UN Security Council approves troop deployment to Haiti, months after Kenya proposed sending 1,000 officers to the country.

UN Security council to send a Kenya-led force to Haiti

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, celebrated the nation's birth anniversary with a paramilitary parade and diplomatic talks, during which he pledged to strengthen ties with China and Russia.

North Korea holds founding day parade, features rocket launchers, troops

The United States is getting ready to send a large number of troops to its military base in Djibouti, a tiny country in the Horn of Africa with just one million inhabitants.

In 2014, the US signed a 10-year lease for the base, including a yearly payment of $63 million

After last week's violent power struggle between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces, as per the World Health Organization over 400 are killed and 3,500 injured. United Nations has termed the violence&nbsp;in Sudan as a humanitarian crisis.

As the situation continues to remain volatile in the African nation, the US is pre-positioning its soldiers to evacuate its embassy staff from Sudan.&nbsp;

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“We are deploying additional capabilities nearby in the region for contingency purposes related to securing and potentially facilitating the departure of US embassy personnel from Sudan, if circumstances require it,” the Pentagon said in a statement on Thursday.

The US's activities in Africa and the Middle East have grown crucially dependent on Djibouti. US President Joe Biden ordered the pre-positioning of armed personnel to be prepared, according to White House spokesperson John Kirby.

Kirby also indicated he was carefully monitoring events in Sudan. Up until now, there are no signs that Americans are being&nbsp;targeted, Kirby said during a briefing. But he continued to maintain that it was a dangerous place right now and not safe.&nbsp;

He said, "The best thing that can happen is for the two sides to put down their weapons, uphold a ceasefire, and allow aid to reach the people in Khartoum."

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US residents in Sudan were earlier advised to remain indoors by the State Department. There is no data released about the number of US citizens visiting or residing in Sudan.&nbsp;The US embassy in Khartoum also released a statement on Thursday stating that "it is not currently safe to undertake a US government-coordinated evacuation of private US citizens" due to the security situation and shutdown of the airport.

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India has also issued at least three advisories to its citizens stranded in Sudan. As per reports, nearly 3000 Indians are presently stuck in the African nation. Unfortunately, one Indian died in the violence that broke out between the rival factions, RSF and the Sudanese army.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level meeting on Friday to take stock of the situation. The meeting saw the presence of senior ministers.

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The United States is getting ready to send a large number of troops to its military base in Djibouti, a tiny country in the Horn of Africa with just one million inhabitants.

The United States is getting ready to send a large number of troops to its military base in Djibouti, a tiny country in the Horn of Africa with just one million inhabitants. In 2014, the US signed a 10-year lease for the base, including a yearly payment of $63 million After last week's violent power struggle between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces, as per the World Health Organization over 400 are killed and 3,500 injured. United Nations has termed the violence in Sudan as a humanitarian crisis. As the situation continues to remain volatile in the African nation, the US is pre-positioning its soldiers to evacuate its embassy staff from Sudan. Also Read | North Korea hits back at G7, says position as nuclear state 'final and irreversible' “We are deploying additional capabilities nearby in the region for contingency purposes related to securing and potentially facilitating the departure of US embassy personnel from Sudan, if circumstances require it,” the Pentagon said in a statement on Thursday. The US's activities in Africa and the Middle East have grown crucially dependent on Djibouti. US President Joe Biden ordered the pre-positioning of armed personnel to be prepared, according to White House spokesperson John Kirby. Kirby also indicated he was carefully monitoring events in Sudan. Up until now, there are no signs that Americans are being targeted, Kirby said during a briefing. But he continued to maintain that it was a dangerous place right now and not safe. He said, "The best thing that can happen is for the two sides to put down their weapons, uphold a ceasefire, and allow aid to reach the people in Khartoum." Also Read | Russian recruitment ad calling for 'real men' to fight in Ukraine US residents in Sudan were earlier advised to remain indoors by the State Department. There is no data released about the number of US citizens visiting or residing in Sudan. The US embassy in Khartoum also released a statement on Thursday stating that "it is not currently safe to undertake a US government-coordinated evacuation of private US citizens" due to the security situation and shutdown of the airport. Watch | Have British schools become breeding grounds for Anti-Hindu hate? × India has also issued at least three advisories to its citizens stranded in Sudan. As per reports, nearly 3000 Indians are presently stuck in the African nation. Unfortunately, one Indian died in the violence that broke out between the rival factions, RSF and the Sudanese army. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level meeting on Friday to take stock of the situation. The meeting saw the presence of senior ministers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US deploys more troops to Djibouti as military prepares for evacuation of embassy staff from Sudan

Taiwan could be sending its largest-ever number of military troops to the US for training purposes this year, South China Morning Post (SCMP) said quoting a report by country's semi-official Central News Agency.&nbsp;

As per the report, a joint combined arms battalion of at least 500 soldiers will travel to the US in the second half of the year. The battalion would consist of mainly the army’s 333rd Mechanised Infantry Brigade and 542nd Armour Brigade, the report added.&nbsp;

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“This marks the first time troops at battalion level, typically consisting of around 500 soldiers, will travel to the US for training – rather than platoon (25-60 troops) or company (80-150) level as in the past,” the report said.

The training program between the two nations will reportedly be expanded in the coming months. The latest plans of sending hundreds of Taiwanese troops to US for training is deemed to counter China’s growing military power in the region.&nbsp;

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US has been aiming to help Taiwan in the face of China's growing military buildup and its aggressive maneuvers. China has been sending planes near Taiwan, something which has only aggravated after then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island nation.&nbsp;

However, Taiwan's defence ministry has not made any comments over the reports. The country's Army Command Headquarters reportedly said that “all military exchanges with foreign forces are handled in accordance with planning."&nbsp;

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“Trump signed a number of bills that were friendly to Taiwan, including the Taiwan Travel Act which promotes all levels of exchanges,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“The National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2018 specifically encourages exchanges of defence officials and military officers for the purposes of training and coordination, in addition to exchanges of senior military leaders.”

The sources added that this is not something new as Taiwan had sent military personnel to the US for training earlier as well, or the other way around. However, it was done in a hush-hush manner, they revealed.&nbsp;

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Taiwan could be sending its largest-ever number of military troops to the US for training purposes this year, South China Morning Post (SCMP) said quoting a report by country's semi-official Central News Agency.

Taiwan could be sending its largest-ever number of military troops to the US for training purposes this year, South China Morning Post (SCMP) said quoting a report by country's semi-official Central News Agency. As per the report, a joint combined arms battalion of at least 500 soldiers will travel to the US in the second half of the year. The battalion would consist of mainly the army’s 333rd Mechanised Infantry Brigade and 542nd Armour Brigade, the report added. Also Read | High levels of 'forever chemicals’ found across UK, Europe: Report “This marks the first time troops at battalion level, typically consisting of around 500 soldiers, will travel to the US for training – rather than platoon (25-60 troops) or company (80-150) level as in the past,” the report said. The training program between the two nations will reportedly be expanded in the coming months. The latest plans of sending hundreds of Taiwanese troops to US for training is deemed to counter China’s growing military power in the region. Also Read | An 11-year-old girl dies of Bird Flu in Cambodia, first death in nation since 2014 US has been aiming to help Taiwan in the face of China's growing military buildup and its aggressive maneuvers. China has been sending planes near Taiwan, something which has only aggravated after then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island nation. However, Taiwan's defence ministry has not made any comments over the reports. The country's Army Command Headquarters reportedly said that “all military exchanges with foreign forces are handled in accordance with planning." Watch | Russia Ukraine War: Vladimir Putin talks of boosting nuclear forces “Trump signed a number of bills that were friendly to Taiwan, including the Taiwan Travel Act which promotes all levels of exchanges,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2018 specifically encourages exchanges of defence officials and military officers for the purposes of training and coordination, in addition to exchanges of senior military leaders.” The sources added that this is not something new as Taiwan had sent military personnel to the US for training earlier as well, or the other way around. However, it was done in a hush-hush manner, they revealed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan to send largest-ever military troops to US for training: Report

The 16th round of India-China talks is currently underway. Military talks are aiming to resolve issues at LAC between India and China. Previous talks have remained inconclusive.

16th round of India-China talks underway: India pushes for disengagement of troops

Ukrainian troops are training in drone technology to secure borders. The troops are being trained by Global Drones Academy. Drones make it possible to spot Russian forces and remotely direct artillery fire.

Tech in Trend: Ukrainian troops are training in drone tech to secure borders

NATO will boost its rapid reaction force to 300,000 troops to deter Russia. With an eye on China, NATO has also called 4 Indo-Pacific powers to its annual summit this year. Palki Sharma tells you why this is a beginning of a new cold war.

Gravitas: NATO puts 300,000 troops on high alert

Russia-Ukraine conflict shows no signs of abating. Ukrainian president Zelensky has now said that Kyiv will stall all negotiation talks with Moscow if the last Ukrainian troops in the besieged port city of Mariupol are killed.

Zelensky: We will end negotiations if our troops are harmed

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

If reports are to be believed, morale of invading Russian forces seems to be low. In order to avoid fighting, some soldiers have reportedly shot themselves in the legs with the help of Ukrainian ammunition to avoid suspicion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It seems to have been done to make it appear that they have got injured after getting hit by the defenders. &nbsp;

According to the Ukrainian government, around 14,000 of Russian soldiers have been killed in the conflict. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-russian-cosmonauts-wear-ukrainian-flags-colours-at-iss-idea-gets-refuted-463912">Did Russian cosmonauts wear Ukrainian flag’s colours at ISS? Idea gets refuted</a>

In a conversation, which was being carried out between soldiers and intercepted by Belarusian media outlet NEXTA, a Russian, said, “They’ve been shooting at us for 14 days. We’re scared. We’re stealing food, breaking into houses. We’re killing civilians,” the US Sun reported. &nbsp;

“Russian officers shoot themselves in the legs to go home. There are corpses everywhere,” he continued. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Another soldier was also heard saying that his comrades are “looking for Ukrainian ammunition in order to shoot themselves in the legs and go to hospital.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-year-old-boy-who-fled-ukraine-with-only-a-phone-number-gets-reunited-with-family-in-slovakia-463950" hreflang="en">11-year-old boy who fled Ukraine with only a phone number gets reunited with family in Slovakia</a>

As the deserters face harsh punishment in Russia, using Ukrainian weapons and ammo on themselves can help make self-inflicted wounds appear to be battlefield injuries, as per reports. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In another intercepted audio, a soldier, who called his mother back home, said the disillusioned troops were using 7.62mm bullets fired by their enemies rather than 5.62 rounds fired by their own AK-47 assault rifles, a Mirror report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. If reports are to be believed, morale of invading Russian forces seems to be low. In order to avoid fighting, some soldiers have reportedly shot themselves in the legs with the help of Ukrainian ammunition to avoid suspicion. It seems to have been done to make it appear that they have got injured after getting hit by the defenders. According to the Ukrainian government, around 14,000 of Russian soldiers have been killed in the conflict. Also Read: Did Russian cosmonauts wear Ukrainian flag’s colours at ISS? Idea gets refuted In a conversation, which was being carried out between soldiers and intercepted by Belarusian media outlet NEXTA, a Russian, said, “They’ve been shooting at us for 14 days. We’re scared. We’re stealing food, breaking into houses. We’re killing civilians,” the US Sun reported. “Russian officers shoot themselves in the legs to go home. There are corpses everywhere,” he continued. Another soldier was also heard saying that his comrades are “looking for Ukrainian ammunition in order to shoot themselves in the legs and go to hospital.” Also Read: 11-year-old boy who fled Ukraine with only a phone number gets reunited with family in Slovakia As the deserters face harsh punishment in Russia, using Ukrainian weapons and ammo on themselves can help make self-inflicted wounds appear to be battlefield injuries, as per reports. In another intercepted audio, a soldier, who called his mother back home, said the disillusioned troops were using 7.62mm bullets fired by their enemies rather than 5.62 rounds fired by their own AK-47 assault rifles, a Mirror report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Demoralised? Russian troops shoot selves with Ukrainian ammo in legs to avoid fighting, say reports

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the United Nations said on Sunday (March 6) that US troops will not be 'on the ground or in the air' in Ukraine. She said doing this will "escalate this war and make this an American war against the Russians.". She was speaking during ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos.

"We've also been very clear that we will support Ukraine in every other way possible We have provided them over a billion dollars in support over the course of the past few days,"&nbsp;

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Thomas-Greenfield's remarks have come in response to Ukraine's requests to the West to toughen sanctions beyond existing efforts. &nbsp;It also requested more weapons, including a plea for Russian-made planes, to help it repel Russian forces.

The West, which calls Putin's reasons for invading baseless, has expanded effort to rearm Ukraine, sending in items from Stinger missiles to anti-tank weapons.

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But Washington and its NATO allies have resisted Ukraine's appeals for a no-fly zone for fear that it would escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders.

"It's not just, some rule you pass that....it's the willingness to shoot down the aircraft of the Russian Federation, which is basically the beginning of World War Three," Senator Marco Rubio (Republican - Florida) said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the United Nations said on Sunday (March 6) that US troops will not be 'on the ground or in the air' in Ukraine. She said doing this will "escalate this war and make this an American war against the Russians.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the United Nations said on Sunday (March 6) that US troops will not be 'on the ground or in the air' in Ukraine. She said doing this will "escalate this war and make this an American war against the Russians.". She was speaking during ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos. "We've also been very clear that we will support Ukraine in every other way possible We have provided them over a billion dollars in support over the course of the past few days," × Thomas-Greenfield's remarks have come in response to Ukraine's requests to the West to toughen sanctions beyond existing efforts. It also requested more weapons, including a plea for Russian-made planes, to help it repel Russian forces. The West, which calls Putin's reasons for invading baseless, has expanded effort to rearm Ukraine, sending in items from Stinger missiles to anti-tank weapons. Also Read | 3,000 Americans volunteer to fight invading Russian forces in Ukraine, says report But Washington and its NATO allies have resisted Ukraine's appeals for a no-fly zone for fear that it would escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders. "It's not just, some rule you pass that....it's the willingness to shoot down the aircraft of the Russian Federation, which is basically the beginning of World War Three," Senator Marco Rubio (Republican - Florida) said. (With inputs from agencies)

No US troops will be 'on the ground or in the air' in Ukraine, says USA envoy to UN 

Along with sanctions on Moscow, the United States is also deploying additional forces in Germany to bolster the NATO military alliance. Biden has also stated that every inch of the NATO alliance will be defended by the NATO forces.

US to deploy 7000 additional forces to Germany amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict

In light of the tense situation in Ukraine, several countries have decided to either suspend or shift their embassy from the capital Kyiv. The United States is relocating its operations to the city of Lviv in western Ukraine. The US embassy in Ukraine has also issued an alert advising all US citizens to leave the country.

US moving Ukraine embassy from Kyiv to Lviv amid Russian military buildup

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the temporary repositioning of Florida National Guard troops out of Ukraine, said Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby in a statement on Saturday.Kirby reiterated US` commitment to the Ukrainian armed forces amid the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Taking to Twitter, he said, "@SecDef has ordered the temporary repositioning of @FLGuard troops out of Ukraine. Abundance of caution, safety and security of our personnel his paramount concern.

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We remain committed to our relationship with the Ukrainian armed forces."Earlier in the day, the US State Department has told non-emergency personnel at its embassy in Ukraine to leave due to reports of Russian troop build-up near the border with Ukraine and "potential for significant military action," the US embassy in Kyiv said Saturday."

Today, the @StateDept ordered non-emergency US employees at the Embassy to depart due to continued reports of a Russian military build-up on the border with Ukraine, indicating the potential for significant military action," the embassy tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-detains-29-women-and-their-families-in-kabul-claims-us-diplomat-452857">Taliban detains 29 women and their families in Kabul, claims US diplomat</a>

The core team of US diplomats will stay in Ukraine, however, the embassy said.The US and several NATO countries have been pumping Kyiv with weapons in recent weeks, alleging that Russia is planning to invade Ukraine, which Moscow denied.

&nbsp;

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the temporary repositioning of Florida National Guard troops out of Ukraine, said Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby in a statement on Saturday.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the temporary repositioning of Florida National Guard troops out of Ukraine, said Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby in a statement on Saturday.Kirby reiterated US` commitment to the Ukrainian armed forces amid the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. Taking to Twitter, he said, "@SecDef has ordered the temporary repositioning of @FLGuard troops out of Ukraine. Abundance of caution, safety and security of our personnel his paramount concern. Also read | After a series of Houthi attacks, US F-22 fighter jets arrive in UAE We remain committed to our relationship with the Ukrainian armed forces."Earlier in the day, the US State Department has told non-emergency personnel at its embassy in Ukraine to leave due to reports of Russian troop build-up near the border with Ukraine and "potential for significant military action," the US embassy in Kyiv said Saturday." Today, the @StateDept ordered non-emergency US employees at the Embassy to depart due to continued reports of a Russian military build-up on the border with Ukraine, indicating the potential for significant military action," the embassy tweeted. Also read | Taliban detains 29 women and their families in Kabul, claims US diplomat The core team of US diplomats will stay in Ukraine, however, the embassy said.The US and several NATO countries have been pumping Kyiv with weapons in recent weeks, alleging that Russia is planning to invade Ukraine, which Moscow denied.

US Defence Secretary orders Florida National Guard troops to reposition out of Ukraine

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has released a new report on the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan. The report has found that as many as 9,000 Americans were left behind in Afghanistan during the disastrous withdrawal.

Report: As many as 9,000 Americans left behind during US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan

India will dispatch an infantry battalion for the United Nation's peacekeeping operations in the oil rich Abyei region in Africa. It's an area which straddles northern and southern Sudan and is hotly contested by both. The Indian infantry group with around 570 soldiers will be deployed under the UN interim security force for Abyei, it is tasked with monitoring the volatile border between north and south Sudan.

India to dispatch an infantry battalion for UN's peacekeeping ops in Africa

Russia has withdrawn 10,000 soldiers from the Ukraine border amid reports of a security summit with NATO in January. Is this a sign of de-escalation from Moscow? What is President Vladimir Putin thinking? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Russia pulls back 10,000 soldiers from Ukraine border

US prosecutors have charged a former Taliban commander with terrorism-related offences related to attacks on US troops in Afghanistan including the 2008 attack on an American military convoy.

Haji Najibullah, who is already in US custody on the initial indictment, has been charged with 13 crimes including kidnapping, providing material support for acts of terrorism resulting in death, according to a statement US Department of Justice.

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He was earlier charged with kidnapping an American journalist and two Afghan civilians.In addition to those charges, the superseding indictment charges Najibullah with attacks on US troops conducted by him and the Taliban fighters under his command, including a June 26, 2008, attack on an American military convoy that killed three US&nbsp;Army servicemembers and their Afghan interpreter.

He is also charged with an attack that resulted in the shooting down of a US military helicopter&nbsp;on October 2008.

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said that Najibullah will answer for his heinous acts in an American courtroom.

"As alleged, during one of the most dangerous periods of the conflict in Afghanistan, Haji Najibullah led a vicious band of Taliban insurgents who terrorized part of Afghanistan and attacked US&nbsp;troops, Strauss said.

"One of these lethal attacks resulted in the deaths of three brave American service members and their Afghan interpreter, and another attack brought down a US&nbsp;helicopter.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/1-million-afghan-children-at-risk-of-dying-due-to-acute-malnutrition-un-officials-418603">1 million Afghan children at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition: UN officials</a>

Najibullah also arranged to kidnap at gunpoint an American journalist and two other men, and held them hostage for more than seven months. Neither time nor distance can weaken our resolve to hold terrorists accountable for their crimes and to see justice done for their victims." Strauss added.

Around 2007, Najibullah was the Taliban commander responsible for the Jaghato district in Afghanistan's Wardak Province, which borders Kabul.

In this role, he commanded more than a thousand fighters, at times acted as a spokesperson for the Taliban, and reported to senior leadership in the Taliban.

During that time, Najibullah and the Taliban fighters under his command conducted attacks intended to kill and which did kill American and NATO troops and their Afghan allies, using automatic weapons, improvised explosive devices ("IEDs"), rocket-propelled grenades ("RPGs"), and other anti-tank weapons, including an attack that destroyed an Afghan Border Patrol outpost in or about September 2008.

Meanwhile, in 2008, Taliban fighters under Najibullah command attacked a US military convoy in the vicinity of Sayed Abad, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, with IEDs, RPGs, and automatic weapons, killing three U.S. Army servicemembers - Sergeants First Class Matthew L. Hilton and Joseph A. McKay, and Sergeant Mark Palmateer - and their Afghan interpreter.&nbsp;

US prosecutors have charged a former Taliban commander with terrorism-related offences related to attacks on US troops in Afghanistan including the 2008 attack on an American military convoy.

US prosecutors have charged a former Taliban commander with terrorism-related offences related to attacks on US troops in Afghanistan including the 2008 attack on an American military convoy. Haji Najibullah, who is already in US custody on the initial indictment, has been charged with 13 crimes including kidnapping, providing material support for acts of terrorism resulting in death, according to a statement US Department of Justice. Also Read | Taliban claim secondary schools in Kunduz province open for girls He was earlier charged with kidnapping an American journalist and two Afghan civilians.In addition to those charges, the superseding indictment charges Najibullah with attacks on US troops conducted by him and the Taliban fighters under his command, including a June 26, 2008, attack on an American military convoy that killed three US Army servicemembers and their Afghan interpreter. He is also charged with an attack that resulted in the shooting down of a US military helicopter on October 2008. Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said that Najibullah will answer for his heinous acts in an American courtroom. "As alleged, during one of the most dangerous periods of the conflict in Afghanistan, Haji Najibullah led a vicious band of Taliban insurgents who terrorized part of Afghanistan and attacked US troops, Strauss said. "One of these lethal attacks resulted in the deaths of three brave American service members and their Afghan interpreter, and another attack brought down a US helicopter. Also Read | 1 million Afghan children at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition: UN officials Najibullah also arranged to kidnap at gunpoint an American journalist and two other men, and held them hostage for more than seven months. Neither time nor distance can weaken our resolve to hold terrorists accountable for their crimes and to see justice done for their victims." Strauss added. Around 2007, Najibullah was the Taliban commander responsible for the Jaghato district in Afghanistan's Wardak Province, which borders Kabul. In this role, he commanded more than a thousand fighters, at times acted as a spokesperson for the Taliban, and reported to senior leadership in the Taliban. During that time, Najibullah and the Taliban fighters under his command conducted attacks intended to kill and which did kill American and NATO troops and their Afghan allies, using automatic weapons, improvised explosive devices ("IEDs"), rocket-propelled grenades ("RPGs"), and other anti-tank weapons, including an attack that destroyed an Afghan Border Patrol outpost in or about September 2008. Meanwhile, in 2008, Taliban fighters under Najibullah command attacked a US military convoy in the vicinity of Sayed Abad, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, with IEDs, RPGs, and automatic weapons, killing three U.S. Army servicemembers - Sergeants First Class Matthew L. Hilton and Joseph A. McKay, and Sergeant Mark Palmateer - and their Afghan interpreter.

US prosecutors charge ex-Taliban commander with killing American troops

US special operations forces and marines have been secretly training Taiwanese troops for more than one year, risking the ire of China, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

The Journal said about two-dozen US service members have trained Taiwanese ground and maritime forces "for at least a year," amid China's rising verbal threats against the island ally of the United States.

The report cited unnamed officials for the report. Taiwan's Defense Ministry declined to comment on the report.

The Pentagon did not confirm or deny it. Spokesman John Supple said the US support for Taiwan's military is gauged on its defence needs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-abide-by-taiwan-agreement-says-biden-after-speaking-to-chinese-president-xi-418504">Also read |&nbsp;Ready to abide by Taiwan agreement, says Biden after speaking to Chinese President Xi</a>

"Our support for and defence relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People’s Republic of China," Supple said in a statement.

"We urge Beijing to honour its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences."

The report appeared to confirm Taiwan media articles last November -- which cited Taiwan's Naval Command -- that US troops had arrived there to train Taiwan marines and special forces in small-boat and amphibious operations.

Those reports were subsequently denied by US and Taiwanese officials, who emphasised the two sides are involved in bilateral military exchanges and cooperation.

The United States supplies weapons to Taiwan, including missiles for defence and fighter jets, amid Beijing's threat to forcibly retake control of the island and reintegrate it with China.

The US also maintains an ambiguous commitment to defend Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province.

A video released last year and featured in Taiwan media showed US troops taking part in an exercise on the island dubbed "Balance Tamper."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-taiwan-about-existing-grim-situation-416172">Also read |&nbsp;China warns Taiwan about existing 'grim' situation</a>

Chinese forces have stepped up their activities toward Taiwan in the past year, conducting sea assault exercises and flying large sorties of bombers and fighters close to Taiwan airspace.

On Monday, Taiwan scrambled its own air force after a record 56 Chinese warplanes crossed into its air defense zone.&nbsp;

US State Department Spokesman Ned Price called the Chinese activity "destabilising" and "provocative."

"We strongly urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan," he said, calling US commitment to the island "rock-solid".

US special operations forces and marines have been secretly training Taiwanese troops for more than one year, risking the ire of China, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

US special operations forces and marines have been secretly training Taiwanese troops for more than one year, risking the ire of China, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. The Journal said about two-dozen US service members have trained Taiwanese ground and maritime forces "for at least a year," amid China's rising verbal threats against the island ally of the United States. The report cited unnamed officials for the report. Taiwan's Defense Ministry declined to comment on the report. The Pentagon did not confirm or deny it. Spokesman John Supple said the US support for Taiwan's military is gauged on its defence needs. Also read | Ready to abide by Taiwan agreement, says Biden after speaking to Chinese President Xi "Our support for and defence relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People’s Republic of China," Supple said in a statement. "We urge Beijing to honour its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences." The report appeared to confirm Taiwan media articles last November -- which cited Taiwan's Naval Command -- that US troops had arrived there to train Taiwan marines and special forces in small-boat and amphibious operations. Those reports were subsequently denied by US and Taiwanese officials, who emphasised the two sides are involved in bilateral military exchanges and cooperation. The United States supplies weapons to Taiwan, including missiles for defence and fighter jets, amid Beijing's threat to forcibly retake control of the island and reintegrate it with China. The US also maintains an ambiguous commitment to defend Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province. A video released last year and featured in Taiwan media showed US troops taking part in an exercise on the island dubbed "Balance Tamper." Also read | China warns Taiwan about existing 'grim' situation Chinese forces have stepped up their activities toward Taiwan in the past year, conducting sea assault exercises and flying large sorties of bombers and fighters close to Taiwan airspace. On Monday, Taiwan scrambled its own air force after a record 56 Chinese warplanes crossed into its air defense zone. US State Department Spokesman Ned Price called the Chinese activity "destabilising" and "provocative." "We strongly urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan," he said, calling US commitment to the island "rock-solid".

US troops secretly training Taiwanese since last year: Report

The Taliban have denied reports of the foreign troops&nbsp;presence at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, reported local media.

Omar Mansor, a member of the cultural commission, said: "There are no foreign troops currently in Afghanistan, including Chinese", according to TOLOnews.

On Saturday night, Bagram residents had said that the lights of the base were seen, the first time since the US troops left the airfield.

However, Mansoor informed that the Taliban members had switched on lights there.

"The lights were switched on again at Bagram air force base. There were some voices heard at the base. A plane has also been seen there," TOLOnews quoted resident of Bagram district, Shamshad as saying.

Unconfirmed reports had rumoured the presence of the Chinese air force at the base. `A foreign force is rumoured to be involved, with fingers pointed at China, which denied eyeing the base,` Russia Today reported.

Earlier in September, analysts had said that China was eyeing the former US airbase of Bagram in Afghanistan in order to expand its influence in the region and embarrass America.

Paul D Shinkman, writing in US News had said that China secured friendly relations with the new Taliban government in Afghanistan and is now considering new ways to expand influence and embarrass the US.

Beijing is considering deploying military personnel and economic development officials to Bagram Airfield, perhaps the single-most prominent symbol of the 20-year US military presence in Afghanistan, Shinkman said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Taliban have denied reports of the foreign troops presence at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, reported local media. Omar Mansor, a member of the cultural commission, said: "There are no foreign troops currently in Afghanistan, including Chinese", according to TOLOnews.

The Taliban have denied reports of the foreign troops presence at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, reported local media. Omar Mansor, a member of the cultural commission, said: "There are no foreign troops currently in Afghanistan, including Chinese", according to TOLOnews. On Saturday night, Bagram residents had said that the lights of the base were seen, the first time since the US troops left the airfield. However, Mansoor informed that the Taliban members had switched on lights there. "The lights were switched on again at Bagram air force base. There were some voices heard at the base. A plane has also been seen there," TOLOnews quoted resident of Bagram district, Shamshad as saying. Unconfirmed reports had rumoured the presence of the Chinese air force at the base. `A foreign force is rumoured to be involved, with fingers pointed at China, which denied eyeing the base,` Russia Today reported. Earlier in September, analysts had said that China was eyeing the former US airbase of Bagram in Afghanistan in order to expand its influence in the region and embarrass America. Paul D Shinkman, writing in US News had said that China secured friendly relations with the new Taliban government in Afghanistan and is now considering new ways to expand influence and embarrass the US. Beijing is considering deploying military personnel and economic development officials to Bagram Airfield, perhaps the single-most prominent symbol of the 20-year US military presence in Afghanistan, Shinkman said.

Taliban deny presence of Chinese troops at Bagram Airfield

Gunfire was heard in the centre of the Guinean capital&nbsp;Conakry on Sunday morning and troops were seen on the streets, witnesses told AFP.

There was no immediate explanation for the incidents in Conakry's Kaloum peninsula, where the presidency, various institutions and offices are located.

Authorities in the West African nation were not commenting on the situation.

Residents reached by telephone in Kaloum reported hearing sustained gunfire.

Speaking on condition of anonymity for their safety, they reported seeing a number of soldiers on the streets who called on residents to return to their homes and stay there.

Security forces can easily block access to Kaloum because of its geography. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/auckland-knife-attacker-was-on-deportation-notice-reveals-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-410772">Also read |&nbsp;Auckland knife attacker was on deportation notice, reveals New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern</a>

Guinea is among the world's poorest countries, despite its rich mineral resources, and has been beset by political instability for years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

For example, President Alpha Conde won a third presidential term in Guinea in a violently disputed election last October.&nbsp;

He ran after pushing through a new constitution in March 2020 which allowed him to sidestep the country's two-term limit, provoking mass protests.&nbsp;

Dozens of people were killed during demonstrations, often in clashes with security forces. Hundreds were also arrested.

Conde, 83, was then proclaimed president on November 7 last year,&nbsp;despite complaints of electoral fraud from his main challenger Cellou Dalein Diallo and other opposition figures.

A former opposition activist himself, Conde became Guinea's first democratically elected president in 2010 and won re-election in 2015 before doing so again last year.&nbsp;

Critics accuse him of veering towards authoritarianism, however.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gunfire was heard in the centre of the Guinean capital Conakry on Sunday morning and troops were seen on the streets, witnesses told AFP. There was no immediate explanation for the incidents in Conakry's Kaloum peninsula, where the presidency, various institutions and offices are located.

Gunfire was heard in the centre of the Guinean capital Conakry on Sunday morning and troops were seen on the streets, witnesses told AFP. There was no immediate explanation for the incidents in Conakry's Kaloum peninsula, where the presidency, various institutions and offices are located. Authorities in the West African nation were not commenting on the situation. Residents reached by telephone in Kaloum reported hearing sustained gunfire. Speaking on condition of anonymity for their safety, they reported seeing a number of soldiers on the streets who called on residents to return to their homes and stay there. Security forces can easily block access to Kaloum because of its geography. Also read | Auckland knife attacker was on deportation notice, reveals New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern Guinea is among the world's poorest countries, despite its rich mineral resources, and has been beset by political instability for years. For example, President Alpha Conde won a third presidential term in Guinea in a violently disputed election last October. He ran after pushing through a new constitution in March 2020 which allowed him to sidestep the country's two-term limit, provoking mass protests. Dozens of people were killed during demonstrations, often in clashes with security forces. Hundreds were also arrested. Conde, 83, was then proclaimed president on November 7 last year, despite complaints of electoral fraud from his main challenger Cellou Dalein Diallo and other opposition figures. A former opposition activist himself, Conde became Guinea's first democratically elected president in 2010 and won re-election in 2015 before doing so again last year. Critics accuse him of veering towards authoritarianism, however.

Gunfire in Guinea capital, troops on streets

Myanmar&nbsp;ethnic rebels have killed at least 23 government soldiers in days of fighting near the Chinese border, a spokesman for the group said Friday, in the latest clashes likely to worry powerful neighbour Beijing.

The country has been in turmoil since a military coup in February, which sparked huge pro-democracy protests, a bloody crackdown and renewed fighting in ethnic border areas.

Clashes broke out in Mongko, Shan state, on August 28 when troops tried to seize a base from the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the group's spokesman and local media reports said.

"They came to take our base. They were hurt a lot as we were waiting at the top of the mountain and they were at the bottom. We shot them as they were coming," an MNDAA spokesman told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Fifteen soldiers were killed on August 28 and eight more in renewed clashes on September 1, he said, adding one MNDAA fighter had been killed.

AFP has not been able to verify the casualty figures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-protest-in-afghanistans-herat-over-right-to-education-work-410216">Also read |&nbsp;Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work</a>

The military said Monday an officer and an undisclosed number of personnel from other ranks were killed in fighting with the MNDAA in Mongko on August 28.

It did not respond to questions on the alleged later clashes.

Myanmar&nbsp;has more than 20 ethnic rebel groups, many of which hold territory in the country's border regions.

A messy struggle over autonomy, as well as control of lucrative drug production and natural resources, has long pitted them against each other and the military.

Video published last month by Chinese state media CGTN claimed to show the military fighting the Kachin Independence Army, another group that operates in northern Shan state -- and "several other ethnic armed groups".

Stray bullets from the clash had landed in China and caused "damage to some buildings and fear among local residents", it added.

Many rebel groups in&nbsp;Myanmar's north share close cultural ties with China, speaking Chinese dialects and using the country's yuan currency.

In 2017, months of fighting between&nbsp;Myanmar's army and ethnic insurgents in the Kokang border region claimed dozens of lives and sent thousands fleeing from their homes, many to China.

Myanmar ethnic rebels have killed at least 23 government soldiers in days of fighting near the Chinese border, a spokesman for the group said Friday, in the latest clashes likely to worry powerful neighbour Beijing.

Myanmar ethnic rebels have killed at least 23 government soldiers in days of fighting near the Chinese border, a spokesman for the group said Friday, in the latest clashes likely to worry powerful neighbour Beijing. The country has been in turmoil since a military coup in February, which sparked huge pro-democracy protests, a bloody crackdown and renewed fighting in ethnic border areas. Clashes broke out in Mongko, Shan state, on August 28 when troops tried to seize a base from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the group's spokesman and local media reports said. "They came to take our base. They were hurt a lot as we were waiting at the top of the mountain and they were at the bottom. We shot them as they were coming," an MNDAA spokesman told AFP on condition of anonymity. Fifteen soldiers were killed on August 28 and eight more in renewed clashes on September 1, he said, adding one MNDAA fighter had been killed. AFP has not been able to verify the casualty figures. Also read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work The military said Monday an officer and an undisclosed number of personnel from other ranks were killed in fighting with the MNDAA in Mongko on August 28. It did not respond to questions on the alleged later clashes. Myanmar has more than 20 ethnic rebel groups, many of which hold territory in the country's border regions. A messy struggle over autonomy, as well as control of lucrative drug production and natural resources, has long pitted them against each other and the military. Video published last month by Chinese state media CGTN claimed to show the military fighting the Kachin Independence Army, another group that operates in northern Shan state -- and "several other ethnic armed groups". Stray bullets from the clash had landed in China and caused "damage to some buildings and fear among local residents", it added. Many rebel groups in Myanmar's north share close cultural ties with China, speaking Chinese dialects and using the country's yuan currency. In 2017, months of fighting between Myanmar's army and ethnic insurgents in the Kokang border region claimed dozens of lives and sent thousands fleeing from their homes, many to China.

More than 20 Myanmar troops killed near China border, rebels say

With the US troop withdrawal finally over, former president Donald Trump said that never in history has a withdrawal from war been handled so badly or incompetently as by Americans from Afghanistan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The United States flew its last military flight out of Kabul to bring back all of its armed forces from the war-torn country. The move marked the end of the America's longest war.

Watch | Gravitas: Thanks to America, Taliban now has an Air Force

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In the aftermath, the Taliban has regained control in the country, which they lost after the US invasion in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Never in history has a withdrawal from war been handled so badly or incompetently as the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan," Trump said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/major-general-chris-donahue-last-us-soldier-to-leave-afghanistan-409547" hreflang="en">Major General Chris Donahue: Last US soldier to leave Afghanistan</a> &nbsp;

"In addition to the obvious, ALL EQUIPMENT should be demanded to be immediately returned to the United States, and that includes every penny of the USD 85 billion dollars in cost," the former president said. &nbsp;

"If it is not handed back, we should either go in with unequivocal military force and get it, or at least bomb the hell out of it. Nobody ever thought such stupidity, as this feeble-brained withdrawal, was possible!" he added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With the US troop withdrawal finally over, former president Donald Trump said that never in history has a withdrawal from war been handled so badly or incompetently as by Americans from Afghanistan.

With the US troop withdrawal finally over, former president Donald Trump said that never in history has a withdrawal from war been handled so badly or incompetently as by Americans from Afghanistan. The United States flew its last military flight out of Kabul to bring back all of its armed forces from the war-torn country. The move marked the end of the America's longest war. Watch | Gravitas: Thanks to America, Taliban now has an Air Force × In the aftermath, the Taliban has regained control in the country, which they lost after the US invasion in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks. "Never in history has a withdrawal from war been handled so badly or incompetently as the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan," Trump said. Also Read | Major General Chris Donahue: Last US soldier to leave Afghanistan "In addition to the obvious, ALL EQUIPMENT should be demanded to be immediately returned to the United States, and that includes every penny of the USD 85 billion dollars in cost," the former president said. "If it is not handed back, we should either go in with unequivocal military force and get it, or at least bomb the hell out of it. Nobody ever thought such stupidity, as this feeble-brained withdrawal, was possible!" he added. (With inputs from agencies)

With last US military flight out of Kabul, Trump slams worst withdrawal from war in history

Hundreds of Hamas-backed activists launched what they said was the first in a series of nighttime protests along the Israeli border, throwing explosives towards Israeli forces, who responded with live fire.

Organisers said the gatherings, which are to continue throughout the week, were meant to step up pressure on Israel to ease a crippling economic blockade on the Gaza Strip.

"The occupation will not enjoy calm unless the siege on our beloved land is lifted," said Abu Omar, a spokesman for the protesters.

Watch: US President Joe Biden's remarks after meeting Israeli PM

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Israel and Egypt have maintained the blockade since Hamas, a group sworn to Israel's destruction, seized control of Gaza in 2007, a year after it won Palestinian elections.

The blockade, which restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza, has ravaged the territory's economy. Israel has tightened the closure since an 11-day war in May, demanding the return of the remains of two dead soldiers and freedom for two Israeli civilians believed to be in Hamas captivity.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-sub-lineage-of-delta-variant-first-reported-in-israel-found-in-several-indian-states-408378" hreflang="en">‘New sub-lineage of Delta variant, first reported in Israel, found in several Indian states’</a>

Amateur footage and photos from inside Gaza showed hundreds of Palestinians protesters engaged in Saturday's gathering. Some appeared to be throwing explosives and chanting in celebrations as blasts sounded.

The Israeli military said troops responded to the explosives by firing live rounds towards the protesters. It said there were no injuries on the Israeli side. Gaza health officials said three protesters were wounded by Israeli fire.

Earlier on Saturday, Gaza health officials said a 12-year-old Palestinian boy died from head wounds after being shot during a similar demonstration a week earlier.

Hundreds of Hamas-backed activists launched what they said was the first in a series of nighttime protests along the Israeli border, throwing explosives towards Israeli forces, who responded with live fire.

Hundreds of Hamas-backed activists launched what they said was the first in a series of nighttime protests along the Israeli border, throwing explosives towards Israeli forces, who responded with live fire. Organisers said the gatherings, which are to continue throughout the week, were meant to step up pressure on Israel to ease a crippling economic blockade on the Gaza Strip. "The occupation will not enjoy calm unless the siege on our beloved land is lifted," said Abu Omar, a spokesman for the protesters. Watch: US President Joe Biden's remarks after meeting Israeli PM × Israel and Egypt have maintained the blockade since Hamas, a group sworn to Israel's destruction, seized control of Gaza in 2007, a year after it won Palestinian elections. The blockade, which restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza, has ravaged the territory's economy. Israel has tightened the closure since an 11-day war in May, demanding the return of the remains of two dead soldiers and freedom for two Israeli civilians believed to be in Hamas captivity. Also Read: ‘New sub-lineage of Delta variant, first reported in Israel, found in several Indian states’ Amateur footage and photos from inside Gaza showed hundreds of Palestinians protesters engaged in Saturday's gathering. Some appeared to be throwing explosives and chanting in celebrations as blasts sounded. The Israeli military said troops responded to the explosives by firing live rounds towards the protesters. It said there were no injuries on the Israeli side. Gaza health officials said three protesters were wounded by Israeli fire. Earlier on Saturday, Gaza health officials said a 12-year-old Palestinian boy died from head wounds after being shot during a similar demonstration a week earlier.

Gaza protesters clash with Israeli troops near the border

The Taliban forces sealed off the Kabul airport to most Afghans hoping for evacuation on Sunday.&nbsp;

The development&nbsp;comes as the US and its allies began winding down the chaotic airlift that will end two decades of military engagement in Afghanistan.

The western leaders acknowledged that their withdrawal would mean leaving behind some of their citizens and many locals who helped them over the years.

Also, they vowed to try to continue working with the Taliban to allow local allies to leave after President Joe Biden’s Tuesday’s deadline to withdraw from the country.

The US planned to keep its flights going until the deadline, even after most of its allies had finished their evacuation flights.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-killed-two-high-profile-isis-targets-in-afghanistan-drone-strike-pentagon-409060">Also read |&nbsp;US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon</a>

US said that 113,500 people had been evacuated since August 14, the day before the Taliban claimed Kabul.

Biden has also warned that commanders had told him another attack was “highly likely in the next 24-36 hours,” and the US embassy issued a new warning early Sunday for all Americans to avoid the airport area entirely.

However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to “shift heaven and earth” to get more of those at risk from the Taliban to Britain by other means.

Britain’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Laurie Bristow, said that it was "time to close this phase of the operation now."&nbsp;

“But we haven’t forgotten the people who still need to leave,” he said. “We’ll continue to do everything we can to help them. Nor have we forgotten the brave, decent people of Afghanistan. They deserve to live in peace and security.”

While the flow of planes slowed, others arrived in locales around the world carrying Afghans who managed to secure places on the last evacuation flights, including in the Washington area, Philadelphia, Madrid, and Birmingham, England.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on Saturday that the group’s forces were holding some positions within the airport and were ready to peacefully take control of it as American forces flew out.&nbsp;

However, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby denied the claim.

The Taliban forces sealed off the Kabul airport to most Afghans hoping for evacuation on Sunday. The development comes as the US and its allies began winding down the chaotic airlift that will end two decades of military engagement in Afghanistan.

The Taliban forces sealed off the Kabul airport to most Afghans hoping for evacuation on Sunday. The development comes as the US and its allies began winding down the chaotic airlift that will end two decades of military engagement in Afghanistan. The western leaders acknowledged that their withdrawal would mean leaving behind some of their citizens and many locals who helped them over the years. Also, they vowed to try to continue working with the Taliban to allow local allies to leave after President Joe Biden’s Tuesday’s deadline to withdraw from the country. The US planned to keep its flights going until the deadline, even after most of its allies had finished their evacuation flights. Also read | US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon US said that 113,500 people had been evacuated since August 14, the day before the Taliban claimed Kabul. Biden has also warned that commanders had told him another attack was “highly likely in the next 24-36 hours,” and the US embassy issued a new warning early Sunday for all Americans to avoid the airport area entirely. However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to “shift heaven and earth” to get more of those at risk from the Taliban to Britain by other means. Britain’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Laurie Bristow, said that it was "time to close this phase of the operation now." “But we haven’t forgotten the people who still need to leave,” he said. “We’ll continue to do everything we can to help them. Nor have we forgotten the brave, decent people of Afghanistan. They deserve to live in peace and security.” While the flow of planes slowed, others arrived in locales around the world carrying Afghans who managed to secure places on the last evacuation flights, including in the Washington area, Philadelphia, Madrid, and Birmingham, England. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on Saturday that the group’s forces were holding some positions within the airport and were ready to peacefully take control of it as American forces flew out. However, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby denied the claim.

Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan

A day after Taliban made advances towards central parts of the city, the Afghanistan government has deployed more troops to Herat on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The move came after former mujahedeen leader and senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami Mohammad Ismail Khan, who leads the fight against the Taliban in Herat along with scores of public resistance forces, criticised the defence ministry for delay in sending reinforcements to Herat.&nbsp;

The clashes have been happening in the city of Heart for the fourth day. In southern Herat, Malan Bridge was taken over by Taliban on Saturday.&nbsp;

Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said hundreds of reinforcements have arrived in the city on Sunday morning to check Taliban’s advances. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Due to the ongoing clashes, hundreds of families have been displaced from southern parts of Herat city, local officials said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, some lawmakers and analysts have criticised Taliban attacks in Herat as a clear violation of their commitment to the Doha agreement. Taliban has also said that the group has made no commitment of not attacking major cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A day after Taliban made advances towards central parts of the city, the Afghanistan government has deployed more troops to Herat on Sunday. The move came after former mujahedeen leader and senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami Mohammad Ismail Khan, who leads the fight against the Taliban in Herat along with scores of public resistance forces, criticised the defence ministry for delay in sending reinforcements to Herat.

A day after Taliban made advances towards central parts of the city, the Afghanistan government has deployed more troops to Herat on Sunday. The move came after former mujahedeen leader and senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami Mohammad Ismail Khan, who leads the fight against the Taliban in Herat along with scores of public resistance forces, criticised the defence ministry for delay in sending reinforcements to Herat. The clashes have been happening in the city of Heart for the fourth day. In southern Herat, Malan Bridge was taken over by Taliban on Saturday. Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said hundreds of reinforcements have arrived in the city on Sunday morning to check Taliban’s advances. Due to the ongoing clashes, hundreds of families have been displaced from southern parts of Herat city, local officials said. On Saturday, some lawmakers and analysts have criticised Taliban attacks in Herat as a clear violation of their commitment to the Doha agreement. Taliban has also said that the group has made no commitment of not attacking major cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Finally, Afghan government sends reinforcements to Herat as fighting intensifies 

Philippine President Rodrigo&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;has restored a crucial&nbsp;pact&nbsp;governing the presence of&nbsp;US&nbsp;troops in the Southeast Asian nation, the two countries' defence ministers said on Friday, reversing a decision that had caused increasing concern in Washington and Manila.

The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) provides rules for the rotation of thousands of&nbsp;US&nbsp;troops in and out of the Philippines for war drills and exercises. It has assumed additional importance as the United States and its allies contend with an increasingly assertive China.

Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he was&nbsp;unsure why&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;had reversed himself but made the decision after meeting&nbsp;US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Manila on Thursday.

Harry Roque,&nbsp;Duterte's spokesperson, later said the president's decision was "based on upholding the&nbsp;Philippines'&nbsp;strategic core interest...and clarity of&nbsp;US position on its obligations and commitments under the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty)."

Duterte's decision won't change much on the ground as the&nbsp;pact&nbsp;had not been terminated but it provides stability for both countries.

"This provides certainty for us going forward, we can do long-range planning and do different types of exercises," Austin said during a news conference with his Philippine counterpart.

The Philippines is a&nbsp;US&nbsp;treaty ally, and several military agreements are dependent on the VFA.

Duterte&nbsp;vowed to terminate the&nbsp;pact&nbsp;after the United States denied a visa to a Philippine senator who is an ally of the president. But he had repeatedly pushed back the expiration date, the last time last month, maintaining it until the end of the year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-after-south-china-sea-ruling-chinas-presence-around-philippines-only-growing-397029">Also read |&nbsp;Five years after South China Sea ruling, China's presence around Philippines only growing</a>

For the United States, having the ability to rotate in&nbsp;troops is important not only for the defence of the Philippines, but strategically when it comes to countering China's assertive behaviour in the region.

"(Duterte's decision) opens up significant possibilities for strengthening the alliance that were otherwise closed," said Greg Poling, with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

There are long-standing tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed waters in the South China Sea.

The United States this month repeated a warning to China that an attack on Philippine forces in the South China Sea would trigger a 1951&nbsp;US-Philippines mutual defence treaty.

There are, however, still questions about&nbsp;Duterte's unpredictability.

"Some of the celebration is premature... (the VFA) will continue to be under threat so long as&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;remains president," said Aaron Connelly, with the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Philippine presidential elections are set for 2022 and while&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;is barred by the constitution from seeking re-election, his party has been encouraging him to run again for office, as vice president.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has restored a crucial pact governing the presence of US troops in the Southeast Asian nation, the two countries' defence ministers said on Friday, reversing a decision that had caused increasing concern in Washington and Manila.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has restored a crucial pact governing the presence of US troops in the Southeast Asian nation, the two countries' defence ministers said on Friday, reversing a decision that had caused increasing concern in Washington and Manila. The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) provides rules for the rotation of thousands of US troops in and out of the Philippines for war drills and exercises. It has assumed additional importance as the United States and its allies contend with an increasingly assertive China. Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he was unsure why Duterte had reversed himself but made the decision after meeting US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Manila on Thursday. Harry Roque, Duterte's spokesperson, later said the president's decision was "based on upholding the Philippines' strategic core interest...and clarity of US position on its obligations and commitments under the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty)." Duterte's decision won't change much on the ground as the pact had not been terminated but it provides stability for both countries. "This provides certainty for us going forward, we can do long-range planning and do different types of exercises," Austin said during a news conference with his Philippine counterpart. The Philippines is a US treaty ally, and several military agreements are dependent on the VFA. Duterte vowed to terminate the pact after the United States denied a visa to a Philippine senator who is an ally of the president. But he had repeatedly pushed back the expiration date, the last time last month, maintaining it until the end of the year. Also read | Five years after South China Sea ruling, China's presence around Philippines only growing For the United States, having the ability to rotate in troops is important not only for the defence of the Philippines, but strategically when it comes to countering China's assertive behaviour in the region. "(Duterte's decision) opens up significant possibilities for strengthening the alliance that were otherwise closed," said Greg Poling, with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. There are long-standing tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed waters in the South China Sea. The United States this month repeated a warning to China that an attack on Philippine forces in the South China Sea would trigger a 1951 US-Philippines mutual defence treaty. There are, however, still questions about Duterte's unpredictability. "Some of the celebration is premature... (the VFA) will continue to be under threat so long as Duterte remains president," said Aaron Connelly, with the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Philippine presidential elections are set for 2022 and while Duterte is barred by the constitution from seeking re-election, his party has been encouraging him to run again for office, as vice president.

President Duterte fully restores key pact that allows US troops in the Philippines

Former US president George W.&nbsp;Bush&nbsp;on Wednesday criticised the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan and said civilians were being left to be "slaughtered" by the Taliban.

"I'm afraid Afghan women and girls are going to suffer unspeakable harm... They are going to be left behind to be slaughtered by these very brutal people and&nbsp;it breaks my heart,"&nbsp;Bush&nbsp;told German broadcaster, Deutsche Welle.

Asked whether he thought the withdrawal was a mistake,&nbsp;Bush&nbsp;replied: "Yes, I think it is."

"I've spent a lot of time with Afghan women and they're scared. And I think about all the interpreters and people that help not only US troops but NATO troops," he said.

The former Republican president, who sent troops to Afghanistan in autumn 2001 after the September 11 attacks on New York's World Trade Center, said he believed German Chancellor Angela Merkel "feels the same way".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-taliban-impose-strict-restrictions-on-women-media-in-afghanistans-north-397124">Also read |&nbsp;Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north</a>

Bush&nbsp;said Merkel, who is set to retire from politics later this year after 16 years in power, had brought "class and dignity to a very important position and made very hard decisions".

He recalled talking to Merkel about her childhood in former East Germany.

He said it was "amazing" to speak to someone who had been "trapped in a closed society" when they were young but had gone on to become "chancellor of a democratic free country".

US and NATO forces began withdrawing from Afghanistan in early May and are due to completely pull out by September 11, almost 20 years after they arrived.

Most of the 2,500 US and 7,500 NATO troops who were in Afghanistan when US President Joe Biden detailed the final withdrawal in April have now gone, leaving Afghan troops to fight an emboldened Taliban seemingly bent on a military victory.

The country is facing a crisis as the insurgents snap up territory across the countryside, stretching government forces and forcing many to flee their homes.

The United Nations said on Sunday the rising conflict is causing "more suffering" across the violence-wracked country as it called for continuous financial aid.&nbsp;

Biden has insisted, however, that it is time for US involvement in the war to end and for Afghans to chart their own future.

Former US president George W. Bush on Wednesday criticised the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan and said civilians were being left to be "slaughtered" by the Taliban.

Former US president George W. Bush on Wednesday criticised the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan and said civilians were being left to be "slaughtered" by the Taliban. "I'm afraid Afghan women and girls are going to suffer unspeakable harm... They are going to be left behind to be slaughtered by these very brutal people and it breaks my heart," Bush told German broadcaster, Deutsche Welle. Asked whether he thought the withdrawal was a mistake, Bush replied: "Yes, I think it is." "I've spent a lot of time with Afghan women and they're scared. And I think about all the interpreters and people that help not only US troops but NATO troops," he said. The former Republican president, who sent troops to Afghanistan in autumn 2001 after the September 11 attacks on New York's World Trade Center, said he believed German Chancellor Angela Merkel "feels the same way". Also read | Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north Bush said Merkel, who is set to retire from politics later this year after 16 years in power, had brought "class and dignity to a very important position and made very hard decisions". He recalled talking to Merkel about her childhood in former East Germany. He said it was "amazing" to speak to someone who had been "trapped in a closed society" when they were young but had gone on to become "chancellor of a democratic free country". US and NATO forces began withdrawing from Afghanistan in early May and are due to completely pull out by September 11, almost 20 years after they arrived. Most of the 2,500 US and 7,500 NATO troops who were in Afghanistan when US President Joe Biden detailed the final withdrawal in April have now gone, leaving Afghan troops to fight an emboldened Taliban seemingly bent on a military victory. The country is facing a crisis as the insurgents snap up territory across the countryside, stretching government forces and forcing many to flee their homes. The United Nations said on Sunday the rising conflict is causing "more suffering" across the violence-wracked country as it called for continuous financial aid. Biden has insisted, however, that it is time for US involvement in the war to end and for Afghans to chart their own future.

Afghanistan troop pullout a 'mistake', says George W. Bush

Australia's defence minister on Sunday confirmed the end of his country's involvement in the 20-year&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;war, saying the troop withdrawal had taken place "in recent weeks".

Australia&nbsp;announced in April that it would remove its remaining&nbsp;troops&nbsp;by September in line with the US decision to end its military operations in the war-torn country.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton told Sky News that the country's&nbsp;last&nbsp;80 support personnel had left&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;"in recent weeks".

"That doesn't mean we won't be a part of campaigns with the United States... where we deem that to be in our national interest or in the interest of our allies," he added.

"For now, though, that campaign has come to an end."

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Australia&nbsp;had deployed 39,000&nbsp;troops&nbsp;over the past 20 years as part of the US and NATO-led operations against the Taliban and terrorist groups in&nbsp;Afghanistan, a mission that cost the country billions of dollars and left 41 Australian soldiers dead.

And while the country has not had a significant troop presence in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;since withdrawing combat personnel in late 2013, the war has taken a toll and fuelled controversy at home.

Veterans groups have pressured the government into launching a formal inquiry into the high number of suicides among Afghan veterans and other ex-servicemen and women.&nbsp;

The military and police are also actively investigating allegations that elite Special Air Services soldiers committed numerous war crimes in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

Australia's defence minister on Sunday confirmed the end of his country's involvement in the 20-year Afghanistan war, saying the troop withdrawal had taken place "in recent weeks".

Australia's defence minister on Sunday confirmed the end of his country's involvement in the 20-year Afghanistan war, saying the troop withdrawal had taken place "in recent weeks". Australia announced in April that it would remove its remaining troops by September in line with the US decision to end its military operations in the war-torn country. Defence Minister Peter Dutton told Sky News that the country's last 80 support personnel had left Afghanistan "in recent weeks". "That doesn't mean we won't be a part of campaigns with the United States... where we deem that to be in our national interest or in the interest of our allies," he added. "For now, though, that campaign has come to an end." Also read | 17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space Australia had deployed 39,000 troops over the past 20 years as part of the US and NATO-led operations against the Taliban and terrorist groups in Afghanistan, a mission that cost the country billions of dollars and left 41 Australian soldiers dead. And while the country has not had a significant troop presence in Afghanistan since withdrawing combat personnel in late 2013, the war has taken a toll and fuelled controversy at home. Veterans groups have pressured the government into launching a formal inquiry into the high number of suicides among Afghan veterans and other ex-servicemen and women. The military and police are also actively investigating allegations that elite Special Air Services soldiers committed numerous war crimes in Afghanistan.

Australia says last troops withdrawn from Afghanistan

The Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan, officials said Sunday.

More than 300 Afghan military personnel crossed from Afghanistan's Badakhshan province as Taliban fighters advanced toward the border, Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security said in a statement.&nbsp;

The Afghan troops crossed over at about 6:30 pm local time Saturday “Guided by the principles of humanism and good neighbourliness,” the Tajik authorities allowed the retreating Afghan National Defense and Security Forces to cross into Tajikistan, said the statement.&nbsp;

Since mid-April, when US President Joe Biden announced the end to Afghanistan's “forever war,” the Taliban have made strides throughout the country. But their most significant gains have been in the northern half of the country, a traditional stronghold of the US-allied warlords who helped defeat them in 2001.

The Taliban now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centres in Afghanistan.

The gains in northeastern Badakhshan province in recent days have mostly come to the insurgent movement without a fight, said Mohib-ul Rahman, a provincial council member. He blamed Taliban successes on the poor morale of troops who are mostly outnumbered and without resupplies.

“Unfortunately, the majority of the districts were left to Taliban without any fight,” said Rahman. In the last three days, 10 districts fell to Taliban, eight without a fight, he said.

Hundreds of Afghan army, police and intelligence troops surrendered their military outposts and fled to the Badakhshan provincial capital of Faizabad, said Rahman.

Even as a security meeting was being held early Sunday to plot the strengthening of the perimeter around the capital, some senior provincial officials were leaving Faizabad for the capital Kabul, he said.

In late June the Afghan government resurrected militias with a reputation of brutal violence to support the beleaguered Afghan forces but Rahman said many of the militias in the Badakhshan districts put up only a half-hearted fight.

The areas under Taliban control in the north are increasingly strategic, running along Afghanistan's border with Central Asian states.

Last month the religious movement took control of Imam Sahib, a town in Kunduz province opposite Uzbekistan and gained control of a key trade route.

The inroads in Badakhshan are particularly significant as it is the home province of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was killed by a suicide bomber in 2011. His son, Salahuddin Rabbani, is part of the current High Council for National Reconciliation.

The slain former president also led Afghanistan's Jamiat-e-Islami, which was the party of famed anti-Taliban fighter Ahmad Shah Massoud, killed by a suicide bomber two days before the 9/11 attacks in America.

The Interior Ministry issued a statement Saturday saying the defeats were temporary although it was not clear how they would regain control.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the fall of the districts and said most were without a fight. The Taliban in previous surrenders have shown the video of Afghan soldiers taking transportation money and returning to their homes.

The Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan, officials said Sunday.

The Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan, officials said Sunday. More than 300 Afghan military personnel crossed from Afghanistan's Badakhshan province as Taliban fighters advanced toward the border, Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security said in a statement. The Afghan troops crossed over at about 6:30 pm local time Saturday “Guided by the principles of humanism and good neighbourliness,” the Tajik authorities allowed the retreating Afghan National Defense and Security Forces to cross into Tajikistan, said the statement. Since mid-April, when US President Joe Biden announced the end to Afghanistan's “forever war,” the Taliban have made strides throughout the country. But their most significant gains have been in the northern half of the country, a traditional stronghold of the US-allied warlords who helped defeat them in 2001. The Taliban now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centres in Afghanistan. The gains in northeastern Badakhshan province in recent days have mostly come to the insurgent movement without a fight, said Mohib-ul Rahman, a provincial council member. He blamed Taliban successes on the poor morale of troops who are mostly outnumbered and without resupplies. “Unfortunately, the majority of the districts were left to Taliban without any fight,” said Rahman. In the last three days, 10 districts fell to Taliban, eight without a fight, he said. Hundreds of Afghan army, police and intelligence troops surrendered their military outposts and fled to the Badakhshan provincial capital of Faizabad, said Rahman. Even as a security meeting was being held early Sunday to plot the strengthening of the perimeter around the capital, some senior provincial officials were leaving Faizabad for the capital Kabul, he said. In late June the Afghan government resurrected militias with a reputation of brutal violence to support the beleaguered Afghan forces but Rahman said many of the militias in the Badakhshan districts put up only a half-hearted fight. The areas under Taliban control in the north are increasingly strategic, running along Afghanistan's border with Central Asian states. Last month the religious movement took control of Imam Sahib, a town in Kunduz province opposite Uzbekistan and gained control of a key trade route. The inroads in Badakhshan are particularly significant as it is the home province of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was killed by a suicide bomber in 2011. His son, Salahuddin Rabbani, is part of the current High Council for National Reconciliation. The slain former president also led Afghanistan's Jamiat-e-Islami, which was the party of famed anti-Taliban fighter Ahmad Shah Massoud, killed by a suicide bomber two days before the 9/11 attacks in America. The Interior Ministry issued a statement Saturday saying the defeats were temporary although it was not clear how they would regain control. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the fall of the districts and said most were without a fight. The Taliban in previous surrenders have shown the video of Afghan soldiers taking transportation money and returning to their homes.

Taliban take districts in northeast Afghanistan from fleeing troops

Italy&nbsp;has completed its troop pullout from Afghanistan, Rome announced on Wednesday, ending a 20-year deployment there as part of an accelerated withdrawal of NATO forces.

Members of the US-backed alliance agreed in April to wrap up their 9,600-strong mission in Afghanistan after US President Joe Biden made the call to end Washington's longest war.

"Last night, the Italian mission in Afghanistan officially ended," Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini said in a statement after dozens of soldiers landed at Pisa's international airport from Herat.

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"However, the international community's commitment to Afghanistan, starting with&nbsp;Italy, does not end here. It will continue in other forms, from strengthening development cooperation to supporting Afghan republican institutions."

According to the ministry, 50,000 Italian soldiers were deployed to Afghanistan over the past 20 years after the 9/11 attacks prompted the US and NATO involvement in the country.

Over that period, 53 soldiers died and 723 were injured.

Italy&nbsp;was one of the five countries most involved in Afghanistan along with the United States, Turkey, Britain and Germany as part of "Resolute Support."

This NATO-led non-combat mission aimed to train Afghan forces into ensuring their country's security after the departure of foreign forces.

Germany announced Tuesday that all its troops had left Afghanistan as the largest pull-out, that of the United States, is ongoing.&nbsp;

The withdrawal has fuelled fears the Taliban could regain power in the country.

Rome has begun the process of bringing to&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;those Afghan citizens who helped Italian forces during the deployment. The army has identified 270 eligible people while studying the cases of another 400.&nbsp;

Eighty-two Afghans, most of them interpreters and their families, arrived at Rome's Fiumicino Airport on June 14.&nbsp;

Italy has completed its troop pullout from Afghanistan, Rome announced on Wednesday, ending a 20-year deployment there as part of an accelerated withdrawal of NATO forces.

Italy has completed its troop pullout from Afghanistan, Rome announced on Wednesday, ending a 20-year deployment there as part of an accelerated withdrawal of NATO forces. Members of the US-backed alliance agreed in April to wrap up their 9,600-strong mission in Afghanistan after US President Joe Biden made the call to end Washington's longest war. "Last night, the Italian mission in Afghanistan officially ended," Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini said in a statement after dozens of soldiers landed at Pisa's international airport from Herat. Also Read | 'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school "However, the international community's commitment to Afghanistan, starting with Italy, does not end here. It will continue in other forms, from strengthening development cooperation to supporting Afghan republican institutions." According to the ministry, 50,000 Italian soldiers were deployed to Afghanistan over the past 20 years after the 9/11 attacks prompted the US and NATO involvement in the country. Over that period, 53 soldiers died and 723 were injured. Italy was one of the five countries most involved in Afghanistan along with the United States, Turkey, Britain and Germany as part of "Resolute Support." This NATO-led non-combat mission aimed to train Afghan forces into ensuring their country's security after the departure of foreign forces. Germany announced Tuesday that all its troops had left Afghanistan as the largest pull-out, that of the United States, is ongoing. The withdrawal has fuelled fears the Taliban could regain power in the country. Rome has begun the process of bringing to Italy those Afghan citizens who helped Italian forces during the deployment. The army has identified 270 eligible people while studying the cases of another 400. Eighty-two Afghans, most of them interpreters and their families, arrived at Rome's Fiumicino Airport on June 14.

Italy completes troop pullout from Afghanistan

Six Malian soldiers were killed on Friday in a raid in the centre of the war-torn Sahel state, in a violent day which also saw 15 United Nations peacekeepers wounded in a car-bomb attack further north.&nbsp;

The UN said on Twitter that an evacuation was underway after a car bomb struck a temporary base near Tarkint, in the lawless north of&nbsp;Mali.

German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said 12 of the peacekeepers were German and that three were seriously injured.

Two of the three were in a stable condition, she said in a statement, while one has undergone surgery. All of the wounded have been evacuated by helicopter, Kramp-Karrenbauer added.

One Belgian soldier was also injured in the attack, according to a Belgian defence ministry statement.

About 13,000 troops from several nations are deployed in the UN's MINUSMA peacekeeping mission across the vast semi-arid country.&nbsp;

Mali&nbsp;is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that erupted in 2012 and which has claimed thousands of military and civilian lives.

Despite the presence of thousands of French and UN troops, the conflict has engulfed the centre of the country and spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.&nbsp;

A security official, who declined to be identified, told AFP that the MINUSMA forward operating base attacked on Friday was only set up the previous day, after a land mine damaged a UN vehicle in the area.&nbsp;

The peacekeepers set up the base in order to remove the damaged vehicle, the security official said.

Separately on Friday, militants also attacked a Malian military outpost in the village of Boni in the centre of the country, killing six soldiers and injuring another.&nbsp;

Mali's army stated on Twitter that the troops had "vigorously responded" to "simultaneous attacks" launched in Boni in the afternoon.&nbsp;

Ten Malian soldiers had been killed in a similar ambush in Boni in February.&nbsp;

Central&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;-- which is the epicentre of the conflict in the Sahel -- also saw six French soldiers and four civilians wounded on Monday when a car bomb detonated near a French armoured car.

Former colonial power France, which intervened in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;in 2013 to beat back the jihadists, currently has 5,100 soldiers deployed across the Sahel region.

But French President Emmanuel Macron announced earlier this month that he would wind down the Barkhane force.

France plans to refocus its energies on strengthening an international task force of special forces in&nbsp;Mali, known as Takuba.&nbsp;

Several hundred people gathered in&nbsp;Mali's capital Bamako on Friday to demand the departure of French forces from the country, an AFP journalist reported.&nbsp;

Six Malian soldiers were killed on Friday in a raid in the centre of the war-torn Sahel state, in a violent day which also saw 15 United Nations peacekeepers wounded in a car-bomb attack further north.

Six Malian soldiers were killed on Friday in a raid in the centre of the war-torn Sahel state, in a violent day which also saw 15 United Nations peacekeepers wounded in a car-bomb attack further north. The UN said on Twitter that an evacuation was underway after a car bomb struck a temporary base near Tarkint, in the lawless north of Mali. German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said 12 of the peacekeepers were German and that three were seriously injured. Two of the three were in a stable condition, she said in a statement, while one has undergone surgery. All of the wounded have been evacuated by helicopter, Kramp-Karrenbauer added. One Belgian soldier was also injured in the attack, according to a Belgian defence ministry statement. About 13,000 troops from several nations are deployed in the UN's MINUSMA peacekeeping mission across the vast semi-arid country. Mali is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that erupted in 2012 and which has claimed thousands of military and civilian lives. Despite the presence of thousands of French and UN troops, the conflict has engulfed the centre of the country and spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. A security official, who declined to be identified, told AFP that the MINUSMA forward operating base attacked on Friday was only set up the previous day, after a land mine damaged a UN vehicle in the area. The peacekeepers set up the base in order to remove the damaged vehicle, the security official said. Separately on Friday, militants also attacked a Malian military outpost in the village of Boni in the centre of the country, killing six soldiers and injuring another. Mali's army stated on Twitter that the troops had "vigorously responded" to "simultaneous attacks" launched in Boni in the afternoon. Ten Malian soldiers had been killed in a similar ambush in Boni in February. Central Mali -- which is the epicentre of the conflict in the Sahel -- also saw six French soldiers and four civilians wounded on Monday when a car bomb detonated near a French armoured car. Former colonial power France, which intervened in Mali in 2013 to beat back the jihadists, currently has 5,100 soldiers deployed across the Sahel region. But French President Emmanuel Macron announced earlier this month that he would wind down the Barkhane force. France plans to refocus its energies on strengthening an international task force of special forces in Mali, known as Takuba. Several hundred people gathered in Mali's capital Bamako on Friday to demand the departure of French forces from the country, an AFP journalist reported.

6 troops killed, 15 UN peacekeepers wounded in separate Mali attacks

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