Free Republic

Taliban chief wants direct talks with US Group committed to regional security and would not pose a danger to other countries KABUL: The leader of the Taliban said Saturday there will be no peace in Afghanistan as long as the foreign “occupation” continues, reiterating the group’s position that the 17-year war can only be brought to an end through direct talks with the United States. In a message released on occasion of the Eid Al Adha holiday, Maulvi Haibatullah Akhunzadah said the group remains committed to “Islamic goals,” the sovereignty of Afghanistan and ending the war. The Taliban have had...

The fall of the base in Ghormach district of volatile Faryab province came with security forces already stretched by the days of fighting in Ghazni Mazar-I-Sharif, Afghanistan: Taliban fighters overran a northern Afghan army base, officials said on Tuesday, killing at least 14 soldiers with dozens feared captured in a stinging blow to security forces already struggling to push insurgents from eastern Ghazni. The fall of the base in Ghormach district of volatile Faryab province came with security forces - who have struggled to hold back the Taliban since NATO combat troops pulled out in 2014 - already stretched by...