No regrets, says Biden on Afghanistan pull out
Washington, Aug 16 (UNI) Fending off criticism over the decision to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden said that he stands firmly behind his decision, and that the US mission there was never meant to be for nation-building. In a keenly-awaited address during which he took no questions, Biden described as “gut […]
Ghani committed treason by abandoning his post, say angry Afghans
Kabul, Aug 17 (UNI) The fleeing of former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani and his aides from the country has been harshly criticized by Afghans who say Ghani played with the “blood of the people” and “committed treason” by abandoning his post after making pledges to stay. Other officials and political leaders were also taken to […]
Taliban holding talks in Doha about future government
Kabul, Aug 17 (UNI) The Taliban said discussions are underway in Doha about a future government, including its structure and name, and they will reveal the details soon. A high-ranking official of the Taliban told Tolo News that their leadership is busy in discussions in Doha and is in contact with the international community and […]
Taliban return to power 20 years after 9/11, to declare Islamic Emirate, Security Council meets Monday
Kabul, Aug 16 (UNI) The Taliban have won the war in Afghanistan, President Ashraf Ghani said on Sunday, fleeing the country to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and marking the Islamist militant group’s return to power 20 years after its ouster by US-led forces following the September 11 terror attacks. In a video on Monday, […]
All commercial flights at Kabul Int’l Airport suspended
Kabul, Aug 16 (UNI) All commercial flights at the Hamid Karzai International Airport have been suspended, local media reported citing a statement. “All commercial flights are suspended at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, a statement reads. The statement calls on the people to avoid crowds at the airport,” TOLOnews tweeted on Monday. The development […]
After Taliban takeover, over 60 countries urge safety for those who want to leave
Kabul, Aug 16 (UNI) At least 64 countries have signed a joint statement calling for the safe and orderly departure of people who want to leave Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban takeover of the country, that culminated in the collapse of the government of Ashraf Ghani, who later left the nation. Canada, France, […]
European Council Chief prioritizes safety of EU citizens in Afghanistan
Moscow, Aug 16 (UNI/Sputnik) European Council President Charles Michel emphasized that safety of EU citizens in Afghanistan is a priority and also expressed the belief lessons should be drawn from the current developments. “In close contact with [EU foreign policy chief] @JosepBorrellF and following developments in #Afghanistan. Security of EU citizens, staff and their families […]
UN Chief calling on Taliban to exercise restraint, respect human rights
Moscow, Aug 16 (UNI/Sputnik) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling on the Taliban (terrorist group, banned in Russia) and all the other parties in Afghanistan to respect human rights and freedoms, and exercise restrain to save lives and facilitate humanitarian assistance, Guterres’ office said on Sunday. “The Secretary-General is following with deep concern the rapidly […]
Airport of Kabul resumes commercial flights – Pentagon
Washington, Aug 16 (UNI/Sputnik) The international airport of Kabul has resumed commercial flights suspended over the seizure of the city by the Taliban Islamist movement (banned in Russia), Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told Sputnik. “US Forces have now assumed responsibilities for air traffic control at the airport, supported by Afghan counterparts. Commercial traffic continues, though […]
UN chief asks Taliban to stop offensive, negotiate in good faith
United Nations, Aug. 14 (UNI) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Taliban militants to immediately halt their offensive against government forces and return to the negotiating table in good faith, in the interest of Afghanistan, and its people. The top UN official told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday […]