Below you will find helpful links to all articles from the Express website.

All Stories from 4th September 2021

• Jamie Redknapp supported by pregnant girlfriend Frida at Soccer Aid: ‘My man of the match’
• Elvis 'did not want to marry Priscilla' and sobbed 'I don't have a choice: But why?
• Below Deck: Chef Mathew Shea details horror injury while filming ‘It was gnarly’
• Heathrow blasts Border Force after people faint in airport queues– ‘Expect better service'
• GB News host erupts at Prince Harry and EU over Covid vaccine campaign
• Which car models CAN'T use new E10 fuel? 10 'popular' makes at risk from petrol change
• Does the Queen like sweet treats?- The royal's surprising secret to good health
• Man City ‘rejected Saul Niguez transfer’ before Chelsea sealed deadline day loan move
• Only Fools and Horses: Nicholas Lyndhurst recalls moment he was almost ‘fired’ from show
• Two divers feared dead after failing to return to surface off Cornwall coast
• Soccer Aid: Annoyed viewers tune out of charity match ‘It’s an unfunny circus’
• Huxit threat: EU's plan to 'punish Hungary' sparks call for state to follow UK out of bloc
• John Major blasts Joe Biden and the West for ‘very stupid’ Afghanistan withdrawal
• Britons have £50million worth of loose change at home - how you can make the most of it
• Dick Van Dyke's health history: The star's neurological disorder and former addiction
• EU army demands torn apart by commentator - 'Not wanted and isn't the answer!'
• Olly Murs sparks concern by wincing in pain amid early Soccer Aid exit weeks after surgery
• Joel Dommett mocked by Dermot O’Leary as he steps in as Soccer Aid goalie ‘Eighth choice!’
• Susanna Reid sets record straight on rumours co-star Piers Morgan is set for GMB comeback
• Nabil Fekir explains Liverpool transfer breakdown and who he blames for Anfield collapse
• Why Camilla did not wear a tiara for wedding to Charles - wanted 'crisp clean look'
• Pensioners could be missing out on a boost of up to £358 per month - could you claim?
• Frost lines up 'loaded gun' for the EU as Brexit battle lines drawn with Brussels
• Brussels given final Brexit warning by Lord Frost in brutal ultimatum – ‘Stakes are high!'
• Back to the Future the Musical: Great Scott! The West End's about to hit 88mph (EXCLUSIVE)
• Extinction Rebellion shut down in frosty radio clash: 'Stop picking on ordinary people'
• Kate and Prince William moving to Windsor with children would be 'ideal situation'
• Maggie Smith health: The star's 'frightening' condition - 'Like a fog of despair'
• Celebrity Catchphrase viewers fume over ‘terrible’ contestants ‘Why am I giving answers?!'
• Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel told how to avoid Saul Niguez unrest by Atletico president
• Outlander season 6: Is Claire Fraser going to kill Malva Christie after Jamie affair?
• Man Utd star Jesse Lingard ‘has West Ham transfer plan’ depending on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
• Liverpool and Man Utd 'strong candidates' to complete Erling Haaland transfer next summer
• Furlough end may mean Britons need to career switch to fill 'record worker shortage'
• 'Utter madness' James Martin astonished by passport control scenes at Heathrow Airport
• Xi Jinping faces revolt from Chinese parents over 'North Korea style' child propaganda
• Elizabeth Taylor's most lavish jewellery from the Krupp diamond to Bulgari emerald suite
• Elizabeth Taylor fumed at Princess Margaret for 'flirting terribly' with Richard Burton
• Elizabeth Taylor: Who inherited the iconic star’s £500million fortune?
• Nicholas Lyndhurst's 'world blew apart' following son's death - rare brain condition signs
• Cristiano Ronaldo 'sends four-word message' to Man Utd team-mates ahead of second debut
• Princess Anne’s brutal 'stupid person' comment exposed after she forgot to turn mic off
• Ian McKellen health struggle: 'Age should come with a health warning'
• 'We won't back down!' - Lord Frost sends Brussels fiery warning over Brexit deal
• George and Charlotte: How to make their 'nutritious and balanced' school lunches
• Soccer Aid dropped Yaya Touré after ex-footballer joked he could ‘get 19 women to hotel’
• Freddie Mercury 75th: Incredible pictures of Queen star smiling at final birthday party
• BBC Weather: UK to bask in European heat plume as temperatures in France and Spain hit 31C
• Liverpool's Mohamed Salah contract talks hit a snag as Reds face tough decision
• David Jason's admission over Brexit-backing Del Boy: 'Nice little earner'
• Joan Collins’ jaw-dropping pics with Hollywood stars unearthed as home movies face release
• St-Tropez: The playground of the rich and famous and a delightful holiday spot
• Liverpool may have perfect ace in the hole after Mohamed Salah contract update
• Zoe Lucker shares doubts over Footballers' Wives being ‘appropriate’ ahead of show return
• Plane crashes into sea at Bournemouth Air Festival with 'wing-walker' injured
• Harry Redknapp health: Football legend's health scare - 'I knew something wasn't right'
• Neighbours star Matt Wilson details massive Nicolette baby twist ‘We knew she’d disappear’
• Bill Gross dubs Bonds as 'investment garbage' & stocks may follow - are you holding them?
• Prince Harry and Prince William 'unlikely' to end rift before royal reunion next year
• Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa draws up Raphinha plan amid Liverpool transfer links
• Princess Diana restyled Queen Mother’s brooch in ‘revenge dress’ after Charles' affair
• Angela Merkel ripped apart: 'Almost every mistake that could be made was done'
• Joan Collins net worth: Dynasty actress has multi-million pound fortune - and four homes
• Joan Collins’ sister Jackie had ‘awful inferiority complex’ over glamorous sibling
• Jane McDonald says the best way to ‘dip your toe into cruising’ is ‘with a river cruise’
• Novak Djokovic's strong response to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal absences at US Open
• Riot police storm Paris station as fire erupts in Lyon in angry protests against Macron
• Why weren't Agnetha and Frida at the ABBA Voyage launch? Benny explains missing stars
• 'Spoiled brat' Piers Morgan reignites Naomi Osaka row over tennis star's exit from US Open
• Best supplements for diabetes: 'Amazing' spice to avoid high blood sugar symptoms
• Arthritis symptoms: Three of the best exercises to avoid painful arthritis signs
• WSL predictions: Women's Super League full season preview - Title winner? Top goalscorer?
• Florida alligator snatches drone from mid-air amid cries of ‘don’t eat that’ - PICTURES
• Dame Joan Collins reveals the supplements you need to age well - what are they?
• Manchester United’s ‘kicking off’ fear about Cristiano Ronaldo as Newcastle debut looms
• Alex Scott speaks out on managing health condition while on Strictly: 'Hard to understand'
• Jamie Redknapp's pregnant girlfriend in rare Instagram comment after he attends event solo
• Wayne Rooney net worth: England’s top goalscorer & Soccer Aid sensation has huge fortune
• Barcelona star breaks down in tears after being ordered to leave the club by Joan Laporta
• Princess Anne avoids the 'soap-opera lifestyles' of other royals, says expert
• Great update for savers as bank issues new account and increases rates on ISAs
• GB News host Andrew Doyle slams London hospital amid 'pandering to wokery' statue row
• The Repair Shop guest astounded after hearing late father’s voice recording ‘It’s amazing'
• New mother Princess Eugenie glows as she enjoys evening out with Jack Brooksbank
• Arsenal chief Edu has one last chance to prove himself with January transfer opportunity
• New Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal comes to the fore at US Open
• Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel questioned over ‘surprising’ mistake in Jules Kounde chase
• How Man Utd could line up against Newcastle after Jadon Sancho injury update
• Fishing FURY: Tense spat erupts between Jersey and EU after bloc lodges complaint
• US 'major funder' in Wuhan lab 'working on lethal pathogens' before being 'cut off'
• Manchester United have signed seven players because of Cristiano Ronaldo
• 'We don't have to be visible': Speed reduction officer busts myths about laws of the road
• Adorable dog ‘inseparable’ from neighbour cat as pair enjoy walks and even ‘yoga’ together
• Show some empathy! Fears sick pets ‘face certain death’ under EU rule change
• Ex-Coronation Street star Sean Ward escorted away by police at anti-vax protest
• Investing warning: Man had £500,000 stolen through Bitcoin fraud ‘it can happen to anyone’
• Elton John 'Farewell' tour London date released - how to buy tickets
• EuroMillions results LIVE: What are the winning numbers for £14m jackpot draw on September
• Gemma Atkinson issues plea to Strictly star Gorka Marquez after couple forced apart
• Bitcoin 'flirting with' $50,000 milestone as altcoins fly high - should you invest in cryp
• WASPI: MP slams DWP over 'hardship and distress' caused by state pension delays
• ‘Disappointed’ James Martin sparks backlash with incorrect pronunciation of Yorkshire town
• Boxing tonight: How to watch Josh Warrington vs Mauricio Lara 2, Conor Benn, Katie Taylor
• Lewis Hamilton's emotional Michael Schumacher confession: 'I don't even know what to say'
• Fast-food expert on why putting pizza in the oven is a mistake - how to perfect your pizza
• When does Silent Witness return?
• Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson’s comments on Cristiano Ronaldo being club captain
• Dutch Grand Prix qualifying: Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to pole
• Meghan and Harry face huge blow as American interest ‘nothing compared to Diana’
• Michael Parkinson claims BBC ‘quietly showed him the door' after show's original run
• Liverpool handed big transfer boost as Gini Wijnaldum replacement can be signed in January
• Nintendo Direct September 2021 - Potential stream date and time revealed
• What Barcelona board told Ronald Koeman before Antoine Griezmann left the club
• God of War Ragnarok rumoured to appear at PlayStation Showcase September 2021 event
• Fortnite Operation Sky Fire event confirmed: Season 7 event to lead into season 8
• Elvis Presley: Priscilla shares why she was ‘nervous’ to leave The King on his own
• PlayStation Showcase CONFIRMED: PS5 games event next week, start time revealed
• PlayStation users warned of scam risks in popular PS4 game - don't fall for this trick
• Richard E Grant shares heartbreaking video after death of wife Joan Washington
• Carol Vorderman, 60, puts on a very busty display in 'cowgirl style' inspired outfit
• Romelu Lukaku confirms intervention after Chelsea swap deal offer was rejected
• Andrew Neil ‘poised to QUIT' GB News role after 'cancelling' return 
• Escape to the Chateau’s Angel Adoree admits family are banned from parts of home
• Red Bull boss Christian Horner reveals fear over Mercedes 'blocking opportunity'
• Boris and Carrie to be saved by 'funny' son during crunch Queen visit after funeral leak
• Gene research breakthrough will lead to better arthritis treatments
• Frost set for EU showdown in Brexit border row as bloc to 'press ahead' with hated plans
• Novak Djokovic's comments after ugly US Open incident ahead of Kei Nishikori showdown
• Anna Soubry sparks backlash after wading back into EU row - 'Blame everything on Brexit!'
• Boris Johnson demands Fifa 'wipes out' racism after England footballers face more abuse
• Environment minister tells Britons to stop weeding garden and only mow lawn once a MONTH
• Stefanos Tsitsipas hits out at 'false accusations' after crashing out of US Open
• Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde forced to clarify cryptic message
• McVey and Flint clash in heated row as 'rich' councils blasted for not housing refugees
• Paddy McGuinness 'gutted' as he's forced to pull out of Soccer Aid 2021 hours before game
• GB News POLL: Will you still watch GB News if Andrew Neil quits? Vote here
• Man Utd’s transfer row involving Ed Woodward and Joel Glazer after happy summer dealings
• Briton wins £1million with Premium Bonds purchased decades ago - how to score the jackpot
• Brian May leaks first look at his brand new time travelling music video – WATCH
• Strictly Come Dancing return date confirmed: When does Strictly 2021 start?
• Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab facing new probe in battle to save job
• Android vs iOS: The one big drawback of choosing Google over Apple
• China warns USA: 'Stop viewing China as a threat' or risk irreversible damage
• Female judges ‘in direct danger’ and risk being hunted down by prisoners freed by Taliban
• Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing gesture to Man Utd star Marcus Rashford as second debut nears
• Heatwave forecast: UK braced for Indian summer as sizzling 35C European blast nears nation
• Shang-Chi ending explained: What happened at the end of Shang-Chi?
• Blow for Sturgeon! SNP veteran warns Boris will only grant Indy vote with tough conditions
• How to watch Spitting Image season 2
• How to add value to your home - five ways to increase price by over £40,000
• Man Utd chief John Murtough 'has two midfield targets' for 2022 summer transfer window
• Le Pen to 'threaten' EU with French exit: Brussels membership to be used as crucial tool
• Toto Wolff responds to rumours Red Bull are lodging Mercedes complaint to FIA
• How to live longer: The best food to 'lower your odds of frailty' as you get older
• 'Inhumane!' Arrivals queue for 'five hours' & say some are 'fainting' amid Heathrow chaos
• 'I felt very manipulated' Woman 'absolutely devastated' as fraudsters take out £3,770 loan
• Angelina Jolie 'broken' as she speaks out on 'complicated' marriage split from Brad Pitt
• Merkel legacy chaos as new chancellor set to be 'compromise' which weakens Germany's power
• Police officer rushed to hospital after horror M62 crash during 'high speed chase'
• Manchester United star Fred stopped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from making fifth summer signing
• Anthony Hopkins hits out at modern society after Asperger's diagnosis 'I don't believe it'
• GB News ratings: Latest scathing numbers as Andrew Neil poised to quit
• How many episodes are in Grantchester?
• Sophie Wessex's fierce defence of Lady Louise Windsor: 'Which of us is perfect?'
• 'We have served this country' Outrage over pensioners 'paying National Insurance'
• Tottenham's January Adama Traore transfer hopes dented as Wolves contract talks reopened
• Arsenal board already know Mikel Arteta's replacement if Edu has to make sacking
• EastEnders: Rainie to expose Linda baby secret as she learns Max is the father?
• Brexit Britain’s ‘sharp’ leftward turn risks realising Jeremy Corbyn’s socialist dream
• EU shamed over 'disinformation' as bloc has NOT hit jab target despite claim, report shows
• Sturgeon urged to rethink 'damaging' plan which could force live events to move to England
• ‘Really knows who she is’: Camilla stuns in ‘vibrant’ blue dress for tea at Clarence House
• Thorpe Park announce Oktoberfest event in September - how to get tickets
• Mercedes offer fresh update on George Russell and Valtteri Bottas announcement at Dutch GP
• Princess Diana film Spencer reviews ‘Meghan Markle will love Oscar-worthy Kristen Stewart’
• Stacey Solomon: Pregnant star hits back as troll calls her out for having a 'hairy belly'
• Elvis fought to record iconic song and made incredible tear-jerking change to the lyrics
• Andrew Neil will NOT return to GB News this week amid rift with channel bosses
• Alex Scott urged to 'replace' Paddy McGuinness amid 'unwatchable' Question of Sport divide
• Camilla 'even more important' to the Queen after Megxit and is the 'future' of the Firm
• Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes and two other phone calls behind Cristiano Ronaldo transfer
• 'Terrible disservice' Diana’s life should not focus on ‘sum of woes’ – expert hits out
• Only Fools and Horses: Why David Jason almost left iconic Del Boy role early
• 'Just look at these numbers!' Nigel Farage slams farcical Remainer warnings over Brexit
• Gardeners’ World: Monty Don claims young hydrangeas 'will struggle' if planted out now
• 'We didn't feel we needed it' How retirees helped children buy first home - essential tips
• Stroke: The lifestyle habit increasing your risk of the life-threatening condition
• Cabinet ministers at war over tax rises for social care
• State pension warning: Lowering pension age to 63 will mean 'reduced' payments
• National Insurance threshold set to rise - what would further changes mean for you?
• Afghanistan rebels make their final stand against Taliban: 'We will not surrender'
• Gmail and Outlook users warned about new email threat that has experts concerned
• GMB's Laura Tobin red-faced over wardrobe malfunction 'We could see all of you!'
• UK Government getting second opinion over covid jabs for children aged 12 to 15
• ‘Laughable!' Meghan Markle blasted by ex-US adviser for 'offering feelings’ on issues
• ‘Sort it out!’ Ikea runs out of popular products amid ‘ongoing challenges’ to supply chain
• 'Scotland would need handouts from Russia or China!' Urgent warning issued from ex-general
• Arsene Wenger gives Mikel Arteta verdict and opens up on returning to Arsenal
• BBC Breakfast’s Nina thrown out of Commons for rule break 'Got a tap on shoulder'
• Susanna Reid blindsided by Piers Morgan's GMB exit: 'I didn’t think he’d really leave'
• Thomas Tuchel promotes Chelsea wonderkid Frank Lampard signed into first-team training
• 'I was a scapegoat' Jeremy Kyle breaks silence after ITV show axed amid guest's death
• Rylan Clark-Neal hints at ‘total drama’ over split from husband during BBC Radio 2 return
• Energy bills to increase by at least £140 a year when energy cap rises on October 1
• Frexit NOW! France 'paralysed' by EU as 'authoritarian' Macron savaged over jab blunder
• EU will make UK 'wait forever' over Brexit row as Boris urged to force bloc to the table
• Dune reviews: 'Gorgeous next Lord of the Rings epic stuns but has its imperfections'
• Meghan urged to stick to 'Hollywood gossip' as 'serious people' will not listen to Duchess
• New Zealand stabbings: Police shoot dead 'violent extremist' seconds after attack
• 'Somewhat jarring': Diana necklace with 'link' to Charles worn as brooch by Camilla
• James Martin: Saturday Morning chef details what he hid from Bruce Forsyth on Strictly
• Sirtfood diet: Diet plan behind Adele’s weight loss transformation - how it works
• DEAL OF THE DAY: Save up to 50% on furniture and homewares on Amazon
• Boris warned 'horrendous' Brexit legal battle with EU looming – and UK will likely LOSE
• New EU driving law set to launch in the UK may make it 'hard for drivers to concentrate'
• Brit Emma Raducanu fires US Open warning but plays down Wimbledon comparisons
• Lewis Hamilton gives ringing endorsement on George Russell to Mercedes - 'The future'
• Flu jab shortage hits NHS sparking warning of appointment cancellations
• Robert Peston put on the spot during heated clash with JHB over not asking tough questions
• Man Utd and Arsenal called out for failing to rival Chelsea for 'phenomenal signing'
• Jose Mourinho sends message to Arsenal star Granit Xhaka after controversial decision
• Acts of kindness are still key to being British, says PATRICK O'FLYNN
• Juventus ‘want to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with Paulo Dybala’ after Man Utd transfer
• Marcelo Bielsa's transfer veto revealed by Leeds United insider
• Chelsea new boy Saul Niguez explains transfer ‘pity’ following Atletico Madrid exit
• National Insurance tax raid: Boris Johnson's NI hike could cost some workers £900 a year
• Amazing omen hints that Cristiano Ronaldo could hit the ground running at Man Utd
• WhatsApp issues urgent advice to avoid new iPhone and Android threat
• Harry and Meghan questioned for omitting Biden from Afghan statement 'now less desirable'
• British Army veteran says West spent '$3trillion' to replace 'Taliban with the Taliban'
• Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 'cleverly position themselves' with new projects
• Prince Harry faces 'problematic' choice to protect Sussexes image - 'People are watching'
• Germany and France warned 'selfish' China approach will let Beijing 'divide and conquer'
• SNP warned by NATO chief over Trident: Nuclear deterrent ‘important’ for alliance
• Fern Britton tearfully opens up on refusing to acknowledge her mother’s ‘unbearable’ death
• EastEnders' Ruby Allen's death foreshadowed as Jean Slater plots revenge?
• Golden Retriever can’t stop doing roly-polys in viral video- ‘Adorable overload!’
• National insurance: Boris Johnson told to 'make pensioners pay' for social care reform
• Arsenal have a solution to Mikel Arteta's defensive crisis that won't cost a penny
• Stroke: The simple exercise that improves blood pressure and lowers risk of stroke
• Cristiano Ronaldo must overcome Man Utd No 7 curse that got the better of five players
• Queen's funeral plans under 'Operation London Bridge' leaked by government
• Princess Charlene of Monaco in ‘stable condition’ after being rushed to hospital
• Man Utd may already have Nemanja Matic replacement who can save the club millions
• Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has two No 10s like new signings to provide AFCON solution
• Tottenham fans left reeling after Pau Torres says rejecting club was ‘quick decision'
• Declan Rice's stance on joining Liverpool instead of Chelsea as Man Utd also keen on deal
• Microsoft delays Windows 11 feature just after confirming release date
• Richard E Grant's wife dead: Star in heartbreaking announcement as spouse of 35 years dies
• Liverpool could regret Jurgen Klopp transfer call as Reds risk repeating old mistakes
• Man Utd's crucial next step after deadline day transfer shows John Murtough progression
• 'A great asset to the Family' Camilla praised by royal fans after heartfelt appeal
• Man Utd need to avoid making Man City transfer mistake with next big target
• Stroke: Left-handed people recover faster - can which hand you write with determine risk?
• Weight loss: Dr Mosley shares his favourite breakfast recipe to slim - 'full of flavour'
• Retirement: Self-employed workers urged ‘have that conversation early’
• From £25K debt to six-figure savings, author shares how you can do it too
• ‘Suspicious packages’ sent to SAGE scientist by ‘nasty’ anti-vaxxers - ‘Yobbish behaviour’
• Kate Middleton makes ‘statement’ with ‘rare’ citrine ring - and it’s worth £25,000
• Caravan: ‘Why not do a winter staycation?’ – ‘the best time’ to explore
• A dietician's 'favourite' superfood – and the '50 percent rainbow rule' explained
• Horoscopes: Russell Grant's weekly horoscope - what can you expect this week?
• 'This warrants serious attention' - 'Shockingly few' Britons aware of new pension service
• Gardening expert shares ‘top choices’ for a shady garden - ‘traditional woodland plants’
• Car insurance: Drivers to save with 'smart' policies - with no black box or speed limiter
• Arsenal chiefs facing £20m transfer blunder leaving Edu with work to do
• Law and Order: Why did Mike Logan actor Chris Noth really leave Law and Order?
• ‘Proud of you!’ Charles praises ‘outstanding’ Parachute troops for Kabul evacuation effort
• Jurgen Klopp can solve Liverpool's AFCON selection issue with easy tactical tweak
• ‘Draconian’ Covid powers could return this winter as Boris Johnson set to extend laws
• China is the ‘most important partner’ for the Taliban, militants say - ‘Swing in on scale’
• ‘Very well armed’ Taliban clash with Panjshir resistance in final battle for Afghanistan
• The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln lands new role away from AMC drama amid return rumours
• ‘Works on every stain!’ Mrs Hinch fans share top tips to remove grease marks from clothing
• Yellowstone season 4 trailer: Beth Dutton alive as fans convinced they spotted her in clip
• Libra personality traits: Star sign ‘extroverted’ but ‘friendly’ - positive attributes
• Robson Green net worth: Actor and angler worth huge sum
• RAF pilot Kev Latchman explains how he lifted a packed plane over a bus to escape Kabul
• Met Police lash out as 'unacceptable' anti-vaxx protests leave five officers injured
• The Queen has only just said goodbye to Philip, this leak is so grubby – DICKIE ARBITER
• Husband and wife's huge row over... MATHS
• Kristen Stewart wants to KNOW Diana 'implicitly' – not just play her
• Craziest burial outfits seen by a funeral director: From wedding gowns to Santa costumes
• Jacinda Ardern wanted New Zealand terror attacker deported two months ago
• UK heatwave mapped: New chart shows whole nation roast as 30C heat blast sweeps in
• Alastair Campbell 'still whining on' about leaving EU as Remain hysterics silenced
• Royal Family: Harry dealt huge blow after William's Afghanistan heroics revealed
• Pensioners to pay National Insurance! Shock tax move to fund social care bills
• Meghan Markle lies dying in car crash in 'tasteless and abhorrent' scene from new film
• Robson Green furiously 'walked off' from acting role due to 'narcissistic' co-stars
• Meghan and Harry hailed for 'vision and unwavering dedication' after major new hire
• Question of Sport viewers furious at Paddy McGuinness as they demand Sue Barker's return
• Sturgeon under pressure: Polling guru explains Boris has upper hand in independence row
• Woman who said she was 'too disabled to move' jailed over £33k fraudulent benefit claims
• China set to ‘beef up relations’ with Taliban as militants firm up control of Afghanistan