Page 68 - Latest Updates on Taliban
India pulls out diplomats from Kandahar as Taliban captures new areas
Describing the pull out of the India-based personnel as a temporary measure, he said the consulate continues to operate through the local staff members.
 "India pulls out diplomats from Kandahar as Taliban captures new areas")
India evacuates staff from Kandahar consulate due to security concerns
Due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan's Kandahar, some staff of the Indian embassy has been evacuated, said diplomatic sources on Sunday.
 "India evacuates staff from Kandahar consulate due to security concerns")
Taliban says it sees China as a 'friend' of Afghanistan: Report
The comments came as the Taliban made territorial gains in the war-torn country amid the withdrawal of the US forces
 "Taliban says it sees China as a 'friend' of Afghanistan: Report")
Resurgence of Taliban raises terrorism fears from Moscow to Beijing
At least 1,000 Afghan troops this week retreated into Tajikistan, prompting the country mobilize an extra 20,000 soldiers to guard its frontier
 "Resurgence of Taliban raises terrorism fears from Moscow to Beijing")
In control of 85% Afghanistan, Taliban 'discussing' ceasefire: Report
Taliban officials in Moscow to assure regional powers
 "In control of 85% Afghanistan, Taliban 'discussing' ceasefire: Report")
Taliban say they now control 85% of Afghanistan's territory
The announcement came at a press conference at the end of a visit by a senior Taliban delegation to Moscow this week
 "Taliban say they now control 85% of Afghanistan's territory")
Afghanistan's decades of progress at risk at Taliban returns, US pulls out
Collapse of swathes of the country into civil war and attempts by millions of refugees to flee could be likely results.
 "Afghanistan's decades of progress at risk at Taliban returns, US pulls out")
Iran hosts talks between Taliban and Afghan officials ahead of US exit
The Taliban said its delegation was led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, deputy head of the movement's political office in Qatar
Taliban wins force closure of consulates in Afghanistan, says report
The consulates of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, India, and Pakistan have reduced their services
 "Taliban wins force closure of consulates in Afghanistan, says report")
16 security personnel killed in Taliban attack near Afghanistan's Salma Dam
At least 16 security personnel were killed in an attack by the Taliban on a security checkpoint at the Salma Dam in western Herat province
Taliban takes control of key district in Kandahar amid US troop withdrawal
Amid the ongoing US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban on Sunday took control of a key district in their former bastion of Kandahar
Taliban take districts in northeast Afghanistan from fleeing troops
Group now controls roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centres in the country
Pakistan directly responsible for Taliban's return to power: Former US NSA
America's former National Security Advisor (NSA), John Bolton on Friday said that Pakistan is directly responsible for the Taliban's return to power.
 "Pakistan directly responsible for Taliban's return to power: Former US NSA")
Best of BS Opinion: Thaw on the western front, globalisation, and more
Here are the best of Business Standard's opinion pieces for Saturday
 "Best of BS Opinion: Thaw on the western front, globalisation, and more")
Thaw on the western front
Talks with Taliban, J&K leaders, thaw with Pakistan are strategic imperatives for Modi govt. It can't covet US as Quad ally in the east and work at counter-purposes with them in the west
Afghan leaders warned against blaming Pak during US visit amid backlash
Pakistan is expected to be the main point of discussion during Afghan leaders' visit at the White House this week
 "Afghan leaders warned against blaming Pak during US visit amid backlash")
Troop withdrawal: US will maintain its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan
US is only withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, not withdrawing from the country, and it is determined to maintain a strong diplomatic presence there to extend economic and humanitarian support
 "Troop withdrawal: US will maintain its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan")
50 taliban militants killed in Afghan airstrikes by govt forces: Official
At least 50 militants loyal to the Taliban outfit were killed and dozens more injured in a series of air raids by government forces in Afghanistan's Paktia province, a top official has confirmed.
 "50 taliban militants killed in Afghan airstrikes by govt forces: Official")
Afghanistan: 119 people killed within 2 days in clashes, security incidents
A security official said that 119 people, including 102 security force members were killed in clashes and security incidents in just two days--June 3 and 4
 "Afghanistan: 119 people killed within 2 days in clashes, security incidents")
UN report claims Taliban and Al-Qaeda remain closely aligned, no changes
A report by the UN Monitoring Team has said that the Taliban still maintains close ties with Al Qaeda.