Home
LATEST on SATP
Search
SEARCH ON SATP
SEARCH TERRORISM UPDATE
KEYWORD
Keyword is required.
START DATE
END DATE
KEYWORD
Keyword is required.
START DATE
END DATE
South Asia
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Afghanistan
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheet
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Capital Region
Kabul
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
East Afghanistan
Kapisa
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Kunar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Laghman
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nangarhar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nuristan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Panjsher
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Parwan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
North Afghanistan
Badakhshan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Baghlan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Balkh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Faryab
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Jowzjan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Kunduz
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Samangan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Sar-e-Pul
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Takhar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
South Afghanistan
Daykundi
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Kandahar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uruzgan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Zabul
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Southwest Afghanistan
Helmand
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nimroz
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Southeast Afghanistan
Bamyan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Ghazni
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Khost
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Logar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Paktika
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Paktiya
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Wardak
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
West Afghanistan
Badghis
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Farah
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Ghor
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Herat
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Bangladesh
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Islamist Terrorism
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Left-wing Extremism
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Bhutan
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Central
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Eastern
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Southern
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Western
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
India
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Jammu & Kashmir
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maoist Insurgency
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Andhra Pradesh
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Bihar
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Chhattisgarh
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Goa
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Gujarat
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Haryana
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Jharkhand
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Karnataka
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Kerala
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Madhya Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maharashtra
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Odisha
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Rajasthan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Tamil Nadu
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Telangana
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uttar Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uttarakhand
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
West Bengal
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Insurgency North East
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Arunachal Pradesh
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Assam
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Manipur
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Meghalaya
Assessments
Backgrounder
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Mizoram
Assessments
Backgrounder
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nagaland
Assessments
Backgrounder
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Tripura
Assessments
Backgrounder
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Punjab
Assessments
Backgrounder
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
ISLAMIST/OTHER CONFLICTS
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Andhra Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Bihar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Chandigarh (UT)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Chhattisgarh
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Delhi
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Goa
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Gujarat
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Haryana
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Himachal Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Jharkhand
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Karnataka
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Kerala
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Madhya Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maharashtra
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Odisha
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Pondicherry
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Rajasthan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Sikkim
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Tamil Nadu
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Telangana
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uttar Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uttarakhand
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
West Bengal
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maldives
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Proviencs
Dhekunu (South)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Mathi Dhekunu (Upper South)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Mathi Uthuru (Upper North)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Medhu (Central)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Medhu Dhekunu (South Central)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Medhu Uthuru (North Central)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uthuru (North)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nepal
Assessments
Bibliography
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Provinces
Province No. 1
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 2
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 3
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 4
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 5
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 6
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 7
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Pakistan
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Balochistan
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
FATA
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Islamabad Capital Territory
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Pakistan Occupied kashmir
Azad Kashmir
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Gilgit-Baltistan
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Punjab
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Sindh
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Sri Lanka
Assessments
Bibliography
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Provinces
Central Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Eastern Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
North Central Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
North Western Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Northern Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Sabaragamua Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Southern Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uva Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Western Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Arunachal Pradesh
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Assam
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Jammu & Kashmir
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Manipur
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Meghalaya
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Mizoram
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nagaland
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Punjab
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Tripura
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maoist Insurgency
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Andhra Pradesh
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Bihar
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Chhattisgarh
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Goa
Timelines
Gujarat
Timelines
Haryana
Timelines
Jharkhand
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Karnataka
Timelines
Kerala
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Madhya Pradesh
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maharashtra
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Odisha
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Rajasthan
Timelines
Tamil Nadu
Timelines
Telangana
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uttar Pradesh
Timelines
Uttarakhand
Timelines
West Bengal
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
ASSESSMENTS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BACKGROUNDER
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
CONFLICT MAPS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
DATA SHEETS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
DOCUMENTS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
TERRORIST GROUPS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
TIMELINES
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BOOKS
The Knights of Falsehood
The Global Threat of Terror
Book Store
TERRORISM UPDATE
VIDEOS
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
WAR WITHIN BORDERS
SECOND SIGHT
ICM IN MEDIA
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
RISK ALERT
ISLAMIST EXTREMISM & TERRORISM IN SOUTH ASIA
SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/PROJECTS/REPORTS
Afghanistan
Statement:2020
Read more...
Date
Incidents
January - 3 
Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani issued a statement on January 3 saying that Afghanistan’s soil will not be used against any nations as per a Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) signed between Washington and Kabul in 2014, reports Khaama News. His statement comes after the assassination of Ira
Read more...
Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani issued a statement on January 3 saying that Afghanistan’s soil will not be used against any nations as per a Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) signed between Washington and Kabul in 2014, reports Khaama News. His statement comes after the assassination of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani.
Read less...
January - 5 
An unnamed source within the Taliban says the leadership of the group has initially agreed that they do not want to be taken advantage of by recent US-Iran escalation, reports Tolo News on January 6. According to the source, there is acknowledgement that the killing of the Iranian elite force comman
Read more...
An unnamed source within the Taliban says the leadership of the group has initially agreed that they do not want to be taken advantage of by recent US-Iran escalation, reports Tolo News on January 6. According to the source, there is acknowledgement that the killing of the Iranian elite force commander General Qassem Soleimani will certainly have an impact on the peace talks between the US and the Taliban, but the group does not want to be hated by the people of Afghanistan for fighting on someone else’s behalf. Sources close to the Taliban said that Iran has an influence on the Taliban faction of Mullah Akhtar Mansour, which is mostly stationed in the western and southern parts of Afghanistan.
Read less...
January - 7 
Kunar’s Governor, Abdul Sattar Mirzakwal, said that around 1,200 militants, including foreigners, are active locally, reports Tolo News on December 8. “According to our intelligence, there are up to 1,200 fighters, including fighters from Central Asian countries, Arabs, Punjabis and even Bangladeshi
Read more...
Kunar’s Governor, Abdul Sattar Mirzakwal, said that around 1,200 militants, including foreigners, are active locally, reports Tolo News on December 8. “According to our intelligence, there are up to 1,200 fighters, including fighters from Central Asian countries, Arabs, Punjabis and even Bangladeshi citizens and two to three Iranian families,” said Mirzakwal.
Read less...
January - 13 
On January 13, Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Defense, Asadullah Khalid, spoke of willingness for peace talks with the Taliban but said he will not accept a compromise under the peace talks, reports Tolo News. Khalid, while addressing thousands of soldiers at the graduation ceremony for the Afghan
Read more...
On January 13, Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Defense, Asadullah Khalid, spoke of willingness for peace talks with the Taliban but said he will not accept a compromise under the peace talks, reports Tolo News. Khalid, while addressing thousands of soldiers at the graduation ceremony for the Afghan National Army's Commando Corps, said that human rights should be preserved and that commandos should work to prevent civilian causalities in the battlefield. “We are committed to peace talks, but we as Afghanistan`s armed forces will not allow any deal to sacrifice our two-decade achievements,” added Khalid.
Read less...
January - 13 
On January 13, Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Afghan Presidential Palace, said that the Taliban “must” accept a ceasefire ahead of any peace talks, adding that “without a ceasefire, there would be no peace talks”, reports Tolo News. “Without a ceasefire, we will not reach a long-lasting peace, a
Read more...
On January 13, Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Afghan Presidential Palace, said that the Taliban “must” accept a ceasefire ahead of any peace talks, adding that “without a ceasefire, there would be no peace talks”, reports Tolo News. “Without a ceasefire, we will not reach a long-lasting peace, a peace with dignity. And a reduction of violence is not practical,” said Sediqqi.
Read less...
January - 14 
On January 14, Hizb-e-Islami (HeI) leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar said that United States (US) has asked the Taliban to cut its ties with Iran and to agree to the presence of some US forces in Afghanistan after a potential peace agreement between the two sides, reports Tolo News. Hekmatyar said the US b
Read more...
On January 14, Hizb-e-Islami (HeI) leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar said that United States (US) has asked the Taliban to cut its ties with Iran and to agree to the presence of some US forces in Afghanistan after a potential peace agreement between the two sides, reports Tolo News. Hekmatyar said the US brought these two issues as preconditions for signing a peace agreement with the Taliban, and said the preconditions seem to be the main obstruction in the way of both sides signing the peace deal.
Read less...
January - 17 
Chairman of Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security Saimumin Yatimov during his meeting with Afghan counterpart Zia Saraj referred to the danger of destabilization for the region due to the presence of subversive forces, reports bhaktarnews.com. "The sides have expressed their concern reg
Read more...
Chairman of Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security Saimumin Yatimov during his meeting with Afghan counterpart Zia Saraj referred to the danger of destabilization for the region due to the presence of subversive forces, reports bhaktarnews.com. "The sides have expressed their concern regarding the fact that Afghanistan has turned into a battlefield due to the interference of certain international subversive forces. This factor creates risks for neighboring states," the message informs. "In light of the current situation, they have highlighted the direct threat of international terrorist groups, namely Al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, the Islamic Renaissance Party, the Ansorulloh, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, the Turkistan Islamic Movement and others."
Read less...
January - 21 
Taliban’s spokesman Suhain Shaheen told Arab News in a phone conversation on January 21 that Taliban representatives are holding talks with United States (US) negotiators in Qatar to create a “safe atmosphere” for the signing of a peace agreement, reports Tolo News. “There had been no discussion on
Read more...
Taliban’s spokesman Suhain Shaheen told Arab News in a phone conversation on January 21 that Taliban representatives are holding talks with United States (US) negotiators in Qatar to create a “safe atmosphere” for the signing of a peace agreement, reports Tolo News. “There had been no discussion on cease-fire since the beginning, but the US proposed reduction in violence and our stance is to provide a safe atmosphere during the days of the agreement,” Shaheed said as quoted by Arab News. Shaheed, according to Arab News, said that a comprehensive and complete cease-fire would be declared after the peace agreement is signed with the US. We will also provide a safe passage to the US and other foreign forces following the deal,” he said.
Read less...
January - 27 
On January 27, National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib, said that the Taliban are seeking to take over some areas in the Northern provinces and the Afghan National Security Forces will not allow the militants to control more areas in the north, reports Tolo News.
Read more...
On January 27, National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib, said that the Taliban are seeking to take over some areas in the Northern provinces and the Afghan National Security Forces will not allow the militants to control more areas in the north, reports Tolo News.
Read less...
February - 5 
On February 5, United States (US) President Donald Trump said that the US is working to finally end "America's longest war" in Afghanistan and “bring our troops back home”, reports Tolo News. “In Afghanistan, the determination and valor of our warfighters has allowed us to make tremendous progress a
Read more...
On February 5, United States (US) President Donald Trump said that the US is working to finally end "America's longest war" in Afghanistan and “bring our troops back home”, reports Tolo News. “In Afghanistan, the determination and valor of our warfighters has allowed us to make tremendous progress and peace talks are now underway,” Trump said. “I am not looking to kill hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan, many of them totally innocent. It is also not our function to serve other nations as law enforcement agencies,” he added.
Read less...
February - 5 
The Governor of Uruzgan, Assadullah Saeed, says that at least “80 percent” of legal cases in the southern province are assessed and decided by the Taliban, due to an absence of judiciaries and courts in most Districts of the Uruzgan province, reports Tolo News on February 6. “At least 80 percent of
Read more...
The Governor of Uruzgan, Assadullah Saeed, says that at least “80 percent” of legal cases in the southern province are assessed and decided by the Taliban, due to an absence of judiciaries and courts in most Districts of the Uruzgan province, reports Tolo News on February 6. “At least 80 percent of our problems are decided by the Taliban because we (the local government) are not present there,” the Governor said, referring to legal cases. “We continue our efforts to send the police chief and other officials to the districts if we can. It is certain that there are problems.” He also said that the residents are referring their cases to the Taliban. Information by multiple local officials reveal that judiciaries do not operate in most districts of Uruzgan, which has five districts –instead, their employees are operating from the center of Uruzgan or from Kabul. Khas Uruzgan, Choora, Shaheed Hassas, Gizab and Dehraood are the five districts of Uruzgan. The city of Tarinkot is its center.
Read less...
February - 6 
On February 6, the Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Interior, Massoud Andarabi said that the Taliban is the "key provider" of drugs in Afghanistan and is an "umbrella of international terrorism" in the country, reports Tolo News. According to Andarabi, “The Taliban are the umbrella of the developmen
Read more...
On February 6, the Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Interior, Massoud Andarabi said that the Taliban is the "key provider" of drugs in Afghanistan and is an "umbrella of international terrorism" in the country, reports Tolo News. According to Andarabi, “The Taliban are the umbrella of the development, the emergence, the activity and the presence of international terrorism in Afghanistan, like Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations ”.
Read less...
February - 7 
A former Taliban ‘commander’, Sayed Akbar Agha said that more demands in the talks could put the talks and the reduction in violence proposal in jeopardy, Tolo News reports on February 8. “There is a stalemate at this point. The excuse which was made by the Americans pushed the Taliban to suspect th
Read more...
A former Taliban ‘commander’, Sayed Akbar Agha said that more demands in the talks could put the talks and the reduction in violence proposal in jeopardy, Tolo News reports on February 8. “There is a stalemate at this point. The excuse which was made by the Americans pushed the Taliban to suspect that there might be another condition after this condition. Therefore, it is possible that the Taliban will not agree on the extension of a reduction in violence proposal,” stated Sayed Akbar Agha.
Read less...
February - 8 
On February 8, two United States (US) service members were killed and six others were injured in Sherzad District of Nangarhar Province, reports Tolo News. US forces spokesman, Colonel Sonny Leggett said that wounded service members were receiving medical treatment at a US facility. The US spokesper
Read more...
On February 8, two United States (US) service members were killed and six others were injured in Sherzad District of Nangarhar Province, reports Tolo News. US forces spokesman, Colonel Sonny Leggett said that wounded service members were receiving medical treatment at a US facility. The US spokesperson’s statement read: “Upon completing a key-leader engagement at the district center, current reports indicate an individual in an Afghan uniform opened fire on the combined U.S. and Afghan force with a machine gun.” Colonel Leggett further said: “We are still collecting information and the cause or motive behind the attack is unknown at this time. The incident is under investigation.” Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Ministry of Defense confirmed the incident and said in a statement that an individual opened fire on Afghan National Army members and US force personnel, killing one member of the Afghan Army and wounding three others besides killing two US servicemen and injuring six others.
Read less...
February - 10 
The Afghan government reiterated the call for the Taliban to engage in a "realistic" peace process. “The Taliban should denounce war and violence and endorse a real peace process,” said Durani Waziri, Deputy Spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani.
Read more...
The Afghan government reiterated the call for the Taliban to engage in a "realistic" peace process. “The Taliban should denounce war and violence and endorse a real peace process,” said Durani Waziri, Deputy Spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani.
Read less...
February - 11 
The Special Representative of the President and the State Minister for Peace, Abdul Salam Rahimy, met Karen Decker, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States (US) Embassy in Kabul and Dante Paradiso, Counselor for Peace and Reconciliation at U.S. Embassy discussed recent developments in the
Read more...
The Special Representative of the President and the State Minister for Peace, Abdul Salam Rahimy, met Karen Decker, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States (US) Embassy in Kabul and Dante Paradiso, Counselor for Peace and Reconciliation at U.S. Embassy discussed recent developments in the peace process and issues related to the Qatar negotiations on February 11, reports bhaktarnews.com on February 13. According to the statement after the meeting, the State Minister for Peace, informed that the issue of Taliban prisoners is within the authority of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Government is taking necessary and effective measures in this regard.
Read less...
February - 11 
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of the Hizb-e-Islami (HeI), on February 11, in Kabul said that he believes, “Every peace agreement should keep the people’s rights and the national sovereignty of the country,” reports Tolo News. Hekmatyar further claimed that a peace agreement between the US and the Tali
Read more...
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of the Hizb-e-Islami (HeI), on February 11, in Kabul said that he believes, “Every peace agreement should keep the people’s rights and the national sovereignty of the country,” reports Tolo News. Hekmatyar further claimed that a peace agreement between the US and the Taliban will be signed soon. “I feel the agreement will be finalized soon. The recent statement by the US president about the incident in Khogyani District of Nangarhar in which he said that he (Trump) wants this to be the last American to be killed in Afghanistan, indicates that he (Trump) is serious about withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan,” Hekmatyar added.
Read less...
February - 11 
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on February 11, said that NATO supports US peace efforts, reports Tolo News. "We fully support the efforts led by the United States to end the conflict and to achieve a peaceful solution; our allies are consulting close
Read more...
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on February 11, said that NATO supports US peace efforts, reports Tolo News. "We fully support the efforts led by the United States to end the conflict and to achieve a peaceful solution; our allies are consulting closely on the way forward,” said Stoltenberg. "The Taliban must understand they cannot win on the battlefield. They must commit to a reduction in violence and show that they are committed to a peaceful future in Afghanistan," Stoltenberg added.
Read less...
February - 11 
United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on February 11, in separate phone conversations with President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive (CE) Abdullah Abdullah, informed both leaders of "progress" in the US-Taliban talks, reports Tolo News. President Ghani tweeted about his conversation, “T
Read more...
United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on February 11, in separate phone conversations with President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive (CE) Abdullah Abdullah, informed both leaders of "progress" in the US-Taliban talks, reports Tolo News. President Ghani tweeted about his conversation, “Today, I was pleased to receive a call from US Secretary Mike Pompeo, informing me of the notable progress made in the ongoing peace talks with the Taliban. The Secretary informed me about the Taliban’s proposal with regards to bringing a significant and enduring reduction in violence”. In the same thread Ghani also tweeted, “This is a welcoming development and I am pleased that our principal position on peace thus far has begun to yield fruitful results. Our primary objective is to end the senseless bloodshed." According to a statement from CE Abdullah's office, the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call talked with Abdullah Abdullah and thanked the CE for his continued cooperation and support for peace efforts and spoke about progress in peace talks between the US and the Taliban.
Read less...
February - 13 
United States Secretary of Defence Mark Esper on February 13 said that the United States (US) and the Taliban have secured a seven-day reduction in violence in Afghanistan, reports Al Jazeera. "We've said all along that the best, if not the only, solution in Afghanistan is a political agreement. Pro
Read more...
United States Secretary of Defence Mark Esper on February 13 said that the United States (US) and the Taliban have secured a seven-day reduction in violence in Afghanistan, reports Al Jazeera. "We've said all along that the best, if not the only, solution in Afghanistan is a political agreement. Progress has been made on that front and we'll have more to report on that soon, I hope," Esper told reporters in Brussels. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump had said that a peace agreement was "very close".
Read less...
February - 15 
The Independent Election Commission (IEC) official have said that the commission had started the audit of disputed votes and will announce the final results of the September 2019 presidential elections within the next two days, reports Tolo News on February 16. “The decisions of the Independent Elec
Read more...
The Independent Election Commission (IEC) official have said that the commission had started the audit of disputed votes and will announce the final results of the September 2019 presidential elections within the next two days, reports Tolo News on February 16. “The decisions of the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission reached us in the past few days and we have worked on it and finally, today, we officially started implementing them, both in the center and in provinces of Afghanistan,” IEC Chairperson Hawa Alam Nuristani added.
Read less...
February - 16 
President Ashraf Ghani on February 16, after meeting German Foreign Minister Heiko Josef Maas in Munich, said that the only goal of the Afghan Government is to end the war and violence in order to ensure a lasting peace in the country, reports Tolo News. President Ashraf Ghani pointed to a politica
Read more...
President Ashraf Ghani on February 16, after meeting German Foreign Minister Heiko Josef Maas in Munich, said that the only goal of the Afghan Government is to end the war and violence in order to ensure a lasting peace in the country, reports Tolo News. President Ashraf Ghani pointed to a political consensus forming around the peace process and stated, “we are ready to end the years of war in Afghanistan and we are fully committed. Ghani further said. “Fortunately, the current political and social capacity has reached the level that we can make difficult decisions in this process”.
Read less...
February - 17 
The Taliban strongly reacted to re-election of Ashraf Ghani as the President of Afghanistan, calling the election process as ‘fake and unlawful’, reports Khaama News Agency on February 18. Taliban, in a statement, said “Holding elections and announcing oneself a president under occupation shall neve
Read more...
The Taliban strongly reacted to re-election of Ashraf Ghani as the President of Afghanistan, calling the election process as ‘fake and unlawful’, reports Khaama News Agency on February 18. Taliban, in a statement, said “Holding elections and announcing oneself a president under occupation shall never remedy the problems of our Muslim Afghan nation just as it has failed to do so over the past nineteen years.” Calling the re-election of Ghani as ‘unlawful’ and having no legal basis, the group further added that the announcement declaring Ghani as President ‘is also in conflict with the contents of the ongoing peace process while keeping in mind the current sensitive circumstances of the Afghan issue.’
Read less...
February - 19 
Iran has given anti-aircraft missiles to Taliban group amid soaring tensions between the Islamic Republic and United States after the killing of a top Iranian General Qassim Soleimani on January 3, 2020, reports Khama News Agency on February 20. The acting Police Chief of Uruzgan Province, Sardar Mo
Read more...
Iran has given anti-aircraft missiles to Taliban group amid soaring tensions between the Islamic Republic and United States after the killing of a top Iranian General Qassim Soleimani on January 3, 2020, reports Khama News Agency on February 20. The acting Police Chief of Uruzgan Province, Sardar Mohammad Haya told Radio Free Afghanistan, “Iran has given the Taliban anti-aircraft missiles so that they can better target our aircrafts.” Reports regarding the delivery of anti-aircraft missiles to Taliban by Iran emerge as numerous Afghan and American planes faced crashes, hard-landings and emergency landings in the restive parts of the country. The report however maintains that there is no definitive proof in this regard.
Read less...
February - 19 
Leader of Hizb-e-Islami (HeI) party, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, on February 19, rejected announcement by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) declaring incumbent Ashraf Ghani the country’s next President, reports Tolo News. Being one of the Presidential candidates in the election himself, Gulbuddin H
Read more...
Leader of Hizb-e-Islami (HeI) party, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, on February 19, rejected announcement by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) declaring incumbent Ashraf Ghani the country’s next President, reports Tolo News. Being one of the Presidential candidates in the election himself, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar said, “We suggested that you (President Ghani) cooperate with us to resolve the crisis, but you (Ghani) chose the path of crisis”. IEC on February 18, had declared Ashraf Ghani as the winner of the Presidential election held on September 28, 2019.
Read less...
February - 20 
Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah in a letter on February 20, asked the European Union (EU)'s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, for clarification about the EU’s "congratulation of President Ashraf Ghani", reports Tol
Read more...
Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah in a letter on February 20, asked the European Union (EU)'s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, for clarification about the EU’s "congratulation of President Ashraf Ghani", reports Tolo News. Abdullah, tweeting about the letter, said: “I requested clarification. Reminding our international friends: Systemic fraud and serious electoral irregularities at the behest of a rival team produced results that are illegal and unacceptable to most Afghans.”
Read less...
February - 20 
On February 20, the Council of Presidential Candidates, during a press conference, called for the final results of the Presidential election declared by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to be disregarded, reports Tolo News. “How big a betrayal the commission has made.... as you saw yesterda
Read more...
On February 20, the Council of Presidential Candidates, during a press conference, called for the final results of the Presidential election declared by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to be disregarded, reports Tolo News. “How big a betrayal the commission has made.... as you saw yesterday, they (IEC) handed-over the credential certificate (to Ghani),” said Ahmad Wali Massoud, a Presidential candidate. IEC on February 18, had declared Ashraf Ghani as the winner of the Presidential election held on September 28, 2019.
Read less...
February - 21 
The United Nations released its latest report, UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), on civilian casualties in Afghanistan, documents up to 10,400 civilian deaths and injuries during the year 2019, reports The Khaama Press on February 22. The UNAMA in a statement said “The new report documents 3,403 c
Read more...
The United Nations released its latest report, UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), on civilian casualties in Afghanistan, documents up to 10,400 civilian deaths and injuries during the year 2019, reports The Khaama Press on February 22. The UNAMA in a statement said “The new report documents 3,403 civilians killed and 6,989 injured, with the majority of the civilian casualties inflicted by anti-government elements.” UNAMA further added “It is the sixth year in a row that the number of civilian casualties has exceeded 10,000.” “The figures outlined in the new report – released jointly by UNAMA and the UN Human Rights Office – represent a five per cent decrease over the previous year, mainly due to a decrease in civilian casualties caused by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP),” the report stated. It also added “Civilian casualties caused by the other parties increased, particularly by the Taliban (21 per cent increase) and the international military forces (18 per cent increase), mainly due to an increase in improvised explosive device attacks and airstrikes.”
Read less...
February - 25 
The United States (US) said on February 25 that Afghanistan’s Government has agreed to postpone President Ashraf Ghani’s inauguration to a second term, reports Reuters. This development follows the fact that US had declined to recognise competing election victory claims by incumbent Ashraf Ghani an
Read more...
The United States (US) said on February 25 that Afghanistan’s Government has agreed to postpone President Ashraf Ghani’s inauguration to a second term, reports Reuters. This development follows the fact that US had declined to recognise competing election victory claims by incumbent Ashraf Ghani and his chief political opponent Abdullah Abdullah
Read less...
February - 26 
Spokesperson of the political office of Taliban in Qatar, Suhail Shaheen, stated that the Taliban group and Afghan Government are expected to exchange at least 6,000 ‘prisoners’ (5,000 Taliban and 1,000 Afghan soldiers) following the signing of peace deal between Taliban and the US, reports Khama Ne
Read more...
Spokesperson of the political office of Taliban in Qatar, Suhail Shaheen, stated that the Taliban group and Afghan Government are expected to exchange at least 6,000 ‘prisoners’ (5,000 Taliban and 1,000 Afghan soldiers) following the signing of peace deal between Taliban and the US, reports Khama News Agency on February 27. Suhail Shaheen, ‘spokesperso’n of the political office of Taliban in Qatar has confirmed to RFE/RL that the group would definitely launch intra-Afghan talks after the signing of the deal. However, Shaheen said trust-building measures would be a prerequisite for the launch of the intra-Afghan dialogue.
Read less...
February - 27 
According to the United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, week-long “reduction in violence” in Afghanistan that could unlock the door to a U.S. troop withdrawal and long-term peace is still holding, reports Tolo News on February 28. On February 25, Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo said, “So
Read more...
According to the United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, week-long “reduction in violence” in Afghanistan that could unlock the door to a U.S. troop withdrawal and long-term peace is still holding, reports Tolo News on February 28. On February 25, Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo said, “So far the reduction in violence is working.”. Mike Pompeo added, “It’s imperfect, but it’s working.”
Read less...
February - 28 
United States (US) President, Donald Trump on February 28, said, "soon, at my direction, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will witness the signing of an agreement with representatives of the Taliban," and urged "the Afghan people to seize this opportunity for peace and a new future for the country," r
Read more...
United States (US) President, Donald Trump on February 28, said, "soon, at my direction, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will witness the signing of an agreement with representatives of the Taliban," and urged "the Afghan people to seize this opportunity for peace and a new future for the country," reports Tolo News.
Read less...
March - 1 
President Ashraf Ghani on March 1, disclosed that “there is no commitment on the release of the 5,000 prisoners” of the Taliban, reports Tolo News. “The release of prisoners is not the United States authority, but it is the authority of the government of Afghanistan,” President Ghani said. According
Read more...
President Ashraf Ghani on March 1, disclosed that “there is no commitment on the release of the 5,000 prisoners” of the Taliban, reports Tolo News. “The release of prisoners is not the United States authority, but it is the authority of the government of Afghanistan,” President Ghani said. According to the US-Taliban deal and the joint Afghan-United States (US) declaration, up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners should be released by March 10, in order to facilitate the intra-Afghan negotiations with the Taliban. Further, President Ghani criticised the deal and said, “an agreement that is signed behind closed doors will have basic problems in its implementation tomorrow.”
Read less...
March - 2 
A letter from the Taliban leadership, has surfaced, informing its members that the "RIV [Reduction in Violence] has ended" and that attacks on Government forces should resume, reports Tolo News. The seven-day RIV, ended with the signing of a peace agreement between the United States (US) and Taliban
Read more...
A letter from the Taliban leadership, has surfaced, informing its members that the "RIV [Reduction in Violence] has ended" and that attacks on Government forces should resume, reports Tolo News. The seven-day RIV, ended with the signing of a peace agreement between the United States (US) and Taliban in Doha, Qatar on February 29. However, on the question of prisoners, Taliban ‘spokesman’ Zabihullah Mujahid, tweeted on March 2, citing the language of the deal, said that the deal will not go ahead unless the 5,000 prisoners are released. Khama News Agency adds Zabihullah Mujahid, saying to the BBC that they will not target the U.S forces in Afghanistan, but their operations against Afghan forces will resume as the RIV week has ended.
Read less...
March - 3 
Afghan Ministry of Interior said that there were 33 attacks by the Taliban in 17 Provinces and at least six civilians were killed in the past 24 hours across Afghanistan, reports Tolo News on March 4. “They (Taliban) taught that if we launch some attacks on us, we will escape, but we are not the pe
Read more...
Afghan Ministry of Interior said that there were 33 attacks by the Taliban in 17 Provinces and at least six civilians were killed in the past 24 hours across Afghanistan, reports Tolo News on March 4. “They (Taliban) taught that if we launch some attacks on us, we will escape, but we are not the people to surrender,” said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani while addressing a gathering in Nangarhar Province.
Read less...
March - 3 March - 4
United States (US) on March 4, conducted defensive strike to disrupt an attack on an Afghan National Security Forces checkpoint in Helmand Province, reports BBC. Earlier, on March 3, Taliban militants had launched 43 attacks on checkpoints belonging to Afghan forces in Helmand province. The airstrik
Read more...
United States (US) on March 4, conducted defensive strike to disrupt an attack on an Afghan National Security Forces checkpoint in Helmand Province, reports BBC. Earlier, on March 3, Taliban militants had launched 43 attacks on checkpoints belonging to Afghan forces in Helmand province. The airstrike happened just hours after US President Donald Trump said he had had a "very good talk" with a Taliban leader. Following the strike, the Taliban called for de-escalation. In a post on Twitter, ‘spokesman’ Suhail Shaheen said the group "plans to implement all parts of the agreement one after another to prevent conflict escalation".
Read less...
March - 4 
Afghan Ministry of Interior (MoI) has stated that the total number of incidents attacks by Taliban militants are decreasing, reports Tolo News on March 5. However, the numbers were not specified by officials, TOLO News received notifications of three attacks, in Kapisa, Laghman and Farah Provinces,
Read more...
Afghan Ministry of Interior (MoI) has stated that the total number of incidents attacks by Taliban militants are decreasing, reports Tolo News on March 5. However, the numbers were not specified by officials, TOLO News received notifications of three attacks, in Kapisa, Laghman and Farah Provinces, on March 5 as compared to 11 such incident declared by MOI on March 4.
Read less...
March - 5 
United States (US) Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on March 5 called the violence of the last couple of days "unacceptable," but the US would continue to push the peace process forward, reports Tolo News. He mentioned that he has seen senior Taliban leadership working hard in past incidents to red
Read more...
United States (US) Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on March 5 called the violence of the last couple of days "unacceptable," but the US would continue to push the peace process forward, reports Tolo News. He mentioned that he has seen senior Taliban leadership working hard in past incidents to reduce violence, and mentioned the recent calls between President Donald Trump and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy leader of the Taliban. "Violence must be reduced immediately for the peace process to move forward," said Pompeo.
Read less...
March - 8 
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement saying that the United States “strongly” opposes the creation of a “parallel government, and any use of force to resolve political differences”, reports Reuters on March 9.
Read more...
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement saying that the United States “strongly” opposes the creation of a “parallel government, and any use of force to resolve political differences”, reports Reuters on March 9.
Read less...
March - 9 
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on March 9 took oath for a second term but his main rival Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah refused to recognise the inauguration, holding his own swearing-in ceremony, reports AL Jazeera on March 9. International representatives, including United States (
Read more...
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on March 9 took oath for a second term but his main rival Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah refused to recognise the inauguration, holding his own swearing-in ceremony, reports AL Jazeera on March 9. International representatives, including United States (US) special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, and US and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces commander General Scott Miller, attended Ghani's inauguration at the Presidential palace in the capital, Kabul. The two men issued invitations last week to parallel swearing-in ceremonies on March 9, after Abdullah disputed the February 18 decision by the electoral commission and proclaimed himself the winner. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Al Jazeera that the political standoff between the top leaders is "not a good sign for prospects of peace in the country".
Read less...
March - 9 March - 10
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) on March 10 said that the Taliban conducted 32 attacks in 15 provinces over the last 24 hours, reports Tolo News. The MoI spokesman Nusrat Rahimi said the attacks were conducted on civilians and Security Forces members. "Two civilians and five security force members we
Read more...
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) on March 10 said that the Taliban conducted 32 attacks in 15 provinces over the last 24 hours, reports Tolo News. The MoI spokesman Nusrat Rahimi said the attacks were conducted on civilians and Security Forces members. "Two civilians and five security force members were killed in the attacks," Rahimi said. He added that 16 civilians and 12 security force members were wounded in the attacks.
Read less...
March - 10 
The United States (US) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on March 10, informed that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted a resolution in support of the agreement between the US and the Taliban group as well as the US-Afghan government jo
Read more...
The United States (US) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on March 10, informed that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted a resolution in support of the agreement between the US and the Taliban group as well as the US-Afghan government joint declaration regarding the deal, reports Khaama News Agency. “Today the @UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution in support of the agreement we signed last week with the Taliban and the US-Afghan government joint declaration,” Zalmay Khalilzad said in a Twitter post.
Read less...
March - 10 
The United States (US) State Department confirmed that the Taliban group has taken steps to stop attacks against the coalition forces and in the cities but the group is still killing too many Afghans in the countryside, reports Khaama News Agency on March 11. Morgan Ortagus, a State Department spoke
Read more...
The United States (US) State Department confirmed that the Taliban group has taken steps to stop attacks against the coalition forces and in the cities but the group is still killing too many Afghans in the countryside, reports Khaama News Agency on March 11. Morgan Ortagus, a State Department spokesperson said, “We acknowledge the Taliban have taken steps to stop attacks against the Coalition and in cities”. Ortagus further said, “But they are killing too many Afghans in the countryside.” He added, “This must change. Violence at these levels risks drawing both sides into a vicious cycle, serves no one, and undermines peace.”
Read less...
March - 11 
Abdullah Abdullah, on March 11, in a statement, issued said that the National Unity Government 'ended' after his swearing-in ceremony, and that “soon the chief executive of the inclusive government will officially be introduced’’, reports Tolo News. “Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, former president of the Na
Read more...
Abdullah Abdullah, on March 11, in a statement, issued said that the National Unity Government 'ended' after his swearing-in ceremony, and that “soon the chief executive of the inclusive government will officially be introduced’’, reports Tolo News. “Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, former president of the National Unity Government, is no longer president and his decrees and orders are invalid,” Abdullah declared.
Read less...
March - 11 
The leader of Junbish-e Millie Party, General Abdul Rashid Dostum congratulated Abdullah Abdullah for his victory in presidential race and forming an inclusive government, reports Khaama Press on March 12. Dostum, in a statement posted online, said the Stability and Partnership team led by Abdullah
Read more...
The leader of Junbish-e Millie Party, General Abdul Rashid Dostum congratulated Abdullah Abdullah for his victory in presidential race and forming an inclusive government, reports Khaama Press on March 12. Dostum, in a statement posted online, said the Stability and Partnership team led by Abdullah Abdullah established an inclusive Government despite facing betrayals from majority of the members of election commission, widespread systematic fraud and interference in the election process. He also called Abdullah’s victory in the election as historic, however, he emphasized that the fight is not over as he called on his supporters to remain determined and continue to their fight with resolve.
Read less...
March - 11 
The Presidential Palace on March 11, informed that discussions are ongoing to finalise the list of delegates for the intra-Afghan talks with the Taliban, reports Tolo News. Seddiq Seddiqi, a spokesman for the Palace, said that consultations are ongoing to finalize the delegates list. “It is not fina
Read more...
The Presidential Palace on March 11, informed that discussions are ongoing to finalise the list of delegates for the intra-Afghan talks with the Taliban, reports Tolo News. Seddiq Seddiqi, a spokesman for the Palace, said that consultations are ongoing to finalize the delegates list. “It is not finalized yet because of some consultations. We hope that the elders share their advice to finalize the list,” said Seddiqi. Earlier, President Ashraf Ghani in his inauguration ceremony pledged that he would finalize the delegate list by March 10.
Read less...
March - 11 
The United States (US) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, in an interview, on March 11 said he hopes that the intra-Afghan talks are concluded within 100 days, reports with Tolo News. “I personally hope that this issue (intra-Afghan negotiations) will be resolve
Read more...
The United States (US) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, in an interview, on March 11 said he hopes that the intra-Afghan talks are concluded within 100 days, reports with Tolo News. “I personally hope that this issue (intra-Afghan negotiations) will be resolved within 100 days. We want this issue to be resolved during the first phase of the withdrawal of US forces from the country, and this will be in the interest of Afghanistan and the world,” said Zalmay Khalilzad. He further rejected rumors that the US-Taliban deal had two secret elements. Khalilzad said that differences between the Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani could have negative impacts on the peace process and the security of Afghanistan.
Read less...
March - 12 
According to a statement issued by Abdullah Abdullah, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Tadamichi Yamamoto, on March 12, met him in Kabul and the two sides discussed the peace process and the c
Read more...
According to a statement issued by Abdullah Abdullah, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Tadamichi Yamamoto, on March 12, met him in Kabul and the two sides discussed the peace process and the current situation in the country, reports Tolo News. “His excellency, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, president of Afghanistan, today met with the UN envoy to Afghanistan. In the meeting, the discussions focused on the ongoing crisis in the country and the peace process, which has now reached a very crucial stage,” said Omid Maisam, deputy spokesman to Abdullah Abdullah.
Read less...
March - 12 
Local officials in Kunur Province on March 12, said that al Qaeda, with the support of Pakistan, has begun recruiting Taliban fighters who disagree with the recently signed United States (US)-Taliban deal, reports Tolo News.
Read more...
Local officials in Kunur Province on March 12, said that al Qaeda, with the support of Pakistan, has begun recruiting Taliban fighters who disagree with the recently signed United States (US)-Taliban deal, reports Tolo News.
Read less...
March - 12 
Commander General of United States (US) Central Command, Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr. on March 12 said that the Taliban had to significantly reduce the number of attacks it is carrying out, after an accord it signed with the US earlier this month, reports Aljazeera. During a Senate hearing, Kenneth McKe
Read more...
Commander General of United States (US) Central Command, Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr. on March 12 said that the Taliban had to significantly reduce the number of attacks it is carrying out, after an accord it signed with the US earlier this month, reports Aljazeera. During a Senate hearing, Kenneth McKenzie Jr, said, "I would not consider what the Taliban is doing as consistent with any path to going forward to come to a final end state agreement with the current government of Afghanistan. Those attacks are going to have to come off considerably ... we need to get way below where we are now."
Read less...
March - 13 
An unnamed Afghan Government security spokesman said that plans for the Afghan government to begin releasing Taliban prisoners were stalled over disagreements on the number of detainees to be released and guarantees that they will not return to fighting, reports Reuters on March 14. There is a diffe
Read more...
An unnamed Afghan Government security spokesman said that plans for the Afghan government to begin releasing Taliban prisoners were stalled over disagreements on the number of detainees to be released and guarantees that they will not return to fighting, reports Reuters on March 14. There is a difference in interpreting of the provisions of the February 29 United States (US)-Taliban agreement. The Taliban promised to open talks with the Afghan government as part of an accord reached with the U.S. The Taliban militants say the agreement requires the government to release 5,000 prisoners before talks begin. The government says the talks must begin and violence subside before it will free all the detainees.
Read less...
March - 16 
Presidential Advisor Waheed Omer on March 16 said the proposed list of Taliban prisoners is being assessed and that the inmates will be released gradually in installments, reports Tolo News. But, he added, the release of prisoners will only happen if the intra-Afghan negotiations begin and a signifi
Read more...
Presidential Advisor Waheed Omer on March 16 said the proposed list of Taliban prisoners is being assessed and that the inmates will be released gradually in installments, reports Tolo News. But, he added, the release of prisoners will only happen if the intra-Afghan negotiations begin and a significant reduction in violence is observed. Omer also said that no Taliban prisoner would be released without a guarantee. “We are reviewing the Taliban prisoner list. The release of the prisoners is not that all 5,000 prisoners will be released at once. It will take time so that we can learn about the crimes for which each has been imprisoned,” Omer said.
Read less...
March - 18 
On March 18, the United States (U.S.) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that the US would like to see the prisoner releases begin as soon as possible in line with the US-Taliban peace agreement, reports Tolo News. “No prisoners have been released to date d
Read more...
On March 18, the United States (U.S.) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that the US would like to see the prisoner releases begin as soon as possible in line with the US-Taliban peace agreement, reports Tolo News. “No prisoners have been released to date despite the commitment to do so expressed by both sides,” Khalilzad added in a series of tweets. “Coronavirus makes prisoner releases urgent; time is of the essence. We are committed to do our part and after consultation with all relevant sides, the United States understands,” Khalilzad added. Khalilzad further said that “the Taliban commit that released prisoners will abide by the commitments made in the peace agreement and not return to the battlefield.” ZalmayKhalilzad concluded, “A violation will undermine the peace process. The time has come to move forward on prisoner releases”.
Read less...
March - 18 
On March 18, the United States (U.S.) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad,met with Abdullah Abdullah, to discuss the ongoing political crisis and the peace process, reports Tolo News. Abdullah’s deputy spokesman FraidoonKhwazoon said that a solution has not been f
Read more...
On March 18, the United States (U.S.) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad,met with Abdullah Abdullah, to discuss the ongoing political crisis and the peace process, reports Tolo News. Abdullah’s deputy spokesman FraidoonKhwazoon said that a solution has not been found to the tensions between President Ashraf Ghani and his prime challenger Abdullah. “For us, the base is a government which can reflect the will of the Afghan people and their clean biometric votes,” said Khwazoon.
Read less...
March - 19 
The Afghan acting Minister of Defense Assadullah Khalid on March 19 said that there has been no decline in offensives by the enemy (Taliban), adding that the Afghan Forces have been ordered to return to "active defense" position, reports Tolo News.“There has been no reduction in the attacks of the e
Read more...
The Afghan acting Minister of Defense Assadullah Khalid on March 19 said that there has been no decline in offensives by the enemy (Taliban), adding that the Afghan Forces have been ordered to return to "active defense" position, reports Tolo News.“There has been no reduction in the attacks of the enemy, today we ordered our forces to return to active defense position from defensive position,” said Assadullah Khalid.
Read less...
March - 20 
Former President Hamid Karzai and former mujahideen leader Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf have begun mediation efforts to solve the tensions between President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, reports Tolo News on March 21.Sayyaf’s ‘spokesman’ Massoud Tarishtwal said, “The agenda is focused on how to ensu
Read more...
Former President Hamid Karzai and former mujahideen leader Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf have begun mediation efforts to solve the tensions between President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, reports Tolo News on March 21.Sayyaf’s ‘spokesman’ Massoud Tarishtwal said, “The agenda is focused on how to ensure the safety of Afghanistan and how to create an inclusive government, where all parties and all Afghan politicians can see themselves represented. Discussion has been held regarding this principle”.
Read less...
March - 22 
On March 22, the Afghan Government and Taliban discussed the release of prisoners via video teleconferencing, reports Khaama News Agency. United States Special envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted in a Twitter post, “Today [March 22], the US and Qatar facilitated
Read more...
On March 22, the Afghan Government and Taliban discussed the release of prisoners via video teleconferencing, reports Khaama News Agency. United States Special envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted in a Twitter post, “Today [March 22], the US and Qatar facilitated the first Afghan government to Taliban technical talks on prisoner releases, via Skype video conferencing”.
Read less...
March - 23 
Abdullah Abdullah welcomed the visit by State Secretary Mike Pompeo to Afghanistan calling it a good opportunity to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Afghanistan, reports Khaama News Agency on March 24. Abdullah Abdullah said that the opportunity was not properly seized, as reflected in State
Read more...
Abdullah Abdullah welcomed the visit by State Secretary Mike Pompeo to Afghanistan calling it a good opportunity to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Afghanistan, reports Khaama News Agency on March 24. Abdullah Abdullah said that the opportunity was not properly seized, as reflected in State Department’s statement that Mr Mike Pompeo relayed the U.S. government’s message regarding the urgent need to resolve the current crisis.
Read less...
March - 23 
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said that the reduction in United States (US) economic assistance worth $ 1 billion would not have an impact on key sectors and departments of the country, reports Khaama News Agency on March 24.
Read more...
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said that the reduction in United States (US) economic assistance worth $ 1 billion would not have an impact on key sectors and departments of the country, reports Khaama News Agency on March 24.
Read less...
March - 23 
The Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy political chief of Taliban in Qatar, reports Khaama News Agency on March 24. A ‘spokesperson’ for the political office of Taliban in Qatar Suhail Shaheen, said Mullah Baradar met with Pompeo in Doha, the capital of Q
Read more...
The Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy political chief of Taliban in Qatar, reports Khaama News Agency on March 24. A ‘spokesperson’ for the political office of Taliban in Qatar Suhail Shaheen, said Mullah Baradar met with Pompeo in Doha, the capital of Qatar. He said the two sides held talks on better implementation of peace deal and immediate release of prisoners so that Afghans can reach to an agreement on future political setup, lasting peace and ceasefire.
Read less...
March - 23 
The United States (US) State Department announced that it is cutting $1 billion in economic assistance to Afghanistan in reaction to ongoing political impasse, reports Khaama News Agency on March 24. According to a statement released by State Department, “The United States deeply regrets that Afghan
Read more...
The United States (US) State Department announced that it is cutting $1 billion in economic assistance to Afghanistan in reaction to ongoing political impasse, reports Khaama News Agency on March 24. According to a statement released by State Department, “The United States deeply regrets that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and former Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah have informed Secretary Pompeo that they have been unable to agree on an inclusive government that can meet the challenges of governance, peace, and security, and provide for the health and welfare of Afghan citizens”. The statement further mentioned, “The United States is disappointed in them and what their conduct means for Afghanistan and our shared interests,” the statement said, adding that “Their failure has harmed U.S.-Afghan relations and, sadly, dishonours those Afghan, Americans, and Coalition partners who have sacrificed their lives and treasure in the struggle to build a new future for this country.”
Read less...
March - 25 
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 25, expressed his condolences to those killed in the terror attack at a gurdwara in Kabul in Afghanistan, reports newslivetv.com. He thus stated, “I am saddened by the terror attack at the Gurudwara in Kabul. I express my condolences to the families of al
Read more...
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 25, expressed his condolences to those killed in the terror attack at a gurdwara in Kabul in Afghanistan, reports newslivetv.com. He thus stated, “I am saddened by the terror attack at the Gurudwara in Kabul. I express my condolences to the families of all the deceased.”
Read less...
March - 25 March - 28
Afghan Government sources said that the March 25 attack on Shor Bazar Kabul Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) was conducted by the Haqqani Network, and could have been in retaliation for recent violence against Muslims in India, reports Al Jazeera on March 26. "The Taliban and other terrorist groups sponsored
Read more...
Afghan Government sources said that the March 25 attack on Shor Bazar Kabul Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) was conducted by the Haqqani Network, and could have been in retaliation for recent violence against Muslims in India, reports Al Jazeera on March 26. "The Taliban and other terrorist groups sponsored by the governments in our region have in the past also attacked our society and tried create divisions among people," alleged Javid Faisal, spokesperson at the Afghan National Security Council. "Such past events instil fear and insecurity within the community and can affect the unity of the nation, too," he said.25 civilians belonging to minority Sikh community were killed in the six hours long assault. Islamic State in Khorasan Province (IS-KP) had claimed responsibility for the attack. The Hindu on March 28,adds that one of the three attackers as an Indian named Abu Khalid Al-Hindi (29) alias Abdul Khayoom alias Abdul Khalid from the State of Kerala.
Read less...
March - 26 
On Abdullah Abdullah, at a press conference, on March 26 said that the announcement of immediate reduction in US aid to Afghanistan worth $1B cannot be compensated, reports Tolo News. “Pompeo [US Secretary of State Mike] said that the aid reduction of $1 billion to Afghanistan would not be the last
Read more...
On Abdullah Abdullah, at a press conference, on March 26 said that the announcement of immediate reduction in US aid to Afghanistan worth $1B cannot be compensated, reports Tolo News. “Pompeo [US Secretary of State Mike] said that the aid reduction of $1 billion to Afghanistan would not be the last move of the US if political tensions continue,” Abdullah said. Abdullah also contradicted the March 24 statement of President Ashraf Ghani in which he said that the cut in assistance will not have a direct impact on key sectors in Afghanistan. Abdullah in this regard said that “there should not be irresponsible comments” over the aid reduction.
Read less...
March - 27 
The Taliban in a statement said that the group has some reservations about the peace negotiating team formed by the Afghan government and that the Afghan government can take part in the intra-Afghan talks only as a side like other Afghan factions, reports Tolo News on March 28. The statement further
Read more...
The Taliban in a statement said that the group has some reservations about the peace negotiating team formed by the Afghan government and that the Afghan government can take part in the intra-Afghan talks only as a side like other Afghan factions, reports Tolo News on March 28. The statement further said, “The team announced by the (Afghan Government) is...against the peace agreement between the Taliban and the US”. “In order to reach lasting and real peace, this should be formed with the agreement of all sides so that it can represent others too, but it looks that other sides are not satisfied with the team announced, said the statement,” the statement said. On March 27, Afghan Government had announced a 21-member negotiating team for intra-Afghan peace talks with the Taliban. However, a Taliban spokesman on March 28 said that a 15-member delegation from the group will visit Kabul where they will talk about the prisoner’s issues.
Read less...
March - 27 
US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo in a tweet on March 27 said that he his “thankful to his Afghan counterparts for preparing an inclusive negotiating team for intra-Afghan negotiations,” and urged them to also form an inclusive government, reports Tolo News. “I also applaud your commitment to begin
Read more...
US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo in a tweet on March 27 said that he his “thankful to his Afghan counterparts for preparing an inclusive negotiating team for intra-Afghan negotiations,” and urged them to also form an inclusive government, reports Tolo News. “I also applaud your commitment to begin releasing prisoners and your commendable effort to set conditions for peace and reconciliation,” Pompeo said. “I urge you to show the same commitment to the effort to form an inclusive government. This step plus decisions already taken can help all Afghans realize a brighter future,” he said.
Read less...
March - 28 
According to US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, the exchange of prisoners between Afghan Government and Taliban will begin on March 31, reports Bakhtar News. Taliban’s political office spokesman in Qatar, Suhail Shaheen, confirmed that the details of the release were discussed during
Read more...
According to US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, the exchange of prisoners between Afghan Government and Taliban will begin on March 31, reports Bakhtar News. Taliban’s political office spokesman in Qatar, Suhail Shaheen, confirmed that the details of the release were discussed during a videoconference that the two parties to the conflict held with the participation of teams from the United States, Qatar and the International Committee of the Red Cross. He stated that Taliban will send a technical verification team to Bagram prison “for the identification, confirmation and release of prisoners according to the list already provided.” Afghan Presidency spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said the released insurgents should pledge not to return to the battlefield and would leave in groups of 100 over a period of 15 days.
Read less...
March - 28 
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) citing surge in civilian fatalities since the signing of February 2020 peace deal issued a statement urging all parties to further reduce levels of violence, protect civilians, and work towards a ceasefire, reports Tolo News. It stated that de
Read more...
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) citing surge in civilian fatalities since the signing of February 2020 peace deal issued a statement urging all parties to further reduce levels of violence, protect civilians, and work towards a ceasefire, reports Tolo News. It stated that despite some de-escalation in hostilities following the end of February announcement for a reduction in violence, UNAMA continues to record conflict-related civilian casualties with more than 100 killed and many more injured in the March1-25 time frame. Moreover, UNAMA also stated that “A reduction in violence leading to a ceasefire would save lives, provide parties with a more conducive environment to commence intra-Afghan peace negotiations and would enable better preparations to combat the looming health crisis posed by COVID-19.”
Read less...
March - 30 
Afghan Government said on March 30 that the prisoner release will not start on March 31, reports bhaktarnews.com. "There is no prisoner release happening on Tuesday [March 31]. Taliban agreed in the video conference yesterday (Sunday) to send a team to Kabul to hold further technical discussions wit
Read more...
Afghan Government said on March 30 that the prisoner release will not start on March 31, reports bhaktarnews.com. "There is no prisoner release happening on Tuesday [March 31]. Taliban agreed in the video conference yesterday (Sunday) to send a team to Kabul to hold further technical discussions with the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," Javid Faisal, a spokesman for National Security Council, tweeted. Earlier, the exchange was scheduled for March 31 as agreed by both sides.
Read less...
March - 31 
On March 31, a Taliban delegation arrived in Kabul to monitor the long-delayed release of their 5,000 detainees under a prisoner exchange with the Afghan Government brokered by the United States, reports Afghanistan Sun. "They will pursue the issue of prisoner release and help in necessary technical
Read more...
On March 31, a Taliban delegation arrived in Kabul to monitor the long-delayed release of their 5,000 detainees under a prisoner exchange with the Afghan Government brokered by the United States, reports Afghanistan Sun. "They will pursue the issue of prisoner release and help in necessary technical steps," said a brief Taliban announcement.
Read less...
March - 31 
On March 31, the European Union (EU) and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the statements we called on the Taliban to reduce violence and work for bringing peace to Afghanistan, reports Tolo News.The EU called on the Taliban to reduce violence, “We also call on the Taliban to show
Read more...
On March 31, the European Union (EU) and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the statements we called on the Taliban to reduce violence and work for bringing peace to Afghanistan, reports Tolo News.The EU called on the Taliban to reduce violence, “We also call on the Taliban to show genuine commitment to peace negotiations and to reduce violence and engage in meaningful discussions on a ceasefire, as per the Doha Agreement”. Further, the statement read, “This constitutes an important step towards starting intra-Afghan negotiations and solving the domestic political crisis. We offer our full support to the newly established team. We encourage all political leaders to promote the effective participation of women, youth and victims”.
Read less...
March - 31 
The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, on March 31 appealed to all leaders and parties in Afghanistan to work together for an urgent and lasting ceasefire and an end to violence, reports Tolo News.
Read more...
The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, on March 31 appealed to all leaders and parties in Afghanistan to work together for an urgent and lasting ceasefire and an end to violence, reports Tolo News.
Read less...
April - 1 
The Taliban group has said it would cease fire in areas which would be affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in a bid to allow the medical teams provide healthcare services, reports bhaktarnews.com on April 2. Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, said in a Twitter post that the Taliban
Read more...
The Taliban group has said it would cease fire in areas which would be affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in a bid to allow the medical teams provide healthcare services, reports bhaktarnews.com on April 2. Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, said in a Twitter post that the Taliban group would cease fire in the areas which are under the control of the group, provided that those areas are affected by coronavirus.
Read less...
April - 1 
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is urging all Afghan parties to work together to resolve their differences peacefully for the good of the people of Afghanistan, reports Khaama News Agency on April 2. The Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan I
Read more...
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is urging all Afghan parties to work together to resolve their differences peacefully for the good of the people of Afghanistan, reports Khaama News Agency on April 2. The Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan Ingrid Hayden said, “Afghanistan appears to be reaching a defining moment. Almost two decades after the start of the coalition intervention, the question for the Islamic Republic now is: can its leaders rally together to engage in meaningful talks with the Taliban to achieve a sustainable peace?”
Read less...
April - 2 
The Office of the President of Afghanistan, on April 2, announced that President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani spoke with General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, reports The Khaama Press. According to a statement released by ARG Palace, Bajwa congratulated Ghani for his re-ele
Read more...
The Office of the President of Afghanistan, on April 2, announced that President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani spoke with General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, reports The Khaama Press. According to a statement released by ARG Palace, Bajwa congratulated Ghani for his re-election as the President of Afghanistan. The statement further added that Bajwa also congratulated Ghani for the election of an inclusive peace negotiator, expressing hopes that delegation would take forward the peace negotiations with Taliban.
Read less...
April - 3 
President Ashraf Ghani has publicly proposed that the leadership of the peace council be taken on by his principal political opponent Abdullah Abdullah, who disputed the recent election results and has announced a parallel government, reports Tolo News on April 4.“You share with Mr. Abdullah the is
Read more...
President Ashraf Ghani has publicly proposed that the leadership of the peace council be taken on by his principal political opponent Abdullah Abdullah, who disputed the recent election results and has announced a parallel government, reports Tolo News on April 4.“You share with Mr. Abdullah the issue that I am suggesting. It is the leadership of the peace process,” Ghani said. “A high peace council should be established and (Dr. Abdullah) should head the high peace council.” Ghani added: “His (Abdullah’s) protocol can be the protocol of a vice president, his security, his budget, his decision- making, all can be discussed. We have full flexibility.” Ghani said he had suggested that Abdullah include his own (Abdullah's) aides in Ghani's new cabinet. “We recommended Mr. Abdullah give a list of all his influential aides,” Ghani said. “Measures should be clear. Each minister, without exception, should have a commitment with you (lawmakers), with me and with the nation.”
Read less...
April - 5 
A commander of National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghan intelligence service, Special Forces, Ahmad, who led the operation to arrest Aslam Farooqi aka Abdullah Orakzai, the leader of the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP), said the operation was the most complex and precise operation he h
Read more...
A commander of National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghan intelligence service, Special Forces, Ahmad, who led the operation to arrest Aslam Farooqi aka Abdullah Orakzai, the leader of the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP), said the operation was the most complex and precise operation he had carried out in his seven years of duty, reports Tolo News on April 6. “An operation was carried out in four or five parts of the city (in one of the southern provinces), and Aslam Farooqi was in one of the districts when we arrested him,” Ahmad added.
Read less...
April - 5 
The Taliban on April 5 said their peace deal with the United States (US) was nearing a breaking point, accusing US of violations that included drone attacks on civilians, reports ABC News. The Taliban said they had restricted attacks against Afghan security forces to rural outposts, had not attacked
Read more...
The Taliban on April 5 said their peace deal with the United States (US) was nearing a breaking point, accusing US of violations that included drone attacks on civilians, reports ABC News. The Taliban said they had restricted attacks against Afghan security forces to rural outposts, had not attacked international forces and had not attacked Afghan forces in cities or military installations. The Taliban said these limits on their attacks had not been specifically laid out in the agreement with the U.S. signed in February 2020. Taliban had also censured the Afghan government for delaying the release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners promised in the agreement. The Taliban issued warning of more violence if the U.S. and the Afghan government continue alleged violations of the deal.
Read less...
April - 5 
The United States on April 5 has linked international aid for Afghanistan to the settlement of a protracted political crisis, which has seen the war-shattered country politically paralyzed and threatens to derail a nascent peace-building deal with the Taliban insurgency, reports VoA. “It can’t be bu
Read more...
The United States on April 5 has linked international aid for Afghanistan to the settlement of a protracted political crisis, which has seen the war-shattered country politically paralyzed and threatens to derail a nascent peace-building deal with the Taliban insurgency, reports VoA. “It can’t be business as usual for international donors in Afghanistan,” Alice Wells, the top American diplomat for South and Central Asian affairs, warned in a tweet. “International aid requires partnership with an inclusive government and we all must hold Afghan leaders accountable to agree on a governing arrangement,” wrote Wells, the principal deputy assistant secretary. The political stalemate between President Ashraf Ghani and his chief rival, Abdullah Abdullah, stems from the disputed September 28 Afghan election and its outcome. Separately, Col Sonny Leggett, an American military spokesman has rejected insurgent allegations it was violating terms of the U.S.-Taliban deal signed on February 29.
Read less...
April - 6 
The head of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG), Matin Bek, on April 6 said that the delay in the release of Taliban prisoners is due to the insistence of the group for the release of their 15 senior commanders who are involved in “big attacks”, reports Tolo News. Bek is also a me
Read more...
The head of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG), Matin Bek, on April 6 said that the delay in the release of Taliban prisoners is due to the insistence of the group for the release of their 15 senior commanders who are involved in “big attacks”, reports Tolo News. Bek is also a member of the negotiation team appointed by the President Ashraf Ghani. “We are ready to release 400 (prisoners) in the first phase. It is the Taliban who do not want this. They are asking for the release of the 15 (commanders). If we release the 15 individuals, their hands are stained with people’s blood,” Bek.The release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners is part of deal signed by the US and the Taliban in Doha on Feb. 29.Bek said demands reveal the Taliban’s "stubbornness" and it is "not acceptable" as it will lead to the fall of provinces and the continuation of violence in the country.
Read less...
April - 7 
The Taliban group on April 7 announced that it has stopped negotiations with the Afghan government over the release of Taliban prisoners with effect from today, reports The KhaamaPress. “We sent a technical team of the Prisoner’s Commission to Kabul for verification and identification of our prisone
Read more...
The Taliban group on April 7 announced that it has stopped negotiations with the Afghan government over the release of Taliban prisoners with effect from today, reports The KhaamaPress. “We sent a technical team of the Prisoner’s Commission to Kabul for verification and identification of our prisoners as release of prisoners was to start as per the signed agreement and the promise made (to us),” Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for Taliban’s political office said in a Twitter post. Shaheen further added “But, unfortunately, their release has been delayed under one pretext or another till now. Therefore, our technical team will not participate in fruitless meetings with relevant sides starting from tomorrow.”
Read less...
April - 7 
Two current United States (US) senior officials (and one former official) were quoted by NBC News, on April 7 for saying that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a trip to Kabul two weeks ago on March 23, threatened President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah that President Donald Trump might
Read more...
Two current United States (US) senior officials (and one former official) were quoted by NBC News, on April 7 for saying that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a trip to Kabul two weeks ago on March 23, threatened President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah that President Donald Trump might do a complete troop pull-out, as well as an cut aid, if the dispute continues, reports Tolo News on April 7.
Read less...
April - 7 
United States Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells has expressed her concerns over minorities in Afghanistan following the latest attack on Afghan Sikh, reports Tolo News on April 8. Alice Wells, tweeted, “I remain deeply concerned about the safety of
Read more...
United States Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells has expressed her concerns over minorities in Afghanistan following the latest attack on Afghan Sikh, reports Tolo News on April 8. Alice Wells, tweeted, “I remain deeply concerned about the safety of the Sikh community in #Afghanistan. Afghan Sikhs have long been an integral part of the multicultural tapestry of Afghanistan, and Afghans must come together now to ensure the security of religious minorities”. On March 25, 25 Sikhs were attacked and killed by Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) at Dharamshala, a Sikh place of worship in Kabul’s Shor Bazar area.
Read less...
April - 8 
The Afghan Government on April 8 announced the release of 100 Taliban prisoners, a move expected to be a step closer to intra-Afghan talks, reports Tolo News. The Office of the National Security Council (ONSC) in a statement confirmed the release of the prisoners, saying it was the fulfilment of a r
Read more...
The Afghan Government on April 8 announced the release of 100 Taliban prisoners, a move expected to be a step closer to intra-Afghan talks, reports Tolo News. The Office of the National Security Council (ONSC) in a statement confirmed the release of the prisoners, saying it was the fulfilment of a recent decree made by President Ashraf Ghani. “Pursuant to President Ghani’s decree of March 11, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan released 100 Taliban prisoners today based on their health condition, age and length of remaining sentence as part of our efforts for peace and containment of COVID-19,” the ONSC said in a statement.
Read less...
April - 9 
Pakistan has demanded the hand over Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) leader Aslam Farooqi who was recently arrested by the Afghan intelligence services, reports The Khaama Press on April 10. “The Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and conveyed
Read more...
Pakistan has demanded the hand over Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) leader Aslam Farooqi who was recently arrested by the Afghan intelligence services, reports The Khaama Press on April 10. “The Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and conveyed Pakistan’s views with regard to the arrest of IS-KP leader, Aslam Farooqi, by the Afghan authorities on 5 April 2020,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
Read less...
April - 13 
The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Islamabad released the details of the meeting between the U.S. envoy for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan Austin Scott Miller and the Chief of Staff of the Pakistani military Qamar Javed Bajwa, reports The Khaama Press on April
Read more...
The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Islamabad released the details of the meeting between the U.S. envoy for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan Austin Scott Miller and the Chief of Staff of the Pakistani military Qamar Javed Bajwa, reports The Khaama Press on April 14. The statement released read, “U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Resolute Support Mission Commander General Austin Scott Miller visited Islamabad on April 14.” The statement further added “In a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Ambassador Khalilzad and General Miller discussed the United States’ ongoing efforts for a sustainable peace in Afghanistan.” “Pakistan’s military leaders reaffirmed their support for U.S. efforts and renewed their commitment to act to advance a political settlement to the conflict,” the statement added.
Read less...
April - 14 
Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) on April 14 said that 83 Afghan civilians were killed, 35 civilians were taken hostage and 119 others were wounded in different parts of the country following the United States(US)-Taliban peace agreement on February 29 in Doha, reports Bhaktar
Read more...
Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) on April 14 said that 83 Afghan civilians were killed, 35 civilians were taken hostage and 119 others were wounded in different parts of the country following the United States(US)-Taliban peace agreement on February 29 in Doha, reports BhaktarNews.
Read less...
April - 14 
Online press conference by North Atlantic (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers to be held via secure teleconference, reports Tolo News on April 15.The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed the alliance’s full support to Afghanistan as
Read more...
Online press conference by North Atlantic (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers to be held via secure teleconference, reports Tolo News on April 15.The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed the alliance’s full support to Afghanistan as he emphasized that Taliban cannot win on the battlefield and a reduction is violence the only way to allow the peace process move forward successfully.General Stoltenberg said, “The Taliban attacks are harmful and therefore we call on Taliban to cease the attacks, to fully implement the agreement between the United States and the Taliban and to reduce violence, because that’s the only way towards a peaceful negotiated solution.”
Read less...
April - 14 
The Taliban on April 14 rejected a document titled the "Charter of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" saying it has "nothing to do with the Islamic Emirate”, reports Tolo News. “Yesterday, some media outlets published documents with many articles and claimed it was the charter of the Islamic Emirat
Read more...
The Taliban on April 14 rejected a document titled the "Charter of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" saying it has "nothing to do with the Islamic Emirate”, reports Tolo News. “Yesterday, some media outlets published documents with many articles and claimed it was the charter of the Islamic Emirate. We reject this report and the papers. The Islamic Emirate, during its full rule, had a constitution called the Islamic Emirate Order, which was not finalized and signed. After the occupation of the United States, the Islamic Emirate has only a jihadist bill, and the Taliban commissions are regulating this. These papers, called the "charter," have nothing to do with the Islamic Emirate,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman.
Read less...
April - 16 
A spokesman for former Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Omid Maisam, said on April 16 that Abdullah Abdullah's plan to get out of the political crisis has not yet been submitted to the Presidential Palace, and consultations are continuing, reports Tolo News. Maisam further said, “We hope to see th
Read more...
A spokesman for former Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Omid Maisam, said on April 16 that Abdullah Abdullah's plan to get out of the political crisis has not yet been submitted to the Presidential Palace, and consultations are continuing, reports Tolo News. Maisam further said, “We hope to see the end of the concerns raised at the national and international levels by sharing the plan,” said Maisam. Earlier, Abdullah's supporters announced that the plan was finalized.
Read less...
April - 19 
The Taliban has shared a list of 50 attacks conducted by the United States (US) and Afghan forces following the US-Taliban peace deal in late February, accusing the US of violating terms of the deal and thus adding another layer of complication to the already hindered peace process, reports Tolo New
Read more...
The Taliban has shared a list of 50 attacks conducted by the United States (US) and Afghan forces following the US-Taliban peace deal in late February, accusing the US of violating terms of the deal and thus adding another layer of complication to the already hindered peace process, reports Tolo News on April 20.The Taliban political office in Doha, in a three-page document, claims 33 drone attacks and airstrikes were carried out against Taliban targets in 19 provinces from March 9 to April 10, nine attacks involving rockets and mortar shelling, and eight night-raids. The Taliban says in the document they have lost 35 of their fighters in 17 of the incidents, and they blame foreign forces for killing 65 civilians in 33 incidents. According to the Taliban paper, 12 attacks have occurred in Zabul, five in Maidan Wardak, four in Kunduz, four in Kandahar, three in Helmand, three in Kapisa, three in Laghman, three in Badakhshan, two in Uruzgan and two in Farah. The provinces of Paktika, Paktia, Ghazni, Logar, Badghis, Jawzjan, Baghlan, Takhar and Nangarhar have witnessed one attack each, according to the document.
Read less...
April - 20 
Afghanistan National Security Council (NSC) said 24 innocent civilians have been killed and 13 others wounded during the past one week as a result of Taliban attacks in various parts of the country, report BhaktarNewson April 21. According to aNSC spokesperson, the insurgents continued their violent
Read more...
Afghanistan National Security Council (NSC) said 24 innocent civilians have been killed and 13 others wounded during the past one week as a result of Taliban attacks in various parts of the country, report BhaktarNewson April 21. According to aNSC spokesperson, the insurgents continued their violent campaign against the innocent Afghan people. He said the militants have killed 24 civilians and wounded 13, including women and children in Baghlan, Takhar, Ghazni, Paktia, Logar, Laghman, Nangarhar, Farah and Kandahar Provinces.
Read less...
April - 20 
Government sources say that one of the top 15 prisoners whose release was demanded by the Taliban is part of a network responsible for major attacks in Kabul, reports Tolo News on April 21.The militant is identified as Lailuddin, and is responsible for attacks including the German embassy bombing, t
Read more...
Government sources say that one of the top 15 prisoners whose release was demanded by the Taliban is part of a network responsible for major attacks in Kabul, reports Tolo News on April 21.The militant is identified as Lailuddin, and is responsible for attacks including the German embassy bombing, the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) attack, attack of former Member of Parliament Mir Wali and the bombing of the funeral ceremony of Mohammad Alam Izdyar’s son.
Read less...
April - 21 
Local officials in the Badakhshan Province on April 21 said that Daesh and affiliate terror groups are moving to establish a stronger military presence in the province so they can continue the war against the Afghan security forces, reports Tolo News.According to the local officials, there are aroun
Read more...
Local officials in the Badakhshan Province on April 21 said that Daesh and affiliate terror groups are moving to establish a stronger military presence in the province so they can continue the war against the Afghan security forces, reports Tolo News.According to the local officials, there are around 400 fighters linked with various ‘terrorist groups’ such as Daesh, the Tajikistan-based Ansarullah militant group, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, the Harkat-i-Islami Uzbekistan and the Uighur jihadists, and these fighters are operating in various parts of the province, but especially in the Khastak valley of Juram District. Badakhshan province has borders with China, Pakistan and Tajikistan. But Khastak valley of Juram, which is adjacent to Pakistan, is an important point from a military perspective.
Read less...
April - 22 
The State Utility Firm said that clashes between Security Forces and militants in Doshi District of northern Baghlan Province cut the supply of electricity to capital Kabul and other Provinces, reports The Khaama Press on April 23. Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat in a statement said the impact of a b
Read more...
The State Utility Firm said that clashes between Security Forces and militants in Doshi District of northern Baghlan Province cut the supply of electricity to capital Kabul and other Provinces, reports The Khaama Press on April 23. Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat in a statement said the impact of a bullet severed the transmission line in Pul-e Gazan area of Doshi District which was used to transmit electricity from Uzbekistan to Kabul and other Provinces.According to Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, the transmission of imported electricity to Kabul and other provinces is expected to resume by April 23, no further updates are available.
Read less...
April - 23 
President Ashraf Ghani on April 23, in a virtual farewell meeting with Nicholas Kay, appreciated Kay for his efforts during his missions as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)’s Civilian Representative, reports BhaktarNews.Kay was formerly the United Kingdom ambassador to Afghanistan. Nich
Read more...
President Ashraf Ghani on April 23, in a virtual farewell meeting with Nicholas Kay, appreciated Kay for his efforts during his missions as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)’s Civilian Representative, reports BhaktarNews.Kay was formerly the United Kingdom ambassador to Afghanistan. Nicholas Kay also praised President Ghani for having dealt with the multiple challenges particularly in security and economic fronts since taking office in 2014, referring to the progresses that the country has so far made. He added that NATO would continue to support Afghanistan in various areas namely training and technical cooperation with Afghan forces as well as fighting the corona virus.
Read less...
April - 23 
The Taliban group in Afghanistan rejected President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s demand for ceasefire during the Holy month of Ramadan, calling it as ‘illogical’, reports The Khaama Press on April 24. “The Islamic Emirate accepted a comprehensive framework (of peace) by signing the Agreement with US [Uni
Read more...
The Taliban group in Afghanistan rejected President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s demand for ceasefire during the Holy month of Ramadan, calling it as ‘illogical’, reports The Khaama Press on April 24. “The Islamic Emirate accepted a comprehensive framework (of peace) by signing the Agreement with US [United States] which was also confirmed by the Security Council and the International Community. If it is implemented (fully), it will take us to a lasting peace and ceasefire,” Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the political office of Taliban said in a Twitter post. Shaheen further added “In a time that the lives of thousands of prisoners are being put into danger due to the coronavirus and hurdle are created in the way of the peace process and complete implementation of the Agreement, despite that, asking for ceasefire is not rational and convincing.” Earlier, President Ghani had issued a statement on the occasion of the Holy month of Ramadan, urging the Taliban group to declare a ceasefire, reports The Khaama Press. Previously, Presidents Ghani’s call for a ceasefire on April 16 due to novel coronavirus was also rejected by Taliban adds Arab News.
Read less...
April - 25 
The Chief Executive of Jamiat-e-Islami party of Afghanistan, Atta Mohammad Noor, has raised questions about the consequences of presidential inauguration of Abdullah Abdullah, reports The Khaama Press on April 26. Noor posted a graphic work in his official social media account earlier today which co
Read more...
The Chief Executive of Jamiat-e-Islami party of Afghanistan, Atta Mohammad Noor, has raised questions about the consequences of presidential inauguration of Abdullah Abdullah, reports The Khaama Press on April 26. Noor posted a graphic work in his official social media account earlier today which consists of a statement and Dr. Abdullah’s photograph taken from his presidential inauguration in which he kisses the holy Quran. The statement states that ‘Nader Khan signed in holy Quran and sweared, killed Amir Habibullah Khan Kalani and some of his accomplices. Till date, the people call him (Nader Khan) a traitor.’ The statement further added that ‘Presidential inauguration and oath taking took place with the kissing of Quran in the presence of a large gathering of elites; I do not know what would the consequences be? What should we address him?’
Read less...
April - 25 
The National Security Council (NSC) Javid Faisal on April 25 said that the Taliban killed 789 civilians after their peace pact with the United States in Doha on February 29, reports Pajhwok.
Read more...
The National Security Council (NSC) Javid Faisal on April 25 said that the Taliban killed 789 civilians after their peace pact with the United States in Doha on February 29, reports Pajhwok.
Read less...
April - 25 
The United States special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in a tweet urged the Taliban to call a humanitarian ceasefire during Ramadan month, reports Tolo News on April 26.“...Ramadan offers the Taliban an opportunity to embrace a humanitarian ceasefire to reduce violence and suspend offensiv
Read more...
The United States special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in a tweet urged the Taliban to call a humanitarian ceasefire during Ramadan month, reports Tolo News on April 26.“...Ramadan offers the Taliban an opportunity to embrace a humanitarian ceasefire to reduce violence and suspend offensive military operations until the health crisis is over,” Khalilzad tweeted. “Both sides must also accelerate the release of prisoners. The war on COVID-19 makes it urgent and will also aid the peace process including getting intra-Afghan negotiations underway,” he said.
Read less...
April - 25 
United States special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Saturday welcomed North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)’s statement on key next steps that are necessary for peace and stability in Afghanistan, reports Bhaktar News on April 26. Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted, “They reiterated the need for a humanitaria
Read more...
United States special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Saturday welcomed North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)’s statement on key next steps that are necessary for peace and stability in Afghanistan, reports Bhaktar News on April 26. Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted, “They reiterated the need for a humanitarian ceasefire to help manage the COVID-19 outbreak, urged the Taliban to reduce violence, called on the Afghan Government to end the political crisis, and said all sides should move more quickly on prisoner releases.” He further wrote, “How urgently and with what conviction the sides respond to these steps will determine whether Afghanistan moves forward or remains mired in war, poverty and disease.”
Read less...
April - 26 
The Taliban claimed that the interests of the Kabul administration, Afghan Government, lies with the continuation of war, reports The Khaama Press on April 27. “A number of organizations, sides and Kabul administration officials have in recent days repeatedly called upon the Islamic Emirate to eithe
Read more...
The Taliban claimed that the interests of the Kabul administration, Afghan Government, lies with the continuation of war, reports The Khaama Press on April 27. “A number of organizations, sides and Kabul administration officials have in recent days repeatedly called upon the Islamic Emirate to either declare a ceasefire or a reduction in violence,” the group said in a statement. Taliban statement further added that “The Islamic Emirate would like to make clear to both our compatriots and the world that we have executed our responsibilities regarding peace and end of hostilities. All are witnesses that the agreement signed by the Islamic Emirate with the United States was to lay a roadmap to finding a peaceful resolution to the nineteen-year conflict.”
Read less...
April - 27 
The United States condemned the recent attacks on transmission towers which disrupted the supply of electricity to Kabul, reports The Khaama Press on April 28. “Afghans face enough challenges from COVID-19 without armed militants destroying transmission towers and disrupting electricity to hospitals
Read more...
The United States condemned the recent attacks on transmission towers which disrupted the supply of electricity to Kabul, reports The Khaama Press on April 28. “Afghans face enough challenges from COVID-19 without armed militants destroying transmission towers and disrupting electricity to hospitals & homes in Kabul. I strongly condemn recent attacks on infrastructure in Afghanistan. Afghans must come together to fight COVID-19,” Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said in a Twitter post.
Read less...
April - 28 
The Taliban group has claimed that 46 inmates have contracted the novel coronavirus in Afghan jails, warning that the group would avenge if its prisoners lose their lives due to the disease, reports The Khaama Press on April 29. “We had previously warned that the prisoner situation in the Kabul admi
Read more...
The Taliban group has claimed that 46 inmates have contracted the novel coronavirus in Afghan jails, warning that the group would avenge if its prisoners lose their lives due to the disease, reports The Khaama Press on April 29. “We had previously warned that the prisoner situation in the Kabul administration jails is dire as facilities are packed and there are widespread issues regarding food, drink and medicine availability therefore if the novel coronavirus were to enter these prisons, it could prove catastrophic,” the group said in a statement. The statement further added “Responsibility here falls squarely on the shoulders of the United States of America because if it had shown urgency in the implementation of the agreement, we could have made major progress in all facets including the release of prisoners and detainees would have been saved from this danger…The Kabul administration officials along with the supposed human right organizations and those raising humanitarian slogans all failed at taking this issue seriously and have pushed the situation to the brink,” the statement said. Taliban statement warned, “All sides must understand that if the prisoners of the Islamic Emirate are lost, each one will be asked about and revenge taken upon the cold-hearted enemy.”
Read less...
April - 28 
The United States (US) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) commander in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller, on April 28 reiterated that the Taliban should expect a response if they continue their attacks, referring to the increased Taliban-initiated fighting against the Afghan forces, espec
Read more...
The United States (US) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) commander in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller, on April 28 reiterated that the Taliban should expect a response if they continue their attacks, referring to the increased Taliban-initiated fighting against the Afghan forces, especially in the last four weeks, reports Tolo News. “If the Taliban continues attacks then what they should expect is a response,” General Miller said. “We need them to reduce the violence and with that reduction gives our political leadership on all sides an opportunity to determine the peaceful way forward.”
Read less...
April - 29 
Police in Balkh on April 29 said that Afghan forces undertook an anti-Taliban operation--named Shaheen-611 covering four Districts over the past two weeks, and stated that Afghan forces have cleared 17 villages of Taliban in Balkh’s Sholgara District, reports Tolo News. "Five government troops and
Read more...
Police in Balkh on April 29 said that Afghan forces undertook an anti-Taliban operation--named Shaheen-611 covering four Districts over the past two weeks, and stated that Afghan forces have cleared 17 villages of Taliban in Balkh’s Sholgara District, reports Tolo News. "Five government troops and 12 Taliban fighters" have been killed in the operation, said Adil Shah Adil, a spokesman for Balkh Police. He said that seven security force members and five Taliban militants were wounded in the attack.Over the past few weeks, fighting has dramatically increased between Afghan forces and the Taliban in Chahar Kint, Sholgara and Chimtal Districts of Balkh.
Read less...
April - 29 
The Unite States (US) now has fewer than 10,000 troops in Afghanistan according to three unnamed sources familiar with the deployments, reports CNN on April 30. This means that US is ahead of schedule on the commitment to drawdown troops after the US-Taliban peace deal signed on February 29, 2020.Ac
Read more...
The Unite States (US) now has fewer than 10,000 troops in Afghanistan according to three unnamed sources familiar with the deployments, reports CNN on April 30. This means that US is ahead of schedule on the commitment to drawdown troops after the US-Taliban peace deal signed on February 29, 2020.According to the agreement, the US has until mid-July to fulfil its pledge to reduce troops to 8,600, from the total 12,000 to 13,000 in Afghanistan. The coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic has accelerated the drawdown somewhat, one US defense official said. There has been a pause in a significant amount of military training activity due to the virus, which has made it easier to send some US troops home. The Pentagon said it wasn't providing updates on current troop levels "due to operational security concerns associated with the draw down," but said in a statement that the drawdown is ongoing.
Read less...
April - 29 
United States (US) Navy commandos raided an unnamed village and detained suspected militants of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network, reports Daily Mail on April 30. Meanwhile the U.S. intelligence community tried to track the cell phones of Mark R. Frerichs,an US contractor, and his captors. While th
Read more...
United States (US) Navy commandos raided an unnamed village and detained suspected militants of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network, reports Daily Mail on April 30. Meanwhile the U.S. intelligence community tried to track the cell phones of Mark R. Frerichs,an US contractor, and his captors. While the circumstances surrounding the abduction in January 2020 remain unclear, the previously unreported operation described by multiple American officials over the past month shed new light on early efforts to locate.The Pentagon and U.S. Special Operations Command declined to comment on the SEALs’ raid adds The Diplomat. The rescue effort is being coordinated through the FBI-led, multiagency Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, which said in a statement that it was working with its partners to ensure “that Mark Frerichs and all Americans held hostage abroad are returned home.”
Read less...
April - 30 
According to data provided to the Pentagon's Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in the month following the signing of the Trump administration's peace deal with the Taliban, the insurgent group increased its attacks on America's Afghan allies to higher than usual levels
Read more...
According to data provided to the Pentagon's Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in the month following the signing of the Trump administration's peace deal with the Taliban, the insurgent group increased its attacks on America's Afghan allies to higher than usual levels, reports CNN on May 1."The signing of the U.S.-Taliban agreement followed a successful week-long 'reduction in violence' by U.S., Coalition, Afghan government, and Taliban forces. However, immediately afterwards, the Taliban increased its attacks on Afghan security forces," John Sopko, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, wrote in his introduction to the SIGAR quarterly report.
Read less...
April - 30 
Former Chief Executive (CE) Abdullah Abdullah on May 1 reported progress in the political negotiations with President Ashraf Ghani and said there have been agreements in principle and that work is underway to finalize the details of the agreement between the two sides, reports Tolo News.“Glad to ass
Read more...
Former Chief Executive (CE) Abdullah Abdullah on May 1 reported progress in the political negotiations with President Ashraf Ghani and said there have been agreements in principle and that work is underway to finalize the details of the agreement between the two sides, reports Tolo News.“Glad to assure the people of AFG that efforts by respected national personalities to resolve the political crisis have borne fruit. We have made progress in negotiations and reached tentative agreement on a range of principles. Work on details is underway to finalize the agreement,” said Abdullah.
Read less...
May - 2 
Afghan National Security Council (NSC) office reported that 98 more prisoners of Taliban group were released from prison on May 2, reports BhaktarNews. Javid Faisal spokesman of NSC in a tweet stated that the prisoners have been released based on President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani decree. The prisoners
Read more...
Afghan National Security Council (NSC) office reported that 98 more prisoners of Taliban group were released from prison on May 2, reports BhaktarNews. Javid Faisal spokesman of NSC in a tweet stated that the prisoners have been released based on President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani decree. The prisoners were released based on their age, health and length of remaining sentence as part of government efforts toward peace and batting COVID-19, Faisal added.
Read less...
May - 3 
Spokesman of National Security Council (NSC), Javid Faisal tweeted that at least 17 civilians were killed and 49 more were injured by Taliban militants in the first seven days of Ramadan, reports BhaktarNews. Faisal further said that the civilians lost their lives and wounded in different parts of t
Read more...
Spokesman of National Security Council (NSC), Javid Faisal tweeted that at least 17 civilians were killed and 49 more were injured by Taliban militants in the first seven days of Ramadan, reports BhaktarNews. Faisal further said that the civilians lost their lives and wounded in different parts of the 17 Provinces of the country. Improvised Explosive Device(IEDs) and direct fire by Taliban have caused the majority of the casualties.
Read less...
May - 3 
The Afghan Ministry of Defense on Monday said that Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANDSF) repelled scores of attacks initiated by the Taliban in 15 provinces over the past 24 hours, reports Tolo News on April 4. “Tens of Taliban attacks were repelled and shut-down--the Taliban suffered
Read more...
The Afghan Ministry of Defense on Monday said that Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANDSF) repelled scores of attacks initiated by the Taliban in 15 provinces over the past 24 hours, reports Tolo News on April 4. “Tens of Taliban attacks were repelled and shut-down--the Taliban suffered heavy setbacks,” said Fawad Aman, deputy spokesman for the Ministry of Defense. Kunar, Nuristan, Nangarhar, Maidan Wardak, Paktia, Paktika, Logar, Kandahar, Badghis, Farah, Faryab, Balkh, Helmand, Nimroz, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Takhar and Kunduz are among the provinces where ANDSF faced off with the Taliban and dealt major blows to the insurgents, said the Defense Ministry.
Read less...
May - 4 
A civilian, deputy commercial director of Parwan electricity directorate Murtaza Sarwari, was killed in an explosion targeted a power pylon in Parwan province of Afghanistan on May 4, reports The Khaama Press on May 5. Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) in a statement said the personnel of the fi
Read more...
A civilian, deputy commercial director of Parwan electricity directorate Murtaza Sarwari, was killed in an explosion targeted a power pylon in Parwan province of Afghanistan on May 4, reports The Khaama Press on May 5. Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) in a statement said the personnel of the firm were busy repairing a transmission tower when an explosion went off, killing at least one and wounding many others.
Read less...
May - 4 
The Afghan government on May 4 released 902 Taliban prisoners as part of efforts to put the stalled peace process back on track, reports Tolo News. According to the National Security Council’s spokesman Javid Faisal, who said another 500 inmates will be released in the coming days. Faisal said that
Read more...
The Afghan government on May 4 released 902 Taliban prisoners as part of efforts to put the stalled peace process back on track, reports Tolo News. According to the National Security Council’s spokesman Javid Faisal, who said another 500 inmates will be released in the coming days. Faisal said that at this stage a total of 1,500 prisoners will be released by the Afghan government. The Afghan government made an earlier pledge to release a total of 5,000 Taliban prisoners only after the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations and if violence is reduced in a way that leads to a countrywide ceasefire.The Taliban in a statement welcomed the move and called for an expedited release of their prisoners to “save them” from the coronavirus and pave the way for the intra-Afghan negotiations.
Read less...
May - 4 
The Presidential Palace on May 4 reported progress in ending the dispute between President Ashraf Ghani and his political opponent Abdullah Abdullah, who also reported development in the process earlier this week and vowed a soon-to-come political agreement, reports Tolo News on May 4. Further detai
Read more...
The Presidential Palace on May 4 reported progress in ending the dispute between President Ashraf Ghani and his political opponent Abdullah Abdullah, who also reported development in the process earlier this week and vowed a soon-to-come political agreement, reports Tolo News on May 4. Further details were not provided on this matter by presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi who addressed a press conference, saying “there is progress, the talks are underway and there has been progress.”
Read less...
May - 4 
The United States Defense Secretary Mark Esper on May 4 said that the Taliban was not living up to their commitments under an agreement signed this year, reports Tolo News. “I don’t think they are,” Esper told reporters when asked if the Taliban were living up to their commitment. He added that he b
Read more...
The United States Defense Secretary Mark Esper on May 4 said that the Taliban was not living up to their commitments under an agreement signed this year, reports Tolo News. “I don’t think they are,” Esper told reporters when asked if the Taliban were living up to their commitment. He added that he believed the Afghan government was also not living up to its commitment. The Afghan Government was not part of an agreement between the United States and the Taliban. Esper said the Afghan Government and the Taliban “both need to come together and make progress on the terms that (are) laid out.”
Read less...
May - 5 
The United States(US) special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has met with the Taliban's deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Qatar on May 5 and discussed the prisoner release, intra-Afghan talks and the US-Taliban peace agreement, reports Tolo News.The US State Department on May 5 s
Read more...
The United States(US) special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has met with the Taliban's deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Qatar on May 5 and discussed the prisoner release, intra-Afghan talks and the US-Taliban peace agreement, reports Tolo News.The US State Department on May 5 said that Khalilzad departed for travel to Doha, New Delhi, and Islamabad.“At each stop, he will urge support for an immediate reduction in violence, accelerated timeline for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations, and cooperation among all sides in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan,” it added.
Read less...
May - 6 
According to the National Security Council’s office the Afghan Government released about 31 Taliban prisoners on May 6 from Puli-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul, bringing the number of released Taliban prisoners to 933, reports BhaktarNews. The NSC further said that with the release of 527 Taliban in the
Read more...
According to the National Security Council’s office the Afghan Government released about 31 Taliban prisoners on May 6 from Puli-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul, bringing the number of released Taliban prisoners to 933, reports BhaktarNews. The NSC further said that with the release of 527 Taliban in the upcoming days the numbers will reach 1,500, and the "first round" of the prisoner release will be complete.
Read less...
May - 7 
Afghanistan’s former first vice president and leader of the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, General Abdul Rashid Dostum, would be awarded the rank of marshal as part of a proposed political agreement between President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah, reports Tolo New
Read more...
Afghanistan’s former first vice president and leader of the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, General Abdul Rashid Dostum, would be awarded the rank of marshal as part of a proposed political agreement between President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah, reports Tolo News. Dostum’s aide Bashir Ahmad Tayyanj on May 7 said that good news was on the way in the coming days, stating that the political agreement will determine the authorities of Dostum. “Awarding the rank of marshal is a must, I can congratulate you from this moment, there is good news ahead of us and I will brief you on it in the next few days,” said Tayyanj.This new development takes place amid recent reports of a breakthrough in the talks between Ghani and Abdullah.
Read less...
May - 7 
India on May 7, conveyed its strong concerns about a spike in terrorist violence in Afghanistan to US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, and called for rooting out terror sanctuaries in Pakistan to ensure peace in the war-torn country, people familiar with developments said, reports Hindustan Times.The
Read more...
India on May 7, conveyed its strong concerns about a spike in terrorist violence in Afghanistan to US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, and called for rooting out terror sanctuaries in Pakistan to ensure peace in the war-torn country, people familiar with developments said, reports Hindustan Times.The concerns were conveyed to the US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation during his meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. “India is deeply concerned at the upsurge in violence and supports call for immediate ceasefire and [the] need to assist the people of Afghanistan in dealing with [the] coronavirus pandemic,” Jaishankar said in a statement on Khalilzad’s meetings.The Indian side, “emphasised that putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries is necessary for enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan”. Both Jaishankar and Doval, the statement said, “reiterated India’s continued support for strengthening peace, security, unity, democratic and inclusive polity and protection of rights of all sections of the Afghan society, including Afghan Hindus and Sikhs”.
Read less...
May - 7 
United States (US)special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, during visit to Delhi on May 7 said that India should discuss its concerns about terrorism directly with the Taliban, reportsTolo News on May 9. Khalilzad said that he had discussed how India could play a “more active role” in the Af
Read more...
United States (US)special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, during visit to Delhi on May 7 said that India should discuss its concerns about terrorism directly with the Taliban, reportsTolo News on May 9. Khalilzad said that he had discussed how India could play a “more active role” in the Afghan reconciliation process, the report said. “India is an important force in Afghanistan, and it would be appropriate for that [India-Taliban] engagement to take place,” Khalilzad told The Hindu in an exclusive interview. He also said India had a “significant role” in Afghanistan’s development, but, paradoxically, it doesn’t play a role in the international peace efforts. “India and Afghanistan have historic ties, and I believe that dialogue between India and the Taliban is important, and it would be important that issues of concern like this [terrorism] are raised directly,” he added.
Read less...
May - 8 
The Pakistan military released the details of the meeting between Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Chief of the Staff of the Army Staff (COAS) and Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special envoy for Afghan peace, reports The Khaama Press on May 9. “Mr Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghan Recon
Read more...
The Pakistan military released the details of the meeting between Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Chief of the Staff of the Army Staff (COAS) and Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special envoy for Afghan peace, reports The Khaama Press on May 9. “Mr Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today,” the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military said in a statement. The statement further added “During the meeting, issues of mutual interest and overall regional security situation including Afghan reconciliation process were discussed.”
Read less...
May - 9 
According to, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Javid Faisal on May 9 announced that Afghan Government that nearly 1000 Taliban prisoners had been released so far from different jails across Afghanistan, reports Bhaktar News. According to Javid Faisal, 67 of Taliban prisoners were recentl
Read more...
According to, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Javid Faisal on May 9 announced that Afghan Government that nearly 1000 Taliban prisoners had been released so far from different jails across Afghanistan, reports Bhaktar News. According to Javid Faisal, 67 of Taliban prisoners were recently released from the Parwan Central Prison, bringing the total number to 1,000. Faisal said the releases had highlighted the Government’s commitment to peace. Now it is Taliban's turn to accelerate the release of government prisoners, stop killing Afghans and start face-to-face talks as soon as possible.
Read less...
May - 9 
The Taliban group has claimed it has released 28 more ‘prisoners’ as part of the efforts to expedite the process for the release of prisoners, reports TheKhaama Press on May 10. Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the political office of Taliban in Doha, said the Taliban group released the 28 prisone
Read more...
The Taliban group has claimed it has released 28 more ‘prisoners’ as part of the efforts to expedite the process for the release of prisoners, reports TheKhaama Press on May 10. Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the political office of Taliban in Doha, said the Taliban group released the 28 prisoners in Herat Province on May 9.
Read less...
May - 10 
The head of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghanistan's intelligence agency, Ahmad Zia Saraj on May 10 said that Taliban’s relations with other terrorist groups “continue to be close and mutually beneficial which is against the spirit of the peace agreement the group had signed with th
Read more...
The head of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghanistan's intelligence agency, Ahmad Zia Saraj on May 10 said that Taliban’s relations with other terrorist groups “continue to be close and mutually beneficial which is against the spirit of the peace agreement the group had signed with the United States," reports Tolo News. “The Taliban’s leadership is still thinking of a comeback to power by military means. They do not value things like mutual tolerance and peace,” the NDS chief Ahmad Zia Saraj told Afghan senators during a briefing about the security situations of the country. At the same session, acting Minister of Interior Massoud Andarabi said that the Taliban will not be able to win on the battlefield. “We will prevent the Taliban’s wish to settle the problem through military means,” said Andarabi.
Read less...
May - 11 
According to the officials, fighters from Al Qaeda and Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad groups are also fighting the Afghan security forces alongside the Taliban, reports Tolo News. “Groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad (Pakistan based militant group) and Al Qaeda are also operating here. There are Pakistani
Read more...
According to the officials, fighters from Al Qaeda and Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad groups are also fighting the Afghan security forces alongside the Taliban, reports Tolo News. “Groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad (Pakistan based militant group) and Al Qaeda are also operating here. There are Pakistanis among them, too," said Mohammad Hassan, the commander of public uprising force in east.
Read less...
May - 11 
The National Security Council (NSC) spokesman Jawed Faisal announced that Afghan Government on May 11 temporarily stopped the release of Taliban prisoners, saying the Taliban must bring its total number of released security force members to 200, while so far they have only "freed 105", reports Tolo
Read more...
The National Security Council (NSC) spokesman Jawed Faisal announced that Afghan Government on May 11 temporarily stopped the release of Taliban prisoners, saying the Taliban must bring its total number of released security force members to 200, while so far they have only "freed 105", reports Tolo News. However, following Faisal's announcement, Taliban ‘spokesman’ Suhail Shaheen said that the group released 53 prisoners of the Afghan Government on May 11 and in Badghis and Faryab Provinces on May 10. The Afghan Government contends that although the Taliban has released a higher number of detainees, not all of them are from Afghan government security forces. The Government, according to the NSC spokesman Jawed Faisal, has so far released 1,000 Taliban prisoners. According to Faisal, Taliban has released 171 prisoners among whom are 105 are security and defense force members, and the remaining are not members of the Afghan Security Forces.
Read less...
May - 12 
President Ashraf Ghani, in a public address, on May 12 orders the Afghan forces to switch from “active defensive” mode to “offensive” mode, and to resume attacks on the Taliban, reports Tolo News. President Ghani said the Taliban have ignored repeated calls for reduced violence and ceasefire. He add
Read more...
President Ashraf Ghani, in a public address, on May 12 orders the Afghan forces to switch from “active defensive” mode to “offensive” mode, and to resume attacks on the Taliban, reports Tolo News. President Ghani said the Taliban have ignored repeated calls for reduced violence and ceasefire. He added that a call for a ceasefire does not mean weakness--it shows a commitment to peace. He once again called on the Taliban to embrace peace. The announcement comes after a series of attacks across the country on May 12.
Read less...
May - 12 
The Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on the Afghan Government and the Taliban group to cooperate in bringing the perpetrators of Kabul and Nangarhar attacks to justice, reports The Khaama Press. Mike Pompeo said in a statement “In an unconscionable assault, gunmen seized one of Kabul’s busiest
Read more...
The Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on the Afghan Government and the Taliban group to cooperate in bringing the perpetrators of Kabul and Nangarhar attacks to justice, reports The Khaama Press. Mike Pompeo said in a statement “In an unconscionable assault, gunmen seized one of Kabul’s busiest hospitals, which housed a maternity ward run by Doctors Without Borders. In the hospital, the terrorists took the lives of at least 13 innocent people, including newborn babies, new mothers, and health care workers. Any attack on innocents is unforgivable, but to attack infants and women in labor in the sanctuary of a hospital is an act of sheer evil.” Pompeo further added “Separately, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, a suicide bomber attacked the funeral of a local police commander, leaving at least 26 people dead and more than 68 wounded. Terrorists who attack mourners lining up for prayer at a funeral are only seeking to tear apart the bonds that hold families and communities together, but they will never succeed.” Noting that Taliban denied any responsibility and condemned both attacks as heinous, Pompeo said “The Taliban and the Afghan government should cooperate to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Read less...
May - 13 
Russian Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan and Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Second Asia Department Zamir Kabulov told TASS that President Ashraf Ghani’s order to launch an offensive against the Taliban and the suspension of the release of Taliban prisoners will halt the proces
Read more...
Russian Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan and Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Second Asia Department Zamir Kabulov told TASS that President Ashraf Ghani’s order to launch an offensive against the Taliban and the suspension of the release of Taliban prisoners will halt the process of launching intra-Afghan negotiations, reports The Khaama Press on May 14. “This is regrettable, because by his actions the head of the Kabul administration actually stalls the process of moving towards the launch of intra-Afghan negotiations,” he said, adding that “Such actions clearly indicate that Kabul is not much interested in the early launch of intra-Afghan talks,” the diplomat added.
Read less...
May - 13 
United States (US) President Donald Trump on May 13 in answer to a question about the attacks in Afghanistan said, “At some point they’re going to have to be able to take care of their country”, reports Tolo News. “We’ve been there for many years, we’re like a police force. We’re not fighting in Af
Read more...
United States (US) President Donald Trump on May 13 in answer to a question about the attacks in Afghanistan said, “At some point they’re going to have to be able to take care of their country”, reports Tolo News. “We’ve been there for many years, we’re like a police force. We’re not fighting in Afghanistan, we’re a police force in Afghanistan and at some point, they’re going to have to be able to take care of their country,” President Trump said. However, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Twitter on May 13 that the United States remained committed to a “lasting peace” in Afghanistan and will “stand by our Afghan partners.”, reports Tolo News.
Read less...
May - 13 
Afghanistan’s first vice president Amrullah Saleh has said that there is clear "evidence" that the Taliban plotted the recent attacks in Kabul, Nangarhar and Laghman Provinces.“Evidence shows that the Taliban are in celebratory mood for massacring "Shias" in maternity hospital in Kabul, an ANA patro
Read more...
Afghanistan’s first vice president Amrullah Saleh has said that there is clear "evidence" that the Taliban plotted the recent attacks in Kabul, Nangarhar and Laghman Provinces.“Evidence shows that the Taliban are in celebratory mood for massacring "Shias" in maternity hospital in Kabul, an ANA patrol in Laghman & a local rival & his followers in Nangarhar. They double celebrate the naivete of some for accepting their lies & accusing the fictional IS-K,” Saleh tweeted.
Read less...
May - 13 
At least 36 military prisoners were released from Taliban prison in Faryab Province on May 13, reports Bhaktar News. Dr. Naqibullah Fayeq Governor of Faryab said the released prisoners are military which are being held in Taliban prisoners for months.
Read more...
At least 36 military prisoners were released from Taliban prison in Faryab Province on May 13, reports Bhaktar News. Dr. Naqibullah Fayeq Governor of Faryab said the released prisoners are military which are being held in Taliban prisoners for months.
Read less...
May - 13 
The Afghan Government on May 13 branded the Taliban as the main perpetrator behind the recent attacks in Kabul, Nangarhar and Laghman Province and urged the international community to put pressure on the resurgent group to agree to reduce violence and help pave the way for the peace process, reports
Read more...
The Afghan Government on May 13 branded the Taliban as the main perpetrator behind the recent attacks in Kabul, Nangarhar and Laghman Province and urged the international community to put pressure on the resurgent group to agree to reduce violence and help pave the way for the peace process, reports Tolo News.Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, said that the Taliban’s disavowal of attacks does not make the group innocent of them, and he stated that there will be no peace in Afghanistan if the group continues the hostility and refuses to reduce violence.“The Taliban cannot deny the crimes they have committed and the destruction that they have inflicted on our country,” said Sediqqi.
Read less...
May - 14 
The United States (U.S)special envoy for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad said the U.S. government assessment reveals that the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) terrorist group carried out the recent deadly attacks in Afghanistan, reports The Khaama Press on May 15. “The USG has assessed IS-K conducted the
Read more...
The United States (U.S)special envoy for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad said the U.S. government assessment reveals that the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) terrorist group carried out the recent deadly attacks in Afghanistan, reports The Khaama Press on May 15. “The USG has assessed IS-K conducted the horrific attacks on a maternity ward and a funeral earlier this week in Afghanistan. IS-K has demonstrated a pattern for favouring these types of heinous attacks against civilians and is a threat to the Afghan people and to the world,” Khalilzad said in a Twitter post. Khalilzad further added “The USG has assessed ISIS-K conducted the horrific attacks on a maternity ward and a funeral earlier this week in Afghanistan. ISIS has demonstrated a pattern for favouring these types of heinous attacks against civilians and is a threat to the Afghan people and to the world.” Attacks in Kabul and Nangarhar Province lead to the death of 56 people.
Read less...
May - 15 
The Taliban demanded transparent and impartial investigations into the deadly attacks in Kabul and Nangarhar as the group is being blamed for the two attacks, mainly by the Afghan Government, reports The Khaama Press on May 16. “The Islamic Emirate strongly condemned both attacks and clarified that
Read more...
The Taliban demanded transparent and impartial investigations into the deadly attacks in Kabul and Nangarhar as the group is being blamed for the two attacks, mainly by the Afghan Government, reports The Khaama Press on May 16. “The Islamic Emirate strongly condemned both attacks and clarified that these attacks were the work of criminal and malicious elements who are seeking to attain their malicious objectives by killing defenceless human beings,” the group said in a statement.
Read less...
May - 15 
The United States (U.S.) Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has said the Taliban group played an important role in the fight against Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan, reports Khamma News Agency on May 16. Zalmay Khalilzad said “We believe that ISIS and the Taliban are mor
Read more...
The United States (U.S.) Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has said the Taliban group played an important role in the fight against Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan, reports Khamma News Agency on May 16. Zalmay Khalilzad said “We believe that ISIS and the Taliban are mortal enemies, and in the war against ISIS, Taliban have played an important role.” “Of course, the government has as well, and we have played a vital role in that fight,” Khalilzad said, insisting that that fight is not finished.
Read less...
May - 15 
The United States (US) is on track to meet its commitment to the Taliban to withdraw several thousand troops from Afghanistan by mid-July 2020, even as violence flares, the peace process is stalled, and Kabul struggles in political deadlock, reports Al Jazeera on May 16. US officials say they will r
Read more...
The United States (US) is on track to meet its commitment to the Taliban to withdraw several thousand troops from Afghanistan by mid-July 2020, even as violence flares, the peace process is stalled, and Kabul struggles in political deadlock, reports Al Jazeera on May 16. US officials say they will reduce to 8,600 troops by July 15 and abandon five bases. By the second quarter of 2021, all foreign forces are supposed to withdraw.
Read less...
May - 17 
A spokesman for the Office of National Security Council (ONSC),Jawed Faisal, on May 17said that over 120 Afghan civilians were killed and 350 others were wounded in attacks initiated by the Taliban over the past three weeks, reports Tolo News. “The attacks launched by the Taliban and their backers
Read more...
A spokesman for the Office of National Security Council (ONSC),Jawed Faisal, on May 17said that over 120 Afghan civilians were killed and 350 others were wounded in attacks initiated by the Taliban over the past three weeks, reports Tolo News. “The attacks launched by the Taliban and their backers show a 33 percent increase compared with the second week of the holy month of Ramadan,” said ONSC spokesman Jawed Faisal. Meanwhile, the Afghan Ministry of Defense has said that the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANDSF) have returned to "offense mode" following an order by the president. “Over the past few days we managed to conduct a series of powerful attacks on the enemy position and dealt major human fatalities on them,” said Rohullah Ahmadzai, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense.
Read less...
May - 17 
India on May 17, said it hoped the deal between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah will lead to fresh efforts for peace in the war-torn country and an end to externally sponsored terror, reports defenceaviationpost.com.While calling for an immediate ceasefire to bolster th
Read more...
India on May 17, said it hoped the deal between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah will lead to fresh efforts for peace in the war-torn country and an end to externally sponsored terror, reports defenceaviationpost.com.While calling for an immediate ceasefire to bolster the Afghan peace process, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern at the enhanced violence and terrorism in Afghanistan. Ghani and Abdullah signed a power-sharing deal on May 17, after months of political discord triggered by last year’s (2019) disputed Presidential election. The final result of the election was announced only in February, 2020 and both leaders had claimed victory.A statement issued by the MEA welcomed the political agreement concluded in Kabul and said: “India hopes the Political Agreement and creation of the High Council of National Reconciliation will result in renewed efforts for establishing enduring peace and stability and putting an end to externally sponsored terrorism and violence.”
Read less...
May - 17 
The acting chief of National Directorate of Security (NDS), Ahmad Zia Saraj said that the orchestrators of recent attacks have links with Islamic State (IS) and Haqqani terrorist network, reports The Khaama Press on May 18. Ahmad Zia Saraj told reporters that the Afghan intelligence has a system in
Read more...
The acting chief of National Directorate of Security (NDS), Ahmad Zia Saraj said that the orchestrators of recent attacks have links with Islamic State (IS) and Haqqani terrorist network, reports The Khaama Press on May 18. Ahmad Zia Saraj told reporters that the Afghan intelligence has a system in place to exchange information with the United States and that the documents regarding the recent attacks would be shared with the U.S. side. He also added that the Al Qaeda terrorist network and other groups have further strengthened their ties with the Taliban group following the signing of peace deal with the United States. According to Siraj, the Taliban group has carried out at least 3,700 attacks following the signing of the peace deal with the United States.
Read less...
May - 17 
The Taliban group reacted to the signing of an agreement between former Chief Executive (CE) Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani, calling it a repeat of the past failed experience, reports The Khaama Press on May 18.Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the political office of Taliban in Qatar, said ‘Th
Read more...
The Taliban group reacted to the signing of an agreement between former Chief Executive (CE) Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani, calling it a repeat of the past failed experience, reports The Khaama Press on May 18.Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the political office of Taliban in Qatar, said ‘Things happening in Kabul are a repeat of the previous failed experience.’
Read less...
May - 18 
The Taliban denied claims that appeared on social media stating that it could join Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir, highlighting the fact that the Taliban was clear that it “does not interfere in internal affairs of other countries”, reports Hindustan Times.“The statement published in the me
Read more...
The Taliban denied claims that appeared on social media stating that it could join Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir, highlighting the fact that the Taliban was clear that it “does not interfere in internal affairs of other countries”, reports Hindustan Times.“The statement published in the media about Taliban joining Jihad in Kashmir is wrong…. The policy of the Islamic Emirate is clear that it does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.” Suhail Shaheen, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as the political wing of Taliban calls itself, tweeted on May 18.
Read less...
May - 19 
The supreme leader of the Taliban group Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada has promised equal rights for the men and women following the end of the coalition forces’ presence in the country, reports The Khaama Press on May 20. In a statement, Akhundzada said, “To those sides and individuals that have rese
Read more...
The supreme leader of the Taliban group Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada has promised equal rights for the men and women following the end of the coalition forces’ presence in the country, reports The Khaama Press on May 20. In a statement, Akhundzada said, “To those sides and individuals that have reservations about the future political system following the end of occupation the Islamic Emirate once again assures everyone that it does not have a monopolist policy, every male and female member of society shall be given their due rights, none shall feel any sense of deprivation or injustice and all work necessary for the welfare, durability and development of society will be addressed in the light of divine Shariah law.”
Read less...
May - 19 
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) latest report shows a surge in the number of civilian casualties in the country as compared to last year, reports Tolo News on May 20. “UNAMA’s latest preliminary figures indicate a trend of escalating civilian casualties in April from ope
Read more...
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) latest report shows a surge in the number of civilian casualties in the country as compared to last year, reports Tolo News on May 20. “UNAMA’s latest preliminary figures indicate a trend of escalating civilian casualties in April from operations conducted by both the Taliban and the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). There is also grave concern about levels of violence in the first half of May, including recent attacks claimed by Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP),” the report said. According to the report, the Taliban were responsible for 208 civilian casualties in April which shows an increase of 25 percent in comparison to April 2019 and at similar levels to March 2020.
Read less...
May - 20 
Senior deputy Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdul Saboor Qane on May 20 said that Offensives mounted by Afghan Security Forces have intensified in the west of the country, reports Tolo News on April 21.
Read more...
Senior deputy Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdul Saboor Qane on May 20 said that Offensives mounted by Afghan Security Forces have intensified in the west of the country, reports Tolo News on April 21.
Read less...
May - 20 
The Pentagon released its latest report outlining Pakistan’s continued support to Taliban and the notorious Haqqani terrorist network, reports The Khaama Press on May 21. “Pakistan continues to harbor the Taliban and associated militant groups in Pakistan, such as the Haqqani Network, which maintain
Read more...
The Pentagon released its latest report outlining Pakistan’s continued support to Taliban and the notorious Haqqani terrorist network, reports The Khaama Press on May 21. “Pakistan continues to harbor the Taliban and associated militant groups in Pakistan, such as the Haqqani Network, which maintains the ability to conduct attacks against Afghan interests,” the report said. The Pentagon report, prepared by the Inspector General, complied with the help of the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development, covers the period from January to March of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan.
Read less...
May - 20 
The U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah after meeting the deputy political chief of Taliban in Qatar, reports The Khaama Press on May 21. Zalmay Khalilzad said in a Twitter post, “We discussed next steps re
Read more...
The U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah after meeting the deputy political chief of Taliban in Qatar, reports The Khaama Press on May 21. Zalmay Khalilzad said in a Twitter post, “We discussed next steps required to implement the agreement between the 2 leaders. On peace, we agreed that violence is much too high and there is a need to move urgently to reduce it by all sides.” “We also agreed on the importance of delivering (and soon) on other commitments made in the US-Taliban agreement and US-Afghanistan joint declaration including release of prisoners by both sides and the start of intra-Afghan negotiations,” he said.
Read less...
May - 21 
The Deputy Political Chief of Taliban Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has warned that a further delay in implementing the U.S.-Taliban peace deal could further harm the ‘harmed’ peace process, reports The Khaama Press. Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the political office of Taliban in Qatar, said Mull
Read more...
The Deputy Political Chief of Taliban Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has warned that a further delay in implementing the U.S.-Taliban peace deal could further harm the ‘harmed’ peace process, reports The Khaama Press. Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the political office of Taliban in Qatar, said Mullah Baradar warned regarding the consequences of the delay in implementing the peace deal, during a meeting with the U.S. envoy for Afghan peace, Zalmay Khalilzad.
Read less...
May - 22 
Office of National Security Council (ONSC) said on May 22 that 146 civilians have been killed and 430 others were wounded in attacks initiated by the Taliban during the month of Ramzan, reports Tolo News. Javid Faisal, a spokesman for ONSC tweeted that The Taliban showed zero respect for civilians a
Read more...
Office of National Security Council (ONSC) said on May 22 that 146 civilians have been killed and 430 others were wounded in attacks initiated by the Taliban during the month of Ramzan, reports Tolo News. Javid Faisal, a spokesman for ONSC tweeted that The Taliban showed zero respect for civilians and the agreement was to reduce violence, and they have continued their deadly campaign against the Afghan people in the last week of the holy month of Ramadan. They killed 25 civilians, including women and children, and wounded 89 across 20 provinces. Currently, the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANDSF) are fighting the Taliban in at least 15 provinces. Helmand, Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz, Faryab, Balkh, Paktia, Nangarhar, Paktika, Baghlan, Herat, Maidan, Wardak, Badghis, Kapisa, Samangan and Kandahar are among the provinces
Read less...
May - 23 
The Taliban on May 23 announced a three-day ceasefire with the Afghan Government on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, reports Tolo News. A statement issued by the group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Twitter said that the Taliban will not stage any attack on ‘enemy’ forces, but will maintain the right
Read more...
The Taliban on May 23 announced a three-day ceasefire with the Afghan Government on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, reports Tolo News. A statement issued by the group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Twitter said that the Taliban will not stage any attack on ‘enemy’ forces, but will maintain the right to defend itself against potential threats.
Read less...
May - 24 
India on May 24 welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban on the occasion of Eid, reports The Hindu on May 26. “We hope this ceasefire would extend further and become permanent to address the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the coronavi
Read more...
India on May 24 welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban on the occasion of Eid, reports The Hindu on May 26. “We hope this ceasefire would extend further and become permanent to address the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and pave the way for durable peace and stability for the people of Afghanistan,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, welcoming the three-day truce.
Read less...
May - 24 
On May 24, members of the Afghan peace negotiation team said that they have completed their internal group discussion on the peace process and the team is ready to start peace negotiation talks with the Taliban, reports Tolo News. The members said that there is a historic opportunity for peace and t
Read more...
On May 24, members of the Afghan peace negotiation team said that they have completed their internal group discussion on the peace process and the team is ready to start peace negotiation talks with the Taliban, reports Tolo News. The members said that there is a historic opportunity for peace and the Taliban must not miss the chance for seizing it. “We worked throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Discussions were held on contents, the agenda and the required preparations. The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is fully ready to start the talks. I think now is the right time that the Taliban avoids further war,” said Fawzia Kofi, a member of the peace negotiation team.
Read less...
May - 24 
President Ashraf Ghani in a meeting on May 24 announced that the Government will release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture in response to the Taliban's calling for a three-day ceasefire, and the president also pledged to take further steps in the peace process, reports Tolo News.
Read more...
President Ashraf Ghani in a meeting on May 24 announced that the Government will release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture in response to the Taliban's calling for a three-day ceasefire, and the president also pledged to take further steps in the peace process, reports Tolo News.
Read less...
May - 24 
United States (US) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad welcomed the Taliban and Afghan government's decision to observe a ceasefire during Eid-ul-Fitr, as “This is a momentous opportunity that should not be missed. The US will do its part to help”, reports Tolo New
Read more...
United States (US) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad welcomed the Taliban and Afghan government's decision to observe a ceasefire during Eid-ul-Fitr, as “This is a momentous opportunity that should not be missed. The US will do its part to help”, reports Tolo News. Khalilzad said that other steps--like the release of the remaining prisoners--should follow immediately, and that neither side should return to high levels of violence, and an agreement on a new date for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations should be set.
Read less...
May - 26 
According to the National Security Council, the Afghan Government on May 26 released around 900 Taliban prisoners, reports Tolo News. The 900 prisoners were released from different prisons across the country, mainly from Pul-e-Charkhi Prison in Kabul and Bagram Prison in Parwan province.The order fo
Read more...
According to the National Security Council, the Afghan Government on May 26 released around 900 Taliban prisoners, reports Tolo News. The 900 prisoners were released from different prisons across the country, mainly from Pul-e-Charkhi Prison in Kabul and Bagram Prison in Parwan province.The order for the release of these prisoners was issued by President Ashraf Ghani on the first day of Eid as he pledged to release up to 2,000 Taliban inmates. His announcement came as a response to the Taliban's calling a three-day ceasefire during Eid. “The number will reach 2,000, but what remains is related to the Taliban... The continuance of violence by the Taliban will not help the peace process,” said Javid Faisal, a spokesman for the National Security Council.
Read less...
May - 26 
The United States (US) President Donald Trump on May 26 at a White House news conference renewed his desire for a full military withdrawal from Afghanistan, reports Tolo News.However, President Donald Trump added that he had not set a target date, amid speculation he might make ending America’s long
Read more...
The United States (US) President Donald Trump on May 26 at a White House news conference renewed his desire for a full military withdrawal from Afghanistan, reports Tolo News.However, President Donald Trump added that he had not set a target date, amid speculation he might make ending America’s longest war part of his re-election campaign.“We’re there 19 years and, yeah, I think that’s enough... We can always go back if we want to,” said Trump.Trump also said:"Well, I think everyone knows we're down to less than 8,000 troops. We're with leadership in many different fields and in many different parts of that country. We're dealing with the Taliban; we're dealing with the president. The president now has gotten himself straightened out with the two presidents, but we're dealing with - because they had, as you know, they had competing factors and factions."
Read less...
May - 27 
Senior officials from Afghanistan, the United States (US) and Uzbekistan on May 27, held a virtual meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, and the three pledged to work together and address mutual issues of concern including political ties, security and economic and human development matters, repo
Read more...
Senior officials from Afghanistan, the United States (US) and Uzbekistan on May 27, held a virtual meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, and the three pledged to work together and address mutual issues of concern including political ties, security and economic and human development matters, reports Tolo News. The meeting was co-chaired by American Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale, Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar, and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. Later on, the three countries issued a joint statement in which the three nations pledged to further expand their cooperation. The first part of the joint statement reads that the three countries are “committed to greater cooperation among themselves" and call on countries of the region and the broader international community "to promote the Afghanistan peace process and to support the goal of a durable political settlement preserving the gains of the past 18 years to end the war in that country.”The joint statement also welcomed the political agreement between President Ashraf Ghani and his election rival Abdullah Abdullah. On the ceasefire, the statement said: “Welcomed the historic Eid ceasefire and the decision by Afghan leadership this week to expedite the release of Taliban prisoners, including the more than 900 prisoners released since that decision was taken, and urged the continued release of prisoners by both the Afghan Government and the Taliban consistent with the US -Taliban agreement of February 29." The joint statement also “took note of the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration and the US-Taliban agreement of February 29 and affirmed Taliban and Islamic Republic of Afghanistan commitments to prevent any international terrorist groups or individuals, including al-Qaeda and (Daesh), from using Afghan soil; to this end, the sacrifices of the Afghan National Security Forces and its international partners are greatly appreciated.” Through the trilateral format, the participants intend to deepen cooperation through the following priority areas: "Developing security cooperation and intensifying joint efforts to combat cross-border threats along the frontier between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, and to address issues such as terrorism, drug and precursor trafficking, smuggling, illegal migration, human trafficking, and wildlife trafficking throughout the region."
Read less...
May - 31 
The Afghan Government on May 31, confirmed the release of 3,000 Taliban prisoners from different prisons across the country so far, reports Bakhtar News. Javed Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council (NSC), said they had released 1,000 more Taliban prisoners over the past two days. The
Read more...
The Afghan Government on May 31, confirmed the release of 3,000 Taliban prisoners from different prisons across the country so far, reports Bakhtar News. Javed Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council (NSC), said they had released 1,000 more Taliban prisoners over the past two days. The Taliban inmates were set free from different prisons of the country, but most of them walked free from Pul-i-Charkhi and Bagram jails, Fiasal said, adding the remaining 710 were freed on May 30-31. On the other hand, the Taliban have also released 150 Government prisoners over the past two days in different provinces of the country. Taliban’s ‘political office spokesman’ Suhail Shaheen said they had released 420 government prisoners so far. For its part, the government also acknowledged its prisoners had also released been freed by the Taliban.
Read less...
May - 31 
The Afghan Government will continue the release of Taliban prisoners to begin intra-Afghan negotiations and to help the announced reduction in violence go on, said the National Security Council on May 31, reports Tolo News. President Ashraf Ghani on May 24 pledged to release 2,000 Taliban prisoners
Read more...
The Afghan Government will continue the release of Taliban prisoners to begin intra-Afghan negotiations and to help the announced reduction in violence go on, said the National Security Council on May 31, reports Tolo News. President Ashraf Ghani on May 24 pledged to release 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture in response to the Eid ceasefire announced by the Taliban. So far, the Government has released 1,700 detainees of this latest pledged tranche, bringing the total number of Taliban released to 2,700. The release of prisoners is part of the US-Taliban agreement and is intended to pave the way for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations, for which the Afghan government has shown a readiness to begin. The Taliban has also released over 420 prisoners, 73 of them during the last few days from Balkh, Logar, Kunduz, Paktia, Paktika and Khost provinces. “The process will continue so that based on President Ghani’s decree, 2,000 prisoners are released,” said Javid Faisal, a spokesman for National Security Council.
Read less...
June - 1 
A new United Nations (UN) report reveals that the Taliban still maintains close ties with the alQaeda terrorist network, despite signing a peace deal with the United States in which they committed to fight militant groups, reports Gandhara on June 2. The Taliban slammed the report, made public on Ju
Read more...
A new United Nations (UN) report reveals that the Taliban still maintains close ties with the alQaeda terrorist network, despite signing a peace deal with the United States in which they committed to fight militant groups, reports Gandhara on June 2. The Taliban slammed the report, made public on June 1, as "baseless and bigoted."
Read less...
June - 1 
The US peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on June 1 said that “We’re optimistic that finally we are moving forward to the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations”, reports Tolo News. Khalilzad is hopeful that the violence will stay low and the intra-Afghan negotiations will begin with the T
Read more...
The US peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on June 1 said that “We’re optimistic that finally we are moving forward to the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations”, reports Tolo News. Khalilzad is hopeful that the violence will stay low and the intra-Afghan negotiations will begin with the Taliban. “I believe we are in a more hopeful moment that validates our approach," said Khalilzad, citing the Eid ceasefire called for by the Taliban, which was reciprocated by the government. "By all accounts violence was down dramatically during Eid,” the US envoy said. “Since the Eid ceasefire, violence has been relatively low. It hasn’t gone back to pre-Eid circumstances or conditions. And at the same time the government of Afghanistan in response to the ceasefire and the reduction of violence that has taken place has accelerated the release of prisoners,” he mentioned. On the political crisis in Afghanistan, Khalilzad said: “The political crisis in Afghanistan that produced two presidential inaugurations, now it’s been resolved, and the two leaders are working together on an agenda for peace.”
Read less...
June - 2 
Saudi Arabia strongly reacted to the bombing of Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan mosque of June 2, in capital Kabul which left many dead or wounded including a prominent prayer leader, Mawlavi Ayaz Niazi, Khamma Press reports on June 4.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia in a statement said it
Read more...
Saudi Arabia strongly reacted to the bombing of Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan mosque of June 2, in capital Kabul which left many dead or wounded including a prominent prayer leader, Mawlavi Ayaz Niazi, Khamma Press reports on June 4.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia in a statement said it expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s utter condemnation and denunciation of the bomb blasts at a mosque in the Afghan capital of Kabul, which has resulted in deaths and injuries.“The Ministry offers its condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded, and that security and stability prevail throughout Afghanistan, reaffirming the Kingdom’s rejection to all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism,” the statement added.
Read less...
June - 2 
Sirajuddin Haqqani, ‘deputy leader’ of the Taliban, said that despite the group's belief in the peace negotiation talks as one of the core components of the solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, the Taliban will still continue the path of jihad (holy war) and strengthen its military power, Tolo N
Read more...
Sirajuddin Haqqani, ‘deputy leader’ of the Taliban, said that despite the group's belief in the peace negotiation talks as one of the core components of the solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, the Taliban will still continue the path of jihad (holy war) and strengthen its military power, Tolo News reports on June 3. In a message to mark the completion of training of a group of Taliban suicide bombers at an unknown location, Haqqani said that the peace process does not mean the Taliban will abandon the path of jihad. Footage released on the group’s social media platforms show a group of Taliban fighters wearing suicide vests who are passing in a parade in front of the Taliban’s military commission. Messages from other top Taliban officials, including Mullah Abdullah Ghani Baradar and Mullah Yaqoub, were read out in support of the suicide squad. “We believe that the talks are the solution, the politics of sharia (Islamic) law is one of the paths of our jihad and struggle, but no one should miscalculate our politics and willingness for talks --- they shouldn’t expect (the Taliban) to abandon jihad and their military capabilities,” said Haqqani in a message to the Taliban fighters. “We will use our ability to further develop the strength of the military and jihadi forces of the Islamic emirate (Term used for Afghanistan by the Taliban),” said Mullah Yaqoub.
Read less...
June - 4 
The Afghan government established the new Command of the Joint Forces in a bid to root out the terror cells and criminal gangs in Kabul, Khamma Press reports on June 4.Tariq Arian, a Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, said the new Command of the Joint Forces will root out the scattered cells
Read more...
The Afghan government established the new Command of the Joint Forces in a bid to root out the terror cells and criminal gangs in Kabul, Khamma Press reports on June 4.Tariq Arian, a Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, said the new Command of the Joint Forces will root out the scattered cells of the terrorist groups as well as criminal networks in the capital.This comes as criminal incidents are on the rise parallel to terrorist attacks in Kabul city.The militants carried out numerous attacks in Kabul city lately including an attack in Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan mosque located in the diplomatic part of the city.
Read less...
June - 4 
Western envoys in Kabul in a statement on June 4, welcomed the formation of the High Council for National Reconciliation and called on Afghan parties involved in the peace process to ensure the inclusion of women, minorities and civil society institutions for meaningful peace negotiation, reports To
Read more...
Western envoys in Kabul in a statement on June 4, welcomed the formation of the High Council for National Reconciliation and called on Afghan parties involved in the peace process to ensure the inclusion of women, minorities and civil society institutions for meaningful peace negotiation, reports Tolo News.The statement reads: "The embassies of Australian, Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the kingdom of Netherlands, the kingdom of Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom and the delegation of the European Union welcome the information of the High Council for National Reconciliation and hope that this will quickly be followed by the announcement of the date for the commencement of the intra-Afghan negotiations. These are critical steps toward an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace. " "It is now urgent that both the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban insist on the meaningful participation of women in these negotiations. History shows peace agreements are more durable and successful when women are fully integrated and engaged…The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban must actively include women in all dimensions of the peace process; leadership councils, negotiating teams, consultative shuras, technical and advisory team. we urge both sides to redouble efforts to appoint a greater number of qualified women to these bodies," the statement read. The Western envoys in the statement also stressed the importance of men as crucial advocates for gender equality and urged them to actively promote the involvement of the Afghan women in the peace process."The fundamental rights of Afghan women enshrined in the Afghan constitution must be preserved and strengthened as part of peace process. these include women's rights to work, education, freedom of movement and association and access to health care," the statement said.The statement concludes: "The chance for a peaceful and prosperous future Afghanistan relies on recognizing the power and harnessing the unrealized potential of Afghan women."
Read less...
June - 5 
Russia’s special envoy Zamir Kabulov said that India’s policy of avoiding any engagement with the militants has had its day, reports The Hindu on June 6. Russia’s special presidential envoy Zamir Kabulov said, “New Delhi’s policy of avoiding any engagement with the Taliban has had its day, especial
Read more...
Russia’s special envoy Zamir Kabulov said that India’s policy of avoiding any engagement with the militants has had its day, reports The Hindu on June 6. Russia’s special presidential envoy Zamir Kabulov said, “New Delhi’s policy of avoiding any engagement with the Taliban has had its day, especially in view of the upcoming launch of intra-Afghan talks and eventual transformation of the Taliban movement into an influential legal political force in Afghanistan.”
Read less...
June - 6 
Former North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) official, Nicholas Kay warned that withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan without a total Taliban commitment to peace would be “rash”, reports The Khaama Press on June 7. “It would be very rash for us to have a comprehensive military withdrawal
Read more...
Former North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) official, Nicholas Kay warned that withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan without a total Taliban commitment to peace would be “rash”, reports The Khaama Press on June 7. “It would be very rash for us to have a comprehensive military withdrawal from Afghanistan before there is a comprehensive political peace agreement,” he told Forces News. “At this stage, the only commitment on the NATO side is for this first stage of withdrawal down to 12,000 and then there would be a stocktake.” Sir Nicholas Kay remarked it is important to keep in mind the deal is conditions-based. “If the Taliban do not live up to their commitments, then there will not be a deal. “Those commitments have to be demonstrated.” One of the commitments the Taliban are expected to fulfil is the reduction of violence, but this is not the reality at the moment. “Yes, the Taliban stopped attacking coalition forces. Yes, they stopped attacking high-profile targets in cities […] but they were killing Afghan security forces, Afghan civilians in rural areas [and] districts across the country at a very high rate.”
Read less...
June - 7 
A spokesman for Taliban Suhail Shaheen said that the United States (US) special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, and the commander of foreign troops in Afghanistan, US General Scott Miller, met with the Taliban’s deputy leader Mullah Baradar in Doha on June 7, reports Tolo News on June 8. “B
Read more...
A spokesman for Taliban Suhail Shaheen said that the United States (US) special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, and the commander of foreign troops in Afghanistan, US General Scott Miller, met with the Taliban’s deputy leader Mullah Baradar in Doha on June 7, reports Tolo News on June 8. “Both sides talked about (the) speedy release of the prisoners and commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations,” said Shaheen in a tweet. “Dr. Mutlaq Al-Qahtani, Special Envoy of the Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar and his delegation also participated in the meeting,” he added. However, Shaheen did not provide further details of the meeting.
Read less...
June - 8 
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on June 8 said that NATO is supporting the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process, reports Tolo News. “We welcome the agreement between the United States and Taliban, because that is the first very important step to
Read more...
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on June 8 said that NATO is supporting the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process, reports Tolo News. “We welcome the agreement between the United States and Taliban, because that is the first very important step towards lasting peace in Afghanistan. And lasting peace in Afghanistan, we can only have if there’s intra-Afghan negotiations, an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led process,” Stoltenberg said. “And we support that. And I believe that the best way we can do that is to continue to train and help the Afghan security forces so they can create peace and stability in their own country themselves,” Jens Stoltenberg said. He said that NATO has focused on enabling the Afghans to fight “terrorism themselves, to stabilize their own country.”
Read less...
June - 8 
A new breakaway Afghan Taliban faction Hezb-e Walayat-e Islami, (Party of Islamic Guardianship), is believed to have split from the mainstream Taliban soon after the United States and the militant group signed a landmark peace agreement in February, reports Radio Free Asia on June 9. London based ex
Read more...
A new breakaway Afghan Taliban faction Hezb-e Walayat-e Islami, (Party of Islamic Guardianship), is believed to have split from the mainstream Taliban soon after the United States and the militant group signed a landmark peace agreement in February, reports Radio Free Asia on June 9. London based expert Antonio Giustozzi, working for Royal United Services Institute, said it appears the new splinter group is based in Iran.
Read less...
June - 8 
Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation on June 8 said that the Government is preparing for the first round of intra-Afghanistan talks with the Taliban “soon”, reports The Hindu. The talks are expected to be held in Qatar, Mr. Abdullah said, while other countries
Read more...
Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation on June 8 said that the Government is preparing for the first round of intra-Afghanistan talks with the Taliban “soon”, reports The Hindu. The talks are expected to be held in Qatar, Mr. Abdullah said, while other countries that have offered to facilitate the talks, including Germany, may host future rounds. “Khalilzad [has been] in Doha talking to Taliban delegates there in order to finalise the details, before the start of intra-Afghan negotiations,” said Mr. Abdullah, referring to the U.S. Special Envoy on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad’s visit to Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan this week.
Read less...
June - 9 
Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on June 9 held talks with President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, and discussed peace efforts and Pakistan’s role, reports Tolo News. A statement by the Presidential Palace sa
Read more...
Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on June 9 held talks with President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, and discussed peace efforts and Pakistan’s role, reports Tolo News. A statement by the Presidential Palace said that President Ghani and Gen. Bajwa discussed Pakistan’s support for the peace process, and also discussed how "the soil of either country should not be used against the other." “Gen. Bajwa expressed Pakistan's support for our efforts and for the earliest possible start of intra-Afghan talks,” Abdullah said. “I told him that we are ready to engage with the Taliban on our common issues and to end the conflict and live together in peace. I reiterated Pakistan’s constructive role in this regard.”
Read less...
June - 10 
The United States (US) Central Command’s Commander, General Kenneth F. McKenzie, on June 10, said that he cannot recommend a full withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan unless the Taliban demonstrate they no longer support Al-Qaida forces there, reports Tolo News. “If conditions would allow, we’re
Read more...
The United States (US) Central Command’s Commander, General Kenneth F. McKenzie, on June 10, said that he cannot recommend a full withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan unless the Taliban demonstrate they no longer support Al-Qaida forces there, reports Tolo News. “If conditions would allow, we’re prepared to go to zero” by May, McKenzie said in a video conference hosted by the Washington-based think tank Middle East Institute. “If asked my opinion, those conditions have not been fully met”, he stated.
Read less...
June - 11 
Taliban on June 11, rejected American Central Command’s Commander, General, Kenneth F. McKenzie assessment that the Al-Qaida leadership is still based in Afghanistan, insisting that no foreign fighters linked to the group are present in the country, reports Voice of America. “Those Arab or other (f
Read more...
Taliban on June 11, rejected American Central Command’s Commander, General, Kenneth F. McKenzie assessment that the Al-Qaida leadership is still based in Afghanistan, insisting that no foreign fighters linked to the group are present in the country, reports Voice of America. “Those Arab or other (foreign) fighters who were based in Afghanistan under the banner of al-Qaida during the rule of the Islamic Emirate (the Taliban) are no longer here,” said a statement published on the Taliban’s official website.
Read less...
June - 11 
Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on June 11, said that the ceasefire was an important step in advancing the peace process, reports Ariana News. Ashraf Ghani, in response to a question about the possibility of an interim government and his retirement, said that the biggest mistake Dr. Najibulla
Read more...
Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on June 11, said that the ceasefire was an important step in advancing the peace process, reports Ariana News. Ashraf Ghani, in response to a question about the possibility of an interim government and his retirement, said that the biggest mistake Dr. Najibullah (an ex-Afghan President) had made during the talks with the Mujahideen was to announce his resignation. “We watched that film once, we don’t want to watch it again,” he said.
Read less...
June - 11 
US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said that the intra-Afghan negotiations between the Afghan Government’s team and the Taliban “must begin immediately,” and adding that the prisoner releases, which are a precursor for start of the talks, have reached a new milestone, reports Tolo News on June 12. “W
Read more...
US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said that the intra-Afghan negotiations between the Afghan Government’s team and the Taliban “must begin immediately,” and adding that the prisoner releases, which are a precursor for start of the talks, have reached a new milestone, reports Tolo News on June 12. “We welcome the Government now having exceeded 3,000 Taliban prisoners released and the Taliban 500+. It is important that the process continues, and the prisoners release roadblock resolved,” Khalilzad said. “We welcome the Taliban statement specifying they will participate in intra-Afghan negotiations within one week of the prisoner release commitment outlined in our agreement. Although many practical details need to be worked out, these developments are all very positive,” Khalilzad further said.
Read less...
June - 11 
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on June 11, in a virtual interview given for the Atlantic Council, rejected the possibility of the formation of an interim government in Afghanistan as a result of a potential peace deal with the Taliban, reports Tolo News.
Read more...
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on June 11, in a virtual interview given for the Atlantic Council, rejected the possibility of the formation of an interim government in Afghanistan as a result of a potential peace deal with the Taliban, reports Tolo News.
Read less...
June - 12 
The Taliban issued a warning to the orchestrators of the recent bombings which specifically targeted the mosques including a bombing which targeted a mosque in Karte-4 part of Kabul city on June 12, reports Khamma News Agency on June 13. The Taliban stated, “The Islamic Emirate warns perpetrators be
Read more...
The Taliban issued a warning to the orchestrators of the recent bombings which specifically targeted the mosques including a bombing which targeted a mosque in Karte-4 part of Kabul city on June 12, reports Khamma News Agency on June 13. The Taliban stated, “The Islamic Emirate warns perpetrators behind these attacks that you cannot hide from the Afghan nation and the day is not far when you shall be held to account for each crime, Allah willing.” Taliban blamed the ‘enemy intelligence organs’ for the attacks. According to the statement, “The martyrdom of the Imam of Wazir Muhammad Akbar Khan mosque, the late Muhammad Ayaz Niyazai, the attacks on people inside mosques during Ramadhan, bomb blast at a funeral, attack on a maternity ward, destruction of power pylons and damage to public infrastructure are all part of enemy designed malicious plans that are being executed at this sensitive juncture to spread fear, terror and disappointment and to hamper the peace process.”
Read less...
June - 13 
Ministry of Interior Affairs revealed that 171 personnel of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) lost their lives in clashes with the Taliban in a week, reports Tolo News on June 14. 250 others were wounded in the clashes, according to the numbers. The data also shows that 222 attacks were car
Read more...
Ministry of Interior Affairs revealed that 171 personnel of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) lost their lives in clashes with the Taliban in a week, reports Tolo News on June 14. 250 others were wounded in the clashes, according to the numbers. The data also shows that 222 attacks were carried out by the Taliban during the last week in 29 Provinces. All these attacks happened even after an unannounced ceasefire between the two sides that is part of the peace efforts by the Afghan Government and its international partners. “The Taliban’s movements and attacks have killed and wounded 422 Security Force members,” said Tariq Arian, Spokesman for Ministry of Interior Affairs. The numbers by the National Security Council (NSC) shows that the Taliban conducted an average of 55 attacks per day from March 1 to April 19, 2020. The total ‘military movements’ by the Taliban during this period was 2,804 attacks, according to the NSC.
Read less...
June - 13 
On June 13, Afghan Government said that at least 89 civilians were killed in Taliban attacks over the past two weeks in Afghanistan, reports1tvnews. Javid Faisal, a Spokesman for the National Security Council, said that 150 more civilians were wounded by militants during the period. He said that the
Read more...
On June 13, Afghan Government said that at least 89 civilians were killed in Taliban attacks over the past two weeks in Afghanistan, reports1tvnews. Javid Faisal, a Spokesman for the National Security Council, said that 150 more civilians were wounded by militants during the period. He said that the casualties happened in 29 of 34 Provinces of the country. Kabul and Kandahar saw higher casualties than the other Provinces.
Read less...
June - 15 
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in a statement issued after a Afghanistan, Russia and the United States of America (USA) in a trilateral meeting, stated “expect that an initial meeting between the negotiating teams must be held immediately to agree on agenda and next steps,” report
Read more...
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in a statement issued after a Afghanistan, Russia and the United States of America (USA) in a trilateral meeting, stated “expect that an initial meeting between the negotiating teams must be held immediately to agree on agenda and next steps,” reports Tolo News on June 16. The trilateral meeting of Afghanistan, Russia and the USA was held via video tele-conference on June 15, with the participation of the Special Presidential Envoy of the Russian Federation for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, the US Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, and Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister, Hanif Atmar. The three countries during the meeting reiterated their strong commitment to an Afghan-owned peace process and support for safeguarding Afghanistan’s achievements over the past 19 years.
Read less...
June - 15 
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on June 15, in a press release, officially announced that they were ceasing their activities in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood in Kabul city, reports Tolo News. MSF said that the decision was made after the attack on the maternity ward on May 12, in which 24 persons
Read more...
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on June 15, in a press release, officially announced that they were ceasing their activities in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood in Kabul city, reports Tolo News. MSF said that the decision was made after the attack on the maternity ward on May 12, in which 24 persons were killed and 16 others were wounded. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack but the role of Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is suspected. MSF ran a maternity ward providing care to pregnant mothers and their infants.
Read less...
June - 15 
The Spokesman for Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Mousavi, on June 15, said that the ministry has warned Ghafoor Lewal, the Afghan Ambassador in Tehran, about the recent protest near the Iranian Embassy in Kabul over the deaths of Afghan migrants in Iran, reports Tolo News. “Recently a group of peopl
Read more...
The Spokesman for Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Mousavi, on June 15, said that the ministry has warned Ghafoor Lewal, the Afghan Ambassador in Tehran, about the recent protest near the Iranian Embassy in Kabul over the deaths of Afghan migrants in Iran, reports Tolo News. “Recently a group of people held an illegal gathering in front of the Islamic Republic of Iran's embassy and some diplomatic posts (in Afghanistan) and turned the atmosphere in favour of aliens and the destruction of the two countries' relations. They were only a handful of people,” said Mousavi in the press conference. Three Afghan migrants were killed on June 5, in Yazd Province by Iranian Policemen following the incident supporters of Hizb-e-Musharekat-e-Milli party in Afghanistan held a demonstration in Kabul.
Read less...
June - 16 
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, on June 16, said that NATO will continue to adjust its presence to support the peace process, but the Taliban must live up to its commitments, reduce violence, break all bonds with Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups and
Read more...
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, on June 16, said that NATO will continue to adjust its presence to support the peace process, but the Taliban must live up to its commitments, reduce violence, break all bonds with Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups and engage in the intra-Afghan talks in "good faith,” reports Tolo News. “We have seen the agreement between US and the Taliban, we have seen some important steps have been taken regarding prisoners release and we have seen some reduction in violence and we also seen a clear commitment from the Taliban to break all ties with the Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups,” Stoltenberg said. “We continue to support peace efforts; we strongly believe that it has to be an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process,” Stoltenberg added.
Read less...
June - 16 
The administrative board of the Wolesi Jirga (House of Representatives) wants the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Refugees to be held accountable for the Iran incidents, reports Tolo News on June 17. “The committee heads will decide on summoning Foreign Ministry offi
Read more...
The administrative board of the Wolesi Jirga (House of Representatives) wants the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Refugees to be held accountable for the Iran incidents, reports Tolo News on June 17. “The committee heads will decide on summoning Foreign Ministry officials,” said Abbas Ibrahimzada, House Second Deputy Speaker. The International Relations Committee of the Wolesi Jirga in a report, summoned officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Immigration and criticised them of incompetence and neglect for not addressing the mistreatment and drowning of Afghan immigrants in Iran. According to the committee report, of the migrants who were thrown into the river by Iranian border guards in early May 13, have disappeared, the bodies of 18 have been found and 19 were rescued. “They [the Ministry of Foreign Affairs] have not done their job well and have failed to defend the rights of Afghan citizens," said Abdul Satar Hussaini, a Member of the Committee.
Read less...
June - 16 
The Taliban’s senior member also said that the Taliban’s Rehbari Shura is discussing a suggestion to form a new team for the intra-Afghan talks that will be convened in Doha, Qatar, reports Tolo News on June 17. Further, The Taliban ‘supreme leader’ Hibatullah Akhundzada had appointed Mullah Yaqoob,
Read more...
The Taliban’s senior member also said that the Taliban’s Rehbari Shura is discussing a suggestion to form a new team for the intra-Afghan talks that will be convened in Doha, Qatar, reports Tolo News on June 17. Further, The Taliban ‘supreme leader’ Hibatullah Akhundzada had appointed Mullah Yaqoob, elder son of Mullah Omar, as ‘head of the military commission’, aimed at further strengthening his hold on all affairs ahead of the key negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan political leaders. A senior member of the Taliban also said that there was a proposal to form a new negotiation team comprised of members of the Rehbari Shura that will be under the direct supervision of Akhundzada.
Read less...
June - 18 
General Kenneth McKenzie, Head of the United States (US) Central Command, on June 18, said that the US has reduced its troop level to 8,600 in Afghanistan, fulfilling the first phase of the planned withdrawal specified in the US-Taliban deal signed in Doha, Qatar in February, 2020, reports Tolo News
Read more...
General Kenneth McKenzie, Head of the United States (US) Central Command, on June 18, said that the US has reduced its troop level to 8,600 in Afghanistan, fulfilling the first phase of the planned withdrawal specified in the US-Taliban deal signed in Doha, Qatar in February, 2020, reports Tolo News. The withdrawal of the US forces is a key part of the US-Taliban agreement, but US officials have emphasised that the troop pullout will be dependent on conditions on the ground. “What I would tell you now is we have met our part of the agreement,” McKenzie stated. “We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days. We’re at that number now”, he added.
Read less...
June - 18 
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)'s Chief, General Jens Stoltenberg on June 18 said:, "We are closer to real intra-Afghan negotiations now than I think we have ever been before. And I welcome that.”
Read more...
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)'s Chief, General Jens Stoltenberg on June 18 said:, "We are closer to real intra-Afghan negotiations now than I think we have ever been before. And I welcome that.”
Read less...
June - 18 
Unnamed sources on June 18 told the channel that Intra-Afghan peace negotiations will start in less than two weeks in Qatar, reports 1TV. Officials, however, said that a specific date has not been set yet. Gran Hewad, a spokesman for Afghanistan Foreign Ministry, said that all technical preparations
Read more...
Unnamed sources on June 18 told the channel that Intra-Afghan peace negotiations will start in less than two weeks in Qatar, reports 1TV. Officials, however, said that a specific date has not been set yet. Gran Hewad, a spokesman for Afghanistan Foreign Ministry, said that all technical preparations have been taken for the talks. He confirmed that the first intra-Afghan talks meeting will be held in Qatar.
Read less...
June - 20 
The Taliban group released the details of the meeting between Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the ‘deputy political chief’ of the group with the top envoy of the Pakistani Prime Minister for Afghanistan on June 16-17, reports bhaktarnews.com on June 21. “Mullah Baradar Akhund, the Political Deputy-Amir,
Read more...
The Taliban group released the details of the meeting between Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the ‘deputy political chief’ of the group with the top envoy of the Pakistani Prime Minister for Afghanistan on June 16-17, reports bhaktarnews.com on June 21. “Mullah Baradar Akhund, the Political Deputy-Amir, IEA and Head of the Political Office met in Doha, Mohammad Sadiq Khan, Pakistan Special Representative for Afghanistan and discussed with him problems being faced by the Afghan refugees, businessmen and travellers at Turkham, Spinboldak and Ghulam Khan, urging him to provide them needed facilities. Similarly, both sides talked about the coming intra-Afghan negotiations and peace. They emphasised that peace and security in Afghanistan was in the interest of both nations and countries,” Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the political office of Taliban said in a Twitter post.
Read less...
June - 20 
The venue and time of the start of intra-Afghan talks will be finalized after the completion of the prisoners swap between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, reports Tolo News. “With the completion of the prisoners swap between the two sides and a halt in the violence, arrangements will be made
Read more...
The venue and time of the start of intra-Afghan talks will be finalized after the completion of the prisoners swap between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, reports Tolo News. “With the completion of the prisoners swap between the two sides and a halt in the violence, arrangements will be made for the venue and date of intra-Afghan talks,” said Najia Anwari, a spokeswoman for the State Ministry on Peace Affairs on June 20.
Read less...
June - 20 
Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq met with Taliban leaders during a visit to Qatar this week, reports 1TV. The diplomat underlined that Pakistan will continue to play its role as facilitator for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, Pakistan foreign ministry said i
Read more...
Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq met with Taliban leaders during a visit to Qatar this week, reports 1TV. The diplomat underlined that Pakistan will continue to play its role as facilitator for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, Pakistan foreign ministry said in a statement on June 20. He referred to the "highly productive" visit of Pakistan Chief of Army Staff to Kabul recently, which had "imparted a new impetus" to Pakistan’s efforts.
Read less...
June - 21 
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the ‘deputy political chief’ of Taliban met with Deobrah Lyons, the Special Representative of the United Nation Secretary General for Afghanistan, reports Khamma News Agency on June 22. “The Political Deputy Amir of the Islamic Emirate and Head of the Political Office, Mu
Read more...
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the ‘deputy political chief’ of Taliban met with Deobrah Lyons, the Special Representative of the United Nation Secretary General for Afghanistan, reports Khamma News Agency on June 22. “The Political Deputy Amir of the Islamic Emirate and Head of the Political Office, Mullah Baradar Akhund and delegation accompanying him met Head of UNAMA Ms Deborah Lyons and her delegation in Doha,” Suhail Shaheen, a ‘spokesperson’ for the political office of Taliban said in a Twitter post. Shaheen further added “Both sides talked about release of the remaining prisoners and commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations. Similarly, they discussed ways of cooperation for the prevention of spread of Covid19. Also, avoidance of civilian casualties came under discussion.”
Read less...
June - 22 
The National Security Council (NSC) on June 22, claimed that Taliban had carried out 422 "terrorist activities" in 32 Provinces last week, "killing 291 government troops and wounding 550 others", reports Tolo News. "The past week was the deadliest of the past 19 years. Taliban carried out 422 attack
Read more...
The National Security Council (NSC) on June 22, claimed that Taliban had carried out 422 "terrorist activities" in 32 Provinces last week, "killing 291 government troops and wounding 550 others", reports Tolo News. "The past week was the deadliest of the past 19 years. Taliban carried out 422 attacks in 32 provinces, martyring 291 ANDSF members and wounding 550 others. Taliban's commitment to reduce violence is meaningless, and their actions inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace," said Javid Faisal, NSC spokesman.
Read less...
June - 22 
The United States (US) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on June 22, in a tweet condemned the attack against Attorney General Office’s lawyers who were killed on June 21, in an armed attack by unknown gunmen, reports Tolo News. “The US strongly condemns the attac
Read more...
The United States (US) Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on June 22, in a tweet condemned the attack against Attorney General Office’s lawyers who were killed on June 21, in an armed attack by unknown gunmen, reports Tolo News. “The US strongly condemns the attack against the Afghan Attorney General's lawyers and other team members working to facilitate prisoner releases. This attack, carried out by enemies of peace, took the lives of five civilians,” Khalilzad tweeted.
Read less...
June - 23 
The First Vice President Amrullah Saleh called the Taliban group ‘Terrorist’ amid growing violence across the country, reports Khamma News Agency on June 24. “Summer 2020 is like every other summer & every other June as terrorist Taliban come out of their madrasas to kill, massacre & play with bloo
Read more...
The First Vice President Amrullah Saleh called the Taliban group ‘Terrorist’ amid growing violence across the country, reports Khamma News Agency on June 24. “Summer 2020 is like every other summer & every other June as terrorist Taliban come out of their madrasas to kill, massacre & play with blood in quest for heaven. Stenchy ideology. The so called “exposure” hasn’t changed them instead has given them “opiate” like euphoria,” Saleh said in a Twitter post.
Read less...
June - 24 
A former official of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghan Intelligence Agency, has revealed that ‘deputy political chief’ of Taliban Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar also holds Pakistani passport and National Identity Card, reports Khamma News Agency on June 25. The official further added th
Read more...
A former official of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghan Intelligence Agency, has revealed that ‘deputy political chief’ of Taliban Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar also holds Pakistani passport and National Identity Card, reports Khamma News Agency on June 25. The official further added that Pakistan has issued the documents to Mullah Baradar under the fake name of Muhammad Arif Agha.
Read less...
June - 24 
Afghan Media companies have rejected the proposed amendment to law requiring journalists to reveal sources to Government bodies including security agencies, reports Al Jazeera on June 25. Afghan media companies rejected proposed changes to a media law that they say would be a setback for independent
Read more...
Afghan Media companies have rejected the proposed amendment to law requiring journalists to reveal sources to Government bodies including security agencies, reports Al Jazeera on June 25. Afghan media companies rejected proposed changes to a media law that they say would be a setback for independent journalism in the country. The amendments to the legislation were sent to Parliament for ratification on June 24, but recalled by the Government for further review after an outcry from the media outlets. "We were surprised to learn the government has almost discreetly amended the media law with some quite shocking amendments," Lotfullah Najafizada, Director of Tolo News, Afghanistan's largest private television station, told the Reuters news agency.
Read less...
«
1
2
3
»
Page 1 of 3
ADVANCED SEARCH
Incident Year Wise
Incidents- 2024
Incidents- 2023
Incidents- 2022
Incidents- 2021
Incidents- 2020
Incidents- 2019
Incidents- 2018
Country :
--All--
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Zone :
--All--
State :
--All--
District :
--All--
Date From :
The Valid date is required
Date To:
The Valid date is required