Biden confirms end of 20-year military presence as final US evacuation flight leaves Afghanistan
“Now, our 20-year military presence in Afghanistan has ended,” he says.
Afghanistan
![Biden confirms end of 20-year military presence as final US evacuation flight leaves Afghanistan]()
US launches airstrike targeting Islamic State member in Afghanistan
The strike came amid what the White House called indications that IS planned to strike again as the U.S.-led evacuation from Kabul airport moved into its final days. Biden has set Tuesday as his deadline for completing the exit.
![US launches airstrike targeting Islamic State member in Afghanistan]()
Unclear how many people will be left behind in Afghanistan, says UK foreign secretary
US President Joe Biden says he aims to complete the operation - and US troop pull-out - by the 31 August deadline.
Germany will keep up Kabul evacuations for as long as the US does, Angela Merkel says![Unclear how many people will be left behind in Afghanistan, says UK foreign secretary]()
NATO pledges to speed evacuations from Afghanistan as criticism mounts
The Taliban urged unity ahead of Friday prayers, the first since they seized power, calling on imams to persuade people not to leave Afghanistan amid the chaos at the airport, protests and reports of violence.
![NATO pledges to speed evacuations from Afghanistan as criticism mounts]()
Biden announces all US and Nato troops to leave Afghanistan by September 11
Withdrawal of US and Nato military personnel to begin on 1 May
![Biden announces all US and Nato troops to leave Afghanistan by September 11]()
India's cabinet sends religion-based citizenship bill to parliament
India’s cabinet approved a bill on Wednesday to give citizenship to religious minorities persecuted in neighbouring Muslim countries, the first time that the country is seeking to grant nationality on the basis of religion.
![India's cabinet sends religion-based citizenship bill to parliament.]()
After Syria, Trump planning 'troop withdrawal from Afghanistan'
The Trump administration is planning to withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan, US media say.
![A day after Syria move, US officials reportedly say Trump also decided to pull thousands of troops out of Afghanistan.]()
Afghanistan: Dozens killed in ISIL attack near Kabul University
A suicide bomber blew himself up near a shrine in Kabul on Wednesday, killing at least 29 people and wounding 52 others, officials said, as the Afghan capital celebrated the Nawruz holiday marking the start of the Persian new year.
![Suicide bomber kills at least 29 near shrine in Afghan capital]()
