Jun 18 U.S. has hit agreed troop-cut target of 8,600 in Afghanistan By Robert Burns, Associated Press Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of Central Command, said that by reducing to 8,600 troops, the United States has fulfilled its part of the February agreement. Continue reading
Jun 10 U.S. general says Taliban has yet to meet conditions for U.S. withdrawal By Robert Burns, Associated Press Gen. Frank McKenzie said the U.S. is ahead of schedule for an initial drawdown by July to 8,600 troops. He stressed, however, that going to zero troops by May 2021 — as envisioned in a U.S.-Taliban deal signed in February… Continue reading
May 26 Watch 3:32 News Wrap: Afghan government begins releasing Taliban prisoners In our news wrap Tuesday, the government of Afghanistan began releasing Taliban prisoners, simultaneously urging the militant group to extend a three-day cease-fire. Dozens of inmates walked out of a jail near Kabul as part of the deal the U.S. Continue watching
May 26 Afghan government releases hundreds of Taliban prisoners By Kathy Gannon, Tameem Akhgar, Associated Press The Afghan government has released hundreds of Taliban prisoners. The releases Tuesday mark its single largest prisoner release since the U.S. and the Taliban signed a peace deal earlier this year. Continue reading
May 24 Taliban, Ghani declare three-day cease fire for Eid holiday By Kathy Gannon, Associated Press The Taliban and Afghanistan's president announced late Saturday a three-day cease-fire ahead of a major Islamic holiday that begins Sunday to mark the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. Continue reading
May 19 Civilian casualties rising in Afghanistan, says UN By Kathy Gannon, Rahim Faiez, Associated Press The United Nations on Tuesday called for an immediate reduction of violence in Afghanistan, warning that civilian casualties at the hands of both the Taliban and Afghan security forces are increasing. Continue reading
May 17 Afghan president and rival announce power-sharing agreement By Rahim Faiez, Associated Press The political deal would see Ghani remain president of the war-torn nation, tweeted his spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. The deal also calls for Abdullah to lead the country's National Reconciliation High Council, and he will be able to appoint half of… Continue reading
May 13 Watch 10:33 An exclusive interview with family of American contractor held hostage in Afghanistan By Amna Nawaz, Ali Rogin Relatives of Mark Frerichs, an American being held hostage in Afghanistan, are urging the Trump administration to pause negotiations over ending the nearly two-decade-long conflict with the Taliban until Frerichs is released. Continue watching
Apr 24 Watch 2:28 News Wrap: U.S. Navy asks that Crozier be reinstated as Roosevelt captain In our news wrap Friday, the U.S. Navy wants Brett Crozier to be reinstated as captain of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. Crozier was fired after he appealed to evacuate the ship as COVID-19 broke out on board. Also, the… Continue watching
Apr 20 Watch 2:56 News Wrap: Nova Scotia reels from Canada’s deadliest ever mass shooting In our news wrap Monday, authorities are searching for answers after a gunman killed 18 people in Nova Scotia over the weekend. It was Canada’s deadliest mass shooting ever. Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and main rival Benny Gantz… Continue watching