Security

Taliban Release Soldiers In Bid To Boost Trust

In a confidence-building gesture with the government, Afghanistan’s hard-line Taliban movement has released 10 Afghan soldiers days after freeing two Western professors in exchange for three high-profile Taliban detainees.

Afghan President Declares IS Defeated In Eastern Stronghold

The Afghan president has that the Islamic State (IS) militants have been crushed in a restive eastern province where they have controlled large swathes of territories for many years.

Hundreds Of IS Fighters And Families Surrender To Afghan Authorities

Officials in eastern Afghanistan say hundreds of fighters loyal to the ultra-radical Islamic State (IS) militant group have surrendered over the past week,

New Details Link Businessman, Ex-Soldier To Alleged IS Terrorist Attack In Tajikistan

New details of a purported Islamic State attack on a Tajik border post have emerged as authorities continue to probe the assault that killed at least 17 people. 

Car Bomb Explodes In Afghan Capital, Killing At Least 12

At least 12 people were killed and 20 others wounded when a car bomb detonated during the morning rush hour in the Afghan capital, officials said.

Afghan Government Releases Militants In Apparent Exchange For American, Australian Captives

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani says his government is ready to release three key Taliban prisoners including Anas Haqqani, the younger brother of Sirajjuddin Haqqani, the leader of the Haqqani network, in exchange for two professors of the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul.

U.S. Troops To Stay In Afghanistan Several More Years, Says General

U.S. Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has predicted that American troops, already in Afghanistan for 18 years, would remain in the country "for several more years."

Afghan War Takes Heavy Toll On Schoolchildren

Reported Attack In Tajikistan Could Have Broad Implications For Central Asia

A group of militants is reported to have attacked a Tajik border post overnight. Tajik authorities say they were from the so-called Islamic State and crossed into Tajikistan from Afghanistan.

U.S. Takes Notice As More Islamic State Branches Back New Leader

The latest wave of endorsements for new Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi has U.S. intelligence officials taking notice.

Seventeen Killed In 'Islamic State Attack' On Tajik Border Post

An overnight shoot-out at an outpost on the Tajik-Uzbek border has ended with one Tajik border guard and one police officer killed, Tajik authorities say.