News Story: Afghan forces kill 74 insurgents within past 24 hours: gov't

KABUL, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Up to 74 armed militants were killed and 25 others injured in the Afghan forces operations across the war-torn country over the past 24 hours, the Afghan defense ministry said in a statement released Thursday.

"Afghan security and defense forces launched military operations in restive provinces, killing 74 insurgents including 11 Islamic State (IS) fighters and injuring 25 others," the statement said.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Suicide attack kills 12 security personnel in southern Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- A dozen security personnel were killed after a car suicide bomb targeted the police department in Maroof district of the southern Kandahar province, 450 km south of Kabul, early Thursday, police spokesman Zia Durani said.

"Terrorists organized a suicide car bomb against police department in Maroof district in the wee hours of Thursday killing 12 security personnel and injuring four others including district police chief Nadir Khan," Durani told Xinhua.

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News Story: Pakistan Can’t Be Held Responsibility For Peace - FM

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad cannot take responsibility for peace and security in Afghanistan, India’s Economic Times reported on Thursday.

Asif said effective border management with Kabul was imperative to stop the infiltration of terrorists. 

Speaking at the Asia Society seminar in New York, Asif also said the US cannot succeed in Afghanistan by waging war, reported the Economic Times. 

Read the full story at TOLOnews

News Report: Mattis Says US 'Not Quitting Fight' in Afghanistan

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis

William Gallo

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN — During a visit to Kabul Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the U.S., with its new strategy for breaking the deadlock with Taliban insurgents, is not going to give up the fight in Afghanistan.

"With our new conditions-based south Asia strategy we will be better postured to support [Afghanistan] as your forces turn the tide against the terrorists,” Mattis said. “We will not abandon Afghanistan to a merciless enemy trying to kill its way to power.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is also in Kabul, affirmed NATO's commitment as well.

“NATO doesn’t quit when the going gets tough," he said. "We keep our promises.”

President Donald Trump’s Afghanistan plan, announced last month, envisions a greater role for regional players, including India.

Kabul is second stop for Mattis on a South Asia tour that began in New Delhi.

News Story: NATO, U.S. defense chiefs' visit to Afghanistan sign of firm support of Afghan forces

by Abdul Haleem

KABUL, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The joint visit of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis to Afghanistan on Wednesday has demonstrated their support to Afghan security forces in the war against the Taliban and associated groups, observers here said.

Both the military chiefs paid an unannounced visit to Afghanistan's capital city of Kabul to review the situation in the militancy-plagued country, as well as to hold talks with commanders of the NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission and President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.

"Our presence together in Afghanistan reflects our continuing commitment to bringing stability and peace," the NATO chief said at a joint press conference attended by the head of the Pentagon and president Ghani.

"The Taliban must understand that they cannot win on the battlefield and there is much more to gain around the negotiating table," the NATO Secretary General stated.

Welcoming the visit as a sign of close relations between Kabul and Washington, Afghan analyst Mohammad Reza Huwaida said that the surprise tour to Afghanistan amid increasing militancy sends a strong message to the Taliban and their supporters that the militants have no chance to win the war.

"By renewing their commitment to Afghanistan, the military chiefs of the U.S. and NATO have sent a strong message to the Taliban and their supporters to give up support, of any kind, including military, diplomatic and financial, to the militants fighting in Afghanistan," Huwaida told Xinhua.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: U.S. yet to announce exact troop number deployment in Afghanistan

KABUL, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)-- The visiting U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis said Wednesday that the exact number of additional U.S. troops to be deployed in Afghanistan was not still clear.

"Afghan security forces continue to take the lead but we are going to give them more advantages," Mattis responded to a query when asked to comment on the number of U.S. troops expected to arrive in Afghanistan.

At the moment, according to media reports, there are 11,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Pentagon, reportedly would send some 3,500 additional forces to the militancy-battered country.

Mattis who attended a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, told reporters that he would not reveal the "exact number of additional troops to the enemy."

Nevertheless, the Pentagon chief added that the Afghan security forces would take the lead in the fight against Taliban and other insurgents.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: 11 Taliban militants killed in northern Afghanistan

Afghan Air Force A-29 Super Tucano Ground Attack Aircraft

MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 militants loyal to the Taliban were killed and seven others wounded following an airstrike and a clash in northern Jawzjan province, police said Wednesday.

"The air raid killed six (Taliban) fighters and wounded three others in Khan Aqa district, while heavy clashes left five Taliban (fighters) dead and four others wounded in neighboring Almar district late Tuesday," Sayyed Sarwar Hussaini, police spokesman in the region, told Xinhua.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Ghani, Mattis And Stoltenberg Hold Closed Door Talks

President Ashraf Ghani held a joint press conference in Kabul on Wednesday with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US Defense Secretary James Mattis after holding talks behind closed doors with the two leaders.

Both Mattis and Stoltenberg made an unannounced visit to Kabul and arrived early Wednesday morning.

Speaking at the press conference, it appeared that the three leaders had discussed a wide range of issues.

Taking to the podium, Ghani called on India, Russia and other countries in the region to come together to help mobilize against the fight against terrorism.

Ghani also said Afghanistan wants an Afghan-owned peace process and called on insurgents to join the peace process.

In addition he stated government had drawn up a four-year military plan that has been approved by NATO.

In turn Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s secretary general, said: “We count on Afghan government to make good on its commitments on key reforms and that NATO supports peace.”

He said that “with NATO’s help, Afghan forces have come a very long way and we will continue to train, advise and assist” the Afghan security forces.

Read the full story at TOLOnews

Related Story:

• Mattis, Stoltenberg in Kabul to Meet Afghan Officials

News Story: Pakistan’s Army Chief to Visit Kabul for Talks

General Qamar Javed Bajwa

By Sayed Sharif Amiri

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) on Tuesday announced that Pakistan’s chief of army staff general Qamar Javed Bajwa is expected to visit Afghanistan in the next five days where he will hold talks with Afghan officials.

According to the MoD, among the issues discussed will be that of peace talks with the Taliban. 

The Afghan government will reiterate its call to Pakistan to take action against terrorist hideouts and safe havens inside Pakistan territory, said MoD spokesman Dawlat Waziri. 

Meanwhile, prominent Pakistani politician and chairman of Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaf party, Imran Khan, has said more violence, more bloodshed and more bombings in Afghanistan is not the answer.

He said dialogue was the solution. 

"I think Donald Trump's policy is deeply flawed. He neither understands the history of Pakistan nor the character of the Afghan people," Khan said in an interview with The Associated Press.

“To blame Pakistan for this failed policy and then giving credit to India for some reason which does not border Afghanistan …. If Pakistan army, government had any leverage with the Taliban then surely they (the US) should ask Pakistan to play a role in building peace and getting them to the dialogue table but not what they are proposing – more violence, more bloodshed, more bombing … I think Pakistan has done enough.”

"More fighting and bloodshed is not the answer. I said it 17 years ago and I am still saying this now," he said.

Read the full story at TOLOnews

News Story: At Least One Civilian Killed In Ongoing Rocket Attack In Kabul

At least one civilian has been killed and four wounded in a string of rocket attacks on the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul city center on Wednesday.

The attack started shortly after 11am (27-Sep-2017) and at least two explosions were heard at about 2.30pm followed by a much bigger one about 15 minutes.

Reports indicated that anywhere between 30 and 40 explosions had been heard in the vicinity over a three hour period.

Airport officials have said all flights into Kabul have been diverted and flights out of the city have been cancelled until further notice.

However, the officials said no damage has been caused to the runway but that it is being cleared of shrapnel.

The ministry of interior confirmed that at least one civilian has been killed.

Read the full story at TOLOnews

Related Story:

• Rocket Attack On Kabul International Airport

News Report: Mattis Hails ‘Historic’ Opportunity to Expand US-India Ties

William Gallo

NEW DELHI — U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis took steps to reinforce a quickly growing defense partnership with India on Tuesday, declaring the relationship has “never been stronger.”

During meetings with senior Indian officials in New Delhi, Mattis stressed that the United States and India are “natural strategic partners who share common values and interests.”

“This is, again, a historic opportunity for our two democracies, a time of strategic convergence,” Mattis said alongside his Indian counterpart, Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The U.S. sees India as a counterweight to the rising influence of China, and hopes to persuade New Delhi to become more involved in bringing stability to Afghanistan.

“We applaud India’s invaluable contributions to Afghanistan, and welcome further efforts to promote Afghanistan’s democracy, stability, and security,” Mattis said.

Pakistan, India’s longtime rival, opposes New Delhi’s expanded involvement in Afghanistan, fearing a future war with its strategic rival, (India), on two fronts.

Sitharaman on Tuesday downplayed those concerns, pointing out that most of India’s support for Afghanistan has been non-military.

“We have made it very clear that there shall not be boots from India on the ground,” Sitharaman said.

India has invested billions of dollars in Afghanistan, mostly in sectors such as health, education and infrastructure. India also recently agreed to expand its support for Afghan defense forces, which includes training of Afghan army personnel.

News Story: India rules out deploying troops in Afghanistan

NEW DELHI, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- India on Tuesday ruled out deploying troops in Afghanistan but reiterated its participation in the war-torn country's development activities.

Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made the country's stance on Afghanistan clear to her visiting U.S. counterpart James Mattis during the delegation-level talks in the national capital.

"There shall not be any (Indian) boots on the ground in Afghanistan," Sitharaman told the media after the talks with Mattis.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Afghan air force strikes Taliban hideout, killing 8

Afghan Air Force MD-530 Light Attack Helicopters

KABUL, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least eight Taliban militants were killed after Afghan air force struck a militants' hideout in the country's eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday, the Afghan Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

The targeted hideout, lying in Nazyan district, southeast of provincial capital Jalalabad city, was destroyed following the raid, the ministry said on Twitter.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Raziq Says Pakistan Positioning Insurgents Along The Durand Line

Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq (2015)

By Anisa Shahid

Pakistan has big plans for Afghanistan, has established large insurgent training camps on both sides of the Durand Line and have stationed militants along the de facto border, Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq told TOLOnews on Monday. 

Raziq also accused Iran, along with Pakistan, of supporting, equipping and training insurgents and said Pakistan is Afghanistan’s enemy. In line with this he called on the international community to increase pressure on Islamabad.

“They (Pakistan) have positioned terrorists on both sides of the Durand Line; they train them there and want to have control over the southern region and along Afghanistan’s shared borders with Iran and Pakistan. They want to weaken government and are involved in drug smuggling, the control of mines and with the money they earn in this way, they create terrorist centers here and finance them,” said Raziq.

According to him, Pakistan aims to transfer Quetta Council, known us Quetta Shura, to southern Helmand province where Taliban leaders and their families will be based.

Read the full story at TOLOnews

News Story: US Vows Solid Support to Afghan Air Force

Afghan Air Force A-29 Super Tucano Ground Attack Aircraft

By Sayed Sharif Amiri

Lt. Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian, the Commander of US Air Forces Central Command, on Monday said the Afghan Air Force (AAF) will play an increasingly important role in future missions. 

Recently the Pentagon signed a contract worth $1 billion USD to purchase 150 C-130 aircraft for the Afghan army, a move which was warmly welcomed by the Afghan ministry of defense. 

The AAF is considered one of the key pillars of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and it is expected that within the next four years, there will be a significant change in the structure of the air force. 

Although the US has provided $4 billion USD in assistance to the Afghan air force, the AAF still needs more time and help to stand on its own. 

“We increased our number of F-16s in Bagram from 12 to 18. So that's a first step as we do our initial analysis, but we're gonna take a longer term look at this. Importantly though, I think the other piece I'd highlight to you, is that the Afghan Air Force is gonna play a particularly important role here, and that air force is gonna triple its size over the next several years, and I'd highlight that what the Afghans have done with their A-29 and their ability to quickly get themselves into the fight and support their teams on the ground has also been an important part that we're gonna leverage going forward as part of this plan,” said Harrigian. 

Read the full story at TOLOnews

News Story: Ghani Accused of Violating Constitution, Disregarding Parliament

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani
(Image: Wiki Commons)

By Massoud Ansar

Lawmakers in the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) on Monday accused Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani of violating the constitution and failing to respect decisions made by parliament. 

This came after parliament received a letter from the Office of the State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs notifying MPs of a delay in Monday’s scheduled voting session for ministerial nominees. 

MPs were to have held a vote a confidence in respect of at least twelve nominees for cabinet positions. 

The letter stated that the voting session had to be delayed due to technical reasons. 

This move however sparked an outcry among MPs with some calling for the doors of parliament to be closed in protest over the decision. 

Read the full story at TOLOnews

News Report: Mattis Arrives in India to Discuss Troubled Arms Deals, Role in Afghanistan

US Secretary of Defense James Mattis has arrived in New Delhi to discuss arms sales and India’s involvement in Afghanistan in his first visit since Donald Trump became president of the United States.

Mattis arrived in India late Monday to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who assumed office earlier in September.

"India from our perspective is clearly a pillar of regional stability and security: we share a common vision for a peaceful and prosperous future in the Indo-Pacific region," Mattis said in an interview during his flight, according to the Gulf Times.

According to various media reports, there are two major topics on Mattis's agenda: arms sales and Afghanistan.

In general, India is in need of a sizable and diverse fleet of planes, drones and helicopters. The issue is complicated by Modi's "Make in India" policy, under which India seeks to replace off-the-shelf purchases of military tech with the establishment of joint production on Indian soil. Some experts argue New Delhi actually seeks to acquire the technology itself, something the US is reluctant to provide.

News Report: Pakistan, Russia Begin 'Friendship 2017' Joint Anti-terror Drill

Ayaz Gul

ISLAMABAD — Pakistani and Russian military commandos have launched joint counterterrorism drills in the mountains and forests of Russia's North Caucasus republic of Karachaevo-Cherkessia.

The two-week-long exercise dubbed as "Friendship 2017" involves more than 200 mostly special forces from both countries who will conduct joint "hostage rescue" and "cordon-and-search" operations, according to the Pakistani military.

"The joint exercise will enhance and further strengthen military ties between the countries and share Pakistan army's experience in war against terrorism," it added.

Meanwhile, a nearly three-week-long joint air force exercises China is hosting with Pakistan are due to conclude this week. A spokesman for the Chinese air force described them as "routine" exercises.

Pakistan's deepening political, economic and defense ties with traditional ally China and its emerging new alliance with Russia come amid Islamabad's increasingly uneasy and strained relations with the United States.

News Report: Mattis Visits South Asia Amid Afghanistan Shakeup

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis

William Gallo

NEW DELHI — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is in South Asia for the first time since the White House unveiled its new strategy for the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan.

The Pentagon chief landed Monday in India’s capital, where he will meet with senior leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mattis is hoping to deepen Washington’s quickly growing defense relationship with New Delhi. One area of cooperation could be Afghanistan, where the U.S. is in a deadlock with the Taliban after 16 years.

President Donald Trump has called on New Delhi to do more in Afghanistan – a call that has upset New Delhi’s longtime rival, Pakistan.

On his flight, Mattis praised India’s “invaluable” historic contributions to Afghanistan, and said its expanded involvement there shouldn’t be seen as a threat.

“Pakistan has come out recently again saying they are fighting the terrorists. I think Pakistan will find nothing out of line with India and the United States’ alignment in the same fight,” Mattis said.

Mattis’ trip threatens to be overshadowed by the tensions on the Korean peninsula, where North Korea has threatened to conduct an atmospheric hydrogen bomb test over the Pacific Ocean.

“This would be a shocking display of irresponsibility toward global health, toward stability, toward non-proliferation,” Mattis said.

President Trump last week threatened to “totally destroy” North Korea – escalating the standoff over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.

News Story: Chinese envoy calls for political dialogue in Afghanistan

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday called for political dialogue in Afghanistan as well as international efforts to boost the country's defense capacity, governance and its integration into regional development frameworks.

"Political dialogue is the only viable solution to the question of Afghanistan," Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told an open meeting of the UN Security Council on Afghanistan.

"All actors in Afghanistan should put the country's long-term interests and people's welfare first and actively participate in the reconciliation process. The international community should continue to promote the realization of a broad, inclusive political settlement with Afghan leadership and Afghan ownership," said Wu.

The international community should engage with all parties concerned in Afghanistan for the early launch of peace talks, he said.

All political actors in Afghanistan must achieve unity and resolve their difference through dialogue and consultations, he said, adding that the international community must respect the Afghan people's will to choose their political system and development path.

Read the full story at Xinhua