8am: Many residents of Balkh province describe the Taliban’s rule over Afghanistan as a “reign of poverty and hunger.” They report that numerous families are marrying off their young daughters in arranged marriages due to poverty and unemployment, using the bride price to meet their immediate living needs. These families stress that, beyond meeting necessities, they hope to rescue their daughters from “uncertainty” and secure their futures. Previous reports have also highlighted that many girls are being forced into early and arranged marriages due to a lack of education and employment opportunities. Click here to read more (external link).
Life under Taliban rule
Ariana: Iranian forces have allegedly killed at least 260 Afghan migrants after opening fire on them near the Kalgan border crossing on Sunday evening. According to Haalvsh, an Iranian-based human rights organization, survivors of the shooting described horror scenes when Iranian military forces targeted the group. Haalvsh reported that two survivors said there had been a group of about 300 migrants trying to cross the border when they were shot at and targeted with RPGs. 
BBC: The government says it is allowing some “eligible” Afghan special forces soldiers who fought alongside the British military to resettle in the UK, after they were previously rejected. Under the previous government, about 2,000 Afghans who served with specialist units – known at the “Triples” – were denied permission to relocate to the UK after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Armed forces minister Luke Pollard told the House of Commons a review had now found some applications were wrongly turned down. 
Afghanistan International: Pakistani customs officials announced the discovery and seizure of a shipment of weapons left behind by US forces in Afghanistan at the Torkham crossing. American media outlet The Media Line wrote that Pakistani officials believe the weapons were supposed to be delivered to militant groups in Pakistan. 
Afghanistan International: Sources in Badakhshan province told Afghanistan International that the Taliban has separated the hours of admission of male and female patients at the province’s central hospital. According to this division, women should go for treatment in the morning and men in the afternoon. The Taliban official has also banned the sale and purchase of condoms in Badakhshan. 
8am: Local sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily that, over the past year, the Taliban have been involved in the aid delivery process, even confiscating some of the assistance meant for earthquake victims from certain organizations. These sources also reported that aid distribution has been unfair, with some organizations either demanding money from the victims in exchange for assistance or sharing the aid with local influential elders. 
Afghanistan International: The Afghanistan Freedom Front has claimed responsibility for the killing of three Taliban members, including an official from the Taliban’s Intelligence Department 90, in an attack on Saturday evening at the Alaudin intersection in Kabul. Earlier, local sources had reported an explosion in the area.