Detained Afghan Girl Says She Disguised Herself To Support Family
The release of a video showing the forced confession of a girl detained by the Taliban while dressed as a boy has drawn widespread attention on social media.
Afghanistan
Taliban Flog Nine, Including Three Women, In Parwan & Uruzgan
The Taliban Supreme Court said nine people, including three women, were publicly flogged in Parwan and Uruzgan provinces on charges of “extramarital relations” and “disrespect toward a father.”
ISIS Claims Responsibility For Deadly Islamabad Mosque Bombing
The Islamic State group (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a Shia mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people and injured more than 160 others, Pakistani officials said.
US Commission Seeks ‘Country Of Particular Concern’ Label For Afghanistan
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged the US president and secretary of state to designate Afghanistan as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a move that could pave the way for broader sanctions against the Taliban.
Taliban Deny Role In Islamabad Mosque Bombing, Criticise Pakistan
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence has rejected accusations by Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif following the suicide attack on a Shiite mosque in Islamabad, urging Pakistani officials to review their own security policies.
Four Taliban Members Killed In Kunduz, Parwan Attacks, Says AFF
The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) said its fighters carried out attacks on Taliban military positions in Parwan and Kunduz provinces on Thursday evening, claiming that at least four Taliban members were killed and five others wounded.
Nine Taliban Cabinet Members Lack Advanced Religious Qualifications
An investigation by Afghanistan International Pashto has found that nine members of the Taliban cabinet who use titles such as Sheikh al-Hadith, Sheikh and Mufti do not possess specialised religious education.
Afghan Carrier Expands India Route As Pakistan Borders Remain Closed
Ariana Afghan Airlines says it has increased cargo and passenger flights between Kabul and New Delhi in a move aimed at strengthening trade ties between Afghanistan and India.
Taliban Policies Threaten Their Hold On Power, Says Russian Analyst
A senior Russian analyst says the Taliban’s current policies suggest the group’s rule in Afghanistan may not be sustainable and could lead to public dissatisfaction and unrest.
Nearly 3 Tonnes Of Drugs Seized In Farah & Uruzgan, Says Taliban
Taliban authorities say they have seized nearly three tonnes of cannabis and opium in western and southern Afghanistan.
Russian Researcher Publishes Alleged Taliban Intelligence Documents
A Russian analyst has published a book claiming to reveal internal intelligence documents linked to the Taliban, including allegations of secret foreign contacts and security concerns surrounding the group’s leadership.
Taliban Culture Minister To Attend International Forum In Russia
The Taliban said Sher Ahmad Haqqani, the group’s minister of information and culture, will attend the Russia–Islamic World Kazan Forum in the Russian city of Kazan at Moscow’s invitation.
UAE Releases More Than 100 Afghan Prisoners, Says Taliban
The United Arab Emirates has released 108 Afghan prisoners to mark the country’s National Day, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry said.
China, Pakistan Raise Alarm Over Militant Activity In Afghanistan
China and Pakistan voiced strong concern at the United Nations Security Council over the presence and activities of militant groups in Afghanistan, urging the Taliban to take action.
Taliban Deny Militant Presence At Home, Blame Neighbours For ISIS Threat
The Taliban have rejected claims that foreign militant groups are operating in Afghanistan, instead alleging that Islamic State fighters have established bases in neighbouring countries.
Taliban Flogs 24, Including Woman, Over Drugs & Morality Charges
The Taliban’s Supreme Court said at least 24 people, including one woman, were publicly flogged in Kabul and Kapisa province on charges including drug trafficking and sex outside marriage.
Kazakhstan Reports Sharp Rise In Grain Exports To Afghanistan
Grain exports from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan nearly doubled between September 2025 and the end of January 2026, the country’s national railway company said.
Taliban Deepened Repression In 2025, Says Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch said in its annual report that the Taliban expanded repression in 2025 by tightening restrictions on women and girls, increasing media controls and presiding over a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Afghanistan Ranks Third Worldwide In Casualties From Explosive Ordnance
Afghanistan ranks third globally for the highest number of casualties caused by explosive ordnance, the United Nations Mine Action Programme said, warning that explosive remnants of war continue to threaten livelihoods and food security.
UN-Backed Counter-Narcotics Meet Held In Kabul Under Doha Process
The fourth counter-narcotics working group meeting under the Doha Process was held in Kabul, hosted by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). During the meeting, the Taliban representatives raised concerns about the spread of synthetic drugs.
Turkiye Lowers Diplomatic Representation In Afghanistan
Türkiye has reduced the level of its diplomatic representation in Afghanistan following the end of the mission of its former ambassador to Kabul.
Afghans Not Involved In Drone Operations During Iran–Israel Conflict, Says IRGC
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Afghan migrants were not involved in operating drones during the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, rejecting rumours that Afghans had been arrested over flying the devices.