The Taliban Administration has ordered beauty salons in Afghanistan to shut down. This is part of Morality Ministries' move to shrink women's access to public spaces. Foreign governments and UN officials have condemned the growing restrictions on women under the Taliban's rule. A spokesperson from the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue said that the deadline for shutting down sellers is one month.

Afghanistan: Taliban to shut down beauty salons

Putin spoke at the SCO summit 2023 about geopolitical contradictions and the degradation of the international security system and the increase in the risks of a new global economic and financial crisis.

Putin: Russia will resist 'sanctions and provocations'

India hosted the virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chairperson. The summit is attended by leaders such as Putin and Xi Jinping with the theme of "Secure SCO"

Indian PM: SCO members value people-to-people links

India hosted the virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chairperson. The summit is attended by leaders such as Putin and Xi Jinping with the theme of "Secure SCO.

India hosts SCO summit: Key takeaways on security, terrorism and regional development

At the SCO Summit 2023, Xi Jinping spoke about the need to enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies and intelligence services in various areas of security, including digital security, biosecurity, and space security.

SCO Summit 2023: Xi Jinping spoke about mutual cooperation, combating crime & supporting Afghanistan

<p>US President Joe Biden said that Washington is getting the help from Afghanistan's Taliban government to 'end' Al-Qaeda threat. Biden's seemingly off-the-cuff remark contradicts a UN report released last month that said&nbsp;Taliban maintains "strong and symbiotic" ties with Al-Qaeda, and that Osama bin Laden's terror group "is rebuilding operational capability" on Afghan soil.</p>

<p>Biden was leaving a press conference on Friday on the US Supreme Court's decision to block his student debt relief programme when a reporter asked if he admitted to mistakes during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.</p>

<p>"No, no. All the evidence is coming back," he replied, according to a White House transcript.</p>

<p>"Do you remember what I said about Afghanistan? I said al Qaeda would not be there. I said it wouldn't be there. I said we'd get help from the Taliban. What's happening now? What's going on? Read your press. I was right."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-taliban-have-put-afghan-clock-back-to-1990s-autocracy-un-report-603152">Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report</a></strong></p>

<p>The question was prompted by a US state department <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/both-trump-and-biden-responsible-for-talibans-takeover-of-afghanistan-us-state-department-610768">report released</a> on Friday which blamed both Trump and Biden administrations for chaos that followed during the final weeks of US withdrawal from Afghanistan and subsequent takeover of power by Taliban hardliners.</p>

<p>Meanwhile on Saturday, Afghanistan's Taliban government&nbsp;seized on Biden's comment.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/a-paranoid-president-us-abandonment-new-report-reveals-why-afghan-forces-collapsed-after-us-withdrawal-566832">A 'paranoid' president, US 'abandonment'— new report on why Afghan forces collapsed after American withdrawal</a></strong></p>

<p>"We consider remarks by US President Joe Biden about non-existence of armed groups in Afghanistan as acknowledgement of reality," the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>"It refutes the recent report by UN Sanctions Monitoring Team alleging the presence &amp; operation of over twenty armed groups in Afghanistan."</p>

<p>Earlier, a UN report said there were indications armed groups such as Al-Qaeda were rebuilding in the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>"The link between the Taliban and both Al-Qaeda and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and symbiotic," it said.</p>

<p>"A range of terrorist groups have greater freedom of manoeuvre under the Taliban de facto authorities. They are making good use of this, and the threat of terrorism is rising in both Afghanistan and the region.</p>

<p>The report highlighted that terrorist groups are now able to freely operate under the Taliban's authority in Afghanistan, and thus posing a significant threat of terrorism in the country and the wider region.</p>

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US President Joe Biden said that Washington is getting the help from Afghanistan's Taliban government to 'end' Al-Qaeda threat. Biden's seemingly off-the-cuff remark contradicts a UN report released last month that said Taliban maintains "strong and symbiotic" ties with Al-Qaeda, and that Osama bin Laden's terror group "is rebuilding operational capability" on Afghan soil.

US President Joe Biden said that Washington is getting the help from Afghanistan's Taliban government to 'end' Al-Qaeda threat. Biden's seemingly off-the-cuff remark contradicts a UN report released last month that said Taliban maintains "strong and symbiotic" ties with Al-Qaeda, and that Osama bin Laden's terror group "is rebuilding operational capability" on Afghan soil. Biden was leaving a press conference on Friday on the US Supreme Court's decision to block his student debt relief programme when a reporter asked if he admitted to mistakes during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. "No, no. All the evidence is coming back," he replied, according to a White House transcript. "Do you remember what I said about Afghanistan? I said al Qaeda would not be there. I said it wouldn't be there. I said we'd get help from the Taliban. What's happening now? What's going on? Read your press. I was right." Also read | Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report The question was prompted by a US state department report released on Friday which blamed both Trump and Biden administrations for chaos that followed during the final weeks of US withdrawal from Afghanistan and subsequent takeover of power by Taliban hardliners. Meanwhile on Saturday, Afghanistan's Taliban government seized on Biden's comment. Also read | A 'paranoid' president, US 'abandonment'— new report on why Afghan forces collapsed after American withdrawal "We consider remarks by US President Joe Biden about non-existence of armed groups in Afghanistan as acknowledgement of reality," the ministry said in a statement. "It refutes the recent report by UN Sanctions Monitoring Team alleging the presence & operation of over twenty armed groups in Afghanistan." Earlier, a UN report said there were indications armed groups such as Al-Qaeda were rebuilding in the country. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × "The link between the Taliban and both Al-Qaeda and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and symbiotic," it said. "A range of terrorist groups have greater freedom of manoeuvre under the Taliban de facto authorities. They are making good use of this, and the threat of terrorism is rising in both Afghanistan and the region. The report highlighted that terrorist groups are now able to freely operate under the Taliban's authority in Afghanistan, and thus posing a significant threat of terrorism in the country and the wider region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taliban govt in Afghanistan is helping US to 'end' Al-Qaeda: President Joe Biden

<p>In a scathing indictment of the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan crisis during the final set of events that led to Taliban’s takeover of power in 2021, the US State Department confirmed Washington’s bureaucratic sluggishness as a significant reason behind the chaos that gripped West’s evacuation from Afghanistan and successive fall of democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government.</p>

<p>The 21-page report highlighted that both former President Donald Trump and President Biden failed to grasp the consequences of a US military withdrawal on the stability of the erstwhile Afghan government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report repeats the points noted by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/a-paranoid-president-us-abandonment-new-report-reveals-why-afghan-forces-collapsed-after-us-withdrawal-566832">US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR)</a> in March 2023, that&nbsp;Biden administration's withdrawal process was "abrupt and uncoordinated—in particular, the withdrawal of contractor support for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF)."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/a-paranoid-president-us-abandonment-new-report-reveals-why-afghan-forces-collapsed-after-us-withdrawal-566832">A 'paranoid' president, US 'abandonment'— new report on why Afghan forces collapsed after American withdrawal</a></strong></p>

<p>The US reportedly had standard diplomatic rotations in Afghanistan weeks before August 2021, which resulted in diplomats who had only been in the country for a short time being responsible for the US evacuation as Kabul collapsed to the Taliban, report revealed.</p>

<h2><strong>Consequences for Biden</strong></h2>

<p>The&nbsp;report appears set to provide ammunition to Biden's critics, as it sheds light on his handling of the crisis that ultimately handed Afghanistan over to the Taliban. The repercussions included the loss of unspecified Afghan lives, as well as the deaths of at least 13 US service members.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US did not consider worst-case scenario: State Dept</strong></h2>

<p>Among its findings, the report notes that while the US military had been planning a full evacuation of Kabul for some time before it began in mid-August 2021, the State Department's involvement in the planning process was hindered by a lack of clarity regarding who had the lead role.</p>

<p>According to the report, senior US officials failed to give sufficient consideration to worst-case scenarios before the collapse of the Afghan government in August 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>The US withdrawal from Afghanistan culminated in a chaotic and deadly two-week evacuation from Kabul's airport in August 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tens of thousands who had assisted the American war effort since its invasion after 9/11 attacks were left behind in a process marked by chaos and violence. This included a suicide bombing by the Islamic State that killed 13 US troops and approximately 170 Afghans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The evacuation began with the swift return of thousands of US troops to Kabul after most had been previously withdrawn. In an agreement arranged hastily, Taliban forces provided security to US troops outside Kabul’s international airport, while US troops managed the airfield and attempted to determine who should be evacuated.</p>

<p>In only 30 days, the Taliban captured all 34 provinces in Afghanistan—33 of the 34 within a 10-day period starting on August 6, 2021. By August 15, 2021, the Taliban did chilling &nbsp;"victory rounds" in Kabul to mark their return to power. By this time, President Ghani fled the country and the United States completed its military withdrawal, giving away the fate of over 40 million Afghan citizens to Taliban hardliners.</p>

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In a scathing indictment of the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan crisis during the final set of events that led to Taliban’s takeover of power in 2021, the US State Department confirmed Washington’s bureaucratic sluggishness as a significant reason behind the chaos that gripped West’s evacuation from Afghanistan and successive fall of democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government.

In a scathing indictment of the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan crisis during the final set of events that led to Taliban’s takeover of power in 2021, the US State Department confirmed Washington’s bureaucratic sluggishness as a significant reason behind the chaos that gripped West’s evacuation from Afghanistan and successive fall of democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government. The 21-page report highlighted that both former President Donald Trump and President Biden failed to grasp the consequences of a US military withdrawal on the stability of the erstwhile Afghan government. The report repeats the points noted by the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in March 2023, that Biden administration's withdrawal process was "abrupt and uncoordinated—in particular, the withdrawal of contractor support for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF)." Also read | A 'paranoid' president, US 'abandonment'— new report on why Afghan forces collapsed after American withdrawal The US reportedly had standard diplomatic rotations in Afghanistan weeks before August 2021, which resulted in diplomats who had only been in the country for a short time being responsible for the US evacuation as Kabul collapsed to the Taliban, report revealed. Consequences for Biden The report appears set to provide ammunition to Biden's critics, as it sheds light on his handling of the crisis that ultimately handed Afghanistan over to the Taliban. The repercussions included the loss of unspecified Afghan lives, as well as the deaths of at least 13 US service members. US did not consider worst-case scenario: State Dept Among its findings, the report notes that while the US military had been planning a full evacuation of Kabul for some time before it began in mid-August 2021, the State Department's involvement in the planning process was hindered by a lack of clarity regarding who had the lead role. According to the report, senior US officials failed to give sufficient consideration to worst-case scenarios before the collapse of the Afghan government in August 2021. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × The US withdrawal from Afghanistan culminated in a chaotic and deadly two-week evacuation from Kabul's airport in August 2021. Tens of thousands who had assisted the American war effort since its invasion after 9/11 attacks were left behind in a process marked by chaos and violence. This included a suicide bombing by the Islamic State that killed 13 US troops and approximately 170 Afghans. The evacuation began with the swift return of thousands of US troops to Kabul after most had been previously withdrawn. In an agreement arranged hastily, Taliban forces provided security to US troops outside Kabul’s international airport, while US troops managed the airfield and attempted to determine who should be evacuated. In only 30 days, the Taliban captured all 34 provinces in Afghanistan—33 of the 34 within a 10-day period starting on August 6, 2021. By August 15, 2021, the Taliban did chilling "victory rounds" in Kabul to mark their return to power. By this time, President Ghani fled the country and the United States completed its military withdrawal, giving away the fate of over 40 million Afghan citizens to Taliban hardliners. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Both Trump and Biden responsible for Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan: US state department

Taliban authorities in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province ordered female aid workers this week to stop work on a refugee project, according to an official letter, reinforcing rules against women working despite exemptions sought by some organisations.

Taliban bans female aid workers in kandahar

Ever since Taliban took power in Afghanistan in August 2021, it has been a regressive tale of human rights abuses and curtailment of freedom for women and young girls in Afghanistan.

Draconian Taliban rule haunts Afghan women | World News

<p>The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is holding discussions with Afghanistan rulers, the Taliban regarding the "timelines and practicalities" of a potential handover of its education programs to local organisations. As per UNICEF, it has received assurances from the education ministry that community-based classes, which educate 500,000 students, would continue while these discussions took place.</p>

<h2><strong>Participation of international organisations in education</strong></h2>

<p>As per Reuters, aid officials say that the Taliban has indicated that international organisations could no longer be involved in education projects. The move which has been criticised by UNICEF is yet to be officially confirmed by Afghan authorities.</p>

<p>Speaking to Reuters, UNICEF's Afghanistan spokesperson, Samantha Mort expressed appreciation for the commitment from the de facto minister to ensure classes continue during discussions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-sells-tickets-to-ruins-of-iconic-bamian-buddhas-it-destroyed-two-decades-ago-605721">Taliban selling tickets to ruins of iconic Bamian Buddhas it blasted two decades ago</a></strong></p>

<p>"As the lead agency for the education cluster in Afghanistan, UNICEF is engaged in constructive discussions with the de facto Ministry of Education and appreciates the commitment from the de facto minister to keep all ... classes continuing while discussions take place about timelines and practicalities," said Mort.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She emphasised that "In order to minimise disruption to children's learning, it is imperative that any handover to national NGOs is done strategically and includes comprehensive assessment and capacity building."</p>

<p>The Ministry of Education has not publicly confirmed the reported policy change.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban and Education in Afghanistan</strong></h2>

<p>Since assuming power in 2021, the Taliban has closed most secondary schools for girls, prevented female students from attending universities, and restricted the participation of Afghan women in aid groups and the United Nations. This has&nbsp;apparently been done in adherence to their strict interpretation of Islamic law.</p>

<p>The Taliban's rapid and unexpected takeover of Afghanistan after a 20-year insurgency against US-led forces has created significant challenges and uncertainties for Afghanistan's education system.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/selective-whatsapp-ban-curtails-talibans-functioning-in-afghanistan-605747">Selective WhatsApp ban on hardliners hits Taliban's functioning in Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>For long, international organisations have played a significant role in education projects in Afghanistan. UNICEF currently operates numerous community-based classes, including those catering to 300,000 girls, often held in rural homes.</p>

<p>As per Reuters, UNICEF reached an agreement with the Taliban to operate community classes before their takeover. However, this month, two "humanitarian sources" informed the news agency that aid agencies had been informed that provincial authorities were directed to exclude international organisations from education projects. This could possibly happen within a few weeks.</p>

<p>The move, if implemented, can be a significant setback. A United Nations spokesperson in New York described the move as a "horrendous step backwards."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is holding discussions with Afghanistan rulers, the Taliban regarding the "timelines and practicalities" of a potential handover of its education programs to local organisations.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is holding discussions with Afghanistan rulers, the Taliban regarding the "timelines and practicalities" of a potential handover of its education programs to local organisations. As per UNICEF, it has received assurances from the education ministry that community-based classes, which educate 500,000 students, would continue while these discussions took place. Participation of international organisations in education As per Reuters, aid officials say that the Taliban has indicated that international organisations could no longer be involved in education projects. The move which has been criticised by UNICEF is yet to be officially confirmed by Afghan authorities. Speaking to Reuters, UNICEF's Afghanistan spokesperson, Samantha Mort expressed appreciation for the commitment from the de facto minister to ensure classes continue during discussions. Also read | Taliban selling tickets to ruins of iconic Bamian Buddhas it blasted two decades ago "As the lead agency for the education cluster in Afghanistan, UNICEF is engaged in constructive discussions with the de facto Ministry of Education and appreciates the commitment from the de facto minister to keep all ... classes continuing while discussions take place about timelines and practicalities," said Mort. She emphasised that "In order to minimise disruption to children's learning, it is imperative that any handover to national NGOs is done strategically and includes comprehensive assessment and capacity building." The Ministry of Education has not publicly confirmed the reported policy change. Taliban and Education in Afghanistan Since assuming power in 2021, the Taliban has closed most secondary schools for girls, prevented female students from attending universities, and restricted the participation of Afghan women in aid groups and the United Nations. This has apparently been done in adherence to their strict interpretation of Islamic law. The Taliban's rapid and unexpected takeover of Afghanistan after a 20-year insurgency against US-led forces has created significant challenges and uncertainties for Afghanistan's education system. Also read | Selective WhatsApp ban on hardliners hits Taliban's functioning in Afghanistan For long, international organisations have played a significant role in education projects in Afghanistan. UNICEF currently operates numerous community-based classes, including those catering to 300,000 girls, often held in rural homes. As per Reuters, UNICEF reached an agreement with the Taliban to operate community classes before their takeover. However, this month, two "humanitarian sources" informed the news agency that aid agencies had been informed that provincial authorities were directed to exclude international organisations from education projects. This could possibly happen within a few weeks. The move, if implemented, can be a significant setback. A United Nations spokesperson in New York described the move as a "horrendous step backwards." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban to stop involvement of international organisations in education projects: Report

<p>A convicted murderer was publicly executed at a mosque in provincial Afghanistan, marking the second such incident since the Taliban regained power in August 2021.</p>

<p>The execution took place in the town of Sultan Ghazi Baba, located in the Laghman province, reported AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He was executed in public in the town of Sultan Ghazi Baba, centre of Laghman province, so that he could suffer and become a lesson for others," said a statement from provincial information officers.</p>

<p>The purpose of the execution was to serve as a deterrent and a warning to others. Around 2,000 individuals, including the victims' relatives, gathered to witness the event, which was carried out in accordance with Sharia law.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-to-stop-involvement-of-international-organisations-in-education-projects-report-606304">Taliban to stop involvement of international organisations in education projects: Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>Execution carried out in accordance with Sharia law</strong></h2>

<p>Ajmal, the convicted murderer, faced the consequences of his actions in a public display of justice. The execution was conducted in accordance with Sharia law, which governed both the sentencing and the implementation of the punishment. It is important to note that while public executions were more prevalent during the Taliban's previous rule from 1996 to 2001, this recent incident serves as a reminder of their historical practices that persist in the present.</p>

<p>"I saw the criminal being executed for qisas after the victim's family did not forgive him," a witness to Tuesday's execution told AFP.</p>

<p>"He was shot, if I didn't count it wrong, six times. I could not see if he was dead or not, but he was later taken by ambulance," said the witness, who asked not to be named.</p>

<p>In the execution carried out in Farah in December, the father of the murder victim was the one who was asked to pull the trigger on&nbsp;his son's killer.</p>

<p>"For such crimes it is good that people should see and always have the fear before doing such inhuman acts," Tuesday's witness told AFP.</p>

<p>"There was a lot of fear. It was very emotional. We are not used to such things," the witness added.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court of Afghanistan has stated that all possible appeal options in Ajmal's case have been exhausted. As a result, the Supreme Leader has made the final decision to proceed with the execution.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Draconian Taliban rule haunts Afghan women</strong></p>

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<p>"Extraordinary research was done by the Supreme Leader and it was discussed with the scholars in a big gathering," the statement said.</p>

<p>"At the end, the order of qisas for the murderer was approved and the order of implementation of qisas was given," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A convicted murderer was publicly executed at a mosque in provincial Afghanistan, marking the second such incident since the Taliban regained power in August 2021.

A convicted murderer was publicly executed at a mosque in provincial Afghanistan, marking the second such incident since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. The execution took place in the town of Sultan Ghazi Baba, located in the Laghman province, reported AFP. "He was executed in public in the town of Sultan Ghazi Baba, centre of Laghman province, so that he could suffer and become a lesson for others," said a statement from provincial information officers. The purpose of the execution was to serve as a deterrent and a warning to others. Around 2,000 individuals, including the victims' relatives, gathered to witness the event, which was carried out in accordance with Sharia law. Also read | Taliban to stop involvement of international organisations in education projects: Report Execution carried out in accordance with Sharia law Ajmal, the convicted murderer, faced the consequences of his actions in a public display of justice. The execution was conducted in accordance with Sharia law, which governed both the sentencing and the implementation of the punishment. It is important to note that while public executions were more prevalent during the Taliban's previous rule from 1996 to 2001, this recent incident serves as a reminder of their historical practices that persist in the present. "I saw the criminal being executed for qisas after the victim's family did not forgive him," a witness to Tuesday's execution told AFP. "He was shot, if I didn't count it wrong, six times. I could not see if he was dead or not, but he was later taken by ambulance," said the witness, who asked not to be named. In the execution carried out in Farah in December, the father of the murder victim was the one who was asked to pull the trigger on his son's killer. "For such crimes it is good that people should see and always have the fear before doing such inhuman acts," Tuesday's witness told AFP. "There was a lot of fear. It was very emotional. We are not used to such things," the witness added. The Supreme Court of Afghanistan has stated that all possible appeal options in Ajmal's case have been exhausted. As a result, the Supreme Leader has made the final decision to proceed with the execution. Also watch | Draconian Taliban rule haunts Afghan women "Extraordinary research was done by the Supreme Leader and it was discussed with the scholars in a big gathering," the statement said. "At the end, the order of qisas for the murderer was approved and the order of implementation of qisas was given," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taliban publicly execute murder suspect, second since takeover

<p>The workings of Afghanistan's Taliban government have been reportedly curtailed due to ban on WhatsApp accounts operated by hardline operators as part of the US sanctions.</p>

<p>Such bans or temporarily deactivation of WhatsApp accounts of Taliban officials&nbsp;have become widespread in recent months, New York Times reported.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>These interruptions highlight&nbsp;the consequences of international sanctions on Afghanistan's isolated Taliban government.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-80-afghan-school-girls-poisoned-in-taliban-ruled-afghanistan-600753">Nearly 80 Afghan school girls poisoned in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>The United States, as part of sanctions imposed on Taliban&nbsp;criminalises any form of support for the Taliban. The impact of this has been deemed selective over the years.</p>

<h2><strong>How the ban takes place?</strong></h2>

<p>WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, scans group names, descriptions and group profile photos on the messaging app to identify users among the Taliban and blocks their accounts, according to a Meta spokesman quoted by New York Times.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The ban has affected the Taliban men&nbsp;who relied on WhatsApp’s voice message feature, with which they could send messages and listen to the verbal instructions from their commanders with the press of a button.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US, UK and UN criticise the Taliban's ban on Afghan women from universities</strong></p>

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<p>The Taliban’s reliance on WhatsApp became more far-reaching as smartphone use proliferated and high-speed internet networks improved across Afghanistan by the end of US withdrawal from the nation.</p>

<p>As the Taliban consolidated control and settled into governance,&nbsp;WhatsApp central to their official communications.</p>

<h2><strong>How WhatsApp has become the medium for Taliban's functioning?</strong></h2>

<p>Taliban's government departments use WhatsApp groups to disseminate information among all organs of the government.</p>

<p>Officials rely on WhatsApp groups to distribute statements to journalists and transmit official communiqués between ministries. Security forces also plan and coordinate raids on Islamic State cells by communicating through WhatsApp.</p>

<p>Overall, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, the popularity and accessibility of WhatsApp among the group’s ranks has grown rapidly. Former Taliban fighters began using their smartphones around the clock, no longer afraid that Western forces could use the signal to track or target them in drone strikes as was the case when the US was still stationed there.&nbsp;</p>

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The workings of Afghanistan's Taliban government have been reportedly curtailed due to ban on WhatsApp accounts operated by hardline operators as part of the US sanctions.

The workings of Afghanistan's Taliban government have been reportedly curtailed due to ban on WhatsApp accounts operated by hardline operators as part of the US sanctions. Such bans or temporarily deactivation of WhatsApp accounts of Taliban officials have become widespread in recent months, New York Times reported. What does it mean? These interruptions highlight the consequences of international sanctions on Afghanistan's isolated Taliban government. Also read | Nearly 80 Afghan school girls poisoned in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan The United States, as part of sanctions imposed on Taliban criminalises any form of support for the Taliban. The impact of this has been deemed selective over the years. How the ban takes place? WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, scans group names, descriptions and group profile photos on the messaging app to identify users among the Taliban and blocks their accounts, according to a Meta spokesman quoted by New York Times. What does it mean? The ban has affected the Taliban men who relied on WhatsApp’s voice message feature, with which they could send messages and listen to the verbal instructions from their commanders with the press of a button. Also watch | US, UK and UN criticise the Taliban's ban on Afghan women from universities × The Taliban’s reliance on WhatsApp became more far-reaching as smartphone use proliferated and high-speed internet networks improved across Afghanistan by the end of US withdrawal from the nation. As the Taliban consolidated control and settled into governance, WhatsApp central to their official communications. How WhatsApp has become the medium for Taliban's functioning? Taliban's government departments use WhatsApp groups to disseminate information among all organs of the government. Officials rely on WhatsApp groups to distribute statements to journalists and transmit official communiqués between ministries. Security forces also plan and coordinate raids on Islamic State cells by communicating through WhatsApp. Overall, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, the popularity and accessibility of WhatsApp among the group’s ranks has grown rapidly. Former Taliban fighters began using their smartphones around the clock, no longer afraid that Western forces could use the signal to track or target them in drone strikes as was the case when the US was still stationed there. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Selective WhatsApp ban on hardliners hits Taliban's functioning in Afghanistan

<p>Over two decades after the previous Taliban government of Afghanistan blew up two great Buddha figures in Bamian, the extremist regime is focusing on selling tickets for the gaping hole in the 125-foor cliff.</p>

<p>Authorities have set up a ticket office at the foot of the larger of the two figures, where they charge Afghans 58 cents and foreigners $3.45 (₹282) to visit, Washington Post reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-destroying-the-bamiyan-buddha-statues-taliban-attempts-to-destroy-the-historic-bazaar-nearby-502907">After destroying the Bamiyan Buddha statues, Taliban attempts to destroy the historic bazaar nearby</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2001, Taliban founder Mullah Omar declared the Buddhas false gods and announced plans to destroy them. Despite relentless pursuance from around the world, the Taliban detonated explosives and fired antiaircraft guns to smash the huge sixth-century reliefs to pieces, as the world watched.</p>

<h2><strong>Why this change of heart?</strong></h2>

<p>As Taliban administration&nbsp;is vying for legitimacy from the world, Afghanistan is currently undergoing a massive economic crisis. The Taliban see the Buddha remnants as a potentially lucrative source of revenue and are working to draw tourism around the site.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;South Asia Diary | The Taliban return to Bamiyan</strong></p>

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<p>"Bamian and the Buddhas in particular are of great importance to our government, just as they are to the world," Atiqullah Azizi, the Taliban’s deputy culture minister, said in an interview. He said more than 1,000 guards have been assigned to protect cultural heritage across Afghanistan, restricting access and overseeing ticket sales.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, senior Taliban officials were present at the inauguration of a prominent section dedicated to Buddhist artifacts at Kabul’s national museum.</p>

<h2><strong>Destruction of Bamian Buddhas was 'good decision': Governor</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Bamian provincial governor Abdullah Sarhadi said said that tourists should be steered toward other sites.</p>

<p>"We are Muslims," Sarhadi said in an interview. "We should follow the demands of God," adding, that destruction of iconic Buddhas was a "good decision".<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Over two decades after the previous Taliban government of Afghanistan blew up two great Buddha figures in Bamian, the extremist regime is focusing on selling tickets for the gaping hole in the 125-foor cliff.

Over two decades after the previous Taliban government of Afghanistan blew up two great Buddha figures in Bamian, the extremist regime is focusing on selling tickets for the gaping hole in the 125-foor cliff. Authorities have set up a ticket office at the foot of the larger of the two figures, where they charge Afghans 58 cents and foreigners $3.45 (₹282) to visit, Washington Post reported. Also read | After destroying the Bamiyan Buddha statues, Taliban attempts to destroy the historic bazaar nearby In 2001, Taliban founder Mullah Omar declared the Buddhas false gods and announced plans to destroy them. Despite relentless pursuance from around the world, the Taliban detonated explosives and fired antiaircraft guns to smash the huge sixth-century reliefs to pieces, as the world watched. Why this change of heart? As Taliban administration is vying for legitimacy from the world, Afghanistan is currently undergoing a massive economic crisis. The Taliban see the Buddha remnants as a potentially lucrative source of revenue and are working to draw tourism around the site. Also watch | South Asia Diary | The Taliban return to Bamiyan × "Bamian and the Buddhas in particular are of great importance to our government, just as they are to the world," Atiqullah Azizi, the Taliban’s deputy culture minister, said in an interview. He said more than 1,000 guards have been assigned to protect cultural heritage across Afghanistan, restricting access and overseeing ticket sales. Last month, senior Taliban officials were present at the inauguration of a prominent section dedicated to Buddhist artifacts at Kabul’s national museum. Destruction of Bamian Buddhas was 'good decision': Governor Meanwhile, Bamian provincial governor Abdullah Sarhadi said said that tourists should be steered toward other sites. "We are Muslims," Sarhadi said in an interview. "We should follow the demands of God," adding, that destruction of iconic Buddhas was a "good decision". WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taliban selling tickets to ruins of iconic Bamian Buddhas it blasted two decades ago

With almost no job options, brainwashed youth become suicide bombers in the Tangi Valley in eastern Afghanistan. Watch how Families living in villages in this region feel proud of the young men who are sent to their deaths in the name of jihad.

Suicide bombings on rise in Afghanistan |  Inside South Asia

In the past few months, Taliban shut down schools and universities for Afghan women, practically depriving them of all education and job opportunities. As the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is expected to meet Taliban leaders, WION's Mukul Sharma spoke to some of these women. Here are their thoughts, unfiltered.

Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

The United Nations Security Council has put fresh allegations against the Islamist group, Taliban. In their latest report, the UN has raised concerns around the Taliban restoring its past form of governance that was before the US invasion of 2001.

UNSC report on Taliban-governed Afghanistan: End of Opium cultivation in Afghanistan | WION

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<p>The connection between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and mutually beneficial for all the parties involved with the Taliban as current rulers of Afghanistan acting as the nucleus of the entire set-up harbouring terror activities, a latest UN report has indicated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report highlights that terrorist groups are now able to freely operate under the Taliban's authority in Afghanistan, posing a significant threat of terrorism in the country and the wider region.</p>

<p>The report further describes that the Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda and TTP remains robust and symbiotic, enabling other terrorist groups to operate more freely under the Taliban's rule except for the ones that it sees as its rival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UNSC’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted its 14th annual report about the Taliban’s impact on the security situation in Afghanistan this month, in which it accused the regime of reverting to its "autocratic"&nbsp;policies of the late 1990s.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban is allowing Afghanistan to be used for attack against other nations</strong></h2>

<p>Contrary to the Taliban's promises and subsequent claims of not allowing Afghan soil to be used for attacks against other countries, the report reveals that they have been harboring and actively supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another contradiction, while the Taliban maintains ties with various terrorist entities, it has sought counter-terrorism assistance from member states in its fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province (ISIL-K), which it considers its primary rival.</p>

<p>“The Taliban leadership shows no signs of bending to pressure for reform or compromise, in the hope of earning international political recognition,” the report said, adding that Taliban chief Hibatullah Akhundzada has been “proudly resistant” to external pressure to moderate his policies.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban is not honoring Doha agreement: UN report</strong></h2>

<p>The Taliban has failed to fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations as outlined in the Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between the United States and the Taliban, the UN report said.</p>

<p>Moreover, the Taliban is helping Al-Qaeda rebuild its operational capability even amid a crisis of leadership after its leader Al-Zawahiri’s death in 2022.</p>

<h2><strong>What does the Taliban in Afghanistan mean for Pakistan?</strong></h2>

<p>Unlike the popular optics of August 201 showing Pakistani establishment mingling with Taliban as an apparent mark of US’ departure from the region, the snakes Islamabad has fed for decades have come to bite Pakistan itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report underscores that the tight bond between the Afghan Taliban and TTP, similar to their relationship with Al-Qaeda, is unlikely to dissipate. This situation puts Pakistan to the test and raises the risk of heightened violence on both sides of the border.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban shows no signs of reform</strong></h2>

<p>The report, the first to cover the entirety of the Taliban's period in power, indicates that the Taliban leadership shows no intention of reform or compromise to gain international political recognition. With no significant political opposition, the Taliban's unchecked authority has allowed foreign terrorist fighters sheltered by the group to become an increasingly significant security threat to neighboring countries.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban, Al-Qaeda ties: Afghanistan a safe haven for terror</strong></h2>

<p>While the killing of Al-Qaeda leader Aiman al-Zawahiri in a Kabul house connected to Taliban's acting Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, did lead to a sense of distrust among its members, according to the latest UN report, Afghanistan continues to be a safe haven for Al-Qaeda.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>Al-Qaeda aims to strengthen its position in Afghanistan and has been collaborating with the Taliban, supporting the regime, and safeguarding senior Taliban figures.</p>

<p>Al-Qaeda maintains a low profile, utilising the country as an ideological and logistical hub for mobilisation, recruitment, and covertly rebuilding external operational capabilities. Al-Qaeda finances its activities through core funding and donations, including the use of hawala services and cryptocurrencies.</p>

<h2><strong>ISIL-K 'most serious terrorist threat'</strong></h2>

<p>ISIL-K has been identified as the most serious current terrorist threat in Afghanistan, neighboring countries, and Central Asia, according to member states.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-why-is-the-world-neglecting-afghan-women-552725">Exclusive: 'Why is the world neglecting Afghan women?'</a></strong></p>

<p>The group has enhanced its operational capabilities and freedom of movement within Afghanistan, aiming to sustain a high pace of mostly low-impact attacks while sporadically executing high-impact actions to incite sectarian conflicts and destabilise the region in the medium to long term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the past year, ISIL-K has claimed responsibility for more than 190 suicide bomb attacks targeting major cities, resulting in the death or injury of approximately 1,300 people.</p>

<h2><strong>Taliban rule in Afghanistan so far</strong></h2>

<p>Barely a month after coming to power, the Taliban banned girls from secondary education in September 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On December 21, 2022, the Taliban <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">banned women from attending universities</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION first reported in January 2023 when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">Taliban-ruled in Balkh province</a> that male doctors can no longer treat female patients.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Taliban stormed to power virtually unchallenged after the withdrawal of US-led forces from the country in the first week of August 2021. The regime has not received international recognition especially due to its imposition of anti-women decrees.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The connection between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and mutually beneficial for all the parties involved with the Taliban as current rulers of Afghanistan acting as the nucleus of the entire set-up harbouring terror activities, a latest UN report has indicated.

The connection between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and mutually beneficial for all the parties involved with the Taliban as current rulers of Afghanistan acting as the nucleus of the entire set-up harbouring terror activities, a latest UN report has indicated. The report highlights that terrorist groups are now able to freely operate under the Taliban's authority in Afghanistan, posing a significant threat of terrorism in the country and the wider region. The report further describes that the Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda and TTP remains robust and symbiotic, enabling other terrorist groups to operate more freely under the Taliban's rule except for the ones that it sees as its rival. The UNSC’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted its 14th annual report about the Taliban’s impact on the security situation in Afghanistan this month, in which it accused the regime of reverting to its "autocratic" policies of the late 1990s. Taliban is allowing Afghanistan to be used for attack against other nations Contrary to the Taliban's promises and subsequent claims of not allowing Afghan soil to be used for attacks against other countries, the report reveals that they have been harboring and actively supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In another contradiction, while the Taliban maintains ties with various terrorist entities, it has sought counter-terrorism assistance from member states in its fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province (ISIL-K), which it considers its primary rival. “The Taliban leadership shows no signs of bending to pressure for reform or compromise, in the hope of earning international political recognition,” the report said, adding that Taliban chief Hibatullah Akhundzada has been “proudly resistant” to external pressure to moderate his policies. Taliban is not honoring Doha agreement: UN report The Taliban has failed to fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations as outlined in the Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between the United States and the Taliban, the UN report said. Moreover, the Taliban is helping Al-Qaeda rebuild its operational capability even amid a crisis of leadership after its leader Al-Zawahiri’s death in 2022. What does the Taliban in Afghanistan mean for Pakistan? Unlike the popular optics of August 201 showing Pakistani establishment mingling with Taliban as an apparent mark of US’ departure from the region, the snakes Islamabad has fed for decades have come to bite Pakistan itself. The report underscores that the tight bond between the Afghan Taliban and TTP, similar to their relationship with Al-Qaeda, is unlikely to dissipate. This situation puts Pakistan to the test and raises the risk of heightened violence on both sides of the border. Taliban shows no signs of reform The report, the first to cover the entirety of the Taliban's period in power, indicates that the Taliban leadership shows no intention of reform or compromise to gain international political recognition. With no significant political opposition, the Taliban's unchecked authority has allowed foreign terrorist fighters sheltered by the group to become an increasingly significant security threat to neighboring countries. Taliban, Al-Qaeda ties: Afghanistan a safe haven for terror While the killing of Al-Qaeda leader Aiman al-Zawahiri in a Kabul house connected to Taliban's acting Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, did lead to a sense of distrust among its members, according to the latest UN report, Afghanistan continues to be a safe haven for Al-Qaeda. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Al-Qaeda aims to strengthen its position in Afghanistan and has been collaborating with the Taliban, supporting the regime, and safeguarding senior Taliban figures. Al-Qaeda maintains a low profile, utilising the country as an ideological and logistical hub for mobilisation, recruitment, and covertly rebuilding external operational capabilities. Al-Qaeda finances its activities through core funding and donations, including the use of hawala services and cryptocurrencies. ISIL-K 'most serious terrorist threat' ISIL-K has been identified as the most serious current terrorist threat in Afghanistan, neighboring countries, and Central Asia, according to member states. Also read | Exclusive: 'Why is the world neglecting Afghan women?' The group has enhanced its operational capabilities and freedom of movement within Afghanistan, aiming to sustain a high pace of mostly low-impact attacks while sporadically executing high-impact actions to incite sectarian conflicts and destabilise the region in the medium to long term. Over the past year, ISIL-K has claimed responsibility for more than 190 suicide bomb attacks targeting major cities, resulting in the death or injury of approximately 1,300 people. Taliban rule in Afghanistan so far Barely a month after coming to power, the Taliban banned girls from secondary education in September 2021. On December 21, 2022, the Taliban banned women from attending universities. WION first reported in January 2023 when the Taliban-ruled in Balkh province that male doctors can no longer treat female patients. The Taliban stormed to power virtually unchallenged after the withdrawal of US-led forces from the country in the first week of August 2021. The regime has not received international recognition especially due to its imposition of anti-women decrees. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report

Nearly 80 girls were poisoned in two separate attacks at their primary schools in northern Afghanistan. Yet another attack on girls' rights since the Taliban swept to power in August 2021. Neighboring Iran has been rocked by a wave of poisonings, mostly in girls' schools, dating back to last November. Is there any connection?

80 Afghan girls poisoned. Is it a spillover from Iran?

From Dubai to Pakistan, how are fashion designers and many brands are helping Afghan women who are living in Pakistan refugee camps, after fleeing the 2021 Taliban takeover? Do you know before the Taliban era, Afghanistan used to organise various fashion shows and celebrated its culture? Now things have changed and Afghans are finding new ways to promote their rich heritage

Afghanistan's magnificent fabric designs

An explosion in Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of at least about 11 people. The blast took place inside a mosque at a time when people were attending the funeral prayers of the Taliban's provincial Deputy Governor. The explosion happened in Afghanistan's Faizabad town in Badakhshan. According to the Ministry of Interior, over 30 people have been injured in the blast including the former commander of the Bhaglan police who were attending the funeral inside the mosque.

Bomb blasts kill 11 in Northern Afghanistan

<p>An explosion at the funeral service of an Afghan provincial governor, who was assassinated earlier this week, claimed the lives of at least 15 people on Thursday, TOLOnews reported citing a local official.</p>

<p>The explosion at the funeral of the acting governor of northeastern Badakhshan province also wounded more than 50 people that had gathered for a mosque service honouring Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi.</p>

<p>The explosion hit the Nabawi mosque in the Hesa-e-Awal area of Faizabad.</p>

<p>Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai took to Twitter and strongly condemned the attack that struck the Nabawi mosque in the Hesa-e Awal neighbourhood of Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province.</p>

<p>He labelled the attack an act of “terrorism”, “against human and Islamic standards”, while conveying his condolences to the families affected.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ps">د <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#افغانستان</a> پخوانی جمهور رئیس حامد کرزی د <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%AE%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#بدخشان</a> مرکز <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%81%DB%8C%D8%B6_%D8%A2%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#فیض_آباد</a> ښار له نبوي مسجد سره نژدې د نن ورځې چاودنه، چې یې له امله گڼ شمېر هیوادول شهیدان او ټپیان شوي، په کلکو ټکو غندي.<br />
حامد کرزی دغه پیښه یو تروریستي او د ټولو انساني او اسلامي موازینو خلاف عمل بولي او د لوی خدای(ج) له…</p>
— Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarzaiH/status/1666751542551101441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The interior ministry released a statement condemning the attack. "The Ministry of Interior of the IEA condemns this brutality of the disgraced enemies," a statement said of the blast in the provincial capital of Faizabad.</p>

<p>"I was standing outside the mosque to receive the guests coming, suddenly a terrible sound shook the mosque," said witness Naseer Ahmad.</p>

<p>"When I entered the mosque, I saw bloodied dead bodies laying on the ground," AFP quoted the 37-year-old as saying.</p>

<p>As per AFP reports, the Taliban government security forces had set up checkpoints around the funeral site in the morning.</p>

<p>The blast led to panic, forcing the people to flee to nearby streets and shops to close as security forces sealed the area.</p>

<h2><strong>IS claims responsibility for Ahmadi's killing</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi, the deputy governor of Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, was killed along with his driver in a vehicle bombing.</p>

<p>The responsibility for the assassination was claimed by the Islamic State.</p>

<p>An IS suicide bomber rammed his car filled with explosives into Ahmadi's vehicle in Faizabad. Six others were also injured in the attack.</p>

<p>The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) took to Twitter and said it "unequivocally condemns this and a recent spate of appalling and indiscriminate attacks that have shown a total disregard for civilian lives".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An explosion at the funeral service of an Afghan provincial governor, who was assassinated earlier this week, claimed the lives of at least 15 people on Thursday, TOLOnews reported citing a local official.

An explosion at the funeral service of an Afghan provincial governor, who was assassinated earlier this week, claimed the lives of at least 15 people on Thursday, TOLOnews reported citing a local official. The explosion at the funeral of the acting governor of northeastern Badakhshan province also wounded more than 50 people that had gathered for a mosque service honouring Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi. The explosion hit the Nabawi mosque in the Hesa-e-Awal area of Faizabad. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai took to Twitter and strongly condemned the attack that struck the Nabawi mosque in the Hesa-e Awal neighbourhood of Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province. He labelled the attack an act of “terrorism”, “against human and Islamic standards”, while conveying his condolences to the families affected. د #افغانستان پخوانی جمهور رئیس حامد کرزی د #بدخشان مرکز #فیض_آباد ښار له نبوي مسجد سره نژدې د نن ورځې چاودنه، چې یې له امله گڼ شمېر هیوادول شهیدان او ټپیان شوي، په کلکو ټکو غندي. حامد کرزی دغه پیښه یو تروریستي او د ټولو انساني او اسلامي موازینو خلاف عمل بولي او د لوی خدای(ج) له… — Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) June 8, 2023 × The interior ministry released a statement condemning the attack. "The Ministry of Interior of the IEA condemns this brutality of the disgraced enemies," a statement said of the blast in the provincial capital of Faizabad. "I was standing outside the mosque to receive the guests coming, suddenly a terrible sound shook the mosque," said witness Naseer Ahmad. "When I entered the mosque, I saw bloodied dead bodies laying on the ground," AFP quoted the 37-year-old as saying. As per AFP reports, the Taliban government security forces had set up checkpoints around the funeral site in the morning. The blast led to panic, forcing the people to flee to nearby streets and shops to close as security forces sealed the area. IS claims responsibility for Ahmadi's killing On Tuesday, Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi, the deputy governor of Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, was killed along with his driver in a vehicle bombing. The responsibility for the assassination was claimed by the Islamic State. An IS suicide bomber rammed his car filled with explosives into Ahmadi's vehicle in Faizabad. Six others were also injured in the attack. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) took to Twitter and said it "unequivocally condemns this and a recent spate of appalling and indiscriminate attacks that have shown a total disregard for civilian lives". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Blast near Afghan deputy governor's funeral kills at least 15, injures 50

Taliban fighters and Iranian border guards exchanged heavy gunfire on 27th of May. The deadly clashes on the Islamic Republic's border with Afghanistan sharply escalated tensions. At least two Iranian guards and a Taliban fighter were reportedly killed, raising fears of a new conflict between the neighbors amid a dispute over water rights. Both sides have accused each other of provoking the shooting though they later issued measured statements in an effort to de-escalate the tense situation.

Decades-long water dispute flares up again

<p>In a joint report, two United Nations bodies, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have predicted that the food insecurity in Pakistan and Afghanistan may exacerbate. This is conditional and depends on the worsening of the economic and political crisis the two nations are experiencing.</p>

<p>As per Khaama Press, the two nations have been declared "early warning hotspots". The warning, as per ANI, has been issued in a report jointly published by the two bodies for the period from June to November.</p>

<h2><strong>What did they say?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report, Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with "the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Syrian Arab Republic, are hotspots with very high concern, and the warning is also extended to Myanmar in this edition."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-ex-pakistan-army-chief-qamar-bajwa-verbally-abused-by-afghan-man-in-france-600733">Watch: Ex-Pakistan Army chief Qamar Bajwa verbally abused by ‘Afghan man’ in France</a></strong></p>

<p>The report further said that in all these areas, a high number of people are facing acute food insecurity, which is coupled with other factors.</p>

<p>"All these hotspots have a high number of people facing critical acute food insecurity, coupled with worsening drivers that are expected to further intensify life-threatening conditions in the coming months."</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan's troubles</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report, between September and December 2023, some 8.5 million people in the country will probably face acute food insecurity.</p>

<p>Pakistan is currently witnessing terrible political turmoil. On top of that, the nation's International Monetary Fund (IMF) financial bailout has already been delayed by around seven months.</p>

<p>For Pakistan, whose GDP in 2021 amounted to merely $350 billion in 2021, the repayment amount of $77.5 billion over the next three years is "substantial", reports Khaama Press.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-80-afghan-school-girls-poisoned-in-taliban-ruled-afghanistan-600753">Nearly 80 Afghan school girls poisoned in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>The report predicts that Pakistan's coal and food export revenues could witness a decline if the economic and political crisis persists and the security situation in border areas continues to deteriorate.</p>

<p>As per the report, "The political crisis and civil unrest are likely to worsen ahead of general elections scheduled for October 2023, amid growing insecurity in the northwest of the country. A shortage of foreign reserves and a depreciating currency are diminishing the country's ability to import essential food items and energy supplies and increasing food items' prices besides causing nationwide energy cuts."</p>

<h2><strong>Afghanistan's distress</strong></h2>

<p>Almost 70 per cent of Afghanistan is struggling to afford two square meals a day. As per Khaama Press, economic and political crises are further impacting households' buying power and reducing their ability to purchase food and other essential goods.</p>

<p>As per a report by news agency ANI: "Afghanistan has become insular after the Taliban assumed power in August 2021."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a joint report, two United Nations bodies, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have predicted that the food insecurity in Pakistan and Afghanistan may exacerbate.

In a joint report, two United Nations bodies, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have predicted that the food insecurity in Pakistan and Afghanistan may exacerbate. This is conditional and depends on the worsening of the economic and political crisis the two nations are experiencing. As per Khaama Press, the two nations have been declared "early warning hotspots". The warning, as per ANI, has been issued in a report jointly published by the two bodies for the period from June to November. What did they say? As per the report, Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with "the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Syrian Arab Republic, are hotspots with very high concern, and the warning is also extended to Myanmar in this edition." Also read | Watch: Ex-Pakistan Army chief Qamar Bajwa verbally abused by ‘Afghan man’ in France The report further said that in all these areas, a high number of people are facing acute food insecurity, which is coupled with other factors. "All these hotspots have a high number of people facing critical acute food insecurity, coupled with worsening drivers that are expected to further intensify life-threatening conditions in the coming months." Pakistan's troubles As per the report, between September and December 2023, some 8.5 million people in the country will probably face acute food insecurity. Pakistan is currently witnessing terrible political turmoil. On top of that, the nation's International Monetary Fund (IMF) financial bailout has already been delayed by around seven months. For Pakistan, whose GDP in 2021 amounted to merely $350 billion in 2021, the repayment amount of $77.5 billion over the next three years is "substantial", reports Khaama Press. Also read | Nearly 80 Afghan school girls poisoned in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan The report predicts that Pakistan's coal and food export revenues could witness a decline if the economic and political crisis persists and the security situation in border areas continues to deteriorate. As per the report, "The political crisis and civil unrest are likely to worsen ahead of general elections scheduled for October 2023, amid growing insecurity in the northwest of the country. A shortage of foreign reserves and a depreciating currency are diminishing the country's ability to import essential food items and energy supplies and increasing food items' prices besides causing nationwide energy cuts." Afghanistan's distress Almost 70 per cent of Afghanistan is struggling to afford two square meals a day. As per Khaama Press, economic and political crises are further impacting households' buying power and reducing their ability to purchase food and other essential goods. As per a report by news agency ANI: "Afghanistan has become insular after the Taliban assumed power in August 2021." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

United Nations labels Afghanistan, Pakistan 'early warning hotspots', predicts worsening food insecurity

80 elementary school girls have been poisoned in Afghanistan. Many others are suffering from depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Will Afghan women ever get the help they need? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: 80 girls poisoned in Afghanistan | Mental health crisis in Taliban-ruled country

A terrible occurrence has been reported from Afghanistan, where over 80 girls have been hospitalised in cases of suspected poisoning. These cases bring back grisly memories of the neighbouring Iran, where numerous similar incidences were recorded a few months ago.

Afghanistan: Girls from 1st to 6th grade poisoned, attacks happened with the help of a third party

Afghanistan: Nearly 80 girls poisoned in two schools in northern part of the country

<p>The anti-women tyranny in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan fiddled to another low as nearly 80 girls were poisoned and hospitalised in two separate attacks at their primary schools in northern Afghanistan's Sar-e-Pul province on June 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A local education official confirmed the set of poisoning incidents&nbsp;to Associated Press.&nbsp;The education official said the person who orchestrated the poisoning had a personal grudge but did not elaborate.</p>

<p>According to Mohammad Rahmani, who heads the provincial education department, a total of 80 female students were poisoned in Sangcharak district of Sar-e-Pul.</p>

<p>He said 60 students were poisoned in Naswan-e-Kabod Aab School and 17 others were poisoned in Naswan-e-Faizabad School.</p>

<p>"Both primary schools are near to each other and were targeted one after the other," he told Associated Press. "We shifted the students to hospital and now they are all fine."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>After replacing democratically-elected President Ashraf Ghani's government&nbsp;in Kabul in August 2021, the globally unrecognised Taliban government has made it a matter of policy to erode rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls. But it is for the first time that a poisoning assault akin to the ones reported in Iran in recent months has been reported in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them</a></strong></p>

<p>The Taliban banned girls from attending schools beyond sixth grade shortly after they came to power. In December 2022, the government banned women from attending university as well.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
WION had reached out Afghan women living under Taliban's tyranny who described harrowing scenes of ouster from classrooms and universities in December 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus</a></b></p>

<p>The department's investigation is ongoing and initial inquiries show that someone with a grudge paid a third party to carry out the attacks, Rahmani said.</p>

<p>He gave no information on how the girls were poisoned or the nature of their injuries. Rahmani did not give their ages but said they were in grades 1 to 6.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The anti-women tyranny in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan fiddled to another low as nearly 80 girls were poisoned and hospitalised in two separate attacks at their primary schools in northern Afghanistan's Sar-e-Pul province on June 4.

The anti-women tyranny in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan fiddled to another low as nearly 80 girls were poisoned and hospitalised in two separate attacks at their primary schools in northern Afghanistan's Sar-e-Pul province on June 4. A local education official confirmed the set of poisoning incidents to Associated Press. The education official said the person who orchestrated the poisoning had a personal grudge but did not elaborate. According to Mohammad Rahmani, who heads the provincial education department, a total of 80 female students were poisoned in Sangcharak district of Sar-e-Pul. He said 60 students were poisoned in Naswan-e-Kabod Aab School and 17 others were poisoned in Naswan-e-Faizabad School. "Both primary schools are near to each other and were targeted one after the other," he told Associated Press. "We shifted the students to hospital and now they are all fine." Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × After replacing democratically-elected President Ashraf Ghani's government in Kabul in August 2021, the globally unrecognised Taliban government has made it a matter of policy to erode rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls. But it is for the first time that a poisoning assault akin to the ones reported in Iran in recent months has been reported in Afghanistan. Also read | Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them The Taliban banned girls from attending schools beyond sixth grade shortly after they came to power. In December 2022, the government banned women from attending university as well. WION had reached out Afghan women living under Taliban's tyranny who described harrowing scenes of ouster from classrooms and universities in December 2022. Also read | Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus The department's investigation is ongoing and initial inquiries show that someone with a grudge paid a third party to carry out the attacks, Rahmani said. He gave no information on how the girls were poisoned or the nature of their injuries. Rahmani did not give their ages but said they were in grades 1 to 6. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nearly 80 Afghan school girls poisoned in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

Agricultural fields in North and North Western Afghanistan have been hit by locust attacks. Production of food crops is at an all-time low, and losses for farmers run into millions of dollars. And the UN Food and Agricultural Organization warns locust numbers could multiply 100-fold or more unless strong action is taken to control them.

Afghanistan locust menace

The Ministry of Commerce has introduced the Business to Business (B2B) Barter Trade Mechanism 2023. This will enable Pakistan to engage in mutually beneficial exchanges with these countries. Under the new rules, Pakistan will be able to export a wide range of goods to Afghanistan, Iran, and Russia.

Pakistan to begin barter trade with Afghanistan, Iran and Russia

<p>Australia’s most decorated living soldier Ben Roberts-Smith lost a high-profile multi-million-dollar defamation case against three newspapers that had accused him of murdering six Afghan civilians during his deployment there.</p>

<p>Roberts-Smith had sued the three Australian newspapers – the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, and the Canberra Times — for defamation, alleging that the stories they published in 2018 had falsely accused him of murder and being a war criminal.</p>

<p>The newspapers described Roberts-Smith as a man “who broke the moral and legal rules of military engagement” and “disgraced” his country and its military. They challenged the suit arguing that their reporting was true.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Roberts-Smith lost resoundingly, as Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko dismissed his case, putting an end to the country’s most dramatic and long-running trial.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, Roberts-Smith will be asked to pay around $35 million.</p>

<p>Notably, the former SAS soldier wasn’t in court when the verdict was read out. A day before the ruling, local media published photos of him in Bali, Indonesia.</p>

<p>Regardless of his absence, a large media contingent had gathered at the Federal Court in Sydney to hear the verdict, which was broadcast from the court and aired live on national television.</p>

<h2><strong>What were the allegations?</strong></h2>

<p>After ending his service, the 44-year-old veteran was praised as a national hero back home.&nbsp;He was awarded several top military honours&nbsp;for his actions during six tours of Afghanistan&nbsp;from 2006 to 2012.</p>

<p>He later became&nbsp;one of the most credible voices of the military and was often sought after as a public speaker. He was also appointed as a media executive in his post-military career. His portrait hangs in the Australian War Memorial.</p>

<p>But a series of articles published in 2020, citing credible evidence, reported that members of Australia's Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) killed dozens of unarmed prisoners in the Afghan war.</p>

<p>The reports published by the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the Canberra Times since 2018 debunked his laurels by publishing incriminating reports about him during his military service, including descriptions of brutal treatment of defenceless Afghan civilians</p>

<p>The articles, citing former soldiers, reported that in 2012 in an Afghan village called Darwan, Roberts-Smith took a handcuffed prisoner named Ali Jan and dragged him to the edge of a cliff. He then walked away from him before turning and striding towards him, kicking him in the chest, eventually causing him to fall backwards off the precipice.</p>

<p>Ali Jan landed in a dry creek bed below, alive but badly injured, having smashed his face on the cliff as he fell. Roberts-Smith and a comrade walked down a footpath to the injured man. Roberts-Smith ordered his subordinate to shoot him dead. And so it was done.</p>

<p>Two further murders at a bombed-out compound known as Whiskey 108 in 2009 were also found proven.</p>

<p>Two men – one elderly, the other disabled and with a prosthetic leg – were found hiding, unarmed in a secret tunnel and taken prisoner. Roberts-Smith ordered the old man shot. He executed the disabled man, throwing him to the ground and machine-gunning him to death.</p>

<p>Roberts-Smith later sued the papers for showing him as someone who "broke the moral and legal rules of military engagement".</p>

<p>He termed the reports false and based on claims of failed soldiers who were jealous of his accolades and sought unspecified damages.</p>

<h2><strong>How has the verdict been received?</strong></h2>

<p>James Chessell, Managing Editor of publishing at Nine Entertainment Co Ltd, the company that owns&nbsp;Sydney Morning Herald, called the verdict a “vindication for the many people in our newsrooms and our organisation who supported this really important public interest journalism,” reports Reuters news agency.</p>

<p>"It is a vindication for the brave soldiers of the SASR who served their country with distinction and then had the courage to speak the truth about what happened," Chessell said outside the court.</p>

<p>Roberts-Smith's lawyer, Arthur Moses, told reporters, "We will consider the lengthy judgement that his honour has delivered and look at issues relating to an appeal."</p>

<p>Taliban also reacted positively to the verdict, saying that foreign forces had committed "uncountable crimes" during the war.</p>

<p>Bilal Karimi, a spokesperson for the Taliban administration, said the incidents involved in the Australian case were a "small part" of the many alleged crimes that took place, adding that they did not trust any court globally to follow them up.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Ben Roberts-Smith?</strong></h2>

<p>Roberts-Smith, who was born in Perth in West Australia in 1978, joined the Australian army when he was just 18. He joined the elite Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in 2003.</p>

<p>He was deployed to Afghanistan multiple times between 2006 and 2012. He was also awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest honour, for his “most conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances of extreme peril” during a mission in 2010 to track down a senior Taliban commander.</p>

<p>Roberts-Smith is divorced with twin teenage daughters. He left the military 10 years ago and took a degree in business, later joining the Seven Network media group and becoming a motivational speaker.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Australia’s most decorated living soldier Ben Roberts-Smith lost a high-profile multi-million-dollar defamation case against three newspapers that had accused him of murdering six Afghan civilians during his deployment there.

Australia’s most decorated living soldier Ben Roberts-Smith lost a high-profile multi-million-dollar defamation case against three newspapers that had accused him of murdering six Afghan civilians during his deployment there. Roberts-Smith had sued the three Australian newspapers – the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, and the Canberra Times — for defamation, alleging that the stories they published in 2018 had falsely accused him of murder and being a war criminal. The newspapers described Roberts-Smith as a man “who broke the moral and legal rules of military engagement” and “disgraced” his country and its military. They challenged the suit arguing that their reporting was true. On Thursday, Roberts-Smith lost resoundingly, as Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko dismissed his case, putting an end to the country’s most dramatic and long-running trial. According to local media reports, Roberts-Smith will be asked to pay around $35 million. Notably, the former SAS soldier wasn’t in court when the verdict was read out. A day before the ruling, local media published photos of him in Bali, Indonesia. Regardless of his absence, a large media contingent had gathered at the Federal Court in Sydney to hear the verdict, which was broadcast from the court and aired live on national television. What were the allegations? After ending his service, the 44-year-old veteran was praised as a national hero back home. He was awarded several top military honours for his actions during six tours of Afghanistan from 2006 to 2012. He later became one of the most credible voices of the military and was often sought after as a public speaker. He was also appointed as a media executive in his post-military career. His portrait hangs in the Australian War Memorial. But a series of articles published in 2020, citing credible evidence, reported that members of Australia's Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) killed dozens of unarmed prisoners in the Afghan war. The reports published by the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the Canberra Times since 2018 debunked his laurels by publishing incriminating reports about him during his military service, including descriptions of brutal treatment of defenceless Afghan civilians The articles, citing former soldiers, reported that in 2012 in an Afghan village called Darwan, Roberts-Smith took a handcuffed prisoner named Ali Jan and dragged him to the edge of a cliff. He then walked away from him before turning and striding towards him, kicking him in the chest, eventually causing him to fall backwards off the precipice. Ali Jan landed in a dry creek bed below, alive but badly injured, having smashed his face on the cliff as he fell. Roberts-Smith and a comrade walked down a footpath to the injured man. Roberts-Smith ordered his subordinate to shoot him dead. And so it was done. Two further murders at a bombed-out compound known as Whiskey 108 in 2009 were also found proven. Two men – one elderly, the other disabled and with a prosthetic leg – were found hiding, unarmed in a secret tunnel and taken prisoner. Roberts-Smith ordered the old man shot. He executed the disabled man, throwing him to the ground and machine-gunning him to death. Roberts-Smith later sued the papers for showing him as someone who "broke the moral and legal rules of military engagement". He termed the reports false and based on claims of failed soldiers who were jealous of his accolades and sought unspecified damages. How has the verdict been received? James Chessell, Managing Editor of publishing at Nine Entertainment Co Ltd, the company that owns Sydney Morning Herald, called the verdict a “vindication for the many people in our newsrooms and our organisation who supported this really important public interest journalism,” reports Reuters news agency. "It is a vindication for the brave soldiers of the SASR who served their country with distinction and then had the courage to speak the truth about what happened," Chessell said outside the court. Roberts-Smith's lawyer, Arthur Moses, told reporters, "We will consider the lengthy judgement that his honour has delivered and look at issues relating to an appeal." Taliban also reacted positively to the verdict, saying that foreign forces had committed "uncountable crimes" during the war. Bilal Karimi, a spokesperson for the Taliban administration, said the incidents involved in the Australian case were a "small part" of the many alleged crimes that took place, adding that they did not trust any court globally to follow them up. Who is Ben Roberts-Smith? Roberts-Smith, who was born in Perth in West Australia in 1978, joined the Australian army when he was just 18. He joined the elite Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in 2003. He was deployed to Afghanistan multiple times between 2006 and 2012. He was also awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest honour, for his “most conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances of extreme peril” during a mission in 2010 to track down a senior Taliban commander. Roberts-Smith is divorced with twin teenage daughters. He left the military 10 years ago and took a degree in business, later joining the Seven Network media group and becoming a motivational speaker. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: Who is Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s decorated living soldier accused of war crimes?

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<p>The Taliban and Iranian forces exchanged heavy gunfire on the Afghan border on Saturday (May 27), killing and wounding troops,&nbsp;escalating tension&nbsp;between Kabul and Tehran amid a dispute over water rights. According to the IRNA news agency, Iran's Deputy Police Chief Gen. Qassem Rezaei accused the Taliban of opening fire on the border of Iran's Sistan and Balochistan provinces and the Afghan province of Nimroz. Citing Iranian police, the IRNA said that two border guards were killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The agency further added the Milak border crossing with Afghanistan, a major trade route, was closed until further notice.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-water-right-issue-tehran-gives-afghanistan-one-month-to-resolve-problem-says-report-594717">Iran's water right issue: Tehran gives Afghanistan one month to resolve problem, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>Iran’s police chief Gen. Ahmadreza Radan warned that Iran's border forces would decisively respond to any border trespassing and aggression and that "current authorities of Afghanistan" must be held accountable for their unmeasured and contrary actions to international principles.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Afghanistan accuses Iran of shooting first</strong></h2>

<p>The Taliban-led Afghanistan administration accused Iran of shooting first. Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Nafi Takor said Saturday's fighting killed two people, one each from Afghanistan and Iran, and wounded others. Afghan Defence Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khawarazmi said that the Taliban considered dialogue to be a reasonable way for any problem, adding, "Making excuses for war and negative actions is not in the interest of any of the parties."</p>

<p>Saturday's fighting comes after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi earlier this month warned Afghanistan not to violate Tehran's water rights to the Helmand River.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The right to water from the river recently became a controversial issue between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raisi said the Taliban should ensure that Tehran's water rights of the river were based on international treaties. On Thursday, President Raisi said that the Taliban should immediately provide Iran with its share of water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, the Taliban’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with an Iranian envoy to Afghanistan to discuss the Helmand River water rights. The news agency IRNA acknowledged the meeting saying “that issues between the two countries will be better resolved through dialogue.”</p>

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The Taliban and Iranian forces exchanged heavy gunfire on the Afghan border on Saturday (May 27), killing and wounding troops, escalating tension between Kabul and Tehran amid a dispute over water rights.

The Taliban and Iranian forces exchanged heavy gunfire on the Afghan border on Saturday (May 27), killing and wounding troops, escalating tension between Kabul and Tehran amid a dispute over water rights. According to the IRNA news agency, Iran's Deputy Police Chief Gen. Qassem Rezaei accused the Taliban of opening fire on the border of Iran's Sistan and Balochistan provinces and the Afghan province of Nimroz. Citing Iranian police, the IRNA said that two border guards were killed. The agency further added the Milak border crossing with Afghanistan, a major trade route, was closed until further notice. ALSO READ | Iran's water right issue: Tehran gives Afghanistan one month to resolve problem, says report Iran’s police chief Gen. Ahmadreza Radan warned that Iran's border forces would decisively respond to any border trespassing and aggression and that "current authorities of Afghanistan" must be held accountable for their unmeasured and contrary actions to international principles. Afghanistan accuses Iran of shooting first The Taliban-led Afghanistan administration accused Iran of shooting first. Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Nafi Takor said Saturday's fighting killed two people, one each from Afghanistan and Iran, and wounded others. Afghan Defence Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khawarazmi said that the Taliban considered dialogue to be a reasonable way for any problem, adding, "Making excuses for war and negative actions is not in the interest of any of the parties." Saturday's fighting comes after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi earlier this month warned Afghanistan not to violate Tehran's water rights to the Helmand River. The right to water from the river recently became a controversial issue between the two countries. Raisi said the Taliban should ensure that Tehran's water rights of the river were based on international treaties. On Thursday, President Raisi said that the Taliban should immediately provide Iran with its share of water. Earlier on Saturday, the Taliban’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with an Iranian envoy to Afghanistan to discuss the Helmand River water rights. The news agency IRNA acknowledged the meeting saying “that issues between the two countries will be better resolved through dialogue.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban, Iran exchange heavy gunfire on Afghan border; water rights issue escalates

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