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Taliban administration's security spending exceeds 45% of total expenditure, World Bank reports
Security spending by the Taliban administration accounted for over 45% of its total expenditure in the current fiscal year, according to a World Bank report. This spending reached 51.3 billion afghanis, approximately $787 million, surpassing combined outlays on education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and private sector development.
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Kandahar Bombing Injures Eight, Kills Seven at Mirwais Hospital
Seven people killed and eight injured in a Kandahar bombing were transferred to Mirwais Hospital. Sources report the injured were construction workers and some are in critical condition. Pakistani fighter jets reportedly bombed the Sarai Mullah Sahib area, a military headquarters.
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Head of Supreme Shia Council Freed from Taliban Justice Minister's Custody
Mohammad Ali Akhlaqi, head of the Supreme Shia Council, was released from the personal prison of the Taliban's Justice Minister. He and another council member were reportedly tortured and forced to pledge not to engage in political activities. Their homes were vacated.
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US and Iran Explore Phased Deal to End War, Reopen Strait of Hormuz
US and Iranian negotiators are considering a phased agreement to end the war. Under the proposal, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the US would lift its economic blockade. Resuming free passage through the strait is a key US demand.
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Taliban claim attack on Pakistani border post in Kandahar
The Taliban's Al-Badr 205 Corps claims to have attacked a Pakistani border post in the Spinboldak district of Kandahar. A spokesperson stated that a Pakistani military post was destroyed and inflicted heavy casualties after Pakistani forces allegedly fired mortar shells into the area.
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Rising Suicide Figures in Afghanistan Raise Serious Concerns
Multiple reports of suicide incidents from different Afghan provinces in a single day highlight a worrying trend. The true scale of the phenomenon remains unknown due to difficulties in recording and reporting, but scattered reports suggest the issue requires serious attention.
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Afghanistan's Empty Seat at UN General Assembly Highlights International Isolation
For five years, Afghanistan has lacked presidential representation at the UN General Assembly, signaling its diminished standing. The Taliban regime's restrictions on women, exclusion of societal groups, and disregard for international concerns have widened the gap with the world.
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Taliban Extort Ghazni Residents Over Alleged Weapon Possession
Taliban forces in Afghanistan's Ghazni province have allegedly extorted money from residents of Nawur district under the pretext of possessing weapons. Sources report four individuals were tortured and forced to pay for their release, with others given one week to provide weapons or equivalent cash.
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Trump and Xi Discuss Security, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence at White House
US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House, stating they have a deep and extraordinary friendship. Discussions will focus on security, technology, and artificial intelligence, with decisions expected to bring decades of peace and prosperity. Both leaders expressed confidence in achieving great accomplishments and emphasized the benefits of cooperation over confrontation.
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Discussion on recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan
This news item appears to be a collection of headlines and brief updates, with the main focus being a discussion on recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan. Other topics include Afghanistan's cricket team participation in the Asian Games, Pakistan's claims about attackers' roots, an OIC meeting on Afghanistan, and regional conflicts involving Iran, the US, and Houthis.
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Mahmoud Abbas: Israel's Gaza Violence Caused "Unprecedented Humanitarian Catastrophe"
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told the UN General Assembly that Israel's violence in Gaza has created an "unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe," citing killings, destruction, hunger, and displacement attempts. He described Israel's military operation as a "genocidal war" targeting Palestinian lives and future generations, affecting all necessities of life.
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Taliban reportedly arrest 16 women in Kabul for alleged dress code violations
Local sources in Kabul report that Taliban morality police have arrested approximately 16 women in the city center. The women were reportedly detained on Tuesday in the Shah-e-Dushamshera area. While four were released after phone checks and family guarantees, 16 remain in custody. This follows previous arrests for alleged dress code violations.
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Khalilzad Warns of Worsening Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions After Airstrikes
Former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad warned that Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan and recent violence in Pakistan are part of a larger crisis, with no signs of improvement. He described the events as interconnected tragedies, suggesting they could escalate.
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Teenagers Describe Easy Access to Drugs and Addiction Traps
Teenagers report falling into drug addiction due to peer encouragement, economic hardship, and unemployment. Some used "Tablet K" for work, leading to dependency and addiction to substances like powder and crystal meth. Fear of treatment centers deters seeking help.
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Afghanistan Freedom Front Claims Taliban Member Killed in Kabul Attack
The Afghanistan Freedom Front reported that one Taliban member was killed and two others injured during an attack on a Taliban patrol vehicle in Kabul. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in the Dasht-e Barchi district. The group stated its forces sustained no casualties.
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Taliban Summons Pakistan's Ambassador Over Airstrikes on Afghan Provinces
The Taliban summoned Pakistan's charge d'affaires to protest alleged Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan provinces, calling them a clear violation of national sovereignty. Pakistan claims it targeted militants operating from Afghan soil, a claim the Taliban denies.
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Afghanistan Summons Pakistan's Envoy Over Airstrikes
Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistan's chargé d’affaires to Kabul, protesting airstrikes on Kandahar, Paktia, and Khost provinces. The ministry called the strikes a violation of Afghan sovereignty and rejected claims that Afghan territory was used for Pakistan's security incidents. The Islamic Emirate warned that such actions could escalate regional tensions.
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Iranian Plane Forced Back to Tehran Due to US Sanctions and Turkmenistan Airspace Ban
An Iranian airliner bound for Dushanbe was forced to return to Tehran after Turkmenistan denied it permission to fly through its airspace. This incident occurred following the implementation of US sanctions against Iranian airlines, impacting flights to Tajikistan and other destinations.
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World Bank: Security spending exceeds other sectors in Taliban administration
A World Bank report indicates that security spending by the Taliban administration has reached 45.2% of total expenditures this fiscal year. This amount surpasses combined spending on education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and private sector development. The report also notes a slowdown in Afghanistan's economic momentum.
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Pakistan confirms airstrikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan following drone incursions
Pakistan confirmed conducting precision aerial and drone strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan, targeting sites used for launching drones. The strikes followed alleged "deliberate and unlawful incursions" by drones from Afghan territory. Local sources reported strikes in Khost, Kandahar, and Paktia provinces, with no casualties reported by the Taliban governor's spokesman in Khost.
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Iran Airlines Cancel Flights Amidst US Sanctions Threat
Iranian airlines have reportedly canceled flights as US sanctions loom. One Iranian flight landed in Shanghai despite the threat of US sanctions.
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Women's Rights Advocates Warn of Entrenched Taliban Rule and Normalization
Afghan women's rights advocates in New York expressed concern that Taliban rule and restrictions on women are becoming entrenched. They warned that international engagement risks normalizing these policies, potentially requiring decades to reverse such institutionalized changes.
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Pakistan urges OIC to press Taliban on militant groups and women's rights
Pakistan's foreign minister called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to pressure the Taliban to dismantle militant groups operating in Afghanistan and end their alleged support. Speaking at an OIC meeting, he urged the group to encourage the Taliban to combat terrorism and comply with international obligations, noting that attacks against Pakistan originate from Afghanistan.
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Pakistan claims drone attacks originate from Afghanistan; Kabul responds
A report discusses claims by Pakistan regarding drone attacks allegedly originating from Afghanistan and Kabul's response to these accusations. The segment features a discussion with Shah Mahmood Miakhil, former acting minister and first deputy minister of the National Defense Ministry in the previous government, analyzing the situation.
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UK Ministry of Defence Discovers 97 Million Documents Potentially Relevant to Afghan War Crimes Probe
The UK Ministry of Defence has found 97 million new documents that could be relevant to an investigation into alleged civilian killings by special forces in Afghanistan. The inquiry head expressed concern that the late discovery of these documents might significantly delay the ongoing investigation.
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Qatar Ready to Host Fourth Doha Meeting on Afghanistan, Foreign Ministry States
Qatar is prepared to host the fourth meeting of special envoys on Afghanistan, according to its Foreign Ministry. The statement came during the OIC Contact Group meeting on Afghanistan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Qatar has previously hosted similar dialogues.
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Kunar wood transport ban leads to hundreds of workshop closures and job losses
A ban on transporting wood products in Kunar province has forced hundreds of woodworking shops to close, resulting in over 6,000 workers losing their jobs. The ban affects the production and transport of items like doors and window frames. Carpenters report that wood is going to waste and people are losing hope, urging the government to lift the restriction.
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Afghan Refugees Minister and UNAMA Deputy Discuss Challenges Facing Returnees
Afghanistan's Minister of Refugees met with UNAMA's Deputy Head for Humanitarian Affairs to discuss the situation of Afghan returnees and humanitarian aid. UNAMA briefed the minister on needs assessments and called for joint cooperation to support and resettle thousands of families. The minister welcomed UN support and stated government institutions are addressing returnees' needs.
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Pakistan Signs Drone Deal with US Firm PowerAvenger, Partnering with India
Pakistan has signed a limited equipment order and cooperation agreement with US firm PowerAvenger, specializing in interceptor drones. The deal follows a meeting between PowerAvenger and Pakistan's army chief. A key point of contention is PowerAvenger's prior exclusive license granted to an Indian defense company.
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OIC Contact Group Reaffirms Support for Afghan People's Needs
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Afghanistan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Afghan people and strengthening the international response to humanitarian and development needs. The group met in New York to discuss the situation and ways to enhance support.
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UK war crimes inquiry delayed by 97 million newly identified documents
The UK Ministry of Defence has identified 97 million previously undisclosed documents potentially relevant to an inquiry into alleged unlawful killings by British special forces in Afghanistan. The discovery could further delay the inquiry, which has yet to publish findings.
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Taliban and Pakistani forces exchange fire near Paktia border
Taliban forces and Pakistani troops engaged in nearly five hours of cross-border clashes in Paktia province, damaging homes and causing some residents to flee. The incident occurred two days after Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan.
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US, Denmark, Greenland sign agreement to expand US military presence
US President Donald Trump, along with the Prime Ministers of Denmark and Greenland, signed an agreement to increase the US military presence in Greenland. The deal, signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, strengthens security cooperation between the US, Denmark, and Greenland, building on decades of collaboration.
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Advocate shares ways ordinary people can support Afghan women facing oppression
An advocate reflects on five years of supporting Afghan women since the Taliban's return to power. She highlights the severe oppression, including bans on education and public life, and suggests ways ordinary individuals can offer support to women enduring gender apartheid.
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Taliban official admits destroying Bamiyan Buddhas without remorse
A Taliban official admitted to destroying the Bamiyan Buddhas with his own hands and showed no remorse. He also described women as "mindless" and "deficient in intellect." These statements echo past violence against women, raising concerns about the current situation in Afghanistan.
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Afghan female students in Pakistan fear deportation amid language barriers
Afghan female students in Pakistan face deportation due to language barriers and financial struggles. Seema, a scholarship student, describes difficulties with Urdu and English, insufficient scholarship funds, and the pressure to succeed despite these challenges. Her family's financial hardship prevents her from seeking financial support.