

Scores were killed in airstrikes, including a pre-dawn assault on Saturday, in the southern province of Helmand, where the insurgents and government troops have regularly clashed.

There are fears that Afghan forces would find it hard to fight against the Taliban without the air support the US has been providing.

"In recent days, the Afghan air force has intensified its airstrikes against the Taliban hideouts and the insurgents have suffered casualties," Attaullah Afghan, a member of Helmand provincial council, told AFP.

The Taliban rejected the government's claims.

Both sides often exaggerate each other's casualties and their claims are difficult to independently verify.

But since May 1 when the US military began its final withdrawal of about 2,500 troops, the two warring sides have clashed fiercely across the rugged countryside as peace talks between them have faltered.

As a result, the Taliban have seized dozens of districts in blistering assaults targeting government forces.&nbsp;

The insurgents have encircled almost all major cities across the country, and on Saturday claimed seizing seven more districts in the northeastern province of Badakhshan.

Top US envoy to Kabul, Ross Wilson, lashed out at the insurgents.

"The Taliban is using violent propaganda and hate speech to intimidate, threaten &amp; attack Afghans on social media," Wilson said on Twitter on Saturday.

"Violence and terror cannot create peace."&nbsp;

The Pentagon pressed on with its withdrawal to end America's longest war.

On Friday, all US and NATO troops left Bagram Air Base, signalling that the military involvement for coalition forces was finally nearing its end.

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials said that hundreds of Taliban fighters were killed in fighting across several provinces of Afghanistan. This came amid announcement from the US that troop withdrawal would complete by the end of August.

Officials said that hundreds of Taliban fighters were killed in fighting across several provinces of Afghanistan. This came amid announcement from the US that troop withdrawal would complete by the end of August. The announcement came after US and NATO troops vacated their main Bagram Air Base. The airbase was from where the coalition forces led operations for two decades against Taliban and Al Quaeda. In last 24 hours, more than 300 Taliban fighters were killed in fighting with government forces, said the Ministry of Defence on Saturday. Scores were killed in airstrikes, including a pre-dawn assault on Saturday, in the southern province of Helmand, where the insurgents and government troops have regularly clashed. There are fears that Afghan forces would find it hard to fight against the Taliban without the air support the US has been providing. "In recent days, the Afghan air force has intensified its airstrikes against the Taliban hideouts and the insurgents have suffered casualties," Attaullah Afghan, a member of Helmand provincial council, told AFP. The Taliban rejected the government's claims. Both sides often exaggerate each other's casualties and their claims are difficult to independently verify. But since May 1 when the US military began its final withdrawal of about 2,500 troops, the two warring sides have clashed fiercely across the rugged countryside as peace talks between them have faltered. As a result, the Taliban have seized dozens of districts in blistering assaults targeting government forces. The insurgents have encircled almost all major cities across the country, and on Saturday claimed seizing seven more districts in the northeastern province of Badakhshan. Top US envoy to Kabul, Ross Wilson, lashed out at the insurgents. "The Taliban is using violent propaganda and hate speech to intimidate, threaten & attack Afghans on social media," Wilson said on Twitter on Saturday. "Violence and terror cannot create peace." The Pentagon pressed on with its withdrawal to end America's longest war. On Friday, all US and NATO troops left Bagram Air Base, signalling that the military involvement for coalition forces was finally nearing its end. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Fighting rages as US forces seek exit by end August

The attack on an Indian airbase in Jammu marks the beginning of a new security threat for India. At the UN today, India shared how terrorists are using weaponised drones for their activities. How prepared are we to tackle this threat? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Are terrorists targeting India with flying bombs?

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Tuesday highlighted the use of cyberspace by terrorists even as they raise funds, incite violence via the technology.

"We are witnessing a sophisticated use of cyberspace by terrorists around the world to broaden their appeal, spread virulent propaganda, incite hatred and violence, recruit youth and raise funds,"&nbsp;Harsh Shringla said at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate.

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He also pointed out that "terrorists have also used social media for planning and executing their terror attacks and wreaking havoc", and added that&nbsp;"as a victim of terrorism, India has always underlined the need for member states to address and tackle the implications of terrorist exploitation of the cyber domain more strategically."

In the past, India has raised this issue&nbsp;at various other forums too. The use of "cyber tools" by various entities including states was raised by the foreign secretary.

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Without mentioning any name, FS Shringla said, "some states are leveraging their expertise in cyberspace to achieve their political and security-related objectives and indulge in contemporary forms of cross-border terrorism."&nbsp;

"The world is already witnessing the use of cyber tools to compromise state security through, inter alia, attacking critical national infrastructure, including health and energy facilities, even disrupting social harmony through radicalisation," he explained.

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During his address, he also listed the use of "transformative technology initiatives" such as Aadhar and UPI by India to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Mentioning the use of the Co-WIN app, he said, "As part of its Covid vaccination drive, one of the largest such drives in the world, India has developed Co-WIN – a scalable, inclusive and open technological platform" and this "can be customised and scaled up for health interventions across the globe." India is working on sharing the platform with partner countries.

According to the chief of India's National Health Authority Dr RS Sharma, over 50 countries from across Central Asia, Latin America and Africa, are interested in the technology.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Tuesday highlighted the use of cyberspace by terrorists even as they raise funds, incite violence via the technology.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Tuesday highlighted the use of cyberspace by terrorists even as they raise funds, incite violence via the technology. "We are witnessing a sophisticated use of cyberspace by terrorists around the world to broaden their appeal, spread virulent propaganda, incite hatred and violence, recruit youth and raise funds," Harsh Shringla said at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate. Also read | WHO approved vaccines can be on national list for travel, says EU envoy He also pointed out that "terrorists have also used social media for planning and executing their terror attacks and wreaking havoc", and added that "as a victim of terrorism, India has always underlined the need for member states to address and tackle the implications of terrorist exploitation of the cyber domain more strategically." In the past, India has raised this issue at various other forums too. The use of "cyber tools" by various entities including states was raised by the foreign secretary. Also read | Covishield becomes collateral damage in the inter EU tussle over Chinese vaccines Without mentioning any name, FS Shringla said, "some states are leveraging their expertise in cyberspace to achieve their political and security-related objectives and indulge in contemporary forms of cross-border terrorism." "The world is already witnessing the use of cyber tools to compromise state security through, inter alia, attacking critical national infrastructure, including health and energy facilities, even disrupting social harmony through radicalisation," he explained. Also read | 50% Bengaluru residents have received at least one coronavirus vaccine shot, reveals data During his address, he also listed the use of "transformative technology initiatives" such as Aadhar and UPI by India to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Mentioning the use of the Co-WIN app, he said, "As part of its Covid vaccination drive, one of the largest such drives in the world, India has developed Co-WIN – a scalable, inclusive and open technological platform" and this "can be customised and scaled up for health interventions across the globe." India is working on sharing the platform with partner countries. According to the chief of India's National Health Authority Dr RS Sharma, over 50 countries from across Central Asia, Latin America and Africa, are interested in the technology.

Witnessing a sophisticated use of cyberspace by terrorists: Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla

Abdullah Abdullah, the chief of Afghanistan's peace council said on Friday that talks with Taliban on political settlement should not be abandoned despite Taliban attacks unless the insurgents themselves pull out. The talks have been long-stalled.

“I think we shouldn’t shut the door unless it’s completely shut by the Taliban,” Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, told Reuters in an interview. “We can’t say no to talks despite a lack of progress or in spite of what’s happening on the ground.”

He spoke after he accompanied Afghan Prsident Ashraf Ghani as they met US President Joe Biden at White House. The talks remained focussed on US military and civilian aid and issues stemming from the departure of the last U.S. troops nearly 20 years after the U.S.-led invasion.

Biden told Ghani and Abdullah that “Afghans are going to have to decide their future” and the “senseless violence has to stop.”

The fighting, however, has raised grave doubts about long-stalled US-backed peace negotiations between the insurgents and a delegation that includes government officials that began in Doha under the Trump administration in 2020.

Abdullah said there was “perhaps more optimism” about a peace deal when the negotiations began because “the Taliban said things to different interlocutors that created optimism.”

Still, Abdullah said, the talks should not be abandoned.

“Eventually, the last man killed will not be a solution,” he said. “There has to be a peaceful settlement.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Abdullah Abdullah, the chief of Afghanistan's peace council said on Friday that talks with Taliban on political settlement should not be abandoned despite Taliban attacks unless the insurgents themselves pull out.

Abdullah Abdullah, the chief of Afghanistan's peace council said on Friday that talks with Taliban on political settlement should not be abandoned despite Taliban attacks unless the insurgents themselves pull out. The talks have been long-stalled. “I think we shouldn’t shut the door unless it’s completely shut by the Taliban,” Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, told Reuters in an interview. “We can’t say no to talks despite a lack of progress or in spite of what’s happening on the ground.” He spoke after he accompanied Afghan Prsident Ashraf Ghani as they met US President Joe Biden at White House. The talks remained focussed on US military and civilian aid and issues stemming from the departure of the last U.S. troops nearly 20 years after the U.S.-led invasion. Biden told Ghani and Abdullah that “Afghans are going to have to decide their future” and the “senseless violence has to stop.” The fighting, however, has raised grave doubts about long-stalled US-backed peace negotiations between the insurgents and a delegation that includes government officials that began in Doha under the Trump administration in 2020. Abdullah said there was “perhaps more optimism” about a peace deal when the negotiations began because “the Taliban said things to different interlocutors that created optimism.” Still, Abdullah said, the talks should not be abandoned. “Eventually, the last man killed will not be a solution,” he said. “There has to be a peaceful settlement.” (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan peace talks should go on unless Taliban pull out: Abdullah

Afghan forces on Friday retook control of six districts from the Taliban, reported Tolo News. As per the report, the districts include Andkhoi and Khan Chahar Bagh in Faryab, Khinjan and Doshi in Baghlan, and Ahmad Aba and Sayed Karam in Paktia.

The news report quoted sources to say that three districts fell to Taliban. These are Khost Firing and Guzargah-e-Noor in Baghlan and Dolina in Ghor

Afghanistan has seen increase in violence unprecedented in recent times. This has come just as the US is pulling all its forces from the war-torn nation.

"The enemy has no longer a line. They suffered massive casualties and were pushed back," said Abdul Basir Salangi, a senior adviser to High Council for National Reconciliation, who has gone to Salang district in Parwan to support security forces.

"All resources are available. The security forces have enough strength. What we need is a high morale and strong determination. Our security forces are ready to fight the enemy," said MP Sadiq Qaderi.

On Friday, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani reached US. He was due to meet US President Joe Biden.

The Taliban have made advances in Afghanistan. There are reports of dozens of districts falling into their hands. Taliban already control Afghanistan's border crossing with Tajikistan.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has said that Washington was assessing to find out whether the Taliban is willing to end the conflict through a diplomatic solution or insists on the military takeover of Afghanistan.

"We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, and we`re also looking very hard at whether the Taliban is at all serious about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We continue to be engaged on diplomacy, but actions that would try to take the country by force are of course totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghan forces on Friday retook control of six districts from the Taliban, reported Tolo News. As per the report, the districts include Andkhoi and Khan Chahar Bagh in Faryab, Khinjan and Doshi in Baghlan, and Ahmad Aba and Sayed Karam in Paktia.

Afghan forces on Friday retook control of six districts from the Taliban, reported Tolo News. As per the report, the districts include Andkhoi and Khan Chahar Bagh in Faryab, Khinjan and Doshi in Baghlan, and Ahmad Aba and Sayed Karam in Paktia. The news report quoted sources to say that three districts fell to Taliban. These are Khost Firing and Guzargah-e-Noor in Baghlan and Dolina in Ghor Afghanistan has seen increase in violence unprecedented in recent times. This has come just as the US is pulling all its forces from the war-torn nation. "The enemy has no longer a line. They suffered massive casualties and were pushed back," said Abdul Basir Salangi, a senior adviser to High Council for National Reconciliation, who has gone to Salang district in Parwan to support security forces. "All resources are available. The security forces have enough strength. What we need is a high morale and strong determination. Our security forces are ready to fight the enemy," said MP Sadiq Qaderi. On Friday, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani reached US. He was due to meet US President Joe Biden. The Taliban have made advances in Afghanistan. There are reports of dozens of districts falling into their hands. Taliban already control Afghanistan's border crossing with Tajikistan. Meanwhile, the US State Department has said that Washington was assessing to find out whether the Taliban is willing to end the conflict through a diplomatic solution or insists on the military takeover of Afghanistan. "We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, and we`re also looking very hard at whether the Taliban is at all serious about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We continue to be engaged on diplomacy, but actions that would try to take the country by force are of course totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban loses control of 6 districts to Afghan forces: Report

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unequivocally said on Friday that Taliban's actions are not helping establish peace in war-torn Afghanistan. While speaking at a news conference in Paris, he said that actions of taking the country by force were "inconsistent" with the goal of establishing peace in the country.

"We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and were also looking very hard whether the Taliban is at all serious about peaceful resolution of the conflict," Blinken told a joint news conference with his French counterpart.

"Actions that try to take the country by force, of course, are totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," Blinken added.

The US is currently in the process of withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan bringing an end to the war that spanned two decades. However, fears of Taliban takeover have risen because of increased violence in the country.

Earlier this week, Talliban captured Afghanistan border-crossing with Tajikistan. The terrorist group has also surrounded Kunduz, a city in northern Afghanistan. The residents fear a siege by Taliban. Afghan government forces are present in the city and reinforcements have come as well. The situation remains grim.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unequivocally said on Friday that Taliban's actions are not helping establish peace in war-torn Afghanistan. While speaking at a news conference in Paris, he said that actions of taking the country by force were "inconsistent" with the goal of establishing peace in the country.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unequivocally said on Friday that Taliban's actions are not helping establish peace in war-torn Afghanistan. While speaking at a news conference in Paris, he said that actions of taking the country by force were "inconsistent" with the goal of establishing peace in the country. "We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and were also looking very hard whether the Taliban is at all serious about peaceful resolution of the conflict," Blinken told a joint news conference with his French counterpart. "Actions that try to take the country by force, of course, are totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," Blinken added. The US is currently in the process of withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan bringing an end to the war that spanned two decades. However, fears of Taliban takeover have risen because of increased violence in the country. Earlier this week, Talliban captured Afghanistan border-crossing with Tajikistan. The terrorist group has also surrounded Kunduz, a city in northern Afghanistan. The residents fear a siege by Taliban. Afghan government forces are present in the city and reinforcements have come as well. The situation remains grim. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban's actions 'inconsistent' with establishing peace in Afghanistan: Blinken

Afghanistan's envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has said that India can send the "right message" to the Taliban to cut ties with international and regional terror groups. The comments come in the backdrop of unconfirmed reports of India and the Taliban engaging in parleys.&nbsp;Neither side has acknowledged this.

Speaking to &nbsp;WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay said, "should those messages be communicated to the Taliban...it would have a very positive impact on our security. "

Earlier this week, a Qatari official confirmed that Indian delegation met the Taliban in Doha. The development comes as US forces leave the country after 2 decades that many see changed the regional security situation. The Afghan envoy also dismissed reports of the Taliban toppling the Afghan government as reported in western media.&nbsp;

Wion: Reports suggest Kabul will fall, also increased violence level with Taliban gaining control in the north. Your reaction.

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: The reports which have been published don't fully describe the strength of Afghan national defense and security forces. Our forces are in full control of the country. Yes, the situation is intense in the number of districts and number of provinces but our soldiers, our police officers, our intelligence officers are doing everything they can to secure and keep our people safe. I disagree with the fact that the Taliban would be in a position to take over Afghanistan or topple our government in 6 months' time. The resilience of the Afghan security forces and the determination of the Afghan public, in general, is there to combat terrorist groups in whatever way and form they may be to keep Afghanistan free and safe.

Wion: How do you see the reports of India-Taliban talks. This is what Qatar is also confirming.

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: We can't verify that, we don't certify that there has been an engagement between the Taliban and the Indian government. Within the Taliban, the nationalist elements, who could be integrated back to Afghan society, forces and people that could be engaged, with whom we believe that talks would be fruitful. The right message, from strategic partners like India, could very helpful. The right message is to cut ties with international and regional terrorist groups. The right message could be to integrate back to Afghan society and become part of mainstream life and politics in the country and let violence go. A recent United Nations Security Council report suggests the Taliban still keeps ties with international terrorist organizations, which is something of concern to us. We would not want foreign fighters on our soil and should those messages be communicated to the Taliban, should they get those messages it would have a very positive impact on our security.&nbsp;

Wion: How do you see India-Afghanistan engagement, at a time when American troops are leaving?&nbsp;

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: New Delhi has always been a very important partner and we would want this partnership to flourish, to grow more in the years to come. The UN and NATO were here for a specific purpose, that was to combat the international terrorist groups but we are going to remain in this region forever. India's contribution has been phenomenal in every area in Afghanistan. There is a special place in the heart of every Afghan and we would want India to remain, being a key contributor to the development of Afghanistan in every area.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has said that India can send the "right message" to the Taliban to cut ties with international and regional terror groups.

Afghanistan's envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has said that India can send the "right message" to the Taliban to cut ties with international and regional terror groups. The comments come in the backdrop of unconfirmed reports of India and the Taliban engaging in parleys. Neither side has acknowledged this. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay said, "should those messages be communicated to the Taliban...it would have a very positive impact on our security. " Earlier this week, a Qatari official confirmed that Indian delegation met the Taliban in Doha. The development comes as US forces leave the country after 2 decades that many see changed the regional security situation. The Afghan envoy also dismissed reports of the Taliban toppling the Afghan government as reported in western media. Wion: Reports suggest Kabul will fall, also increased violence level with Taliban gaining control in the north. Your reaction. Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: The reports which have been published don't fully describe the strength of Afghan national defense and security forces. Our forces are in full control of the country. Yes, the situation is intense in the number of districts and number of provinces but our soldiers, our police officers, our intelligence officers are doing everything they can to secure and keep our people safe. I disagree with the fact that the Taliban would be in a position to take over Afghanistan or topple our government in 6 months' time. The resilience of the Afghan security forces and the determination of the Afghan public, in general, is there to combat terrorist groups in whatever way and form they may be to keep Afghanistan free and safe. Wion: How do you see the reports of India-Taliban talks. This is what Qatar is also confirming. Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: We can't verify that, we don't certify that there has been an engagement between the Taliban and the Indian government. Within the Taliban, the nationalist elements, who could be integrated back to Afghan society, forces and people that could be engaged, with whom we believe that talks would be fruitful. The right message, from strategic partners like India, could very helpful. The right message is to cut ties with international and regional terrorist groups. The right message could be to integrate back to Afghan society and become part of mainstream life and politics in the country and let violence go. A recent United Nations Security Council report suggests the Taliban still keeps ties with international terrorist organizations, which is something of concern to us. We would not want foreign fighters on our soil and should those messages be communicated to the Taliban, should they get those messages it would have a very positive impact on our security. Wion: How do you see India-Afghanistan engagement, at a time when American troops are leaving? Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: New Delhi has always been a very important partner and we would want this partnership to flourish, to grow more in the years to come. The UN and NATO were here for a specific purpose, that was to combat the international terrorist groups but we are going to remain in this region forever. India's contribution has been phenomenal in every area in Afghanistan. There is a special place in the heart of every Afghan and we would want India to remain, being a key contributor to the development of Afghanistan in every area.

India can send 'right message' to Taliban to cut ties with international terror groups: Afghan envoy Mamundzay

There was fear in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz as residents prepared for a siege by Taliban. The insurgents have surrounded Kunduz. Government forces are patrolling the streets.

Taliban have held Kunduz twice in recent years. The occupation was brief both times. This time, Taliban have captured the surrounding districts and main border crossing with Tajikistan.

"The Taliban have besieged our city," said Qudratullah, a fruit seller who has done hardly any business since fighting first erupted in Kunduz province two weeks ago.

"Even today there is sporadic fighting on the outskirts of the city," said Qudratullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name.

"If the government does not launch an operation against the Taliban, their siege will continue for a long time."

Most businesses in Kunduz remained shut and vehicles stayed off the roads, an AFP correspondent who toured the city reported.

New government forces were deployed in the city and dozens of military vehicles patrolled the streets. The population of the city has swelled due to an influx of rural residents fleeing fighting in the districts

Troops were seen firing sporadically at Taliban positions, and the bodies of two insurgents lay on the ground on the eastern edge of Kunduz.

The city's public health director told AFP that since the fighting erupted a week ago, 21 civilians have been killed and 225 wounded.

Residents said they were suffering from water and power cuts, and few shops were open.

Kunduz resident Hasib said he feared the Taliban would soon launch a major offensive on the city.

"We don't feel safe... We have seen the Taliban capture the city twice before, and we do not want the city to fall again to them," he said.

"The government forces should break the Taliban siege, if not the Taliban will continue their offensives... and their siege will continue forever."

Fighting has raged across Kunduz province for days, with the Taliban and Afghan forces engaged in bloody battles.

On Tuesday the insurgents captured Shir Khan Bandar, Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan, in one of their most significant gains in recent months.

(With inputs from agencies)

There was fear in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz as residents prepared for a siege by Taliban. The insurgents have surrounded Kunduz. Government forces are patrolling the streets.

There was fear in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz as residents prepared for a siege by Taliban. The insurgents have surrounded Kunduz. Government forces are patrolling the streets. Taliban have held Kunduz twice in recent years. The occupation was brief both times. This time, Taliban have captured the surrounding districts and main border crossing with Tajikistan. "The Taliban have besieged our city," said Qudratullah, a fruit seller who has done hardly any business since fighting first erupted in Kunduz province two weeks ago. "Even today there is sporadic fighting on the outskirts of the city," said Qudratullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name. "If the government does not launch an operation against the Taliban, their siege will continue for a long time." Most businesses in Kunduz remained shut and vehicles stayed off the roads, an AFP correspondent who toured the city reported. New government forces were deployed in the city and dozens of military vehicles patrolled the streets. The population of the city has swelled due to an influx of rural residents fleeing fighting in the districts Troops were seen firing sporadically at Taliban positions, and the bodies of two insurgents lay on the ground on the eastern edge of Kunduz. The city's public health director told AFP that since the fighting erupted a week ago, 21 civilians have been killed and 225 wounded. Residents said they were suffering from water and power cuts, and few shops were open. Kunduz resident Hasib said he feared the Taliban would soon launch a major offensive on the city. "We don't feel safe... We have seen the Taliban capture the city twice before, and we do not want the city to fall again to them," he said. "The government forces should break the Taliban siege, if not the Taliban will continue their offensives... and their siege will continue forever." Fighting has raged across Kunduz province for days, with the Taliban and Afghan forces engaged in bloody battles. On Tuesday the insurgents captured Shir Khan Bandar, Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan, in one of their most significant gains in recent months. (With inputs from agencies)

Fear in northern Afghan city as Taliban lay siege

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