Afghanistan Crisis LIVE Updates: Pakistan PM holds emergency meeting after TTP attack

"Our team in Doha as well as Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad, have been in regular contact with Taliban officials in recent days, & we've stressed that additional steps such as these will be similarly positively viewed by the international community", ANI quoted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as saying. After the US troops pullout from Afghanistan, first evacuation flight has taken off from the Kabul airport. The White House National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne confirmed that the Qatar Airways Charter flight has safely landed in Qatar.

"The Taliban have been cooperative in facilitating the departure of American citizens and lawful permanent residents on charter flights from HKIA. They have shown flexibility, and they have been businesslike and professional in our dealings with them in this effort. This is a positive first step", NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne said in a statement on Qatar Airways Charter Flight from Kabul. Horne confirmed that the flight has safely landed in Qatar. She added that they will continue their efforts to facilitate evacuations of Americans and Afghans who worked for the US.  

The UN Security Council is discussing about extension of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), reported news agency Sputnik. UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons tells UNSC, "The Taliban won power, but not yet the confidence of the Afghan people".

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review various measures taken to counter terrorism and extremism in the country. The meeting took into account the latest developments especially the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban takeover of Kabul and its possible implications for Pakistan.

As per PTI,  the meeting reviewed progress made so far on various components of the National Action Plan which was put in place after the Peshawar School attack of 2014 to root out militancy.

Afghanistan announced its squad for the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup on Thursday, retaining Rashid Khan as the team's skipper. However, within minutes of the new Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Cricket Board's (ACB's) announcement, Rashid Khan declared that he was stepping down from his role as Skipper of the team.

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Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai said that the announcement of the acting government was necessary to provide services to the people, but stressed that he hopes to address the problems in the cabinet composition and see all the People of Afghanistan in the cabinet.

PM Modi on Thursday chaired the 13th BRICS Summit and the members of BRICS countries on Thursday adopted a declaration calling for reforms of the principal organs of the United Nations including instilling new life in the discussions on the reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC). 

Apart from this, the BRICS also issued a stern statement over the ongoing Afghanistan crisis and condemned terrorism in all its forms. "We express strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed," said the BRICS in its official statement.

BRICS Declaration by Republic on Scribd

The Taliban on Wednesday introduced several 'conditions' to restrict protest in Afghanistan after forming a new government in the country. These conditions include taking permission from the Ministry of Justice while purpose, slogans, place, time and all 'other' details of the protest need to be shared with the government authorities, as reported by Pajhwok News.

Details of the protest need to be shared with the security agencies 24-hours prior to the protest. The developments came amid an increase in the protests against the Taliban in the country.

Earlier on Wednesday, residents of Faizabad took to the streets to support the resistance in their fight against the Taliban.

On September 7, a group of women also held a protest in Balkh province calling to preserve the achievements of the past 20 years and demanding women's representation in the future government in Afghanistan. Similar protests were also held in Kabul, Parwan and Badakhshan province.

These protests are being held majorly by Afghan women to demand rights and female representation in the caretaker government formed by the Taliban in the war-torn country.

As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the terrorist group regime.

In a massive development, the Northern Alliance has released a video busting the Taliban's propaganda claiming the fall of Panjshir. As per the Northern Alliance, all main commanders of Ahmad Massoud, including Saleh Registani, Hamid Saifi, Khalid Amiri, and Munib Amiri are alive.  In the video, the Northern Alliance says that the resistance going on and also sought help from the world for the people of Panjshir. 

Afghanistan's local media outlet TOLO news have quoted Taliban spokesperson who said,  "Pentagon officials have remarked that some cabinet members of the Islamic Emirate or family members of late Haqqani Sahib" are "on the US blacklists and still targets" & "the Islamic Emirate considers this position a clear violation of the Doha Agreement". 

What is the Haqqani network? The Terrorists in Taliban's Government. Watch it

Russia's President Vladimir Putin during the BRICS summit chaired by PM Modi has warned that Afghanistan must not become a threat to its neighbours. 

The Taliban have agreed that U.S. citizens and other countries staying in Afghanistan could leave. As per the report, 200 U.S. and other nationals are expected to be transferred from Kabul Airfield today.

As per AP, Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have allowed 100 to 150 Westerners, including Americans, to fly out from Kabul, Qatari officials said Thursday, marking the airport’s first such flight since U.S. forces withdrew from the country.

The large group of foreigners would depart Thursday on a Qatar Airways flight that had earlier ferried humanitarian aid to the country, said Mutlaq bin Majed al-Qahtani, a Qatari special envoy. 

Al-Qahtani said it was the first international commercial flight from Kabul airport since American forces left at the end of August, their departure accompanied by a frantic airlift of tens of thousands of foreign citizens and Afghans fleeing the Taliban.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review security situations. Issues related to security and development in Jammy and Kashmir as well as border preparedness were discussed. This was the first such high-level meeting in North Block after the Taliban took over Afghanistan

French public intellectual and journalist Bernard-Henri Lévy claimed that National Resistance of Afghanistan leader Ahmad Massoud is still in Panjshir despite the Taliban claiming control of the province. Taking to Twitter, he said, "I spoke with Ahmad Massoud . The Taliban controls the Panjshir valley not the mountain. The resistance is organized. Morale is high. The son of Ahmad Shah Massoud is standing somewhere in Panjshir. In him burns the flame of free Afghanistan". 

In a statement, the Taliban government condmened the statement of Pentagon officials that some Cabinet members are still on the US blacklist. According to the terror outfit, this constituted a "clear violation" of the Doha Agreement which it stressed was neither in the interest of the United States nor Afghanistan. It also accused the US and other countries of making  provocative statements and trying to meddle the internal affairs of Afghanistan.

As per reports, the Taliban has allowed 200 Americans and other civilians to leave Afghanistan on charter flights. US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad convinced the terrorist group to permit the departure of these stranded persons. However, it is unclear whether this includes those stranded in Mazar-i-Sharif for days.

Though the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan has waged a brave battle against the Taliban, the US indicated that it is not inclined to support it. In an exclusive interview with TOLOnews Director Lotfullah Najafizada on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was asked as to whether his country was in touch with the NRF. In response, Blinken said, "Our focus right now is on working with the international community to set clear expectations for the government that emerges in Afghanistan, and to communicate those expectations to the government and what the government to be and to work on that basis". 

Facing a backlash over its blatant interference in Afghanistan, Pakistan stopped short of formally recognising the new Taliban government on Wednesday. In a statement issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Ministry Affairs, it was asserted that the newly announced Cabinet would ensure that urgent needs of people are addressed. At the same time, it stated that it will continue to closely follow the evolving situation in the war-torn country. 

The statement added, "We have noted the latest announcement about formation of interim political set-up in Kabul, which would address the requirement of a governance structure to meet the urgent needs of the people of Afghanistan. We hope that the new political dispensation will ensure coordinated efforts for peace, security and stability in Afghanistan as well as work towards taking care of humanitarian and development needs of the Afghan people". In a farcical claim, it also reiterated "commitment" to a peaceful and sovereign Afghanistan. 

In a big statement of intent, Cricket Australia threatened to cancel the Test match match against Afghanistan scheduled later this year. Highlighting its support for the growth of women's cricket across the globe, it expressed concern over the new Afghanistan regime's intent to not allow women to play the sport. 

Amid growing protests against the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and Pakistan's nefarious role, the terrorist group has banned unapproved protests. The Interior Ministry mandated that the organizers of protests should share details 24 hours in advance and should await approval from the Ministry of Justice. Anyone violating this order will face legal action.

The United States government has not conveyed any plans to recognize the newly formed Taliban government, news agency Sputnik reported citing White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki. The statement of Psaki comes after the Taliban announced the new interim, all-male Afghan government, led by Mullah Hasan Akhund.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "All of us have to remain vigilant and monitor threats and address them swiftly when they arise. US will maintain robust counterterrorism capabilities in the region to neutralize any threats, & we won’t hesitate to use those capabilities if we have to do so." 

Blinken added, "Of course, we can’t just rely on Taliban to meet these commitments. Horrific attack that ISIS-K carried out on Aug 26th, which killed 13 US service members and many, many Afghans, did show the serious threat that these groups continue to play inside Afghanistan." 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at Ministerial on Afghanistan has said that Taliban, including the recently announced caretaker govt & any eventual Afghan govt must allow foreign nationals, visa holders & Afghans to travel outside the country if they wish to. 

"Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Afghanistan continue to work overtime and have provided critical support to the multinational evacuation effort from Kabul airport. We have also made special arrangements for the transit of Afghans who are to be resettled abroad," Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi tweeted.

China on Wednesday announced USD 31 million as an aid to Afghanistan, its first after the Taliban seized power in Kabul, as it backed the Afghan militant group's interim government, saying it is a necessary step to restore order and end the anarchy.

The Taliban has taken over the Norwegian embassy in Kabul stating that they will return the embassy later, Norwegian Ambassador to Iran Sigvald Hauge said on Twitter. However, he added, "but first wine bottles are to be smashed and children's books destroyed," indicating that the terrorists have demanded that wine bottles and children's books have to be destroyed.

Former President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani has issued an elaborate explanation about fleeing the country as the Taliban stormed Kabul and took over the war-torn country. Addressing the reports of him fleeing the country with millions of dollars, Ashraf Ghani called these allegations baseless. He said his finances have been publicly disclosed and he is ready for an official audit or financial investigation under UN auspices or any other appropriate independent body. He also explained that he did not intend to leave the country but had to do so on the advice of Presidential palace security.

Read his complete statement below:

Tolo News quoted Zaki Daryabi, Head of Etilaatroz newspaper, and said that the Taliban had arrested five journalists of the newspaper. However, it has now been said by Ariana News that the five journalists have been released. The journalists were arrested for covering a women's protest against the Taliban's oppressive regime.

Republic has accessed a disturbing video circulating on social media in which one of the journalists has been badly injured and is barely able to walk by himself due to Taliban atrocities.

In a shocking statement, ex-J&K CM Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday hoped that the Taliban would run a good government in Afghanistan. Acknowledging the new Afghan regime, he said that the Taliban must keep human rights in mind and do justice for all. Speaking at an event honouring Sheikh Abdullah on his death anniversary, Abdullah urged the Taliban to maintain good relations with other nations.

"Afghanistan is a different country. Those who have come to power there must handle the nation. I hope that they do justice to all and run a good government. I hope that they keep human rights in mind and will rule as per Islamic principles. They (Taliban) should maintain good relations with other nations," said Farooq Abdullah.

With the Afghanistan crisis on table, India's National Security Advisor of India (NSA) Ajit Doval will be holding a significant meeting with his Russian counterpart- Secretary of the Security Council General Nikolay Patrushev. Moreover,  the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Chief William Burns was also in New Delhi to discuss a number of issues arising from Afghanistan. The two separate meetings involving the NSA are taking place amid Government formation by the Taliban in Kabul.

The World Health Organization warns that more than 2,000 health facilities may be closed due to a shortage of health supplies in Afghanistan due to the cessation of global aid to the Afghan health sector.

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to meet his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev today in Delhi. Meanwhile, CIA Chief William Burns is also present in Delhi

After US' shambolic withdrawal from Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden on Tuesday, said that the US will 'wait and watch' as the Taliban announced its 33-member cabinet in its interim government. Allaying fears that China will now fund the Taliban, Biden claimed that 'China has a real problem with the Taliban'. The new Afghan cabinet will be headed by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund while  Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be his deputy, the group's spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said.

When asked if he fears China will fund the Taliban now, Biden said, "China has a real problem with the Taliban. They try to work out some of that with the Taliban, I am sure. As does Pakistan, as does Russia, as does Iran". 

"They are all trying to figure out what do they do now. So let's wait and see what happens. It will be interesting see what happens," he said in response to a question on the announcement of the formation of the new interim government in Kabul by the Taliban, to reporters at the White House. While US has not recognised the new Taliban government, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and Qatar have shown inclination to do so.

Denouncing the new Taliban govt and terming it illegal, NRF said that it was a sign of the group's enmity with Afghan people. Urging citizens to continue resisting the Taliban, NRF called international powers to hold off recognition and not have diplomatic ties with the Taliban.

The Taliban has said that there should be no protest in Afghanistan until stability returns, reported news agency Sputnik. Hundreds of Afghans, mostly women, took to the streets of Kabul on Tuesday in an anti-Pakistan rally in which they chanted slogans against Islamabad and ISI.

The United States is in no rush to recognise the new Taliban government, White House said on Tuesday, reported news agency Sputnik. This development comes after Russia and Turkey have already stated that they are in no rush to recognise the Mullah Hasan-led government.

In shocking visuals coming from Kabul's National Music Institute, the Taliban has destroyed musical instruments, including piano and drum set.

Taliban supreme leader on Tuesday said that the new government will uphold sharia law, according to reports. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will be led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund with Mullah Baradar being his deputy.

Ahmadullah Wasiq, who is deputy head of the Taliban's Cultural Commission, on Tuesday said that Afghanistan is now officially the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan."

Hundreds of Afghans, mostly women, took to the streets of Kabul on Tuesday in an anti-Pakistan rally in which they chanted slogans against Islamabad and ISI. However as the protests intensified in the capital, the Taliban opened fire on the rally. In the firing, two people were killed and five others were injured, Aamaj News reported.

Former woman Afghan MP Mariam Solaimankhil tweeted: "Afghan women are some of the most talented women globally. What Afghan women have done, Afghan men could never do. The fact that Taliban don’t want to unleash the knowledge and power of the afghan woman proves they’re working for our enemy Pakistan! #SanctionPakistan."

Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he believes that the Taliban has changed since it was ousted from power by the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, Arab News reported.

In the new Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan government, Taliban founder Mohammad Omar's son Mohammad Yaqoob has been appointed as Minister of Defense. The new government will be led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund with Mullah Baradar being his deputy.

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Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday tweeted: "Our advice to the world is that we should not make hasty decisions about recognizing the Taliban."

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday said that Moscow has made no decision regarding recognizing the Taliban.

The Taliban has announced the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The new regime will be led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, the head of the Taliban's powerful decision-making body 'Rehbari Shura'. Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be his deputy, the group's spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said.

In the new government, Sirajuddin Haqqani has been appointed as interior minister, while Mohammad Yaqoob, the eldest son of the Taliban founder Mohammad Omar has been named as Minister of Defense.

Taliban Announces New 'Caretaker' Government, Appoints 33 Ministers 

• Al-Hajj Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhand, Acting Prime Minister
• Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister
• Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister
• Mawlawi Mohammad Yaghoub Mojahed, Acting Minister of Defense
• Alhaj Mullah Sirajuddin Haqqani Acting Minister of Interior 
• Mawlawi Amirkhan Mottaqi, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Mullah Hedayatullah Badri, Acting Minister of Finance
• Sheikh Mawlawi Noorullah Munir, Head of the Ministry of Education
• Mullah Khairullah Khairkhah, Acting Minister of Information and Culture
• Qari Din Hanif, Head of the Ministry of Economy
• Sheikh Mawlawi Noor Mohammad Saqib, Head of the Ministry of Hajj and Endowments
• Mawlawi Abdul Hakim Shari, Acting Minister of Justice
• Mullah Noorullah Nouri, Head of the Ministry of Borders and Tribes
• Mullah Mohammad Deons Akhandzadeh, Head of the Ministry of Rural Development 
• Sheikh Mohammad Khalid, Head of the Ministry of Invitation and Guidance
• Mullah Abdul Manan Omari, Acting Minister of Public Works
• Haji Mullah Mohammad Issa Akhand, Head of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum
• Mullah Abdul Latif Mansour, Acting Minister of Water and Electricity
• Mullah Hamidullah Akhandzadeh, Head of the Ministry of Aviation and Transport 
• Mawlawi Abdul Baqi Haqqani Acting Minister of Higher Education
• Mawlawi Najibullah Haqqani, Acting Minister of Communications 
• Haji Khalil-ur-Rehman Haqqani Acting Minister of Refugees
• Mullah Abdul Haq Wasiq, Acting Director General of Intelligence
• Haji Mohammad Idris Head of Afghanistan Bank
• Molavi Ahmadjan Ahmadi Head of Affairs
• Mullah Mohammad Fazel Mazlum Deputy Minister of Defense 
• Qari Fasihuddin Levi Drastiz of the country
• Shir Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs 
• Rumi Noor Jalal, Deputy Minister of Interior
• Zabihullah Mojahed, Deputy Minister of Information and Culture
• Mullah Taj Mir Javad, First Deputy Director General of Intelligence 
• Mullah Rahmatullah Najib, Administrative Deputy of the General Directorate of Intelligence
• Mullah Abdul Haq Akhand, Deputy Minister of Interior in the fight against drugs

In a press conference in Kabul, the Taliban spokesperson has officially announced the government formation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Mullah Baradar, who is the co-founder of the Taliban, has been given the post of Deputy Prime Minister. The members of the Haqqani Network have also been given portfolios in the new Taliban government.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid will be the Deputy Minister of Information and Culture. Designated terrorist Sirajuddin Haqqani will be the interior minister of Afghanistan. 

According to Ariana News, Ahmadullah Wasiq, deputy head of the Taliban's cultural commission, said the new Taliban government is expected to be announced in a few moments. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid will announce the names of the new cabinet members at a press conference, Ariana News has said citing Ahmadullah Wasiq

Taking a U-turn from its previous order allowing Afghans with valid visas and passports to leave the country, the insurgent group announced on Tuesday that its citizens will not be allowed to travel abroad until the formation of the new Afghan government.

"Afghan Citizens cannot travel abroad until the new Afghan government is announced," Taliban Spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid was quoted by the Asvaka news agency, minutes after a contradicting announcement by another Talibani leader.

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Afghans with valid visas and passports stranded in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif and waiting to take chartered evacuation flights out of the country will be allowed to leave, a Taliban official at the city's international airport said on Tuesday according to AP.

According to Afghanistan's local media reports, several women have been kept in the basement of a bank to prevent them from joining the protests in Kabul against the Taliban and also Pakistan for its role in aiding the Taliban's oppressive regime. These protests also occur as Pakistan's military was directly involved in the aerial attack on Panjshir valley against the Northern Resistance Forces.

Kabul-based TOLO News claims that the Taliban have captured a TOLO News photographer Wahid Ahmadi and his camera, blocking several other phorographers from taking pictures of the anti-Pak protests in Kabul

As per TOLO News, Taliban forces fired into the air to disperse protesters demonstrating in front of Pakistan's embassy in Kabul

As per local news agency TOLO news, people protesting in Kabul were seen chanting anti-Pakistan slogans. Protest led by women were seen questioning the presence of ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed in Kabul.

Partition put in University classrooms in Kabul after Taliban announced that male and female students should not mix at universities

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Doha on Monday for crisis talks with the Qataris after the Taliban claimed to have full control over Afghanistan.

After ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed met the Taliban's de-facto leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul, the spokesperson of the insurgent group made it clear that it will not allow any country, including Pakistan, to interfere in Afghanistan's internal affair. 

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday addressed the UK's parliament on the prevailing situation in Afghanistan and slammed the criticism over 'hasty' withdrawal of its forces from the war-torn country. Boris Johnson also announced that the UK government will grant a lifetime stay to all the Afghans who will be coming to the country following the Taliban takeover. 

The Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on Monday confirmed that Pakistan's ISI chief Faiz Hameed has met its de-facto leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, amidst efforts by the terrorist group to finalise a government in Afghanistan.

Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Hameed landed in Kabul on an unannounced visit last week, becoming the only high-ranking foreign official to visit Kabul ever since the Taliban seized the Afghan capital in mid-August.

Earlier, Pakistani media reported that a delegation of senior officials led by Lt Gen Hameed was in Kabul at the invitation of the Taliban, however, the Taliban refuted the media reports while asserting that Islamabad had proposed his visit to Kabul.

MHA has called a meeting of top brass from J&K over the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. The meeting which will be chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah, will be attended by  LG Manoj Sinha, DGP Dilbag Singh, Home Secretary Shaleen Kabra at the end of this week. Inputs suggest that situation is likely to flare up along the Line of Control and International Border; recent incidents hint towards the same. Visit of DG ISI Lt. Gen. Fiaz Hameed to Kabul is also being minutely monitored by the security establishment, as per sources.

Iran's President is calling for elections in Afghanistan to determine the future of the country, where he hopes peace will return after Western troops have left and the Taliban have seized control. Speaking on state TV on Saturday, Ebrahim Raisi said that the Afghan people should vote to determine their own government as soon as possible. 

"A government should be established there which is elected by the votes and the will of the people," he said.

In an audio message posted on his Facebook page, Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the Resistance Front, said that their forces are present in Panjshir and are continuing their fight against Taliban forces. He confirmed on losing a lot of his cadre including his family members in the Taliban attack on Panjshir. He said that the Taliban has proved that it is against Islam.

"My deepest condolence with the families of the martyrs. As we all know that Afghanistan has been witnessing a lot of fighting and our people resisted in a lot of areas but due to some reasons, Afghanistan has collapsed. But at the very last point, the resistance came to Panjshir and we fought for the honour of our people and culture," he said while informing about the Resistance Force's fight against Taliban.

"As a result of this war, I lost a lot of my people and as well my family. I am not only sad due to losing them but also losing my culture, honour and areas. Today, we can see the future of Afghanistan which is being built with the hands of others, who are not Afghans and not from this land," he said.

"We saw yesterday that along with Taliban, there were people from other countries who were fighting with us," he said while referring to Pakistan and ISI forces.

Calling for a national uprising, he said, "Today, I have a special message for my people, oh people wherever are you, let us start to resist the Talibans again, it doesn't matter if you are in the field of fighting or in the field of courage, stand with us and raise our voice to the world. They have a presence in every part of our mountains. I stand with you and want you all to rise with the resistance and stand with us. If somebody wants weapons, I am here for them, others who want to protest, I am with them and will support them."

"I want to tell the international community, your wrong judgment for transferring the government to Taliban have resulted in bleeding and Taliban are still the same as they were 20 years ago and they are now stronger than they were 20 years ago and this is all because of you. So this is the right time that the people of Afghanistan will judge who are their friends and who are their enemies," he said in the audio message.

Declaring an end to the war in Afghanistan, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on Monday, claimed that the Panjshir is now under its control. Addressing a press conference in Kabul, Zabihullah invited Turkey, China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar to attend the ceremony for government announcement which will be revealed soon. Assuring an 'Islamic and inclusive government', the Taliban warned Afghans from taking up arms terming them as 'enemy of the state'.

"The war in Afghanistan is over. Panjshir is now under government control. The NRF militia gave negative answers when Taliban tried to negotiate. We caused no civilian casualties in the takeover," said Zabihullah.

Justifying the Pakistan-backed attack on Panjshir, Zabihullah added, "We tried to solve this issue peacefully. But the people who escaped from Kabul thought they could still fight the Taliban. If anyone wants to create problems, we will handle them as we handled Panjshir. We can't confirm the whereabouts of ex-VP Amrullah Saleh but the hunt is on. Electricity and internet will resume in Panjshir Valley."

Zabihullah also assured that with the help of technical teams from Qatar, Turkey and United Arab Emirates operations will restart at Kabul airport. Urging China to recognise to the new Taliban govt, he added, "The Taliban wants good relations with the world, China is a big economic power and Afghanistan needs its support for reconstruction and development". Assuring amnesty to ex-Afghan soldiers, he said, "The Afghan forces who were trained in the past 20 years will be asked to rejoin the security departments alongside the Taliban forces".

Talking about government formation, he said, "The new Afghan govt which will be announced could be an interim one. Some technical issues are left, we want to do a proper job". Stating that Pakistan repeatedly asked to visit Kabul, the Taliban said that it has assured that no one will be allowed to threaten any country from Afghanistan. He also urged women protestors to stop citing 'sensitive security issues' amid the new govt formation.

NRFA's Foreign Relations chief Ali Maisam Nazary assured that Ahmad Massoud was safe and will soon address the people publically.

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross has arrived in Afghanistan, as per Pajhwok afghan news. He said, "We urge the Taliban not to obstruct the demonstration, which is a citizen's right."

Taking to Twitter, the Amrullah Saleh & Ahmad Massoud-led NRFA refuted Taliban's claims, writing, "Taliban’s claim of occupying Panjshir is false. The NRF forces are present in all strategic positions across the valley to continue the fight. We assure the ppl of Afghanistan that the struggle against the Taliban & their partners will continue until justice & freedom prevails."

The Taliban affiliates confirm that there is disagreement between the Haqqani Group and the Taliban Islamic Emirate over the division of power, as per AFP

As per the new instructions issued by the Taliban's Ministry of Higher Education, which is applicable to private colleges and universities:

• Women attending universities must wear an abaya, or robe, and niqab, or burqa
• Women will be taught by women, but if none are available then 'old men' of good character can step in
• Men and women must be separated in a co-ed classroom, if necessary by a curtain
• Men and women should use separate entrances and exits and women must also end their lesson five minutes earlier than men, go to a waiting room before being accompanied to home by a male relative.

In a major blow to the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRFA), the Taliban on Monday claimed capture of the last province in Afghanistan - Panjshir. Taking to Twitter, Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah claimed, "Panjshir province, the last stronghold of the mercenary enemy, was completely conquered". Visuals from Panjshir, shared by local news agency Asvaka News Agency, show Taliban fighters standing outside Panjshir Governor office and the Taliban's flag raised at the office.

Taking to Twitter the Panjshir Resistance leader Ahmad Massoud wrote, "The Taliban are not fighting with us but the Pakistani army and ISI are leading them.  The Taliban are not strong enough to compete with us but the Pakistan Army is cooperating with them".

Panjshir resistance calls for ceasefire, Taliban withdrawal, reports AFP

"Fahim Dashti, a spokesman of the Resistance Front and a well-known journalist, was killed in fighting in Panjshir province on Sunday," reports TOLOnews citing a source from Panjshir

General AbulUdood Zare, nephew of Ahmad Shah Massoud, National Hero & a former prominent Mujahideen commander, was also killed in the battle with the #Taliban in the Dashtak area of ​​Rokha district of Panjsher, report local news agency Asvaka News

At least four planes chartered to evacuate several hundred people seeking to escape the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan have been unable to leave the country for days, officials said Sunday, with conflicting accounts emerging about why they flights weren't able to take off as pressure ramps up on the United States to help those left behind to flee.

An Afghan official at the airport in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif said that the would-be passengers were Afghans, many of whom did not have passports or visas, and thus were unable to leave the country. He said they had left the airport while the situation was sorted out. 

Mullah Baradar, the Taliban's deputy political director, met today with Martin Griffiths, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Humanitarian Affairs, at the Foreign Ministry in Kabul.

Mohammad Naeem, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office, said that during the meeting, the UN delegation pledged continued cooperation and assistance to the Afghan people, adding that the next meeting of donor countries would focus on attracting more aid.

Republic brings to you the latest picture of Ahmad Massoud from Panjshir as Pakistan and Taliban claim the 'caretaker' President has fled the valley.

A former police officer named Negar was shot dead by the Taliban in Ghor province. Mohammad Hanif, Negar's son, says in a video that the Taliban killed Negar at her home around 10 pm last night.

Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan's special representative in Afghanistan, said a virtual meeting of representatives from Iran, China, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan was chaired on the situation in Afghanistan on Sunday. According to him, in the meeting, the representatives agreed that security and stability in Afghanistan are vital for the security and stability of the region.

 A Qatari plane will be flown to Kabul daily, carrying aid to the Afghan people, said Qatari ambassador in Kabul. The aid included 17 tons of medical aid and basic foodstuffs such as: rice, sugar, salt, flour and infant formula.

As per local news reports, the Taliban-controlled Ministry of Higher Education has asked all relevant institutions to share their plans for separate classes for boys and girls

As per local Ariana Afghan Airlines, Kabul airport has been reopened for domestic and international flights, and the airlines resumed flights to three major provinces on Saturday.

Humanitarian Appeal by residents of Panjshir Valley through Amrullah Saleh to UN, Red Cross and other international NGOs and Charity organisations amidst humanitarian crisis and invasion by Taliban. Prevent Taliban’s onslaught, genocide and catastrophe, appeal asks.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said the world should engage with Afghanistan to address humanitarian needs and provide economic stability to prevent a refugee crisis in the war-torn country. Khan spoke with Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres over telephone and the two leaders discussed the developments in Afghanistan, with a particular focus on the humanitarian situation.

In a video released by Taliban members, they claim that the Taliban have moved closer to the Panjshir governor office. Local news agency Asvaka News sources from Panjsher confirm the fall of (Anaba) District which is close to the center  & fight was ongoing over the Governor office hours ago.'

The Taliban has whitewashed the walls of the Afghan capital i.e. Kabul, erasing the colourful murals of the city and covering them with black and white Islamist texts and quotes from Taliban leaders, celebrating the departure of US troops.

Taliban terrorists have been trapped near the Panjshir river as Northern Alliance has blown up the river bridge. Just a while ago, the Resistance Force had blown up a mountain to block the terrorists from entering Panjshir. The Northern Alliance fighters have been engaged in a fierce fight with the Taliban terrorists who are attempting to breach the Panjshir province.

The Resistance Forces blew up a mountain in the area of the Danah after thousands of Taliban terrorists entered Panjshir, and they were trapped inside the valley. The Taliban terrorists are surrounded in the Dasht-e-Rivet area and all their vehicles and equipment have been left behind because of the mountain blast. The Taliban is still in control of the Paryan district in Panjshir province, but their hind path has been cut off from Kotal Khawak.

The Taliban announced on Saturday that it has once again delayed the government formation in Afghanistan. It was earlier scheduled to be formed on Friday which was deferred to Saturday. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said on Saturday said that the Government formation has been postponed to next week. This delay in government formation has been announced on a day when Pakistan's ISI chief Faiz Hameed has landed in Kabul to oversee the government formation.

Pakistan ISI Chief general Faiz Hameed has reached Kabul to oversee Taliban's new government formation, say sources 

Echoing 'Caretaker' President Amrullah Saleh, Northern Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRFA) leader Ahmad Massoud on Saturday, took to Facebook to assert 'We will never give up the fight for God, freedom and justice'. Lauding the women protesting against the Taliban in Herat, he said that Afghans have not given up their demands for rights. He also promised to address the Afghan people publically. The NRFA has rubbished claims of Taliban capturing Panjshir.

Taking to Facebook, he wrote, "We will never give up the fight for God, freedom and justice. The struggle, whether like Panjshir, which has stood firm so far, or like our zealous Herati sisters, who bravely raised the cry for justice, shows that the people have not given up their demands for rights and are fighting for their rights. They do not get tired and are not afraid of any threat".

He added, "Failure only happens when you give up the fight for your rights and get tired. Our people will never get tired of trusting in God and will move forward to build a prosperous, free and independent Afghanistan. Soon, as my workload decreases, I will personally report the work to our honorable people".
 

As Taliban prepares to announce its new government, atleast 17 people were killed and 41 wounded in Kabul in a celebratory firing by the Taliban on Friday, as per local Afghan news agency TOLO News. The firing occurred after the Taliban claimed that they had taken control of the Panjshir valley and defeated the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRFA). This has now been busted by the Resistance led by ex-Vice President Amrullah Saleh and Ahmed Shah Masoud

Denmark's foreign minister says the nation won't recognize any Taliban government, reports Sputnik News

Several, including children killed & injured in the Taliban shootings last night in Kabul, state Israeli reports.

Amid the ongoing war between the Taliban terrorists and Northern Resistance Forces, Afghanistan's caretaker President Amrullah Saleh confirmed that he is still in Panjshir. Issuing a video statement, Saleh said, "The Resistance is continuing and will continue. I am here with my soil, for my soil and defending its dignity," defying claims made by Taliban that he had fled the country.

On Friday, a delegation of United Nations human rights experts urged all countries to provide immediate security to Afghan journalists and media workers who fear for their lives and face persecution in the war-torn country.

"Journalists and media workers, in particular women, are facing heightened risks since the Taliban's political takeover of Afghanistan," United Nations Human Rights Special Procedures quoted UN experts as saying.

Afghanistan's situation has deteriorated since the Taliban took control of the war-torn country. The Afghan government fell on August 15, just after President Ashraf Ghani exited the country.

US President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Friday (local time) directing the Department of Justice and other relevant agencies to oversee a declassification review of documents related to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's September 11th investigations and to publicly release the declassified documents over the next six months.

"As we approach the 20th anniversary of that tragic day, I am honouring that commitment. Today, I signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice and other relevant agencies to oversee a declassification review of documents related to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s September 11th investigations. The executive order requires the Attorney General to release the declassified documents publicly over the next six months,” the White House said in a statement.

US Senator Steve Daines announced on Friday that he will introduce legislation to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 13 American service members slain in last week's suicide attack at Kabul International Airport.

"13 heroes bravely gave all to protect Americans and our allies. It's fitting for Congress to recognize their sacrifice in a historical moment for our nation with the Congressional Gold Medal," Daines said in a tweet.

Congressional Gold Medals are the highest honour that the United States Congress can confer for extraordinary military and civilian achievements and contributions.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Qatar and Germany from September 5 to 8 to meet with leaders and express gratitude for their assistance in ensuring the safe transit of US citizens, Afghans, and other evacuees from Afghanistan, according to State Department spokesperson Ned Price on Friday (local time).

Taking to Twitter, Blinken also informed, "On September 5, I will depart for Doha, Qatar and Ramstein, Germany. This trip will underscore the importance of cooperation on Afghanistan and allow me to thank our staff and German and Qatari friends for their efforts in supporting the largest airlift in history."

On Friday (local time), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US is in continuous touch with Americans still in Afghanistan who seek to leave the country.

"Our new team in Doha, Qatar is running, we are in constant contact with Americans who remain in Afghanistan, and wish to leave...we've assigned management team for the same," said Blinken days after troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has fallen to the Taliban.

Blinken said that "we continue to maintain channels of communication with the Taliban on issues such as its commitment to let people leave Afghanistan should they choose to do so."

On Friday, the Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev stated that both Moscow and New Delhi are dedicated to a new Afghanistan that is peaceful and democratic.

The Russian envoy, who spoke with Lieutenant General Chandi Prasad Mohanty at the event of planting saplings (the Tree of Friendship) by the Russian embassy in India, discussed the Taliban and the situation in Afghanistan.

"Russia is very much committed to a peaceful and democratic new Afghanistan. I believe that India could share these feelings. These feelings are reflected in our bilateral cooperation in multiple formats like SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group," said Kudashev.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid called on Taliban forces to refrain from airstrikes following the incessant shootings in Kabul, TOLOnews reported.

Speaking to TOLOnews from Panjshir, Afghanistan caretaker President Amrullah Saleh said that he is still there. He also said that intensified battle is on between Taliban and Panjshir resistance.

As per multiple reports on social media, aerial firing has been reported in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul.

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will brief on Afghanistan at 11:30 PM today. The official announcement of the government formation of Taliban which was slated for today has been delayed.

Afghanistan's caretaker President Amrullah Saleh has lashed out at Taliban, accusing them of blocking humanitarian access to Panjshir. He also alleged that Taliban terrorists are doing racial profiling of the people and using Panjshir youth as mine clearance tools, forcing them to walk on minefields. He also claimed that Taliban have shut phone lines and electricity of Panjshir and is not allow medicine either. Saleh has called on United Nations and the international community to take note of the humanitarian crisis arising out of war crimes committed by Taliban.

The Northern Resistance Forces have liberated Charikar, the capital of Parwan province and Salang, a strategic location, from the clutches of the Taliban. Salang is said to be important as it lies on the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan highway giving a strategic advantage to the Northern Resistance Forces.

According to sources, the Taliban has claimed that its government formation has been deferred due to setbacks during the intense battle with Northern Resistance Forces from Panjshir.

As Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar gears to form the new government in Afghanistan, top leaders of the United Arab Emirates are on the way to Kabul to meet top Talibani leadership. This will be the first international flight that will be landing at Kabul airport after the exit of the United States from war-torn Afghanistan. Incidentally, ex-Afghan President Asraf Ghani has taken refuge in Abu Dhabi, UAE's capital after Tajikistan had denied permission to his plane to land there.

UAE has agreed to host 5,000 Afghan nationals to be evacuated from their country for 10 days on their way to a third country, on the US' request. Moreover, UAE has been part of the talks with the peace talks in Doha along with US, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Taliban. Meanwhile, international reports claimed that Baradar will lead a new Afghan government set to be announced shortly, as per Taliban sources. 

Days after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, recent reports suggest that Indian Embassy in Kabul is currently safe and properly operational. Furthermore, the salaries of the local employees have also been dispersed by the Indian government, says the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).  A top government official has confirmed the news and said that India's Embassy situated in Kabul is running safely, and payments for the maintenance and salaries were paid on time by the Government of India, reported ANI. Also, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is receiving continuous updates from the Kabul Embassy and has assured its safety. However, the banks are not properly operational yet due to the ongoing tensions since the takeover. This could result in trouble for the staff members to withdraw their salaries. 

Local reports have informed that Afghanistan's domestic flights will resume on Friday. 

According to local reports, the Taliban will not form the new government today. The insurgent group will announce the new government and cabinet next week. 

Senior Taliban leader Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai met with UK senior civil servant Simon Gass here and discussed humanitarian aid, security and political issues, as well as bilateral relations. This was announced by Taliban spokesperson M Naeem on Twitter. Simon Gass, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Special Representative for Afghan Transition, is currently in Doha to hold talks with Taliban leaders. 

"Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, Deputy Chief of the Political Office of the Islamic Emirate, and his accompanying delegation met with Simon Gass, Representative of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and a delegation in Doha today. The meeting focused on humanitarian aid, security and political issues, as well as bilateral relations," he tweeted in Pashto.

"The British delegation added that they have doubled their humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and are ready to continue cooperating with the Islamic Emirate in this regard. The delegation of the Islamic Emirate thanked them for their humanitarian assistance," he tweeted further. 

The United Nations says its Humanitarian Air Service is resuming air operations in Afghanistan to enable 160 aid organisations to continue activities in the country's provinces. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Thursday that the air passenger service, operated by the Rome-based U.N. World Food Program, is linking the Pakistani capital of Islamabad with Mazar-i-Sharif in the north and Kandahar in the southeast.

He said the food programme reports that three flights already have taken place to Mazar-i-Sharif since Sunday and that efforts are being made to step up those operations as soon as possible. In addition, Dujarric said, a cargo airbridge is being established to transport non-food items such as medical and other emergency supplies to where they are needed the most.

He said the Humanitarian Air Service's domestic passenger service needs $18 million and the cargo airbridge needs $12 million to continue operations. “From 2002 to 2021, the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service in Afghanistan served more than 20 destinations in the country,” Dujarric said. “It will seek to return to these locations once security and funding permits.” 

As the fierce battle between the Northern Alliance resistance and Taliban continues in Panjshir, the negotiation between both parties have been reportedly failed. As per Republic Media Network's on-ground report, during the negotiations, the Taliban offered Northern Alliance commander Ahmad Massoud a position in the Afghanistan government which is yet to be formed. But Ahmad Massoud expressed that he does not have any interest in a personal position. 

Following Massoud's refusal, the Taliban allegedly threatened the Northern Alliance of continuous attacks on Panjshir. Taliban is facing formidable resistance from the Northern Alliance, led by Ahmad Massoud and Afghanistan's 'caretaker' President Amrullah Saleh who are currently based in Panjshir Valley, which is not under the control of the insurgent group.

On Thursday, UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab met British MPs and updated them on the country’s mission to rescue those left behind in the conflict-hit country. While he confirmed the rescue operation to the Foreign Affairs Committee, Raab stopped short specifying how many guards were left in Afghanistan or what kind of difficulties they faced. According to a report published in The Guardian, international security company GardaWorld said that it has recruited 200 Afghan natives as guards at the British diplomatic office.

The Taliban on Friday informed that China would continue to maintain their embassy in Kabul. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen informed that Abdul Salam Hanafi, the deputy head of the Taliban political office in Qatar, held a telephonic conversation with Deputy Foreign Minister of China Wu Jianghao, where the decision was taken. Earlier, the Taliban had urged all countries to reopen the embassies in Kabul, which were closed after the organisation seized control of the country in August.

China has been openly batting for the Taliban and was one of the few countries to agree to accept the new Taliban rule as a legitimate government. Reaffirming the same, the Taliban has now informed that the Chinese embassy will open and continue operations in Kabul. During the phone call, where the decision was taken, the two sides also discussed the current situation in Afghanistan.

"Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Director, PO held a phone conversation with Wu Jianghao, Deputy Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China. Both sides discussed the ongoing situation of the country and future relations," Qatar-based spokesperson of Taliban Suhail Shaheen tweeted. "The Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister said that they would maintain their embassy in Kabul, adding our relations would beef up as compared to the past. Afghanistan can play an important role in security and development of the region. China will also continue and increase its humanitarian assistance especially for the treatment of COVID-19," Shaheen further tweeted.

Weeks after taking control of most of Afghanistan, the Taliban will be holding a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Kabul after Friday prayers, in which the Islamic government of the Islamic Emirate will be formally announced, according to Republic sources. The Taliban seized control over most of Afghanistan after capturing the capital city Kabul on August 15, which led to the fall of the Ashraf Ghani administration. After America's exit on August 31, the insurgents' group also celebrated their victory.

The Taliban has already confirmed that their military commander and religious leader Hibatullah Akhundzada who hails from Kandahar will be their supreme leader. Under Akhundzada, a prime minister or president will lead the country, as per global media reports. Mullah Baradar's name has been mentioned as a presidential pick.

Following the Taliban takeover, Pakistan is urging the international community to take a three-pronged approach to Afghanistan: quickly deliver aid to 14 million people facing starvation, promote an inclusive government, and work with the Taliban to combat all terrorist groups operating in the country.

Pakistan's ambassador to the UN told AP, Munir Akram, laid out his government's vision for a future international role in Afghanistan, saying Pakistan has been in contact with regional countries and the broader global community on working together on the three priorities.

According to State Department spokesperson Ned Price, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla met with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Thursday and discussed a wide range of shared goals, including continuous coordination on Afghanistan.

They discussed a broad range of shared priorities, including continued coordination on Afghanistan, strengthening Indo-Pacific cooperation through the Quad, addressing the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, and preparations for upcoming dialogues, such as the 2+2 Ministerial," Price said in a statement.

"Deputy Secretary Sherman and Foreign Secretary Shringla agreed to remain closely coordinated on shared goals and priorities to deepen the US-India partnership," he added.

Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen said, Abdul Salam Hanafi, the deputy head of the Taliban political office in Qatar, spoke by phone with Wu Jianghao, China's Deputy Foreign Minister, and the latter informed him that China would keep its embassy in Kabul. Both sides discussed the situation in Afghanistan during the phone call.

"Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Director, PO held a phone conversation with Wu Jianghao, Deputy Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China. Both sides discussed the ongoing situation of the country and future relations," Qatar-based spokesperson of Taliban Suhail Shaheen tweeted.

The White House stated on Thursday that there are still active threats from the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) in Afghanistan and that officials are in close contact with the approximately 100 American citizens who remain in the country following the US military withdrawal.

"We are in close touch with the State Department, our diplomatic officials, with all of these individuals and are working in close coordination to discuss how they can leave the country, and if they can leave the country," Psaki said.

Concerning the charter planes, Psaki stated that the US does not have people on the ground in Afghanistan and that the US "does not control air space."

The United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, met with Afghan evacuees being housed by Qatar on Thursday and stated that the UK will continue to cooperate with their allies in response to the humanitarian need and provide safe passage for individuals who want to leave the war-torn country.

"Today I met evacuees from Afghanistan who are being hosted by our Qatari friends. The UK has already committed £286m of life-saving aid & will continue working with our partners in response to the humanitarian plight and ensure safe passage for those who want to leave," Raab tweeted.

The National Centre for Seismology informed an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 on the Richter scale struck Fayzabad in Afghanistan on Thursday.

"Magnitude: 4.0, Occurred on 02-09-2021, 22:25:54 IST, Lat: 36.90 & Long: 71.62, Depth: 110 Km, Location: 97km ESE of Fayzabad, Afghanistan," NCS tweeted.

The United States may coordinate future counterterrorism airstrikes in Afghanistan with the Taliban, says US General Mark Millie. He said it was unclear whether the Taliban had changed. The Taliban have not yet commented.

Preparations are underway at the Presidential Palace in Kabul for the announcement of a new Taliban government in Afghanistan. 

Four people have been killed and five more injured in a clash between the Taliban and unidentified gunmen in central Afghanistan's Parwan province, Sputnik reported citing a source. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital.
Further details are awaited. Meanwhile, the situation in Afghanistan has been deteriorating after the Taliban seized control. On August 15 the Taliban captured Kabul soon after President Ashraf Ghani fled the nation. 

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, spoke with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and thanked him for Qatar's effort to assist with the safe transit of US citizens, and other evacuees from Afghanistan.  

"Spoke with Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs @MBA_AlThani_ and thanked him for Qatar's tremendous effort to assist with the safe transit of US citizens and evacuees from Afghanistan. We're grateful for our strong partnership with Qatar," Blinken tweeted.

Blinken commended Qatar for our strong partnership to promote regional security and discussed other important bilateral efforts to advance US-Qatar ties, the US Department of State said in a statement.
The United States forces left Afghanistan on Tuesday morning, marking the end of a chaotic and messy exit from America's longest war.

Earlier, US Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin III said that the United States has evacuated about 6,000 American citizens and a total of more than 124,000 civilians from Afghanistan. Austin also honours those who died over the course of the war in Afghanistan. "Our forces risked their own lives to save the lives of others, and 13 of our very best, paid the ultimate price," he said. 

Fighting has intensified between the Taliban and the National Alliance resistance forces in Panjshir Valley. According to reports, the Taliban advance continues as they occupied 11 more outposts. Visuals from Panjshir valley showed fire on an outpost.

As the Taliban cement its position in Afghanistan, a former senior American diplomat has warned that China is eyeing the Bagram Air Base. In an interaction with Fox News, America’s former envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that there is a need to closely watch China as it makes a move to take over the Bagram Air Base which was controlled by the United States for over two decades during the Afghanistan War. The Bagram Air Base was the epicenter of America's 'War on Terror'. 

Haley has suggested that the Joe Biden administration should consider reaching out to its close allies like Taiwan, Ukraine, Israel. She also suggested that the Biden administration should reach out to Quad allies - India, Japan and Australia. Haley further opined that the US should assure its key friends and close allies that it will have their back.  

She further remarked that China is making a move on the Bagram Air Base which had been controlled by the US after it invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Moreover, Haley also remarked that China is making a move in Afghanistan while it uses Pakistan to go against India. 

An international effort to evacuate members of the Afghanistan national girls soccer team, along with dozens of family members and soccer federation staff, suffered a crushing setback last week after a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport killed 169 Afghans and 13 US service members during a harrowing airlift.

Now, frightened and desperate, the girls worry whether a far-flung coalition of former US military and intelligence officials, congressmen, US allies, humanitarian groups and the captain of the Afghanistan women's national team can get them and their loved ones to safety.

As the United States finished its withdrawal from Afghanistan, General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated on Wednesday (local time) that he feels "pain and anger" over what has occurred in the war-torn country over the last 20 years.

"When we see what has unfolded over the last 20 years and over the last 20 days, that creates pain and anger. And mine comes from 242 of my soldiers killed in action over 20 years in Iraq and Afghanistan. So yeah, I have that. But I'm a professional soldier. I'm going to contain my pain and anger, and continue to execute my mission," he said.

Four individuals were killed and five others were injured in a fight between the Taliban and unidentified gunmen in central Afghanistan's Parwan province.

The injured were taken to a hospital nearby.

Meanwhile, since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the situation has deteriorated. The Taliban took Kabul on August 15, just after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

Resistance fighters in Afghanistan's northeastern province of Panjshir announced on Wednesday that they would continue battling the Taliban despite the failure of their negotiations.

The Taliban announced on Wednesday that negotiations with the leaders of Panjshir province had failed since it is the only region in the country that is still beyond the Taliban's control.

According to Afghanistan's Khaama Press, the Taliban's commission for direction and encouragement's chief, Mullah Amir Khan Motaqi, negotiations with tribal elders and leaders failed, and he requested the people of Panjshir province to motivate their leaders.

A top official at the European External Action Service (EEAS) said on Wednesday that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan might devolve into a disaster since the Taliban do not have access to the funding allocated to the country by the international community.

"The humanitarian situation has already been very bad in Afghanistan before all these events. It risks turning catastrophic soon ... Now access to financial means, the funds which the international community made available, which covered 77% of the budget of the Afghan government, civilian budget, military budget 100%, are now not available," Gunnar Wiegand, the EEAS managing director for Asia and the Pacific, told the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee meeting on Afghanistan.

As the United States finished its withdrawal from Afghanistan on Wednesday (local time), the Pentagon stated that there are "many operational and strategic initiatives to be learnt" from the war-torn country.

"We will learn from this experience as a military. How we got to this moment in Afghanistan will be studied for years to come. We will approach this with humility, transparency and candour. There are many tactical, operational, and strategic lessons to be learned," General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated during a speech at the Pentagon on the end of the American operation in Afghanistan.

On Wednesday (local time), US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin III announced that the US had evacuated around 6,000 American citizens and a total of more than 124,000 civilians from Afghanistan.

Austin, during a speech at the Pentagon at end of the military mission in Afghanistan, said, "US evacuated some 6,000 American citizens and a total of more than 124,000 civilians. And we did it all in the midst of a pandemic and in the face of grave and growing threats."

Austin expressed his pride in the military's reception of Afghan refugees in the United States. "Some of those brave Afghans will be coming to make new lives with their families in America, after careful screening & security vetting run by our interagency partners. I'm proud of the way that our military communities have welcomed them," noted Austin.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Afghan crisis. The meeting, as per sources, lasted for close to 4 hours. 

The Taliban have opposed the fencing of the Durand line. Speaking to Pashtun TV, the spokesperson of the terrorist group Zabihullah Mujahid expressed concern about Pakistan fencing its 2,640-km border that it shares with Afghanistan and vividly stated that they have not agreed or given their consent for it. The spokesperson underlined that they would only announce their stance on the issue after the government is formed. 

"We want to create a secure and peaceful environment on the border so that there should not be any need to create barriers," the spokesperson said, hinting that the Taliban is not very inclined towards realizing Pakistan's fantasy of fencing the border along with Afghanistan and that the decision will most probably be against it. 

According to the Northern Alliance, they have eliminated over 300 Taliban terrorists-200 in Shatel, 20 in  Jabal Siraj Tappeh Sork, 24 in  Saland and 70 in  Andarab district. 

At least 10,000 to 15,000 Pakistani terrorists have entered Afghanistan as part of Taliban's full-scale invasion of the country, planned and supported by Pakistan." These were the forewarning words of former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani to US President Joe Biden, in their telephonic conversation on July 23, weeks before the fall of Kabul and his government, according to a Reuters exclusive report. 

The report further stated that Biden, instead of acting on the warning, advised Ghani to attempt to change the people's perception by letting the world know that Afghanistan has a 'plan to counter the Taliban offensive.' 

Canada’s immigration minister on August 31 announced that the nation will resettle 5,000 Afghan refugees who were evacuated by the US. Canada has already evacuated some 3,700 Afghans from Kabul who had worked with its armed forces in the past. It has even announced its plan to take in more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans - including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters - to protect them from the Taliban. 

The United States has denied the accusations of abandoning military service dogs in Kabul during the last withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. Ending America's longest war, the US completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of presence on August 31. 

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby tweeted, "To correct erroneous reports, the US military did not leave any dogs in cages at Hamid Karzai International Airport, including the reported military working dogs. The photos circulating online were of animals under the care of the Kabul Small Animal Rescue, not dogs under our care".

According to the Defense Department spokesperson, US personnel took various measures to help the Kabul Small Animal Rescue despite several attacks the country witnessed. 

From the year 2020, Kabul Small Animal Rescue has been affiliated as a veterinary clinic and non-profit organization that has been aiding animals in Afghanistan with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Their website states that the organization is aimed to provide secure, healthy boarding options for their rescue partners, who support worldwide adoptions of Afghan cats and dogs. 

Terrorist organisation Al Qaeda on Wednesday has released a two-page statement over Taliban’s 'victory' in Afghanistan and the subsequent US troops withdrawal. The terrorist organisation hailed the American withdrawal from the war-torn country after the US closed the chapter of its 'longest war'. In the statement, Al Qaeda has also made a mention of other places like Palestine, Maghreb, Somalia, and Yemen. Moreover, the terrorist organisation has also called for the so-called 'liberation' of Kashmir.

According to reports, 41 Taliban terrorists were killed and 20 others were captured by the resistance forces of Panjshir. This came after the Taliban fighters attempted to breach Panjshir. However, they were ambushed by the National Resistance Forces. Reports quoted a resistance commander stating that:

"We'll let you enter the valley but not leave it," 

Apart from this, reports also stated that the Taliban suffered several casualties in the Gaza section of the city of Polhsar in Andarab, where 34 Taliban fighters were killed in a guerrilla ambush. In the last 24 hours, the Taliban have suffered heavy casualties in Andarab districts.

France says a few dozen French nationals remain in Afghanistan, including some who wanted to be evacuated but could not as the last flight left Kabul. Defense Ministry spokesman Herve Grandjean said in a news conference Tuesday that all efforts are being done to allow those left behind to get a safe and orderly evacuation. He said that is the goal of the talks underway within the United Nations framework with the Taliban power.

In addition, France was not able to evacuate a few dozen former Afghan employees of the French army who asked for the protection of the country, he said. France will do the maximum in the coming days and weeks to help them getting out of Afghanistan, Grandjean said. France's evacuation flights from Aug. 17 to Aug. 27 have evacuated about 2,600 Afghans at risk, including 110 former employees of the French army and their families. France withdrew its troops from Afghanistan at the end of 2014. 

The US Senate on Tuesday (local time) approved a bill that would provide emergency repatriation assistance to American citizens who have returned from Afghanistan, US media reported. The bill was approved by unanimous consent and US Vice President Kamala Harris came to the Senate to preside over the bill's passage. The bill would set aside up to USD 10 million for each fiscal year during fiscal years 2021 and 2022 to provide emergency repatriation assistance to affected individuals. 

"Vice President Kamala Harris came to the Senate to preside over the bill's passage. The bill was approved by unanimous consent during the Senate's August recess when the chamber came into session for a quick pro-forma session where no other business was conducted," the media reported 

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (local time) said that the United States will continue to support the Afghan people through diplomacy, international influence, and humanitarian aid.

"We will continue to support the Afghan people through diplomacy, international influence, and humanitarian aid. We will continue to speak out for basic rights of the Afghan people especially women and girls as we do around the world," Biden said during a speech at the White House, a day after the US's chaotic withdrawal ended.

Due to the tense situation in Afghanistan, the Japanese government is considering relocating the activities of its embassy in Kabul to Qatar, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Tuesday.

According to Japanese media, the embassy's work has been temporarily transferred to the Japanese Consulate-General in Istanbul, Turkey.

"The Taliban have a political office (in Doha), and we can expect various talks there," Motegi said.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on Tuesday said the Pentagon will continue to execute drone strikes against the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) and others within Afghanistan as necessary, even after the US military presence is permanently withdrawn from the country.

In recent days, the US launched deadly drone strikes against a "ISIS-K planner" and a suspected suicide car bomber after the terrorist group claimed credit for suicide attacks that killed 13 US military personnel. Kirby stated that if dangers occurred in the future, the Pentagon would use drone strikes.

Although US forces have left Afghanistan, the United Nations will continue to offer medical and humanitarian aid to the country, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Tuesday.

"United Nations agencies will stay in Afghanistan and continue to provide medical and humanitarian goods there even after the last foreign troops left the country after almost 20 years of occupation," Dujarric said.

On Tuesday morning, US forces left Afghanistan, capping off a complex and chaotic withdrawal from America's longest conflict.
 

US President Joe Biden has warned the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, ISKP (ISIS-K), which killed 13 US servicemen in a suicide bombing at Kabul International Airport, that they will face additional retaliation from Washington.

"We will maintain the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and other countries," Biden said. "And to ISIS-K: We are not done with you yet," he added.

"Let me say it clearly to those who wish America harm or to those who engage in terrorism against us or allies, United States will never rest. We will not forgive, not forget. We will hunt you down and you will pay the ultimate price," President Joe Biden.

Speaking from the White House on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden stated, "I believe this is the 'right decision, wise decision and the best decision'. The war in Afghanistan is now over. I am the fourth president to have faced this issue on how to end this war... I made a commitment to Americans to end this war, I honoured it."

US President Joe Biden stated that he will not extend the "forever war" in Afghanistan, nor will he make a "forever exit."

That was the option: either leave or escalate. Biden stated, "I was not going to extend this endless war, and I was not going to extend a forever exit."

The decision to conduct military airlift operations at Kabul Airport was made unanimously by my civilian and military advisors, he added.

President Joe Biden said, "I take responsibility for the decision. Some say we should have started it sooner. I respectfully disagree... Had it been before, it would have led to rush, or a civil war... There is no evacuation from the end of a war without challenges, threats we face."

President Joe Biden commended the “extraordinary success” of the Kabul evacuation operation, saying the US evacuated 120,000 civilians out of Afghanistan.

During a speech at the White House, "We completed one of the biggest airlifts in history. That number is more than double what most experts thought were possible. No nation, no nation has ever done anything like it in all history."

US President Biden will address the nation on Tuesday about his decision to withdraw US soldiers from Afghanistan by 31 August.

On Monday, the last American forces left Afghanistan, bringing America's longest conflict to a close.

According to White House press secretary Jen Psaki, Biden will thank commanders and service members who assisted in the evacuation of more than 124,000 people from Afghanistan in recent weeks, as well as "lay out his decision to end the war in Afghanistan after 20 years, including the difficult decisions he made over the last seven months since taking office to bring the war to a close."

US President Joe Biden will be holding a meeting on intelligence, security, and diplomatic updates on the evolving situation in Afghanistan, as the US Troops completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan. The meeting is said to be at 8 PM Indian Standard Time on Tuesday.

In a significant development on Tuesday, a meeting took place between India and the Taliban delegation, thus becoming the first official contact between India and the Taliban. Incidentally, the meeting took place at the request of the Taliban. India has discussed the safety and evacuation of its citizens from Afghanistan. India has also warned the Taliban that Afghanistan soil shouldn't be used for any anti-Indian activities or terrorism in any manner.

Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the head of the Taliban's Political Office visited Indian Embassy in Doha and met Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to Qatar.

Watch live updates here:

Taliban's Badri 313 squad has taken control of the Kabul Airport as the last of the American troops withdrew on the intervening night of August 30 and 31. This is after two decades that the Taliban has been able to take control of the Kabul airport as the US troops made an exit from Afghanistan.

Shocking apathy of the US was on full display as Republic Media Network accessed visuals of American trained dogs left behind in Afghanistan as the US troops made the final exit from Afghanistan on the intervening night of August 30 and 31. Importantly, when Indian Forces evacuated the Indian diplomats and their families, the Indian forces also brought back Indian trained dogs that were part of the Indian mission in Afghanistan.

In a major development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instructed to form an Afghanistan group that will include the External Affairs Minister and the National Security Advisor of India. In addition, it is also being reported that officials from related ministries will be a part of it. The Afghanistan Group will focus on evacuations and the ground situation 

Sources have informed that the group has been meeting regularly over last few days and discussed pertaining to safe return of stranded Indians, travel of Afghans (especially minorities) to India. In addition, it also discussed issues related to terrorism. 

Afghanistan's caretaker President Amrullah Saleh has issued a first response after the United States officially ended its military presence in Afghanistan. Taking to Twitter, Saleh hit out at the Taliban and remarked that they are an 'unpopular proxy force' and hated in Afghanistan. He further added that the whole country wants to escape from the Taliban. Saleh also hit out at the United States as the latter withdrew its remaining forces from Kabul on Monday after two weeks of evacuation operations. Saleh said that the United States as a superpower decided to become 'mini power' as they left Afghanistan, ending their two-decade-long military presence.

The Northern Alliance has informed that the Taliban attacked Panjshir Valley on Monday night. However, Faheem Dashty, a Northern Alliance spokesperson informed that the resistance forces thwarted the attack. He added that some of the resistance forces were wounded in the attack. 

The Republic Media Network continues to report on the Afghanistan crisis. Tune in here to watch Republic's coverage from Panjshir as resistance against the Taliban builds up: www.republicworld.com/livetv.html

The Taliban on Monday entered Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. As per the visuals accessed, Taliban terrorists were seen taking over the Kabul Airport which saw massive evacuation operations by several countries after the fall of Kabul. The terrorists were seen walking around the airport carrying their rifles, celebrating with fireworks and gunfire. This comes after the last American troops left Afghanistan on Monday. 

There are nearly 10 million children in Afghanistan "in desperate need of humanitarian aid", said UNICEF Afghanistan Representative, Herve Ludovic De Lys, adding that these children are deprived of their right to a healthy and protected childhood.

"Those least responsible for this crisis, are paying the highest price including the children killed and injured in a series of atrocities in Kabul since last Thursday", the senior UN Children's Fund official told correspondents.

"Again, today, I heard of more unsettling reports - of unaccompanied children across the country...more reports of grave violations, including children being recruited by armed groups...All this in a year in which more than 550 children have been killed, and more than 1400 injured."

He said that against a backdrop of conflict and insecurity, children are living in communities that are running out of water because of drought. "They're missing life-saving vaccines, including against polio, a disease that can paralyze children for life. Many are so malnourished they lie in hospital beds too weak to grasp an outstretched finger," he said.

"These children are deprived of their right to a healthy and protected childhood", he added.
 

The United States on Monday completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan after a 20-year-long military involvement. The US Department of Defense has shared a picture of last American soldier to leave Afghanistan, Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue who can be seen boarding the C-17 on August 30th, ending US mission in Kabul where its evacuation mission had been going on. 

As the United States ended its military involvement in Afghanistan, the Taliban fighters on Monday entered Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. As per the visuals accessed by Republic TV, Taliban terrorists were seen taking over the Kabul Airport which saw massive evacuation operations by several countries after the fall of Kabul. The terrorists were seen walking around the airport carrying their rifles. This comes after the last American troops left Afghanistan on Monday. 

During his address, Antony Blinken informed that as a part of its evacuation mission, more than 123,000 people have been safely flown out of Afghanistan. The evacuees also include 6,000 American citizens. This was also confirmed by US Gen. McKenzie 

Following its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the United States has suspended its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. The US has now moved its diplomatic operations in Qatar, informed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken has asserted that the US will help 'every American who wants to leave Afghanistan'. 

Days after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, the United States on Monday completed its withdrawal from the war-torn country, ending America’s longest war and closing a chapter in military history likely to be remembered for colossal failures, unfulfilled promises and a frantic final exit that cost the lives of more than 180 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members, some barely older than the war.