Page 72 - Latest Updates on Taliban
Kabul begins release of final 400 Taliban prisoners, talks to follow
Afghanistan has released the first 80 of a final 400 Taliban prisoners, paving the way for negotiations between the warring sides in Afghanistan's protracted conflict, the government said
 "Kabul begins release of final 400 Taliban prisoners, talks to follow")
Withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan to benefit China: Report
The US' decision to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan after 20 years of war against the Taliban will be an advantage for China to establish its influence in the region
Pompeo, Taliban deputy chief discuss intra-Afghan talks over video-call
Mike Pompeo and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar discussed the start of the intra-Afghan talks and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan
 "Pompeo, Taliban deputy chief discuss intra-Afghan talks over video-call")
Islamic State attack on Afghanistan prison continues; at least 11 dead
A number of prisoners have escaped during the attack, said a provincial official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media
 "Islamic State attack on Afghanistan prison continues; at least 11 dead")
UN blacklists Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan's leader Noor Wali Mehsud
In June 2018, Mehsud was named the leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, following the death of former TTP leader Maulana Fazlullah
 "UN blacklists Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan's leader Noor Wali Mehsud")
US pulls out troops from 5 bases in Afghanitan as agreed with Taliban
The Pentagon announced that the US has withdrawn from five bases in Afghanistan and reduced the size of its forces there as part of the agreement it entered into with the Taliban earlier this year
Bihar on high alert over possible terrorist intrusion through Nepal border
Bihar Special Branch has issued high alert to all districts in the state after a warning was issued regarding possible terrorists from Taliban and Jaish-e-Mohammad entering state through Nepal border.
 "Bihar on high alert over possible terrorist intrusion through Nepal border")
Trump's denial over Russia, Taliban conspiracy briefing remarkable: Bolton
Trump on Sunday denied ever being briefed on this matter, adding that Vice President Mike Pence and Chief of Staff Mark Meadows were also not given information about the allegations
 "Trump's denial over Russia, Taliban conspiracy briefing remarkable: Bolton")
25 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrike in Afghanistan's Balkh province
According to local sources, the airforce had targeted a farmer's house and during the strike four civilians, including a child and a woman, were killed
Taliban protests as Afghanistan government releases another 100 insurgents
The administration of President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday released 100 low-risk Taliban prisoners who had vowed never to return to the battlefield
 "Taliban protests as Afghanistan government releases another 100 insurgents")
Afghanistan's chaos and India's critique
The deal with the Taliban is full of contradictions, but it is the best the US could come up with. Rather than criticise it, India should think about what its own options are in securing its flanks
Afghan govt delays plan to free Taliban prisoners, puts peace deal at risk
According to the decree, only 1,500 Taliban prisoners would be initially released as a gesture of goodwill
 "Afghan govt delays plan to free Taliban prisoners, puts peace deal at risk")
Afghanistan Prez Ashraf Ghani signs decree to release Taliban prisoners
Making the announcement about the decree, Ghani's spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi on Tuesday said that details will be shared today
Two blasts in Afghan capital during parallel presidential inaugurations
Hundreds of people had assembled at two venues inside the presidential palace complex to watch the swearing-in ceremonies for President Ashraf Ghani and challenger Abdullah Abdullah
 "Two blasts in Afghan capital during parallel presidential inaugurations")
Ahead of Intra Afghanistan talks, gunmen kill at least 32 in Kabul
Several prominent political leaders escaped the ceremony unhurt, including Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive and a top contender in last year's presidential election
 "Ahead of Intra Afghanistan talks, gunmen kill at least 32 in Kabul")
Donald Trump confirms having 'good conversation' with Taliban leader
This comes three days after the United States and Taliban signed a historic agreement with an aim to bring peace to Afghanistan by the withdrawal of US forces
 "Donald Trump confirms having 'good conversation' with Taliban leader")
Intra peace talks in doubt after Taliban continues attack on Afghan army
The row has highlighted the tough road ahead, with the Taliban's decision to end a partial truce Monday complicating matters further
US has done a 'great job' in Afghanistan, asserts Trump: Key developments
Meanwhile, in an interaction with Pentagon reporters, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said the peace deal signed with the Taliban in Doha over the weekend was a conditions-based agreement
Taliban ends partial truce, to resume operations against Afghan forces
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack at a football ground in Khost in eastern Afghanistan, where three brothers were killed, officials told AFP
MEA Jaishankar says 'real negotiations' still ahead in Afghanistan
Pooh-poohs Doha: "Was like finally seeing Pakeezah after 17 trailers"