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The Taliban have warned there would be "consequences" if the US and its allies extend their presence in Afghanistan beyond the August 31 deadline, as chaos continued to overwhelm Kabul airport.
The Taliban takeover of the country last weekend shocked Western nations, coming just two weeks before the deadline for all troops to fully withdraw from the country.
Taliban's statement came a day after US President Joe Biden said he still hopes to complete the "heartbreaking" evacuation from Afghanistan by the end of the month. Meanwhile, Britain said Monday it would urge the US to extend the August 31 deadline for evacuations from Afghanistan.
However, the Taliban, who have so far sought to strike a more moderate tone, showed no willingness to compromise on the US pullout.
Here are the Updates on Afghanistan-Taliban crisis:
Aug 23, 2021 23:56 (IST)
The dramatic evacuation of people fleeing Afghanistan will involve a US military-civilian alliance that dates back to 1951 but which has been activated only twice before: in 1990-1991 during the Gulf War and in 2003 during the invasion of Iraq. Read here.
Aug 23, 2021 23:41 (IST)
Afghanistan: Taliban Near Resistance Stronghold Panjshir After Retaking 3 Nearby Areas
The Taliban were in position near the Panjshir valley and had retaken three districts in northern Afghanistan that fell to local militia groups last week, a spokesman said on Monday, though there were no confirmed reports of further fighting, reported Reuters.
The districts of Bano, Deh Saleh, Pul e-Hesar were taken by local militia groups last week in one of the first signs of armed resistance to the Taliban since their seizure of Kabul on August 15. By Monday, Taliban forces had cleared the districts and were established in Badakhshan, Takhar and Andarab near Panjshir valley, according to the Twitter account of spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
The Taliban were in position near the Panjshir valley and had retaken three districts in northern Afghanistan that fell to local militia groups last week, a spokesman said on Monday, though there were no confirmed reports of further fighting, reported Reuters.
The districts of Bano, Deh Saleh, Pul e-Hesar were taken by local militia groups last week in one of the first signs of armed resistance to the Taliban since their seizure of Kabul on August 15. By Monday, Taliban forces had cleared the districts and were established in Badakhshan, Takhar and Andarab near Panjshir valley, according to the Twitter account of spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
Aug 23, 2021 22:45 (IST)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau left the door open to sanctions on the Taliban Monday, noting that the Islamist group that now controls Afghanistan remains a "terrorist entity." Read here.
Aug 23, 2021 22:44 (IST)
LIVE: Afghan Evacuated By France Under Surveillance For Alleged Taliban Links
France has placed under surveillance an Afghan evacuated from Kabul who is suspected of links to the Taliban, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday. About 1,300 Afghans have in recent days been evacuated by France via a military base in Abu Dhabi, after President Emmanuel Macron said the country was opening its arms to people under threat from the Taliban. Four others thought to be close to the main suspect are also the subject of surveillance measures by French intelligence, Darmanin told AFP.
France has placed under surveillance an Afghan evacuated from Kabul who is suspected of links to the Taliban, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday. About 1,300 Afghans have in recent days been evacuated by France via a military base in Abu Dhabi, after President Emmanuel Macron said the country was opening its arms to people under threat from the Taliban. Four others thought to be close to the main suspect are also the subject of surveillance measures by French intelligence, Darmanin told AFP.
Aug 23, 2021 20:46 (IST)
Afghanistan Crisis: 16,000 Evacuated From Kabul Airport In Past 24 Hours: Pentagon
Around 16,000 people were evacuated over the past 24 hours from Afghanistan through the Kabul airport, the Pentagon said Monday, as international airlift operations sped up ahead of an August 31 deadline, reported AFP. Spokesman John Kirby said that took the number of people relocated from Afghanistan since July to 42,000, and 37,000 since the intense airlift operations started on August 14 as the Taliban moved to take Kabul.
Around 16,000 people were evacuated over the past 24 hours from Afghanistan through the Kabul airport, the Pentagon said Monday, as international airlift operations sped up ahead of an August 31 deadline, reported AFP. Spokesman John Kirby said that took the number of people relocated from Afghanistan since July to 42,000, and 37,000 since the intense airlift operations started on August 14 as the Taliban moved to take Kabul.
Aug 23, 2021 20:44 (IST)
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Aug 23, 2021 19:55 (IST)
Nearly a hundred people gathered in Delhi's Mandi House area this evening to express their solidarity with the Afghan community in the country as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan." Read here.
Aug 23, 2021 19:47 (IST)
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Monday that Paris believed it necessary to continue Afghan evacuations beyond Washington's August 31 deadline following the Taliban takeover." Read here.
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Aug 23, 2021 19:38 (IST)
LIVE: Afghanistan Flag To Feature At Paralympics Opening Ceremony: Official
The Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony will feature the flag of Afghanistan as a "sign of solidarity", International Paralympic Committee chief Andrew Parsons said on Monday even as the country's athletes were forced out of the Games after Taliban's takeover there, reported PTI.
Afghan athletes were forced to withdraw from the Games as all flights out of capital Kabul got cancelled after the Taliban seized control of the strife-torn nation.
Aug 23, 2021 18:39 (IST)
Afghanistan Live: Moscow-Led Bloc 'Concerned' As Taliban Yet To Form Government
The Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a Moscow-led security bloc, said Monday it was concerned that Taliban had not yet started forming a transitional government in Afghanistan, a week after the group's military takeover of the country, reported AFP.
"It raises serious concern that the promises of Taliban representatives to help form a coalition government reflecting the aspirations and interests of all Afghan nationalities have not yet entered the implementation stage," said Stanislav Zas, secretary general of the CSTO.
Two Taliban sources told AFP on Monday that the group would not announce the makeup of its government until the US completed its troop withdrawal.
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Aug 23, 2021 17:52 (IST)
Afghanistan Crisis: Germany Looking At Afghan Evacuations After Kabul Airport Closes
Germany is looking into ways to evacuate people from Afghanistan beyond the window of opportunity to fly them out of Kabul airport, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday, according to Reuters. "As long as the situation on the ground allows, we want to keep the air bridges active and evacuate people from Kabul airport," the spokesman told a regular government news conference in Berlin. "However, we are already thinking beyond this period and are already trying to find solutions for the time after(wards)," he said, adding that Germany was talking with the Taliban about enabling as many people as possible to leave Afghanistan.
Aug 23, 2021 17:06 (IST)
LIVE: Iran Resumes Fuel Exports To Afghanistan After Taliban Request: Union
Iran restarted exports of gasoline and gasoil to Afghanistan a few days ago, after receiving a request from the Taliban, Iran's Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters' Union said on Monday, according to Reuters. "The Taliban sent messages to Iran saying 'you can continue the exports of petroleum products'," Hamid Hosseini, union board member and spokesperson in Tehran, told Reuters, adding that some Iranian traders had been cautious due to security concerns.
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Aug 23, 2021 16:50 (IST)
Afghanistan Live: US Military Evacuated Over 10,000 From Kabul On Sunday: Official
The US military flew approximately 10,400 people out of Kabul over 24 hours on Sunday, and 61 coalition planes helped evacuate approximately 5,900, a White House official said on Monday, according to Reuters. Since August 14, the US has gotten 37,000 people out of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, or helped with their evacuation, the official said.
The US military flew approximately 10,400 people out of Kabul over 24 hours on Sunday, and 61 coalition planes helped evacuate approximately 5,900, a White House official said on Monday, according to Reuters. Since August 14, the US has gotten 37,000 people out of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, or helped with their evacuation, the official said.
Aug 23, 2021 16:49 (IST)
The Taliban will not agree to an extension of the August 31 deadline for the United States to withdraw troops and a delay will bring consequences, a spokesman told Sky News. Read here.
Aug 23, 2021 16:37 (IST)
Taliban forces have recaptured three districts in northern Afghanistan that fell to local militia groups last week, a spokesman said on Monday. The districts of Bano, Deh Saleh, Pul e-Hesar were taken by local militia groups in one of the first signs of armed resistance to the Taliban since Aug. 15. Read here.
Aug 23, 2021 16:35 (IST)
Afghanistan Live Updates: French Minister In UAE To Oversee Afghan Exodus
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian was due in the UAE Monday to see for himself the massive airlift underway from Afghanistan using the Gulf nation as a staging post, reported AFP. France is seeking to evacuate more than 1,000 Afghans who are fleeing the country following the Taliban's lightning takeover a week ago. Le Drian and colleagues were due to visit the Al-Dhafra base -- some 30 kilometres from Abu Dhabi -- where French air force has been conducting round-the-clock operations in support of the evacuations.
Aug 23, 2021 16:12 (IST)
Afghanistan Live: Kabul Airport Problems Blocking Medical Supplies, Says WHO
More than 500 tonnes of medical supplies including surgical equipment and severe malnutrition kits due to be delivered to Afghanistan this week are stuck because of Kabul airport restrictions, the World Health Organization said on Monday, reported Reuters. Nearly 18.5 million people - half the population - rely on aid and the humanitarian needs are expected to grow due to drought.
"While the eyes of the world now are on the people being evacuated and the planes leaving, we need to get supplies in to help those who are left behind," a WHO spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement. She said the WHO was calling for empty planes to divert to its warehouse in Dubai, UAE, to collect the supplies on their way to pick up evacuees from the country.
Aug 23, 2021 15:12 (IST)
Aug 23, 2021 14:54 (IST)
The government has called an all-party meeting on Thursday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the foreign ministry to brief floor leaders of political parties on developments, the foreign minister said.
Aug 23, 2021 14:23 (IST)
Afghanistan LIVE Updates: Kabul Evacuation Flights Arrive In Belgium
Two flights arrived at a Belgian air base outside Brussels on Monday carrying 226 people -- mainly Afghan employees of international missions and their families -- escaping the chaos in Kabul. The flights came from Islamabad, the hub for Belgium's Operation Red Kite rescue mission, which is acting as an air link to Kabul.
Aug 23, 2021 14:02 (IST)
US President Joe Biden said Sunday he was still planning to finalize the dramatic evacuation from Afghanistan by August 31.
Aug 23, 2021 13:40 (IST)
Afghanistan LIVE Updates: 146 Indian Nationals Evacuated From Afghanistan Via Doha Reach Delhi
The second batch of 146 Indian nationals who were evacuated from Afghanistan via Doha arrived in the national capital on Monday on various flights.
The second batch of 146 Indian nationals who were evacuated from Afghanistan via Doha arrived in the national capital on Monday on various flights.
Aug 23, 2021 13:34 (IST)
A firefight broke out between unidentified gunmen, Western security forces and Afghan guards at Kabul airport on Monday, Germany's armed forces said, as thousands of Afghans and foreigners thronged the airport, seeking to flee Taliban rule.
Aug 23, 2021 13:27 (IST)
Afghanistan LIVE Updates: US Airlifts 1,700 People From Kabul On Sunday
The United States airlifted 1,700 people from the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan on Sunday, a White House official said. In addition to this, 39 coalition aircraft took off with approximately 3,400 passengers, the official further informed.
The United States airlifted 1,700 people from the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan on Sunday, a White House official said. In addition to this, 39 coalition aircraft took off with approximately 3,400 passengers, the official further informed.
Aug 23, 2021 13:19 (IST)
"Disgusting To Watch Pak Officials Celebrate Taliban Victory": US Lawmaker
Pakistan and its intelligence service have played a key role in fostering the Taliban and allowing it to eventually take over Afghanistan, a top Republican lawmaker has alleged, stating that it is disgusting to watch Islamabad celebrate the group's victory that will bring "untold brutality" to Afghans. Read more
Pakistan and its intelligence service have played a key role in fostering the Taliban and allowing it to eventually take over Afghanistan, a top Republican lawmaker has alleged, stating that it is disgusting to watch Islamabad celebrate the group's victory that will bring "untold brutality" to Afghans. Read more
Aug 23, 2021 13:05 (IST)
Afghanistan's biggest female pop star Aryana Sayeed on Thursday confirmed her escape after the Taliban takeover of Kabul city. "I am well and alive," Aryana told followers.
Aug 23, 2021 12:52 (IST)
"History Going To Record It Was Right Decision": Biden On US' Afghan Move
Amid deepening crisis in Afghanistan, United States President Joe Biden defended his move to withdraw troops from the country, saying history will record this as a "logical, rational, and right decision". The Biden administration has come under criticism from some quarters for the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan as the Taliban captured power, resulting in chaos and deaths.
Aug 23, 2021 11:30 (IST)
Firefight At Kabul Airport Involving Western Forces: German Military
A firefight broke out between unidentified gunmen, Western security forces and Afghan guards at the North Gate of Kabul airport on Monday, Germany's armed forces said, as thousands of Afghans and foreigners thronged the airport, seeking to flee Taliban rule. One Afghan guard was killed and three others were injured in the battle, which also involved U.S. and German forces, the German military said on Twitter, without specifying whether the dead Afghan was one of the Taliban fighters deployed to guard the airport.
Aug 23, 2021 11:20 (IST)
Afghan Crisis: India Brings Back 146 Of Its Evacuated Nationals From Doha
India on Monday brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country. People familiar with the development said the Indians were flown back to Delhi as part of India''s mission to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul following its takeover by the Taliban over a week back, they said.
Aug 23, 2021 11:05 (IST)
Aug 23, 2021 10:23 (IST)
146 people evacuated from Afghanistan arrive in Delhi on various flights. One of them Sunil says, "We left on Aug 14. A US Embassy's flight took us to Qatar where we stayed at Army base. US Embassy spoke with Indian Embassy after which people from Indian Embassy came to take us."
Aug 23, 2021 09:39 (IST)
Uncertainty, Distress For Afghan Cricketers After Taliban Takeover
The crack of bat on ball echoes around Kabul's international stadium as Afghanistan's top cricketers prepare for their next tour -- just days after the country fell to the Taliban. The calm of the empty stadium is a surreal contrast to scenes just a few kilometres north, where tens of thousands of Afghans at Kabul airport are desperately trying to flee on evacuation flights.
Aug 23, 2021 09:14 (IST)
"I Don't Trust Anybody'': Joe Biden When Asked If He Believes Taliban
Taliban is seeking legitimacy and have made promises but Washington will see whether "they mean or not", said US President Joe Biden, adding that "I don't trust anybody" when asked whether he believes the Taliban or not. During his address to the nation from White House, Biden said if the Taliban is going to attempt to provide for the people of Afghanistan, they would need additional help in terms of economic assistance, trade and a whole range of things.
Aug 23, 2021 08:58 (IST)
"We'll See Whether What Taliban Say Turns Out To Be True...": Joe Biden
Amid deepening crisis in Afghanistan, United States President Joe Biden defended his move to withdraw troops from the country, saying history will record this as a "logical, rational, and right decision". The Biden administration has come under criticism from some quarters for the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan as the Taliban captured power, resulting in chaos and deaths.
Aug 23, 2021 08:24 (IST)
Australia Willing To Support Extension Of Evacuation From Afghanistan: Foreign Minister
Australia is willing to assist with evacuations from Afghanistan after Aug. 31 if the United States decides to delay its withdrawal, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Monday. U.S. President Joe Biden last week said U.S. troops may stay in Afghanistan past an Aug. 31 deadline to evacuate Americans.
Aug 23, 2021 08:08 (IST)
"Why Citizenship Law Was Necessary": Union Minister On Afghan Crisis
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday cited the evacuations from Afghanistan to back the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, which set off an escalating string of protests around the country in which. Read Here
Aug 23, 2021 07:53 (IST)
Biden Says US Unwavering In Afghanistan Evacuations
The United States has an unwavering commitment to getting U.S. citizens and at-risk Afghans out of Afghanistan, President Joe Biden said, as Taliban fighters beat back thousands desperate to flee outside Kabul airport on Sunday. Biden said the security situation in Afghanistan was changing rapidly and his administration was under no illusions about the threat from terrorists in Afghanistan known as ISIS-K (for Khorasan).
Aug 23, 2021 07:23 (IST)
Taliban Say "Hundreds" Headed To Holdout Afghan Valley
The Taliban said on Sunday that "hundreds" of its fighters were heading to the Panjshir Valley, one of the few parts of Afghanistan not yet controlled by the group. Since the Taliban overran Afghanistan, flickers of resistance have begun to emerge with some ex-government troops gathering in the Panjshir, north of Kabul, long known as an anti-Taliban bastion.
Aug 23, 2021 07:04 (IST)
US Directs American Airlines To Aid Afghan Evacuation
The United States on Sunday enlisted several major American airlines in its chaotic evacuation of tens of thousands of Afghans and foreigners from Kabul following its fall to Taliban. The Pentagon said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had activated the rarely-used Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) to aid the onward movement of people arriving at US bases in the Middle East. "The DOD's ability to project military forces is inextricably linked to commercial industry, which provides critical transportation capacity as well as global networks to meet day-to-day and contingency requirements," a statement announcing the move said.
