Australia Introduces Independent Sanctions Regime Targeting Taliban Leadership

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Afghanistan International: Australia’s Foreign Ministry has announced the establishment of an independent sanctions framework targeting at least 140 Taliban individuals and entities, aimed at holding the group accountable for its repression of women and girls. Australia is the first country to formally integrate a Taliban-specific sanctions system into domestic law. Click here to read more (external link).

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Afghanistan Dropped From New US National Security Strategy

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Afghanistan International: Afghanistan does not appear anywhere in the newly released National Security Strategy issued by the administration of US President Donald Trump. This marks a significant shift after two decades in which the country featured prominently in Washington’s foreign and security policy. In recent months, Trump repeatedly commented on the Bagram air base and suggested the need to “take it back”, remarks that triggered strong reactions from the Taliban and concern among regional states. Despite those earlier statements, the president has remained silent on Bagram for nearly two months, and the new strategy assigns no role or priority to Afghanistan. Click here to read more (external link).

Four killed in overnight Taliban–Pakistan border clash, sources say

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Amu: At least four people were killed and four others, including a woman, wounded in overnight clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani border troops at the Spin Boldak border crossing in southern Kandahar province, local sources said on Saturday. Residents said the fighting lasted several hours. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the incident, accusing Pakistani forces of firing first. “Unfortunately tonight the Pakistani side again initiated attacks toward Afghanistan in Spin Boldak, and Islamic Emirate forces were compelled to respond,” he said in a statement. Click here to read more (external link).

Football: Sorkh Poshan Khafi and Sarafan Herat edge out 1-0 wins in ACL

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Ariana: In the 27th match of the fifth season of the Afghanistan Champions League, Sorkh Poshan Khafi edged out Arman FC 1-0 in a tightly contested clash. Looking ahead to Monday, Sarsabz Yashlar will face Sorkh Poshan Khafi at 2:00 p.m., promising another thrilling showdown for fans. Click here to read more (external link).

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Afghan Ex-Commander To Trump: Help Us Return & Battle Taliban Rule

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Donald Trump

Afghanistan International: In an open letter, General Abdul Raqib Mubariz wrote that many former Afghan military personnel now refugees in the United States do not wish to remain in exile and would prefer to go back and fight for their country’s liberation. Click here to read more (external link).

Brother Of Arrested Afghan Ex-Officer Rejects US Claim Of ISIS Links

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Jahan Shah Safi

Afghanistan International: The brother of Jahan Shah Safi, a former Afghan security officer arrested in the United States on charges of assisting ISIS, has strongly rejected the allegations, calling them baseless. Rahmatullah Nabil, former NDS director, and General Sami Sadat, leader of the Afghanistan United Front, also criticised the DHS accusations. They described Safi as one of the most active and effective officers in Afghanistan’s former intelligence service and confirmed that he had been an anti-ISIS operative. Click here to read more (external link).

Kabul hosts four-nation badminton tournament

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Amu: The week-long competition brings together four players from Uzbekistan, one from Iran, one from Syria and 10 Afghan athletes, who will compete in singles matches, according to organisers. The event is one of the few international sporting competitions held in Afghanistan in recent years. Click here to read more (external link).

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