Taliban Releases US Detainee Dennis Coyle In Kabul
The Taliban’s foreign ministry confirmed the release of US detainee Dennis Coyle saying the decision was approved by the group’s supreme leader.
Afghanistan
Second Round Of Islamabad Conference To Be Held In London
The second round of the Islamabad conference will be held in London on Tuesday, March 24, bringing together Afghan political figures and civil society representatives.
Taliban Publicly Flogs Three People In Kabul & Balkh
The Taliban have publicly flogged two men and a woman in Kabul and Balkh, according to a statement from the group’s Supreme Court.
Taliban Set To Release US Hostage After Warning From Trump Administration
The Taliban are set to release a US citizen from detention following warnings from the administration of President Donald Trump. A US delegation was seen in Kabul on Tuesday as part of efforts to secure the hostage’s release.
Germany Rejects Taliban-Appointed Envoy To Afghan Embassy In Berlin
Germany’s Foreign Ministry said it does not recognise any new appointment by the Taliban to Afghanistan’s embassy in Berlin, following reports that the group has designated a new representative to lead the mission.
Taliban Turn To Ex-US Advisers To Secure Foreign Aid
A document obtained by Afghanistan International shows Taliban authorities ordered the health ministry to hire a former US adviser to help secure international aid.
Militants Using Afghan Soil Will Be Eliminated, Says Pak President
Pakistan’s president said recent military operations against militant groups have produced significant results and warned that those supporting terrorism would be “eliminated”.
Taliban Not Meeting Beijing’s Demands On Uyghur Militants, Says Chinese Researcher
A Chinese researcher said the Taliban are unwilling to fully meet Beijing’s demands regarding the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, highlighting ongoing security concerns in Afghanistan.
Pak Warns Of Terror Threat From Afghanistan To Russia, Central Asia
Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia warned that militant groups operating from Afghanistan pose a growing threat not only to the region but also to Russia.
Operations In Afghanistan Part Of Anti-Terror Policy, Says Pakistan
Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, says Islamabad is taking a firm approach to combating what it calls terrorism, including operations linked to Afghanistan.
Afghan Women Must Be Included In Decision-Making, Says France's Envoy
France’s ambassador for human rights said Afghan women must be included in all decision-making processes and that Paris rejects any dialogue with the Taliban.
Fight Against Taliban Not Over Despite Eid Pause, Says Pakistan
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said “Operation Ghazab lil Haq” has been temporarily suspended for Eid al-Fitr but will resume.
Afghan Returnees Face Urgent Humanitarian Needs, Says UN
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says that amid escalating tensions in Iran, thousands of Afghans are returning to Afghanistan.
Taliban Block Shia Eid al-Fitr Prayers In Parts Of Kabul, Say Sources
Local sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban prevented Shia Muslims from holding Eid al-Fitr prayers in some areas of Kabul.
Iran’s New Leader Offers Mediation In Taliban-Pakistan Conflict
A message attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, has been published, calling for improved relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Taliban Dismiss Acting Afghan Ambassador to Germany
Afghanistan International has obtained documents showing the Taliban have removed Abdul Baqi Popal, Afghanistan’s acting ambassador to Germany, from his post.
Pakistani Artillery Strikes Continue In Kunar, Says Taliban
The Taliban claim Pakistani artillery strikes have continued in Kunar province despite a temporary ceasefire between the two sides.
US Lawmakers Demand Investigation After Afghan Asylum Seeker Dies In Custody
US lawmakers have called for accountability following the death of an Afghan asylum seeker in immigration detention.
Pakistan Denies Violating Ceasefire With Taliban
Pakistan has rejected Taliban claims that it violated a ceasefire along the border.
Journalist Mehdi Ansari Released From Taliban Custody, Says Afghan Watchdog
Afghanistan Journalists Centre says Afghan journalist Mehdi Ansari has been released from a Taliban prison after completing his sentence.
Taliban ‘Hostage Diplomacy’ Will Not Go Unanswered, Says US
The US State Department says the Taliban are detaining American citizens for political gain and warned the actions will not go unanswered.
Taliban Detains Shia Clerics In Herat Over Eid Dispute
Sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban have detained several Shia clerics in Herat after they refused to mark Eid al-Fitr on the day declared by the group.