The Hindu Explains | Are the Taliban on the brink of victory?
3 years, 4 months ago

The Hindu Explains | Are the Taliban on the brink of victory?

The Hindu  

The story so far: The speed with which the Taliban have seized Afghanistan’s key cities has triggered fears that Kabul could fall to the Islamist insurgents sooner than many had expected in May, when the remaining U.S.-led international troops started withdrawing. The Taliban now control at least 17 provincial capitals, including Kandahar and Herat, the second and third largest cities in the country, and are pressing on with their offensive. If the government had controlled all 34 provincial capitals and more than half of the country’s 421 districts before May 1, the Taliban are now firmly in control of more than 60% of territories. The U.S. intelligence, which had earlier concluded that Kabul could fall within six months, revised its assessment that the Taliban could capture the capital within 90 days, according to the Washington Post.

Cities Districts Control Taliban Cia Herat Ghazni Hindu Explains Kabul Kandahar  hindu  explains  cities  troops  herat  districts  fall  brink  ghazni  taliban  kabul  kandahar  control  victory

History of this topic

'Afghanistan headed for civil war with Taliban splitting into...:' Ex-commander
1 year, 3 months ago

'Afghanistan headed for civil war with Taliban splitting into...:' Ex-commander

India Today  

Two years after the US forces abruptly left Kabul, Afghanistan is headed towards a civil war, the Taliban is now riddled with factionalism, and the country is fast becoming a safe haven for foreign terrorists, a former Afghan commander has said. "I believe that the situation in Afghanistan is very critical and dangerous and it's going in a dangerous direction, …

India-Kabul Ties: As Taliban & Pakistan Draw Swords, Can Delhi Maintain Stand?
1 year, 11 months ago

India-Kabul Ties: As Taliban & Pakistan Draw Swords, Can Delhi Maintain Stand?

The Quint  

The inroads that ISIS-KP were making into Afghanistan, had alarmed Russia, and the Central Asian countries, which had many of their citizens flock to Syria and Iraq to join the terror group there, and with the ascendancy of Taliban 2.0 becoming imminent, they established ties with the UN-proscribed group much before the Doha Agreements. Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, Ashkhabad had all …

As you sow, so shall you reap: Pakistan now has to deal with self-created demon Taliban
2 years ago

As you sow, so shall you reap: Pakistan now has to deal with self-created demon Taliban

Firstpost  

With the TTP declaring an end to the truce with the government on Monday and the resumption of nationwide militant attacks, Pakistan is now staring into an abyss of its own making New Delhi: Since its creation in 1947, Pakistan has based the very purpose of its existance on establishing Muslim rule over ‘Hindu’ India. The invasion of Afghanistan by …

India, the Taliban, and the Country In Between
2 years, 1 month ago

India, the Taliban, and the Country In Between

The Diplomat  

A year after their takeover of Afghanistan, the Taliban’s system of governance remains marred with controversies spanning from violence against minorities to disregard for women’s rights. Moreover, given its geographical proximity, economic size, military capacity, and robust diplomatic network, India serves as a crucial and palpable component in the Taliban’s quest for internal and external legitimacy. Moreover, according to a …

Pakistani soldiers killed in gun battle with Taliban
2 years, 3 months ago

Pakistani soldiers killed in gun battle with Taliban

Al Jazeera  

TTP accuses military of breaking fragile ceasefire after at least four fighters died in a gun battle in northwest. Pakistan’s Taliban has accused the military of breaking a fragile ceasefire after the army said five soldiers and at least four fighters died in a gun battle in the country’s northwest. North Waziristan and other former tribal regions in northwestern Pakistan …

Six months of Taliban rule
2 years, 10 months ago

Six months of Taliban rule

Hindustan Times  

One of the most dramatic changes brought about by the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan six months ago is a sharp reduction in violence. At least half the population of around 39 million is facing starvation, hundreds of thousands have fled to escape reprisals by the Taliban, hundreds of former officials and security personnel have been killed and many more rounded …

Kabul, Kashmir and the return of realpolitik
3 years, 1 month ago

Kabul, Kashmir and the return of realpolitik

The Hindu  

While the return of the Taliban to Kabul may have ended the internecine warfare within Afghanistan, the geopolitical contestation to own the spoils of Taliban’s victory has just begun. What is worse, India’s advances to court the Taliban and attempts to evolve a regional consensus on Afghanistan might deteriorate India-Pakistan relations and pose challenges for India in Kashmir. These instances …

Engaging the Taliban: The Hindu Editorial on India and the Afghan rulers
3 years, 2 months ago

Engaging the Taliban: The Hindu Editorial on India and the Afghan rulers

The Hindu  

India’s participation in a meeting of 10 nations with Taliban officials in Moscow and the signing of a joint statement that recognised the “new reality” in Afghanistan signal a decisive shift in the country’s approach towards the Islamist group. In recent months, when the Taliban were making steady advances towards Kabul, India had established contacts with the Taliban’s political office …

The Hindu Editorial on Islamic State vs the Taliban
3 years, 2 months ago

The Hindu Editorial on Islamic State vs the Taliban

The Hindu  

The suicide attack on a mosque in Kunduz last week, killing at least 50 people, all of them from Afghanistan’s persecuted Shia minority, is a grave reminder that the conflict in the country is far from over. When the Taliban captured power in 1996, their main promise was to provide security to a people who were living through almost two …

OPINION: Finally, Taliban are on the Receiving End
3 years, 3 months ago

OPINION: Finally, Taliban are on the Receiving End

News 18  

As missiles came raining down on Kabul during early afternoon of September 16, it sent a disturbing message across the world that not all jihadists are on the same page when it comes to establishing an Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. The video of deputy prime minster Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar that surfaced on the same day the missile attack took …

Afghanistan — the shape of things to come
3 years, 3 months ago

Afghanistan — the shape of things to come

The Hindu  

The new Taliban regime and its mentors in Pakistan require considerable luck to govern Afghanistan successfully. The head of the Pakistan Army’s Inter-Services Intelligence, Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, visited Kabul in the full glare of publicity to underline Pakistan’s ownership of the Taliban’s ascent in Afghanistan, inviting spontaneous protests across Afghanistan. Lt. Gen. Hameed achieved two out of his three …

Analysis | In Panjshir, the odds were against rebels
3 years, 3 months ago

Analysis | In Panjshir, the odds were against rebels

The Hindu  

At no point in Afghanistan’s multi-directional civil war that started in the 1970s, was Panjshir taken over by forces that were hostile towards the local guerrillas. On May 1, the day the remaining U.S.-led international troops started withdrawing as part of President Joe Biden’s plan, the Taliban launched a new offensive targeting northern provinces of Afghanistan. The Taliban did not …

Exhausted and abandoned: Why Afghanistan's army collapsed in the face of Taliban forces
3 years, 3 months ago

Exhausted and abandoned: Why Afghanistan's army collapsed in the face of Taliban forces

India Today  

When the Taliban swept into Kabul last month, capturing Afghanistan's capital without a fight, the sheer speed of the collapse of the Western-backed and trained army stunned the world. But senior officials in the former Afghan administration told AFP that the lightning victory was not entirely unexpected, and the consequence of fundamental leadership failures, rampant corruption, slick Taliban propaganda — …

War in Afghanistan now over, will announce new govt in next few days: Taliban
3 years, 3 months ago

War in Afghanistan now over, will announce new govt in next few days: Taliban

India TV News  

Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid on Monday said that the war in Afghanistan is over and an announcement about the formation of the new government will be made in the next few days. "The war in Afghanistan is over, now we will work together to rebuild this country," said Mujahid at a press conference in Kabul, as quoted by TOLO News. …

Afghanistan crisis updates | September 6, 2021
3 years, 3 months ago

Afghanistan crisis updates | September 6, 2021

The Hindu  

After all the U.S. troops pulled out from Afghanistan, and many countries evacuated refugees, the Taliban announced that Mullah Baradar, the militant group co-founder would head the government. The Taliban have taken complete control of Panjshir province, the last area in Afghanistan being held by resistance forces, the Islamist militant group's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on September 6. U.N. spokesman …

Taliban finalise Afghanistan govt formation, invite China, Russia, Pakistan to ceremony
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban finalise Afghanistan govt formation, invite China, Russia, Pakistan to ceremony

India Today  

The Taliban are in the final stages of forming the next government in Afghanistan after they declared “complete capture” of the Panjshir Valley, where the resistance forces had gathered and put up a strong fight against the Taliban. Sources have said the government formation in Afghanistan is in the final stage and the Taliban have invited Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, Russia, …

Taliban advance into northeastern province of Panjshir; intense battle with resistance fighters on
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban advance into northeastern province of Panjshir; intense battle with resistance fighters on

India TV News  

The Taliban have reportedly advanced into the northeastern province of Panjshir, with resistance fighters in Afghanistan saying they are keeping the group at bay. Reports coming from the ground confirm an intense battle between Taliban and opposition forces to control the Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul, the last Afghan province holding out against the group. Highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis …

Taliban claim to have captured 8 districts of Panjshir, fighting underway in provincial capital
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban claim to have captured 8 districts of Panjshir, fighting underway in provincial capital

India Today  

Claims of capture and pushback flew on Sunday as the Taliban and resistance forces continued to battle in the Panjshir valley of Afghanistan, the only province that has not capitulated to the Islamist insurgents. The Taliban said their fighters had entered Bazarak, the capital of Panjshir, even as the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan claimed they had inflicted heavy casualties …

Opinion | Afghanistan: All eyes on new Taliban govt now
3 years, 3 months ago

Opinion | Afghanistan: All eyes on new Taliban govt now

India TV News  

Fierce fighting is going on between Taliban soldiers and Northern Alliance resistance forces in Afghanistan’s Panjshir valley. In my prime time show ‘Aaj Ki Baat’ on Friday night, we showed videos of fierce fighting going on between Taliban and resistance forces in Panjshir valley. Taliban is offering a dialogue to resistance leaders because Panjshir valley is close to Bagram airbase …

Taliban, opposition fight for Afghan holdout province, top US general warns of civil war
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban, opposition fight for Afghan holdout province, top US general warns of civil war

India Today  

Taliban and opposition forces battled on Saturday to control the Panjshir Valley north of Kabul, the last Afghan province holding out against the militant group, as the top US general warned of a "civil war" if the Islamists failed to consolidate power. Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said the districts of Khinj and Unabah had been taken, giving Taliban forces control …

Taliban battle for final holdout province
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban battle for final holdout province

The Hindu  

Anti-Taliban fighters in Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley said on Friday they were battling to repulse “heavy” assaults, as the Islamists seek to capture the last holdout province defying their rule. “He is busy defending the Valley.” Mr. Massoud is the son of the late guerrilla commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, dubbed the “Lion of Panjshir” for holding out first against Soviet and …

Rebels hold out in Panjshir; Taliban set up gov’t in Kabul: Live
3 years, 3 months ago

Rebels hold out in Panjshir; Taliban set up gov’t in Kabul: Live

Al Jazeera  

Taliban forces and fighters loyal to local leader Ahmad Massoud fight in Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley, as Taliban leaders work to form government. Qatar, on its part, said it was working with the Taliban to reopen Kabul’s airport “as soon as possible”, Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said, adding that the Gulf state was The British foreign secretary …

Taliban says it has surrounded Afghan resistance fighters, calls for peace
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban says it has surrounded Afghan resistance fighters, calls for peace

Live Mint  

The Taliban has surrounded the only remaining province resisting its rule, a senior leader said on Wednesday, calling on rebels to negotiate a settlement with the group. In a recorded speech addressed to Afghans in Panjshir, senior Taliban leader Amir Khan Motaqi called on the rebels to put down their weapons. Motaqi said the Taliban had made many efforts to …

Taliban hail 'victory' as US withdraws from Afghanistan, resistance forces gear up for long war | 10 points
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban hail 'victory' as US withdraws from Afghanistan, resistance forces gear up for long war | 10 points

India Today  

The Taliban declared victory on Tuesday, hours after the last US plane took off from the Kabul airport, marking the end of America's longest war. READ | Major General Chris Donahue -- the last American to leave Afghanistan The Taliban took full control of the Hamid Karzai airport as the US withdrawal concluded. Victory belongs to all Afghans, say Taliban: …

Afghanistan-Pakistan region promises to stay terror haven
3 years, 3 months ago

Afghanistan-Pakistan region promises to stay terror haven

India TV News  

It may be tempting for some analysts to surmise that through the terror attack outside the Kabul airport that killed over 170 last Thursday, the Islamic State-Khorasan that has claimed credit was handed a bloody "parting gift" to the US and others scrambling to quit. Note the way Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have agreed …

Pakistan served Taliban wholeheartedly, US neglected our warnings: Amrullah Saleh on Afghan govt's downfall
3 years, 3 months ago

Pakistan served Taliban wholeheartedly, US neglected our warnings: Amrullah Saleh on Afghan govt's downfall

Firstpost  

Saleh said that Washington wilfully ignored various warnings and pleas of the local leadership in their threat assessment and said that it was wrong to blame the downfall on military or intelligence failure. Afghanistan’s acting president and anti-Taliban resistance leader Amrullah Saleh squarely put the blame on the US ‘political misjudgment’ and Pakistan’s abetment of the Taliban. Speaking exclusively to …

Taliban retakes power, but it faces mounting challenges ahead
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban retakes power, but it faces mounting challenges ahead

Al Jazeera  

Al Jazeera takes a look at six challenges facing the armed group as it prepares to rule the country of 38 million for the second time since 2001. “In many parts of Afghanistan, people are subjected to a Sophie’s choice of a repressive Taliban regime or a government that extracts far more than it provides,” said Jonathan Schroden, the research …

Afghanistan: Armed uprising against Taliban clears them out of 3 districts
3 years, 4 months ago

Afghanistan: Armed uprising against Taliban clears them out of 3 districts

India TV News  

Tens of members of armed uprising groups attacked the Pol-e-Hesar district of northern Baghlan province in Afghanistan and cleared them of the Taliban. Ever since the Taliban toppled all but Panjsher province on August 15, the fighters were engaged in their first armed conflict which erupted between them and the people's uprising. Local residents claim two other districts -- Deh …

Afghan rebels recapture 3 districts, kill Taliban men; Biden calls Kabul airlift most difficult | 10 points
3 years, 4 months ago

Afghan rebels recapture 3 districts, kill Taliban men; Biden calls Kabul airlift most difficult | 10 points

India Today  

Violence and protests have marred Afghanistan since the Taliban have taken control over the country. 10 KEY DEVELOPMENTS 1) Resistance forces recapture three districts in Afghanistan from the Taliban Public Resistance Forces under Khair Muhammad Andarabi claim they gave recaptured three districts -- Pol-e-Hesar, Deh Salah and Banu -- from Taliban control. 8) Taliban enter Afghanistan Cricket Board headquarters Afghanistan …

In Taliban’s 7-day march to power, a stunning string of wins
3 years, 4 months ago

In Taliban’s 7-day march to power, a stunning string of wins

Associated Press  

In just seven days, any lingering dreams of a free Afghanistan died. “We walked with slippers, didn’t have the chance to wear our shoes,” says Bibi Ruqia, who left northern Takhar province for Kabul after a bomb hit her house. “We had to escape.” The fall of Aybak and Sar-e Pul pleases the Taliban fighters; afterward, they are seen on …

Fall of Kabul: On Afghanistan crisis
3 years, 4 months ago

Fall of Kabul: On Afghanistan crisis

The Hindu  

History came full circle on August 15 when the Taliban captured Kabul, almost 20 years after the U.S. launched its global war on terror. The city of roughly 5 million people fell to the Islamist insurgents without even a fight while Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, and the Americans abandoned their Embassy and rushed to Kabul airport. The …

As Taliban take control of Afghanistan, a look at who's who of the leadership
3 years, 4 months ago

As Taliban take control of Afghanistan, a look at who's who of the leadership

Hindustan Times  

The Taliban, after taking control of the presidential palace in Kabul, declared on Monday that the war in Afghanistan was over. Taliban fighters on a police vehicle outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Monday. They have witnessed the fruits of their efforts and their sacrifices for 20 years," Mohammad Naeem, the spokesman for the Taliban's political office, …

Taliban enter Kabul, say they don’t plan to take it by force
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban enter Kabul, say they don’t plan to take it by force

The Hindu  

The Taliban fighters on August 15 entered the outskirts of Kabul while panicked workers fled government offices and helicopters landed at the U.S. Embassy in the Afghan capital as the militants’ further tightened their grip on the country. Meanwhile, Taliban fighters were ordered to wait at the gates of Kabul and not enter the city, an insurgent spokesman said, after …

Taliban less than 100 km away from Kabul with latest gain of Maidan Wardak; capital besieged from all sides
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban less than 100 km away from Kabul with latest gain of Maidan Wardak; capital besieged from all sides

Firstpost  

The fall of Mazar-e-Sharif, the country’s fourth-largest city, hands the insurgents control over all of northern Afghanistan, confining the Western-backed government to the centre and east. They entered without fighting,” said Jalalabad resident Ahmad Wali, confirming a claim on social media made by the Taliban. President Ashraf Ghani’s government appeared to be left with few options as the Taliban effectively …

Taliban seizes Afghanistan's Jalalabad, Kabul remains only major stronghold
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban seizes Afghanistan's Jalalabad, Kabul remains only major stronghold

Hindustan Times  

The Taliban raced closer to a complete military takeover of Afghanistan on Sunday after capturing more major cities, leaving only the isolated capital Kabul for them to conquer. They entered without fighting," said Jalalabad resident Ahmad Wali, confirming a claim on social media made by the Taliban. President Ashraf Ghani's government appeared to be left with few options as the …

Ashraf Ghani flees Afghanistan, Taliban begin entering the capital Kabul from all sides after seizing city of Jalalabad
3 years, 4 months ago

Ashraf Ghani flees Afghanistan, Taliban begin entering the capital Kabul from all sides after seizing city of Jalalabad

ABC  

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has fled the country as Taliban insurgents moved into the capital Kabul, and the United States is evacuating staff from its embassy by helicopter. Key points: The eastern city of Jalalabad fell without a fight The Taliban have made a week-long nationwide advance across Afghanistan The Taliban say their fighters are on standby around Kabul until …

‘At the gates’: Taliban ready to take Afghan capital
3 years, 4 months ago

‘At the gates’: Taliban ready to take Afghan capital

Al Jazeera  

Sirens could be heard as multiple helicopters were flying above the city centre. “Our forces have not entered Kabul city, and we just issued a statement saying that our forces will not enter Kabul city,” Shaheen told Al Jazeera from Doha, Qatar, where peace talks are taking place. ‘Please don’t worry’ “The Islamic Emirate instructs all its forces to stand …

Afghanistan: Mapping the advance of the Taliban
3 years, 4 months ago

Afghanistan: Mapping the advance of the Taliban

Al Jazeera  

An animated map showing how and when the Taliban captured 26 out of the country’s 34 provincial capitals in just 10 days. August 14 Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh province Taliban fighters captured Mazar-i-Sharif – the country’s fourth-largest city with a strong defence, as it took control of the entire north of the country. Feruz Koh, Ghor province Taliban fighters took control of …

Taliban now control over two-third districts of Afghanistan, regime change a certainty
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban now control over two-third districts of Afghanistan, regime change a certainty

India Today  

The important northern Afghan city of Mazar-i- Sharif fell to the Taliban on Saturday, followed by the strategic city of Jalalabad a day after. With the capture of two key cities in two days, and that too, without resistance from forces loyal to the current regime, the Taliban has gained control of most of war-ravaged Afghanistan. In fact, the Taliban …

Taliban capture key northern city, approach Afghan capital
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban capture key northern city, approach Afghan capital

The Hindu  

The Taliban have captured a large, heavily defended city in northern Afghanistan in a major setback for the government, and the insurgents are approaching the capital less than three weeks before the US hopes to complete its troop withdrawal. Abas Ebrahimzada, a lawmaker from the Balkh province where the city is located, said the national army surrendered first, which prompted …

Taliban seize province near capital, attack northern city
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban seize province near capital, attack northern city

India TV News  

The Taliban seized a province just south of Afghanistan’s capital and launched a multi-pronged assault early Saturday on a major city in the north defended by powerful former warlords, Afghan officials said. Image Source : AP Internally displaced Afghans from northern provinces, who fled their home due to fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security personnel, take refuge in a …

Taliban seize province near capital, attack northern city
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban seize province near capital, attack northern city

Deccan Chronicle  

Kabul: The Taliban seized a province just south of Afghanistan’s capital and launched a multi-pronged assault early Saturday on a major city in the north defended by powerful former warlords, Afghan officials said. The Taliban also attacked the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif from several directions, setting off heavy fighting on its outskirts, according to Munir Ahmad Farhad, a spokesman for …

Taliban captures half of Afghanistan's provincial capitals as insurgents near the capital Kabul
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban captures half of Afghanistan's provincial capitals as insurgents near the capital Kabul

ABC  

The Taliban has completed its sweep of the country's south, taking four more provincial capitals in a lightning offensive that is gradually encircling Kabul. Key points: The Taliban have claimed about half of Afghanistan's 34 provincial capitals, controlling more than two-thirds of the country Insurgents are battling government forces in Logar province, about 80 kilometres away from the capital Kabul …

Taliban captures key northern Afghan city, closes in on Kabul
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban captures key northern Afghan city, closes in on Kabul

Al Jazeera  

Major blow for Afghan gov’t as Taliban seizes Mazar-i-Sharif, giving group control over all of northern Afghanistan. Which may have affected resolve.” 14 Aug 2021 - 18:20 GMT Taliban captures Mazar-i-Sharif, fourth largest Afghan city Taliban fighters have captured Mazar-i-Sharif, the northern city that was the Afghan government’s last northern stronghold, with security forces fleeing to the Uzbekistan border, a …

Taliban seize Logar province near Kabul, launch multi-pronged assault on Mazar-e-Sharif
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban seize Logar province near Kabul, launch multi-pronged assault on Mazar-e-Sharif

India Today  

The Taliban seized a province just south of Afghanistan's capital and launched a multi-pronged assault early Saturday on Mazar-e-Sharif, a major city in the north defended by powerful former warlords, Afghan officials said. Munir Ahmad Farhad, a spokesman for the provincial governor in northern Balkh province, meanwhile said the Taliban attacked the city of Mazar-e-Sharif from several directions, setting off …

Afghan President addresses nation amid Taliban blitz, says country in serious danger of instability
3 years, 4 months ago

Afghan President addresses nation amid Taliban blitz, says country in serious danger of instability

India Today  

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday said the country is in serious danger of instability, while adding that he will not give up the “achievements” of the last 20 years. The Afghan President also added that remobilisation of the armed forces was the top priority, even as the Taliban seized a province south of Afghanistan’s capital and launched a multi-pronged …

Taliban launch multi-pronged assault on northern Afghan city
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban launch multi-pronged assault on northern Afghan city

India Today  

The Taliban launched a multi-pronged assault early Saturday on Mazar-e-Sharif, a major city in northern Afghanistan defended by powerful former warlords. The Taliban captured much of southern Afghanistan in recent days in a rapid offensive that has raised fears of a full takeover less than three weeks before the US is set to withdraw its last troops. The withdrawal of …

Regrouping the military ‘a top priority’, Afghan president says
3 years, 4 months ago

Regrouping the military ‘a top priority’, Afghan president says

Al Jazeera  

Ashraf Ghani’s pre-recorded statement said ‘serious steps’ are being taken to remobilise Afghanistan’s beleaguered security forces. Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has addressed the Afghan people after keeping largely silent on the Taliban taking more than 18 of the nation’s 34 provinces in eight days. Reading from a teleprompter, Ghani’s pre-recorded statement said remobilising the Afghan National Security …

Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south, take 4 more cities
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south, take 4 more cities

Associated Press  

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban completed their sweep of Afghanistan’s south on Friday, taking four more provincial capitals in a lightning offensive that brought them closer to Kabul just weeks before the U.S. is set to officially end its two-decade war. The Taliban captured Lashkar Gah following weeks of heavy fighting and raised their white flag over governmental buildings, said …

Afghan tragedy: The Hindu Editorial on the Taliban’s return
3 years, 4 months ago

Afghan tragedy: The Hindu Editorial on the Taliban’s return

The Hindu  

With the fall of Kandahar and Herat, Afghanistan’s second and third largest cities, to the Taliban, the war in the country appears to have entered an irreversible phase. In his Id message, Taliban’s supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said the Taliban are on the verge of establishing a “pure Islamic system” in Afghanistan. On the other side, the U.S. withdrawal has …

Discover Related