Page 46 - Latest Updates on Taliban
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.
Over 100 Taliban terrorists killed in clashes with Afghanistan forces
Over 100 Taliban terrorists were killed in fighting with government forces across the country, as per Afghan Defence Ministry
US troop withdrawal from Afghan 30-44% complete: US Central Command
The US Central Command has said that an estimated 30 to 44% of American troops have been withdrawn from Afghanistan until last month
 "US troop withdrawal from Afghan 30-44% complete: US Central Command")
USA to hand over Bagram Air Base to Afghanistan forces in 20 days
As Washington speed-up to complete the withdrawal of its troops ahead of September 11, the US military will be handing over its main Bagram Air Base to Afghan forces in about 20 days
 "USA to hand over Bagram Air Base to Afghanistan forces in 20 days")
NATO chief says security situation in Afghanistan remains challenging
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated that as the US and coalition forces are leaving, at some stage, Afghans should take full responsibility for their own future
 "NATO chief says security situation in Afghanistan remains challenging")
Nearly 700 attacks launched on Afghanistan's Lashkargah in three weeks
The Taliban has conducted around 700 attacks on the city of Lashkargah in the southern province of Helmand in the last three weeks
16 Taliban militants dead, 8 arrested in two provinces of Afghanistan
At least 16 Taliban militants were killed and eight others arrested in two Afghan provinces, the country's Ministry of Defence confirmed on Monday
 "16 Taliban militants dead, 8 arrested in two provinces of Afghanistan")
20 killed, 34 wounded in series of violent attacks across Afghanistan
At least 20 civilians were killed and 34 others were wounded in a series of violent attacks in five provinces of Afghanistan in the span of 24 hours
 "20 killed, 34 wounded in series of violent attacks across Afghanistan")
Airstrikes kill 23 Taliban militants in Afghanistan's Balkh province
A total of 23 Taliban militants were killed in airstrikes that targeted hideouts in Afghanistan's Balkh province, an army spokesman said on Friday.
US troops withdrawal: China offers to host Afghan-Taliban peace talks
China has stepped up its diplomacy between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the wake of the US troops withdrawal from the war-torn country
White House weighs evacuating Afghans who work for US before force withdraw
The biggest concern for U.S. officials is that Afghan citizens who played an invaluable role serving American forces would be quickly targeted by Taliban forces.
 "White House weighs evacuating Afghans who work for US before force withdraw")
Afghans deserve much more than an Eid ceasefire, says US envoy Khalilzad
Amid the surge in violence in Afghanistan,US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad welcomed the announcements by the Taliban and the Afghan government to uphold ceasefire during the festival of Eid.
 "Afghans deserve much more than an Eid ceasefire, says US envoy Khalilzad")
Car bombing near Kabul school kills at least 55, injures over 150
Explosions caused by a car bomb and mortars outside a school in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday killed at least 55 people and wounded over 150, mostly female students, officials said.
 "Car bombing near Kabul school kills at least 55, injures over 150")
