Former Afghan Intelligence Officer arrested amid US Immigration Crackdown
Donald Trump
Khaama: A former Afghan intelligence officer, who had worked with U.S. forces for 13 years, was arrested due to the new immigration policies under the Trump administration. Upon visiting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office for his annual check-in, he was informed that his temporary residency permit had been revoked. The officer’s situation is a direct result of the immigration policy changes implemented after Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. These new regulations have significantly impacted the cases of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers. The actions of the Trump administration have sparked widespread criticism, especially from advocates for refugees and human rights organizations. Many argue that these policies betray the promises made to those who risked their lives working with U.S. forces and jeopardize their safety and well-being. Click here to read more (external link).
Champions Trophy: Afghanistan sets 326-run target for England
Amu: Afghanistan’s national cricket team has set a target of 326 runs for England in their ongoing Champions Trophy match. Despite losing three wickets in the first 10 overs, Afghanistan rebounded with a stellar performance by Ibrahim Zadran, who played a crucial role in propelling the team to a competitive total. Click here to read more (external link).
U.S. Continues Weekly Fund Transfers To Afghanistan, Says Former SIGAR Chief
John Sopko
Afghanistan International: John Sopko, the former U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), stated that the United States has spent over $21 billion on Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power. Despite the suspension of U.S. foreign aid, Sopko revealed that the U.S. continues to send money to Afghanistan on a weekly basis. According to a SIGAR report from August 2024, Washington has provided approximately $21 billion in aid to Afghanistan since 2021, primarily for humanitarian assistance, refugee relocation and resettlement, and the repayment of Afghanistan’s foreign assets. Sopko has previously stated that a significant portion of U.S. financial aid has ended up in Taliban hands. Click here to read more external link).
Related
Sayyaf travels to Iran
Sayaf
Amu: Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, former jihadi leader and a senior member of the National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan, has arrived in Iran for what Iranian media describe as a “medical visit.” Iranian state media reported Tuesday that during his visit, Sayyaf met with senior Iranian officials, though details of the discussions remain unclear. Click here to read more (external link).
Flash floods kill 21 in western Afghanistan: Sources
Amu: At least 21 people were killed after sudden flash floods swept through a mountainous area in Qala-e-Kah district of western Farah province, local sources told Amu. The victims, who had traveled to the area for leisure, were caught off guard when the floods surged unexpectedly, throwing them into a deep ravine, the sources said. At least four others were injured, and several children were among the dead. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – February 25, 2025
Taliban continues corporal punishment, flogging 20 Afghans over alleged adultery
Ayaz Gul
VOA News
February 24, 2025
ISLAMABAD — Afghanistan’s hard-line Taliban authorities publicly flogged 20 men and women Monday on charges of adultery, rape, and engaging in “illegitimate relations.”
The Taliban’s Supreme Court reported that all defendants received sentences of 39 lashes each and prison terms ranging from one to seven years.
The punishments were carried out in the eastern Khost and central Parwan provinces, with residents, judicial, and government officials among the spectators.
Since regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have publicly flogged hundreds of men and women. Most were charged with offenses such as adultery, sodomy, eloping, having illegitimate relations and robbery.
The number of Afghans subjected to flogging this month alone has reached 86, with 17 women among the victims, according to data from the top court.
The United Nations has condemned corporal punishment being conducted by the Taliban as a violation of international law and human dignity, calling for the practice to be halted immediately.
The Taliban government, which is not recognized by any country, defends its criminal justice system and overall governance by stating that they are aligned with Islamic law or Sharia and dismissing foreign criticism as misguided.
The de facto Afghan leaders have placed sweeping restrictions on women’s access to education and employment, effectively erasing most of them from public life in Afghanistan and drawing persistent calls from the U.N. to reverse what it condemns as “gender-apartheid.”
Hekmatyar: We need a legitimate government in Afghanistan
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar
Ariana: Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a former jihadi leader, has expressed concern about the current situation in the country, saying Afghanistan faces “threats and gaps”. “We are facing significant gaps,” he said. “The country needs a heavy council. This is a void that needs to be filled. We need a legitimate government with clear responsibilities and powers. Unfortunately, today we do not have a national charter and a constitution.” Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Governor Of Balkh Demands Military Trial For Deputy FM Abbas Stanekzai
Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai
Afghanistan International: Documents obtained by Afghanistan International reveal that Mohammad Yousuf Wafa, the Taliban governor of Balkh, has filed a formal complaint with the Taliban Supreme Court, calling for a military trial of Abbas Stanekzai, the group’s deputy foreign minister. Wafa accused Stanekzai of “disrespecting” Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and opposing his decrees. Click here to read more (external link).