Moscow concerned about Daesh ‘plans to export terror to Central Asia’

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ISIS Militants

Ariana: In an interview with the Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Kokov emphasized that despite the cessation of large-scale military operations, “instability that threatens neighboring countries” still persists in Afghanistan. “There is particular concern over the plans of supporters of the international terrorist organization ISIS, who are active in the region and aim to export terrorism to Central Asian countries and eventually to Russia,” he said. Click here to read more (external link).

US lawmaker says Afghanistan has again become ‘hotbed for terrorists’

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Amu: Representative Bill Huizenga, a Michigan Republican and chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, warned Thursday that Afghanistan has once again become a safe haven for terrorist groups, posing renewed threats to South and Central Asia and beyond, nearly four years after the U.S. military withdrawal. “The Taliban claims to be doing their best to eliminate the ISIS-K threat,” Huizenga said. “However, while the Taliban claimed victory, ISIS-K continues to wreak havoc, conducting attacks that target everyone from innocent civilians to Taliban officials, while continuing its effort to radicalize and recruit from diaspora communities.” Click here to read more (external link).

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One in Five Faces Hunger in Afghanistan, warns WFP

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Khaama: The World Food Programme (WFP) has raised concerns over worsening food insecurity in Afghanistan, reporting that one in every five people in the country is currently suffering from hunger. In a statement released on Thursday, June 26, the WFP underscored the urgent need for humanitarian support, particularly at the border regions. The forced repatriation of Afghan migrants has surged in recent months, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis already gripping the country. Many returnees arrive with few resources, adding to the burden of an already fragile economy and overstretched humanitarian systems. Click here to read more (external link).

Wahidullah Nazhand to face Tajik Opponent in MMA Cage

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Khaama: On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Afghan MMA fighter Wahidullah Nazhand will compete against Tajik fighter Faridun Shokhnazrov in Hamburg, Germany. This match is part of the prestigious Oktagon 73 event. Initially, Nazhand was set to face Greek fighter Ioannis Palaiologos. However, due to Palaiologos’ withdrawal, the organizing body, Oktagon, announced that Shokhnazrov would be his new opponent. Click here to read more (external link).

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UN: Opiate Trafficking from Afghanistan Generates Approximately $10 Billion in Gross Annual Revenue

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8am: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has estimated that opiate trafficking, primarily heroin, from Afghanistan through Central Asia to Russia generates approximately $10 billion in gross annual revenue. The report, released on Thursday, June 26, 2025, draws on data from 2022 and 2023, identifying Afghanistan as a primary hub for narcotics production, particularly heroin. The UNODC noted that precise data on the global drug market remains unavailable, but Afghanistan’s drug trade reflects a significant revenue stream. Click here to read more (external link).

Taliban Intelligence Tortured Detainees, Sometimes For ‘Entertainment’, Says Rights Group

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Taliban militants (file photo)

Afghanistan International: Taliban intelligence officers have subjected detainees to physical, sexual and psychological torture, sometimes for “entertainment,” according to a new report by the Afghan human rights Rawadari. Rawadari’s findings indicate that torture was used not only as a tool for extracting forced confessions but also to suppress dissent, punish former government employees and intimidate critics of the Taliban. The group reported that detainees were subjected to beatings, electric shocks, sexual harassment, prolonged solitary confinement, food deprivation, and denial of medical care. Some were held in secret or private detention facilities with no access to legal counsel or judicial review. Click here to read more (external link).

Afghanistan Drawn with Myanmar and Maldives in 2026 Futsal Qualifiers

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Tolo News: Afghanistan’s national futsal team has been placed in the same group as Myanmar and the Maldives for the qualifying stage of the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup. The draw ceremony took place today (Thursday) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, involving 31 participating teams. Afghanistan was drawn into Group H alongside Myanmar and the Maldives. The qualifiers will begin in September this year, with Myanmar hosting the Group H matches. Click here to read more (external link).