US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani have condemned the ongoing attacks by the Taliban, and pledged to remain in close contact going forward. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price in a statement said that Blinken spoke with Ghani to reiterate the strong and enduring US commitment to Afghanistan.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #000000;">Both the leaders emphasised the need to accelerate peace negotiations and achieve a political settlement that is inclusive, respects the rights of all Afghans, including women and minorities, allows the Afghan people to have a say in choosing their leaders and prevents Afghan soil from being used to threaten the United States and its allies and partners.</span><br />