Afghanistan News Highlights: NATO chief Stoltenberg vows will not 'forget' Afghans left behind

The Taliban have proclaimed “full independence” for Afghanistan after the last US soldiers flew out following 20 years of war. The US confirmed its last forces withdrew ahead of a Tuesday deadline, ending America's longest war and a frantic two-week evacuation effort. The Taliban seized most of the country in a matter of days earlier this month.

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'India won't abandon Afghan people, but recognition of Taliban not on radar'

India is walking a thin line on Afghanistan, navigating a path which can allow continuation of projects and people-to-people contacts, without recognising a Taliban-led government, at least for now.

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UK says 'ready' to launch strikes against ISIS-K in Afghanistan

The UK has said that it is "ready" to launch strikes at the ISIS-K terror network in Afghanistan after the Pentagon revealed that there are at least 2,000 fighters of the outfit in the war-torn country.

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Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they want to have a relationship, based on international law and mutual respect, with the rest of the world, especially the United States. (Ariana news)

NATO chief vows will not 'forget' Afghans left behind

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday that Kabul airport must be kept open and vowed not to forget Afghans left behind when US and allied forces left.

"It's essential to keep the airport open, both to enable humanitarian aid to the Afghan people and also to make sure that we can continue to get people out -- those who wished to, but were not able to be part of the military evacuation," he told AFP in an interview. (AFP)

India holds talks with Taliban; raises concern that Afghan soil should not be used against India

Indian envoy toQatarDeepak Mittal on Tuesday met Taliban leaderSher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai in Doha, first high-level contact between the two sides on a day the US completed withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan.

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Music is on at Kabul weddings under the Taliban

At one of Kabul's upscale wedding halls, a celebration was in full swing around midday Tuesday. Afghan dance music could be heard from inside the hall.

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Longest Afghanistan war's cost: Thousands of lives, trillions of dollars

US military planes have carried the last US service members and diplomats from Kabul's airport, ending America's longest war.

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Eight Taliban killed in Panjshir fighting, Afghan militia forces say

Taliban forces clashed with militia fighters in the Panjshir valley north of the Afghan capital Kabul on Monday night, losing eight killed, a representative of the main anti-Taliban opposition group said.

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A Taliban fighter takes a picture of a damaged Afghan Air Force’s helicopters with his mobile phone near the hangar at the airport in Kabul. Credit: AFP Photo

Taliban end consultations on forming new government and will soon announce the results, according to a report by Al Jazeera citing a source in the Taliban.

'High-level group monitoring developments in Afghanistan'

A high-level group comprising External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval and a number of other senior officials is monitoring the ground situation in Afghanistan with a focus on India's immediate priorities, official sources said on Tuesday.

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Japan to relocate its Kabul embassy to Qatar

Japan's top diplomat says his country has temporarily moved its embassy from Afghanistan to Turkey but now plans to relocate it to Qatar, where the Taliban have an office.

The Gulf Arab country is also expected to play an important political role in what comes next for Afghanistan.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi earlier this month visited the Middle East. He told reporters on Tuesday that his talks with leaders in the region suggest that Doha, the capital of Qatar, will carry growing political importance.

“I believe various forms of communication will take place,” Motegi said.

Afghan government to be formed in days, says Pakistan foreign minister

Afghanistan will form a government within days, Pakistan's foreign minister said on Tuesday, after weeks of uncertainty following the Taliban's conquest of the country.

"We expect that a consensus government will be formed in the coming days in Afghanistan," Shah Mehmood Qureshi told a news conference in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently directed that a high-level group comprising of EAM, NSA & senior officials focus on the immediate priorities of India in Afghanistan, reports ANI quoting sources.

Taliban fighters sit in the cockpit of an Afghan Air Force aircraft at the airport in Kabul

The US has pulled all its troops out of the country to end a brutal 20-year war — one that started and ended with the hardline Islamist in power. Credit: AFP Photo

Taliban parade in Kabul airport after US leave

Hours after the final foreign forces flew out of Afghanistan, Taliban leaders walked victorious through the airport, flanked by guards dressed in special forces combat kit inspecting destroyed US helicopters.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid led a group of officials onto the runway, his usual stoic expression replaced by broad grin.

Britain denies pushing to leave Kabul airport gate open before blast

Britain co-ordinated closely with the United States and did not push to keep a gate open at Kabul airport where a suicide bomber killed 13 US troops and scores of Afghan civilians, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Tuesday.

A Politico report on Monday said American forces decided to keep the Abbey Gate open longer than they wanted to allow Britain to continue evacuating personnel.

"We got our civilian staff out of the processing centre by Abbey Gate, but it's just not true to suggest that, other than securing our civilian staff inside the airport, that we were pushing to leave the gate open," Raab told Sky News.

(Reuters)

Many Americans, Afghans left behind as US military leave Kabul

As the final five USmilitary transport aircraft lifted off out of Afghanistan, they left behind up to 200 Americans and thousands of desperate Afghans who couldn't get out and now must rely on the Taliban to allow their departure.

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Britain did not push to leave gate at Kabul Airport open before blast, says Raab

Britain did not push to keep Abbey Gate open at Kabul Airport before a suicide bomber detonated an explosive in the location, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky news on Tuesday.

A Politico report on Monday said American forces decided to keep the gate open longer than they wanted to allow Britain to continue evacuating personnel.

"We got our civilian stuff out of the processing centre by Abbey Gate, but it's just not true to suggest that, other than securing our civilian staff inside the airport, that we were pushing to leave the gate open," Raab said.

US troops' stay in Pakistan only temporary: Pak Interior Minister

Pakistan on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of allowing the long-term presence of US troops coming from Afghanistan in Islamabad, saying the American forces' stay in the country would be for a limited period.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad’s response came after pictures of US troops at Islamabad airport circulated on social media, sparking rumours about a possible long-term presence of American forces on Pakistani soil.

Chinook loaded on to US C-17 Globemaster

In this image provided by the Department of Defense, a CH-47 Chinook from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division is loaded onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Credit: AP Photo

Taliban celebrate defeating the United States

The Taliban joyously fired guns into the air and offered words of reconciliation on Tuesday, as they celebrated defeating the United States and returning to power after two decades of war that devastated Afghanistan.

The last of 6,000 US troops who oversaw a desperate evacuation effort flew out of Kabul airport on Monday night, ending the war that has diminished the United States' status as a superpower.

Taliban fighters quickly swept into the airport and fired weapons into the sky in jubilation, an astonishing return after US forces invaded in 2001 and toppled the hardline Islamists for supporting Al-Qaeda.

US defeat a lesson for other invaders: Taliban spokesman

The defeat of America was a "big lesson for other invaders and for our future generation", the Taliban said on Tuesday, hours after the last foreign troops departed Afghanistan.

"It is also a lesson for the world," spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said from the runway of Kabul airport.

Taliban Badri special force fighters secure the airport in Kabul

This comes after the US has pulled all its troops out of the country to end a brutal 20-year war -- one that started and ended with the hardline Islamist in power. Credit: AFP Photo

Taliban leaders symbolically walk across Kabul international airport's runway after US withdrawal, marking their victory.

America was defeated and it did not achieve all its objectives: Taliban

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says Afghanistan gained independence as all US troops left the country. He added that the Taliban wanted good relations with the US.

"This victory belongs to us all," Taliban spokesman says at Kabul airport

Now US military flights have ended. And our troops have departed Afghanistan. A new chapter of America’s engagement with Afghanistan has begun. It’s one in which we will lead with our diplomacy. The military mission is over. A new diplomatic mission has begun, Blinken said in his speech before unveiling the new plan to handle Afghanistan.

UNSC resolution 'unequivocally' conveys Afghan territory should not be used to threaten any country, of 'direct importance to India': FS Shringla

The UN Security Council resolution on Afghanistan, adopted under India's presidency, "unequivocally" conveys that Afghan territory should not be used to attack any country and shelter terrorists and this is of "direct importance to India," according to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

This was the first resolution adopted by the Council on the situation in Afghanistan following the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban and came on the penultimate day of India's Presidency of the Security Council for the month of August.

War-torn Afghanistan poses hidden challenge to Taliban — acute food crisis amid droughts

For the war-torn Afghanistan, acute food shortage is the next key challenge. The land-locked country, which is now in control of the Taliban, is in the grip of a severe drought. Not just that. It has been hit by the crises right after the Covid pandemic.

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Blinken says America has begun new diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, moves embassy to Qatar

The United States has begun a new diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said as the US withdrew its last troops from the country ending the 20-year war in the South Asian nation.

Blinken said the US has shut down its diplomatic mission in Kabul and moved the embassy to Doha in Qatar.

“Now, US military flights have ended, and our troops have departed Afghanistan. A new chapter of America’s engagement with Afghanistan has begun. It’s one in which we will lead with our diplomacy. The military mission is over. A new diplomatic mission has begun,” Blinken said in his address to the nation.

(PTI)

Under 40% approve of Biden's handling of Afghan withdrawal

Less than 40% of Americans approve of President Biden’s handling of the military withdrawal from Afghanistan, and three quarters wanted forces to remain in the country until all American civilians could get out, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll.

The national survey, conducted Aug. 27-30, found that 51% disapproved of Biden's approach to the pullout while 38% approved.

Taliban proclaim 'full independence' after US troops leave

The Taliban have proclaimed “full independence” for Afghanistan after the last US soldiers flew out following 20 years of war. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said early Tuesday that “American soldiers left the Kabul airport, and our nation got its full independence.”

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US says Taliban legitimacy and support will need to be 'earned'

The United States expects the Taliban to live up to their commitments now that US troops have pulled out of Afghanistan, but any legitimacy or support will need to be "earned," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday.

America's top diplomat, speaking just hours after the final US evacuation flights left Kabul, said Washington has suspended its diplomatic presence in Kabul as of Monday and shifted its operations to Qatar.

Blinken said the Taliban would need to live up to their commitments to provide freedom of travel, to respect the rights of women and minorities and to not allow the country to become a base for terrorism.

"Any legitimacy and any support will have to be earned," Blinken said.

(AFP)

Ending Afghan war historic accomplishment of Biden, says Ajay Jain Bhutoria

Ending the 20-year-old war in Afghanistan is a historic accomplishment of President Joe Biden, Indian-American Democratic leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria has said.

Bhutoria has been one of the strongest supporters of Biden from the very first day of his presidential campaign.

“This is a historic accomplishment and milestone achievement by President Biden to put an end to this chaotic and 20 years long war,” Bhutoria, who is from the Silicon Valley, said.

Blinken says under 200 Americans in Afghanistan

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says fewer than 200 Americans remain in Afghanistan who want to leave and the US will continue to try to get them out.

Blinken says the number of Americans left may be closer to 100. He says the US would work with Afghanistan's neighbors to secure their departure either overland or by charter flight once the Kabul airport re-opens.

Speaking shortly after the Pentagon announced the completion of the US military pullout Monday, Blinken said the US Embassy in Kabul will remain shuttered and vacant for the foreseeable future.

(AP)

Never in history has withdrawal from war been handled so badly: Trump

(AP)

UN Security Council urges Taliban to let people leave Afghanistan

A divided UN Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution calling on the Taliban to allow safe passage for those seeking to leave Afghanistan but did not mention the creation of a safe zone in Kabul, as suggested by the French president on Sunday.

The resolution, which had 13 votes in favour and abstentions by Russia and China, also stressed the importance of maintaining humanitarian access, upholding human rights, reaching an inclusive political settlement and combating terrorism.

(Reuters)

FAA says Kabul airport now uncontrolled, US carriers barred from flights

(Reuters)

Can Afghanistan’s leading broadcaster survive Taliban?

Over the past two decades, the Afghan broadcaster Tolo has been known for provocative programs such as “Burka Avenger,” in which an animated superheroine uses martial arts to vanquish villains trying to shut down a girls school.

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US suspends diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, moves mission to Qatar

The United States has suspended its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and will conduct its operations out of Qatar, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday, adding Washington will press ahead with its "relentless" efforts to help people leave the country, even after its troops have pulled out.

Blinken’s statement comes after the departure of the last U.S. plane, leaving behind thousands of Afghans who helped Western countries and might have qualified for evacuation.

(Reuters)

US committed to helping every American who wants to leave Afghanistan: Blinken

(AFP)

Afghan nationals walk along a fenced corridor as they enter Pakistan through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing point in Chaman on August 30, 2021, as dreading another period of harsh rule after the Taliban's rapid takeover following the US troop withdrawal, thousands have been desperately trying to flee Afghanistan. Credit: AFP Photo

What happens now that US troops have left Afghanistan?

For the first since 2001, there are no American troops in Afghanistan after the United States completed the evacuation of most of its citizens and thousands of at-risk Afghans.

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Many Afghans are anxious about the Taliban rule and are figuring out ways to get out of Afghanistan. But it's the financial desperation that seems to hang heavy over the city. Credit: AP/PTI Photo

UNSC resolution sends "strong signal" of int'l community's expectations from Afghanistan: Shringla

The UN Security Council's resolution on Afghanistan, adopted under India's current presidency, "unequivocally" conveys that Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any nation, shelter or train terrorists, and this is of "direct importance to India," Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said, underlining that the statement sends a "strong signal" from the international community on its expectations from Kabul.

"I was in particular very happy to preside over the adoption of today's important resolution on Afghanistan, which has unequivocally conveyed that Afghanistan's territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter, train terrorists or plan or finance terrorism. It underlines terrorist individuals and entities designated by UN Security Council (resolution) 1267. This is of direct importance to India," Shringla said here on Monday in his remarks to reporters at the UN Security Council stakeout, following the UNSC meeting on Afghanistan in which the resolution was adopted.

(PTI)

Tomorrow afternoon, I will address the people on my decision not to extend our presence in Afghanistan beyond 8/31. It was the unanimous recommendation of the Joint Chiefs and of all of our commanders on the ground to end our airlift mission as planned: US President Joe Biden

(ANI)

The past 17 days have seen our troops execute the largest airlift in US history, evacuating over 120,000 US citizens, citizens of our allies, and Afghan allies of the United States: Biden

Now our 20-year military presence in Afghanistan has ended. I want to thank our commanders for their execution of the dangerous retrograde from Afghanistan as scheduled in early morning hours of Aug 31, Kabul time with no further loss of American lives: US President Joe Biden

Biden says will address nation Tuesday on Afghanistan exit

(Reuters)

Celebratory gunfires light up part of the night sky after the last US aircraft took off from the airport in Kabul early on August 31, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

'We have made history': Senior Taliban official after US troops leave

A senior Taliban official said Tuesday the Taliban had "made history", as celebratory gunfire was heard across the Afghan capital after the last US troops pulled out.

"We made history again. The 20-year occupation of Afghanistan by the United States and NATO ended tonight," said Anas Haqqani, a senior official in the hardline Islamist movement, in a tweet. "I am very happy that after 20 years of jihad, sacrifices & hardships I have this pride to see these historic moments."

(AFP)

Taliban proclaim 'full independence' of Afghanistan after last US troops fly out.

(AP)

Pentagon admits it could not evacuate as many from Kabul as hoped

The final withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan Monday meant the US military could not evacuate all the people that it had hoped to, said Central Command head General Kenneth McKenzie.

Even after an arilift that flew more than 120,000 people from the country since July, "we did not get everybody out that we wanted to get out," said McKenzie.

(AFP)

The commander of American military forces on the ground in Afghanistan and Washington's ambassador there were the last to board the final evacuation flight from Kabul on Monday, the head of US Central Command said.

(AFP)

Gunfire rings out in Kabul as US confirms military withdrawal

The sound of gunfire was heard across Kabul early Tuesday after the US military confirmed the last US troops had left Afghanistan, ending a 20-year war.

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