Taliban bans women from Band-e-Amir visits amid global outcry

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Khaama: The Taliban administration, disregarding the international outrage stemming from the “oppressive” restrictions imposed on the lives, work, and education of women in Afghanistan, has continued to intensify these limitations. In the latest instance, as per the directive of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of the Taliban, women are not allowed to visit Band-e-Amir’s attractions. Khalid Hanafi, the acting Minister of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in the Taliban administration, during his visit to the Bamyan province on Saturday, held discussions with religious scholars.  He conveyed that until the formulation of “principles,” women are not allowed to visit Band-e Amir National Park. Click here to read more (external link).

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Afghan Students in India Face Risks of Imprisonment and Expulsion

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8am: Hundreds of Afghan students in India are voicing their frustration over their uncertain situation. These students claim that their scholarships for the academic year 2023-2024 haven’t been extended. Despite their persistent efforts, the Taliban Ministry of Higher Education, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) have not responded. According to these students, the Indian government abruptly halted scholarships for Afghan students in the new year without providing clear reasons or details. They also criticize the behavior of ICCR officials, considering it disrespectful. On the other hand, female students, concerned about their deteriorating economic and psychological conditions, state that they are trapped in a state of limbo. They urge the Indian government to understand the circumstances of women under the Taliban’s rule and grant them scholarships to alleviate their predicament. Click here to read more (external link).

Afghanistan announce squad for Asia Cup 2023

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Ariana: The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced the 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 starting from 30th August 2023. Hashmatullah Shahidi will captain the team, which includes experienced players such as Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi among others. The tournament, which gets underway on Wednesday promises to be an exciting event as Afghanistan will no doubt look to take lessons from the 3-match ODI series against Pakistan that finished on Saturday. Pakistan clinched the series 3-0. Click here to read more (external link).

Taliban Force 15 Families to Displace in Baghlan Province: Allegations of Collaboration with NRF Trigger Coerced Exodus

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8am: Nevertheless, sources vehemently assert that these families hold no ties with the NRF, challenging the basis of these actions by the Taliban. This incident falls in line with a disconcerting pattern observed earlier this year, wherein the Taliban uprooted hundreds of families from districts like Khaja Bahauddin, Deh-Salah, Andarab, and Doshi within Baghlan Province. Notably, these areas are predominantly inhabited by the Tajik ethnic group. Click here to read more (external link).

3 Taliban Members Injured, Killed in Attack by NRF Fighters in Takhar

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Aamaj: The National Resistance Front (NRF) stated that the forces of this front attacked a Taliban camp in the village of “Qaflatun” in the Khwaja Ghar district of Takhar province last night, as a result of which one Taliban was killed and two others were injured. According to the National Resistance Front, this attack took place around around 11 p.m. last night on August 25, 2023. Click here to read more (external link).

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U.S. Defense Secretary Recalls ‘Horrific’ Attack At Kabul Airport On Second Anniversary

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Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
August 26, 2023

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on August 26 recalled the “horrific terrorist attack” two years ago outside Kabul’s airport that killed 13 Americans and an estimated 170 Afghan citizens.

The attack took place at Abbey Gate, where thousands of people had gathered amid the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and other foreign forces from Afghanistan 11 days after the Taliban seized control in Kabul.

The Afghans — many fearing retribution from the Taliban for having worked with U.S. and other foreign militaries — were at the gate desperately hoping to get on a flight out of the country.

“Two years ago, a horrific terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport killed 13 brave American heroes, as well as approximately 170 Afghan civilians,” Austin said in a statement.

He said the U.S. military “undertook a tremendously difficult task amid hazardous conditions” in the final days of the war in Afghanistan.

“Along with the rest of their teammates, these 13 Service members — 11 Marines, a Soldier, and a Sailor — tackled their mission with skill, compassion, and extraordinary courage,” Austin said in the statement.

The United States and its allies just prior to the attack had urged civilians to stay away from the airport because of the threat of a suicide bombing by the extremist group Islamic State (IS).

IS, an enemy of the Taliban as well as the West, claimed responsibility for the attack shortly afterward, saying that one of its suicide bombers from its affiliate, IS-Khorasan, had targeted “translators and collaborators with the American Army.”

Many Afghans whose relatives were killed in the attack still feel the pain of losing their loved ones in the bombing. Despite the Taliban-led government’s claims that it has eliminated IS from Afghanistan, it continues to claim responsibility for violent acts carried out in Afghanistan.

With reporting by AP and RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036.

33 hospitals at risk of closure in Afghanistan due to lack of funding

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Ariana: “The activity of 33 hospitals in Afghanistan is on the verge of being stopped due to lack of funds, the transition strategy of the health system for Afghanistan is in the final stages and will cost nearly $2.4 million and if the lack of funding for Afghanistan is not addressed, 875,000 children will be severely malnourished,” said WHO. Click here to read more (external link).

Other Health News 

Rising Armed Robberies Under The Taliban Name in Parwan Province: Residents Speak of Sleepless Nights

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8am: Residents of Parwan province report an increase in armed robberies in the region. According to them, most of these armed robberies are carried out using the name and military equipment of the Taliban. The residents of the province accuse the Taliban of inadequacy in providing security, stating that the group itself is involved in the insecurity of the province. Click here to read more (external link).