The Nepal government on Sunday confirmed the safe return of 504 Nepali nationals to Kathmandu from Afghanistan and affirmed that it is further coordinating and facilitating efforts to bring back its citizens who were rescued from Kabul and are in other countries.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement and outlined that the government was coordinating the return of Nepali citizens who were rescued from Kabul and reached Doha, Dubai, London and New Delhi.&nbsp;

“More Nepali nationals rescued from Afghanistan are in the process of returning to Nepal. So far, 504 people have been rescued and have returned to Kathmandu," the statement said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/127-people-including-118-nepalis-return-to-kathmandu-from-afghanistan-406250">Also read |&nbsp;127 people including 118 Nepalis return to Kathmandu from Afghanistan</a>

As many as 356 Nepalis in Afghanistan have registered their whereabouts on the Department of Consular Services’ web portal, expressing their interest to return home.&nbsp;

The Task Force formed to facilitate the rescue of Nepali nationals from Afghanistan said it was coordinating with other nations who are conducting rescue flights to and from Kabul to bring back Nepali migrants.&nbsp;

The evacuees were tested for COVID-19 on their arrival and put in isolation centres.

The Nepal government on Sunday confirmed the safe return of 504 Nepali nationals to Kathmandu from Afghanistan and affirmed that it is further coordinating and facilitating efforts to bring back its citizens who were rescued from Kabul and are in other countries.

The Nepal government on Sunday confirmed the safe return of 504 Nepali nationals to Kathmandu from Afghanistan and affirmed that it is further coordinating and facilitating efforts to bring back its citizens who were rescued from Kabul and are in other countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement and outlined that the government was coordinating the return of Nepali citizens who were rescued from Kabul and reached Doha, Dubai, London and New Delhi. “More Nepali nationals rescued from Afghanistan are in the process of returning to Nepal. So far, 504 people have been rescued and have returned to Kathmandu," the statement said. Also read | 127 people including 118 Nepalis return to Kathmandu from Afghanistan As many as 356 Nepalis in Afghanistan have registered their whereabouts on the Department of Consular Services’ web portal, expressing their interest to return home. The Task Force formed to facilitate the rescue of Nepali nationals from Afghanistan said it was coordinating with other nations who are conducting rescue flights to and from Kabul to bring back Nepali migrants. The evacuees were tested for COVID-19 on their arrival and put in isolation centres.

504 Nepali citizens rescued from Afghanistan so far: Government

The Taliban appear to have released a photo mocking the Americans, copying one of the most recognisable photos of World War II. This photo shows US Marines raising the flag on the island of Iwo Jima while donning US-made tactical gear.

Taliban 'mock US' with propaganda photo copying Iwo Jima flag raising

US Vice President Kamala Harris met with Singapore's Prime Minister and will meet with the country's President as she kicks off a visit to Southeast Asia focused on strengthening ties with key allies in the region.

US Vice Prez Kamala Harris visits Singapore to strengthen ties, counter China's influence

A senior Taliban representative on Sunday blamed the United States for the chaotic situation at Kabul airport even as thousands of foreigners and Afghan nationals continued to throng the area in the hope of getting on board the evacuation flights.

“America, with all its power and facilities... has failed to bring order to the airport. There is peace and calm all over the country, but there is chaos only at Kabul airport," AFP quoted Taliban leader Amir Khan Mutaqi as saying.

Muttaqi was a higher education minister when the Taliban&nbsp;last ruled the country. He has been in touch with the Kabul leadership and former president Hamid Karzai after the Taliban took over Afghanistan.

For the past one week, Kabul airport has been witnessing desperate scenes with a large number of Afghan civilians and foreigners swamping the area in a desperate attempt to flee the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-takeover-of-afghanistan-a-us-backed-conspiracy-islamic-state-407284">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban takeover of Afghanistan a 'US-backed conspiracy': Islamic State</a>

While the US has been scrambling to expedite the evacuation process, the European Union admitted it was "impossible" to evacuate everyone at risk from the Taliban.

On Sunday, Britain's defence ministry said seven people had died in the crowds.

A journalist, who was among a group of fleeing media workers and academics fortunate enough to reach the airport, described desperate scenes of people surrounding their bus on the way in.

“They were showing us their passports and shouting ‘take us with you... please take us with you’,” AFP quoted the journalist as saying.

“The Taliban fighter in the truck ahead of us had to shoot in the air to make them go away,” the journalist said.

Britain’s Sky News on Saturday aired footage of at least three bodies covered in white tarpaulin outside the airport. It was not clear how they had died.

A senior Taliban representative on Sunday blamed the United States for the chaotic situation at Kabul airport even as thousands of foreigners and Afghan nationals continued to throng the area in the hope of getting on board the evacuation flights.

A senior Taliban representative on Sunday blamed the United States for the chaotic situation at Kabul airport even as thousands of foreigners and Afghan nationals continued to throng the area in the hope of getting on board the evacuation flights. “America, with all its power and facilities... has failed to bring order to the airport. There is peace and calm all over the country, but there is chaos only at Kabul airport," AFP quoted Taliban leader Amir Khan Mutaqi as saying. Muttaqi was a higher education minister when the Taliban last ruled the country. He has been in touch with the Kabul leadership and former president Hamid Karzai after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. For the past one week, Kabul airport has been witnessing desperate scenes with a large number of Afghan civilians and foreigners swamping the area in a desperate attempt to flee the country. Also read | Taliban takeover of Afghanistan a 'US-backed conspiracy': Islamic State While the US has been scrambling to expedite the evacuation process, the European Union admitted it was "impossible" to evacuate everyone at risk from the Taliban. On Sunday, Britain's defence ministry said seven people had died in the crowds. A journalist, who was among a group of fleeing media workers and academics fortunate enough to reach the airport, described desperate scenes of people surrounding their bus on the way in. “They were showing us their passports and shouting ‘take us with you... please take us with you’,” AFP quoted the journalist as saying. “The Taliban fighter in the truck ahead of us had to shoot in the air to make them go away,” the journalist said. Britain’s Sky News on Saturday aired footage of at least three bodies covered in white tarpaulin outside the airport. It was not clear how they had died.

Taliban blames US for ‘chaos’ at Kabul airport, says peace in rest of Afghanistan

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday. &nbsp;

The Islamic State offshoot poses a threat to the airport and its surroundings. A US defence official told CNN, "There is a strong possibility ISIS-K is trying to carry off an attack at the airport." &nbsp;&nbsp;

A senior diplomat in Kabul also confirmed, they are aware of a credible but not immediate threat by Islamic State against Americans at Hamid Karzai International Airport. &nbsp;

To avert an attack, the military has established "alternative routes" for people to get to Kabul airport and its access gates. These new routes will be available to US citizens, third party nationals and qualified Afghans. &nbsp;

An official said, the Taliban are aware of the new effort and are coordinating with the US. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, UK's defence ministry said that at least seven people were killed in the chaos near Kabul airport. &nbsp;

Boris Johnson government's announcement comes even as reports said Taliban rulers had imposed some order around the chaotic Kabul airport on Sunday. &nbsp;

"Our sincere thoughts are with the families of the seven Afghan civilians, who have sadly died in crowds in Kabul," the UK defence ministry said in a statement. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday.

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday. The Islamic State offshoot poses a threat to the airport and its surroundings. A US defence official told CNN, "There is a strong possibility ISIS-K is trying to carry off an attack at the airport." A senior diplomat in Kabul also confirmed, they are aware of a credible but not immediate threat by Islamic State against Americans at Hamid Karzai International Airport. To avert an attack, the military has established "alternative routes" for people to get to Kabul airport and its access gates. These new routes will be available to US citizens, third party nationals and qualified Afghans. An official said, the Taliban are aware of the new effort and are coordinating with the US. Meanwhile, UK's defence ministry said that at least seven people were killed in the chaos near Kabul airport. Boris Johnson government's announcement comes even as reports said Taliban rulers had imposed some order around the chaotic Kabul airport on Sunday. "Our sincere thoughts are with the families of the seven Afghan civilians, who have sadly died in crowds in Kabul," the UK defence ministry said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

US forces establish alternate routes to Kabul airport over ISIS threat

A NATO official has said at least 20 people have lost their lives at Kabul airport during the evacuation process that began after the Taliban militants seized control of the capital city last week.

“The crisis outside the Kabul airport is unfortunate. Our focus is to evacuate all foreigners as soon as we can,” Reuters quoted the official, who didn’t wish to be named.

Large swathes of crowd have been gathering at the airport for the last one week in a last-ditched effort to fly out of the country amid fears of the return of stringent Sharia law the Taliban used to enforce when it was in power two decades ago.

Several western countries, including US, UK, had to suspend the evacuation process in the face of worsening security situation at the Taliban airport.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ashraf-ghanis-brother-pledges-allegiance-to-taliban-report-407612">Also read |&nbsp;Ashraf Ghani's brother pledges allegiance to Taliban: Report</a>

“Our forces are maintaining strict distance from outer areas of the Kabul airport to prevent any clashes with the Taliban,” the NATO official added.

On Saturday, the United States and Germany told their citizens in Afghanistan to avoid travelling to Kabul airport, citing security risks.

Army major general William Taylor told a Pentagon briefing on Saturday that 5,800 US troops remain at the airport and that the facility “remains secure”. Taylor said some gates into the airport were temporarily closed and reopened over the past day to facilitate a safe influx of evacuees.

Australia ran four flights into Kabul on Saturday night, evacuating more than 300 people, including Australians, Afghan visa holders, New Zealanders, US and British citizens, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

&nbsp;

A NATO official has said at least 20 people have lost their lives at Kabul airport during the evacuation process that began after the Taliban militants seized control of the capital city last week.

A NATO official has said at least 20 people have lost their lives at Kabul airport during the evacuation process that began after the Taliban militants seized control of the capital city last week. “The crisis outside the Kabul airport is unfortunate. Our focus is to evacuate all foreigners as soon as we can,” Reuters quoted the official, who didn’t wish to be named. Large swathes of crowd have been gathering at the airport for the last one week in a last-ditched effort to fly out of the country amid fears of the return of stringent Sharia law the Taliban used to enforce when it was in power two decades ago. Several western countries, including US, UK, had to suspend the evacuation process in the face of worsening security situation at the Taliban airport. Also read | Ashraf Ghani's brother pledges allegiance to Taliban: Report “Our forces are maintaining strict distance from outer areas of the Kabul airport to prevent any clashes with the Taliban,” the NATO official added. On Saturday, the United States and Germany told their citizens in Afghanistan to avoid travelling to Kabul airport, citing security risks. Army major general William Taylor told a Pentagon briefing on Saturday that 5,800 US troops remain at the airport and that the facility “remains secure”. Taylor said some gates into the airport were temporarily closed and reopened over the past day to facilitate a safe influx of evacuees. Australia ran four flights into Kabul on Saturday night, evacuating more than 300 people, including Australians, Afghan visa holders, New Zealanders, US and British citizens, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

At least 20 died in a week during evacuation at Kabul airport: NATO official

The United States has agreed on “bilateral coordination action” to help Lithuania withstand the diplomatic onslaught from China after it allowed Taiwan to establish an embassy under its own name in the Baltic country.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with Lithuania`s foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on Saturday, weeks after China threatened to withdraw its ambassador to Vilnius and asked the latter to recall their envoy from Beijing.

“Blinken and Gabrielius Landsbergis agreed that China’s unilateral aggressive actions and political pressure on Lithuania were totally unacceptable,” Reuters quoted a statement from the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry published on Sunday.

However, the statement did not dwell into the specifics of the “bilateral action”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-lithuanias-envoy-to-leave-beijing-over-taiwan-row-404881">Also read |&nbsp;China asks Lithuania's envoy to leave Beijing over Taiwan row</a>

In a separate statement, the US department of state said, “Blinken underscored ironclad US solidarity with our NATO ally and EU partner Lithuania in the face of the People`s Republic of China`s coercive behaviour.”

The row between China and Lithuania erupted last month when Taiwan, which China considers to be a part of its territory under its One Country, Two Systems’ policy, said it was setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name of ‘Taiwan’ instead of ‘Taipei’ — an act Beijing considers as a diplomatic insult.

Protesting the move, China asked Lithuania's envoy to leave Beijing.

However, Lithuania's foreign ministry expressed regret over Beijing's decision.

“While respecting the principle of one China, (Lithuania) is determined to develop mutually beneficial relations with Taiwan,” the ministry said in a statement.

The United States is Taiwan's strongest international backer and main supplier of arms, according to Reuters.

The United States has agreed on “bilateral coordination action” to help Lithuania withstand the diplomatic onslaught from China after it allowed Taiwan to establish an embassy under its own name in the Baltic country.

The United States has agreed on “bilateral coordination action” to help Lithuania withstand the diplomatic onslaught from China after it allowed Taiwan to establish an embassy under its own name in the Baltic country. US secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with Lithuania`s foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on Saturday, weeks after China threatened to withdraw its ambassador to Vilnius and asked the latter to recall their envoy from Beijing. “Blinken and Gabrielius Landsbergis agreed that China’s unilateral aggressive actions and political pressure on Lithuania were totally unacceptable,” Reuters quoted a statement from the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry published on Sunday. However, the statement did not dwell into the specifics of the “bilateral action”. Also read | China asks Lithuania's envoy to leave Beijing over Taiwan row In a separate statement, the US department of state said, “Blinken underscored ironclad US solidarity with our NATO ally and EU partner Lithuania in the face of the People`s Republic of China`s coercive behaviour.” The row between China and Lithuania erupted last month when Taiwan, which China considers to be a part of its territory under its One Country, Two Systems’ policy, said it was setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name of ‘Taiwan’ instead of ‘Taipei’ — an act Beijing considers as a diplomatic insult. Protesting the move, China asked Lithuania's envoy to leave Beijing. However, Lithuania's foreign ministry expressed regret over Beijing's decision. “While respecting the principle of one China, (Lithuania) is determined to develop mutually beneficial relations with Taiwan,” the ministry said in a statement. The United States is Taiwan's strongest international backer and main supplier of arms, according to Reuters.

US, Lithuania agree on ‘bilateral coordination action’ against China over Taiwan row

Canada would consider taking in additional Afghan refugees on behalf of the United States or other allies if asked to do so, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday.

"We should keep the door open to all possibilities," Mendicino said in an interview.

"If there were Afghans who had assisted coalition partners during the mission that also met the criteria for our humanitarian resettlement program, I think we should be prepared to consider such an arrangement," the minister said.

Canada is part of a coalition of countries frantically trying to evacuate Afghan citizens who supported Western missions in Afghanistan over the years, amidst a Taliban takeover of the country that occurred in days, rather than months as expected.

Canada withdrew the bulk of its troops from Afghanistan in 2011, but participated in a NATO mission to train the Afghan military until 2014.

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Helping out Afghans who supported Canada's past missions has become a hot political topic ahead of the Sept. 20 election, called by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday.

The Canadian Armed Forces flew 175 vulnerable Afghans and 13 foreign nationals out of Kabul late on Thursday, and evacuations "are scheduled to continue on a regular basis so long as the security situation permits," according to a statement.

Canada has evacuated nearly 1,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to date, the statement said.

Evacuation flights could include families of refugees already living in Canada 18 whose resettlement has so far been held up by bureaucracy, Mendicino said.

The independent tribunal that assesses asylum claims in Canada has agreed to expedite Afghan refugee applications, a crucial step for asylum claimants to reunite with their families, the minister said.

Separately, last week Canada committed to resettling 20,000 Afghan refugees who have already fled the country, and on Friday Mendicino said the government was keeping "an open mind" about potentially increasing that number.

Canada would consider taking in additional Afghan refugees on behalf of the United States or other allies if asked to do so, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday.

Canada would consider taking in additional Afghan refugees on behalf of the United States or other allies if asked to do so, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. "We should keep the door open to all possibilities," Mendicino said in an interview. "If there were Afghans who had assisted coalition partners during the mission that also met the criteria for our humanitarian resettlement program, I think we should be prepared to consider such an arrangement," the minister said. Canada is part of a coalition of countries frantically trying to evacuate Afghan citizens who supported Western missions in Afghanistan over the years, amidst a Taliban takeover of the country that occurred in days, rather than months as expected. Canada withdrew the bulk of its troops from Afghanistan in 2011, but participated in a NATO mission to train the Afghan military until 2014. Also read | Experts look at toxic algae after California family is found dead on hiking trail Helping out Afghans who supported Canada's past missions has become a hot political topic ahead of the Sept. 20 election, called by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday. The Canadian Armed Forces flew 175 vulnerable Afghans and 13 foreign nationals out of Kabul late on Thursday, and evacuations "are scheduled to continue on a regular basis so long as the security situation permits," according to a statement. Canada has evacuated nearly 1,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to date, the statement said. Evacuation flights could include families of refugees already living in Canada 18 whose resettlement has so far been held up by bureaucracy, Mendicino said. The independent tribunal that assesses asylum claims in Canada has agreed to expedite Afghan refugee applications, a crucial step for asylum claimants to reunite with their families, the minister said. Separately, last week Canada committed to resettling 20,000 Afghan refugees who have already fled the country, and on Friday Mendicino said the government was keeping "an open mind" about potentially increasing that number.

Canada would consider accepting Afghan refugees on behalf of US allies - Minister

Mexico&nbsp;said Friday that a&nbsp;court&nbsp;in the United States had agreed to&nbsp;hear&nbsp;its lawsuit&nbsp;against&nbsp;major&nbsp;gunmakers&nbsp;over cross-border firearms trafficking that it blames for fueling drug-related violence.

A federal&nbsp;court&nbsp;in Massachusetts accepted to consider the&nbsp;suit&nbsp;against&nbsp;companies "responsible for the negligent trade in weapons used by criminals here," Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said.

"It's a first great step," he wrote on Twitter.

The companies named in the&nbsp;suit, which was filed on August 4, include Smith &amp; Wesson, Beretta, Colt, Glock, Century Arms, Ruger and Barrett.

Together they manufacture more than two-thirds of the over half a million weapons that are illegally brought into&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;each year, according to the Mexican authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-takes-time-out-with-some-foosball-407253">Also read |&nbsp;Pope Francis takes time out with some Foosball</a>

The Latin American country accuses US manufacturers of developing different firearm models especially for Mexican drug traffickers.

Between 70 and 90 percent of all weapons recovered from crime scenes in&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;were smuggled in from the United States,&nbsp;Mexico's foreign ministry&nbsp;says.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for the damage caused by the firms' alleged "negligent practices," as well as the implementation of adequate standards to "monitor and discipline" arms dealers.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the US firearm industry trade association, has called the allegations "baseless" and told the Mexican government that it is responsible for crime within its own borders.

Mexico&nbsp;has seen more than 300,000 murders since 2006 when it deployed the military in the war on drug trafficking, most of them blamed on criminal gangs.

Mexico said Friday that a court in the United States had agreed to hear its lawsuit against major gunmakers over cross-border firearms trafficking that it blames for fueling drug-related violence.

Mexico said Friday that a court in the United States had agreed to hear its lawsuit against major gunmakers over cross-border firearms trafficking that it blames for fueling drug-related violence. A federal court in Massachusetts accepted to consider the suit against companies "responsible for the negligent trade in weapons used by criminals here," Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said. "It's a first great step," he wrote on Twitter. The companies named in the suit, which was filed on August 4, include Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Colt, Glock, Century Arms, Ruger and Barrett. Together they manufacture more than two-thirds of the over half a million weapons that are illegally brought into Mexico each year, according to the Mexican authorities. Also read | Pope Francis takes time out with some Foosball The Latin American country accuses US manufacturers of developing different firearm models especially for Mexican drug traffickers. Between 70 and 90 percent of all weapons recovered from crime scenes in Mexico were smuggled in from the United States, Mexico's foreign ministry says. The lawsuit seeks compensation for the damage caused by the firms' alleged "negligent practices," as well as the implementation of adequate standards to "monitor and discipline" arms dealers. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the US firearm industry trade association, has called the allegations "baseless" and told the Mexican government that it is responsible for crime within its own borders. Mexico has seen more than 300,000 murders since 2006 when it deployed the military in the war on drug trafficking, most of them blamed on criminal gangs.

Mexico says US court agrees to hear suit against gunmakers

The US military in Afghanistan sent helicopters to&nbsp;rescue&nbsp;over 150&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;unable to reach the&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport gates, an official said Friday, in the first evidence that US forces were willing and able to go beyond the US-secured compound to help people seeking evacuation.

The news came as American officials confirmed evacuation operations from Afghanistan stalled for about seven hours Friday, because the receiving base in Qatar was overflowing and could not take in evacuees.

That left thousands more Afghans already cleared to leave their country for the United States waiting at the&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport.

"It was early this morning, and it lasted about six to seven hours," Major General Hank Taylor told reporters, adding the backlog was subsequently cleared.

The US State Department has been criticised for being overly bureaucratic and not having enough staff to process thousands of Afghans seeking to come to the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-biden-says-cannot-guarantee-final-outcome-of-risky-kabul-evacuation-407326">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Biden says cannot guarantee 'final outcome' of risky Kabul evacuation</a>

Evacuee accounts from Qatar describe sleeping on the floor in sweltering heat in a US aircraft hanger for three days or more, with limited facilities.

Taylor said US aircraft flew some 6,000 people, including a couple of hundred US citizens, out of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;in the 24 hours to early Friday, until the bottleneck halted flights.

Close to the perimeter

Flights from&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;resumed late Friday after US operations in Qatar arranged for trips for many evacuees onward to the US military base in Ramstein, Germany.

US citizens and Afghans who worked for the US forces in Afghanistan continued to attempt to get to the airport in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;to leave the country.

There were numerous accounts of some struggling to reach and enter the airport, some impeded by Taliban fighters who now control&nbsp;Kabul.

President Joe Biden said Friday that US troops had to go beyond the perimeter of the airport to retrieve 169&nbsp;Americans, potentially risking a conflict with the Taliban.

Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby downplayed the incident.

"They were very close to the perimeter of the airport. Very close," he said, adding later that they had been airlifted from the Baron hotel, near the airport, by three US Chinook helicopters.

The helicopters had been deployed due to concerns for the&nbsp;Americans' safety in traversing a huge crowd that had gathered outside the airport's Abbey entry gate.

"There was a large crowd established outside the Abbey Gate, a crowd that not everybody had confidence in, in terms of their ability to walk through it, and so local commanders on the scene took the initiative and flew these helicopters out there to pick them up," Kirby said.

Taylor said the Taliban have mostly been cooperating with US officials to allow those with US passports or visas to get to the airport and that there was "constant communication" between the US commander on the ground and the Taliban.

"We're seeing that things that we are asking for," such as passage to the airport, "is happening and getting better," he said.

The US military in Afghanistan sent helicopters to rescue over 150 Americans unable to reach the Kabul airport gates, an official said Friday, in the first evidence that US forces were willing and able to go beyond the US-secured compound to help people seeking evacuation.

The US military in Afghanistan sent helicopters to rescue over 150 Americans unable to reach the Kabul airport gates, an official said Friday, in the first evidence that US forces were willing and able to go beyond the US-secured compound to help people seeking evacuation. The news came as American officials confirmed evacuation operations from Afghanistan stalled for about seven hours Friday, because the receiving base in Qatar was overflowing and could not take in evacuees. That left thousands more Afghans already cleared to leave their country for the United States waiting at the Kabul airport. "It was early this morning, and it lasted about six to seven hours," Major General Hank Taylor told reporters, adding the backlog was subsequently cleared. The US State Department has been criticised for being overly bureaucratic and not having enough staff to process thousands of Afghans seeking to come to the United States. Also read | Afghanistan: Biden says cannot guarantee 'final outcome' of risky Kabul evacuation Evacuee accounts from Qatar describe sleeping on the floor in sweltering heat in a US aircraft hanger for three days or more, with limited facilities. Taylor said US aircraft flew some 6,000 people, including a couple of hundred US citizens, out of Kabul in the 24 hours to early Friday, until the bottleneck halted flights. Close to the perimeter Flights from Kabul resumed late Friday after US operations in Qatar arranged for trips for many evacuees onward to the US military base in Ramstein, Germany. US citizens and Afghans who worked for the US forces in Afghanistan continued to attempt to get to the airport in Kabul to leave the country. There were numerous accounts of some struggling to reach and enter the airport, some impeded by Taliban fighters who now control Kabul. President Joe Biden said Friday that US troops had to go beyond the perimeter of the airport to retrieve 169 Americans, potentially risking a conflict with the Taliban. Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby downplayed the incident. "They were very close to the perimeter of the airport. Very close," he said, adding later that they had been airlifted from the Baron hotel, near the airport, by three US Chinook helicopters. The helicopters had been deployed due to concerns for the Americans' safety in traversing a huge crowd that had gathered outside the airport's Abbey entry gate. "There was a large crowd established outside the Abbey Gate, a crowd that not everybody had confidence in, in terms of their ability to walk through it, and so local commanders on the scene took the initiative and flew these helicopters out there to pick them up," Kirby said. Taylor said the Taliban have mostly been cooperating with US officials to allow those with US passports or visas to get to the airport and that there was "constant communication" between the US commander on the ground and the Taliban. "We're seeing that things that we are asking for," such as passage to the airport, "is happening and getting better," he said.

US flies to rescue of Americans trying to escape Kabul

A swath of the US east coast, including New York City, was under alert Friday due to approaching storm Henri, which is expected to become the first hurricane to hit the New England area in decades.

Forecasters warned of violent winds, the risk of flash floods and surging seas as the storm churned in the Atlantic, with landfall expected on Sunday.

"Strengthening is forecast during the next day or so, and Henri is expected to become a hurricane tonight&nbsp;or Saturday," the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest bulletin.

Officials in the New England region, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont,&nbsp; warned people to get ready.

"All residents are advised to begin storm preparations today, and to pay close attention to local weather," said the office of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.&nbsp;

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His state, which will close parks and beaches from Saturday to Monday, was bracing for the high winds to knock out electricity for up to 300,000 locals, the governors office said.

NHC forecasters said Henri was packing sustained winds of nearly 70 miles&nbsp;per hour and threatened New York, as well as the neighbouring New England states with potentially 10 inches&nbsp;of rain in some areas.

Storm "swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions," said the NHC bulletin.

If Henri strengthens as expected and stays on its current course, the storm would be the first hurricane to directly hit New England in 30 years.

"The last hurricane to make landfall onto New England was Hurricane Bob in 1991," Dennis Feltgen, an NHC spokesman, told AFP. That storm killed at least 17 people.&nbsp;

It's been almost a decade since such severe weather was expected in part of the region.

"The last time we had hurricane watches issued for the area was for Hurricane Irene, back in late August of 2011," tweeted the National Weather Service in New York City.&nbsp;

A swath of the US east coast, including New York City, was under alert Friday due to approaching storm Henri, which is expected to become the first hurricane to hit the New England area in decades.

A swath of the US east coast, including New York City, was under alert Friday due to approaching storm Henri, which is expected to become the first hurricane to hit the New England area in decades. Forecasters warned of violent winds, the risk of flash floods and surging seas as the storm churned in the Atlantic, with landfall expected on Sunday. "Strengthening is forecast during the next day or so, and Henri is expected to become a hurricane tonight or Saturday," the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest bulletin. Officials in the New England region, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, warned people to get ready. "All residents are advised to begin storm preparations today, and to pay close attention to local weather," said the office of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. Also read | It rains instead of snow on Greenland summit for first time ever His state, which will close parks and beaches from Saturday to Monday, was bracing for the high winds to knock out electricity for up to 300,000 locals, the governors office said. NHC forecasters said Henri was packing sustained winds of nearly 70 miles per hour and threatened New York, as well as the neighbouring New England states with potentially 10 inches of rain in some areas. Storm "swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions," said the NHC bulletin. If Henri strengthens as expected and stays on its current course, the storm would be the first hurricane to directly hit New England in 30 years. "The last hurricane to make landfall onto New England was Hurricane Bob in 1991," Dennis Feltgen, an NHC spokesman, told AFP. That storm killed at least 17 people. It's been almost a decade since such severe weather was expected in part of the region. "The last time we had hurricane watches issued for the area was for Hurricane Irene, back in late August of 2011," tweeted the National Weather Service in New York City.

Powerful storm threatens US east coast

A judge in California has declared unconstitutional a referendum moved by the California voters which exempted ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Lyft from adhering to a state law requiring drivers to be classified as employees to enjoy job protection benefits.

Alameda county superior court Judge Frank Roesch ruled that Proposition 22, a ballot measure approved in November last year, "infringes on the power of the legislature explicitly granted by the state constitution to regulate compensation for workers'&nbsp;injuries."

The voters had approved the measure Uber,&nbsp;Lyft and other services spent nearly $200m in its favour, making it the most expensive ballot measure in state history, reported the Guardian.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/over-70000-uber-drivers-in-uk-now-entitled-to-minimum-wage-other-workers-rights-371005#:~:text=More%20than%2070%2C000%20Uber%20drivers,the%20Supreme%20Court%20last%20months.&amp;text=Last%20year%2C%20Uber%20won%20a%20similar%20compromise%20in%20California.">Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;Over 70,000 Uber drivers in UK now entitled to minimum wage, other workers' rights&nbsp;</a>

Meanwhile, Uber has expressed displeasure over the order and said it would challenge the judgement.

"This ruling ignores the will of the overwhelming majority of California voters and defies both logic and the law. You don't have to take our word for it: California's attorney general strongly defended Proposition 22's constitutionality in this very case,"&nbsp;the company’s spokesman Noah Edwardsen was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

He said the measure will remain in force pending the appeal.

Proposition 22 shielded the app-based ride-hailing firms from a labour law that required such services to treat drivers as employees and not independent contractors or "gig workers", who don’t enjoy benefits such as paid sick leave or unemployment insurance.

Uber and Lyft threatened to leave the state if voters rejected the measure.

A judge in California has declared unconstitutional a referendum moved by the California voters which exempted ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Lyft from adhering to a state law requiring drivers to be classified as employees to enjoy job protection benefits.

A judge in California has declared unconstitutional a referendum moved by the California voters which exempted ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Lyft from adhering to a state law requiring drivers to be classified as employees to enjoy job protection benefits. Alameda county superior court Judge Frank Roesch ruled that Proposition 22, a ballot measure approved in November last year, "infringes on the power of the legislature explicitly granted by the state constitution to regulate compensation for workers' injuries." The voters had approved the measure Uber, Lyft and other services spent nearly $200m in its favour, making it the most expensive ballot measure in state history, reported the Guardian. Also read | Over 70,000 Uber drivers in UK now entitled to minimum wage, other workers' rights Meanwhile, Uber has expressed displeasure over the order and said it would challenge the judgement. "This ruling ignores the will of the overwhelming majority of California voters and defies both logic and the law. You don't have to take our word for it: California's attorney general strongly defended Proposition 22's constitutionality in this very case," the company’s spokesman Noah Edwardsen was quoted as saying by the Guardian. He said the measure will remain in force pending the appeal. Proposition 22 shielded the app-based ride-hailing firms from a labour law that required such services to treat drivers as employees and not independent contractors or "gig workers", who don’t enjoy benefits such as paid sick leave or unemployment insurance. Uber and Lyft threatened to leave the state if voters rejected the measure.

Setback for Uber, Lyft as California judge declares gig worker initiative unconstitutional

US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he is nominating Nicholas Burns as ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel as top envoy to Japan. &nbsp;

For months, the two top diplomatic positions have been in the process of finalisation but were made official only in an announcement by the White House in the midst of the biggest foreign policy crisis of the administration till now. &nbsp;

Career diplomat Burns has served presidents of both the parties. If he gets confirmed, the diplomat would assume one of the most critical ambassador posts in the administration. The rise of China is highly likely to be at the centre of several important policy discussions. &nbsp;

Burns, who is a former member of the foreign service, has previously served as State Department spokesman, Ambassador to NATO and to Greece, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and on the National Security Council staff on Soviet and Russian Affairs.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Emanuel, who is a former Chicago mayor, a senior adviser for President Bill Clinton, chief of staff to President Barack Obama and a member of Congress representing Illinois, has drawn the ire of progressive Democrats. He was also considered for a number of jobs within the Biden administration. &nbsp;

When Emanuel faces confirmation hearing, his track record in politics may get overshadowed by a series of controversies during his tenure as Chicago mayor. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he is nominating Nicholas Burns as ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel as top envoy to Japan. For months, the two top diplomatic positions have been in the process of finalisation but were made official only in an announcement by the White House in the midst of the biggest foreign policy crisis of the administration till now.

US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he is nominating Nicholas Burns as ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel as top envoy to Japan. For months, the two top diplomatic positions have been in the process of finalisation but were made official only in an announcement by the White House in the midst of the biggest foreign policy crisis of the administration till now. Career diplomat Burns has served presidents of both the parties. If he gets confirmed, the diplomat would assume one of the most critical ambassador posts in the administration. The rise of China is highly likely to be at the centre of several important policy discussions. Burns, who is a former member of the foreign service, has previously served as State Department spokesman, Ambassador to NATO and to Greece, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and on the National Security Council staff on Soviet and Russian Affairs. Meanwhile, Emanuel, who is a former Chicago mayor, a senior adviser for President Bill Clinton, chief of staff to President Barack Obama and a member of Congress representing Illinois, has drawn the ire of progressive Democrats. He was also considered for a number of jobs within the Biden administration. When Emanuel faces confirmation hearing, his track record in politics may get overshadowed by a series of controversies during his tenure as Chicago mayor. (With inputs from agencies)

US President announces picks for ambassador to China, Japan positions

The mayor of Orlando city in Florida has asked the residents to cut back their water consumption so that liquid oxygen, which is used to treat the water supplies, can be diverted to hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. 

“Nationally, the demand for liquid oxygen is extremely high as the priority for its use is to save lives,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a&nbsp;Facebook post on Friday.

The Orlando Utility Commission treats the city’s water with liquid oxygen. With Florida reporting a surge in coronavirus cases, largely due to the outbreak of the Delta variant, the officials from the municipal commission have been urging residents to stop excessive use of water and be prepared to do so for several weeks. 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-announces-picks-for-ambassador-to-china-japan-positions-407363">Also read |&nbsp;US President&nbsp;announces picks for&nbsp;ambassador to China, Japan&nbsp;positions</a>

According to&nbsp;the Florida&nbsp;health department, the state has reported 150,118 fresh Covid cases in the past week. According to reports from the local media, deaths in Orlando area have overwhelmed crematoriums, which are out of rooms to store bodies.

“It’s critical that we continue to work together and each one of us do our part, as we have done throughout this pandemic, to mitigate the impacts the virus continues to have on our community,” Mayor Dyer had said during a news conference. 

“While this is another new challenge, I know that as a community, working together, we can overcome it with the help of our residents and businesses,” he added.

The municipal commission has been using liquid oxygen to remove the slight discolouration and rotten-egg smell that is found naturally in Florida’s water supply.

The mayor of Orlando city in Florida has asked the residents to cut back their water consumption so that liquid oxygen, which is used to treat the water supplies, can be diverted to hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

The mayor of Orlando city in Florida has asked the residents to cut back their water consumption so that liquid oxygen, which is used to treat the water supplies, can be diverted to hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. “Nationally, the demand for liquid oxygen is extremely high as the priority for its use is to save lives,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a Facebook post on Friday. The Orlando Utility Commission treats the city’s water with liquid oxygen. With Florida reporting a surge in coronavirus cases, largely due to the outbreak of the Delta variant, the officials from the municipal commission have been urging residents to stop excessive use of water and be prepared to do so for several weeks. Also read | US President announces picks for ambassador to China, Japan positions According to the Florida health department, the state has reported 150,118 fresh Covid cases in the past week. According to reports from the local media, deaths in Orlando area have overwhelmed crematoriums, which are out of rooms to store bodies. “It’s critical that we continue to work together and each one of us do our part, as we have done throughout this pandemic, to mitigate the impacts the virus continues to have on our community,” Mayor Dyer had said during a news conference. “While this is another new challenge, I know that as a community, working together, we can overcome it with the help of our residents and businesses,” he added. The municipal commission has been using liquid oxygen to remove the slight discolouration and rotten-egg smell that is found naturally in Florida’s water supply.

Orlando mayor asks residents to limit water use amid Delta fuelled COVID surge

US President Joe Biden on Friday addresses the US evacuation from Afghanistan, as he tried to navigate the biggest crisis of his administration. Biden said that the US will continue anti-terror operations.

US President Joe Biden addresses crisis in Afghanistan and evacuation efforts

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

Will Afghanistan become a safe haven for terror?

Just as US forces struggle with the desperate evacuation from Afghanistan, Vice President Kamala Harris embarks Friday on a trip to Vietnam, site of perhaps an even more infamous American military debacle.

The Southeast Asia trip, also taking in Singapore and a virtual meeting with ASEAN regional representatives, was planned long before a Taliban victory last weekend triggered the US scramble from Afghanistan.

Harris has taken some flak, especially from right-wing commentators who see the choice of Vietnam as, at best, tone-deaf.

The writers of "Veep," a television comedy series satirizing a hapless vice president, "could not have scripted this better," tweeted Sean Spicer, a former White House press secretary for president Donald Trump.

But US officials emphasize that the choice of Vietnam concerns geo-political challenges to come -- not the distant trauma of 1975 Saigon, when US helicopters ferried final evacuees from the embassy roof, as Viet Cong troops advanced.

The vice president "is focused on the threats of the future, not of the past," said a senior White House official, who asked not to be named.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-hill-bomb-threat-standoff-ends-as-suspect-surrenders-407037">Also read |&nbsp;Capitol Hill bomb threat standoff ends as suspect surrenders</a>

The official acknowledged that President Joe Biden's foreign policy focus is currently fixed on the crisis at Kabul airport, where a few thousand US troops are trying to evacuate potentially tens of thousands of US citizens and local allies.

But at a time when China is challenging US political sway and naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, Southeast Asia is "strategically important and economically important to this country. That hasn't changed with Afghanistan," the White House official said.

"We can do more than one thing at a time."

Officials expressed confidence that the debacle in Afghanistan will not harm allies' trust in US commitment to far-reaching strategic goals across Asia.

"We are confident that our partners throughout the Indo-Pacific see the United States as a steadfast partner. And that's certainly going to be one of the things the vice president emphasizes on this trip," an official said.

Harris, an Asian-American whose mother was of Indian origin, will be the first US vice president to visit Vietnam.

Before arriving in Hanoi late Tuesday, Harris will visit Singapore and meet, starting Monday, with President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

She will also stop at the Changi Naval Base, where she'll address US sailors aboard the visiting USS Tulsa, underscoring American security commitments to Singapore.

Harris is set to hold Vietnamese government meetings on Wednesday and will attend the opening of a Southeast Asian regional branch of the US Centers for Disease Control.

The global response to the coronavirus pandemic is set to dominate a meeting of ASEAN nations that Harris will join.

In her final events on Thursday, Harris will meet civil society representatives in communist Vietnam to "underscore the importance we place on supporting civil society as a driver of social change," an official said.

Just as US forces struggle with the desperate evacuation from Afghanistan, Vice President Kamala Harris embarks Friday on a trip to Vietnam, site of perhaps an even more infamous American military debacle.

Just as US forces struggle with the desperate evacuation from Afghanistan, Vice President Kamala Harris embarks Friday on a trip to Vietnam, site of perhaps an even more infamous American military debacle. The Southeast Asia trip, also taking in Singapore and a virtual meeting with ASEAN regional representatives, was planned long before a Taliban victory last weekend triggered the US scramble from Afghanistan. Harris has taken some flak, especially from right-wing commentators who see the choice of Vietnam as, at best, tone-deaf. The writers of "Veep," a television comedy series satirizing a hapless vice president, "could not have scripted this better," tweeted Sean Spicer, a former White House press secretary for president Donald Trump. But US officials emphasize that the choice of Vietnam concerns geo-political challenges to come -- not the distant trauma of 1975 Saigon, when US helicopters ferried final evacuees from the embassy roof, as Viet Cong troops advanced. The vice president "is focused on the threats of the future, not of the past," said a senior White House official, who asked not to be named. Also read | Capitol Hill bomb threat standoff ends as suspect surrenders The official acknowledged that President Joe Biden's foreign policy focus is currently fixed on the crisis at Kabul airport, where a few thousand US troops are trying to evacuate potentially tens of thousands of US citizens and local allies. But at a time when China is challenging US political sway and naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, Southeast Asia is "strategically important and economically important to this country. That hasn't changed with Afghanistan," the White House official said. "We can do more than one thing at a time." Officials expressed confidence that the debacle in Afghanistan will not harm allies' trust in US commitment to far-reaching strategic goals across Asia. "We are confident that our partners throughout the Indo-Pacific see the United States as a steadfast partner. And that's certainly going to be one of the things the vice president emphasizes on this trip," an official said. Harris, an Asian-American whose mother was of Indian origin, will be the first US vice president to visit Vietnam. Before arriving in Hanoi late Tuesday, Harris will visit Singapore and meet, starting Monday, with President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. She will also stop at the Changi Naval Base, where she'll address US sailors aboard the visiting USS Tulsa, underscoring American security commitments to Singapore. Harris is set to hold Vietnamese government meetings on Wednesday and will attend the opening of a Southeast Asian regional branch of the US Centers for Disease Control. The global response to the coronavirus pandemic is set to dominate a meeting of ASEAN nations that Harris will join. In her final events on Thursday, Harris will meet civil society representatives in communist Vietnam to "underscore the importance we place on supporting civil society as a driver of social change," an official said.

In midst of Afghan crisis, US VP Harris visits Vietnam

West Asia is closely monitoring the developments in Afghanistan, questioning the reliability of the US as a partner. On this week's The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you what a Taliban takeover means for the region.

The West Asia Post: What does a Taliban takeover mean for West Asia?

The race to evacuate tens of thousands of Americans and Afghans from Afghanistan is intensifying as prospects are uncertain for removing any Afghan allies before the deadline of August 31.

Unimaginable chaos erupts at Kabul airport as US ends its 'forever war' | WION-VOA Co-production

US President Joe Biden has been criticised for being ill-informed about where US troops are stationed. During a recent interview, Biden incorrectly stated that the US had not stationed the military in Syria.

Joe Biden incorrectly states that US has not stationed military in Syria

The Joe Biden Administration has left behind $20 billion military hardware on a platter for the Taliban. American Choppers, Humvees, Jets & rifles are now in the Taliban's hands. Palki Sharma tells you how this is another proof of Biden's unmitigated disaster.

Gravitas: These American weapons are now in Taliban's hands

International donors including the US and Germany have halted aid money to Afghanistan. How will the Taliban 'govern' the country without foreign aid? Will sweet-talking the west help release aid money? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Economic woes await broke Taliban regime

Experts say the Soviet Union's exit from Afghanistan was more orderly and professional than America's. What did the Soviets do right? How did America fail to learn from the defeat of two empires? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas | Afghanistan exit: Soviets V/S America

Taliban fighters have escalated search for Afghans who worked for US and NATO forces. A UN report has stated this. The UN report has been documented by UN threat assessment consultants which say the group has priority lists of individuals it wants to arrest.

Taliban fighters escalate search for workers of US, NATO forces

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