US deputy state secretary visits China amid deeply strained ties and incessant rifts. Wendy Sherman is expected to hold talks with Chinese FM Wang Yi and other officials in Tianjin.

Diplomatic trip: US Deputy State Secretary visits China

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday reported that there are outbreaks of a drug-resistant "superbug" fungus spread among patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities in Texas and Washington, D.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday reported that there are outbreaks of a drug-resistant "superbug" fungus spread among patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities in Texas and Washington, D.C. Termed as Candida auris, the fungus preys on weak immune systems. As per the CDC, evidence suggests these cases involved person-to-person transmission, which would be a first for the US. However, the cluster in the two cities is completely unrelated to each other. The 30-day mortality in both outbreaks combined was 30 per cent, although other health conditions may also have played a role. Also read | India records more than 45,000 cases of 'black fungus' A total of 101 cases of fungus have been identified in Washington, D.C., from January to April 2021. Out of which, three were isolated as being resistant to all three major classes of anti-fungal medications. In Texas, there have been 22 cases, with two being resistant to all three antif-ungal medications, and five resistant to two of the medications. CDC's Dr. Meghan Lyman, an author of the report, was quoted by CBS saying, "This is really the first time we've started seeing clustering of resistance".

Outbreaks of a drug-resistant superbug fungus spread in two US cities

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin has sounded a cautious note on the chances of Afghan government forces containing the Taliban's crimes. He said the security forces' prime responsibility is to make sure it could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory.

First task for Afghanistan forces is to slow Taliban's momentum: Lloyd Austin, US Defence Secy

Raging&nbsp;wildfires&nbsp;in the US northwest and southwestern Canada cast an&nbsp;orange&nbsp;tint on July's&nbsp;full&nbsp;moon&nbsp;on Friday evening, as smoke from multiple blazes gusted toward the east.

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The moon is orange from the wild fires tonight <a href="https://t.co/llBh9vLcfM">pic.twitter.com/llBh9vLcfM</a>
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In Washington, DC, one view of the&nbsp;moon, as seen from the Washington Monument, showed a&nbsp;fully sized orb shifting colors and briefly&nbsp;turning&nbsp;orange. The silhouette of a Marine One helicopter flashed across the&nbsp;moon&nbsp;as it appeared to linger over federal buildings in the US&nbsp;capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-sites-inscribed-on-unescos-world-heritage-list-400496">Also read |&nbsp;Five sites inscribed on UNESCO’s world heritage list</a>

Dozens of major&nbsp;wildfires&nbsp;are burning across parts of Oregon, Montana, Idaho and California, with Oregon's Bootleg fire the most massive and the state's third largest wildfire on records dating back to 1900.

As of Friday, the Bootleg fire, located about 250 miles south of Portland, had ripped through more than 400,000 acres (162,000 hectares) of drought-parched brush and timber and destroyed at least 67 homes near the California border. At its peak, an estimated 2,000 people were displaced by evacuations.

Raging wildfires in the US northwest and southwestern Canada cast an orange tint on July's full moon on Friday evening, as smoke from multiple blazes gusted toward the east.

Raging wildfires in the US northwest and southwestern Canada cast an orange tint on July's full moon on Friday evening, as smoke from multiple blazes gusted toward the east. The moon is orange from the wild fires tonight pic.twitter.com/llBh9vLcfM — Blaine Nixon (@scoob1981) July 19, 2021 × In Washington, DC, one view of the moon, as seen from the Washington Monument, showed a fully sized orb shifting colors and briefly turning orange. The silhouette of a Marine One helicopter flashed across the moon as it appeared to linger over federal buildings in the US capital. Also read | Five sites inscribed on UNESCO’s world heritage list Dozens of major wildfires are burning across parts of Oregon, Montana, Idaho and California, with Oregon's Bootleg fire the most massive and the state's third largest wildfire on records dating back to 1900. As of Friday, the Bootleg fire, located about 250 miles south of Portland, had ripped through more than 400,000 acres (162,000 hectares) of drought-parched brush and timber and destroyed at least 67 homes near the California border. At its peak, an estimated 2,000 people were displaced by evacuations.

US wildfires turn full moon orange

The US military conducted an&nbsp;air&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;on Friday against Al Qaeda affiliated&nbsp;Al-Shabaab&nbsp;jihadists, the&nbsp;second&nbsp;in four days after a six-month hiatus, the Pentagon said.

The US military command for Africa (AFRICOM), "conducted an airstrike against&nbsp;Al-Shabaab&nbsp;in the vicinity of Qeycad" in Galmudug province 300 miles (500 kilometers) north of the capital Mogadishu, Pentagon spokeswoman Cindi King told AFP.

The&nbsp;strike&nbsp;was carried out by a drone and there were no US forces on the ground, King said, adding no further details could be provided.

The&nbsp;strike&nbsp;was the&nbsp;second&nbsp;carried out by the US military in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;in a&nbsp;week, and only the&nbsp;second&nbsp;under US President Joe Biden, who took office in January this year.

On Tuesday, AFRICOM targeted&nbsp;Al-Shabaab&nbsp;jihadists near Galkayo, northwest of Qeycad.

As soon as Biden arrived at the White House, he limited the use of drones against jihadist groups outside US theatres&nbsp;of war.

That reversed the policy of his predecessor Donald Trump, who had given the military carte blanche in countries such as&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;and Libya.&nbsp;

King noted "US forces are authorised to conduct strikes in support of combatant commander-designated partner forces under the 2001 AUMF," referring to the Authorisation for the Use of Military Force, whose authority US presidents have relied on to launch operations against armed Islamist groups.

Last month, the US House of Representatives voted to repeal a 2002 use-of-force measure that gave the US military the legal authority to invade Iraq and has since been used to justify military action against groups linked to Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-authorises-100-million-for-afghan-migration-aid-400236">Also read |&nbsp;Washington authorises $100 million for Afghan migration aid</a>

Supporters of repealing the 2002 AUMF argue it has long outlived its purpose and that Congress should reclaim its war-making powers.

No elected officials have indicated there is any immediate plan to reverse the 2001 measure.

Defence Department spokesman John Kirby said last&nbsp;week&nbsp;that AFRICOM commander General Stephen Townsend has "the authority to act in defense of our forces and our Somali partners."

The recent strikes "underscore the threat that&nbsp;Al Shabaab&nbsp;poses in&nbsp;Somalia, and in certainly the Horn of Africa," Kirby said.

"That threat remains significant, and we're going to continue to be vigilant about it."

Drone strikes had multiplied during Trump's term, going from 11 in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;in 2015, to 64 in 2019 and 54 in 2020, according to the non-governmental group Airwars, which monitors civilian deaths in bombings around the world.

Just before he left office, Trump ordered the withdrawal of some 700 special forces soldiers who were deployed in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;to train and advise the Somali army.

The US military conducted an air strike in Somalia on Friday against Al Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab jihadists, the second in four days after a six-month hiatus, the Pentagon said.

The US military conducted an air strike in Somalia on Friday against Al Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab jihadists, the second in four days after a six-month hiatus, the Pentagon said. The US military command for Africa (AFRICOM), "conducted an airstrike against Al-Shabaab in the vicinity of Qeycad" in Galmudug province 300 miles (500 kilometers) north of the capital Mogadishu, Pentagon spokeswoman Cindi King told AFP. The strike was carried out by a drone and there were no US forces on the ground, King said, adding no further details could be provided. The strike was the second carried out by the US military in Somalia in a week, and only the second under US President Joe Biden, who took office in January this year. On Tuesday, AFRICOM targeted Al-Shabaab jihadists near Galkayo, northwest of Qeycad. As soon as Biden arrived at the White House, he limited the use of drones against jihadist groups outside US theatres of war. That reversed the policy of his predecessor Donald Trump, who had given the military carte blanche in countries such as Somalia and Libya. King noted "US forces are authorised to conduct strikes in support of combatant commander-designated partner forces under the 2001 AUMF," referring to the Authorisation for the Use of Military Force, whose authority US presidents have relied on to launch operations against armed Islamist groups. Last month, the US House of Representatives voted to repeal a 2002 use-of-force measure that gave the US military the legal authority to invade Iraq and has since been used to justify military action against groups linked to Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Also read | Washington authorises $100 million for Afghan migration aid Supporters of repealing the 2002 AUMF argue it has long outlived its purpose and that Congress should reclaim its war-making powers. No elected officials have indicated there is any immediate plan to reverse the 2001 measure. Defence Department spokesman John Kirby said last week that AFRICOM commander General Stephen Townsend has "the authority to act in defense of our forces and our Somali partners." The recent strikes "underscore the threat that Al Shabaab poses in Somalia, and in certainly the Horn of Africa," Kirby said. "That threat remains significant, and we're going to continue to be vigilant about it." Drone strikes had multiplied during Trump's term, going from 11 in Somalia in 2015, to 64 in 2019 and 54 in 2020, according to the non-governmental group Airwars, which monitors civilian deaths in bombings around the world. Just before he left office, Trump ordered the withdrawal of some 700 special forces soldiers who were deployed in Somalia to train and advise the Somali army.

US launches second air strike in a week targeting Al-Shabaab in Somalia

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US&nbsp;military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation." 
 
Venezuela, whose socialist government is under heavy sanctions from Washington, has on several occasions in recent years reported alleged airspace violations. 
 
It said that on Thursday evening, a C-17 plane from the US&nbsp;Air Force flew over the Perija mountains in western Zulia state for three minutes. 
 
"They are performing reconnaissance tasks on Venezuelan geophysical space, and thus we do not rule out other possible hostile actions that violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Venezuelan armed forces said in a statement. 
 
The US&nbsp;State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Washington accuses President Nicolas Maduro of corruption, human rights violations and rigging his 2018 re-election, and has pressured him to step down.

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation.

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation." Venezuela, whose socialist government is under heavy sanctions from Washington, has on several occasions in recent years reported alleged airspace violations. It said that on Thursday evening, a C-17 plane from the US Air Force flew over the Perija mountains in western Zulia state for three minutes. "They are performing reconnaissance tasks on Venezuelan geophysical space, and thus we do not rule out other possible hostile actions that violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Venezuelan armed forces said in a statement. The US State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Washington accuses President Nicolas Maduro of corruption, human rights violations and rigging his 2018 re-election, and has pressured him to step down.

Venezuela says US military plane violated its airspace

Ahead of US Secretary of state Antony J&nbsp;Blinken's&nbsp;India visit, Washington has described India as a&nbsp;'critical partner in the region'&nbsp;with both countries having a&nbsp;'shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan'.&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;will be in Delhi on&nbsp;July&nbsp;27 and 28, his first to the Indian capital since the new Biden administration took charge. In India, he will call on PM Modi and hold talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

In a briefing ahead of the visit, Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Dean Thompson said, "Our bilateral discussions with our Indian partners will focus on expanding our security,&nbsp;defence, cyber, and counterterrorism cooperation."&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;is the&nbsp;second Biden Administration official to visit Delhi this year, after United States Secretary of&nbsp;Defence, General (Retd.) Lloyd J Austin. This will also be his&nbsp;fourth meeting with EAM Jaishankar. They have&nbsp;earlier&nbsp;met in London, Washington and Italy.&nbsp;

Afghanistan remains the top focus, with Thompson pointing out, "We welcome India’s shared commitment to peace and supporting economic development in Afghanistan." He explained, "We expect that all the countries in the region have a shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan going forward" and so "we will certainly be looking at talking with our Indian partners about how we can work together to&nbsp;realise&nbsp;that goal, to find ways to bring the parties together, and continue to pursue a negotiated settlement to end the longstanding war."&nbsp;

Both sides have continued to engage on the issue. Earlier this month, India's&nbsp;external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had met Dy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit.&nbsp;

Other key issues will be Quad, with Thompson highlighting, "I expect the Quad and ideas about our engagements with the Quad to definitely factor into our conversations next week".&nbsp; The US is set to host the first in-person Quad summit later this year. March saw the first virtual leadership level meet in which the key outcome was the Quad vaccine partnership. Under the initiative, the plan is to roll out a billion doses of vaccines in 2020, with India as the base of manufacturing.&nbsp;

State Department said,&nbsp;"Quad leaders agreed on a shared vision for the region, one that’s free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values and respect for human rights, and where sovereignty is safeguarded.&nbsp; We’re working with India and other friends and partners in the region to advance this shared vision of the Indo-Pacific".&nbsp;

The ongoing Covid crisis remains part of the ongoing discussion. Washington had sent assistance to Delhi amid the&nbsp;second wave of crisis. Since March 2020, the US has allocated more than $226 million in Covid relief to India, additionally, $400 million has been contributed by American citizens and US companies.&nbsp;

Other issues like climate change will also be part of the talks. In April this year, US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership was launched.&nbsp;

Ahead of US Secretary of state Antony J Blinken's India visit, Washington has described India as a 'critical partner in the region' with both countries having a 'shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan'.

Ahead of US Secretary of state Antony J Blinken's India visit, Washington has described India as a 'critical partner in the region' with both countries having a 'shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan'. Blinken will be in Delhi on July 27 and 28, his first to the Indian capital since the new Biden administration took charge. In India, he will call on PM Modi and hold talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. In a briefing ahead of the visit, Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Dean Thompson said, "Our bilateral discussions with our Indian partners will focus on expanding our security, defence, cyber, and counterterrorism cooperation." Blinken is the second Biden Administration official to visit Delhi this year, after United States Secretary of Defence, General (Retd.) Lloyd J Austin. This will also be his fourth meeting with EAM Jaishankar. They have earlier met in London, Washington and Italy. Afghanistan remains the top focus, with Thompson pointing out, "We welcome India’s shared commitment to peace and supporting economic development in Afghanistan." He explained, "We expect that all the countries in the region have a shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan going forward" and so "we will certainly be looking at talking with our Indian partners about how we can work together to realise that goal, to find ways to bring the parties together, and continue to pursue a negotiated settlement to end the longstanding war." Both sides have continued to engage on the issue. Earlier this month, India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had met Dy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit. Other key issues will be Quad, with Thompson highlighting, "I expect the Quad and ideas about our engagements with the Quad to definitely factor into our conversations next week". The US is set to host the first in-person Quad summit later this year. March saw the first virtual leadership level meet in which the key outcome was the Quad vaccine partnership. Under the initiative, the plan is to roll out a billion doses of vaccines in 2020, with India as the base of manufacturing. State Department said, "Quad leaders agreed on a shared vision for the region, one that’s free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values and respect for human rights, and where sovereignty is safeguarded. We’re working with India and other friends and partners in the region to advance this shared vision of the Indo-Pacific". The ongoing Covid crisis remains part of the ongoing discussion. Washington had sent assistance to Delhi amid the second wave of crisis. Since March 2020, the US has allocated more than $226 million in Covid relief to India, additionally, $400 million has been contributed by American citizens and US companies. Other issues like climate change will also be part of the talks. In April this year, US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership was launched.

India critical partner in the region, says US State dept ahead of Blinken visit 

During the virtual talks this week with the US Congress, an Afghan delegation said that it appealed for a quick action on aircraft maintenance and munitions supplies as President Joe Biden prepares to end America's longest-ever war by the end of next month.

As per a statement by the White House, Biden raised the issue during a phone conversation with his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani.

The US president affirmed his country's continued military support of Kabul, with spending for Afghanistan prioritised in the 2022 defence budget, currently under negotiation in Congress.

"The security situation is really getting terrible," said senior Afghan MP Haji Ajmal Rahmani, referring to a Taliban offensive during the virtual talks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-dont-have-such-a-picture-in-our-history-afghan-vp-amrullah-saleh-slams-pakistani-trolls-with-an-image-of-1971-pak-army-surrender-399582">Also read |&nbsp;'We don’t have such a picture in our history': Afghan VP Amrullah Saleh slams Pakistani trolls with an image of 1971 Pak Army surrender</a>

Rahmani further said that one-third of the 150-strong fleet has already been grounded due to maintenance issues.

He further said that the Afghans had also run out of laser-guided munitions, as the United States and NATO allies had handled 80 to 90 per cent of the armaments and did not leave a supply during hasty pullouts of air assets.

"The feedback was that it will take some more time because they have to make the orders and it will take time to produce and ship to Afghanistan," he told a roundtable of the State Department Correspondents' Association.

He added, "They are talking of around one year, more or less, until it will reach Afghanistan. This is something very much needed at this critical time."

Meanwhile, Biden on Friday authorised the use of up to $100 million to address migration emergencies related to the situation in Afghanistan, the White House said.

The statement said the money would come from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund "for the purpose of meeting unexpected urgent refugee and migration needs, victims of conflict, and other persons at risk as a result of the situation in Afghanistan."

The funds will also support those applying to the State Department program of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), under which some 20,000 Afghans who worked as interpreters for the United States during its war in the country and now fear retribution from Taliban insurgents have applied for evacuation.

During the virtual talks this week with the US Congress, an Afghan delegation said that it appealed for a quick action on aircraft maintenance and munitions supplies as President Joe Biden prepares to end America's longest-ever war by the end of next month.

During the virtual talks this week with the US Congress, an Afghan delegation said that it appealed for a quick action on aircraft maintenance and munitions supplies as President Joe Biden prepares to end America's longest-ever war by the end of next month. As per a statement by the White House, Biden raised the issue during a phone conversation with his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani. The US president affirmed his country's continued military support of Kabul, with spending for Afghanistan prioritised in the 2022 defence budget, currently under negotiation in Congress. "The security situation is really getting terrible," said senior Afghan MP Haji Ajmal Rahmani, referring to a Taliban offensive during the virtual talks. Also read | 'We don’t have such a picture in our history': Afghan VP Amrullah Saleh slams Pakistani trolls with an image of 1971 Pak Army surrender Rahmani further said that one-third of the 150-strong fleet has already been grounded due to maintenance issues. He further said that the Afghans had also run out of laser-guided munitions, as the United States and NATO allies had handled 80 to 90 per cent of the armaments and did not leave a supply during hasty pullouts of air assets. "The feedback was that it will take some more time because they have to make the orders and it will take time to produce and ship to Afghanistan," he told a roundtable of the State Department Correspondents' Association. He added, "They are talking of around one year, more or less, until it will reach Afghanistan. This is something very much needed at this critical time." Meanwhile, Biden on Friday authorised the use of up to $100 million to address migration emergencies related to the situation in Afghanistan, the White House said. The statement said the money would come from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund "for the purpose of meeting unexpected urgent refugee and migration needs, victims of conflict, and other persons at risk as a result of the situation in Afghanistan." The funds will also support those applying to the State Department program of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), under which some 20,000 Afghans who worked as interpreters for the United States during its war in the country and now fear retribution from Taliban insurgents have applied for evacuation.

Afghan lawmakers voice alarm on air force as US withdrawal comes closer

US President Joe Biden on Friday authorised the use of up to $100 million to address migration emergencies related to the situation in Afghanistan, the White House said.

The statement said the money would come from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund "for the purpose of meeting unexpected urgent refugee and migration needs, victims of conflict, and&nbsp;other persons at risk as a result of the situation in Afghanistan."

The funds will also support those applying to the State Department program of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), under which some 20,000 Afghans who worked as interpreters for the United States during its war in the country and now fear retribution from Taliban insurgents have applied for evacuation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-dont-have-such-a-picture-in-our-history-afghan-vp-amrullah-saleh-slams-pakistani-trolls-with-an-image-of-1971-pak-army-surrender-399582">Also read |&nbsp;'We don’t have such a picture in our history': Afghan VP Amrullah Saleh slams Pakistani trolls with an image of 1971 Pak Army surrender</a>

The funds could be distributed on both a bilateral and multilateral basis through contributions or funding to international organisations, non-governmental groups, governments and US bodies, the statement added.

The Taliban has pressed a sweeping offensive across Afghanistan in recent months, capitalising on the last stages of the US troop withdrawal, due to be completed by the end of August, and raising fears of a potential humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations recently estimated half of Afghanistan's 39 million people are in need of aid, and called on the international community to maintain financial support for the country.

US President Joe Biden on Friday authorised the use of up to $100 million to address migration emergencies related to the situation in Afghanistan, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden on Friday authorised the use of up to $100 million to address migration emergencies related to the situation in Afghanistan, the White House said. The statement said the money would come from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund "for the purpose of meeting unexpected urgent refugee and migration needs, victims of conflict, and other persons at risk as a result of the situation in Afghanistan." The funds will also support those applying to the State Department program of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), under which some 20,000 Afghans who worked as interpreters for the United States during its war in the country and now fear retribution from Taliban insurgents have applied for evacuation. Also read | 'We don’t have such a picture in our history': Afghan VP Amrullah Saleh slams Pakistani trolls with an image of 1971 Pak Army surrender The funds could be distributed on both a bilateral and multilateral basis through contributions or funding to international organisations, non-governmental groups, governments and US bodies, the statement added. The Taliban has pressed a sweeping offensive across Afghanistan in recent months, capitalising on the last stages of the US troop withdrawal, due to be completed by the end of August, and raising fears of a potential humanitarian crisis. The United Nations recently estimated half of Afghanistan's 39 million people are in need of aid, and called on the international community to maintain financial support for the country.

Washington authorises $100 million for Afghan migration aid

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report.

The efforts also include visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to New Delhi and Kabul for talks aimed at formulating a regional response to the Afghan crisis, the Dawn newspaper reported while quoting diplomatic sources.

The trip of Yusuf and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Hameed was part of these diplomatic efforts, it said.

"Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan," diplomatic sources told the newspaper on Friday.

Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control.

US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August. 
At a recent briefing in Washington, US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price said the Biden administration hopes to 'see Afghanistan's neighbours play a constructive, responsible role in bringing about a just and durable solution' to the Afghan conflict.

Price also underlined Pakistan's role in the peace process, saying: "We understand the crucial role that Pakistan has the potential to play in this." This would be the second meeting between Yusuf and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, who first met in Geneva in March this year.

The meeting in Geneva was the first highest-level physical contact between the two countries since the Biden administration took office.&nbsp;

Secretary Blinken, however, had earlier twice spoken to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa. Similarly, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had also been in touch with General Bajwa.&nbsp;

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report.

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report. The efforts also include visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to New Delhi and Kabul for talks aimed at formulating a regional response to the Afghan crisis, the Dawn newspaper reported while quoting diplomatic sources. The trip of Yusuf and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Hameed was part of these diplomatic efforts, it said. "Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan," diplomatic sources told the newspaper on Friday. Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control. US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August. At a recent briefing in Washington, US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price said the Biden administration hopes to 'see Afghanistan's neighbours play a constructive, responsible role in bringing about a just and durable solution' to the Afghan conflict. Price also underlined Pakistan's role in the peace process, saying: "We understand the crucial role that Pakistan has the potential to play in this." This would be the second meeting between Yusuf and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, who first met in Geneva in March this year. The meeting in Geneva was the first highest-level physical contact between the two countries since the Biden administration took office. Secretary Blinken, however, had earlier twice spoken to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa. Similarly, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had also been in touch with General Bajwa.

Pak NSA, ISI chief likely to visit US next week for talks on Afghanistan: Report 

The Taliban called for President Ashraf Ghani's removal and stated that there would not be peace until there's a new negotiated government. But the US has called upon the Taliban to engage in talks to determine a political roadmap for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: US calls on Taliban to negotiate

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, said a spokesperson of US State Department.&nbsp;

After the Taliban insisted it will not agree on ceasefire and peace unless there is an agreement on a new government in Afghanistan, the United States has called on the group “to engage in serious negotiations”. &nbsp;

US State Department’s deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter said, “We call on the Taliban to engage in serious negotiations to determine a political roadmap for Afghanistan's future that leads to a just and durable settlement.” &nbsp;

“A negotiated settlement between the Islamic Republic and the Taliban is the only way to end 40 years of war and bring Afghans to peace that they seek and deserve,” spokesperson added. &nbsp;

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, she said. And also added that legitimacy and assistance for any Afghan government can only be possible if that government has a basic right, basic respect excuse me for human rights. &nbsp;

The violence should also end against the Afghans, who worked alongside Americans in the Afghanistan war, Porter stressed.&nbsp;

A report on Friday said, the Taliban beheaded an Afghan interpreter for US Army in May.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, said a spokesperson of US State Department. After the Taliban insisted it will not agree on ceasefire and peace unless there is an agreement on a new government in Afghanistan, the United States has called on the group “to engage in serious negotiations”.

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, said a spokesperson of US State Department. After the Taliban insisted it will not agree on ceasefire and peace unless there is an agreement on a new government in Afghanistan, the United States has called on the group “to engage in serious negotiations”. US State Department’s deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter said, “We call on the Taliban to engage in serious negotiations to determine a political roadmap for Afghanistan's future that leads to a just and durable settlement.” “A negotiated settlement between the Islamic Republic and the Taliban is the only way to end 40 years of war and bring Afghans to peace that they seek and deserve,” spokesperson added. The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, she said. And also added that legitimacy and assistance for any Afghan government can only be possible if that government has a basic right, basic respect excuse me for human rights. The violence should also end against the Afghans, who worked alongside Americans in the Afghanistan war, Porter stressed. A report on Friday said, the Taliban beheaded an Afghan interpreter for US Army in May. (With inputs from agencies)

Engage in ‘serious negotiations’, US tells Taliban 

In one of the highest-profile envoy selections by the White House,&nbsp;US President Joe Biden seems to be poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as the country’s ambassador to Australia, some&nbsp;people familiar with the matter told CNN.&nbsp;

In the&nbsp;Obama administration,&nbsp;the daughter of former President John F Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy,&nbsp;had&nbsp;served as ambassador to Japan.&nbsp;

Kennedy is an&nbsp;ally, donor&nbsp;and longtime friend of&nbsp;Biden,&nbsp;who endorsed the President's candidacy early in the campaign.&nbsp;She also&nbsp;spoke last summer at the Democratic convention.&nbsp;

A spokesperson of&nbsp;White House declined to comment on the matter. He said,&nbsp;after the completion of the&nbsp;vetting process and the notification to host countries,&nbsp;more ambassadors would be announced.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;appointment of&nbsp;Kennedy to Australia shows&nbsp;Biden administration is placing&nbsp;Asia-Pacific on a&nbsp;high priority as&nbsp;it deals with an increasingly assertive China on the world stage.&nbsp;

The US and Australia&nbsp;have been&nbsp;sharing&nbsp;close trade ties and a robust military relationship&nbsp;for a long time.&nbsp;These two countries are also a part of&nbsp;'Five Eyes alliance’. It is an intelligence sharing arrangement between the English-speaking democracies of the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In one of the highest-profile envoy selections by the White House, US President Joe Biden seems to be poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as the country’s ambassador to Australia, some people familiar with the matter told CNN.

In one of the highest-profile envoy selections by the White House, US President Joe Biden seems to be poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as the country’s ambassador to Australia, some people familiar with the matter told CNN. In the Obama administration, the daughter of former President John F Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, had served as ambassador to Japan. Kennedy is an ally, donor and longtime friend of Biden, who endorsed the President's candidacy early in the campaign. She also spoke last summer at the Democratic convention. A spokesperson of White House declined to comment on the matter. He said, after the completion of the vetting process and the notification to host countries, more ambassadors would be announced. The appointment of Kennedy to Australia shows Biden administration is placing Asia-Pacific on a high priority as it deals with an increasingly assertive China on the world stage. The US and Australia have been sharing close trade ties and a robust military relationship for a long time. These two countries are also a part of 'Five Eyes alliance’. It is an intelligence sharing arrangement between the English-speaking democracies of the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. (With inputs from agencies)

Caroline Kennedy to get nominated as US ambassador to Australia by Biden  

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has urged the United States to halt the construction of the border wall.&nbsp;

Also, the committee called on the US to work with Mexico to assess damage from the wall to a World Heritage site in Mexico, and adjacent protected lands in the US.

The committee recommended several ways to restore the landscape and wildlife habitat.

Earlier, the Pentagon cancelled all US-Mexico border wall construction projects paid for with military funds.

Former US president Donald Trump had ordered the diversion of billions of dollars in Pentagon money to pay for the barrier after being denied funding by Congress.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-cancels-border-wall-construction-projects-381894">Also read |&nbsp;Pentagon cancels border wall construction projects</a>

"Consistent with the president's proclamation, the Department of Defence is proceeding with cancelling all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for other military missions," deputy Pentagon spokesman Jamal Brown said.

Brown said the Defence Department "has begun taking all necessary actions to cancel border barrier projects."

"Today's action reflects this administration's continued commitment to defending our nation and supporting our service members and their families," he said.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has urged the United States to halt the construction of the border wall. Also, the committee called on the US to work with Mexico to assess damage from the wall to a World Heritage site in Mexico, and adjacent protected lands in the US.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has urged the United States to halt the construction of the border wall. Also, the committee called on the US to work with Mexico to assess damage from the wall to a World Heritage site in Mexico, and adjacent protected lands in the US. The committee recommended several ways to restore the landscape and wildlife habitat. Earlier, the Pentagon cancelled all US-Mexico border wall construction projects paid for with military funds. Former US president Donald Trump had ordered the diversion of billions of dollars in Pentagon money to pay for the barrier after being denied funding by Congress. Also read | Pentagon cancels border wall construction projects "Consistent with the president's proclamation, the Department of Defence is proceeding with cancelling all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for other military missions," deputy Pentagon spokesman Jamal Brown said. Brown said the Defence Department "has begun taking all necessary actions to cancel border barrier projects." "Today's action reflects this administration's continued commitment to defending our nation and supporting our service members and their families," he said.

UNESCO calls on US to end construction of Trump’s border wall

After failing to score in their Olympics debut,&nbsp;Mexico's&nbsp;softball&nbsp;players came good on their promise that a different team would show up on the second day of the Games.

With their bench ramping up cheering at each turn,&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;erased deficits against defending gold medallists Japan and nearly won in extra innings.

Now,&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;will need to bring even more fighting energy, as their players described it, to avoid sinking to a third straight loss in the Olympics tournament when they&nbsp;take&nbsp;on United States on Saturday.

Fortunately, it may be easy to muster: nearly all of&nbsp;Mexico's roster hail from the United States, but were effectively passed over for the Olympics run and are qualified to represent&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;through dual heritage.

Several played for United States previously. Danielle O'Toole, who pitched&nbsp;Mexico's entire 3-2 loss to Japan on Thursday, played on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;team in 2017 and 2018 before being cut.

Lead-off hitter Sydney Romero previously competed for the United States, as did starting pitcher Dallas Escobedo, who struggled in a loss to Canada on Wednesday.

The strong links between the two teams are even more personal for some: Shortstops and former pro-league teammates Amanda Chidester of the United States and Anissa Urtez of&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;last November became engaged to marry.

Urtez, like others on&nbsp;Mexico, said she tried out for&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;because she knew "USA wasn't in the cards for me".

Chidester said she and Urtez are "beyond proud of each other for living out our dreams."

U.S. Coach Ken Eriksen told Reuters that his counterparts had excelled at identifying players of Mexican heritage "that were just on the cusp of making it and didn't for whatever reason it was."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-indian-men-archers-finish-below-30-places-399834">Also read |&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics 2020 Day 1 Live Updates: Indian men archers finish below 30 places</a>

"You can't argue with what they are doing right there," he said.

The assemblage was not by chance.&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;coach Carlos Caro began scouring rosters of&nbsp;U.S. colleges for Latinas in 2013, when Tokyo was named Olympics host. He contacted coaches, cousins, everyone he could think of in a years-long recruiting push.

Catcher Sashel Palacios was among the first on board. She roped in Escobedo and the line continued from there.

Mexico&nbsp;Softball&nbsp;President Rolando Guerrero used personal credit cards and sold off real estate to get the team to tournaments, Caro said. After qualifying for the Olympics, the government upped funding.

Palacios said she and others receive criticism on both sides of the border for being a roster of Mexican Americans. Critics in&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;at least could be silenced by a medal.

After failing to score in their Olympics debut, Mexico's softball players came good on their promise that a different team would show up on the second day of the Games.

After failing to score in their Olympics debut, Mexico's softball players came good on their promise that a different team would show up on the second day of the Games. With their bench ramping up cheering at each turn, Mexico erased deficits against defending gold medallists Japan and nearly won in extra innings. Now, Mexico will need to bring even more fighting energy, as their players described it, to avoid sinking to a third straight loss in the Olympics tournament when they take on United States on Saturday. Fortunately, it may be easy to muster: nearly all of Mexico's roster hail from the United States, but were effectively passed over for the Olympics run and are qualified to represent Mexico through dual heritage. Several played for United States previously. Danielle O'Toole, who pitched Mexico's entire 3-2 loss to Japan on Thursday, played on the US team in 2017 and 2018 before being cut. Lead-off hitter Sydney Romero previously competed for the United States, as did starting pitcher Dallas Escobedo, who struggled in a loss to Canada on Wednesday. The strong links between the two teams are even more personal for some: Shortstops and former pro-league teammates Amanda Chidester of the United States and Anissa Urtez of Mexico last November became engaged to marry. Urtez, like others on Mexico, said she tried out for Mexico because she knew "USA wasn't in the cards for me". Chidester said she and Urtez are "beyond proud of each other for living out our dreams." U.S. Coach Ken Eriksen told Reuters that his counterparts had excelled at identifying players of Mexican heritage "that were just on the cusp of making it and didn't for whatever reason it was." Also read | Tokyo Olympics 2020 Day 1 Live Updates: Indian men archers finish below 30 places "You can't argue with what they are doing right there," he said. The assemblage was not by chance. Mexico coach Carlos Caro began scouring rosters of U.S. colleges for Latinas in 2013, when Tokyo was named Olympics host. He contacted coaches, cousins, everyone he could think of in a years-long recruiting push. Catcher Sashel Palacios was among the first on board. She roped in Escobedo and the line continued from there. Mexico Softball President Rolando Guerrero used personal credit cards and sold off real estate to get the team to tournaments, Caro said. After qualifying for the Olympics, the government upped funding. Palacios said she and others receive criticism on both sides of the border for being a roster of Mexican Americans. Critics in Mexico at least could be silenced by a medal.

Tokyo Olympics softball: Mexico to take on US in clash of familiar foes and fiancees

The United States imposed sanctions on a Cuban security minister and an interior ministry special forces unit for alleged human rights abuses in a crackdown on anti-government protests earlier this month.

US sanctions Cuban defence minister and interior ministry unit over protest crackdown

With Delta variant infections spiking across the United States, growing numbers of Republican officials and lawmakers have joined the chorus of support for coronavirus vaccinations, swatting aside conspiracies that have left millions of Americans unprotected.

COVID-19&nbsp;deaths and hospitalisation rates are rising nationwide, with the vast majority of new fatalities and serious cases among the unvaccinated.

With the political rift over pandemic response running deep, conservative messaging about masks, social distancing, vaccines and lockdowns has remained controversial.

And with polls showing that far more Democrats than Republicans are vaccinated,&nbsp;inoculations have become the newest coronavirus battle line.

For months conservatives suspicious of government and adamant about maintaining personal freedoms have held anti-vaccination protests in New Hampshire, California and elsewhere.

The anti-vax positions embraced by many Republicans are particularly curious given it was ex-president Donald Trump himself, still the party flagbearer, who claims credit for launching Operation Warp Speed to develop and distribute the vaccines in record time.

But with distrust of government churning, and stubbornly high vaccine hesitancy in states like Arkansas, Florida and Missouri fueling transmission of the virus, Republican leaders are redoubling efforts to win over skeptics.

On Thursday number two House Republican Steve Scalise joined the chamber's GOP Doctors Caucus, a group of 18 lawmakers who are licensed medical experts, to tell Americans to "get the vaccine."&nbsp;

"I have high confidence in it, I got it myself," he told a press conference.

Scalise had hesitated for months to get vaccinated, but he received a shot this week because "with the Delta variant I felt I wanted that extra level of protection."

Caucus&nbsp;member Mariannette Miller-Meeks has appeared in public service announcements urging people to get vaccinated, and said she has administered the jabs to residents in her Iowa district.

"There's not one doctor here that doesn't want people vaccinated," congressman Greg Murphy added about fellow caucus members.

Their comments followed those by higher-profile Republicans including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who made an unusually blunt plea to Americans.

"If there is anybody out there willing to listen, get vaccinated," the Kentucky Republican said Tuesday, urging people to ignore the "demonstrably bad advice" that has been circulating during the pandemic.

That advice -- often based on the premise that the vaccines have only been green-lighted for emergency use and not full authorisation, or baseless claims that the vaccines include microchips to track citizens -- has led millions of people to opt out.

&nbsp;'Enough people have died'

Several Republican governors -- including some who have expressed hostility to federal anti-pandemic efforts -- are now urging residents to get vaccinated.

In Arkansas, one of the states leading the country in new Covid cases, Governor Asa Hutchinson launched a seven-city tour begging skeptics to change their minds.

"The vaccine keeps people alive," he tweeted.

Some television commentators in the conservative media landscape have joined the trend, although their messages are often more subtle or nuanced.

On Fox, the top-rated cable station which has been accused of trafficking in vaccine skepticism for months, star anchor Sean Hannity, who once described the virus as a hoax, reversed course Monday.

"I can't say it enough. Enough people have died. We don't need any more death," Hannity said on his broadcast.

"It absolutely makes sense for many Americans to get vaccinated," he added. "I believe in the science of vaccination."

But the messaging is often mixed. Several Republican lawmakers still refuse to say whether they have been vaccinated.&nbsp;

Doctors Caucus congressman Ronny Jackson, Trump's personal physician when he was president, tried and failed to suggest Democrats too were refusing to reveal their status.

When he urged the media to ask Democrats whether they were vaccinated, a reporter matter-of-factly noted that 100 percent of House Democrats have announced they are protected.

"Do we have any evidence of that?" Jackson stumbled.

Other Republicans have expressed open opposition to vaccines, causing headaches for party leaders eager to halt Covid's spread.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, fined in May for not wearing a mask on the House floor, was temporarily suspended from Twitter this week for spreading Covid misinformation.

She had tweeted that there have been thousands of "vax related deaths," and that the virus is&nbsp;not dangerous for healthy people under 65.

With Delta variant infections spiking across the United States, growing numbers of Republican officials and lawmakers have joined the chorus of support for coronavirus vaccinations, swatting aside conspiracies that have left millions of Americans unprotected.

With Delta variant infections spiking across the United States, growing numbers of Republican officials and lawmakers have joined the chorus of support for coronavirus vaccinations, swatting aside conspiracies that have left millions of Americans unprotected. COVID-19 deaths and hospitalisation rates are rising nationwide, with the vast majority of new fatalities and serious cases among the unvaccinated. With the political rift over pandemic response running deep, conservative messaging about masks, social distancing, vaccines and lockdowns has remained controversial. And with polls showing that far more Democrats than Republicans are vaccinated, inoculations have become the newest coronavirus battle line. For months conservatives suspicious of government and adamant about maintaining personal freedoms have held anti-vaccination protests in New Hampshire, California and elsewhere. The anti-vax positions embraced by many Republicans are particularly curious given it was ex-president Donald Trump himself, still the party flagbearer, who claims credit for launching Operation Warp Speed to develop and distribute the vaccines in record time. But with distrust of government churning, and stubbornly high vaccine hesitancy in states like Arkansas, Florida and Missouri fueling transmission of the virus, Republican leaders are redoubling efforts to win over skeptics. On Thursday number two House Republican Steve Scalise joined the chamber's GOP Doctors Caucus, a group of 18 lawmakers who are licensed medical experts, to tell Americans to "get the vaccine." "I have high confidence in it, I got it myself," he told a press conference. Scalise had hesitated for months to get vaccinated, but he received a shot this week because "with the Delta variant I felt I wanted that extra level of protection." Caucus member Mariannette Miller-Meeks has appeared in public service announcements urging people to get vaccinated, and said she has administered the jabs to residents in her Iowa district. "There's not one doctor here that doesn't want people vaccinated," congressman Greg Murphy added about fellow caucus members. Their comments followed those by higher-profile Republicans including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who made an unusually blunt plea to Americans. "If there is anybody out there willing to listen, get vaccinated," the Kentucky Republican said Tuesday, urging people to ignore the "demonstrably bad advice" that has been circulating during the pandemic. That advice -- often based on the premise that the vaccines have only been green-lighted for emergency use and not full authorisation, or baseless claims that the vaccines include microchips to track citizens -- has led millions of people to opt out. 'Enough people have died' Several Republican governors -- including some who have expressed hostility to federal anti-pandemic efforts -- are now urging residents to get vaccinated. In Arkansas, one of the states leading the country in new Covid cases, Governor Asa Hutchinson launched a seven-city tour begging skeptics to change their minds. "The vaccine keeps people alive," he tweeted. Some television commentators in the conservative media landscape have joined the trend, although their messages are often more subtle or nuanced. On Fox, the top-rated cable station which has been accused of trafficking in vaccine skepticism for months, star anchor Sean Hannity, who once described the virus as a hoax, reversed course Monday. "I can't say it enough. Enough people have died. We don't need any more death," Hannity said on his broadcast. "It absolutely makes sense for many Americans to get vaccinated," he added. "I believe in the science of vaccination." But the messaging is often mixed. Several Republican lawmakers still refuse to say whether they have been vaccinated. Doctors Caucus congressman Ronny Jackson, Trump's personal physician when he was president, tried and failed to suggest Democrats too were refusing to reveal their status. When he urged the media to ask Democrats whether they were vaccinated, a reporter matter-of-factly noted that 100 percent of House Democrats have announced they are protected. "Do we have any evidence of that?" Jackson stumbled. Other Republicans have expressed open opposition to vaccines, causing headaches for party leaders eager to halt Covid's spread. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, fined in May for not wearing a mask on the House floor, was temporarily suspended from Twitter this week for spreading Covid misinformation. She had tweeted that there have been thousands of "vax related deaths," and that the virus is not dangerous for healthy people under 65.

As COVID-19 surges, more US Republicans urging vaccinations

The US&nbsp;House of Representatives approved a plan on Thursday to allow an extra 8,000 special immigration visas for Afghans who helped the United States and are at risk of retaliation as US&nbsp;troops complete their pullout from Afghanistan after a 20 year war. 
 
The bipartisan bill, which passed with a vote of 407 to 16, will now be considered by the Senate. It also aims to speed up the processing of the visas. 
 
Representative Jason Crow, a Democrat, who led the group that sponsored the bill, said the additional visas would cover all potentially eligible applicants in the pipeline. US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged last month that there were about 18,000 possible applicants. 
 
The Special Immigrant Visa program is available to Afghans who worked with the US&nbsp;government or US&nbsp;military. The United States has granted 26,500 such visas since December 2014. 
 
President Joe Biden's administration has been under pressure from lawmakers and advocacy groups to begin evacuating thousands applicants and their families after Biden said the US&nbsp;military mission in Afghanistan would formally end on August&nbsp;31. 
 
"For too long, there has not been a sense of urgency that is necessary to ensure safety for the people who put their lives on the line to help Americans in these difficult circumstances," said Representative Earl Blumenauer, a Democrat. 
 
Concerns for the applicants also have been fueled by an increase in fighting between US-backed Afghan forces and the Taliban in recent weeks, with the militants gaining territory and capturing border crossings. 
 
The United States this month will begin evacuating special immigration visa applicants from Afghanistan and the first batch will be taken to a military base in Virginia as they wait for the process to be completed. 
 
US-backed Afghan forces toppled the Taliban in late 2001 for providing sanctuary to al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and its operations used to attack the United States on September&nbsp;11, 2001.

The US House of Representatives approved a plan on Thursday to allow an extra 8,000 special immigration visas for Afghans who helped the United States and are at risk of retaliation as US troops complete their pullout from Afghanistan after a 20 year war.

The US House of Representatives approved a plan on Thursday to allow an extra 8,000 special immigration visas for Afghans who helped the United States and are at risk of retaliation as US troops complete their pullout from Afghanistan after a 20 year war. The bipartisan bill, which passed with a vote of 407 to 16, will now be considered by the Senate. It also aims to speed up the processing of the visas. Representative Jason Crow, a Democrat, who led the group that sponsored the bill, said the additional visas would cover all potentially eligible applicants in the pipeline. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged last month that there were about 18,000 possible applicants. The Special Immigrant Visa program is available to Afghans who worked with the US government or US military. The United States has granted 26,500 such visas since December 2014. President Joe Biden's administration has been under pressure from lawmakers and advocacy groups to begin evacuating thousands applicants and their families after Biden said the US military mission in Afghanistan would formally end on August 31. "For too long, there has not been a sense of urgency that is necessary to ensure safety for the people who put their lives on the line to help Americans in these difficult circumstances," said Representative Earl Blumenauer, a Democrat. Concerns for the applicants also have been fueled by an increase in fighting between US-backed Afghan forces and the Taliban in recent weeks, with the militants gaining territory and capturing border crossings. The United States this month will begin evacuating special immigration visa applicants from Afghanistan and the first batch will be taken to a military base in Virginia as they wait for the process to be completed. US-backed Afghan forces toppled the Taliban in late 2001 for providing sanctuary to al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and its operations used to attack the United States on September 11, 2001.

US House approves bid to add 8,000 visas for at-risk Afghans

Senior officials from Baghdad were in Washington Thursday for preliminary talks on the US military presence in Iraq, ahead of an upcoming meeting between leaders of the two countries, the Pentagon said in a statement.

US President Joe Biden is set to host Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi at the White House on Monday, and Kadhemi is expected to push for a concrete timetable of foreign troop withdrawal.

On Thursday Mara Karlin, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defence for International Security Affairs, hosted Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassem al-Araji and a military delegation, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

Both sides "reaffirmed the importance of the US-Iraq bilateral security relationship" as well as "the long-term US-Iraq security cooperation partnership and areas for cooperation beyond counterterrorism."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-carries-out-air-strikes-against-iran-backed-militia-in-iraq-syria-394352">Also read |&nbsp;US carries out air strikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq, Syria&nbsp;</a>

Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin joined the group to reaffirm his support for "the US-Iraq strategic partnership."

Talks are set to resume on Friday.

Some 3,500 foreign troops are in Iraqi territory, including 2,500 Americans, who have been posted to help fight the Islamic State group since 2014.

The implementation of their withdrawal could take years.

Iraq, long an arena for bitter rivalry between the United States and Iran despite their shared enmity towards the IS, has seen growing numbers of rocket and drone attacks on US targets in recent months.

Last week Iraq's leader met with visiting US envoy Brett McGurk in Baghdad to discuss foreign troop withdrawal, his office in statement.

Senior officials from Baghdad were in Washington Thursday for preliminary talks on the US military presence in Iraq, ahead of an upcoming meeting between leaders of the two countries, the Pentagon said in a statement.

Senior officials from Baghdad were in Washington Thursday for preliminary talks on the US military presence in Iraq, ahead of an upcoming meeting between leaders of the two countries, the Pentagon said in a statement. US President Joe Biden is set to host Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi at the White House on Monday, and Kadhemi is expected to push for a concrete timetable of foreign troop withdrawal. On Thursday Mara Karlin, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defence for International Security Affairs, hosted Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassem al-Araji and a military delegation, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement. Both sides "reaffirmed the importance of the US-Iraq bilateral security relationship" as well as "the long-term US-Iraq security cooperation partnership and areas for cooperation beyond counterterrorism." Also read | US carries out air strikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq, Syria Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin joined the group to reaffirm his support for "the US-Iraq strategic partnership." Talks are set to resume on Friday. Some 3,500 foreign troops are in Iraqi territory, including 2,500 Americans, who have been posted to help fight the Islamic State group since 2014. The implementation of their withdrawal could take years. Iraq, long an arena for bitter rivalry between the United States and Iran despite their shared enmity towards the IS, has seen growing numbers of rocket and drone attacks on US targets in recent months. Last week Iraq's leader met with visiting US envoy Brett McGurk in Baghdad to discuss foreign troop withdrawal, his office in statement.

Iraqi officials discuss US military presence on Washington visit

In support of the Afghan National&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban,&nbsp;the United&nbsp;States&nbsp;carried out airstrikes&nbsp;across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman&nbsp;on Thursday.&nbsp;

In an off-camera press briefing,&nbsp;Pentagon spokesman John Kirby refused to provide details about the airstrikes.&nbsp;Kirby said,&nbsp;“Without&nbsp;going into specifics, I can say that in the last several days, we have acted through airstrikes to support the ANDSF.&nbsp;But I won't get into tactical details of those strikes.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

The spokesman added,&nbsp;“But we continue to be able to and we continue to, as the Secretary said yesterday, conduct airstrikes in support of the ANDSF. General McKenzie has those authorities.”&nbsp;

In a statement on Friday,&nbsp;the Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;ministry said 17 Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike by Afghan Air Force on Thursday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 10 Taliban fighters were also killed in another airstrike conducted in&nbsp;Nijrab&nbsp;district,&nbsp;Kapisa province on Thursday night, the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although the Taliban has rejected the Ministry of&nbsp;Defence’s&nbsp;figures,&nbsp;the ministry has&nbsp;also&nbsp;not mentioned anything in its statements about US airstrikes on Taliban targets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In support of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban, the United States carried out airstrikes across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman on Thursday.

In support of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban, the United States carried out airstrikes across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman on Thursday. In an off-camera press briefing, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby refused to provide details about the airstrikes. Kirby said, “Without going into specifics, I can say that in the last several days, we have acted through airstrikes to support the ANDSF. But I won't get into tactical details of those strikes.” The spokesman added, “But we continue to be able to and we continue to, as the Secretary said yesterday, conduct airstrikes in support of the ANDSF. General McKenzie has those authorities.” In a statement on Friday, the Afghan defence ministry said 17 Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike by Afghan Air Force on Thursday night. Around 10 Taliban fighters were also killed in another airstrike conducted in Nijrab district, Kapisa province on Thursday night, the defence Ministry added. Although the Taliban has rejected the Ministry of Defence’s figures, the ministry has also not mentioned anything in its statements about US airstrikes on Taliban targets. (With inputs from agencies)

US holds airstrikes to support Afghan security forces against Taliban, says Pentagon

New Yorkers had another bad air day as haze from the western wildfires blanketed the burrows. The smoke pushed the city's air quality index to 154 on Tuesday, the worst it has been in 15 years.

Smoke from western wildfires brings hazy skies to New York City

White House has called Chinese opposition to a World Health Organization probe into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic as "irresponsible" and "dangerous." This comes after Beijing strongly criticised a request by the WHO to audit labs in areas where the first coronavirus cases were identified, including the Chinese city of Wuhan.

White House condemns China's opposition to probe into COVID-19 origins

The United States imposed sanctions on Cuba's defence minister and a special forces unit for repressing peaceful protests as President Joe Biden warned that this is "just the beginning" of punitive measures against Havana.

The United States imposed sanctions on Cuba's defence minister and a special forces unit for repressing peaceful protests as President Joe Biden warned that this is "just the beginning" of punitive measures against Havana. The US Treasury Department said its Office of Foreign Assets Control froze the assets of minister Alvaro Lopez Miera and the Special National Brigade (SNB) concerning human rights abuses committed during a crackdown on protests on the island earlier in July. "This is just the beginning -- the United States will continue to sanction individuals responsible for oppression of the Cuban people," Biden said in a statement. The sanctions were imposed under the Magnitsky act. This act allows a US president to take action against human rights abuses and corruption. Also read | Faced with rare protests, Cuba curbs social media access, watchdog says Biden said that his administration targeted Lopez Miera and the SNB because they were "driving the crackdown". "As we hold the Cuban regime accountable, our support for the Cuban people is unwavering," Biden said. The president also condemned what he termed as the "the mass detentions and sham trials" used to imprison and silence outspoken Cubans. Responding to this, Cuba called the sanctions "slanderous" and said that the US should focus more on repression and police brutality on its own soil. "I reject unfounded and slanderous sanctions by the US government" against the Cubans targeted, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on Twitter. "Treasury will continue to enforce its Cuba-related sanctions, including those imposed today, to support the people of Cuba in their quest for democracy and relief from the Cuban regime," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.

US sanctions Cuba for repressing protests

US carriers American Airlines and Southwest Airlines posted quarterly profits helped by a bookings rebound and federal aid and vowed to resolve hiccups across their operations as passengers return in droves.

World Business Watch: American and Southwest airlines lifted by travel rebound

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