Sources: Unidentified drones seen over Paktia province
Amu: The drones were observed around 7:30 a.m. flying at low altitude for several hours over Gardez, the provincial capital, and several nearby districts, the sources told Amu. It was not immediately clear which country or authority operated the drones or what their purpose was. Earlier this week, a number of drones were spotted over Khost province as well, according to sources. Click here to read more (external link).
Sources: Taliban building underground tunnels in Kandahar
Amu: “The Taliban’s intention behind any kind of excavation in Afghanistan is malicious, because they have no plans for reconstruction or development of the country. The unauthorized digging that has taken place across Afghanistan is either to access antiquities or to create strategic stockpiles for their own protection. In Kandahar, too, it could be for safeguarding themselves,” said Besmillah Taban, a military affairs analyst. Kandahar’s growing fortification has deepened concerns that the city — and not Kabul — is the true seat of Taliban power, with Akhundzada consolidating control far from public scrutiny. Click here to read more (external link).
Int’l Community Failing To Address Taliban Rights Abuses, Says Rights Group
Afghanistan International: Human Rights Watch (HRW) has stated that the United Nations member states failing to take effective action against widespread human rights violations in Afghanistan, four years after the Taliban returned to power. In a report released ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, HRW warned that the group has intensified its repression of women and girls and continues to commit grave abuses with impunity. The report, titled “Afghanistan: Relentless Repression Four Years into Taliban Rule”, outlines a deteriorating human rights and humanitarian crisis. Click to read more (external link).
Related
Travel influencers boost tourism to Taliban-run Afghanistan
NBC News: They are seen exploring the country’s landlocked, mountainous terrain and its tribal culture in videos posted online, contesting perceptions that the country is unsafe and hostile to women. While thrilling for the influencers and their followers, critics accuse these carefully edited travelogues of whitewashing the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan, particularly for women, and rehabilitating the country’s autocratic rulers. Click here to read more (external link).
Pakistan Resumes Deportation Of 1.4 Million Afghans Despite UN Concerns
Afghanistan International: Pakistani authorities have resumed the forced deportation of Afghan migrants after deciding not to extend residency deadlines, a move that affects an estimated 1.4 million Afghans holding expired Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. Officials announced on Monday that the deportations had restarted, drawing sharp criticism from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which warned the mass returns could worsen instability in Afghanistan. In addition to PoR card holders, around 800,000 Afghans with Afghan Citizen Cards are also at risk. Pakistani police say these individuals are residing in the country “illegally” and are being detained in the provinces of Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh. Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – August 5, 2025
Iran holds firm on not recognizing IEA govt despite Russia’s shift
Ariana: Iran has reaffirmed that it will not automatically follow Russia or any other country in recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), saying that any decision on formal recognition will be guided strictly by Tehran’s national interests and regional priorities. The remarks were made during a press briefing on Monday by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who addressed growing speculation following Russia’s recent decision to officially recognize Afghanistan’s government. Internationally, the Taliban administration remains diplomatically isolated. No seat at the United Nations has been granted, and most countries continue to withhold recognition. Click here to read more (external link).
Other Iran-Taliban News
Taliban Foreign Minister’s Pakistan Visit Blocked By US, Sources Say
Muttaqi
Afghanistan International: The United States has blocked a planned visit by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan in response to the group’s continued denial of holding Afghan-born American citizen Mahmood Habibi, according to a US source speaking to Afghanistan International. The source stated that US pressure on the Taliban over the issue is “just beginning,” as Washington seeks accountability for Habibi’s detention. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Relocates TTP Families From Kunar To Ghazni & Zabul, Say Sources
TTP Flag
Afghanistan International: According to sources in Kunar, the transfers began approximately a month ago and were coordinated by a special Taliban committee in cooperation with TTP. The families were reportedly moved using military vehicles from the districts of Khas Kunar, Marawara, Dara-i-Pech (Mano Gai area), Sirkanay, and Dangam. In Ghazni, a local source said that only families of ordinary fighters have been moved to Qarabagh district, while the families of senior commanders are living in Kabul and other major cities. Click here to read more (external link).