Category: Afghanistan

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Ghani slamsTaliban for refusing peace talks

Ghani said that the Taliban are not committed to peace, and hinted at a new plan to change the situation…reports Asian Lite News

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has asked the Taliban whether they want foreign fighters like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Al-Qaeda to turn Afghanistan into a battleground for “foreign terrorist”, Pajhwok News reported.

He said that Afghan people do not know what the Taliban has promised to these groups, but they would not allow their country to become a battleground for terrorist groups.

Ghani said that the Taliban are not committed to peace, and hinted at a new plan to change the situation, saying political interference in the security sector was behind the fall of some areas.

After offering Eid prayers at the Presidential palace, Ghani paid tributes to the security forces, saying they have rendered great sacrifices and this year’s Eid is named “Soldier’s Eid”.

Ghani, referring to the visit of a delegation led by Abdullah Abdullah, head of the National Reconciliation Council, to Doha and two days of talks with Taliban representatives there, said the government sent the delegation to Qatar to try for peace.

As per the report, he accused the Taliban of having no intention of making peace.

“If you are Afghans, come and unite within the framework of Afghanism. Do you have a positive message for the people of Afghanistan, especially women,” he asked, as per the report.

Ghani said the Afghan government had released 5,000 Taliban prisoners, but most of them went to the battlefield.

“It was a mistake to release 5,000 prisoners because the Taliban have not yet started peace talks,” he said.

According to the President, the nation should now ask the Taliban why they are destroying facilities, conducting kangaroo trials and planting bombs, the report said.

Ghani said the Taliban have destroyed 260 public buildings and if they are true Afghans, they should stop destroying public property and not damage people’s homes.

In the last two months, many districts have fallen to the Taliban in Afghanistan. Some claim that the districts were handed over to the Taliban under a deal.

But Ghani said: “The fall of some areas was not a deal and the names of those who have made the deal will be challenged hundreds of years later.”

As per the report, Ghani said the handover of areas by security forces to the armed opposition was an insult to the “sacred uniform” and that he, as the commander of the armed forces, did not accept that politicians should interfere in the security sector.

“The security sector should be safe from the interference of politicians and appointments and changes in the sector should be based on merit, not on the orders of politicians, because the interference of politicians has led to the collapse of some areas,” Ghani added.

ALSO READ: ‘Re-entering Afghanistan will be impossible for US’

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Afghan Army Chief to visit India next week

A government delegation led by Abdullah and Taliban representatives are holding peace talks in Qatar’s Doha…reports Asian Lite News.

Amid the fierce battle between the government armed forces and Taliban, Afghanistan Army Chief will visit India for two days next week to interact with top security officials, including the Indian Army Chief General M.M. Naravane.

Afghanistan Army Chief General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai will be in India from July 27 to July 29 during which he is going to meet top dignitaries here, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Top officials in the government remained quiet over the issue. However, sources said that the Afghanistan Army Chief might look for logistic support and military equipment. India has been training the Afghanistan cadets in military academies for a long time.

Further, the visit comes when Pakistan in collaboration with Taliban has started to target Indian assets in Afghanistan. India has invested over 3 billion US dollars in infrastructure projects, including roads, dams and the Parliament building, in Afghanistan.

Earlier this month, Afghan politician who leads the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) Abdullah Abdullah made a visit to India. He is making efforts for peace despite the ongoing fighting between government forces and the Taliban.

A government delegation led by Abdullah and Taliban representatives are holding peace talks in Qatar’s Doha.

Afghan national army soldiers take part in an operation against Taliban militants in Kunduz city, Afghanistan. (Photo by Ajmal Kakar_Xinhua_IANS)

For India, the main concern remains the use of Taliban-controlled territory by Pakistan based terror groups. India is in touch with the Afghan government about the developing situation.

The fighting between the Afghan forces and Taliban has intensified in the last one month post the US forces withdrawal. Taliban has started expanding its influence in the war torn county after the US withdrawal.

Amid security concerns, India withdrew its staff from the Consulate in Kandahar on July 11.

ALSO READ-Today’s Taliban is Closer to India: Former Pak Security Czar

READ MORE-Amidst Taliban advance, India extends support to Afghanistan

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‘Re-entering Afghanistan will be impossible for US’

Experts believe that the return to Afghanistan would be difficult as neighbouring countries are not in favour of Washington coming back….reports Asian Lite News

US lawmaker Adam Kinzinger has deemed it will be “impossible” for the United States forces to re-enter Afghanistan if the security situation collapses in the war-torn country after a complete drawdown.

Kinzinger, a Republican US representative, was among the congressional leaders in recent days speculating that the US “may have to go back now,” US News reported.

However, when asked about the challenges of returning, Kinzinger said: “The US has the capability to do anything. But it would be a near-impossible situation.”

Experts believe that the return to Afghanistan would be difficult as neighbouring countries are not in favour of Washington coming back.

“The neighbours do not want us to come back,” says Sajjan Gohel, international security director at the London-based Asia-Pacific Foundation and an expert on the decades-long NATO presence in Afghanistan.

Russia is currently holding drills in Tajikistan on Afghanistan’s northern border to prepare for potential security threats posed by the Taliban.

However, many in the Biden administration believe that Moscow is actually exerting pressure on its former Soviet ally not to cooperate with American efforts to establish a new counter-terrorism base that would allow the US to operate in Afghanistan without having to maintain a presence there outside the embassy.

Meanwhile, Beijing has stepped up its pressure on Pakistan, following a years-long campaign of bringing Islamabad closer into alignment with Beijing’s intentions for the region – all at America’s expense.

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Chinese officials are planning trips to other nearby countries the US is currently courting to, in a bid to subdue the chaos left by the power vacuum in Afghanistan and will also push ties between China and other Central Asian countries closer.

Indeed, when asked last week whether the US military had the capability to return to Afghanistan should it need to, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby declined to comment on what he called a hypothetical question, saying the military was focused on “transitioning to a renewed relationship with Afghan forces.”

“And, again,” Kirby added, “the president has been very clear that we are going to maintain and retain a counterterrorism capability commensurate with whatever threat might emanate out of Afghanistan toward the homeland.”

Meanwhile, the US welcomed talks between Afghanistan and the Taliban held from July 17-18 in Doha.

In a statement, US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said, “The United States welcomes the talks held July 17-18 between senior leaders of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban in Doha and the commitment the two sides have declared to accelerate negotiations towards an inclusive political settlement. Only a negotiated settlement can bring a lasting end to over 40 years of conflict in Afghanistan.”

The United States urged the Taliban to uphold the commitment in the Joint Declaration to protect Afghanistan’s infrastructure, protect civilians, and cooperate on humanitarian assistance.

Price commended the leadership of the State of Qatar in bringing the parties together as well as the United Nations for the essential role it is playing.

“We remain committed to working alongside the international community and Afghanistan’s neighbours in advancing the Afghanistan peace process and supporting the people of Afghanistan in achieving the just and lasting peace they deserve,” added Price. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India’s call for ‘zero tolerance’ towards terrorism in Afghanistan

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Rockets land in Kabul as Ghani gives Eid speech

The incident reported minutes ahead of a speech by President Ashraf Ghani marking the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha….reports Asian Lite News

During the morning Eid prayers on Tuesday, three rockets landed in areas near the Presidential Palace during Eid prayers, Tolo News reported.

The incident reported minutes ahead of a speech by President Ashraf Ghani marking the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha.

The rockets were fired at around 8:00 am from the Parwan-e-Se area and landed in Bagh-e-Ali Mardan and Chaman-e-Hozori areas in Kabul’s District 1 and Manabe Bashari area in Kabul’s District 2.

The landing were heard across the heavily fortified Green Zone that houses the presidential palace and several embassies, including the US mission, it was reported.

“Today the enemies of Afghanistan launched rocket attacks in different parts of Kabul city,” reports quoted interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai as saying.

“All the rockets hit three different parts. Based on our initial information, we have no casualties. Our team is investigating,” he added.

Ghani speaking at a ceremony after Eid prayers slammed the Taliban saying that they have “no will for peace”.

He said, “This Eid has been named after Afghan forces to honour their sacrifices and courage, the Taliban showed that they have no will for peace” and added that “we will make decisions based on that,” reported Tolo News.

Meanwhile, representatives from fifteen NATO members in Afghanistan, in a joint statement, urged the Taliban to put the ongoing violation to an end.

The statement was jointly issued by Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the EU Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, the Office of NATO and Senior Civilian Representative, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, The Khaama Press reported citing the statement.

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The statement slammed the Taliban over targeted assassinations in Afghanistan, destruction of infrastructures, threats, declarations, and other actions against the gains of the past 20 years.

In the recent developments, the United States termed the Afghan government and Taliban meeting in Doha as “a positive step” and noted that “more must be done urgently” as Afghans are suffering terribly from the war.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the Taliban should “end the occupation” in Afghanistan amid rising violence in the war-torn country.

“The Taliban should end the occupation of the soil of their brothers,” Erdogan stated on Monday in a press conference upon his departure to Northern Cyprus.

Erdogan also said that Turkey plans to talk with the Taliban over Kabul airport, Daily Sabah reported.

Turkey, whose forces in Afghanistan have always consisted of noncombatant troops, has offered to guard the airport as questions remain on how security will be assured along major transport routes and at the airport, which is the main gateway to the capital Kabul.

The security of the airport is crucial for the operation of diplomatic missions out of Afghanistan as Western forces pull out.

The airport is in a strategic location close to the Afghan presidential palace and foreign diplomatic missions in Kabul and is the only place from which to evacuate diplomats in emergency situations.

The Taliban warned Turkey against possible plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul’s main airport after the withdrawal of foreign troops, calling the strategy “reprehensible”.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemns this reprehensible decision,” the terror group said in a statement.

“If Turkish officials fail to reconsider their decision and continue the occupation of our country, the Islamic Emirate… will take a stand against them,” it added. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India’s call for ‘zero tolerance’ towards terrorism in Afghanistan

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Over 950 Taliban militants killed, 500 injured in 4 days

Clashes between Afghan forces and Taliban are underway in over 20 provinces and nine cities as the terror group continues its violent offensive against the Afghan military…reports Asian Lite News

Over 950 Taliban terrorists have been killed and over 500 more have been wounded in operations by Afghan security forces over the last four days.

Clashes between Afghan forces and Taliban are underway in over 20 provinces and nine cities as the terror group continues its violent offensive against the Afghan military and civilians to gain control over more key territories in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry informed that the Afghan forces retook control of Sorkh-e-Parsa district in Parwan and Mailstan district in Ghazni in the last 12 hours.

But the centre of the Chakhansur district in Nimroz once again fell to the Taliban, according to sources.

The Afghan security and defence forces spokesman on Sunday said that 967 Talibs have been killed so far.

Heavy clashes have been reported on the outskirts of the city of Taluqan in the northeastern province of Takhar, raising concerns of residents who say the city has been under attack by the Taliban for the last two weeks.

“The situation is worsening every day. Shops have remained closed. Mortars and Taliban firing have hit people’s homes,” said Abdul Karim, a Taluqan resident.

Afghan security force members take part in a military operation in Chahar Dara district of Kunduz province, Afghanistan, Jan. 16, 2018. The Kunduz province, as well as neighboring Baghlan and Takhar provinces, have been the hotbeds of heavy clashes over the past couple of months as Taliban has been trying to attack the government forces in the once relatively peaceful region. (Xinhua/Ajmal Kakar/IANS)

ALSO READ: Ghani says 10,000 jihadi fighters from Pak entered Afghanistan

“The government should make an effort to take the city out of this situation,” said Naqibullah, a Taluqan resident.

In Kunduz city in the north, residents said the situation is dire and they fear attacks by the Taliban.

“My home is in the Number One area in Kunduz city. I was displaced. My home was hit by a mortar. Two members of our family were martyred and four more were wounded,” said Farzana, a Kunduz resident, who was injured in the incident.

The security situation deteriorates amid the withdrawal of foreign forces from the war-torn country.

In the latest developments, Afghan officials and a Taliban delegation are holding talks in Doha to resolve the Afghan issues peacefully.

Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, who chairs the Republic team in the talks, said he expects a “positive and constructive” outcome from the talks.

Sources familiar with the matter said that in this latest round the Taliban has insisted on the release of 7,000 prisoners and the removal of its leaders’ names from the UN blacklist, and the Republic delegation has emphasised the need for a roadmap for peace in Afghanistan. (ANI)

ALSO READ: More than 50 Taliban militants dead in Afghanistan in 24 hrs

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Afghan govt, Taliban to agree to expedite peace process

The two sides issued a joint statement following the two-day talks in Doha as violence rages in Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News

The Afghan government and Taliban have agreed to expedite the efforts to restore peace in Afghanistan and continue high-level talks.

The two sides issued a joint statement following the two-day talks in Doha as violence rages in Afghanistan, ToloNews reported.

However, the two sides fell short to mention de-escalation of violence or ceasefire.

Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation and the head of the 7-member delegation of Afghan politicians in talks with the Taliban, assured the participants of the Afghan government’s firm will and commitment for peace and said the two days of negotiations were a good opportunity for both sides to clearly share their position to each other.

They agreed to find a common ground to move the country forward from the current situation, as per the statement.

The two sides agreed to protect the country’s civilian infrastructure, prevent civilian casualties, and cooperate with humanitarian assistance, the statement added.

Both Afghan government and Taliban have thanked Qatar for hosting the talks and other countries for their support of the peace process.

However, Taliban spokesperson Mohammad Naeem said the delegations of the Afghan government and the Taliban movement have been unable to agree on a ceasefire during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha or release of imprisoned Taliban members, Sputnik reported.

ALSO READ: Ghani says 10,000 jihadi fighters from Pak entered Afghanistan

“According to some media reports, a several-day ceasefire or a release of some prisoners was agreed on at the two-day high-level intra-Afghan meeting in Doha. This information does not correspond to reality. Such an agreement has not been reached,” Naeem tweeted.

Afghanistan has witnessed a spike in violence in recent weeks. Taliban have stepped up offensive since the foreign forces began to withdraw from the country in May. The United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces will complete military drawdown till the end of August.

Taliban is taking control of more and more territory in Afghanistan, while Afghan forces have launched a counteroffensive to thwart the terrorists.

Earlier, the supreme leader of the Taliban Hibatullah Akhundzada said he ‘strenuously favours’ a political settlement to the ongoing conflict.

Soon after a senior delegation of the Afghan government and Taliban representatives met in Doha for high-stakes negotiations, the chief of insurgents released an official statement ahead of Eid Ul-Adha, reported Daily Pakistan.

“In spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate strenuously favours a political settlement in the country”, it stated.

Akhundzada further added that “Every opportunity for the establishment of an Islamic system, peace and security that presents itself will be made use of by the Islamic Emirate.”

The top Taliban leader also said that his group remained committed to forging a solution to end the war but ‘slammed the opposition parties for wasting time’.

“Let us resolve our issues among ourselves and rescue our homeland from the prevailing crisis instead of relying on foreigners”, the statement further added.

Meanwhile, Taliban have captured several areas of the country amid the withdrawal of the US and other foreign troops from Afghanistan. (ANI)

ALSO READ: More than 50 Taliban militants dead in Afghanistan in 24 hrs

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More than 50 Taliban militants dead in Afghanistan in 24 hrs

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In Balkh province, 15 Taliban militants were killed and six others wounded following an airstrike conducted by the AAF in Kaldar district….reports Asian Lite News

At least 53 Taliban militants were killed and 38 others injured in multiple airstrikes and fierce battles in Afghanistan in the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Defence said on Sunday.

In Kapisa province, 18 militants were killed and 24 wounded after Afghan Air Force (AAF) conducted airstrikes in support of Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in the Tagab and Nijrab districts, Xinhua news agency reported citing a Ministry statement as saying.

Among the killed militants were three Taliban’s divisional commanders, said the statement.

Meanwhile, 20 Taliban militants were killed and eight others wounded during a cleanup operation conducted by ANDSF on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, the capital city of Helmand province, according to the statement.

In Balkh province, 15 Taliban militants were killed and six others wounded following an airstrike conducted by the AAF in Kaldar district.

One vehicle belonging to the militants and a large number of weapons and ammunition were destroyed during the latest offensives, the statement said.

The Afghan security forces have recently beefed up security operations against the Taliban militants.

ALSO READ: Ghani says 10,000 jihadi fighters from Pak entered Afghanistan

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Ghani says 10,000 jihadi fighters from Pak entered Afghanistan

The President said that Afghanistan was ready to counter the Taliban and their supporters as long as they realise that a political solution is the only way forward….reports Asian Lite News

In a hard-hitting speech, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said more than 10,000 �jihadi fighters entered the country from Pakistan in the last month, while Islamabad had failed to convince the Taliban to participate “seriously” in the peace talks.

According to the Kabul Times, Ghani made the remarks on Friday while addressing the Central and South Asia connectivity conference held in Tashkent, with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan also in attendance.

“Contrary to repeated assurances by Prime Minister Khan and his Generals that Pakistan does not find a Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in Pakistan’s interest and fell short of use of force and its power and influence to make the Taliban negotiate seriously, networks and organizations supporting the Taliban are openly celebrating the destruction of the assets and capabilities of the Afghan people and State,” Ghani said.

The President said that Afghanistan was ready to counter the Taliban and their supporters as long as they realise that a political solution is the only way forward.

On Thursday, First Vice-President Amrullah Saleh that the Pakistan military had threatened missile launches against the Afghan Air Force if it targeted Taliban militia that has seized border checkposts at the frontier town of Spin Boldak.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry denied the claim.

Meanwhile, Afghan security forces have re-occupied three districts in the last 24 hours said the country’s Defence Ministry as clashes continue in various provinces of Afghanistan.

TOLO News reported quoting Defense Ministry, that the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces retook the control of Saighan and Kahmard districts in Bamiyan and Chakhansur district in Nimroz.

“In an operation that began this (Friday) morning, districts were retaken in a short time by security forces, and the country’s flag was raised back on the districts,” Bamiyan governor Tahir Zuhair said.

The Ministry of Defense said the operations by Afghan security forces are underway to push back the Taliban attacks on cities and to retake the areas that are under Taliban influence.

“Operation by the ANDSF to retake districts that were under the influence of the enemy is underway,” Defense Ministry spokesman Rohullah Ahmadzai said.

Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed that they have entered the city of Sheberghan, the center of Jawzjan province in the north, but local officials said the attacks of the Taliban were pushed back.

Reports suggest that the security situation in the city of Taluqan, the center of Takhar, is concerning.

TOLO News further said citing sources said that 10 civilians were killed and 10 others were injured in an airstrike by government forces in Shohada district in Badakhshan on Thursday, but the government rejected the claim. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Increasing Threats To Media In Afghanistan

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Afghan envoy’s daughter kidnapped in Pakistan

After being released from the kidnappers’ captivity, Alikhil is under medical care at a hospital….reports Asian Lite News

 The daughter of Najibullah Alikhil, the Afghan envoy to Pakistan, was abducted and tortured on her way home in Islamabad, Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan states with deep regret that on July 16, 2021, the daughter of the Afghan ambassador to Islamabad, Ms. Silsila Alikhil, was abducted for several hours and severely tortured by unknown individuals on her way home,” the statement said.

After being released from the kidnappers’ captivity, Alikhil is under medical care at a hospital.

The statement said that the MoFA strongly condemns the heinous act and expresses its deep concern over the safety and security of diplomats, their families, and staff members of the Afghan political and consular missions in Pakistan.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Government of Pakistan to take immediate necessary actions to ensure full security of the Afghan Embassy and Consulates as well as the immunity of the country’s diplomats and their families in accordance with international treaties and conventions.

“While the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs is following the matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, we urge the Pakistani government to identify and prosecute the perpetrators at the soonest possible time,” the statement added.

ALSO READ: Increasing Threats To Media In Afghanistan

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Increasing Threats To Media In Afghanistan

Journalists say that the widespread nature of oral and written threats has meant that no media workers feel safe, reports Asian Lite News

The death of Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, while caught in a crossfire between the Taliban and Afghan forces, puts the spotlight firmly on increasing dangers faced by mediapersons in the war-torn country.

An Indian and a Pulitzer award winner, Siddiqui was however not murdered, unlike the more thab 30 Afghan journalists who have been killed on the line of duty, mostly by Taliban radicals.

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Some of them were woman who dared the Talibans with their bold reporting.

Three women who worked for the local Enikass Radio and TV were brutally murdered in April in Jalalabad.

The victims, Mursal Wahidi, 25, Sadia Sadat, 20, and Shahnaz Raofi, 20, worked in a department that records voice-overs for foreign programs.

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Danish Siddiqui

A fourth woman was wounded in the attacks.

Malalai Maiwand, 26, a television and radio presenter with Enikass, had been gunned down in much the same way in December 2020.

The Taliban denied any involvement but have been blamed for much of the wave of assassinations that began after the February 2020 peace agreement negotiated between the insurgent group and the United States.

A senior Enikass management official told IANS that the Taliban hated their outlet not only because of their reporting but also because they employed many women.

Following the 2001 US invasion which unseated the Taliban and ended its extremist form of Islamic law that banned women from most jobs, Afghanistan’s media outlets and news stations have emboldened a new generation of Afghans and especially women, despite the unending war around them.

Afghan national army soldiers take part in an operation against Taliban militants in Kunduz city, Afghanistan. (Photo by Ajmal Kakar_Xinhua_IANS)

But since 2018, more than 30 media workers and journalists have been killed in Afghanistan, according to a recent UN report.

From September 2020 to January of this year, at least six journalists and media workers were killed in such attacks, according to the report.

Many died thereafter.

The recent attacks have amounted to an “intentional, premeditated, and deliberate targeting of human rights defenders, journalists and media workers”, the report said.

“With a clear objective of silencing specific individuals by killing them, while sending a chilling message to the broader community.”

Taliban forces have been deliberately targeting journalists and other media workers, including women, in Afghanistan, the US-based Human Rights Watch has said.

Threats and attacks against journalists across the country have increased sharply since talks began between the Afghan government and the Taliban, heightening concerns about preserving freedom of expression and the media in any peace settlement.

Human Rights Watch found that Taliban commanders and fighters have engaged in a pattern of threats, intimidation, and violence against members of the media in areas where the Taliban have significant influence, as well as in Kabul.

Those making the threats often have an intimate knowledge of a journalist’s work, family, and movements and use this information to either compel them to self-censor, leave their work altogether, or face violent consequences.

Provincial and district-level Taliban commanders and fighters also make oral and written threats against journalists beyond the areas they control.

Members of the Afghan security force take part in an operation in Jawzjan province, Afghanistan. (Xinhua_Mohammad Jan Aria_IANS)

Journalists say that the widespread nature of the threats has meant that no media workers feel safe.

“A wave of threats and killings has sent a chilling message to the Afghan media at a precarious moment as Afghans on all sides get set to negotiate free speech protections in a future Afghanistan,” said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director.

“By silencing critics through threats and violence, the Taliban have undermined hopes for preserving an open society in Afghanistan.”

Human Rights Watch interviewed 46 members of the Afghan media between November 2020 and March 2021, seeking information on the conditions under which they work, including threats of physical harm.

Those interviewed included 42 journalists in Badghis, Ghazni, Ghor, Helmand, Kabul, Kandahar, Khost, Wardak, and Zabul provinces and four who had left Afghanistan due to threats.

In a number of cases that the Human Rights Watch documented, Taliban forces detained journalists for a few hours or overnight.

U.S.-Special-Representative-Zalmay-Khalilzad-during-the-talks-in-Doha

In several cases they or their colleagues were able to contact senior Taliban officials to intercede with provincial and district-level commanders to secure their release, indicating that local commanders are able to take decisions to target journalists on their own without approval from senior Taliban military or political officials.

Taliban officials at their political office in Doha, Qatar, have denied that their forces threaten the media and say that they require only that journalists respect Islamic values.

But Taliban commanders throughout Afghanistan have threatened journalists specifically for their reporting.

The commanders have considerable autonomy to carry out punishments, including targeted killings.

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