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

Southern&nbsp;African&nbsp;countries agreed to deploy forces to help quell a jihadist insurgency, as military and security sources said late Wednesday there had been fresh clashes with Islamist militants in northern&nbsp;Mozambique.

The&nbsp;Southern&nbsp;African&nbsp;Development Community (SADC) approved the deployment of the "SADC Standby Force in support of&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;to combat... terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado," Executive Secretary Stergomena Tax said at the end of a one-day summit.

She gave no details of the strength of the force or how long it would be deployed.

As the leaders met, security and military sources said clashes had broken out in Palma district, near the multi-million-dollar Afungi LNG gas site.

The insurgents were repelled with air support, the security source said, but one helicopter that was trying to deploy&nbsp;troops&nbsp;had to make an emergency landing because of technical problems. There was no indication of casualties.

"Palma has been under attack since June 21," said the military source, based in the nearby town, without giving further details.

A leaked SADC document earlier this year recommended sending around 3,000 soldiers to Cabo Delgado province, where insurgents have seized control of towns and villages, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

Mozambique&nbsp;President Filipe Nyusi, himself a former defence minister, had for long shied away from asking for foreign military intervention to fight the jihadists.

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His government's poorly trained and under-resourced security forces have relied on private military companies.

In a speech Wednesday, Nyusi thanked his counterparts for the support to "eradicate terrorism and violent extremism" in Cabo Delgado, saying it will complement the efforts of Mozambican forces.

'Eradicate terrorism'&nbsp;

Nyusi, who chaired the&nbsp;bloc&nbsp;for the past 12 months before handing over to Malawi, had come under tremendous pressure from the SADC to deploy the force, said analyst Willem Els of the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies.

For the&nbsp;bloc, "the situation in&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;is not only a local situation, it also evolved into a regional dilemma," he said.

Dino Mahtani of the International Crisis Group recently urged Nyusi to accept "measured" external intervention to avoid a "heavy deployment".

On Wednesday, he hailed the SADC decision as "an incremental step" in a long series of negotiations.

The violence has escalated in the gas-rich north of&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;since breaking out in late 2017 and there are fears it could spill over into neighbouring countries.

On March 24, Islamic State-linked militants launched coordinated attacks on Palma, ransacking buildings and murdering residents as thousands fled into the surrounding forests.

The assault marked an intensification of violence that has driven around 800,000 people from their homes, according to the United Nations, and claimed the lives of more than 2,800 people -- half of them civilians.

British charity Save the Children and local sources said last week that four civilians, including two teenagers, had been beheaded in the region after leaving a village to search for food.

Following the March attack, French oil giant Total pulled out from a gas exploration site in the region.

The leaders of Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Malawi,&nbsp;Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe attended the talks in Maputo, the other countries in the 16-member group sending ministers.

The conflict-hit area is also facing food shortages with the World Food Programme warning that almost one million people, mostly displaced, face severe hunger.

The summit called on member states to provide humanitarian help to all those affected by the insurgency.

Southern African countries agreed to deploy forces to help quell a jihadist insurgency, as military and security sources said late Wednesday there had been fresh clashes with Islamist militants in northern Mozambique.

Southern African countries agreed to deploy forces to help quell a jihadist insurgency, as military and security sources said late Wednesday there had been fresh clashes with Islamist militants in northern Mozambique. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) approved the deployment of the "SADC Standby Force in support of Mozambique to combat... terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado," Executive Secretary Stergomena Tax said at the end of a one-day summit. She gave no details of the strength of the force or how long it would be deployed. As the leaders met, security and military sources said clashes had broken out in Palma district, near the multi-million-dollar Afungi LNG gas site. The insurgents were repelled with air support, the security source said, but one helicopter that was trying to deploy troops had to make an emergency landing because of technical problems. There was no indication of casualties. "Palma has been under attack since June 21," said the military source, based in the nearby town, without giving further details. A leaked SADC document earlier this year recommended sending around 3,000 soldiers to Cabo Delgado province, where insurgents have seized control of towns and villages, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi, himself a former defence minister, had for long shied away from asking for foreign military intervention to fight the jihadists. Also Read | 43 killed after airstrike hits the market in Ethiopia's conflict-torn Tigray His government's poorly trained and under-resourced security forces have relied on private military companies. In a speech Wednesday, Nyusi thanked his counterparts for the support to "eradicate terrorism and violent extremism" in Cabo Delgado, saying it will complement the efforts of Mozambican forces. 'Eradicate terrorism' Nyusi, who chaired the bloc for the past 12 months before handing over to Malawi, had come under tremendous pressure from the SADC to deploy the force, said analyst Willem Els of the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies. For the bloc, "the situation in Mozambique is not only a local situation, it also evolved into a regional dilemma," he said. Dino Mahtani of the International Crisis Group recently urged Nyusi to accept "measured" external intervention to avoid a "heavy deployment". On Wednesday, he hailed the SADC decision as "an incremental step" in a long series of negotiations. The violence has escalated in the gas-rich north of Mozambique since breaking out in late 2017 and there are fears it could spill over into neighbouring countries. On March 24, Islamic State-linked militants launched coordinated attacks on Palma, ransacking buildings and murdering residents as thousands fled into the surrounding forests. The assault marked an intensification of violence that has driven around 800,000 people from their homes, according to the United Nations, and claimed the lives of more than 2,800 people -- half of them civilians. British charity Save the Children and local sources said last week that four civilians, including two teenagers, had been beheaded in the region after leaving a village to search for food. Following the March attack, French oil giant Total pulled out from a gas exploration site in the region. The leaders of Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe attended the talks in Maputo, the other countries in the 16-member group sending ministers. The conflict-hit area is also facing food shortages with the World Food Programme warning that almost one million people, mostly displaced, face severe hunger. The summit called on member states to provide humanitarian help to all those affected by the insurgency.

Southern African bloc to send troops to insurgency-hit Mozambique

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than half done, and US officials say that while it could be completed by July 4, the final exit of equipment and troops more likely will be later in the summer.

As early as this week, the top US commander for the Middle East, Gen&nbsp;Frank McKenzie, will give Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin a range of military options for securing the US embassy in Afghanistan and providing counterterrorism support from outside the country once the withdrawal is complete, officials said.

The number of American troops needed for the overall security missions inside Afghanistan will depend on a variety of requirements, and could range from roughly a couple hundred to a bit less than 1,000, officials said.

McKenzie's deliberations are a reminder that much about US postwar support for Afghanistan remains uncertain, including how to protect Afghans, who worked with the US government from reprisals and how to avoid an intelligence void that could hamper US early warning of extremist threats inside Afghanistan.

At stake is not just a political verdict on President Joe Biden's judgment about the risk posed by renewed instability in Afghanistan, but also the legacy of an American war that was launched 20 years ago in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and that imperceptibly morphed into what Biden calls 'this forever war'.

McKenzie is expected to provide options on the amount of aerial surveillance and drones needed to keep an eye on any potential resurgence of al-Qaida, Islamic State or other militant groups. Those options will involve US aircraft from ships at sea and air bases in the Gulf region, such as Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates. And they could range from persistent US overwatch to a more minimal presence.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss planning details, said there are no options yet for basing US troops or aircraft in nations neighbouring Afghanistan, because those possibilities require diplomatic negotiations.

Any agreements with countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan would be difficult because there would be Russian opposition.

McKenzie told reporters on Monday that the withdrawal from Afghanistan is on pace and 'continuing very smoothly'.&nbsp;He said it was 'about halfway finished',&nbsp;but provided no details. Other officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the pullout was more than half completed but provided no specifics.

Officials acknowledge that the withdrawal so far has largely involved removing or otherwise disposing of the mountain of equipment, gadgetry, aircraft and other war materials that accumulated in Afghanistan over the years&nbsp;not the departure of troops. Officials say the troops, who are needed to secure and execute the withdrawal, will be among the last to leave.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than half done, and US officials say that while it could be completed by July 4, the final exit of equipment and troops more likely will be later in the summer.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than half done, and US officials say that while it could be completed by July 4, the final exit of equipment and troops more likely will be later in the summer. As early as this week, the top US commander for the Middle East, Gen Frank McKenzie, will give Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin a range of military options for securing the US embassy in Afghanistan and providing counterterrorism support from outside the country once the withdrawal is complete, officials said. The number of American troops needed for the overall security missions inside Afghanistan will depend on a variety of requirements, and could range from roughly a couple hundred to a bit less than 1,000, officials said. McKenzie's deliberations are a reminder that much about US postwar support for Afghanistan remains uncertain, including how to protect Afghans, who worked with the US government from reprisals and how to avoid an intelligence void that could hamper US early warning of extremist threats inside Afghanistan. At stake is not just a political verdict on President Joe Biden's judgment about the risk posed by renewed instability in Afghanistan, but also the legacy of an American war that was launched 20 years ago in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and that imperceptibly morphed into what Biden calls 'this forever war'. McKenzie is expected to provide options on the amount of aerial surveillance and drones needed to keep an eye on any potential resurgence of al-Qaida, Islamic State or other militant groups. Those options will involve US aircraft from ships at sea and air bases in the Gulf region, such as Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates. And they could range from persistent US overwatch to a more minimal presence. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss planning details, said there are no options yet for basing US troops or aircraft in nations neighbouring Afghanistan, because those possibilities require diplomatic negotiations. Any agreements with countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan would be difficult because there would be Russian opposition. McKenzie told reporters on Monday that the withdrawal from Afghanistan is on pace and 'continuing very smoothly'. He said it was 'about halfway finished', but provided no details. Other officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the pullout was more than half completed but provided no specifics. Officials acknowledge that the withdrawal so far has largely involved removing or otherwise disposing of the mountain of equipment, gadgetry, aircraft and other war materials that accumulated in Afghanistan over the years not the departure of troops. Officials say the troops, who are needed to secure and execute the withdrawal, will be among the last to leave.

US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain

The US Central Command has said that an estimated 30 to 44 per cent of American troops have been withdrawn from Afghanistan until last month, inching closer to achieve President Joe Biden's ambitious target of 100 per cent removal of its military from the war-torn country by September 11 this year.

The US has also officially handed over six facilities to Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in an update on the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan till May 31. US Central Command estimates that we have completed between 30-44 per cent of the entire retrograde process, it said on Tuesday.

President Biden in April announced that all American troops would be withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11 this year, thus bringing to end the country's longest war, spanning across two decades.

Since the President's decision, the Department of Defence has retrograded the equivalent of approximately 300 C-17 loads of material out of Afghanistan and have turned nearly 13,000 pieces of equipment to the Defence Logistics Agency for disposition, CENTCOM said.

The US and the Taliban signed a landmark deal in Doha on February 29, 2020 to bring lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan and allow US troops to return home from America's longest war.

Under the US-Taliban pact, the US has agreed to withdraw all its soldiers from Afghanistan in 14 months. There are currently 2,500 American troops left in Afghanistan, the lowest level of American forces in the war-torn country since 2001.

Since the US-led invasion that ousted the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America has spent more than USD 1 trillion in fighting and rebuilding in Afghanistan.&nbsp;About 2,400 US soldiers have been killed, along with tens of thousands of Afghan troops, Taliban insurgents and Afghan civilians.

The US Central Command has said that an estimated 30 to 44 per cent of American troops have been withdrawn from Afghanistan until last month, inching closer to achieve President Joe Biden's ambitious target of 100 per cent removal of its military from the war-torn country by September 11 this year.

The US Central Command has said that an estimated 30 to 44 per cent of American troops have been withdrawn from Afghanistan until last month, inching closer to achieve President Joe Biden's ambitious target of 100 per cent removal of its military from the war-torn country by September 11 this year. The US has also officially handed over six facilities to Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in an update on the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan till May 31. US Central Command estimates that we have completed between 30-44 per cent of the entire retrograde process, it said on Tuesday. President Biden in April announced that all American troops would be withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11 this year, thus bringing to end the country's longest war, spanning across two decades. Since the President's decision, the Department of Defence has retrograded the equivalent of approximately 300 C-17 loads of material out of Afghanistan and have turned nearly 13,000 pieces of equipment to the Defence Logistics Agency for disposition, CENTCOM said. The US and the Taliban signed a landmark deal in Doha on February 29, 2020 to bring lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan and allow US troops to return home from America's longest war. Under the US-Taliban pact, the US has agreed to withdraw all its soldiers from Afghanistan in 14 months. There are currently 2,500 American troops left in Afghanistan, the lowest level of American forces in the war-torn country since 2001. Since the US-led invasion that ousted the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America has spent more than USD 1 trillion in fighting and rebuilding in Afghanistan. About 2,400 US soldiers have been killed, along with tens of thousands of Afghan troops, Taliban insurgents and Afghan civilians.

US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan 30-44 per cent complete: CENTCOM

Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) were at loggerheads on Monday after the Chadian government accused its southern neighbour of killing six of its soldiers at a border post, five of whom were allegedly abducted and then executed, branding it a 'war crime' that would 'not go unpunished'.

Hours after the accusation, the CAR said there had been 'exchanges of fire... at the border', with fatalities on both sides.

Expressing regret for the deaths, it put the blame on rebels it said its soldiers had been pursuing and suggested Chad and the CAR, 'two brotherly peoples', hold a joint investigation.

The incident has placed the spotlight on the occasionally fraught relations between Chad, ruled by a junta since its veteran ruler was killed six weeks ago, and the CAR, an impoverished, unstable country battling powerful armed groups.

"The Central African armed forces attacked the outpost of Sourou in Chad on Sunday morning... They killed a Chadian soldier, injured five and kidnapped five others who were then executed in Mbang on the Central African Republic side," Chadian Foreign Minister Cherif Mahamat Zene said in a statement.

The CAR regularly accuses its northern neighbour of supporting armed rebel groups from inside Chad.&nbsp;The attack came after CAR soldiers had crossed into Chadian territory in pursuit of rebels, a senior Chadian security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The rebels were either members of the Unity for Peace in Central Africa (UPC) or the so-called 3R group, according to this source and another security source.

Both are among the CAR's most powerful armed groups and are part of a coalition that in December mounted a bid to topple President Faustin Archange Touadera.&nbsp;

The Sourou outpost near the village of Mbere, which was manned by 12 soldiers, was attacked at dawn, Zene said in his statement.

This "war crime is extremely serious and this deadly attack, which was pre-meditated, planned and operated from inside Chad, for reasons known only to the Central African government, will not go unpunished," he added.

Zene said Chad would "call the international community to bear witness" to what he branded a 'serious aggression', notably the UN's 12,000-strong peacekeeping force in CAR, MINUSCA, as well as the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

France, the region's former colonial power and a strong ally of Chad, said it "firmly condemns the attack on the Chadian forward post of Sourou."

A foreign ministry statement stressed "France's firm attachment to the stability and territorial integrity of Chad and of all the states in the region."

In Bangui, the CAR government said it "deplores the loss of human lives in the Chadian and Central African armed forces" and blamed rebels that it said its troops had been pursuing.

The statement reaffirmed CAR's will to strengthen relations "between two brotherly peoples" and proposed setting up a joint inquiry with Chad to investigate the clashes.

UN sources in the CAR, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there had been a clash on Sunday in the market place of Mini, a Chadian village near the border.

The fighting was between CAR troops and Russian paramilitary allies on one side, and Chadian soldiers on the other, the sources said.

At least one Chadian soldier was killed and five were captured, they said, adding that both sides suffered casualties.

CAR Foreign Minister Sylvie Baipo Temon said in a statement that rebels had attacked Central African troops at Mbang before fleeing towards Chad, creating an "unfortunate misunderstanding between Chadian and Central African and forces".

The anti-Touadera coalition is among the number of groups that hold large swathes of CAR's territory.

But it has failed in its attempt to oust the president, who was re-elected in late December.

The rebels have been pushed out of large towns in recent months, in part thanks to back-up for the CAR army from hundreds of Russian paramilitary fighters thought to be from the Wagner Group, a shadowy private military company.

Chad, meanwhile, has been under junta rule since April 20 when the military announced that veteran leader Idriss Deby Itno had been killed leading troops against Chadian rebel fighters arriving from Libya.

Chad's army is considered the most powerful in the region, and Deby's government was a key Western ally in the fight against jihadists in the volatile Sahel.

Deby's son Mahamat, a four-star general, declared himself president after the death of his father, who had ruled Chad with an iron fist for three decades.

The junta has dissolved parliament and revoked the constitution, while promising "free and democratic" elections within an 18-month transition period.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) were at loggerheads on Monday after the Chadian government accused its southern neighbour of killing six of its soldiers at a border post, five of whom were allegedly abducted and then executed, branding it a 'war crime' that would 'not go unpunished'.

Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) were at loggerheads on Monday after the Chadian government accused its southern neighbour of killing six of its soldiers at a border post, five of whom were allegedly abducted and then executed, branding it a 'war crime' that would 'not go unpunished'. Hours after the accusation, the CAR said there had been 'exchanges of fire... at the border', with fatalities on both sides. Expressing regret for the deaths, it put the blame on rebels it said its soldiers had been pursuing and suggested Chad and the CAR, 'two brotherly peoples', hold a joint investigation. The incident has placed the spotlight on the occasionally fraught relations between Chad, ruled by a junta since its veteran ruler was killed six weeks ago, and the CAR, an impoverished, unstable country battling powerful armed groups. "The Central African armed forces attacked the outpost of Sourou in Chad on Sunday morning... They killed a Chadian soldier, injured five and kidnapped five others who were then executed in Mbang on the Central African Republic side," Chadian Foreign Minister Cherif Mahamat Zene said in a statement. The CAR regularly accuses its northern neighbour of supporting armed rebel groups from inside Chad. The attack came after CAR soldiers had crossed into Chadian territory in pursuit of rebels, a senior Chadian security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The rebels were either members of the Unity for Peace in Central Africa (UPC) or the so-called 3R group, according to this source and another security source. Both are among the CAR's most powerful armed groups and are part of a coalition that in December mounted a bid to topple President Faustin Archange Touadera. The Sourou outpost near the village of Mbere, which was manned by 12 soldiers, was attacked at dawn, Zene said in his statement. This "war crime is extremely serious and this deadly attack, which was pre-meditated, planned and operated from inside Chad, for reasons known only to the Central African government, will not go unpunished," he added. Zene said Chad would "call the international community to bear witness" to what he branded a 'serious aggression', notably the UN's 12,000-strong peacekeeping force in CAR, MINUSCA, as well as the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). France, the region's former colonial power and a strong ally of Chad, said it "firmly condemns the attack on the Chadian forward post of Sourou." A foreign ministry statement stressed "France's firm attachment to the stability and territorial integrity of Chad and of all the states in the region." In Bangui, the CAR government said it "deplores the loss of human lives in the Chadian and Central African armed forces" and blamed rebels that it said its troops had been pursuing. The statement reaffirmed CAR's will to strengthen relations "between two brotherly peoples" and proposed setting up a joint inquiry with Chad to investigate the clashes. UN sources in the CAR, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there had been a clash on Sunday in the market place of Mini, a Chadian village near the border. The fighting was between CAR troops and Russian paramilitary allies on one side, and Chadian soldiers on the other, the sources said. At least one Chadian soldier was killed and five were captured, they said, adding that both sides suffered casualties. CAR Foreign Minister Sylvie Baipo Temon said in a statement that rebels had attacked Central African troops at Mbang before fleeing towards Chad, creating an "unfortunate misunderstanding between Chadian and Central African and forces". The anti-Touadera coalition is among the number of groups that hold large swathes of CAR's territory. But it has failed in its attempt to oust the president, who was re-elected in late December. The rebels have been pushed out of large towns in recent months, in part thanks to back-up for the CAR army from hundreds of Russian paramilitary fighters thought to be from the Wagner Group, a shadowy private military company. Chad, meanwhile, has been under junta rule since April 20 when the military announced that veteran leader Idriss Deby Itno had been killed leading troops against Chadian rebel fighters arriving from Libya. Chad's army is considered the most powerful in the region, and Deby's government was a key Western ally in the fight against jihadists in the volatile Sahel. Deby's son Mahamat, a four-star general, declared himself president after the death of his father, who had ruled Chad with an iron fist for three decades. The junta has dissolved parliament and revoked the constitution, while promising "free and democratic" elections within an 18-month transition period. (With inputs from agencies)

Chad, Central African Republic at loggerheads after troops killed at border

Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters did not take any hostage or put up resistance when army troops and police took positions at dawn on Saturday near the public market in the farming town of Datu Paglas, said military spokesman Lt Col John Paul Baldomar. &nbsp;

"They went into the market and stole food but got stuck inside when they saw that our forces have taken positions to ensure other buildings could not be threatened," he told reporters.&nbsp;

There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.&nbsp;

The rebel group broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the south, after it entered into peace talks and later signed a Muslim autonomy deal with the government in 2014. The breakaway guerrillas have continued sporadic attacks and bombings, with some aligning themselves with the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Baldomar said government forces locked down the town center, where the public market is located, and closed a highway at the height of the hours-long rebel occupation of the market. After the gunmen fled in batches following talks with local officials, soldiers found at least four homemade bombs placed by the rebels along the highway. Troops were pursuing the gunmen, he said.&nbsp;

Datu Paglas Vice Mayor Mohammad Paglas, however, gave a different account and told reporters that the mostly young Muslim rebels arrived on board five trucks in the town center on Friday to rest and mark the holy fasting month of Ramzan. He added some of the gunmen have relatives in the town in predominantly Muslim Maguindanao province.&nbsp;

"A big number of gunmen arrived and told us they just wanted to take rest since it's Ramzan. We allowed them," Paglas said.&nbsp;

When troops and police, some on board armored personnel carriers, arrived, the rebels were forced to retreat into the public market for cover but allowed people to leave the building, he said.&nbsp;

Paglas said there was an exchange of fire before the rebels fled, as requested by local officials. &nbsp;

Baldomar said some of the gunmen opened fire on civilian motorists, who were trapped along the highway. The motorists later managed to flee with the help of the military, he said.&nbsp;

Government forces have been on alert in the south, homeland of minority Muslims in the largely Roman Catholic nation, after hundreds of mostly local militants with some foreign supporters linked to the Islamic State group laid siege on southern Marawi city in 2017. &nbsp;

They took over buildings, including banks, school campuses and a hospital, before troops quelled the insurrection after five months with the help of surveillance aircraft deployed by the US and Australia. The audacious attack at the time reinforced fears that the IS was gaining a foothold in the Southeast Asia despite battle setbacks in Iraq and Syria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said on Saturday.

Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said on Saturday. The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters did not take any hostage or put up resistance when army troops and police took positions at dawn on Saturday near the public market in the farming town of Datu Paglas, said military spokesman Lt Col John Paul Baldomar. "They went into the market and stole food but got stuck inside when they saw that our forces have taken positions to ensure other buildings could not be threatened," he told reporters. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths. The rebel group broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the south, after it entered into peace talks and later signed a Muslim autonomy deal with the government in 2014. The breakaway guerrillas have continued sporadic attacks and bombings, with some aligning themselves with the Islamic State group. Baldomar said government forces locked down the town center, where the public market is located, and closed a highway at the height of the hours-long rebel occupation of the market. After the gunmen fled in batches following talks with local officials, soldiers found at least four homemade bombs placed by the rebels along the highway. Troops were pursuing the gunmen, he said. Datu Paglas Vice Mayor Mohammad Paglas, however, gave a different account and told reporters that the mostly young Muslim rebels arrived on board five trucks in the town center on Friday to rest and mark the holy fasting month of Ramzan. He added some of the gunmen have relatives in the town in predominantly Muslim Maguindanao province. "A big number of gunmen arrived and told us they just wanted to take rest since it's Ramzan. We allowed them," Paglas said. When troops and police, some on board armored personnel carriers, arrived, the rebels were forced to retreat into the public market for cover but allowed people to leave the building, he said. Paglas said there was an exchange of fire before the rebels fled, as requested by local officials. Baldomar said some of the gunmen opened fire on civilian motorists, who were trapped along the highway. The motorists later managed to flee with the help of the military, he said. Government forces have been on alert in the south, homeland of minority Muslims in the largely Roman Catholic nation, after hundreds of mostly local militants with some foreign supporters linked to the Islamic State group laid siege on southern Marawi city in 2017. They took over buildings, including banks, school campuses and a hospital, before troops quelled the insurrection after five months with the help of surveillance aircraft deployed by the US and Australia. The audacious attack at the time reinforced fears that the IS was gaining a foothold in the Southeast Asia despite battle setbacks in Iraq and Syria. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippine troops drive away armed rebels from public market 

The Pentagon on Monday said 'small harassing attacks' in Afghanistan over the weekend had not had a significant impact on the United States' military withdrawal from the country. &nbsp;

"What we've seen are some small harassing attacks over the course of the weekend that have not had any significant impact, certainly not on our people or our resources there and bases," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters.&nbsp;

The commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan said on Saturday it would be a mistake for insurgents to attack foreign troops still present after the passing of a May 1 deadline for withdrawal agreed last year with Taliban militants.&nbsp;

US Army General Scott Miller's comments followed what a US forces spokesman described as 'ineffective indirect fire' at an airfield in Kandahar that had caused no injuries or damage. The Taliban did not immediately respond to request for comment on whether it was involved.&nbsp;

Taliban insurgents attacked an army outpost in Afghanistan's southwestern Farah province killing at least seven soldiers, local officials said on Monday.&nbsp;

Violence against Afghans has risen in recent weeks, with more than a hundred Afghan security forces personnel killed.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies) &nbsp;

The Pentagon on Monday said 'small harassing attacks' in Afghanistan over the weekend had not had a significant impact on the United States' military withdrawal from the country.

The Pentagon on Monday said 'small harassing attacks' in Afghanistan over the weekend had not had a significant impact on the United States' military withdrawal from the country. "What we've seen are some small harassing attacks over the course of the weekend that have not had any significant impact, certainly not on our people or our resources there and bases," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters. The commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan said on Saturday it would be a mistake for insurgents to attack foreign troops still present after the passing of a May 1 deadline for withdrawal agreed last year with Taliban militants. US Army General Scott Miller's comments followed what a US forces spokesman described as 'ineffective indirect fire' at an airfield in Kandahar that had caused no injuries or damage. The Taliban did not immediately respond to request for comment on whether it was involved. Taliban insurgents attacked an army outpost in Afghanistan's southwestern Farah province killing at least seven soldiers, local officials said on Monday. Violence against Afghans has risen in recent weeks, with more than a hundred Afghan security forces personnel killed. (With input from agencies)

'Small' Afghanistan attacks have no significant impact on troop pullout: US 

Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency in the southern part of Amhara regional state as violence breaks out in various towns.&nbsp;

Last three days saw deadly armed violence in the town of Ataye and several other areas in Oromia special zones, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday.&nbsp;

Ethiopia's military was deploying troops to quell violence between the country's two largest ethnic groups that have left hundreds dead in recent weeks.&nbsp;

The decision underscores persistent insecurity extending beyond Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region ahead of national elections planned for June.&nbsp;

"A command post has been established in relation to the security problem that has occurred in North Shoa zone and Oromo special zone of Amhara regional state," the military said in a statement. &nbsp;

"The command post will help ensure the supremacy of the law on destructive forces that are disturbing the peace in these areas."&nbsp;

The Amhara region is dominated by the ethnic Amhara group, Ethiopia's second-largest, but the Oromo special zone is populated mainly by Oromos, the numerically dominant group.&nbsp;

Ethiopia's chief ombudsman, Endale Haile, said earlier this month that the violence in Amhara had killed more than 300 people over several days in March.&nbsp;

Jemal Hassen Mohammed, chief administrator of the Jile-Temuga area in the Oromo special zone, said it began March 19 after an ethnic Oromo imam was shot dead outside a mosque, sparking clashes between Amhara security forces and ethnic Oromo civilians.&nbsp;

The Amhara Association of America, a US-based lobbying group, said more than 100 ethnic Amharas had been killed in North Shoa zone by members of the Oromo Liberation Army rebel group.&nbsp;

Further violence has been reported in the area as recently as this weekend, though updated casualty information was not available on Sunday. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency in the southern part of Amhara regional state as violence breaks out in various towns. Last three days saw deadly armed violence in the town of Ataye and several other areas in Oromia special zones, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday.

Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency in the southern part of Amhara regional state as violence breaks out in various towns. Last three days saw deadly armed violence in the town of Ataye and several other areas in Oromia special zones, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday. Ethiopia's military was deploying troops to quell violence between the country's two largest ethnic groups that have left hundreds dead in recent weeks. The decision underscores persistent insecurity extending beyond Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region ahead of national elections planned for June. "A command post has been established in relation to the security problem that has occurred in North Shoa zone and Oromo special zone of Amhara regional state," the military said in a statement. "The command post will help ensure the supremacy of the law on destructive forces that are disturbing the peace in these areas." The Amhara region is dominated by the ethnic Amhara group, Ethiopia's second-largest, but the Oromo special zone is populated mainly by Oromos, the numerically dominant group. Ethiopia's chief ombudsman, Endale Haile, said earlier this month that the violence in Amhara had killed more than 300 people over several days in March. Jemal Hassen Mohammed, chief administrator of the Jile-Temuga area in the Oromo special zone, said it began March 19 after an ethnic Oromo imam was shot dead outside a mosque, sparking clashes between Amhara security forces and ethnic Oromo civilians. The Amhara Association of America, a US-based lobbying group, said more than 100 ethnic Amharas had been killed in North Shoa zone by members of the Oromo Liberation Army rebel group. Further violence has been reported in the area as recently as this weekend, though updated casualty information was not available on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia declares state of emergency in Amhara, deploys troops to quell ethnic violence 

US President Joe Biden has decided to withdraw all the remaining American troops from Afghanistan by the September 11. The United States will not be meeting the original deadline of May 1 which was set by the Trump administration.

Biden announces to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by September 11

US to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by September 11, extending May 1 deadline

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