The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has said that a Taliban plan to seize control of Afghanistan with a military takeover would not be acceptable to the world.

According to a statement from the US embassy, Khalilzad "emphasized that there was strong consensus within both the regional and international community against any effort by the Taliban to pursue a military takeover. Only a negotiated settlement can end over 40 years of war in Afghanistan and Ambassador Khalilzad pledged common cause with Afghan leaders to accelerate efforts to reach an inclusive settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.”

President Ashraf Ghani at an event on Tuesday said that Afghanistan’s education system is now in jeopardy as the country’s enemies are targeting students and destroying infrastructure.

He indirectly referred to the recent car bomb attack in Logar province that killed at least 26 people, most of whom were students.