Afghanistan's Taliban said on Monday that Pakistan carried out two airstrikes on its territory, killing five women and three children, and it fired heavy weapons at Pakistani forces along the border in retaliation.

Eight killed in Pakistan's two air strikes in Afghanistan: Taliban

Eight killed in Pakistan's two air strikes in Afghanistan, says Taliban

Taliban says it hit back at Pakistan after air strikes in Afghanistan

A traffic accident in southern Afghanistan left at least 21 people dead and 38 others injured in the accident. A motorbike crashed into a passenger bus which then hit a fuel tanker on the opposite side of the road. Watch to know more!

Afghanistan: At least 21 killed, 38 injured in deadly crash involving bus-fuel tanker & bike

After Afghanistan accused Pakistan of killing 8 people in two cross-border air strikes, Islamabad confirmed carrying out an “intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations” inside the country. In response, the Taliban government claims to have fired at Pakistani troops along the border.

Gravitas: Pakistan carries out cross-border strikes inside Afghanistan | Taliban hits back

Pakistan has launched airstrikes on TTP Pakistan hideouts deep inside Afghanistan in parts of Kunar and Paktika. This comes after at least seven Pakistan army soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel and captain, were killed on a military post in North Waziristan tribal district.

Pakistan strikes inside Afghanistan, tensions high on Pak-Afghan border

The Taliban on Monday (Mar 18) condemned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-pakistan-launches-airstrikes-against-ttp-deep-inside-afghanistan-sources-tell-wion-701395">air strikes by Pakistan</a>, claiming that the attacks inside Afghanistan killed women and children. It also said that&nbsp;Afghanistan does not allow anyone to "compromise security" by using Afghan territory.&nbsp;

The Taliban called the strikes "reckless action" and a violation of Afghanistan's territory. In a statement Taliban claimed that its security forces targeted Pakistani troops at the border in response to the air strikes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid, who is the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, released a statement, stating that Pakistan planes bombed the houses of civilians, which killed six people, including three women and three children.&nbsp;

The statement added that two women died after a house collapsed in the Khost province.&nbsp;

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Pakistan's government reportedly targeted the hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In a statement, the Pakistani foreign office said Pakistan had carried out "intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations in the border regions inside Afghanistan".

However, it did not specify what kind of operations they were. Pakistan, however, said that they targeted members of the Hafiz Gulf Bahadur militant group after an attack on a military post in Pakistan on Saturday.&nbsp;

WION learned from sources that Islamabad apparently targeted the house of Abdullah Shah, one of the TTP commanders. But according to the Taliban, Shah is in Pakistan.&nbsp;

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The Taliban spokesperson added in the statement, "Pakistan shouldn't blame Afghanistan for the lack of control, incompetence, and problems in its own territory."&nbsp;

"Such incidents can have very bad consequences which will not be in Pakistan’s control," it added.&nbsp;

In an earlier statement, the Taliban had said that Pakistan's reconnaissance and fighter jets once again entered the territory of Afghanistan during an aggressive action, and bombed the houses of civilians in Paktika's Burmal and Khost Sepera districts.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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It added, "In response to this aggression, the border forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan targeted Pakistan’s military centres along the fictitious line with heavy weapons."&nbsp;

"‎The country's defence and security forces are ready to respond to any aggressive actions and will defend their territorial integrity in any situation," it added.&nbsp;

Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have traded blame over who is responsible for a recent rise in militant attacks in Pakistan. Islamabad claims that the attacks were launched from Afghan soil, but Kabul denies this.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Taliban on Monday (Mar 18) condemned the air strikes by Pakistan, claiming that the attacks inside Afghanistan killed women and children. It also said that Afghanistan does not allow anyone to "compromise security" by using Afghan territory.

The Taliban on Monday (Mar 18) condemned the air strikes by Pakistan, claiming that the attacks inside Afghanistan killed women and children. It also said that Afghanistan does not allow anyone to "compromise security" by using Afghan territory. The Taliban called the strikes "reckless action" and a violation of Afghanistan's territory. In a statement Taliban claimed that its security forces targeted Pakistani troops at the border in response to the air strikes. Zabihullah Mujahid, who is the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, released a statement, stating that Pakistan planes bombed the houses of civilians, which killed six people, including three women and three children. The statement added that two women died after a house collapsed in the Khost province. Also read: India and Maldives hold third high-level core group meeting, review deputation of Indian technical personnel Pakistan's government reportedly targeted the hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In a statement, the Pakistani foreign office said Pakistan had carried out "intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations in the border regions inside Afghanistan". However, it did not specify what kind of operations they were. Pakistan, however, said that they targeted members of the Hafiz Gulf Bahadur militant group after an attack on a military post in Pakistan on Saturday. WION learned from sources that Islamabad apparently targeted the house of Abdullah Shah, one of the TTP commanders. But according to the Taliban, Shah is in Pakistan. Also read: Aseefa Bhutto submits nomination papers for bye-polls on seat vacated by father Asif Ali Zardari The Taliban spokesperson added in the statement, "Pakistan shouldn't blame Afghanistan for the lack of control, incompetence, and problems in its own territory." "Such incidents can have very bad consequences which will not be in Pakistan’s control," it added. In an earlier statement, the Taliban had said that Pakistan's reconnaissance and fighter jets once again entered the territory of Afghanistan during an aggressive action, and bombed the houses of civilians in Paktika's Burmal and Khost Sepera districts. Watch this report: × It added, "In response to this aggression, the border forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan targeted Pakistan’s military centres along the fictitious line with heavy weapons." "‎The country's defence and security forces are ready to respond to any aggressive actions and will defend their territorial integrity in any situation," it added. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have traded blame over who is responsible for a recent rise in militant attacks in Pakistan. Islamabad claims that the attacks were launched from Afghan soil, but Kabul denies this. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban condemn 'reckless' air strikes by Pakistan that it claims killed eight, including women and children

Pakistan attacks TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan: Sources. Strikes in retaliation to terror attacks in North Waziristan. Watch the video to know more.

Pakistan strikes deep inside Afghanistan, will retaliate against every act of terror: Prez Zardari

Pakistan attacks TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan: Sources

Pakistan launches airstrikes on TTP hideouts in Afghanistan

Pakistan strikes deep inside Afghanistan, 8 killed in Pakistan air strike: Taliban

Pakistan airstrikes target suspected Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan

Pakistan has launched airstrikes on TTP Pakistan hideouts deep inside Afghanistan in parts of Kunar and Paktika. This comes after at least seven Pakistan army soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel and captain, were killed on a military post in North Waziristan tribal district. Watch to know more!

Pakistan airstrikes against TTP hideouts in response to terror attacks in North Waziristan

Pakistan on Monday (March 18) launched airstrikes on hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) deep inside Afghanistan in parts of Kunar and Paktika in retaliation to last week's TTP attack on the military, sources told WION.&nbsp;

While a statement from Pakistan is&nbsp;awaited, government sources on the Pakistan side maintained that the target of the air strike was TTP commander Abdullah Shah.&nbsp;A Taliban spokesperson later confirmed the airstrikes but claimed that Pakistan planes bombed the houses of civilians, a claim which could not be immediately verified.

Sources added that locations in Kunar, Paktika, and Khost were targeted in the airstrikes where the Pakistan Air Force was utilised.<img alt="Pakistan strikes TTP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56c45fa7-0d2a-4851-9f48-30c02709f30b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pakistan%20%288%29_0.png" />

Sources further elaborated that Pakistan Air Force's both manned and unmanned power was used in which seven hideouts were targeted in three locations with over a dozen airstrikes.

<h2>Pakistan strikes TTP hideouts after Mir Ali terror attack</h2>

The retaliatory strikes inside Afghanistan come after seven Pakistan Army soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel and Captain, were killed during a terrorist assault on a security checkpoint in the volatile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Mir Ali.&nbsp;

The attack, orchestrated by six terrorists, took place in the North Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan. The assailants targeted the check post in Mir Ali by ramming an explosives-laden vehicle.&nbsp;

During the subsequent clearance operation, all six terrorists were neutralised. But Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali and Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar also lost their lives in the exchange of fire.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan attacks TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan: Sources

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Following the attack in Mir Ali, the Afghan de-facto government's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi dialled Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to congratulate him on his appointment and spoke about counter-terror measures in an apparent bid to prevent any Pakistani action. But Monday's retaliatory action shows that Afghanistan's de-facto government's efforts to avert Pakistan's retaliation did not yield any result.&nbsp;

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the attack.&nbsp;

President Zardari and Army Chief General Asim Munir also attended the funeral of deceased soldiers later on March 17.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Taliban, formally known as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), had established its presence in North Waziristan and&nbsp;planned attacks. However, the military claimed that it rooted out the militants from the region.&nbsp;

The TTP emerged in 2007 following the Pakistani military's operations in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. The group has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in Pakistan, hitting both military and civilian targets.

Pakistan on Monday (March 18) launched airstrikes on hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) deep inside Afghanistan in parts of Kunar and Paktika in retaliation to last week's TTP attack on the military, sources told WION.

Pakistan on Monday (March 18) launched airstrikes on hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) deep inside Afghanistan in parts of Kunar and Paktika in retaliation to last week's TTP attack on the military, sources told WION. While a statement from Pakistan is awaited, government sources on the Pakistan side maintained that the target of the air strike was TTP commander Abdullah Shah. A Taliban spokesperson later confirmed the airstrikes but claimed that Pakistan planes bombed the houses of civilians, a claim which could not be immediately verified. Sources added that locations in Kunar, Paktika, and Khost were targeted in the airstrikes where the Pakistan Air Force was utilised. Sources further elaborated that Pakistan Air Force's both manned and unmanned power was used in which seven hideouts were targeted in three locations with over a dozen airstrikes. Pakistan strikes TTP hideouts after Mir Ali terror attack The retaliatory strikes inside Afghanistan come after seven Pakistan Army soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel and Captain, were killed during a terrorist assault on a security checkpoint in the volatile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Mir Ali. The attack, orchestrated by six terrorists, took place in the North Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan. The assailants targeted the check post in Mir Ali by ramming an explosives-laden vehicle. During the subsequent clearance operation, all six terrorists were neutralised. But Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali and Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar also lost their lives in the exchange of fire. Also watch | Pakistan attacks TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan: Sources × Following the attack in Mir Ali, the Afghan de-facto government's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi dialled Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to congratulate him on his appointment and spoke about counter-terror measures in an apparent bid to prevent any Pakistani action. But Monday's retaliatory action shows that Afghanistan's de-facto government's efforts to avert Pakistan's retaliation did not yield any result. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the attack. President Zardari and Army Chief General Asim Munir also attended the funeral of deceased soldiers later on March 17. The Pakistan Taliban, formally known as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), had established its presence in North Waziristan and planned attacks. However, the military claimed that it rooted out the militants from the region. The TTP emerged in 2007 following the Pakistani military's operations in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. The group has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in Pakistan, hitting both military and civilian targets.

Exclusive: Pakistan launches airstrikes against TTP deep inside Afghanistan, sources tell WION

A horrific collision of a passenger bus with an oil tanker and a motorbike killed 21 people and injured 38 others on Sunday (Mar 17) in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province.&nbsp;

In a post on social media platform X, the provincial information department said: "On (March 17), 21 people were killed and 38 people were injured due to a collision between a tanker, a motorcycle and a passenger bus."&nbsp;

As per local reports, among the injured, 11 were seriously wounded and 27 had minor injuries.&nbsp;

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The statement mentioned that the accident took place on the Herat-Kandahar highway in the Grishk district of Helmand province.&nbsp;

According to the news agency AFP, Helmand governor's spokesman Mohammad Qasim Riyaz said, the collision caused the vehicles to ignite.&nbsp;

The information department released images on social media of burnt, twisted metal scattered across the highway, as well as the tanker's crushed cabin.&nbsp;

According to officials, the clean-up crews were on site removing the debris.&nbsp;

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Watch:&nbsp;Indian Navy makes 35 Somali pirates on board vessel MV Ruen surrender, rescues crew&nbsp;

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As per the report, Helmand traffic management officials said that the passenger bus was travelling from Herat City to the capital, Kabul, when it first collided with a motorbike carrying two people, both were killed.&nbsp;

After the collision, the bus driver lost control and crashed into an oil tanker travelling in the opposite direction from the southern city of Kandahar to Herat, sparking a fire.&nbsp;

The accident killed three people on the tanker and 16 bus passengers.

In December 2022, another serious accident involving an oil tanker took place. The vehicle overturned and caught fire in Afghanistan's high-altitude Salang pass, killing 31 people and leaving dozens more with burn injuries.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A horrific collision of a passenger bus with an oil tanker and a motorbike killed 21 people and injured 38 others on Sunday (Mar 17) in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province.

A horrific collision of a passenger bus with an oil tanker and a motorbike killed 21 people and injured 38 others on Sunday (Mar 17) in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province. In a post on social media platform X, the provincial information department said: "On (March 17), 21 people were killed and 38 people were injured due to a collision between a tanker, a motorcycle and a passenger bus." As per local reports, among the injured, 11 were seriously wounded and 27 had minor injuries. Also read: Kashmiri activist slams Pakistan at UNHRC for plight of Pashtun Shias The statement mentioned that the accident took place on the Herat-Kandahar highway in the Grishk district of Helmand province. According to the news agency AFP, Helmand governor's spokesman Mohammad Qasim Riyaz said, the collision caused the vehicles to ignite. The information department released images on social media of burnt, twisted metal scattered across the highway, as well as the tanker's crushed cabin. According to officials, the clean-up crews were on site removing the debris. Also read: Pakistan Navy gets its first spy ship, courtesy China Watch: Indian Navy makes 35 Somali pirates on board vessel MV Ruen surrender, rescues crew × As per the report, Helmand traffic management officials said that the passenger bus was travelling from Herat City to the capital, Kabul, when it first collided with a motorbike carrying two people, both were killed. After the collision, the bus driver lost control and crashed into an oil tanker travelling in the opposite direction from the southern city of Kandahar to Herat, sparking a fire. The accident killed three people on the tanker and 16 bus passengers. In December 2022, another serious accident involving an oil tanker took place. The vehicle overturned and caught fire in Afghanistan's high-altitude Salang pass, killing 31 people and leaving dozens more with burn injuries. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: 21 killed, 38 injured in crash involving passenger bus, fuel truck and bike

The displaced people of Afghanistan are facing harsh weather conditions in the outskirts of capital city Kabul. The butkhak camp near the Afghan capital city is home to nearly 80 families. In the camp for displaced people poor residents have been struggling to get enough food and keep themselves warm warm in Winter. Watch to know more!

Afghanistan: Poor residents struggle for food & warm clothes amid biting cold weather

The Centre on Monday announced the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, a move that comes four years after the contentious law was passed and paves the way for citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. WION tells you- Will the CAA's implementation polarise India's voters ahead of elections?

Gravitas: All you need to know about CAA; Indian govt clarifies on Citizenship law

The US embassy in Russia warned that "extremists" had immediate preparations for an assault in Moscow, only hours after Russian security agencies revealed they had prevented a planned shooting at a synagogue by an Islamic State cell from Afghanistan.

US embassy warns of imminent attack after Russia foil Synagogue shooting

A community of driving enthusiasts started to grow in Afghanistan after the end of a decades-long war in 2021. Motorists are taking advantage of the newfound piece by ramping up racing Avenues from spectacular drifts to rugged spins. Their races have got everything covered take a look.

Sports car enthusiasts rally in Afghanistan

Terror group Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant- Khorasan (ISIL-K) is reported to have sought and obtained weapons from the banned Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) stockpiles left in Afghanistan since the 2021 Taliban takeover, according to a UN report.

ISIL-K obtained weapons from TTP stockpiles left in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover: UN report

A new report by the United Nations has said that the terror group - Islamic States Khorasan - has obtained weapons from the banned TTP (Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan).

UN member states express concern over IS-K's recruitment surge in Afghanistan

UN member states express concern over IS-K's weapons proliferation

An 84-year-old, Austrian far-right extremist Herbert Fritz, who traveled to Afghanistan last year and was arrested there was released after nine months in detention there. Watch in for more details!

Relief in Austria as 84-year-old Herbert Fritz released by Taliban

Taliban authorities on Monday (Feb 26) publicly executed a convicted murderer by gunfire in a sports stadium, news agency AFP reported citing officials.&nbsp;

It became the third death penalty carried out in Afghanistan in a matter of days. As per the report, the man was found guilty of a knife murder in January 2022.&nbsp;

A Supreme Court statement signed by Taliban chairman Hibatullah Akhundzada revealed that he was executed for his crimes in northern Sheberghan city (in some reports spelt as Shibirghan) under a death order. Sheberghan is the capital of northern Jawzjan province.&nbsp;

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In the statement, the man was identified as Nazar Muhammad. It noted that his case "was examined very thoroughly and repeatedly".&nbsp;

A witness spoke to the news agency on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak with the media.&nbsp;

The execution took place in heavy snowfall, the witness said, further mentioning that the brother of the murdered man shot the convict five times with a rifle.&nbsp;

The execution took place amid tight security around the stadium, in front of the convict's family and also the family of the victim, including women and children. Thousands of others were also present in the stadium, a local provincial official told AFP.&nbsp;

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Watch:&nbsp;Relief in Austria as 84-year-old Herbert Fritz released by Taliban&nbsp;

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As per reports, it was the fifth public execution since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 after the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops withdrew from the country after two decades of war.&nbsp;

After coming to power, the Taliban promised to abide by the more moderate rule, however, the Islamist regime began carrying out harsh penalties in public, including executions, floggings, and stonings similar to their former control over Afghanistan in the late 1990s.&nbsp;

Akhundzada had even ordered judges in 2022 to fully implement all aspects of Islamic law, including "eye for an eye" punishments known as "qisas".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Taliban authorities on Monday (Feb 26) publicly executed a convicted murderer by gunfire in a sports stadium, news agency AFP reported citing officials. It became the third death penalty carried out in Afghanistan in a matter of days.

Taliban authorities on Monday (Feb 26) publicly executed a convicted murderer by gunfire in a sports stadium, news agency AFP reported citing officials. It became the third death penalty carried out in Afghanistan in a matter of days. As per the report, the man was found guilty of a knife murder in January 2022. A Supreme Court statement signed by Taliban chairman Hibatullah Akhundzada revealed that he was executed for his crimes in northern Sheberghan city (in some reports spelt as Shibirghan) under a death order. Sheberghan is the capital of northern Jawzjan province. Also read: Taliban release Austrian far-right activist held in Afghanistan In the statement, the man was identified as Nazar Muhammad. It noted that his case "was examined very thoroughly and repeatedly". A witness spoke to the news agency on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak with the media. The execution took place in heavy snowfall, the witness said, further mentioning that the brother of the murdered man shot the convict five times with a rifle. The execution took place amid tight security around the stadium, in front of the convict's family and also the family of the victim, including women and children. Thousands of others were also present in the stadium, a local provincial official told AFP. Also read: Pakistan woman escapes mob lynching over 'controversial' attire after woman police officer intervenes Watch: Relief in Austria as 84-year-old Herbert Fritz released by Taliban × As per reports, it was the fifth public execution since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 after the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops withdrew from the country after two decades of war. After coming to power, the Taliban promised to abide by the more moderate rule, however, the Islamist regime began carrying out harsh penalties in public, including executions, floggings, and stonings similar to their former control over Afghanistan in the late 1990s. Akhundzada had even ordered judges in 2022 to fully implement all aspects of Islamic law, including "eye for an eye" punishments known as "qisas". (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban publicly execute convicted murderer by gunfire in sports stadium

Herbert Fritz, an 84-year-old Austrian and far-right nationalist, was released by the Taliban on Sunday (Feb 25). He was arrested in Afghanistan last May.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters,&nbsp;Fritz said, "I won’t say how life was like, you know, however, I am happy to be here and I also thank Qatar."&nbsp;

In a statement, the Austrian government said that Fritz arrived in Doha earlier in the day. The deal to secure his release was secured after mediation by the Qatari government.&nbsp;

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Qatar's foreign ministry expressed gratitude to Afghanistan's Taliban administration for its cooperation in releasing the Austrian, without naming him.

Last year, Austria's Der Standard newspaper reported that Fritz had travelled to Afghanistan and commented positively on life there.&nbsp;

According to the report, this contributed to anti-immigrant arguments that Afghanistan was a secure place for refugees to return.&nbsp;

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However, he was arrested by the Taliban on suspicion of spying, Der Standard said. Austria's Hewitt magazine reported last year claimed that Fritz was even at risk of execution.&nbsp;

Later, the Austrian foreign ministry said it had been working to secure Fritz's release since May.&nbsp;

The ministry also thanked Qatar and the European Union representation in Kabul for assisting in its efforts to bring about his return to Austria.&nbsp;

Austrian government spokesperson, Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, said, "We would like to express our gratitude to the state of Qatar, to his highness the Emir, his excellency the prime minister and state minister (Mohammed bin Abdulaziz) Al-Khulaifi for their strong support that made the return of Mr Fritz possible, the return to his daughters and his grandchildren."&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Herbert Fritz?&nbsp;</h2>

Der Standard and other media reported that Fritz was a founding member of the country's National Democratic Party (NDP), an extreme-right group banned in 1988.&nbsp;

Austria's far-right Freedom Party, which has been leading opinion polls ahead of parliamentary elections due later this year, had pressed for Fritz's release. The party has said he was researching a book in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Herbert Fritz, an 84-year-old Austrian and far-right nationalist, was released by the Taliban on Sunday (Feb 25). He was arrested in Afghanistan last May. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Fritz said, "I won’t say how life was like, you know, however, I am happy to be here and I also thank Qatar.

Herbert Fritz, an 84-year-old Austrian and far-right nationalist, was released by the Taliban on Sunday (Feb 25). He was arrested in Afghanistan last May. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Fritz said, "I won’t say how life was like, you know, however, I am happy to be here and I also thank Qatar." In a statement, the Austrian government said that Fritz arrived in Doha earlier in the day. The deal to secure his release was secured after mediation by the Qatari government. Also read: Nepal mandates electronic chips for Mount Everest climbers starting this spring season Qatar's foreign ministry expressed gratitude to Afghanistan's Taliban administration for its cooperation in releasing the Austrian, without naming him. Last year, Austria's Der Standard newspaper reported that Fritz had travelled to Afghanistan and commented positively on life there. According to the report, this contributed to anti-immigrant arguments that Afghanistan was a secure place for refugees to return. Also read: India stops flow of Ravi river into Pakistan by building new barrage However, he was arrested by the Taliban on suspicion of spying, Der Standard said. Austria's Hewitt magazine reported last year claimed that Fritz was even at risk of execution. Later, the Austrian foreign ministry said it had been working to secure Fritz's release since May. The ministry also thanked Qatar and the European Union representation in Kabul for assisting in its efforts to bring about his return to Austria. Austrian government spokesperson, Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, said, "We would like to express our gratitude to the state of Qatar, to his highness the Emir, his excellency the prime minister and state minister (Mohammed bin Abdulaziz) Al-Khulaifi for their strong support that made the return of Mr Fritz possible, the return to his daughters and his grandchildren." Who is Herbert Fritz? Der Standard and other media reported that Fritz was a founding member of the country's National Democratic Party (NDP), an extreme-right group banned in 1988. Austria's far-right Freedom Party, which has been leading opinion polls ahead of parliamentary elections due later this year, had pressed for Fritz's release. The party has said he was researching a book in Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban release Austrian far-right activist held in Afghanistan

Both men were shot many times in the back, and the death warrants for their public execution were issued by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Taliban conducts public execution of two men in Afghanistan | Double public execution

The Taliban rejected the appointment of UN special envoy. The Taliban Administration skipped the United Nations meeting on Afghanistan in Doha. UN Chief says Taliban tabled unacceptable conditions for attending the meeting while adding that he hopes the Taliban participation at their future meetings. Watch to know more!

Taliban skips UN meet on Afghanistan in Doha | UN aims for future meetings with Taliban

Taliban skips UN meet on Afghanistan in Doha, rejects appointment of UN special envoy

Taliban skips UN meet on Afghanistan in Doha | Taliban has set unacceptable conditions: UN

Authorities in the Afghan province of Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, ordered officials on February 18 not to take pictures or videos of "living things."

Curbs in Afghanistan: A look at repression of rights after 2021 Taliban takeover

The 2024 list of world's strongest passports shows France at the top and Afghanistan at the bottom. It is a reflection of the number of countries that allows visa-free entry to the holder.

Strongest Passport Index 2024: Guess which country topped the list & what is India's position?

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