Afghanistan

NATO chief, Merkel to discuss Afghan troop increase

NATO's Jens Stoltenberg will meet with the German chancellor to discuss proposal to send more troops to Afghanistan.

NATO chief, Merkel to discuss Afghan troop increase

War & Conflict

US considers 'boosting troop presence' in Afghanistan

Recommendation is made after broad review and comes while NATO asks UK for more troops as well, reports say.

US considers 'boosting troop presence' in Afghanistan

Inside Story

Can the Taliban in Afghanistan be defeated?

The armed group's spring offensive is under way, and it is gaining ground.

Taliban

Afghan Taliban captures key district in Kunduz

Fighters reportedly kill a number of Afghan soldiers in northern province, a week after launching 'spring offensive'.

Taliban captures Qala-e-Zal district in Kunduz province

Asia

Hekmatyar returns to Kabul after 20 years in hiding

Hezb-i-Islami leader calls for peace with Taliban fighters and says the Western-backed government is 'not working'.

Hekmatyar returns to Kabul after 20 years in hiding

Asia

US soldiers return to Afghanistan's Helmand

First batch of nearly 300-strong Marine Corps contingent arrives in southern Afghan province as part of Trump's policy.

US marines return to Taliban stronghold of Helmand

Asia

Hekmatyar urges Taliban to lay down arms

At first public gathering in 20 years, controversial Afghan leader calls on fighters to come to the negotiating table.

Middle East

US officials in Afghanistan suggest Russia arms Taliban

Top US military officials allude to increasing concerns over Moscow's role in Afghanistan.

Taliban

Top Afghan defence officials resign over attack

Army chief and defence minister forced to step down as country mourns loss of 130 lives in Taliban assault on army base.

Asia

Taliban attack prompts resignation calls in Afghanistan

Ministers, army chiefs must resign for failing to provide security, Afghan public says following deadly base assault.

Taliban attack prompts resignation calls in Afghanistan

Taliban

Afghanistan mourns after deadly Taliban attack on base

President Ashraf Ghani calls for an investigation into the deadliest ever Taliban attack on an Afghan military base.

Asia

Afghan base attack death toll 'jumps to 140'

Fighters dressed in military uniforms attack major army base in Balkh province as soldiers leave Friday prayers.

Taliban

12 killed during military raid in central Pakistan

Clashes between Pakistani military and Taliban fighters in Dera Ghazi Khan leave three soldiers and nine Taliban dead.

12 killed during military raid in central Pakistan

Asia

Russia denies supplying Taliban after US general claim

Moscow rejects NATO commander's remark that it is 'perhaps' aiding the Taliban in fighting against US and allied forces.

Russia denies supplying Taliban after Scaparrotti claim

Middle East

US general: Russia may be supplying Taliban fighters

Russia is 'perhaps' aiding the Taliban in fighting against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, US general alleges.

US general: Russia may be supplying Taliban fighters