Torkham Crossing Will Remain Closed, Says Taliban
Taliban border police say reports that the Torkham crossing will reopen are false and that the key Afghanistan-Pakistan route remains closed.
Afghanistan
Effort Turns To Habibi, Overby After Coyle’s Release, Says US
Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to the US president, said efforts are continuing to secure the release of two Americans still believed to be held in Afghanistan after the Taliban freed Dennis Coyle.
Taliban Denies Starting Conflict with Pakistan, Urges Ceasefire Extension
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said calls to extend the ceasefire are primarily directed at Pakistan, insisting the group did not initiate the conflict.
Taliban Detains Two Polish Nationals In Afghanistan, Say Sources
Knowledgeable sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban have recently detained two Polish nationals. The sources said the men had travelled to Afghanistan for business purposes.
Pakistan’s War Strategy: Are US Weapons The Main Target While Taliban Leaders Are Spared?
The conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan has entered a dangerous new phase since late February, raising serious concerns about regional stability.
Pakistani Shelling Kills Two In Afghan Province Of Kunar, Says Taliban
Local Taliban officials in Kunar province say Pakistan fired 85 mortar rounds over the past 24 hours at the provincial capital and the districts of Sarkano, Manogai and Nari.
Pakistan To Reopen Torkham Border Crossing At Taliban’s Request
Sources in Pakistan say the country has decided to reopen the Torkham border crossing on March 5 at the request of Taliban officials.
Taliban Must End Hostage Diplomacy, Says US State Department
The US State Department, referring to the release of American hostage Dennis Coyle from Taliban custody, said President Donald Trump is committed to ending wrongful detentions abroad.
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.
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.