Deadly Incidents Claim 20 Lives in Western Afghanistan Over the Past Month

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Taliban militants (file photo)

8am: In the past month, 20 individuals lost their lives in various incidents across the provinces of Herat, Badghis, Ghor, Nimruz, and Farah. During this period, the Taliban executed a former military officer and a civilian. Additionally, several civilian killings have been attributed to unidentified armed individuals. Approximately five Taliban fighters also died during this time. Moreover, three individuals, including a woman, committed suicide in the provinces of Herat and Farah. Over the past three years, the Taliban have consistently claimed to ensure nationwide security and announced a general amnesty. However, during this period, they continued to arrest, seek revenge, and kill their opponents, former military personnel, and former government employees. Click here to read more (external link).

After Fleeing Floods, Afghans See Tents ‘Torn To Pieces’ By Windstorms

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RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi and Will Tizard: Severe winds in Afghanistan’s central Ghor Province have destroyed a tent settlement where hundreds of flood victims were temporarily sheltered. Their original homes were swept away in the summer by torrential rains. The Taliban government promised to build new housing, but no construction — or even basic aid — has materialized as winter weather looms.

Afghanistan National Volleyball team departs for Central Asia championship in Uzbekistan

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Khaama: The Afghanistan national volleyball team has departed for Uzbekistan to participate in the Central Asia Championship. Volleyball federation officials said the team left for Tashkent today, Thursday, October 17th. The Central Asia Championship will feature national volleyball teams from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Click here to read more (external link).

Market catches fire in Afghanistan’s Kandahar

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KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) — A popular market locally known as “Bush Market” caught fire in Kandahar city, capital of Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province, on Wednesday. The market is located in the Police District 5 of the city. Deputy head of Kandahar’s firefighting department Nazir Ahmad Zahid said that the fire caused property damage worth some 40 million afghani (600,000 U.S. dollars) to 13 persons including shopkeepers in the market.  Click here to read more (external link).

In Balkh Province, Poverty Fuels a Surge in Forced Marriages Among Young Girls

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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

Afghanistan A Cricket Team Wins Tri-Nation Series in Oman

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Tolo News: The Afghanistan A Cricket Team has been crowned champion of the Tri-Nation Series in Oman. Afghan A cricketers were set to face Hong Kong in the final match of the 20-over tri-nation series yesterday (Tuesday); however, the match was canceled due to rain. Click here to read more (external link).

Other Afghan Sports News

Iranian forces accused of killing over 250 Afghan migrants at border

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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. Click here to read more (external link).

Related

Hundreds of Afghan soldiers to be allowed to relocate to UK after U-turn

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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. Click here to read more (externa link).