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Biden calls on IEA to release American hostage

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U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday called on Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to release a U.S. civil engineer who was abducted two years ago and is believed to be the last American hostage held by the IEA.

Mark Frerichs, a 59-year-old U.S. Navy veteran from Lombard, Illinois, who worked in Afghanistan for a decade on development projects was kidnapped a month before the February 2020 U.S. troop pullout deal was signed and was transferred to the Haqqani network.

Monday marks his second year in captivity.

“Threatening the safety of Americans or any innocent civilians is always unacceptable, and hostage-taking is an act of particular cruelty and cowardice,” Biden said in a statement.

“The Taliban (IEA) must immediately release Mark before it can expect any consideration of its aspirations for legitimacy. This is not negotiable.”

Biden pulled U.S. troops out of Afghanistan in August in a chaotic withdrawal that drew sharp criticism from Republicans and his own Democrats as well as foreign allies and punctured his approval ratings.

Frerichs’ family has criticized the U.S. government for not pressing harder to secure his release. Last week, his sister, Charlene Cakora, made a personal plea to Biden in a Washington Post opinion piece titled, “President Biden, please bring home my brother, the last American held hostage in Afghanistan.”

The United States has raised Frerich’s case in every meeting with the Taliban (IEA), the State Department said in a statement. “We call on the Taliban (IEA) to release  him. We will continue working to bring him home,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken added in a Twitter post.

U.S. and IEA officials met for the first time since the pullout in October in Doha, Qatar, which had hosted talks on Afghanistan that led to the troop withdrawal.

The Qatari emir was due to visit the White House on Monday on a range of issues that will include global energy security, the White House said last week. Qatar represents U.S. interests in Kabul.

International Sports

IPL double-header delivers thrills as teams battle for momentum

In the first match, Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.

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Saturday’s double-header in the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings record important victories as the tournament gathered pace.

In the first match, Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.

In the second game, Chennai Super Kings overcame Delhi Capitals in a closely contested match, with Chennai holding their nerve in the decisive moments to secure the win.

CSK won by 23 runs.

The results provide both Punjab and Chennai with valuable momentum as teams begin to establish themselves in the early stages of the competition.

Sunday’s Matches

Attention now turns to Sunday’s double-header.

Lucknow Super Giants will face Gujarat Titans in the first match of the day, with both sides aiming to strengthen their position in the standings.

Later, Mumbai Indians take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-profile clash expected to deliver another thrilling contest.

All matches are being broadcast live and exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.

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Iran–US talks kick off in Islamabad

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As Iranian and US delegations are present in Islamabad, Iranian media report that talks between the two sides have begun.

The negotiations are being conducted indirectly, with Pakistan acting as a mediator.

According to reports, Iran had set conditions for the start of the talks, including a halt to the war in Lebanon and the release of its frozen assets.

An IRIB correspondent in Islamabad reported that the US has agreed to release Iranian assets, and that the conflict in Lebanon has been limited to the southern part of the country.

However, US officials have not yet confirmed any agreement on the release of Iran’s frozen assets.

The talks come after 40 days of conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

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Death toll rises in armed attack in Herat; 11 killed, 8 injured

Authorities have confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack.

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The death toll from a brutal armed attack in the Injil district of Herat province has increased, with local authorities confirming that at least 11 people were killed and 8 others injured.

Ahmadullah Muttaqi, Director of Information and Culture for Herat, reported that the attack occurred around 3:00 PM on Friday when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of families who had gathered for a picnic in the village of “Dah Mehre,” located in the Injil district.

Initial reports indicated that four people were killed and 15 others injured. However, as the severity of the injuries became clearer, seven more of the wounded tragically succumbed to their injuries overnight. The latest update puts the death toll at 11, with 8 survivors, two of whom are said to be in critical condition.

Authorities have confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack. Security forces are continuing to investigate the incident, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend additional perpetrators.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the region, with local authorities and communities expressing outrage and concern over the rising violence in the area.

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