President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that US troops won't leave any Americans behind in Afghanistan. "If there are American citizens left, we're going to stay to get them all out," Biden said. US leaders have said that they are sticking to an August 31 deadline for removing US troops from Afghanistan.

If there are American citizens left, we're going to stay to get them all out: US President Joe Biden

Afghanistan has witnessed a rise in internally displaced people. Since the withdrawal of US troops hundreds have been displaced from Afghanistan.

Hundreds displaced after US troops withdrawal in Afghanistan

Joe Biden defended his decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan saying: 'I stand squarely behind my decision.' Biden said, 'American troops cannot and should not be dying in a war that Afghan forces are not willing to fight for themselves.'

I stand squarely behind my decision: President Joe Biden on US troops pullout from Afghanistan

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots detailed by Reuters this month mark another "worrisome development" for the Afghan Air Force as it reels from a surge in fighting, a US government watchdog said in a report released on Thursday (July 29). 
 
At least seven Afghan pilots have been assassinated off base in recent months, two senior Afghan government officials told Reuters, part of what the Islamist Taliban says is a campaign to see U.S.-trained Afghan pilots "targeted and eliminated." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-fighting-between-taliban-and-afghan-troops-russia-to-bolster-tajikistans-military-401156">Also read: Amid fighting between Taliban and Afghan troops, Russia to bolster Tajikistan's military</a> 
 
As the United States prepares to formally end its 20-year military mission in Afghanistan on Aug. 31, Taliban insurgents are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the U.S.-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to take the capital Kabul. 
 
The Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report to Congress covering the three-month period through June, broadly portrayed an Afghan Air Force (AAF) under growing strain from battling the Taliban amid the U.S. withdrawal - and becoming less ready to fight. 
 
The AAF`s fleet of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, for example, had a 39 percent readiness rate in June, about half the level of April and May. All Afghan airframes were flying at least 25 percent over their recommended scheduled-maintenance intervals, SIGAR reported. 
 
"All aircraft platforms are overtaxed due to increased requests for close air support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions and aerial resupply now that the (Afghan military) largely lacks U.S. air support," it wrote. 
 
At the same time, air crews remain over-tasked due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and a pace of operations that "has only increased”, it said. 
 
SIGAR also cited the Reuters report. 
 
"Another worrisome development concerning AAF aircrew was a (Reuters) report that the Taliban is deliberately targeting Afghan pilots," it said, before presenting the Reuters` findings without additional comment. 
 
Along with Afghanistan`s Special Forces, the Afghan Air Force is a pillar of the nation`s strategy for preventing a Taliban takeover of cities. But special operations forces are also being misused, SIGAR reported. 
 
It said most Afghan National Army corps refuse to execute missions without support from its elite commandos. Citing NATO data, SIGAR said that when Afghan commandos arrive, they are misused to perform tasks intended for conventional forces, including route clearance and checkpoint security. 
 
Still, the report cautioned that it was difficult to evaluate what constituted military misuse of the elite forces when the Afghan government "is fighting for its existence".

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots detailed by Reuters this month mark another "worrisome development" for the Afghan Air Force as it reels from a surge in fighting, a US government watchdog said in a report released on Thursday (July 29).

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots detailed by Reuters this month mark another "worrisome development" for the Afghan Air Force as it reels from a surge in fighting, a US government watchdog said in a report released on Thursday (July 29). At least seven Afghan pilots have been assassinated off base in recent months, two senior Afghan government officials told Reuters, part of what the Islamist Taliban says is a campaign to see U.S.-trained Afghan pilots "targeted and eliminated." Also read: Amid fighting between Taliban and Afghan troops, Russia to bolster Tajikistan's military As the United States prepares to formally end its 20-year military mission in Afghanistan on Aug. 31, Taliban insurgents are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the U.S.-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to take the capital Kabul. The Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report to Congress covering the three-month period through June, broadly portrayed an Afghan Air Force (AAF) under growing strain from battling the Taliban amid the U.S. withdrawal - and becoming less ready to fight. The AAF`s fleet of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, for example, had a 39 percent readiness rate in June, about half the level of April and May. All Afghan airframes were flying at least 25 percent over their recommended scheduled-maintenance intervals, SIGAR reported. "All aircraft platforms are overtaxed due to increased requests for close air support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions and aerial resupply now that the (Afghan military) largely lacks U.S. air support," it wrote. At the same time, air crews remain over-tasked due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and a pace of operations that "has only increased”, it said. SIGAR also cited the Reuters report. "Another worrisome development concerning AAF aircrew was a (Reuters) report that the Taliban is deliberately targeting Afghan pilots," it said, before presenting the Reuters` findings without additional comment. Along with Afghanistan`s Special Forces, the Afghan Air Force is a pillar of the nation`s strategy for preventing a Taliban takeover of cities. But special operations forces are also being misused, SIGAR reported. It said most Afghan National Army corps refuse to execute missions without support from its elite commandos. Citing NATO data, SIGAR said that when Afghan commandos arrive, they are misused to perform tasks intended for conventional forces, including route clearance and checkpoint security. Still, the report cautioned that it was difficult to evaluate what constituted military misuse of the elite forces when the Afghan government "is fighting for its existence".

Taliban assassinations of Afghan pilots 'worrisome,' US government watchdog says

Amid escalation in Taliban's offensive in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kicked-down-a-cliff-afghan-man-says-decorated-australian-soldier-killed-his-handcuffed-uncle-400775">Afghanistan</a>, US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie has said that the "United States is prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks".

McKenzie asserted that the US has increased airstrikes in support of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-warns-of-unprecedented-afghan-civilian-deaths-due-to-taliban-offensives-400723">Afghan</a> forces over the last several days.

President Biden had announced US troops will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 even as the Taliban renewed its offensive in the past month seizing areas in border regions including in the west and north.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-defence-secy-lloyd-austin-says-first-task-is-to-slow-talibans-momentum-400594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The government of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-report-says-al-qaeda-present-in-15-provinces-of-afghanistan-400722">Afghanistan</a> faces a stern test in the days ahead. The Taliban are attempting to create a sense of inevitability about their campaign," McKenzie said.

The Taliban has increasingly targeted provincial capitals and rural districts in the country including border checkpoints along Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran.

"They are going to have to deal with the cities if they want to try and claw their way back into power," he said. "I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that they are going to be able to capture these urban areas," US General&nbsp;McKenzie said.

However, it is unclear whether the US will continue airstrikes beyond August 31 when the last US troops leave the country.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's army said at least&nbsp;forty-six Afghan soldiers sought refuge in the country after losing control over their positions along the border.

Afghan troops reportedly sought refuge in crossing in Chitral in the north as they were given safe passage into Pakistan.&nbsp;

Reports say fighting continues&nbsp;on the outskirts of Kandahar which is the second-largest city in Afghanistan after Kabul even as the US carried out airstrikes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-killed-43-people-in-afghanistans-ghazni-claim-residents-400703">Taliban </a>spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had confirmed airstrikes had taken place in Kandahar killing three Afghan fighters. Mujahid however criticised the strikes as a "violation of the Doha deal" warning there would be "consequences".&nbsp;

Reports said Afghan migrants were&nbsp;crossing over to Turkey from Iran as the Taliban continues its surge across the country.

According to the UN's refugee agency, at least 270,000 Afghans have been displaced since the beginning of the year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

Amid escalation in Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan, US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie has said that the "United States is prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks".

Amid escalation in Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan, US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie has said that the "United States is prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks". McKenzie asserted that the US has increased airstrikes in support of Afghan forces over the last several days. President Biden had announced US troops will pull out of Afghanistan by August 31 even as the Taliban renewed its offensive in the past month seizing areas in border regions including in the west and north. Watch: "The government of Afghanistan faces a stern test in the days ahead. The Taliban are attempting to create a sense of inevitability about their campaign," McKenzie said. The Taliban has increasingly targeted provincial capitals and rural districts in the country including border checkpoints along Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran. "They are going to have to deal with the cities if they want to try and claw their way back into power," he said. "I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that they are going to be able to capture these urban areas," US General McKenzie said. However, it is unclear whether the US will continue airstrikes beyond August 31 when the last US troops leave the country. Meanwhile, Pakistan's army said at least forty-six Afghan soldiers sought refuge in the country after losing control over their positions along the border. Afghan troops reportedly sought refuge in crossing in Chitral in the north as they were given safe passage into Pakistan. Reports say fighting continues on the outskirts of Kandahar which is the second-largest city in Afghanistan after Kabul even as the US carried out airstrikes. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had confirmed airstrikes had taken place in Kandahar killing three Afghan fighters. Mujahid however criticised the strikes as a "violation of the Doha deal" warning there would be "consequences". Reports said Afghan migrants were crossing over to Turkey from Iran as the Taliban continues its surge across the country. According to the UN's refugee agency, at least 270,000 Afghans have been displaced since the beginning of the year. (With inputs from Agencies)

US general vows airstrikes to support Afghan troops amid Taliban offensive

After Turkey said it was ready to provide troops to protect Kabul airport, the Taliban said the decision of Erdogan's regime was "ill-advised" and "violation of our sovereignty".

The Taliban have swept through various areas in the north in the past one month with the US troops having left the country from most parts.&nbsp;

President Biden had said last week that all US troops would be pulled of&nbsp;Afghanistan by August 31.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-afghan-envoy-to-india-farid-mamundzay-says-taliban-continues-to-unleash-violence-397758/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Monday, US general Austin Miller handed over command to the Afghan forces to end US engagement in the country.

The Taliban added that it does not want to fight in the cities while stating that "fighting from mountains and deserts has reached the doors of the cities."

On Turkey's intention to protect Kabul's airport, the militant group said: "We consider stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation."

"If Turkish officials fail to reconsider their decision and continue the occupation of our country, the Islamic Emirate... will take a stand against them," it said, adding,"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemns this reprehensible decision."&nbsp;

Over 600 American service members will reportedly stay in capital Kabul. Meanwhile, reports said Afghan troops and the Taliban continue to engage in Kandahar.

Taliban on Monday had surrounded Ghazni with heavy fighting continuing in the area. Reports said Afghan special forces had entered Khandhar on Sunday as Afghan security forces said it had thwarted a Taliban attack in a northern province bordering Tajikistan.

Last week the militant group had said it had taken control of 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory which was denied by the Afghan government.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

After Turkey said it was ready to provide troops to protect Kabul airport, the Taliban said the decision of Erdogan's regime was "ill-advised" and "violation of our sovereignty".

After Turkey said it was ready to provide troops to protect Kabul airport, the Taliban said the decision of Erdogan's regime was "ill-advised" and "violation of our sovereignty". The Taliban have swept through various areas in the north in the past one month with the US troops having left the country from most parts. President Biden had said last week that all US troops would be pulled of Afghanistan by August 31. Watch: On Monday, US general Austin Miller handed over command to the Afghan forces to end US engagement in the country. The Taliban added that it does not want to fight in the cities while stating that "fighting from mountains and deserts has reached the doors of the cities." On Turkey's intention to protect Kabul's airport, the militant group said: "We consider stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation." "If Turkish officials fail to reconsider their decision and continue the occupation of our country, the Islamic Emirate... will take a stand against them," it said, adding,"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemns this reprehensible decision." Over 600 American service members will reportedly stay in capital Kabul. Meanwhile, reports said Afghan troops and the Taliban continue to engage in Kandahar. Taliban on Monday had surrounded Ghazni with heavy fighting continuing in the area. Reports said Afghan special forces had entered Khandhar on Sunday as Afghan security forces said it had thwarted a Taliban attack in a northern province bordering Tajikistan. Last week the militant group had said it had taken control of 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory which was denied by the Afghan government. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Will take a stand against them': Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his former political foe, Abdullah Abdullah, on Friday at the White House where he called on Afghans to decide the future of their country as the last US&nbsp;troops pack up after 20 years of war and government forces struggle to repel Taliban advances. 
 
Biden, seated beside Ghani and Abdullah in the Oval Office, called them 'two old friends' and said US&nbsp;support for Afghanistan was not ending but would be sustained despite the US&nbsp;pullout. 
 
"Afghans are going to have to decide their future, what they want," said Biden, saying the "senseless violence has to stop." 
 
Ghani said Afghan security forces had retaken six districts on Friday. He said he respected Biden's decision and that the partnership between the United States and Afghanistan is entering a new phase. 
 
"We are determined to have unity, coherence," he said. 
 
Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Ghani said the United States' decision to withdraw troops was a sovereign one and it was Kabul's job to 'manage consequences'. 
 
He added that Biden had clearly articulated that the US&nbsp;embassy would continue to operate and security aid would continue and in some cases move on an accelerated schedule. 
 
Abdullah said in an interview after the Biden meeting that stalled intra-Afghan talks on a political settlement to decades of strife should not be abandoned unless the insurgents themselves pull out. 
 
"I think we shouldn’t shut the door unless it’s completely shut by the Taliban," Abdullah said. "We can’t say no to talks despite a lack of progress or in spite of what’s happening on the ground." 
 
The Oval Office meeting could be as valuable to Ghani for its symbolism as for any new US&nbsp;help because it will be seen as affirming Biden's support for the beleaguered Afghan leader as he confronts Taliban gains, bombings and assassinations, a surge in COVID-19 cases and political infighting in Kabul.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his former political foe, Abdullah Abdullah, on Friday at the White House where he called on Afghans to decide the future of their country as the last US troops pack up after 20 years of war and government forces struggle to repel Taliban advances.

US President Joe Biden met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his former political foe, Abdullah Abdullah, on Friday at the White House where he called on Afghans to decide the future of their country as the last US troops pack up after 20 years of war and government forces struggle to repel Taliban advances. Biden, seated beside Ghani and Abdullah in the Oval Office, called them 'two old friends' and said US support for Afghanistan was not ending but would be sustained despite the US pullout. "Afghans are going to have to decide their future, what they want," said Biden, saying the "senseless violence has to stop." Ghani said Afghan security forces had retaken six districts on Friday. He said he respected Biden's decision and that the partnership between the United States and Afghanistan is entering a new phase. "We are determined to have unity, coherence," he said. Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Ghani said the United States' decision to withdraw troops was a sovereign one and it was Kabul's job to 'manage consequences'. He added that Biden had clearly articulated that the US embassy would continue to operate and security aid would continue and in some cases move on an accelerated schedule. Abdullah said in an interview after the Biden meeting that stalled intra-Afghan talks on a political settlement to decades of strife should not be abandoned unless the insurgents themselves pull out. "I think we shouldn’t shut the door unless it’s completely shut by the Taliban," Abdullah said. "We can’t say no to talks despite a lack of progress or in spite of what’s happening on the ground." The Oval Office meeting could be as valuable to Ghani for its symbolism as for any new US help because it will be seen as affirming Biden's support for the beleaguered Afghan leader as he confronts Taliban gains, bombings and assassinations, a surge in COVID-19 cases and political infighting in Kabul. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden calls on Afghans to 'decide their future' as withdrawal nears end

As the US has started withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, the capital city Kabul has become epicentre to the targeted attack conducted by militants. In the latest one, the militants has choosen a bus to spread fear. The blast claimed at least four live on Thursday.

Afghanistan: Kabul bus blast claims four lives

Why is Pakistan building a new base near Afghanistan? Is it for American troops? The US wants to retain some assets in Afghanistan's neighbourhood. Will Pakistan host American soldiers? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Will American soldiers watch Afghanistan from Pakistan?

American troops are trashing valuable military equipment ahead of their Afghan pullout. They fear strategic assets may fall into the wrong hands. But for local scrap dealers, it means a lot of unsellable junk. Mariam Wardak gets you the story.

South Asia Diary: US trashes unwanted military gear in Afghanistan

Confirmation of the pullout came just a day after Biden defended the decision in a speech to a joint session of Congress.

NATO troops leaving Afghanistan as fighting escalates

The White House has said the US military will send additional forces to Afghanistan to protect US and coalition forces during the withdrawal. 
 
White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One that "a drawdown is underway," saying that the US military would deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan and the region to cover the withdrawal, Xinhua reported. 
 
"Elements of an Army Ranger Task Force will temporarily deploy to Afghanistan to assist with the force protection of forces on the ground as we initiate withdrawal operations," she noted. 
 
Jean-Pierre also said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed that a carrier strike group would provide sustained additional force protection capabilities in the region throughout the withdrawal. 
 
"While these actions will initially result in increased forces levels, we remain committed to having all US military personnel out of Afghanistan by September 11, 2021," she added. 
 
The Pentagon last week said that B-52 bombers and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier will deploy to the region to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they withdraw from Afghanistan. 
 
Citing defense officials, CNN reported that fewer than 100 troops and military equipment had been pulled out of the country largely by aircraft to implement the withdrawal order announced by President Joe Biden earlier this month. 
 
The US State Department on Tuesday ordered non-essential staff to leave the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. US Charge d`Affaires to Afghanistan Ross Wilson tweeted that the departure was approved "in light of increasing violence &amp; threat reports in Kabul." 
 
Biden previously announced the withdrawal would begin on May 1, the deadline date for a full U.S. withdrawal under an agreement reached between the former Donald Trump administration and the Afghan Taliban. 
 
The Taliban had warned of consequences if the Biden administration fails to follow through that deadline. 
 
There are roughly 3,500 US troops in Afghanistan, and about 7,000 NATO troops in the country rely on US logistics and security support.

The White House has said the US military will send additional forces to Afghanistan to protect US and coalition forces during the withdrawal. White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One that "a drawdown is underway," saying that the US military would deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan and the region to cover the withdrawal, Xinhua reported.

The White House has said the US military will send additional forces to Afghanistan to protect US and coalition forces during the withdrawal. White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One that "a drawdown is underway," saying that the US military would deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan and the region to cover the withdrawal, Xinhua reported. "Elements of an Army Ranger Task Force will temporarily deploy to Afghanistan to assist with the force protection of forces on the ground as we initiate withdrawal operations," she noted. Jean-Pierre also said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed that a carrier strike group would provide sustained additional force protection capabilities in the region throughout the withdrawal. "While these actions will initially result in increased forces levels, we remain committed to having all US military personnel out of Afghanistan by September 11, 2021," she added. The Pentagon last week said that B-52 bombers and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier will deploy to the region to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they withdraw from Afghanistan. Citing defense officials, CNN reported that fewer than 100 troops and military equipment had been pulled out of the country largely by aircraft to implement the withdrawal order announced by President Joe Biden earlier this month. The US State Department on Tuesday ordered non-essential staff to leave the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. US Charge d`Affaires to Afghanistan Ross Wilson tweeted that the departure was approved "in light of increasing violence & threat reports in Kabul." Biden previously announced the withdrawal would begin on May 1, the deadline date for a full U.S. withdrawal under an agreement reached between the former Donald Trump administration and the Afghan Taliban. The Taliban had warned of consequences if the Biden administration fails to follow through that deadline. There are roughly 3,500 US troops in Afghanistan, and about 7,000 NATO troops in the country rely on US logistics and security support.

US to deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan as withdrawal underway

US&nbsp;lawmakers grilled President Joe Biden`s Afghanistan peace envoy on Tuesday about how women will be protected if the hard-line Islamist Taliban take control after US&nbsp;troops withdraw, and threatened to withhold funding if rights gains are reversed. 
 
"I don’t believe under any circumstances that the United States Senate will support assistance for Afghanistan, especially under the World Bank’s programme which provides budget support, if the Taliban has taken a governing role that ends civil society advances and rolls back women’s rights," said Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez. 
 
Zalmay Khalilzad, special envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation, testified at the committee`s first public hearing on Afghanistan policy since Biden announced plans to withdraw troops by Sept. 11 after two decades of war. 
 
When Biden made his announcement on April 14, he said Washington would continue providing assistance to Afghan security forces and civilian programmes, including those for women and girls. 
 
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was working with Congress to provide nearly $300 million in civilian aid to the country. 
 
Members of Congress, many of whom are skeptical about the plans to bring home the 2,500 remaining troops, worry the departure would cede control to the Taliban, whose 1996-2001 rule severely curtailed activities for Afghan women. 
 
Lawmakers of both parties expressed concerns about rights, the potential for civil war and whether Afghanistan would again become a refuge for extremists. 
 
"I`m concerned that the administration`s decision may result in a Taliban offensive that topples the government," said Senator Jim Risch, the committee`s top Republican. 
 
The State Department on Tuesday ordered government employees out of its embassy in Kabul if their work could be done elsewhere, citing increasing violence in the Afghan capital. 
 
`Accountability` 
 
The international community has poured billions into Afghanistan since the Taliban was driven from power. Gains for women and girls in access to education and public life are repeatedly touted as a major success. 
 
Women have been underrepresented during peace talks despite promises that they would have a place at the table. 
 
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the only woman on the committee, said Khalilzad, who also served under former Republican President Donald Trump, had not made including women enough of a priority. 
 
She said there was too much uncertainty about the plans for Afghanistan after Sept. 11 to know whether women`s rights would be protected. She said women in Afghanistan remain targets of violence, something that must be stopped. 
 
Shaheen referred to seven women who had been killed by the Taliban for advocating for human rights. 
 
"I will not support any efforts that will allow them to continue to commit these horrific acts without any accountability," Shaheen said. 
 
Khalilzad insisted Washington was pressing for women and minorities to be included in future peace talks. He said Washington and partner countries would punish backtracking in Afghanistan with isolation and sanctions. 
 
Blinken echoed that sentiment. "I can say very clearly and categorically that an Afghanistan that does not respect their rights, that does not sustain the gains we`ve made, will be a pariah," he told CNN. 
 
Under the Taliban, women were barred from education or work, required to fully cover their bodies, and could not leave home without a male relative. "Moral offenses" were punished by flogging and stoning. 
 
The Sept. 11 deadline - 20 years after the attacks that sent Washington to war - extended the US&nbsp;presence there beyond a May 1 deadline negotiated under Trump.

US lawmakers grilled President Joe Biden`s Afghanistan peace envoy on Tuesday about how women will be protected if the hard-line Islamist Taliban take control after US troops withdraw, and threatened to withhold funding if rights gains are reversed.

US lawmakers grilled President Joe Biden`s Afghanistan peace envoy on Tuesday about how women will be protected if the hard-line Islamist Taliban take control after US troops withdraw, and threatened to withhold funding if rights gains are reversed. "I don’t believe under any circumstances that the United States Senate will support assistance for Afghanistan, especially under the World Bank’s programme which provides budget support, if the Taliban has taken a governing role that ends civil society advances and rolls back women’s rights," said Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez. Zalmay Khalilzad, special envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation, testified at the committee`s first public hearing on Afghanistan policy since Biden announced plans to withdraw troops by Sept. 11 after two decades of war. When Biden made his announcement on April 14, he said Washington would continue providing assistance to Afghan security forces and civilian programmes, including those for women and girls. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was working with Congress to provide nearly $300 million in civilian aid to the country. Members of Congress, many of whom are skeptical about the plans to bring home the 2,500 remaining troops, worry the departure would cede control to the Taliban, whose 1996-2001 rule severely curtailed activities for Afghan women. Lawmakers of both parties expressed concerns about rights, the potential for civil war and whether Afghanistan would again become a refuge for extremists. "I`m concerned that the administration`s decision may result in a Taliban offensive that topples the government," said Senator Jim Risch, the committee`s top Republican. The State Department on Tuesday ordered government employees out of its embassy in Kabul if their work could be done elsewhere, citing increasing violence in the Afghan capital. `Accountability` The international community has poured billions into Afghanistan since the Taliban was driven from power. Gains for women and girls in access to education and public life are repeatedly touted as a major success. Women have been underrepresented during peace talks despite promises that they would have a place at the table. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the only woman on the committee, said Khalilzad, who also served under former Republican President Donald Trump, had not made including women enough of a priority. She said there was too much uncertainty about the plans for Afghanistan after Sept. 11 to know whether women`s rights would be protected. She said women in Afghanistan remain targets of violence, something that must be stopped. Shaheen referred to seven women who had been killed by the Taliban for advocating for human rights. "I will not support any efforts that will allow them to continue to commit these horrific acts without any accountability," Shaheen said. Khalilzad insisted Washington was pressing for women and minorities to be included in future peace talks. He said Washington and partner countries would punish backtracking in Afghanistan with isolation and sanctions. Blinken echoed that sentiment. "I can say very clearly and categorically that an Afghanistan that does not respect their rights, that does not sustain the gains we`ve made, will be a pariah," he told CNN. Under the Taliban, women were barred from education or work, required to fully cover their bodies, and could not leave home without a male relative. "Moral offenses" were punished by flogging and stoning. The Sept. 11 deadline - 20 years after the attacks that sent Washington to war - extended the US presence there beyond a May 1 deadline negotiated under Trump.

As US troops leave Afghanistan, lawmakers fear dark future for women

The United States has ordered non-essential staff to leave its Kabul embassy citing increased threats as Washington prepares to end its 20-year war in Afghanistan. The order came two weeks after President Joe Biden announced that US troops would leave the country by September.

US orders officials to leave Kabul embassy as it begins troop pullout

The head of the US Central Command General Kenneth McKenzie Jr offered the first extensive comments by a top commander about the effect of President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw more than 2,500 troops from Afghanistan.

US top general says US troops pullout makes terror fight harder

American troops will leave Afghanistan by September 11. Where does that leave the peace deal? What about the role of Afghanistan's democratically elected government? What does the future hold for the people of Afghanistan? Palki Sharma Upadhyay put these questions to 3 key stakeholders: - India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar - Iran's Minister Of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif - Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib

Gravitas: Is Afghanistan ready for America's exit?

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

Biden announces to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by September 11

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Kabul on Thursday, a day after attending a NATO meeting in Brussels, to show support following Joe Biden's announcement of the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

Antony Blinken makes unannounced visit to Afghanistan

Against the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's announcement of the withdrawal of American troops, Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and India's NSA Ajit Doval spoke on Friday morning. This is the first-ever high-level engagement between the two sides and comes just two days after the announcement came from Washington.

Mohib, speaking at an event virtually, confirmed the call and said, "I spoke to Ajit Doval this morning about our views and shared what we think should go and happen".

Watch |&nbsp;

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India supports "Afghan-led , Afghan-owned, and Afghan controlled" peace process. In the last two decades, since the fall of the Taliban in 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York, New Delhi had emerged as the country's major development partner.&nbsp;

The Afghan NSA, speaking at the event, slammed Pakistan for its support to the Taliban. Without taking the country by name, he pointed out, "any further push means that there is direct involvement in, by a neighbour which can be very dangerous. Nationalistic forces in Afghanistan are very angry, upset over this."

Warning that If this "limit is passed, then I think, there would be a huge problem for the said neighbour in their country by all Afghans who are there and from within Afghanistan. There could be huge blowback which can be destructive for the neighbour".

In the past, Taliban top leadership like Mullah Baradar have been coming to Pakistan, and not only holding a meeting with foreign minister Qureshi and Pakistani Prime minister Imran Khan but also their fighters in the country. This has irked the Afghan government, which has strongly raised the matter with Islamabad.

On Taliban, he said, "Taliban has no reason to continue violence in Afghanistan, the reason, why they continued, are totally out the picture and its time they make real peace with Afghan govt, become part of the mainstream political society".

"They need to know, they can't take power by force, they can start a civil war but not come to power through that."

He expressed confidence in the capabilities of Afghan National Defense and Security Force (ANDSAF).

He said, "I see it as a time where Afghan take care of the full security situation in our country...Afghanistan doesn't need US combat troops on the ground, what we need is support to ANDSAF, which we have been told will continue."&nbsp;

Since 2014, ANDSAF has been in charge, and since the US Taliban pact of last year, 94 per cent&nbsp;of combat offensive operations have been done by them independently.

Dismissing the parallels in Afghanistan when it comes to the 1990s, Mohib said, "Afghanistan is not what it was, but one thing is for certain, those parallels do not reflect the realities of Afghanistan".

Against the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's announcement of the withdrawal of American troops, Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and India's NSA Ajit Doval spoke on Friday morning.

Against the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's announcement of the withdrawal of American troops, Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and India's NSA Ajit Doval spoke on Friday morning. This is the first-ever high-level engagement between the two sides and comes just two days after the announcement came from Washington. Mohib, speaking at an event virtually, confirmed the call and said, "I spoke to Ajit Doval this morning about our views and shared what we think should go and happen". Watch | India supports "Afghan-led , Afghan-owned, and Afghan controlled" peace process. In the last two decades, since the fall of the Taliban in 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York, New Delhi had emerged as the country's major development partner. The Afghan NSA, speaking at the event, slammed Pakistan for its support to the Taliban. Without taking the country by name, he pointed out, "any further push means that there is direct involvement in, by a neighbour which can be very dangerous. Nationalistic forces in Afghanistan are very angry, upset over this." Warning that If this "limit is passed, then I think, there would be a huge problem for the said neighbour in their country by all Afghans who are there and from within Afghanistan. There could be huge blowback which can be destructive for the neighbour". In the past, Taliban top leadership like Mullah Baradar have been coming to Pakistan, and not only holding a meeting with foreign minister Qureshi and Pakistani Prime minister Imran Khan but also their fighters in the country. This has irked the Afghan government, which has strongly raised the matter with Islamabad. On Taliban, he said, "Taliban has no reason to continue violence in Afghanistan, the reason, why they continued, are totally out the picture and its time they make real peace with Afghan govt, become part of the mainstream political society". "They need to know, they can't take power by force, they can start a civil war but not come to power through that." He expressed confidence in the capabilities of Afghan National Defense and Security Force (ANDSAF). He said, "I see it as a time where Afghan take care of the full security situation in our country...Afghanistan doesn't need US combat troops on the ground, what we need is support to ANDSAF, which we have been told will continue." Since 2014, ANDSAF has been in charge, and since the US Taliban pact of last year, 94 per cent of combat offensive operations have been done by them independently. Dismissing the parallels in Afghanistan when it comes to the 1990s, Mohib said, "Afghanistan is not what it was, but one thing is for certain, those parallels do not reflect the realities of Afghanistan".

Afghan, Indian NSAs speak in the backdrop of Biden's announcement of troop withdrawal 

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

On September 11, US will withdraw all of its remaining troops from Afghanistan. But with the Taliban still on the offensive, does this withdrawal amount to surrender? Is US handing over Afghanistan to Islamabad on a platter? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: US to withdraw from Afghanistan on Sept 11

US President Joe Biden wants to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan by September 11, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a senior administration official has said.

Joe Biden to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11

Biden to pull out all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11

The transition of US and other international forces away from combat operations to training, equipping, and assisting the ISF (Iraq Security Forces) reflects the success of their strategic partnership

No timeline for withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

After US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar is in New Delhi for talks. The US faces the deadline of May 1 to withdraw troops. What is India's role in the peace negotiations? WION's Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Will US troops leave Afghanistan in May?

What have U.S-Taliban peace talks achieved? Has the violence in Afghanistan ended? Have all prisoners been released? And most importantly, Will the U.S. ever withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan? Here's what WION's Palki has to say.

Gravitas: Will US withdraw troops from Afghanistan?

The US military has cut troop levels in Afghanistan and Iraq to 2,500 each, their lowest levels in the nearly two decades since the wars began.

U.S. to further scale down troop deployment in Iraq

The US military troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are at its lowest with 2,500 each in about two decades since the war started, the Pentagon announced on Friday.&nbsp;

"Today, the United States is closer than ever to ending nearly two decades of war and welcoming in an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process to achieve a political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller was quoted as saying in a statement reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-military-releases-13-civilians-policeman-from-taliban-prison-356661">Afghan military releases 13 civilians, policeman from Taliban prison</a>

Miller said that a path to peace in both the nations means&nbsp;the cuts of troop without compromising with the security for Americans and its allies.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-forces-foil-is-plan-to-assassinate-top-us-envoy-356264">Afghan forces foil IS plan to assassinate top US envoy</a>

He added that further reduction will depend on the progress of peace talks between Afghanistan and the Taliban.&nbsp;

"Moving forward, while the (Defense) Department continues with planning capable of further reducing US troop levels to zero by May of 2021, any such future drawdowns remain conditions-based," Miller said.

Miller said that troop reduction in Iraq reflects the "the increased capabilities" of Iraqi security personnel, adding that this does not mean a "change in the US policy".&nbsp;

"US and Coalition forces remain in Iraq to ensure the enduring defeat of (the Islamic State group)," he said, adding that counterterrorism operations will continue in Iraq with sharing "airpower" and "intelligence". 
&nbsp;

The US military troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are at its lowest with 2,500 each in about two decades since the war started, the Pentagon announced on Friday. "Today, the United States is closer than ever to ending nearly two decades of war and welcoming in an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process to achieve a political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller was quoted as saying in a statement reported by news agency AFP.

The US military troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are at its lowest with 2,500 each in about two decades since the war started, the Pentagon announced on Friday. "Today, the United States is closer than ever to ending nearly two decades of war and welcoming in an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process to achieve a political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller was quoted as saying in a statement reported by news agency AFP. Also read | Afghan military releases 13 civilians, policeman from Taliban prison Miller said that a path to peace in both the nations means the cuts of troop without compromising with the security for Americans and its allies. Also read | Afghan forces foil IS plan to assassinate top US envoy He added that further reduction will depend on the progress of peace talks between Afghanistan and the Taliban. "Moving forward, while the (Defense) Department continues with planning capable of further reducing US troop levels to zero by May of 2021, any such future drawdowns remain conditions-based," Miller said. Miller said that troop reduction in Iraq reflects the "the increased capabilities" of Iraqi security personnel, adding that this does not mean a "change in the US policy". "US and Coalition forces remain in Iraq to ensure the enduring defeat of (the Islamic State group)," he said, adding that counterterrorism operations will continue in Iraq with sharing "airpower" and "intelligence".

With 2,500 each, US says lowest troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan in about two decades

The Pentagon has ordered the majority of US troops to leave Somalia on President Donald Trump's orders.

There are currently about 700 troops in the nation.

This move is in continuation with the post-election push by Trump to shrink US involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad. Trump's order follows the November 17 announcement that he will withdraw thousands more US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq by January 15, 2021.

On Friday evening, the Pentagon said in a short statement that "a majority" of US troops and assets in Somalia will be withdrawn in early 2021. It added the drawdown in Somalia does not mark the end of US counterterrorism efforts there.

"As a result of this decision, some forces may be reassigned outside of East Africa. The remaining forces will be repositioned from Somalia into neighbouring countries in order to allow cross-border operations by both US and partner forces to maintain pressure against violent extremist organisations operating in Somalia," it further said.

US troops in Somalia primarily train and advise local Somali forces as they battle al Qaeda's largest affiliate, Al-Shabaab.

The US military also carries out airstrikes against Al-Shabaab and the local ISIS affiliate in the country, killing a top Al-Shabaab leader in a targetted strike in September. 
&nbsp;

The Pentagon has ordered the majority of US troops to leave Somalia on President Donald Trump's orders. There are currently about 700 troops in the nation. This move is in continuation with the post-election push by Trump to shrink US involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad.

The Pentagon has ordered the majority of US troops to leave Somalia on President Donald Trump's orders. There are currently about 700 troops in the nation. This move is in continuation with the post-election push by Trump to shrink US involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad. Trump's order follows the November 17 announcement that he will withdraw thousands more US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq by January 15, 2021. On Friday evening, the Pentagon said in a short statement that "a majority" of US troops and assets in Somalia will be withdrawn in early 2021. It added the drawdown in Somalia does not mark the end of US counterterrorism efforts there. "As a result of this decision, some forces may be reassigned outside of East Africa. The remaining forces will be repositioned from Somalia into neighbouring countries in order to allow cross-border operations by both US and partner forces to maintain pressure against violent extremist organisations operating in Somalia," it further said. US troops in Somalia primarily train and advise local Somali forces as they battle al Qaeda's largest affiliate, Al-Shabaab. The US military also carries out airstrikes against Al-Shabaab and the local ISIS affiliate in the country, killing a top Al-Shabaab leader in a targetted strike in September.

Trump orders a near total withdrawal of US troops from Somalia

Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller announced Tuesday that the US will withdraw thousands more US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq

U.S. troops to be withdrawn form Iraq and Afghanistan

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Afghan, Indian NSAs speak in the backdrop of Biden's announcement of troop withdrawal

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

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

Gravitas: US to withdraw from Afghanistan on Sept 11

Joe Biden to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11

Biden to pull out all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11

No timeline for withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

Gravitas: Will US troops leave Afghanistan in May?