Security Council strongly condemns Afghan terror attack
The Council members reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation…reports Asian Lite News
The UN Security Council condemned “in the strongest terms” the terror attack in Afghanistan’s Logar province on April 30 that killed at least 26 people and injured 71 others.
In a statement on Monday, the members of the Security Council expressed their sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Afghan government, wishing the injured a speedy and full recovery, reports Xinhua news agency.
Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, the Council members said.
They underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of the attack accountable and bring them to justice, urging all states to cooperate with the Afghan government and all other relevant authorities.
Afghanistan’s killing fields: Taliban and its mentors have blood on their hands
The Council members reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
They reaffirmed the need for all states to combat threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, while observing relevant laws and regulations.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Taliban has conducted 141 attacks in Afghanistan, mostly in Uruzgan, Zabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Badakhshan and Takhar provinces, sources said.
Information obtained by TOLO News shows that at least 20 people were killed in the attacks.
Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry said that more than 100 Taliban fighters were also killed in the last 24 hours. The militant group has however, rejected the figure.
Data collected by TOLO News revealed that in the last 30 days, 438 members of Afghan forces and civilians were killed and more than 500 others were injured.
The data shows that 190 bombings, targeted attacks and offensives took place in the last month.
The figures come as US forces started their withdrawal from Afghanistan on May 1.
The Defence Ministry said that Camp Antonik in the Washir district in the southern province of Helmand was officially handed over to the Afghan National Army’s 215 Maiwand Corp on Sunday.
The Ministry said the camp will be used as a base for Afghan special forces.
With no change in its name, the camp will be used as a base for Afghan Special Operations Forces…reports Asian Lite News
The US forces in Afghanistan have handed over a key operating base to the Afghan National Army in the restive southern Helmand province, reported local media.
“Camp Antonik in Helmand province was officially handed over to the Afghan Army’s 215 Maiwand Corps on Sunday,” Tolo News reported.
With no change in its name, the camp will be used as a base for Afghan Special Operations Forces, Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying on Monday.
Helmand province, notorious for poppy growing, is a known Taliban insurgents’ stronghold.
The violence lingers in war-torn Afghanistan as the US and NATO troops have been leaving the country.
About 3,500 American forces and 7,000 NATO troops will be withdrawn before September 11, the day which is the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that drew the US into war in Afghanistan.
The White House has said the US military will send additional forces to Afghanistan to protect US and coalition forces during the withdrawal.
“Elements of an Army Ranger Task Force will temporarily deploy to Afghanistan to assist with the force protection of forces on the ground as we initiate withdrawal operations,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin (Photo: @SecDef/Twitter)
She also said Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed that a carrier strike group would provide sustained additional force protection capabilities in the region throughout the withdrawal.
“While these actions will initially result in increased forces levels, we remain committed to having all US military personnel out of Afghanistan by September 11, 2021,” she added.
The Pentagon last week said that B-52 bombers and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier will deploy to the region to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they withdraw from Afghanistan.
US troops in Afghanistan.
Citing defence officials, CNN reported that fewer than 100 troops and military equipment had been pulled out of the country largely by aircraft to implement the withdrawal order announced by President Joe Biden earlier this month.
The US State Department on Tuesday ordered non-essential staff to leave the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. US Charge d’Affaires to Afghanistan Ross Wilson tweeted that the departure was approved “in light of increasing violence & threat reports in Kabul.”
A 2020 study by the European Parliament put the potential benefits of a trade deal with India for the EU at up to $10 billion, reports Asian Lite News
The European Union and India have agreed to relaunch stalled free-trade talks as concerns about China’s rise bring Brussels and New Delhi closer.
The draft statement, which must be signed off by EU ambassadors on Wednesday and needs New Delhi’s final approval, would bind together two of the world’s biggest economies in an alliance seen as a counter to China.
If it is approved, the EU and India will say, “We agreed to resume negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreement which would respond to the current challenges,” the draft statement said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to EU chief executive Ursula von der Leyen on Monday about reviving the trade talks, which have been stalled since 2013. The pair will be joined by European Council President Charles Michel and German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the virtual meeting.
A 2020 study by the European Parliament put the potential benefits of a trade deal with India for the EU at up to $10 billion, although that was before Britain left the bloc.
India’s economic growth has overtaken China in recent years, making it an attractive market for Europe. The 27-nation bloc is India’s top export destination, taking about 15% of its foreign sales, according to EU data.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen
Although India has gradually lowered its tariffs since 1990, the EU still faces high levies exporting crops, food, drinks and motor vehicles, areas seen as obstacles to a deal.
Talks were put on hold in 2013 as both sides failed to bridge differences, such as over the extent of tariff reductions, patent protection, data security and the right of Indian professionals to work in Europe.
The EU will also win Indian support for its new plan to step up influence in the Indo-Pacific region, using areas from security to health to protect its interests and counter China, although the bloc insists its strategy is not against Beijing.
“We emphasized our commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific space, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, and rule of law,” the draft statement said.
India, EU call for ceasefire in Afghanistan
India and the European Union on Tuesday called for an “immediate, permanent and comprehensive” ceasefire in Afghanistan, and said an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country.
Issues relating to the Afghan peace process figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles on the sidelines of a meeting of the G7 in London.
A joint press statement said both Jaishankar and Borrell underlined the importance of ensuring that the soil of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten the security of India and the EU.
It said they agreed that a successful peace process requires the Taliban to engage in good faith, with a serious commitment towards finding a political solution.
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Borrell (ANI)
“External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Borrell jointly and firmly condemned the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated against the national forces of Afghanistan and civilians and the targeted assassinations of civil rights activists, media persons and Ulema,” it said.
The statement said Jaiishankar and Borrell reiterated their call for an immediate, permanent and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire.
“An effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the negotiations to proceed meaningfully, for building trust between the parties, in instilling confidence in the Afghan people and for demonstrating a genuine commitment of the Taliban to lasting reconciliation,” it said.
It said both sides condemned in the strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructures and countering radicalisation to ensure that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for international terrorism.
Reaffirming that security in Afghanistan is intrinsically linked with security in the region, Jaishankar and Borrell agreed upon the need for the country’s neighbours and regional stakeholders to be active and “honest facilitators” in promoting a lasting, stable and peaceful resolution of the conflict.
“They underlined the importance of intra-regional initiatives promoting Afghanistan’s greater economic integration and connectivity, in cooperation with all neighbours in the region, based on existing infrastructure and trading arrangements, so that Afghanistan’s aid dependency can be reduced and its trade potential be realised to the fullest,” it said.
Calling for respecting and protecting the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, Jaishankar and Borrell reaffirmed their strong and continued support to an inclusive, Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process.
The Afghan government said that the roots of the al-Qaeda network are still alive in Afghanistan and the group still poses a threat to the country…reports Asian Lite News
Despite the Taliban’s claim that it seeks to maintain peace in Afghanistan, Kabul on Monday revealed that the terror outfit still maintains close ties with Al-Qaeda.
The Afghan government said that the roots of the al-Qaeda network are still alive in Afghanistan and the group still poses a threat to the country and the world and is collaborating with the Taliban, reported The News International.
“Al-Qaeda is still active in Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda was not owned by bin Laden,” said Atiqullah Amarkhil, a former military officer.
Osama Bin Laden, the founder of the militant terrorist organisation al-Qaeda, was killed by US security forces in Abbottabad on May 2, 2011. He was shot in the head, during the firefight in the compound in Pakistan, where he was taking shelter.
“Right now, al-Qaeda and Talib are not two different ideologic topics; they are beyond that as they have intermarried within their families,” National Directorate of Security (NDS) chief Ahmad Zia Saraj said last week, reported The News International.
But the Taliban has dismissed any type of relations with al-Qaeda. The US presence in Afghanistan over the last 20 years was due to the existence of al-Qaeda. US President Joe Biden last month said the US has achieved its objectives in the Afghanistan war, reported The News International.
Terming war on terror as America’s longest war, Biden said: “Now, as a result of those efforts, as we bring to an end America’s longest war and draw down the last of our troops from Afghanistan.”
The United States has begun pulling out its forces from Afghanistan. Biden announced earlier this month the decision to withdraw troops from the country starting May 1, with the aim of complete withdrawal from Afghanistan by September 11, which would mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that sparked the war in Afghanistan, the longest conflict in American history. (ANI)
More than 20 people killed in clashes in last 24 hours in Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News
The Taliban has conducted 141 attacks in Afghanistan over the last 24 hours, mostly in Uruzgan, Zabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Badakhshan and Takhar provinces, sources said.
Information obtained by TOLO News shows that at least 20 people were killed in the attacks.
Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry said that more than 100 Taliban fighters were also killed in the last 24 hours.
The militant group has however, rejected the figure.
Data collected by TOLO News revealed that in the last 30 days, 438 members of Afghan forces and civilians were killed and more than 500 others were injured.
The data shows that 190 bombings, targeted attacks and offensives took place in the last month.
The figures come as US forces started their withdrawal from Afghanistan on May 1.
The Defence Ministry said that Camp Antonik in the Washir district in the southern province of Helmand was officially handed over to the Afghan National Army’s 215 Maiwand Corp on Sunday.
The Ministry said the camp will be used as a base for Afghan special forces.
With US President Joe Biden extending the deadline for withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, the security in the national capital was ramped up on Saturday as the city prepared for reaction from the insurgent Taliban, according to reports.
The US troops are still present in Afghanistan after Biden ordered extension of withdrawal deadline beyond May 1 which was agreed in by the Donald Trump administration.
According to media reports, an increased military presence and security at checkpoints were visible in the Afghan capital, and a security source said the city had been placed on “high alert”. Military patrols and security were being increased in main cities around the country.
Last week, five soldiers and eight militants were killed when fighting erupted in Afghanistan’s northern Badakhshan province, a local source confirmed on Sunday.
The clashes broke out when armed militants stormed an Afghan Regional Army’s checkpoint in surrounding areas of restive Wardoj district at midnight, Abdul Raziq from the Afghan national army’s 217 Pamir Corps told the Xinhua news agency.
Jean-Pierre also said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed that a carrier strike group would provide sustained additional force protection capabilities in the region throughout the withdrawal….reports Asian Lite News
The White House has said the US military will send additional forces to Afghanistan to protect US and coalition forces during the withdrawal.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One that “a drawdown is underway,” saying that the US military would deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan and the region to cover the withdrawal, Xinhua reported.
“Elements of an Army Ranger Task Force will temporarily deploy to Afghanistan to assist with the force protection of forces on the ground as we initiate withdrawal operations,” she noted.
Jean-Pierre also said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed that a carrier strike group would provide sustained additional force protection capabilities in the region throughout the withdrawal.
“While these actions will initially result in increased forces levels, we remain committed to having all US military personnel out of Afghanistan by September 11, 2021,” she added.
The Pentagon last week said that B-52 bombers and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier will deploy to the region to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they withdraw from Afghanistan.
Citing defense officials, CNN reported that fewer than 100 troops and military equipment had been pulled out of the country largely by aircraft to implement the withdrawal order announced by President Joe Biden earlier this month.
Afghan security force members take part in a military operation in Ghazni province, eastern Afghanistan
The US State Department on Tuesday ordered non-essential staff to leave the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. US Charge d’Affaires to Afghanistan Ross Wilson tweeted that the departure was approved “in light of increasing violence & threat reports in Kabul.”
Biden previously announced the withdrawal would begin on May 1, the deadline date for a full U.S. withdrawal under an agreement reached between the former Donald Trump administration and the Afghan Taliban.
The Taliban had warned of consequences if the Biden administration fails to follow through that deadline.
There are roughly 3,500 US troops in Afghanistan, and about 7,000 NATO troops in the country rely on US logistics and security support.
On its part, Pakistan has apparently served Taliban an “enough is enough” ultimatum. In case they don’t re-join the peace process, the Talban were told, Islamabad would retaliate….reports Asian Lite News
Afghanistan has urged Pakistan to impose its will on Taliban so that it joins stalled peace talks.
On its part, Pakistan has apparently served Taliban an “enough is enough” ultimatum. In case they don’t re-join the peace process, the Talban were told, Islamabad would retaliate.
What has been the tipping point that has forced Islamabad’s hand? Apparently, Pakistan’s patience ran out when the Taliban refused to join the US-backed Afghan Peace Conference in Islamabad, which was slated for April 24 in Istanbul. The seminal conclave was to be co-hosted by Turkey, Qatar and the United Nations.
The Pakistani delegation led by special envoy Mohammad Sadiq was subsequently in Kabul for two days. According to the Afghan media, the Pakistani heavyweight team was on a ‘special’ mission.
Mohammad Sadiq meets Afghan National Security Adviser at the Presidential Palace in Kabul(Twitter)
Last year, the Afghans had arrested Aslam Farooqi, also known as Abdullah. He was the chief of the arch-terrorist Islamic State “Khorasan Province’ (KP) chapter. Since then, Pakistan has been trying to “extradite” Aslam Farooqi, because of his ‘close ‘ connection with Pakistan’s ISI. The Afghans have charged Farooqi with attacking in last March, in which 27 people were killed.
India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case to look into the terror attack in Kabul. One Indian was among 27 Sikh worshippers who were killed in the attack led by Aslam Farooqi.
Pakistan’s ISI and the Pakistan army, the handlers of terror groups, has been concerned that Farooqi would share sensitive, credible and verifiable information with the National Directorate of Security (NDS) of Afghanistan, showing them in “poor light”, in case the information became public.
Ashraf-Ghani
It is because of these large-scale ramifications that Pakistan has been pressuring Afghanistan to hand over Farooqi to them. Pakistan is using the Taliban peace deal as a leverage to bring in the United States into the picture to pressurise Afghanistan to hand over Farooqi to them.
While Pakistani delegation was in Kabul last week, it is understood that Farooqi’s extradition was also discussed.
When asked by the media, Ahmad Zia Saraj, the head of Afghanistan’s intelligence agency—the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said: “We will think about it once Pakistan hands over some Taliban leaders to us who are in their jails.” The ball in now in Pakistan’s court to comply with the Afghan request, in case it wants to “recover” their intelligence asset.
It confirmed that the Monday clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces occurred in the Loqman village of Spin Boldak…reports Asian Lite News
Afghans and Pakistan troops opened fire at each other on Monday at Kandahar.
According to Afghanistan times news, “Afghan and Pakistani troops opened fire at each other on Monday at a crossing point in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province in the south.”
Officials in Kandahar confirmed the Monday clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces, saying it occurred in the Loqman village of Spin Boldak and lasted for several hours, as reported by Afghanistan times.
Later, Gholam Yahya Alavi, spokesman of the 205 Atal army corps based in Kandahar, confirmed the attack and open fire among the countries. He told Afghanistan times that “the clash was over and Pakistani troops were pushed back.”
Alavi said that “one Afghan soldier was injured and a vehicle was damaged, but could not offer an exact number of Pakistan forces’ casualties,” reported Afghanistan Times.
The Afghan and Pakistani forces have confronted each other twice since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan which started on April 13, at the crossing points as Pakistani forces tried to cross the Durand Line and fence the crossing line, according to Afghan officials.
However, Pakistani officials did not comment on the incident so far, reported Afghanistan times. (ANI)
The decision comes as the situation in Afghanistan has worsened than before due to the rise in violence…reports Asian Lite News
The US State Department has ordered the withdrawal of diplomats from its embassy in Kabul in light of the deteriorating security situation there.
According to updated travel advice on Afghanistan, all embassy employees who are able to carry out their tasks from another location are affected by Tuesday’s order, DPA news agency reported.
The ministry did not provide any information on how many diplomats are to leave and how many are to remain in the Afghan capital.
International troops will officially begin withdrawing from Afghanistan on May 1. US President Joe Biden has set a September 11 deadline for the withdrawal’s completion.
The alliance declared that member states were scheduled to begin an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan by May 1…reports Asian Lite News
The NATO alliance on Friday reiterated its pledge to support Afghanistan and the political resolution of hostilities in the country, Stefano Pontecorvo, NATO Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan, said on Friday.
On Thursday, the official met with Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation. According to Pontecorvo, they held fruitful discussions “on the new chapter in the relationship between Afghanistan and NATO.”
“We agreed on the importance of a political settlement and on the need for a united Republic front to act in the interest of peace and for the benefit of all Afghans,” the official was quoted as saying by the regional alliance office in a tweet.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani,
Last week, the alliance declared that member states were scheduled to begin an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan by May 1, planning to complete it within a few months. The US intends to complete the pullout by September 11.
In the meantime, Afghanistan is still witnessing clashes between Taliban insurgents and the Afghan military despite the launch of peace talks between the movement and Kabul in Qatar’s Doha last September.
The Afghan military continues to regularly report on its special operations against the movement.
Stay out, Ghani tells Pakistan
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday urged Pakistan to stay out of his country and rein in the Taliban to ensure an orderly departure of NATO forces next month.
Speaking during a visit to the restive southern province of Kandahar, Ghani said that Afghanistan wanted to see NATO forces out with dignity.
He said that Pakistan, which Afghanistan and the United States blame for giving a safe haven to the radical insurgency, should use its leverage to force the Taliban back into peace talks.
NATO announced last week that member states will start an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan by May 1, planning to complete it within a few months. The US intends to complete the pullout by September 11. (ANI/Sputnik)
