Germany has deported around 30 Afghan men to Afghanistan on a charter flight, continuing Berlin’s policy of returning foreign nationals found guilty of major criminal offenses.

According to German news agency dpa, the deportees included individuals convicted of crimes such as rape, manslaughter, and sexual assault. Five German states reportedly registered approximately 30 people for the latest deportation flight.

The aircraft departed overnight from Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany and was expected to arrive in Kabul on Tuesday. 

The operation follows an agreement between the German government and Afghan authorities that allows Germany to conduct regular deportation flights to Afghanistan.

In August 2024, Germany deported 28 convicted Afghan offenders to Kabul from Leipzig, marking the first such deportation since the Islamic Emirate returned to power in 2021. The flight was carried out with the assistance of Qatar.

Since then, German authorities have organized additional deportations to Afghanistan, including both individual removals on commercial flights and group deportations on charter aircraft.

France began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, inspired by a record-breaking performance from captain Kylian Mbappe at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.

Mbappe scored twice, taking his international tally to 58 goals and surpassing France’s previous all-time scoring record. The Real Madrid star opened the scoring early in the second half before adding a spectacular late strike to seal the win. Substitute Bradley Barcola also found the net for Les Bleus.

Despite the convincing scoreline, France struggled to find their rhythm during a lacklustre first half. Senegal created several dangerous opportunities and came close to taking the lead through Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr, but failed to capitalize on their chances.

France emerged a transformed side after the break. Michael Olise played a key role in the turnaround, providing the creativity that sparked the French attack. Mbappe broke the deadlock with a composed finish before Barcola doubled the advantage after coming off the bench.

Senegal briefly threatened a comeback when Ibrahim Mbaye pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but Mbappe responded moments later with a stunning long-range effort that flew into the corner of the net, ensuring a memorable night for the French captain.

The victory gives France an important three points in Group I and underlines their status as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy. While Didier Deschamps’ side showed signs of vulnerability in the opening 45 minutes, their attacking quality proved decisive once they found their stride.

For Senegal, the defeat was a disappointing outcome after an encouraging performance, but they will take confidence from the chances they created against one of the tournament’s strongest teams.

An Afghan national accused of carrying out a deadly shooting attack on members of the U.S. National Guard near the White House has pleaded not guilty to all charges in a federal court.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, appeared before a U.S. District Court on Tuesday following the unsealing of a 17-count federal superseding indictment. Prosecutors allege that Lakanwal killed West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and seriously wounded Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in an ambush-style attack in Washington, D.C., in November 2025.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the charges include first-degree murder and several firearms-related offenses, making the case eligible for the death penalty. Prosecutors said they will begin the formal review process to determine whether capital punishment will be sought.

“Sarah Beckstrom was serving her country when she was allegedly killed in a targeted attack near the White House,” U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said in a statement, adding that authorities will pursue all legal avenues to seek justice for the victims.

Court documents allege that Lakanwal, a former contractor for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Afghanistan, drove from Washington state to the U.S. capital while carrying a stolen firearm. Prosecutors say he opened fire on National Guard personnel, striking Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head before being subdued by other Guardsmen at the scene.

Investigators recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver that had reportedly been stolen in Seattle in 2023.

Beckstrom later died from her injuries on Thanksgiving Day, while Wolfe survived and continues to recover.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Lakanwal appeared in court wearing an orange prison uniform and using a wheelchair, reportedly due to injuries sustained during the incident. The court scheduled the next status hearing for September 16.

The final decision on whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty rests with Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche.

The case has drawn significant attention in the United States due to the attack’s proximity to the White House and Lakanwal’s previous work with U.S. government entities in Afghanistan.