Gunmen kill 2 policemen escorting polio workers in Pakistan
Gunmen riding on motorcycles opened fire on Tuesday on police escorting a team of polio workers in northwestern Pakistan, killing two policemen, authorities said.
Browsing Tag
Afghanistan
Depriving girls of secondary education costs USD 500mn to Afghan economy: UNICEF
Keeping girls out of secondary school costs Afghanistan 2.5 per cent of its annual GDP, according to a new analysis by UNICEF.
Kabul to hold talks with Pakistani Taliban
Pakistan on Saturday sent another tribal Jirga to Afghanistan apparently to hold peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban militants based in the war-torn country.
Afghanistan: The quiet Afghan valley standing up to the Taliban
Taliban are more powerful and better armed than ever before, here and in the neighbouring province of Panjshir, they are facing a nascent armed resistance to their rule in Afghanistan.
China ready to provide emergency aid to Afghanistan after earthquake
China stands ready to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in light of its needs, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in response to the powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistani…
Afghanistan Quake Kills 1,000, “Digging Grave After Grave”, Says Official
Afghanistan Earthquake: The 5.9 magnitude quake struck hardest in the rugged east, where people already lead hardscrabble lives in a country under a humanitarian disaster made worse by the Taliban takeover in August
U.S. may let Tajikistan hold on to fleeing Afghan aircraft
United States may let Tajikistan hold on to Afghan military aircraft donated by the U.S. that sought shelter in the Central Asian country following the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul last August, a U.S. military commander said.
10 Points: 15 Nations Condemn Remarks On Prophet As Blowback Against India Spreads
The diplomatic outrage over the remarks on Prophet Muhammad by BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal continued even as the government sought to defuse the anger in various countries, asserting that it respects all religions.
American spy agencies review their misses on Ukraine, Russia
The question was posed in a private briefing to U.S. intelligence officials weeks before Russia launched its invasion in late February: Was Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, made in the mold of Britain’s Winston Churchill or…
Afghan Taliban order women TV anchors to cover their faces
Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers ordered all female presenters on TV channels to cover their faces on air, the country’s biggest media outlet said Thursday.
Militant attacks hurt Pakistan relations with Afghan Taliban
Faced with rising violence, Pakistan is taking a tougher line to pressure Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to crack down on militants hiding on their soil, but so far the Taliban remain reluctant to take action — trying instead to broker a…
Afghanistan: Explosion reported at mosque in Kabul, at least six injured
six people were injured in an explosion that occurred at the Pul-e-Khishti Mosque in Afghanistan's capital Kabul
Taliban hard-liners turning back the clock in Afghanistan
Taliban hard-liners are turning back the clock in Afghanistan with a flurry of repressive edicts over the past days that hark back
Taliban intelligence trying to control Afghan media, says watchdog
Taliban intelligence is trying to control Afghan media by torturing and beating Afghan journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
“Pity That China Spends More Time…”: US Slams Beijing On Afghanistan
UN political mission's mandate in need of renewal by March 17, the United States underscored its "strong support" for the human rights work being carried out.
Pakistan-Afghan border still closed two days after deadly clash
Border tensions have risen since the Taliban’s return to power last year, with Pakistan alleging militant groups are planning attacks from Afghan soil.
Taliban assert neutrality, call for restraint between Russia, Ukraine
Interim Afghan government urges Moscow, Kyiv to 'resolve crisis through dialogue, peaceful means'
To preserve its own stability, Pakistan must stabilise Afghanistan first
Despite repeated attempts, Pakistan has been unable to get firm guarantees from the Afghan Taliban that they would take action against the Pakistani Taliban operating in Afghanistan.
Blinken meets Qatari Deputy PM Al Thani, discusses Ukraine, Afghanistan
Russia's recent build-up of around 150,000 troops just over the border from the Donbas region in the east, in Belarus to the north and Crimea to the south, which began in the autumn, has escalated tensions.
Boy trapped for three days in Afghan well dies after rescue
Afghan village well died minutes after being pulled out today, following a rescue effort the country’s new Taliban rulers said showed they would spare nothing for their citizens.
Mexican authorities intercept more than 1,000 migrants in one day
MEXICO CITY
Mexican authorities yesterday said they intercepted more than 1,000 migrants in the last 24 hours as the government tried to curb entry of undocumented travellers seeking to make their way to the United States.
The…
Armed attack on former Afghan government deputy CE left two dead in Kabul
KABUL
Armed attack on the house of Deputy Chief Executive of the former Afghan government Engineer Muhammad Khan left two people dead and one injured in Kabul on Friday night reported local media.
The attack was triggered by family…
Afghanistan humanitarian crisis to affect Pakistan, warn Senators
Islamabad
Pakistan's senators have warned that a humanitarian crisis is brewing in Afghanistan that could have serious ramifications for Pakistan's national security, local media reported on Tuesday.
Speaking on the rapidly developing…
Taliban closer to international recognition, says foreign minister
KABUL
The Taliban are inching closer towards international recognition, but any concessions Afghanistan's new rulers make will be on their terms, the regime's foreign minister said in an interview with AFP.
In his first interview…
‘The situation is dire’: Inside Afghanistan’s ‘fast unraveling’…
MAIDAN SHAHR, Afghanistan
A diet of rice, beans and crusts of dry bread drove Sakina’s family to the verge of starvation. Her 2-year-old son’s irregular heartbeat sent her into the snow and freezing cold of Afghanistan’s mountains in a…
Rejected by New Zealand, reporter turns to Taliban for help
WELLINGTON
A pregnant New Zealand journalist says she turned to the Taliban for help and is now stranded in Afghanistan after her home country has prevented her from returning due to a bottleneck of people in its coronavirus quarantine…
U.N. report says Taliban killed have killed scores of former Afghan officials, others
WASHINGTON
A U.N. report the Taliban and its allies are believed to have killed scores of former Afghan officials, security force members and people who worked with the international military contingent since the U.S.-led pullout.…
Afghan blue mountain lakes deserted
The winter landscape around the deep, blue mountain lakes of Band-e-Amir in the central Afghan province of Bamiyan presents an arresting spectacle empty of people - but the absence of visitors is costing locals dearly.
After two decades…
Humanitarian aid tops agenda as Taliban meet Western officials
KABUL
Human rights and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where hunger threatens millions, will be in focus at talks opening Sunday in Oslo between the Taliban, the West and members of Afghan civil society.
In their first visit…
UN launches $4.4B humanitarian aid appeal for Afghanistan
GENEVA
The UN and its partners launched on Tuesday a $4.4 billion funding appeal to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan in 2022.
"This is the largest ever appeal for a single country for humanitarian assistance," UN…
IS kills Taliban’s local intelligence chief of Bati Kot
KABUL
The Islamic State (IS) on Tuesday killed Abid Bashir, the head of the Islamic Emirate Intelligence Agency of Bati Kot district in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar.
According to the source, IS terrorists ambushed Bashir…
Pakistan finalizes $63M education package for Afghan students
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan has finalized an Rs11.2 billion ($63 million) education package for Afghan students and plans to establish a university campus in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital, a senior official said on Monday.
The Ministry of…
New cold war and Taliban takeover among key geostrategic developments of 2021
Iftikhar Gilani
The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the military coup in Myanmar, and a new cold war, with the countries once again withdrawing into blocks, were among the major developments witnessed in 2021.
As curtains are about…
Foreign ministers of 5 Central Asian countries call on Narendra Modi
NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the importance that India attaches to its long-standing relations with the Central Asian countries as part of its "extended neighbourhood".
The prime minister said this when…
First batch of Saudi humanitarian aid delivered to Afghanistan
RIYADH
Saudi Arabia has delivered its shipment of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, the state media reported on Thursday.
The Saudi airlift organised by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center consisted of six planes with 197…
India in touch with Pakistan to send wheat, medicines to Afghanistan
NEW DELHI
India is in touch with authorities in Pakistan to send more humanitarian assistance, including wheat and life-saving medicines to Afghanistan, the External Affairs Ministry said on Thursday.
"We'll continue to provide…
Regional Geopolitics of China and Afghanistan Competitions
NEW DELHI
Tillotoma Foundation organised the Conference on Regional Geopolitics And Great Power Competitions on 8th Dec, 2021, providing a platform to some bright young scholars from across India to present their research.
Amb (Dr)…
No place for Daesh/ISIS in Afghanistan: Taliban
KABUL, Afghanistan
The Afghan interim government has arrested over 670 militants of Daesh/ISIS, also known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP or ISIS-K), during the last three months, the Taliban spokesman said, adding that…
Saudi Arabia calls for OIC meeting to address humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, ahead of winter
KABUL
Saudi Arabia has appealed to members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene an extraordinary meeting on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
As reported by Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi officials…
Russia : ‘The Afghan money must be unblocked from western banks, primarily US’
MOSCOW
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, has called for unblocking and unfreezing of assets of Afghans in western banks, to curb the humanitarian crisis.
"It is necessary to help the Afghan people, at least the money must be…
4.3 magnitude earthquake strikes Afghanistan’s Hind Kush region
Hind Kush, Afghanistan
An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 on the Richter scale struck the Hind Kush region in Afghanistan, informed the National Center for Seismology (NCS) on Saturday.
"Earthquake of Magnitude: 4.3, Occurred on…
Drug trafficking in opiates, meth from Afghanistan poses serious threat
NEW DELHI
Underlining the serious threat posed by drug trafficking from Afghanistan, the foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) have noted concerns regarding the dramatic change in the situation in the troubled country and…
Russia, India, China note concerns over Afghanistan situation, call for immediate, unhindered…
NEW DELHI
Russia, India and China on Friday noted concerns regarding the dramatic change in the situation in Afghanistan and reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack…
Key aid group says Afghanistan’s most pressing need is cash
Afghanistan is facing a looming humanitarian crisis as aid organizations struggle with ways to pay doctors, nurses and others on the ground because there is currently no way to transfer salaries to bank accounts there, the head of the…
Taliban’s Afghanistan, Haqqani Network is the new kingmaker: Report
Washington
Three months since the Taliban take over of Afghanistan, the Haqqani Network --- which was often responsible for the deadliest and highest-profile terrorist attacks on US forces -- has now emerged as kingmakers in Kabul.…
Afghanistan state firm vows to pay electricity debts to central Asian countries soon
Kabul
Amid the economic and power crisis in the country, Afghanistan state electricity company has promised that it will soon pay the electricity debts owed to Central Asian countries.
"Breshna Sherkat is going to pay the electricity…
Taliban set up military tribunal to enforce Shariah law in Afghanistan
The interim Taliban administration announced on Wednesday the establishment of a military tribunal to enforce Islamic law in Afghanistan.
The tribunal has been formed on the command of supreme leader Hebatullah Akhundzada to enforce…
UN World Food Programme warns of acute hunger in afghanistan
NEW DELHI
Afghanistan – a record 22.8 million people - will face acute food insecurity from November, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report issued simultaneously in Rome and Kabul on Monday by…
‘Why can’t we study?’ – Afghan girls still barred from school
KABUL
Afghan teenager Amena saw dozens of classmates killed when her girls' school was targeted by an Islamic State bomb attack in May, but she was determined to continue her education.
Now, like most secondary school girls in the…
Taliban say they won’t work with US to contain Islamic State
KABUL
The Taliban on Saturday ruled out cooperation with the U.S. to contain extremist groups in Afghanistan, staking out an uncompromising position on a key issue ahead of the first direct talks between the former foes since America…
US hold first in-person talks with Taliban since Afghan withdrawal
WASHINGTON
The United States and the Taliban will hold their first in-person talks because of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan starting today, the State Department said.
The US delegation will meet today and tomorrow in the Qatari…
Taliban destroyed Bamiyan Buddhas
BAMIYAN
Taliban gunmen now stand guard at the gaping rock cavities that once housed two ancient statues of the Buddha — desecrated with dynamite by the Islamists during their last stint in power.
The monuments in Bamiyan province had…
Taliban representative meets Uzbek Foreign Minister, discuss transit, energy
Kabul
Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday in Kabul, foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said, adding that they discussed transit, energy, and…
Ex-British soldier arrested by Taliban rescued from Afghanistan
KABUL
A former British soldier arrested by the Taliban has been flown out of Afghanistan by a traveling delegation from the United Kingdom, Sputnik reported citing an international broadcaster.
Ben Slater used to be detained by the…
Afghanistan to start issuing passports again
KABUL
Afghanistan will begin issuing passports to its citizens again today, a senior official said, following months of delays that hampered attempts via these trying to flee the country after the Taliban seized control in August.
The…
Afghanistan’s health system at breaking point
KABUL
At an overcrowded hospital in Afghanistan, the few remaining doctors and nurses try urgently to treat skeletal babies and malnourished children packed side by side on beds.
The country's healthcare system is on the verge of…
12 killed, 32 injured in mosque blast in Kabul
Kabul
At least 12 people have died and 32 others suffered injuries in a blast at a mosque in the Afghan capital on Sunday, Sputnik said citing Taliban.
Qari Saeed Khosty, a spokesperson for the Afghan Interior Ministry, said that…
Taliban rally outside Kabul as they consolidate rule
KOHDAMAN, Afghanistan
Around 1,000 Taliban supporters attended a rally today in a vast field to the north of Kabul, in a show of strength as they consolidate their rule of Afghanistan.
The crowd, made up only of men and boys, listened…
European Union making available 300 million euros in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan
The European Union is making available 300 million euros in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan, President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday.
The EU Commission's president said "we stand by" the people of…
Afghan central bank drained dollar stockpile before Kabul fell: document
The Afghan central bank ran down most of its U.S. dollar cash reserves within the weeks before the Taliban took control of the country, according to an assessment prepared for Afghanistan's international donors, exacerbating the current…
IFJ condemns new media regulations in Afghanistan
Kabul
The International Federation of Journalists denounced on Tuesday media restrictions announced by the Afghan national regulator under the Taliban, saying they'll set a "grave precedent" and jeopardize independent journalism.…
Afghan’s Peace and Stability for Pan-Himalayas Region
Seven weeks after the Taliban took control over Kabul and, three weeks after the announcement of the new caretaker government by the Taliban; the world’s powers are yet to recognize the ‘Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan who is also the…
‘First batch of Chinese aid to reach Afghanistan before winter’
BEIJING
Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Wang Yu on Monday announced that China's first batch of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan will be departed before the winter.
In a meeting with Afghanistan's Acting foreign minister Amir Khan…
Afghanistan: Twitter removes blue verification accounts
Kabul
American micro-blogging and social networking platform Twitter has removed the verified badges from the accounts of varied Afghan government ministries, local media reported.
Twitter has removed the blue verification badge from…
Russia says it’s in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban
UNITED NATIONS
Russia, China, Pakistan, and also the united states are working together to make sure that Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers keep their promises, especially to make a genuinely representative government and stop extremism…
Philippines ready to welcome more Afghan refugees
Manila
The Philippines is ready to welcome additional refugees from Afghanistan after the country has already admitted a "substantial number" of Afghan refugees, Foreign Affairs Minister Teodoro Locsin told.
"Yes, we are committed to…
US, Pakistan allies again on face Afghanistan threats
WASHINGTON
The Taliban’s takeover of Kabul has deepened the mutual distrust between the U.S. and Pakistan, two putative allies who have tangled over Afghanistan. But each side still needs each other.
With the Biden administration…
Quad coordinate diplomatic, economic, human-rights policies towards Afghanistan
Washington
The first-ever in-person Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit, leaders of the Quad nations during a joint statement said they're going to closely coordinate diplomatic, economic, and human-rights policies towards…
Economic sanctions on Afghanistan must end: China’s foreign minister
BEIJING
The various unilateral sanctions or restrictions on Afghanistan should be lifted as soon as possible, said China's State Councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi.
Economic sanctions on Afghanistan must end, the Chinese foreign…
5 killed in multiple attacks in Jalalabad
Kabul
The eastern province of Nangarhar witnessed multiple attacks in Jalalabad city on Wednesday resulting in the death of 5 persons, reported Tolo News.
Four explosions in different parts of the town took the lives of two people and…
UN: Afghanistan’s Taliban want to deal with General Assembly
UNITED NATIONS
Who should represent Afghanistan at the United Nations this month? It’s a complex question with plenty of political implications.
The Taliban, the country’s new rulers for a matter of weeks, are challenging the…
Taliban say no Al-Qaeda or ISIS in Afghanistan
KABUL
Afghanistan's Taliban rulers said on Tuesday (Sept 21) there was no evidence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Al-Qaeda militants being within the country, days after ISIS claimed responsibility for bomb attacks…
5 things Biden heads to the UN
President Biden will address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday for the primary time as president as world leaders take in new York City in the week .
The meeting comes as Biden faces outrage from France over a replacement…
Guterres calls for UN engagement with Taliban
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the international community wants to ascertain an inclusive government in Afghanistan and to realize that the United Nations must engage with the Taliban.
According to Guterres, the…
153 media outlets at risk of closure since Taliban takeover, says IFJ
International Federation of Journalists in its latest report said that 153 media outlets have hardly been impacted since the Taliban takeover and are on verge of closing their offices forever.
The report also reads that the liberty of…
Three blasts kill at least two in Afghan’s Jalalabad
JALALABAD
Two people were killed when three blasts struck the Afghan city of Jalalabad on Saturday (Sept 18), at least one among which targeted a Taliban vehicle, within the country’s first deadly attack since we withdrew.
The…
Thousands homeless as Taliban eject Afghans
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Ikramullah was at work on a car wash in Kandahar city on Saturday when he got an urgent call from his family.
The 28-year-old rushed home to search out a group of armed Taliban fighters who had found his house,…
UN refugee chief says Afghan stability needed
KABUL, Afghanistan
The international community and therefore the Taliban will get to find how to affect one another for the sake of stabilizing Afghanistan, the chief of the U.N. refugee agency said Tuesday.
Filippo Grandi said the…
With Taliban’s rise, India sees renewed threat in Kashmir
SRINAGAR, India
India’s leaders are anxiously watching the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, fearing that it will benefit their bitter rival Pakistan and feed a long-simmering insurgency in the disputed region of Kashmir, where militants…
Taliban now in charge in a Kabul prison
KABUL
Once, Kabul’s main prison was crowded with thousands of Taliban captured and arrested by the govt. On Monday, a Taliban commander strolled through its empty halls and cell blocks, showing his friends where he had once been…
Blinken readies for contentious Afghan hearings in Congress
WASHINGTON
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is preparing to face tough congressional questioning this week over the Biden administration’s handling of the military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In separate House and Senate hearings,…
Donors voice concerns over Taliban rule as UN seeks funds
GENEVA
Western governments and therefore the U.N. human rights chief voiced concerns Monday about the Taliban’s first steps as they establish power in Afghanistan.
The United Nations, meanwhile, hosted a donors conference to beat up…
Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani Baradar releases audio statement after death rumours
KABUL
The Taliban co-founder and now deputy prime minister of Afghanistan released an audio statement Monday saying he was alive and well after news of his supposed demise went viral on social media.
Abdul Ghani Baradar, who was last…
Taliban modified the curriculum
KABUL
The Ministry of Higher Education announced on Sunday that some subjects which contrast with Islam's Sharia are going to be dropped from the upper education curriculum.
It comes as private universities and other education…
Pakistan warns Afghanistan may fall under humanitarian crisis
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan warned Friday that Afghanistan could fall under a humanitarian crisis as many Afghans are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Pakistan's Ambassador to…
How the planet has changed since 9/11 terrorist attacks
The world has changed dramatically since the terrorist attacks on new york And Washington on 9/11, 2001. pop culture has evolved — significantly — as have the ways we eat, communicate, work, and obtain our information about the planet.…
Russia not planning to negotiate with Taliban
Moscow
Russia isn't planning to negotiate with the Taliban after the outfit has ousted the democratically chose government in Afghanistan, Russian President Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said.
These comments came from the Press…
150 Americans expected to fly out of Kabul
KABUL
Two Qatari officials say they expect 100 to 150 Americans to fly out from Kabul’s airport in the coming hours.
If confirmed, this would mark the first large-scale evacuation of Americans from Afghanistan since the last U.S.…
Taliban money trail: How funding continued over 20 years
Kabul
The blitzkrieg of the Taliban in Afghanistan is an issue of debate among experts. Apart from determination, a military conquest is also a battle of resources, so where did the Taliban get the funds to conduct their blitz through…
China offer 200 million RMB and 3 million vaccine doses to Afghanistan
Beijing
China has decided to urgently provide 200 million yuan (30.96 million U.S. dollars) worth of grains, winter supplies, vaccines, and medicines to Afghanistan according to the needs of the Afghan people.
Chinese State Councilor…
Former Afghan President Ghani, says ‘leaving Kabul was most difficult decision of my…
Abu Dhabi
Former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has issued a statement refuting multiple allegations that he fled Kabul carrying millions of dollars and offered an explanation for leaving abruptly after the Taliban entered the…
Taliban arrests 5 journalists after forming caretaker govt
Kabul
A day after forming the new caretaker government, the Taliban on Wednesday arrested five journalists of Etilaatroz, a daily newspaper, in Kabul.
The information of the arrest was shared by the Editor-in-Chief of the Etilaatroz,…
China eyes Bagram airfield to expand influence, embarrass US, report says
Kabul
China is eyeing the former US airbase of Bagram in Afghanistan in order to expand its influence in the region and embarrass America.
Paul D Shinkman, writing in US News said that China has secured friendly relations with the new…
Cricket Australia unclear on Afghanistan Test following Taliban takeover
Melbourne
Cricket Australia's chief executive Nick Hockley on Wednesday said that the call to go ahead with the one-off Test against Afghanistan lies with the Australian federal government.
Hockley also said that the international…
Key players in the Taliban’s new government
KABUL
Taliban on Tuesday announced prominent posts for their new government after they seized control of the country and ousted the previous regime last month.
Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, who is on a UN sanctions list, was named as…
Intensive conflicts continue between resistance forces, Taliban in Panjshir
Intensive fighting continues in Afghanistan's northern Panjshir Province which didn't yield the Taliban radical development that held seized power in the country, a source near the National Resistance Front in the area told in the early…
Biden says US’ recognition of Taliban ‘a long way off’
WASHINGTON
President Joe Biden said late Monday that the US is a long way from recognizing the Taliban after the group took over the Afghan capital Kabul in mid-August following the US pullout.
"That's a long way off," Biden told…
Afghan Women hold protest in Balkh province, demand representation in future govt
Kabul
A group of women held a protest in Balkh province on Monday calling to preserve the achievements of the past 20 years and demanding women's representation in the future government in Afghanistan.
These developments came as the…
Around 1,000 people, including dozens of American citizens and Afghans waiting for departure
New York
The Taliban are forestalling around 1000 people including many American citizens and Afghans holding visas to the US or different nations, from leaving Afghanistan, US media reports said on Sunday.
Numerous planes are waiting…
17 killed, 41 injured by celebratory gunfire in Afghan capital
KABUL, Afghanistan
At least 17 people were killed and 41 others injured by celebratory gunfire in different parts of Afghanistan's capital after false reports arose that the Taliban caught the northeastern Panjshir valley, a hospital…
1,500 Americans still waiting for Kabul evacuation
WASHINGTON
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that as many as 1,500 Americans might accomplish its highest priority from Afghanistan, a figure that recommends the U.S. may accomplish its most elevated need for the airlift —…
Taliban shows ‘special forces’ in propaganda
The Taliban has been flaunting its own " special forces" via social media, fighters in new uniforms equipped with equipped American equipment who contrasts sharply with the picture of the usual Afghan extremist.
Pictures and videos of…
Taliban’s treatment of women will mark ‘red line’: UN rights
The UN rights chief voiced grave concern Tuesday at the situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban swept into power, saying their treatment of women would mark a "fundamental red line".
the opening of a crisis emergency session in…
Biden: US expanded Kabul airport access to aid in departures
US force has extended their perimeter around Kabul air terminal as a feature of their endeavors to speed up departures of American residents, weak Afghans, and residents of US partners, President Joe Biden said on Sunday.
Biden told…
OIC offers to facilitate evacuations help Afghanistan peace
JEDDAH
57 Islamic states accumulated to reaffirm their obligation to Afghanistan during the current emergency, urging the future Afghan administration to promote national reconciliation and adhere to the UN's charter and resolutions.…
China situating itself as global accomplice to Taliban in Afghanistan
KABUL
China is clearly situating itself to be a significant global accomplice to the Taliban after the fall of Kabul as it is looking at Afghanistan's $1-2 trillion worth of uncommon materials-most outstandingly lithium.
James Stavridis…
Taliban Official says Structure of New Govt Expected Soon
A senior Taliban official has told the framework for the creation of the new government is expected to be declared in the announced in the next few weeks.
Sources have said that the Taliban and other Afghan political leaders have…
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s Brother Allegiance to Taliban
Kabul
Giving a significant shame to Afghanistan's previous President Ashraf Ghani, who is confronting enormous analysis for leaving his kin and country in the midst of a brutal quick assault by the Taliban, his sibling Hashmat Ghani…
World reacting to Afghan refugees
Taliban takeover of Kabul on Aug. 15, many thousands of Afghans rushed to the air terminal in the capital bearing in mind the end hopes of catching planes to western nations.
In the days subsequent to holding onto power, Taliban…
Biden focuses on evacuating Americans, Afghan partners
President Biden on Friday said his organization was thinking about "each chance and each signify" to get Americans and Afghan partners through Taliban designated spots and into the Kabul air terminal.
Biden said Taliban aggressors are…
US military helicopters emptied Americans from inn close to Kabul air terminal
The US military utilized helicopters to empty a gathering of Americans from an inn close to Kabul's air terminal, as per a Pentagon representative who gave new insights regarding the mission that was first uncovered by President Joe Biden…
Taliban ‘Doing House to house Manhunt’
The Taliban have moved forward their quest for individuals who worked for Nato powers or the past Afghan government, a UN report has cautioned.
It said the assailants have been going house to house to discover targets and compromise…
IMF Blocks Afghanistan’s Access to Emergency
The International Monetary Fund has suspended Afghanistan’s access to IMF resources, including around $440 million in new monetary reserves, due to a lack of clarity over the country’s government after the Taliban took control of Kabul,…
EU pulls Afghanistan financing, will possibly work with Taliban if basic liberties regarded
LONDON
The European Association has suspended improvement financing to Afghanistan after the Taliban held onto control of the conflict torn nation .
The news comes as European leaders focus on evacuating Europeans from Kabul, as well…
Taliban takeover leaves China unsure about Afghanistan
BEIJING
The Taliban's dazzling triumph in Afghanistan has left China confronting the disturbing possibility that the recently encouraged Islamic fundamentalist system on its line could agitate security and financial interests across the…
Three killed as Afghan fights test Taliban’s guarantee of quiet
Three individuals are accounted for killed in Jalalabad during the city's fights against the Taliban standard supplanting Afghanistan's national flag.
Taliban fights in the eastern city of Jalalabad over the expulsion of the Afghan flag…
Kabul air terminal open to regular citizen flights, says US
KABUL, Afghanistan
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday that Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan's capital is currently clear, secure, and open to non military personnel air traffic working under visual flight…
The Taliban’s real test
Abdul Sattar
The triumph of the Taliban may have created a ripple of excitement among right-wing circles in Pakistan but it has also sent a shiver down the spines of human rights activists, who fear reprisals and revenge killings.
The…
Afghan central bank chief flees as currency drops
Afghanistan’s acting central bank governor departed the country as Taliban fighters took control of the capital, with the political turmoil pushing the nation’s currency to a record low.
The Afghani fell as much as 1.7 per cent on…
Would you recognize the Taliban?
The Taliban have returned to power in Afghanistan after two decades. Over the next few weeks and months, a host of foreign nations with a stake in the country's future will have to make a very tough choice: grant legitimacy to a regime that…
Taliban Announces “General Amnesty”, Asks Officials To Return To Work
Kabul
The Taliban moved Tuesday to quickly restart the Afghan capital following their stunning takeover of Kabul and told government staff to return to work, though residents reacted cautiously and few women took to the streets.
Tens…
US withdraws from Afghanistan all eyes are on Pakistan
As the US withdrawal from Afghanistan is now well underway, all eyes have turned to a country at the heart of the decades-long struggle for dominance there… Pakistan, where the effects of 20 years of Afghan war have been felt acutely.…
Taliban Discussing Future Govt in Doha
The Taliban said discussions are underway in Doha about a future government, including its structure and name, and they are expected to report on the process in the very near future.
A high-ranking official of the Taliban told their…
60 Attacks, 133 Deaths in Kabul Over 2 Months
Kabul witnessed at least 60 security-related incidents over the past two months in which 133 people were killed and 280 more wounded.
Amrullah Saleh, First Vice President, personally took charge of overseeing Kabul's security two months…
Taliban sweep into Afghan capital after government collapses
KABUL, Afghanistan
The Taliban swept into Afghanistan’s capital Sunday after the government collapsed and the embattled president joined an exodus of his fellow citizens and foreigners, signaling the end of a costly two-decade U.S.…
First US evacuation flight brings 200 Afghans to new home
WASHINGTON
The first flight evacuating Afghan interpreters and others who worked alongside Americans in Afghanistan landed early Friday at Washington Dulles International Airport, according to an internal U.S. government document and a…
What Will Happen When The U.S. Leaves Afghanistan?
Right from the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842), which was perhaps the West’s greatest imperial disaster, history has often repeated itself in Afghanistan.
The latest US decision to withdraw troops from the war-torn country bears a…
Afghanistan’s neighbors wary as US seeks nearby staging area
ELLEN KNICKMEYER
American diplomats are escalating a charm offensive with Central Asian leaders this week as they work to secure a close-by spot to respond to any resurgence of outside militants in Afghanistan after the U.S. military…
Afghan president urges Taliban to ‘learn lessons from Syria, Iraq, Yemen’
Shadi Khan Saif | KABUL, Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s president on Saturday urged the Taliban to learn lessons from Syria, Iraq, and Yemen and shun violence to join the peace process.
Mohammad Ashraf Ghani was addressing a public…
Why do young Afghan refugees in Pakistan lack education, skills?
Aamir Latif | KARACHI, Pakistan
Attired in a local traditional loose shirt and baggy trousers, around a dozen students are sitting on a gunny woven jute mat in a small room, solving past papers as part of their preparations for the…
A dozen people killed, including imam, in Kabul mosque blast
At least 12 people were killed in an explosion at a mosque in a district of the Afghan capital Kabul during Friday prayers, officials said.
Ferdous Faramarz, spokesman for the Kabul police, said 12 people, including the mosque’s Imam,…
Still no justice a year after Afghan hospital massacre
Kabul
It has been a year since Atiqullah Tanha's wife was murdered during a cold-blooded killing spree at a Kabul maternity ward, leaving their twin daughters motherless.
"They cry a lot at night," Tanha told, saying the children are…
Cemeteries in Western Kabul brimming with slain civilians
KABUL
Western Kabul has many hills that have been changed into cemeteries. Now, these cemeteries must expand after each deadly bombing in that part of Kabul.
At least 70 victims from the school bombing were laid to rest in these…
Victims of Kabul school bombing, all teenagers, laid to rest
KABUL
Over 60 victims of the school bombing—most of whom were students and younger than 18 years old— were buried on a hill in the west of Kabul on Sunday, a day after the deadly attack.
Their families said that most of the victims…
Afghan Taliban announces 3-day cease-fire for Eid holiday
KABUL ,Afghanistan
The Taliban declared early Monday that they will observe a three-day cease-fire this week across Afghanistan for the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday.
In a statement issued on Twitter, the group's spokesman, Zabihullah…
Death toll soars to 50 in school bombing in Afghan capital
KABUL, Afghanistan
Grieving families buried their dead Sunday following a horrific bombing at a girls’ school in the Afghan capital that killed 50 people, many of them pupils between 11 and 15 years old.
The number of wounded in…
‘Himalayan Quad’: Western Skeptical on ‘Tran-Himalayan Cooperation’
Globe is fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. The global powers are fighting themselves for geopolitical supremacy. Nepal's geopolitical position in South Asia is considered strategically important to all. Two neighbors, China and India,…
US-backed Afghan peace meeting postponed, as Taliban balk
KABUL, Afghanistan
Turkey announced early Wednesday that a conference Washington had hoped would move Afghanistan’s warring sides to a final peace agreement was postponed, as fresh violence rattled the Afghan capital.
The postponement…
Afghan leaders seek political agreement ahead of troop withdrawal
KABUL
Afghan politicians hope that the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban will achieve a political agreement on peace ahead of the announced date for the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan, predicting that an…
A critical stage in Afghan peace process
Merve Seren
First attempts to initiate peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government to establish peace in Afghanistan came to the fore during Obama’s term. Still, the efforts between 2011 and 2013 failed. The talks planned…
Muslim group urges Afghan gov’t, Taliban to stop fighting
The International Union for Muslim Scholars (IUMS) urged the warring parties in Afghanistan on Monday to stop fighting as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is approaching.
In a statement, IUMS Secretary-General Ali al-Qaradaghi called on…
Afghanistan’s road to peace paved with remnants of war
KABUL, Afghanistan
Afghanistan remains littered with explosive remnants of war from decades of unrest, including military-grade anti-vehicle landmines, varieties of improvised anti-personnel landmines, and improvised explosive devices…
Pakistan: Anti-terror court judge, family gunned down
KARACHI, Pakistan
Gunmen killed an anti-terrorism court judge and his three family members in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday evening, police said.
Aftab Afridi, the slain judge, and his family were traveling to the capital Islamabad…
‘Afghan president will sit out proposed early polls’
KABUL, Afghanistan
The Afghan government is ready to hold early elections to push efforts for peace, but President Ashraf Ghani will not be a candidate, according to a top official.
Hamdullah Mohib, the country’s national security…
Afghan officials reverse ban on girls singing after social media backlash
Kabul
A ban on girls singing in public imposed by education officials in the Afghan capital last week has been overturned after a social media campaign that included local women uploading videos of themselves belting out their favourite…
UN reports surge in violence against civilians in Afghanistan after peace talks
KABUL
The United Nations says civilian casualties in Afghanistan escalated sharply after peace talks began last year, calling for a ceasefire as negotiators met for the first time after weeks of inaction.
US-brokered peace talks began…
Afghanistan: 321 officials sacked for corruption
KABUL, Afghanistan
Accused of corruption, at least 321 police and customs officials have been sacked in Afghanistan, officials confirmed on Sunday.
According to the Interior Ministry, cases of the officials charged with corruption and…
NATO to expand Iraq mission to around 4,000 personnel
The increase in NATO's Iraq mission was aimed at strengthening the country's military as it looks to curb the resurgence of the Islamic State (IS) group, said Stoltenberg.
"The size of our mission will increase from 500 personnel to…
Two killed as multiple bombs rock Afghan capital
Kabul
At least two people, including a local police chief, were killed after multiple bomb blasts rocked the Afghan capital early Wednesday, officials said.
The latest violence in Kabul follows a pattern of attacks during morning…
Russia to host conference on counter-terrorism
MOSCOW
Russia plans to hold a conference on counter-terrorism this year with the participation of representatives from Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and Turkey, a government official said on Monday.
The conference is expected to be…
Afghanistan gets first doses of Covid-19 vaccine from India
Kabul
Afghanistan received half a million doses of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine from India Sunday, the first consignment to arrive in the country that was hit hard by the virus last year.
The AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine is…
US should extend May Afghan withdrawal deadline: report
WASHINGTON
The Biden administration should work to extend a May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, a report to lawmakers said Wednesday.
The Afghanistan Study Group said in its final report to Congress that…
Pakistani militants key leader killed in Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan
A key commander of Pakistani militants was killed in eastern Afghanistan, a local official said on Thursday.
"Chief of a terrorist group Mangal Bagh has been killed along with two other militants in a roadside bomb…
Afghanistan: 2 female judges killed in Kabul
KABUL, Afghanistan
Two female judges were killed and three court officials injured in Afghanistan when unknown assailants sprayed bullets on a Supreme Court vehicle on Sunday morning in the capital Kabul, officials confirmed in the midst…
Taliban moles kill 12 pro-government Afghan militiamen
KABUL, Afghanistan
Taliban infiltrators killed at least 12 members of a pro-government militia in western Afghanistan, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The incident took place in Ghorian district of Herat province, which borders Iran,…
Afghan Shiite leader in Pakistan after killings of miners
ISLAMABAD
An influential Afghan Shiite leader is visiting Pakistan where members of the minority sect are still reeling from the brutal killing of 11 Shiite coal miners, nine of whom were Afghan immigrants, earlier this month.
The…
Afghans protest against killing of 15 civilians
KABUL, Afghanistan
Dozens of Afghans on Sunday staged a demonstration against killing of civilians in an alleged air raid by the government forces.
At least 15 civilians were killed in the Nimroz province bordering Iran a day earlier…
Afghan peace talks may suffer from Trump’s departure
KABUL, Afghanistan
Already shaken by a fresh flare-up of violence, the fragile Afghan peace process may face “problems” following the departure of US President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, experts believe.
They also argue that incoming…
Trade routes with Afghanistan will not be closed down
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan has carved out a plan to increase its market share in Afghanistan up to 60-65 percent and to this effect, the authorities after taking the GHQ on board, have finalised a trade and investment vision statement for the…
Afghanistan mourns victims of university carnage
KABUL, Afghanistan
Afghanistan marked a national day of mourning on Tuesday in connection with a brazen Kabul University attack that left at least 19 students and teachers dead a day earlier.
Hundreds of Kabul residents gathered in…
Afghanistan wishes speedy recovery to quake victims
KABUL, Afghanistan
Afghanistan on Saturday expressed deep sorrow at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Greece.
In a tweet, Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar said: "Deeply saddened by the earthquake…
Afghanistan: Peace negotiator’s sojourn to entice India, Pakistan
KABUL, Afghanistan
Afghanistan is walking on a tight rope, balancing its ties between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, lest their enmity affects the peace process in the war-torn country.
Last week, Abdullah Abdullah, chairman High…
In conservative Kandahar, new gym creates safe space for Afghan women
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan
In Afghanistan’s southern province of Kandahar, rights activist Maryam Durani has found a fresh outlet for her decades of advocacy - a new fitness centre for women.
Durani, 36, is a fierce campaigner for women’s…
Pakistan says India wants to spoil Afghan peace process
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan
A senior Pakistani official and former diplomats accused India on Wednesday of playing the role of a "spoiler" to derail the peace process in Afghanistan.
Speaking at a panel discussion on ‘Decoding Indian Foreign…
Pompeo says Afghan negotiations likely to be ‘contentious’
ISLAMABAD
Much anticipated negotiations between Afghanistan’s warring parties are likely to be “contentious,” U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Friday, but are the only way forward if Afghans are to find peace after decades of…
Afghan officials: Kabul bomb targets VP, kills 10 civilians
KABUL, Afghanistan
A bombing in the Afghan capital on Wednesday targeted the convoy of the country’s first vice president, killing 10 people and wounding more than a dozen others, including several of the vice president’s bodyguards, the…
Pakistan, China hail Afghan govt efforts for peace process
ISLAMABAD
With the Afghan peace process now entering a crucial phase, China and Pakistan on Tuesday appreciated the efforts by the Afghanistan government and relevant parties in expediting the exchange of the prisoners to pave the way for…
Critics of US-Taliban deal say militants can’t be trusted
WASHINGTON
Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the U.S.-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump’s plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war.
It…
Russia denies supplying weapons to Afghanistan’s Taliban
MOSCOW
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday that Moscow has never delivered weapons to the Taliban movement in Afghanistan, countering U.S. allegations.
Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova rejected the claim by U.S. Secretary of State…
Trump, top officials defend response to Russia bounty threat
WASHINGTON
Criticized for inaction, President Donald Trump and top officials stepped up their defense of the administration’s response to intelligence assessments that Russia offered bounties for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Trump’s…
Four family members killed in overnight bombing in northern Afghanistan
Kabul,Afghanistan
Four members of one family were killed, including two children, in an overnight bombing of a residential house in northern Afghanistan, Sputnik has learned on Thursday.
According to Ayub Khan Momand, a village elder in…
Pakistan to reopen border with Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan says it will reopen a key border crossing with Afghanistan to allow trade between the neighbors.
Trucks carrying fruits, vegetables and other items will start crossing the Ghulam Khan border in northwestern North…
Afghan artists paint mural on blast wall in tribute to George Floyd
Kabul, Afghanistan
A group of artists climbed ladders up one of the many blast walls snaking through the Afghan capital Kabul this week to paint a mural of George Floyd in solidarity with the anti-racism protests kindled by his death in…
International Criminal Court condemns US sanctions order
THE HAGUE, Netherlands
The International Criminal Court has condemned the Trump administration’s decision to authorize sanctions against court staff, saying it amounted to “an unacceptable attempt to interfere with the rule of law and the…
Afghan President agreed to hold talks with Taliban: Qatar
Kabul,Afghanistan
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has agreed to hold a round of negotiations with the Taliban in Qatari capital of Doha, said Qatari Foreign Ministry Special Envoy Mutlaq Al-Qahtani.
"President Ghani agreed to hold the…
Khalilzad meets Taliban deputy leader Mullah Baradar for Intra-Afghan talks
Kabul,Afghanistan
The US peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and the commander of foreign troops in Afghanistan, US General Scott Miller, met with the Taliban's deputy leader Mullah Baradar in Doha on Sunday (local time).
"The…
With new life, Afghan peace push a race against time
KABUL, Afghanistan
A continuing cessation of hostilities and an uptick in exchange of Taliban and government prisoners has given the Afghan peace process, often fragile and near collapse at times, a new lease on life.
Analysts believe the…
Kabul denounces Pakistan’s accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region
Kabul,Afghanistan
Kabul has rejected the allegations by Pakistan foreign ministry about Tehreek-e-Pakistan (TTP) using Afghan territories by a third party to destabilise regional countries, including Pakistan.
"TTP and its splinter groups…
Afghan VP’s family members infected with COVID-19
KABUL, Afghanistan
Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh said on Thursday half of his family members and office staff contracted the new coronavirus.
In a social media post, Saleh requested the people to take the crisis seriously, follow…
Pakistan rejects India’s ‘distortion, falsification’ of facts from UN’s…
Islamabad
Pakistan on Thursday categorically rejected Indian foreign ministry's "distortion and falsification of the contents" of a United Nations' report on the Taliban and situation in Afghanistan.
In a statement issued Thursday, the…
Journalist killed in Kabul bomb blast targeting TV workers: officials
KABUL
A roadside bomb killed a journalist and driver after it struck a minivan carrying employees of a private Afghan television channel in Kabul on Saturday, killing a journalist and the driver, the network's news director and officials…
VIRUS DIARY: `Father, why don’t they stay home like we do?’
KABUL, Afghanistan
The Judas trees must be blooming these days out at the Gulghendi Hills, their purple flowers bursting gloriously all over the green slopes. They hold a festival there every year, where musicians play and families fly…
Afghan government to release 900 more Taliban prisoners
KABUL
The Afghan government will be releasing 900 more Taliban prisoners on Tuesday, as demands for the a ceasefire extension grew on the eve of its end.
The pause in fighting — which came into effect Sunday to mark the Eid ul-Fitr…
Afghan gov’t says ready to start talks with Taliban
KABUL, Afghanistan
The Afghan government's negotiating team is ready to begin the long-due intra-Afghan peace talks with the Taliban, President Ashraf Ghani announced in his Eid al-Fitr message on Sunday.
Flanked by his top aides outside…
Zalmay Khalilzad demands reduction in Afghanistan violence
KABUL
The US special envoy for Afghanistan has demanded that all sides reduce violence, he said on Thursday, after shuttling from Kabul to the Gulf to push a peace effort that looks increasingly precarious.
The envoy, Afghan-born Zalmay…
Taliban suicide bomber kills 9 troops in eastern Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan
A suicide bomber in a stolen military Humvee targeted a base in eastern Afghanistan belonging to the country’s intelligence service early on Monday, killing at least nine members of the force, Afghan officials said. The…
Afghan president and rival announce power sharing agreement
KABUL, Afghanistan
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and political rival Abdullah Abdullah have signed a power-sharing agreement two months after both declared themselves the winner of last September’s presidential election.
Ghani spokesman…
Suicide car bombing kills 5 civilians in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan
At least five civilians were killed when a suicide car bomb attack rocked Gardez city in southeastern Afghanistan on Thursday, the army said.
The Afghan National Army’s 203 - Thunder Corps said in a statement that five…
Fragile Afghan peace deal hinges on prisoner swap
KABUL, Afghanistan
A rejuvenated yet fragile Afghan peace deal hinges on a slow-moving prisoner swap that is testing the patience of the erratic warring parties.
In line with the landmark US-Taliban peace agreement cautiously welcomed by…
Death toll from attack on Kabul maternity clinic rises to 24
KABUL, Afghanistan
Afghan officials on Wednesday raised the death from the militant attack on a maternity hospital in Kabul the previous day, saying that 24 people were killed, including two newborn babies, their mothers and an unspecified…
Newborns among 13 dead in Kabul hospital attack; 24 killed in funeral bombing
KABUL
Gunmen attacked a hospital in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Tuesday where the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders runs a maternity clinic, killing 13 people, including two newborn babies, officials said.…
Taliban say they don’t have missing US contractor
Kabul
Taliban leaders searched their ranks, including in the much-feared Haqqani network, and on Sunday told they are not holding Mark R. Frerichs, a Navy veteran turned contractor who disappeared in Afghanistan in late January.
“We don’t…
World Bank approves USD 400 mn loan to help Afghanistan deal with COVID-19 crisis
Kabul
The World Bank on Friday approved a USD 400 million grant to help Afghanistan "sustain the pace of key economic and public finance reforms and support the country to manage current risks and uncertainties compounded by the COVID-19…
Afghan security council confirms release of over 100 taliban prisoners
Kabul
The Afghan government has released 102 more Taliban prisoners in line with the US-Taliban peace deal signed in February this year.
"Pursuant to President Ashraf Ghani's decree, the government released 102 Taliban yesterday. Over 850…
Coronavirus cases in Afghanistan close to 3,000
Kabul
Afghan health authorities on Monday said that 190 positive cases have been recorded across the country in the past 24 hours, which escalated the country's total infections to 2,894.
The 190 new coronavirus case were reported in…
SEALs tried to locate US citizen taken by Afghan militants
WASHINGTON
In the days following the capture of an American contractor in Afghanistan earlier this year, Navy commandos raided a village and detained suspected members of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network while the U.S. intelligence…
UN documents 533 civilian casualties in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan
Amid growing calls for a cease-fire, the UN mission in Afghanistan on Monday revealed that raging violence in the war-torn country has killed 533 civilians including over 150 children, in the first quarter of 2020.
The…
Taliban attack in south Afghanistan kills 5 policemen
Kabul
At least five Afghan police officers were killed in a terror attack conducted by the Taliban in Trin Kot, capital of Uruzgan province in the southern part of the country, on Sunday night, provincial authorities said.
Apart from the…
Afghanistan’s COVID-19 cases climb to 1,026
Kabul
At least 30 new positive coronavirus cases have been reported in the past 24 hours in Afghanistan, taking the total to 1,026 on Monday, health authorities were quoted by Tolo News.
Fifteen new positive coronavirus cases were…
3 Taliban militants killed, 5 injured in Afghanistan
Kabul
Three Taliban terrorists have been killed, and five more have suffered injuries in a preemptive strike by the Afghan armed forces in Helmand province, the country's military said in a statement on Sunday.
According to the 215th…
Taliban halts talks with Afghan govt on prisoner exchange
Kabul
The Taliban on Tuesday broke off talks with the Afghan government on prisoner exchange, the main step in peace talks being brokered by the United States after it agreed on a troop withdrawal pact with the group.
"We sent a technical…
Pakistan-Afghanistan border to reopen for 4 days amid virus crisis
Islamabad
Stranded Afghan nationals will be able to return home after Pakistan announced to temporarily lift restrictions on borders with Afghanistan from Monday that were closed in view of the coronavirus crisis a couple of weeks ago.…
Taliban warn peace deal with US near breaking point
Kabul,Afghanistan
The Taliban said their peace deal with the United States was nearing a breaking point, accusing Washington of violations that included drone attacks on civilians, while also chastising the Afghan government for delaying…
Afghanistan’s COVID-19 positive cases soar to 337
Kabul
The number of cases tested positive for COVID-19 has reached 337 in Afghanistan, spokesman for Public Health Ministry Wahidullah Mayar said on Sunday.
According to Mayar, 38 new positive cases including 10 in Kabul affected with…
3 Taliban militants killed in bomb blast in Aghanistan
Kabul
At least three militants affiliated to the Taliban died when a bomb planted by them went off in Afghanistan's central Ghor province, the Afghan government announced on Saturday.
"The dead Taliban members planted the bomb to target…
Political turmoil in Kabul dogs negotiations with Taliban
KABUL, Afghanistan
After months of deliberation, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Friday announced his 21-member team to negotiate peace with the Taliban, only to have his political opponent reject it as not inclusive enough.…
4 NATO soldiers test positive COVID-19 in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan
At least four service members of the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the alliance confirmed on Tuesday.
In a brief statement, the mission said these are the…
US slashes aid to Afghanistan after Pompeo visit to Kabul
WASHINGTON
The Trump administration is slashing $1 billion in assistance to Afghanistan and threatening further reductions in all forms of cooperation after the country’s rival leaders failed to agree on forming a new government.
The…
Afghans set to release 1,500 Taliban; US wants less violence
KABUL, Afghanistan
After a series of delays, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani issued a decree early Wednesday promising to release 1,500 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture to get intra-Afghan negotiations started.
A recent peace deal…
Taliban wait for Afghan president to order release of fighters in prisoner swap
KABUL
The Taliban sent vehicles for fighters set to be released by the Afghan government in a prisoner swap expected to be announced on Tuesday, and were ready to honor their side of the deal by handing over 1,000 captured government…
Afghan president, rival to take parallel oaths
KABUL, Afghanistan
Drama unfolded in Kabul as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah decided to hold contrasting oath-taking ceremonies for the top office Monday with tight security in place.
The…
Unknown gunmen kill three in daylight in Afghan capital Kabul
KABUL
Unknown gunmen shot and killed three people in Kabul on Sunday, including a member of eastern Logar province’s provincial council, underscoring the ongoing risk of violence despite U.S.-led efforts to negotiate peace with the…
In Afghanistan, another Great Game set to unfold
An unease in India, jubilation in Pakistan, and cautious optimism on the streets of Afghanistan sum up the varied moods in South Asia after the signing of the U.S.-Taliban peace deal.
While the deal offers a glimmer of hope that peace may…
Afghan political leader Abdullah escapes attack on Kabul ceremony
KABUL
Gunmen attacked a ceremony in the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday where a top Afghan political leader, Abdullah Abdullah, was present but escaped unharmed.
Two were killed and 18 wounded at the event, according to Afghan officials,…
U.S. carries out airstrike on Taliban fighters for first time since Doha deal-spokesman
KABUL
The United States conducted an airstrike on Wednesday against Taliban fighters in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand province, a U.S. forces spokesman said, the first strike since a troop withdrawal agreement was signed between the two…
US, Taliban reach agreement to seven-day reduction in violence
The United States and Taliban have reached a deal for a seven-day reduction of violence in Afghanistan, a senior American official said, unveiling details of the agreement Washington hopes will lead to a full peace accord.
The weeklong…
US, Taliban close to ‘reduction in violence’ agreement
ISLAMABAD
The Taliban have issued an ultimatum to Washington after weeks of talks with a U.S. peace envoy, demanding a reply on their offer of a seven-day reduction of violence in Afghanistan, or they would walk away from the negotiating…
Five killed in suicide attack on Afghan military academy in Kabul
KABUL
A suicide attack targeting a military academy in the Afghan capital killed at least five people early Tuesday, the first major assault in the city in months.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the dawn attack, which…
Amid peace talks, US dropped 7,423 bombs on Afghanistan in 2019
New US air force statistics show the US dropped more bombs on Afghanistan last year than any year since 2013, even as Washington’s peace envoy sought to boost regional support for a reduction in violence ahead of a final deal to end…
Taliban say mystery crash in Afghanistan was US aircraft
KABUL, Afghanistan
A U.S. military aircraft crashed in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, a Taliban spokesman and Afghan journalist affiliated with the militant group said.
A U.S. Army spokeswoman declined to comment on the Taliban claim, but…
Afghanistan plane crash: Passenger jet ‘carrying 83 people’ crashes in Taliban area
Kabul
Casualties are feared after a plane reportedly carrying more than 80 people crashed and burst into flames in Taliban-controlled territory in Afghanistan.
Local officials said an Ariana Afghan Airlines Boeing 737-400 went down in…
Plane crashes in Afghanistan
A plane crashed in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Monday, officials said, but it was not immediately clear how many people were on board, or if it was a passenger or military jet.
"At around 0840 GMT a plane crashed in Deh Yak…
Afghan politicians prepare ‘national reconciliation plan’
KABUL
A group of prominent Afghan politicians has prepared a national reconciliation plan with the help of a research organization for moving forward the peace negotiations.
The politicians say the plan has been shared with political…
Disabled Afghan girl makes living by selling paintings
KABUL, Afghanistan
A young Afghan girl with paralyzed hands and feet makes a living for her family by selling the paintings she draws with her mouth.
Rubaba Muhammadi, 20, who has painted a total of 250 pictures since her childhood…
Severe weather in Afghanistan, Pakistan leaves 43 dead
KABUL, Afghanistan
Severe winter weather has struck parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, with heavy snowfall, rains and flash floods that left at least 43 dead, officials said Monday as authorities struggled to clear and reopen highways and…
2 pilots killed in Afghan military helicopter crash
Kabul:
An Afghan military helicopter on Wednesday crashed in western Afghanistan, killing two pilots onboard, the country’s Defense Ministry said.
The MI-35 helicopter crashed in Porchaman district of Farah province due to “technical…
Afghanistan:Air pollution more dangerous than civil war
KABUL
Increased air pollution in Afghanistan in recent years reportedly killed more people than the current civil war in the country, according to officials.
In 2017, about 26,000 people lost their lives due to air pollution related…
In Afghanistan, jailed Taliban await peace, their freedom
PUL-E-CHARKHI, Afghanistan
Thousands of Taliban prisoners jailed in Afghanistan as insurgents see a peace deal being hammered out between the United States and the Taliban as their ticket to freedom.
They know a prisoner release is a key…
Pentagon says New Jersey soldier killed in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan
A 33-year-old American soldier was killed in combat Monday in Afghanistan, the U.S. military said. The Taliban claimed they were behind a fatal roadside bombing in northern Kunduz province.
In a statement Monday night,…
Senior Afghan police official killed in Taliban attack in N. province
Afghanistan
A senior police official was killed following crashes in the northern province of Baghlan overnight in a latest string of targeted killing, local police said Thursday.
"Salim Kochi, commander of Afghan Local Police (ALP)…