An Afghan family flees from Jaghori district in Ghazni province to escape battles between Taliban and Afghan security forces

The article discusses the recent escalation of the conflict in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, where a U.S. military vehicle hit a Taliban-planted roadside bomb, killing three American service members. It highlights the Taliban's growing influence in the region since the NATO drawdown in 2015, and their strategic attacks on districts previously considered secure. The Taliban's surge in violence is seen as a move to strengthen their position ahead of potential peace talks with the U.S. The Afghan government's struggle to maintain control and protect civilians is also emphasized, with the recent Taliban attack on Jaghori district causing civilian casualties and displacements. The article suggests that the Taliban's tactics aim to undermine the Afghan government's legitimacy and gain leverage in negotiations, while the U.S. seeks a withdrawal before the 2020 presidential election.

Taliban Claims Afghan Bomb Attack, Demands Prisoner Release

The Taliban claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack on an Afghan intelligence agency post in Ghazni, killing at least seven personnel and wounding 40. The attack occurred amidst calls by the Taliban for the Afghan government to complete a prisoner swap to facilitate intra-Afghan negotiations. The prisoner exchange is part of a US-Taliban deal signed in February. President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah recently signed a power-sharing accord, which includes Abdullah leading the peace process. The Taliban have conducted over 3,800 attacks since the deal with the US, which has pledged to withdraw all forces by next year. The US hopes the political breakthrough will advance talks to end its longest war.

Taliban Claims Afghan Bomb Attack, Demands Prisoner Release

The Taliban claimed responsibility for a deadly car bomb attack on an Afghan intelligence post in Ghazni, killing seven and wounding 40. This attack coincides with the Taliban's demand for a complete prisoner swap before initiating intra-Afghan talks, following a new power-sharing agreement between President Ashraf Ghani and rival Abdullah Abdullah. Despite a US-Taliban deal aimed at reducing violence, attacks have continued, with the Taliban accused of maintaining ties with international terrorist groups. The US remains hopeful for a political settlement to end the conflict.

Protests over arrest of anti-Taliban commander turn violent in Afghanistan

In Recaptured Afghan District, Shattered Forces Show Hints of a Rebound

The article discusses the recent success of the Afghan military in retaking the district of Khwaja Umari from the Taliban. Located near Ghazni City, the district was recaptured following intense fighting, marking a period of positive developments for the Afghan forces. The military's success is attributed to a shift towards younger leadership and a more proactive approach, utilizing commandos and airstrikes effectively. This has allowed them to prevent the Taliban from making significant territorial gains amidst ongoing peace negotiations. The new strategy contrasts with previous defensive tactics and has been more flexible and adaptive in countering the insurgency.

These Afghan villages had been safe from insurgents. Then a deadly Taliban assault forced thousands to flee.

The article reports on the situation in the Ghazni province of Afghanistan, where Taliban forces attacked the ethnic Shiite Hazara villages, causing over 100 deaths and leading to the displacement of families to Bamian. Murtaza Nasiri, a 23-year-old studying to be an economist, shared his experience of being thrust into the conflict, having to take up arms despite no prior experience. The Taliban, which has been expanding its control in Afghanistan, has started targeting Hazara communities, which had previously been spared. The attacks come amidst peace talks involving Taliban leaders. The Afghan government responded with military force, but the violence has led to significant casualties and displacement. Displaced individuals recounted the peace and development of their home districts over the past 17 years, which has now been disrupted. Some are considering resettlement in Bamian, where they have received a warm welcome and support from local volunteers and organizations like Shuhada, which runs orphanages for displaced children.