Latest News
Taliban using child soldiers on the battlefield: Paktia governor
Mohammad Halim Fedayee, governor of Paktia province, said Monday the Taliban is using children in a conflict capacity on the battlefields – which is in violation of Islamic principles and international rules of war.
According to Fedayee, the insurgent group is using children as suicide bombers and to carry explosives, among other conflict-based activities.
“In the opponents ranks, children have been used in suicide attacks, as you see. In transferring explosives. It is not the ethics of war,” said Fedayee.
Members of the Paktia provincial council said not only are the Taliban using children in a military capacity, but so is the Afghan government.
According to the provincial council members, Taliban is however also using children as drug mules.
The council members in turn called on government to provide work opportunities for children in the province.
“Unfortunately the government does not have any policy for children and orphans who need to work.” said Mohammad Rahman, a member of the provincial council.
“I call on the opponents to not use children and not send children onto the battlefield, because the children are our future,” said Janat Khan, a provincial council member.
“I call on both sides – government and Taliban – to not use children for military purposes,” said Janat Gul Mangal, a tribal elder.
The provincial office of Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) said that although they do not operate in Taliban controlled areas, they are aware of children having been arrested in connection with the planting of IEDs.
Taliban however rejected the claims and said the group does not use children for military purposes.
The Islamic Emirate’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met on Saturday with Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, to discuss the current situation in the country and ways to expand ties between Kabul and Washington.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Saturday evening that the two discussed opportunities in various sectors and issues related to Afghanistan-U.S. relations that could help broaden engagement between the two sides.
Muttaqi highlighted what he described as progress in stability, security, economic growth and self-reliance, saying Afghanistan currently offers a favorable environment for investment.
Khalilzad, meanwhile, praised the security and stability in Afghanistan and progress in reconstruction. He expressed hope that the country would make further gains in development, economic growth and self-reliance.
The former U.S. envoy also shared his views with relevant parties on strengthening relations and promoting constructive engagement between Afghanistan and the United States.
Zohurullah Fakhri, the head of the state-owned Afghan Tour company, says that an Australian tourist died of a heart attack in Wakhan district of Badakhshan province on Saturday.
According to Fakhri, the tourist, who was named “Charles” and was an Australian citizen, died in the Chaparan area of Wakhan district.
He did not provide further details about when the incident occurred or the transfer of the tourist’s body.
Dmitry Zhirnov, Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, met with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul on Saturday.
According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides discussed the expansion of bilateral relations, shared interests, and ways to further strengthen ties between the two countries.
They also exchanged views on the regional situation and emphasized that continued relations between Afghanistan and Russia are in the interests of both countries in light of ongoing regional developments.
The meeting also covered future cooperation between the two countries, with both sides stressing the need to further expand Afghanistan-Russia relations.
Tahawol: Afghanistan and great power rivalry in Central Asia discussed
Muttaqi and Khalilzad discuss expanding Afghanistan-US relations
Saar: Iran-US ongoing tensions in Middle East discussed
Australian tourist dies of heart attack in Wakhan, Badakhshan
Iranian tanker hit by US attack near Iran’s Kharg Island, Tasnim says
Four mediators struggle to secure lasting Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire
HesabPay unveils new visa card and digital payment app in Kabul
AFC Champions League Elite draw nears as Al-Nassr seeded above Al-Hilal
Afghanistan secure direct qualification for 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup
WHO warns aid cuts disrupting healthcare services across Afghanistan
Tahawol: Afghanistan and great power rivalry in Central Asia discussed
Saar: Iran-US ongoing tensions in Middle East discussed
Tahawol: US rejection of Islamic Emirate’s proposal discussed
Saar: Pakistan’s conditions for improving ties with Afghanistan discussed
Tahawol: Shifting regional views on Islamic Emirate discussed
-
Regional5 days agoPakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye strengthen new Mecca Defence Alliance
-
International Sports4 days agoIranian clubs to face Gulf opponents at neutral venues in Asian Champions League Elite
-
Latest News4 days agoPutin: Russia in close contact with Tajikistan over Afghanistan security
-
Latest News5 days agoGermany allows IEA officials to enter country to coordinate deportations
-
Sport4 days agoAriana Television Network secures exclusive rights to Afghanistan’s 2026/27 cricket series
-
Regional4 days agoPakistan to assume SCO presidency as Shehbaz signs summit declaration
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghan envoy says Kabul will not allow Afghan soil to be used against Pakistan
-
Latest News2 days agoKhyber Chamber demands reopening of Torkham crossing