The Taliban in Afghanistan are "tired" of fighting and want to make a peace deal with America, President Donald Trump said on Sunday as he left for his maiden visit to India, days ahead of a possible agreement between the US and the militant group in the war-torn country.

Just before his departure for India, Trump told reporters at the White House that the time had come for the US troops to "come home".

"We've been over there 19 years. We think they want to make a deal. We want to make a deal. I think it's going to work out," Trump said in response to a question on the peace deal with the Taliban.

"Time to come home. We want to make a deal and we think the Taliban want to make a deal too. They're tired of fighting," he said.

The President said he would sign a peace deal with the Taliban if it worked out over the next week.

"I want to see how this period of a week works out. If it works out over the next less-than-a-week, I would put my name on it," he said.

Trump's remarks came a day after the US and the Afghan Taliban started a seven-day partial truce ahead of a possible peace deal to end more than 18-year-long war, raising hopes for a resolution to America's longest war.

The agreement struck during talks between the US and the Taliban, if maintained, may secure a peace deal that would lead to a withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

In November, Trump announced the resumption of peace talks with the Taliban but refused to give a timeline for the drawdown of the US troops from Afghanistan, as he made an unannounced visit to American soldiers stationed in the war-torn country.

After nine rounds of negotiations with the Taliban, Trump announced in September that he was calling the peace talks off after a US service member was killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul.

The US currently has less than 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, but military officials would not confirm the exact number.

Trump is accompanied by First Lady Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and the top brass of his administration on his maiden visit to India.

During his visit, the two countries will significantly ramp up bilateral defence and strategic ties.

The nearly 36-hour-long visit by Trump is also set to send across a clear message of growing congruence of interests on major geopolitical developments in the region and beyond, particularly when China has been expanding its military might and economic clout.

The Taliban in Afghanistan are "tired" of fighting and want to make a peace deal with America, President Donald Trump said on Sunday as he left for his maiden visit to India, days ahead of a possible agreement between the US and the militant group in the war-torn country.

The Taliban in Afghanistan are "tired" of fighting and want to make a peace deal with America, President Donald Trump said on Sunday as he left for his maiden visit to India, days ahead of a possible agreement between the US and the militant group in the war-torn country. Just before his departure for India, Trump told reporters at the White House that the time had come for the US troops to "come home". "We've been over there 19 years. We think they want to make a deal. We want to make a deal. I think it's going to work out," Trump said in response to a question on the peace deal with the Taliban. "Time to come home. We want to make a deal and we think the Taliban want to make a deal too. They're tired of fighting," he said. The President said he would sign a peace deal with the Taliban if it worked out over the next week. "I want to see how this period of a week works out. If it works out over the next less-than-a-week, I would put my name on it," he said. Trump's remarks came a day after the US and the Afghan Taliban started a seven-day partial truce ahead of a possible peace deal to end more than 18-year-long war, raising hopes for a resolution to America's longest war. The agreement struck during talks between the US and the Taliban, if maintained, may secure a peace deal that would lead to a withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. In November, Trump announced the resumption of peace talks with the Taliban but refused to give a timeline for the drawdown of the US troops from Afghanistan, as he made an unannounced visit to American soldiers stationed in the war-torn country. After nine rounds of negotiations with the Taliban, Trump announced in September that he was calling the peace talks off after a US service member was killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul. The US currently has less than 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, but military officials would not confirm the exact number. Trump is accompanied by First Lady Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and the top brass of his administration on his maiden visit to India. During his visit, the two countries will significantly ramp up bilateral defence and strategic ties. The nearly 36-hour-long visit by Trump is also set to send across a clear message of growing congruence of interests on major geopolitical developments in the region and beyond, particularly when China has been expanding its military might and economic clout.

'Tired' Taliban want peace deal with US: President Trump

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-deputy-leader-says-committed-to-peace-in-op-ed-281883">United States</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-deputy-leader-says-committed-to-peace-in-op-ed-281883">Taliban</a> will sign an agreement on February&nbsp;29 at the end of a week long period of violence reduction in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-deputy-leader-says-committed-to-peace-in-op-ed-281883">Taliban </a>said on Friday.

Afghan, international and Taliban forces will observe the reduced violence period beginning at midnight (1930 GMT), an Afghan official and Taliban leaders said earlier.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-deputy-leader-says-committed-to-peace-in-op-ed-281883">Taliban deputy leader says 'committed' to peace in op-ed</a>

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"Following lengthy negotiations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-special-envoy-discusses-taliban-deal-with-re-elected-afghan-president-281887">United States of America</a>, both parties agreed to sign the finalised accord in the presence of international observers," a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-deputy-leader-says-committed-to-peace-in-op-ed-281883">Taliban </a>spokesman said in a statement.

Both sides would also make arrangements for the release of prisoners, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.

Separately, Pompeo said in a statement that the United States and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-deputy-leader-says-committed-to-peace-in-op-ed-281883">Taliban </a>have been engaged in talks to facilitate a political settlement in Afghanistan and to reduce the US presence in the region.

The agreement will be signed upon the successful implementation of an understanding with the Taliban on a significant and nationwide reduction in violence, Pompeo added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-special-envoy-discusses-taliban-deal-with-re-elected-afghan-president-281887">US special envoy discusses Taliban deal with re-elected Afghan president</a>

The agreement could represent a chance for peace in the country after years of war and a US troop presence that dates back to 2001.

US and Taliban negotiators have been meeting in Doha since 2018 even though fighting has raged in Afghanistan and thousands of civilians and combatants have been killed as the insurgents have expanded their territorial control.

"Based on the plan, the reduction in violence (RIV) will start between the Taliban and international and Afghan security forces for one week," Javid Faisal, spokesperson for the Afghan National Security Advisor, told Reuters.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">US, Taliban reach violence reduction pact that could lead to US withdrawal</a>

"We hope it is extended for a longer time and opens the way for a ceasefire and intra-Afghan talks," he added.

Three senior Taliban leaders - two in Doha and one in Afghanistan - also confirmed to Reuters that they had agreed on a reduction of violence in Afghanistan for seven days starting Friday night. All three spoke on condition of anonymity.

Not a 'ceasefire'

One Taliban leader based in Doha told Reuters that the period could not be called a "ceasefire."

"Every party has the right of self-defence but there would no attacks on each other’s positions in these seven days,” the Taliban leader said.

“It is to create a security environment in Afghanistan and can be extended if things go well after signing of a peace accord with the US,” he added.

Officials privy to the talks had said last week that an agreement with the Taliban would be followed by negotiations on an intra-Afghan political settlement between the Taliban and an Afghan delegation that would include government officials.

The Taliban have previously refused to speak directly to the Kabul government, which they denounce as a US puppet.

Afghan forces will keep up normal military operations against other groups such as Islamic State, during the RIV period, Afghan spokesman Faisal said.

He added that Afghan forces will also retaliate against the smallest violation of the understanding by the Taliban.

"Local government and security officials have been instructed by the president himself on how to follow the regulations agreed upon for the RIV period," he said.

The United States and the Taliban will sign an agreement on February 29 at the end of a week long period of violence reduction in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Taliban said on Friday.

The United States and the Taliban will sign an agreement on February 29 at the end of a week long period of violence reduction in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Taliban said on Friday. Afghan, international and Taliban forces will observe the reduced violence period beginning at midnight (1930 GMT), an Afghan official and Taliban leaders said earlier. Also read: Taliban deputy leader says 'committed' to peace in op-ed × "Following lengthy negotiations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America, both parties agreed to sign the finalised accord in the presence of international observers," a Taliban spokesman said in a statement. Both sides would also make arrangements for the release of prisoners, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. Separately, Pompeo said in a statement that the United States and the Taliban have been engaged in talks to facilitate a political settlement in Afghanistan and to reduce the US presence in the region. The agreement will be signed upon the successful implementation of an understanding with the Taliban on a significant and nationwide reduction in violence, Pompeo added. Also read: US special envoy discusses Taliban deal with re-elected Afghan president The agreement could represent a chance for peace in the country after years of war and a US troop presence that dates back to 2001. US and Taliban negotiators have been meeting in Doha since 2018 even though fighting has raged in Afghanistan and thousands of civilians and combatants have been killed as the insurgents have expanded their territorial control. "Based on the plan, the reduction in violence (RIV) will start between the Taliban and international and Afghan security forces for one week," Javid Faisal, spokesperson for the Afghan National Security Advisor, told Reuters. Also read: US, Taliban reach violence reduction pact that could lead to US withdrawal "We hope it is extended for a longer time and opens the way for a ceasefire and intra-Afghan talks," he added. Three senior Taliban leaders - two in Doha and one in Afghanistan - also confirmed to Reuters that they had agreed on a reduction of violence in Afghanistan for seven days starting Friday night. All three spoke on condition of anonymity. Not a 'ceasefire' One Taliban leader based in Doha told Reuters that the period could not be called a "ceasefire." "Every party has the right of self-defence but there would no attacks on each other’s positions in these seven days,” the Taliban leader said. “It is to create a security environment in Afghanistan and can be extended if things go well after signing of a peace accord with the US,” he added. Officials privy to the talks had said last week that an agreement with the Taliban would be followed by negotiations on an intra-Afghan political settlement between the Taliban and an Afghan delegation that would include government officials. The Taliban have previously refused to speak directly to the Kabul government, which they denounce as a US puppet. Afghan forces will keep up normal military operations against other groups such as Islamic State, during the RIV period, Afghan spokesman Faisal said. He added that Afghan forces will also retaliate against the smallest violation of the understanding by the Taliban. "Local government and security officials have been instructed by the president himself on how to follow the regulations agreed upon for the RIV period," he said.

US, Taliban expected to sign peace deal on February 29: Mike Pompeo

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-plane-crashes-in-afghanistan-top-us-intel-officers-dead-277184">conflict's continued toll</a> despite relative calm in Kabul. The nation's capital and other urban areas have enjoyed a rare stretch of more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-recovers-two-bodies-from-bombardier-aircraft-crash-site-in-afghanistan-277343">two </a>months without the sorts of large-scale bomb attack that frequently rock the city and cause mass causalities.

Despite the lull, which has come as the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/despite-defeats-the-islamic-state-remains-unbroken-and-defiant-around-the-world-277491"> US and the Taliban continue talks</a> over a possible deal for American forces to leave Afghanistan, fighting in rural provinces has continued unabated, with reports of skirmishes appearing daily. According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), "enemy-initiated attacks" rose sharply last year, with the fourth quarter seeing a total of 8,204 attacks -- up from 6,974 in the same period in 2018.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-bombing-of-afghanistan-hits-10-year-high-us-air-force-277324">United States bombing of Afghanistan hits 10-year high: US Air Force</a>

September, when the first round of presidential voting was held, saw the highest number of casualty-causing attacks since recording began in 2010. SIGAR noted that attacks appeared to mirror progress in US-Taliban talks, with incidents dropping earlier in the year, then picking up again after US President Donald Trump temporarily halted negotiations in September.

"A turbulent last six months resulted in increases in overall enemy attacks (6 per cent) and effective attacks (4 per cent) in 2019 compared to the already high levels reported in 2018," SIGAR said in its quarterly report to the US Congress. The Pentagon has also continued to up the tempo of operations, with American warplanes dropping more bombs on Afghanistan in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the US Air Force.

Washington and the Taliban are continuing to wrangle over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.&nbsp; The US has for months been calling on the militants to reduce violence, but both sides have said little in recent days about the status of talks and the Kabul government wants the US to push for a full ceasefire.

SIGAR's report also found that Afghanistan's security forces struggled to take the fight to the Taliban, relying on US support for more than half their ground operations. SIGAR also highlighted a slight increase in the number of casualties among Afghan military members, who have sustained massive losses over the past five years.

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the conflict's continued toll despite relative calm in Kabul.

Violent attacks in Afghanistan's war jumped to record levels in the last quarter of 2019, a US government watchdog said Friday, underscoring the conflict's continued toll despite relative calm in Kabul. The nation's capital and other urban areas have enjoyed a rare stretch of more than two months without the sorts of large-scale bomb attack that frequently rock the city and cause mass causalities. Despite the lull, which has come as the US and the Taliban continue talks over a possible deal for American forces to leave Afghanistan, fighting in rural provinces has continued unabated, with reports of skirmishes appearing daily. According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), "enemy-initiated attacks" rose sharply last year, with the fourth quarter seeing a total of 8,204 attacks -- up from 6,974 in the same period in 2018. Also Read: United States bombing of Afghanistan hits 10-year high: US Air Force September, when the first round of presidential voting was held, saw the highest number of casualty-causing attacks since recording began in 2010. SIGAR noted that attacks appeared to mirror progress in US-Taliban talks, with incidents dropping earlier in the year, then picking up again after US President Donald Trump temporarily halted negotiations in September. "A turbulent last six months resulted in increases in overall enemy attacks (6 per cent) and effective attacks (4 per cent) in 2019 compared to the already high levels reported in 2018," SIGAR said in its quarterly report to the US Congress. The Pentagon has also continued to up the tempo of operations, with American warplanes dropping more bombs on Afghanistan in 2019 than at any other time in at least a decade, according to the US Air Force. Washington and the Taliban are continuing to wrangle over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. The US has for months been calling on the militants to reduce violence, but both sides have said little in recent days about the status of talks and the Kabul government wants the US to push for a full ceasefire. SIGAR's report also found that Afghanistan's security forces struggled to take the fight to the Taliban, relying on US support for more than half their ground operations. SIGAR also highlighted a slight increase in the number of casualties among Afghan military members, who have sustained massive losses over the past five years.

Amid US-Taliban peace talks, violence in Afghanistan rises: Watchdog

While the Afghan government is optimistic about US-Taliban talks that started over the weekend in Doha, it has said that the group has to integrate into the new Afghanistan.&nbsp;

While speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Afghanistan's chief of mission Tahir Qadiry said the Afghan government wants peace talks which are dignified and peace-enduring. He also lauded the Indian government's position on the peace talks and called New Delhi an all-weather friend of Afghanistan.

Here is the transcript of the interview.

WION: How do you see the current talks between US-Taliban in Doha?

Qadiry: The Afghan government has a road map for peace talks in Afghanistan. A few months ago, the Afghan government convened a grand assembly with 2,000 people and they gave a roadmap to President Ghani. The Afghan government want peace talks which are dignified and enduring peace. The government has made a composition for an intra-Aghan dialogue in Bejing and they are waiting for the Taliban to respond. All we want is to reflect and project the will of the Afghan people which is to preserve the gains made over the last 18 years.

 
WION: Are you optimistic that Taliban will join the intra-Afghan talks?

Qadiry: Peace is the only solution. Taliban knows that we have very strong Afghan defence and security forces now which are fighting at different fronts. Our security forces are at the front line of fighting international terrorism as well. We are talking about the new Afghanistan, we have a powerful army, we have professional resilient security forces, a legitimate government and many democratic institutions. Taliban doesn't have any other way rather than integrating and accepting and respecting the Afghan constitution. If they want to join, a dignified life, the way is there, they can do it via a political campaign like in the election which is the legitimate way. We are hoping the Taliban would be speaking because our government, the road map is present, the structure is present so all our people want is to preserve the gains, the elections, the constitution, human rights, women's rights, freedom of expression and things like that. Today's Afghanistan is very different and the Taliban needs to integrate into the new society and accept that Afghanistan has moved forward.

WION: How do you see India's stand. New Delhi has stood by the Afghan government, your thoughts?&nbsp;

Qadiry: India is an all-weather friend of Afghanistan. India is our trusted ally - a good friend who has been standing with Aghan people and Afghan government and this is appreciated. The term "Afghan-owned, Afghan-run" came from our Indian partner; they stood with us for elections while many people were pessimistic. India was one of the few countries that supported us. What do you expect from a good friend? You expect them to stand by you and India stood by us. India, as a big country, can use many platforms to lobby for Afghanistan.

WION: In terms of connectivity, you have been a land bridge country, how are you making sure that your country becomes the hub in Asia?

Qadiry: Afghanistan is no longer a land-locked country but a land bridge. We are very much connected to the world via the Chabahar - thanks to India and Iran. The port has connected Afghanistan. And we have air corridor to India. Lapis Lazuli is a milestone. We are very much moving towards doing partnership rather than just being an aid receiving country. India being the prime location for Afghan products has been a very good example. We have two successful events happening in India, one was the "passage to prosperity" and Indian International Trade Fair in Delhi which was was a great success. Afghanistan has a lot of potential and India is a prime market. We are increasing flights via the air corridor. This is what Afghanistan deserves. Security in Afghanistan is good for the region and the whole region will be prosperous. Location-wise, Afghanistan is a passageway to central Asia,

WION: What about connectivity translating to trade? Especially with India?

Qadiry: We are hoping trade will reach 2 billion dollars which is very good and substantive. We are moving towards a target. So far, everything is going very very well. India is giving a good platform to traders our businessmen. India is a very good platform, it has been a good friend and a good ally and also a good trade partner.

WION: What has been the status of the Chabahar port? &nbsp;Challenges ahead?

Qadiry: When you start a project, a dream project for Afghanistan, it means a lot and of course it has problems before it gets to the point. Regarding sanctions, to some extent, it is impacted. Afghanistan has been exporting things via Chabahar to India and soon the Indian government will send a consignment of wheat via Chabahar. Both Indian and Afghan governments, Afghan traders are working closely. This is a golden opportunity for Afghanistan and it changes us from the landlocked nation to a land bridge country. From our side, we are doing all that we can and we are talking with the Indian side who are extending all the assistance. There are some challenges but they won't stay there forever. 
&nbsp;

While the Afghan government is optimistic about US-Taliban talks that started over the weekend in Doha, it has said that the group has to integrate into the new Afghanistan.

While the Afghan government is optimistic about US-Taliban talks that started over the weekend in Doha, it has said that the group has to integrate into the new Afghanistan. While speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Afghanistan's chief of mission Tahir Qadiry said the Afghan government wants peace talks which are dignified and peace-enduring. He also lauded the Indian government's position on the peace talks and called New Delhi an all-weather friend of Afghanistan. Here is the transcript of the interview. WION: How do you see the current talks between US-Taliban in Doha? Qadiry: The Afghan government has a road map for peace talks in Afghanistan. A few months ago, the Afghan government convened a grand assembly with 2,000 people and they gave a roadmap to President Ghani. The Afghan government want peace talks which are dignified and enduring peace. The government has made a composition for an intra-Aghan dialogue in Bejing and they are waiting for the Taliban to respond. All we want is to reflect and project the will of the Afghan people which is to preserve the gains made over the last 18 years. WION: Are you optimistic that Taliban will join the intra-Afghan talks? Qadiry: Peace is the only solution. Taliban knows that we have very strong Afghan defence and security forces now which are fighting at different fronts. Our security forces are at the front line of fighting international terrorism as well. We are talking about the new Afghanistan, we have a powerful army, we have professional resilient security forces, a legitimate government and many democratic institutions. Taliban doesn't have any other way rather than integrating and accepting and respecting the Afghan constitution. If they want to join, a dignified life, the way is there, they can do it via a political campaign like in the election which is the legitimate way. We are hoping the Taliban would be speaking because our government, the road map is present, the structure is present so all our people want is to preserve the gains, the elections, the constitution, human rights, women's rights, freedom of expression and things like that. Today's Afghanistan is very different and the Taliban needs to integrate into the new society and accept that Afghanistan has moved forward. WION: How do you see India's stand. New Delhi has stood by the Afghan government, your thoughts? Qadiry: India is an all-weather friend of Afghanistan. India is our trusted ally - a good friend who has been standing with Aghan people and Afghan government and this is appreciated. The term "Afghan-owned, Afghan-run" came from our Indian partner; they stood with us for elections while many people were pessimistic. India was one of the few countries that supported us. What do you expect from a good friend? You expect them to stand by you and India stood by us. India, as a big country, can use many platforms to lobby for Afghanistan. WION: In terms of connectivity, you have been a land bridge country, how are you making sure that your country becomes the hub in Asia? Qadiry: Afghanistan is no longer a land-locked country but a land bridge. We are very much connected to the world via the Chabahar - thanks to India and Iran. The port has connected Afghanistan. And we have air corridor to India. Lapis Lazuli is a milestone. We are very much moving towards doing partnership rather than just being an aid receiving country. India being the prime location for Afghan products has been a very good example. We have two successful events happening in India, one was the "passage to prosperity" and Indian International Trade Fair in Delhi which was was a great success. Afghanistan has a lot of potential and India is a prime market. We are increasing flights via the air corridor. This is what Afghanistan deserves. Security in Afghanistan is good for the region and the whole region will be prosperous. Location-wise, Afghanistan is a passageway to central Asia, WION: What about connectivity translating to trade? Especially with India? Qadiry: We are hoping trade will reach 2 billion dollars which is very good and substantive. We are moving towards a target. So far, everything is going very very well. India is giving a good platform to traders our businessmen. India is a very good platform, it has been a good friend and a good ally and also a good trade partner. WION: What has been the status of the Chabahar port? Challenges ahead? Qadiry: When you start a project, a dream project for Afghanistan, it means a lot and of course it has problems before it gets to the point. Regarding sanctions, to some extent, it is impacted. Afghanistan has been exporting things via Chabahar to India and soon the Indian government will send a consignment of wheat via Chabahar. Both Indian and Afghan governments, Afghan traders are working closely. This is a golden opportunity for Afghanistan and it changes us from the landlocked nation to a land bridge country. From our side, we are doing all that we can and we are talking with the Indian side who are extending all the assistance. There are some challenges but they won't stay there forever.

Taliban has to integrate into new Afghanistan: Afghan chief of mission tells WION

A Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">US negotiations with the Afghan insurgents</a> collapsed, the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday.

"The Russian president's special representative for Afghanistan ... , Zamir Kabulov, hosted a Taliban delegation in Moscow," a ministry spokesman said, quoted by RIA Novosti state-funded news agency.

No date for the talks was given.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/american-trust-in-pakistan-and-taliban-difficult-to-comprehend-249470">American trust in Pakistan and Taliban difficult to comprehend</a>

"The Russian side stressed the need to relaunch negotiations between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-us-taliban-talks-cancelled-impact-on-india-248667">United States and the Taliban </a>movement," the spokesman said.

"For their part, the Taliban confirmed their willingness to pursue dialogue with Washington," he added.

Until a week ago expectation had steadily mounted of a US-Taliban deal that would see the US drawdown of troop levels in Afghanistan and the Taliban offer security guarantees to keep extremist groups out.

But last Saturday, Trump revealed he had cancelled an unprecedented meeting between the Taliban and himself in the United States and declared the talks with the militants "dead".

With more than 13,000 US troops still in Afghanistan, Trump has been eager to end America's longest war, launched 18 years ago after the September 11 attacks.

But fears are now growing of increased violence with presidential elections set for September 28 in Afghanistan.

The vote, the fourth since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, has already been delayed twice this year.

Government forces and Taliban have been engaged in heavy exchanges across the nation, with the militants vowing to continue fighting and make the US regret walking away from talks.&nbsp;

Russia has been trying to influence the peace negotiations and staged two meetings in Moscow with Afghan political leaders at the start of the year.

A Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow after US negotiations with the Afghan insurgents collapsed, the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday.

A Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow after US negotiations with the Afghan insurgents collapsed, the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday. "The Russian president's special representative for Afghanistan ... , Zamir Kabulov, hosted a Taliban delegation in Moscow," a ministry spokesman said, quoted by RIA Novosti state-funded news agency. No date for the talks was given. Also read: American trust in Pakistan and Taliban difficult to comprehend "The Russian side stressed the need to relaunch negotiations between the United States and the Taliban movement," the spokesman said. "For their part, the Taliban confirmed their willingness to pursue dialogue with Washington," he added. Until a week ago expectation had steadily mounted of a US-Taliban deal that would see the US drawdown of troop levels in Afghanistan and the Taliban offer security guarantees to keep extremist groups out. But last Saturday, Trump revealed he had cancelled an unprecedented meeting between the Taliban and himself in the United States and declared the talks with the militants "dead". With more than 13,000 US troops still in Afghanistan, Trump has been eager to end America's longest war, launched 18 years ago after the September 11 attacks. But fears are now growing of increased violence with presidential elections set for September 28 in Afghanistan. The vote, the fourth since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, has already been delayed twice this year. Government forces and Taliban have been engaged in heavy exchanges across the nation, with the militants vowing to continue fighting and make the US regret walking away from talks. Russia has been trying to influence the peace negotiations and staged two meetings in Moscow with Afghan political leaders at the start of the year.

Moscow holds talks with Taliban as US peace deal collapses: Russian foreign ministry

Taliban insurgents on Saturday launched a multi-pronged attack on Kunduz, a strategically important city in northern Afghanistan that has come under frequent assault since 2015.

The ongoing attack came as the US and the Taliban continue to seek an agreement in Doha that would see thousands of American troops leave Afghanistan in return for various security guarantees.

Officials said the attack started around 1:00 am (2030 GMT Friday), when Taliban fighters assaulted the city from several directions.

"So far, eight Taliban fighters have been killed in the east and west of Kunduz," Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, Kunduz police spokesman, told AFP.&nbsp;

"The fighting is ongoing. Commando forces have arrived and are trying to repel the Taliban attacks."

An AFP reporter in Kunduz said small-arms and heavy-weapons fire could be heard in four areas of the city.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Saturday's attack had resulted in the capture of several important structures.

"The Taliban attacked Kunduz city from several directions this morning. We are in the city now capturing government buildings one after the other," he told reporters.

In late September 2015, the Taliban attacked Kunduz, located near the border with Tajikistan.

The insurgents overwhelmed local forces and briefly seized the city, and it was only through extensive US air support that the Taliban were repelled.

The fall of Kunduz underscored the vulnerability of Afghan security forces and played a role in stopping the pull-out of US forces under president Barack Obama.

Since then, the city has come under frequent Taliban attack but the insurgents have not been able to repeat a full capture. 
&nbsp;

Taliban insurgents on Saturday launched a multi-pronged attack on Kunduz, a strategically important city in northern Afghanistan that has come under frequent assault since 2015.

Taliban insurgents on Saturday launched a multi-pronged attack on Kunduz, a strategically important city in northern Afghanistan that has come under frequent assault since 2015. The ongoing attack came as the US and the Taliban continue to seek an agreement in Doha that would see thousands of American troops leave Afghanistan in return for various security guarantees. Officials said the attack started around 1:00 am (2030 GMT Friday), when Taliban fighters assaulted the city from several directions. "So far, eight Taliban fighters have been killed in the east and west of Kunduz," Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, Kunduz police spokesman, told AFP. "The fighting is ongoing. Commando forces have arrived and are trying to repel the Taliban attacks." An AFP reporter in Kunduz said small-arms and heavy-weapons fire could be heard in four areas of the city. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Saturday's attack had resulted in the capture of several important structures. "The Taliban attacked Kunduz city from several directions this morning. We are in the city now capturing government buildings one after the other," he told reporters. In late September 2015, the Taliban attacked Kunduz, located near the border with Tajikistan. The insurgents overwhelmed local forces and briefly seized the city, and it was only through extensive US air support that the Taliban were repelled. The fall of Kunduz underscored the vulnerability of Afghan security forces and played a role in stopping the pull-out of US forces under president Barack Obama. Since then, the city has come under frequent Taliban attack but the insurgents have not been able to repeat a full capture.

Taliban attack Afghan city of Kunduz: Officials

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Trump made a remark to reporters at the White House before leaving for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland.

Trump said on Thursday US troop levels in Afghanistan were being reduced to 8,600 but that American forces would remain in the country even if Washington reaches an agreement with the Taliban to end the 18-year war.

The Taliban said on Wednesday it was close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise that the country would not become a haven for international militants.

Both US and Taliban negotiators have reported progress in their talks in recent weeks, raising the prospect of an end to the conflict. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, was due to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Afghan leaders.

The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and ousted its Taliban leaders after they refused to hand over members of the al Qaeda militant group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump made a remark to reporters at the White House before leaving for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland. Trump said on Thursday US troop levels in Afghanistan were being reduced to 8,600 but that American forces would remain in the country even if Washington reaches an agreement with the Taliban to end the 18-year war. The Taliban said on Wednesday it was close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise that the country would not become a haven for international militants. Both US and Taliban negotiators have reported progress in their talks in recent weeks, raising the prospect of an end to the conflict. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, was due to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Afghan leaders. The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and ousted its Taliban leaders after they refused to hand over members of the al Qaeda militant group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Trump says US has good negotiations with Taliban but no deal yet

Taliban and US negotiators have wrapped up their latest round of talks for a deal that would see America shrink its troop presence in Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said Monday.

According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the eighth round of talks, which had been taking place in Doha, finished after midnight.

"Work was tedious &amp; effective. Both sides agreed to consult their respective leaderships for next steps," he wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from the US embassy in Kabul.&nbsp;

On Sunday, US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted, "I hope this is the last Eid where Afghanistan is at war," referring to the Eid al-Adha festival currently taking place in the Muslim world.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Eid Mubarak. I hope this is the last Eid where <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> is at war. I know Afghans yearn for peace. We stand with them and are working hard toward a lasting &amp; honorable peace agreement and a sovereign Afghanistan which poses no threat to any other country.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1160546469415411713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speculation has reached fever pitch in Kabul in recent days that an announcement about a US-Taliban deal may be imminent.

The US has been negotiating with its longtime foe over the past year for a pact that would see the Pentagon begin to withdraw its 14,000 troops from Afghanistan.

Washington is keen to end its 18-year involvement in Afghanistan, where it has spent more than $1 trillion, and President Donald Trump has said he wants troops out.

In return, the Taliban would commit to various security guarantees, including that the Islamist hardliners who long harboured Al-Qaeda would not allow Afghanistan to become a jihadist safe haven.

A US-Taliban agreement would not in itself bring Afghanistan's war to an end, as the insurgents would still need to make a deal with the Kabul government.

Many Afghans had been hoping for a ceasefire to be announced over Eid. This has not happened, but recent days have been relatively calm.

On Monday, Afghanistan's intelligence service announced 35 Taliban prisoners would be released "as a gesture of goodwill".

"The release of these prisoners is a clear sign of the strong will of the government for peace and end to war", the agency said in a statement.

The Taliban and Afghan security forces periodically release enemy prisoners.

Taliban and US negotiators have wrapped up their latest round of talks for a deal that would see America shrink its troop presence in Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said Monday.

Taliban and US negotiators have wrapped up their latest round of talks for a deal that would see America shrink its troop presence in Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said Monday. According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the eighth round of talks, which had been taking place in Doha, finished after midnight. "Work was tedious & effective. Both sides agreed to consult their respective leaderships for next steps," he wrote on Twitter. There was no immediate comment from the US embassy in Kabul. On Sunday, US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted, "I hope this is the last Eid where Afghanistan is at war," referring to the Eid al-Adha festival currently taking place in the Muslim world. Eid Mubarak. I hope this is the last Eid where #Afghanistan is at war. I know Afghans yearn for peace. We stand with them and are working hard toward a lasting & honorable peace agreement and a sovereign Afghanistan which poses no threat to any other country. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) August 11, 2019 × Speculation has reached fever pitch in Kabul in recent days that an announcement about a US-Taliban deal may be imminent. The US has been negotiating with its longtime foe over the past year for a pact that would see the Pentagon begin to withdraw its 14,000 troops from Afghanistan. Washington is keen to end its 18-year involvement in Afghanistan, where it has spent more than $1 trillion, and President Donald Trump has said he wants troops out. In return, the Taliban would commit to various security guarantees, including that the Islamist hardliners who long harboured Al-Qaeda would not allow Afghanistan to become a jihadist safe haven. A US-Taliban agreement would not in itself bring Afghanistan's war to an end, as the insurgents would still need to make a deal with the Kabul government. Many Afghans had been hoping for a ceasefire to be announced over Eid. This has not happened, but recent days have been relatively calm. On Monday, Afghanistan's intelligence service announced 35 Taliban prisoners would be released "as a gesture of goodwill". "The release of these prisoners is a clear sign of the strong will of the government for peace and end to war", the agency said in a statement. The Taliban and Afghan security forces periodically release enemy prisoners.

Latest round of peace talks with US finished: Taliban

A fresh round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-touts-afghan-peace-progress-but-warns-can-kill-millions-240335">US-Taliban peace talks</a> began in Qatar's capital&nbsp;Doha&nbsp;on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan.

Senior officials privy to the talks said a peace agreement could be expected at the end of the eighth round of talks, possibly before August 13, and would enable foreign forces to be withdrawn from the war-torn country.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US peace envoy for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/young-afghans-wary-as-possible-us-taliban-deal-nears-240301">Afghanistan</a> who has held a series of meetings with Taliban leaders since last year, reached&nbsp;Doha&nbsp;on Friday night.

"Just got to&nbsp;Doha&nbsp;to resume talks with the Taliban. We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.

"A peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our (US)&nbsp;presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based," he said, adding the Taliban are signalling they would conclude an agreement.

"We are ready for a good agreement."

Two sources with knowledge of the talks said an agreement on the withdrawal of foreign forces in exchange for security guarantees by the Taliban is expected before August 13

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces.

The hardline Islamist Taliban group now controls more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001.

Two Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen and Zabihullah Mujahid said a 19-member Taliban negotiation team will represent them in the&nbsp;Doha&nbsp;peace talks.

"The issue of forces withdrawal has prolonged the peace talks and delayed the deal," said a senior Taliban commander based in Afghanistan on conditions of anonymity.

"There was no way we would allow permanent stay of US forces in Afghanistan after signing a peace deal with them," he said, adding that Taliban will provide complete assurance that no foreign militant group will be allowed to use Afghanistan to launch attacks against the United States and its allies.

Leaders of the insurgent group have repeatedly stated that a ceasefire or talks with the Afghan government and civil society members will not take place until the United States announces a plan for foreign force withdrawal from Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump wants combat forces reduced in Afghanistan by the next US presidential election in November 2020, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month.

Uncertainty

Fighting in Afghanistan has not subsided. More than 1,500 civilians were killed and injured in July, a record monthly toll this year, and the highest number documented in a month since May 2017, United Nations of Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a statement on Saturday.

Many Afghans fear a US troop withdrawal announcement will weaken their bargaining power with the hardline Islamist group, which aims to re-establish an Islamic emirate to replace an elected government it dismisses as puppets of foreign forces.

Women’s rights groups in particular worry about the fate of women and girls in the event of a return of the Taliban, who banned girls’ education and imposed severe restrictions on women’s rights to work outside the home.

The sense of uncertainty revolving around the peace talks has become a source of distress with many Afghans fearing a complete collapse of law and order if the United States fails to protect basic freedom guaranteed under the Afghan constitution.

In June, Pompeo said he hoped for a peace deal with the Taliban before September 1.

"The Americans are being hasty to sign the deal. Right now it feels like we will wake up one morning and find the Taliban government has been installed," said Mustafa Karimi, a shopkeeper in Kabul whose brother was killed last year by the Taliban during clashes with Afghan forces.

"Taliban often use Afghan civilians as human shields and now the US are also putting our lives at risk to exit out of Afghanistan," he said.

"We are doomed if the peace talks don't protect our basic rights and freedom."

A fresh round of US-Taliban peace talks began in Qatar's capital Doha on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan.

A fresh round of US-Taliban peace talks began in Qatar's capital Doha on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan. Senior officials privy to the talks said a peace agreement could be expected at the end of the eighth round of talks, possibly before August 13, and would enable foreign forces to be withdrawn from the war-torn country. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US peace envoy for Afghanistan who has held a series of meetings with Taliban leaders since last year, reached Doha on Friday night. "Just got to Doha to resume talks with the Taliban. We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter. "A peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our (US) presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based," he said, adding the Taliban are signalling they would conclude an agreement. "We are ready for a good agreement." Two sources with knowledge of the talks said an agreement on the withdrawal of foreign forces in exchange for security guarantees by the Taliban is expected before August 13 About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. The hardline Islamist Taliban group now controls more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001. Two Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen and Zabihullah Mujahid said a 19-member Taliban negotiation team will represent them in the Doha peace talks. "The issue of forces withdrawal has prolonged the peace talks and delayed the deal," said a senior Taliban commander based in Afghanistan on conditions of anonymity. "There was no way we would allow permanent stay of US forces in Afghanistan after signing a peace deal with them," he said, adding that Taliban will provide complete assurance that no foreign militant group will be allowed to use Afghanistan to launch attacks against the United States and its allies. Leaders of the insurgent group have repeatedly stated that a ceasefire or talks with the Afghan government and civil society members will not take place until the United States announces a plan for foreign force withdrawal from Afghanistan. US President Donald Trump wants combat forces reduced in Afghanistan by the next US presidential election in November 2020, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month. Uncertainty Fighting in Afghanistan has not subsided. More than 1,500 civilians were killed and injured in July, a record monthly toll this year, and the highest number documented in a month since May 2017, United Nations of Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a statement on Saturday. Many Afghans fear a US troop withdrawal announcement will weaken their bargaining power with the hardline Islamist group, which aims to re-establish an Islamic emirate to replace an elected government it dismisses as puppets of foreign forces. Women’s rights groups in particular worry about the fate of women and girls in the event of a return of the Taliban, who banned girls’ education and imposed severe restrictions on women’s rights to work outside the home. The sense of uncertainty revolving around the peace talks has become a source of distress with many Afghans fearing a complete collapse of law and order if the United States fails to protect basic freedom guaranteed under the Afghan constitution. In June, Pompeo said he hoped for a peace deal with the Taliban before September 1. "The Americans are being hasty to sign the deal. Right now it feels like we will wake up one morning and find the Taliban government has been installed," said Mustafa Karimi, a shopkeeper in Kabul whose brother was killed last year by the Taliban during clashes with Afghan forces. "Taliban often use Afghan civilians as human shields and now the US are also putting our lives at risk to exit out of Afghanistan," he said. "We are doomed if the peace talks don't protect our basic rights and freedom."

New round of US-Taliban talks open in Doha amid hope for peace deal

US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan on Sunday to finalise US-Taliban peace agreement possibly by September 1 that would pave way for ending two decades of insurgency in the war-torn country, government sources said on Saturday.

Khalilzad on Friday had held talks with Indian Ambassador to US Harsh Vardhan Shringla on the matter and said that he considers India to be an important partner in this endeavour, and the one that can add value to the process.

The envoy expressed optimism about the timely outcome of the peace process, albeit added that some ground was yet to be covered, especially on the peace agreement between the rival factions in Afghanistan, sources added.

The Taliban and the US are getting closer to a deal centred around the latter's promise to withdraw its troops from the war-torn country.

Khalilzad had recently concluded the seventh round of talks with the Taliban in Doha, and termed them as "most productive".

The Taliban have consistently refused to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani's government, denouncing it as a puppet administration.

An earlier round of intra-Afghan talks, which were to be held in April, was called off after the Taliban did not agree on the list of Kabul officials who were supposed to attend the peace talks.

The group, however, recently agreed to hold talks with a delegation of 50 members from the Afghan political elites, civil society members, youths and journalists in Qatar`s capital city of Doha.&nbsp;

US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan on Sunday to finalise US-Taliban peace agreement possibly by September 1 that would pave way for ending two decades of insurgency in the war-torn country, government sources said on Saturday.

US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan on Sunday to finalise US-Taliban peace agreement possibly by September 1 that would pave way for ending two decades of insurgency in the war-torn country, government sources said on Saturday. Khalilzad on Friday had held talks with Indian Ambassador to US Harsh Vardhan Shringla on the matter and said that he considers India to be an important partner in this endeavour, and the one that can add value to the process. The envoy expressed optimism about the timely outcome of the peace process, albeit added that some ground was yet to be covered, especially on the peace agreement between the rival factions in Afghanistan, sources added. The Taliban and the US are getting closer to a deal centred around the latter's promise to withdraw its troops from the war-torn country. Khalilzad had recently concluded the seventh round of talks with the Taliban in Doha, and termed them as "most productive". The Taliban have consistently refused to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani's government, denouncing it as a puppet administration. An earlier round of intra-Afghan talks, which were to be held in April, was called off after the Taliban did not agree on the list of Kabul officials who were supposed to attend the peace talks. The group, however, recently agreed to hold talks with a delegation of 50 members from the Afghan political elites, civil society members, youths and journalists in Qatar`s capital city of Doha.

Zalmay Khalilzad to visit Afghanistan to finalise US-Taliban peace deal possibly by September 1