UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has referred to as on the Taliban to instantly halt the offensive and stated that seizing energy by way of navy power is a “losing proposition” and might solely result in extended civil battle and the whole isolation of the war-torn nation.
“Afghanistan is spinning out of control. Even for a country that has tragically known generations of conflict, Afghanistan is in the throes of yet another chaotic and desperate chapter, an incredible tragedy for its long-suffering people,” the UN chief stated on Friday.The Taliban has captured Herat and Kandahar, the nation’s second and third largest cities. As the Taliban insurgents more and more acquire floor in Afghanistan, some accounts state that 60 per cent of the nation’s territory is beneath their management. There is rising concern that Kabul too might fall into the arms of the Taliban quickly. The Taliban accomplished their sweep of the nation’s south as they took 4 extra provincial capitals in a lightning offensive that’s step by step encircling Kabul. (AP Photo)LONG READ | Who are the Taliban? ‘Negotiate In Good Faith’The UN chief referred to as on the Taliban to instantly halt the offensive and “negotiate in good faith” within the curiosity of Afghanistan and its individuals. “The message from the international community to those on the warpath must be clear: seizing power through military force is a losing proposition. That can only lead to prolonged civil war or to the complete isolation of Afghanistan,” Guterres stated.Also See: How wealthy is the Taliban? And the place does their cash come from?The UN chief stated directing assaults in opposition to civilians is a severe violation of worldwide humanitarian regulation and quantities to a battle crime, calling for perpetrators to be held accountable.The UN chief added that he was “deeply disturbed” by early indications that the Taliban are imposing severe restrictions on human rights in the areas under their control, particularly targeting women and journalists. “It is particularly horrifying and heartbreaking to see reports of the hard-won rights of Afghan girls and women being ripped away from them.”Guterres stated that within the final month alone, greater than 1,000 individuals have been killed or injured from indiscriminate assaults in opposition to civilians, notably in Helmand, Kandahar and Herat provinces.“The fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security forces in urban environments is causing tremendous harm,” he stated including that at the very least 241,000 individuals have been compelled to flee from their properties and humanitarian wants are rising by the hour. With hospitals overflowing, meals and medical provides dwindling, roads, bridges, colleges, clinics and different crucial infrastructure being destroyed, Guterres stated daily, the battle is taking an ever larger toll on ladies and youngsters.“Continued urban conflict will mean continued carnage — with civilians paying the highest price,” he stated calling on all events to take heed of the battle’s heavy toll and its devastating affect on civilians.Read Opinion: The case for sanctioning Pakistan over Taliban advances in Afghanistan On The Way Forward…The UN chief stated he hoped that discussions in Doha between representatives of Afghanistan and the Taliban will restore the pathway to a negotiated settlement to the battle.“Only an Afghan-led negotiated political settlement can ensure peace,” he stated, including that the United Nations is decided to contribute to such a settlement, promote the rights of all Afghans and supply life-saving humanitarian assist to the ever-increasing numbers of civilians in want.“They all must do more to protect civilians. I remind all parties of their legal and moral obligation to take all measures to protect civilians,” Guterres stated.Also Read | Taliban close to Kabul, seize 18 of 34 provinces as Afghan govt says ‘we stand agency’ Also Read | Taliban tighten grip on Afghanistan as all eyes flip to capital Kabul, govt says it ‘stands agency’