NRF Claims Attack On Taliban Base In Takhar Province

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed objection to the "characterisation of Afghanistan as a potential threat to other nations”.

It labeled Otunbayeva's speech as containing "baseless allegations”. Additionally, the ministry urged the United Nations to prioritise accuracy and impartiality in its reporting and actions, avoiding bias.

As per the Taliban’s statement, the group is committed to constructive and purposeful engagement to achieve common interests and responds to shared concerns at any time and place within the framework of the Islamic sharia, Afghanistan's independence and interests, alongside all countries worldwide and the United Nations.

Otunbayeva stated in her speech to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, that Afghanistan is a challenge for the international community and a source of instability. She added that terrorism has been exported from the country to other parts of the world.

She also said that in the region and beyond, there are concerns about the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

She emphasised that the concerns extend beyond the presence of ISIS in Afghanistan. According to Otunbayeva, the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan is a significant worry for Pakistan, as the country has experienced terrorist acts in recent months.

On Friday, Iodice wrote on her X social media platform, "I congratulate my Afghan sisters for their resilience, strength, and achievements all along."

“If women are working together - united, informed, and educated – they can bring real change and prosperity,” she said.

Following the takeover of power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed extensive restrictions on women. Over the past two and a half years, human rights advocates inside and outside Afghanistan have called for the repeal of these restrictions.

Despite the ongoing suppression of protests by the Taliban, advocacy and demonstrations continue. In the most recent incident on Friday, a group of young women in Takhar marched through the streets, voicing slogans against the Taliban.

Videos received by Afghanistan International show women in the march stating that on International Women's Day, Afghan women are imprisoned. They chanted, "Anti-women government be overthrown”.

In a statement released on Friday, the front stated that three other Taliban fighters had also been wounded in the attacks.

As per the statement, in an assault by the NRF forces on a Taliban vehicle in Herat city, three Taliban members were killed, and two others were injured.

On the other hand, in a separate attack on a vehicle transporting the chief of staff of the Taliban division in Bagram, the target was killed and the driver sustained injuries.

The front added that its forces did not suffer any casualties in these attacks.

In the past two days, this has been the third attack against Taliban forces reported by the National Resistance Front.

On Thursday, in an attack by the forces of the National Resistance Front in Takhar, three Taliban members were killed.

These announcements are being distributed in both Pashto and Urdu languages.

Torkham is one of the busiest routes for traders and people, especially patients.

The decision by Pakistan marks the end of a period during which travellers could cross the border with other documents, such as agreements from the British Indian passport era and national identity cards.

Pakistani sources in Torkham informed the Pashto section of Afghanistan International that Pakistan will enforce the visa requirement for Afghan patients and drivers.

Previously, Pakistan had made at least three attempts to condition the crossing of Afghan patients and drivers on having a Pakistani visa, however, it has not been successfully implemented.

According to information received by Afghanistan International, Pakistani authorities held a meeting in Torkham three days ago to implement their recent decision.

Afghan drivers in Torkham told the Pashto section of Afghanistan International that the visa requirement would pose a problem for them.

A source told Afghanistan International, "Obtaining a Pakistani visa is quite challenging these days. On one hand, trade condition is not favourable and on the other hand, visa conditions are adding to the hardships.”

“On International Women’s Day, I stand with the women and girls of Afghanistan who face an unparalleled level of institutional and systematic discrimination,” he said.

In a statement, he expressed his salutation for Afghan women’s bravery, creativity, and leadership in demanding their rights.

He urged the Taliban to respect all the human rights of women and girls, including their right to education and work.

The UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan emphasised on meaningful and equal participation of women and girls in all aspects of social life.

Bennett called on the Taliban to immediately and unconditionally release all those who have been arbitrary detained for human rights, especially women’s and girl’s rights.

Following the takeover of power in August 2021, the Taliban has imposed extensive restrictions on women. Over the past two and a half years, numerous human rights defenders both inside and outside Afghanistan have called for the repeal of these restrictions.

Although the Taliban has consistently suppressed protests and demonstrations, in the latest incident, on Friday, a group of young women in Takhar took to the streets, chanting slogans against the Taliban.

Videos received by Afghanistan International show women in the march stating that on International Women's Day, Afghan women are imprisoned. They chanted, "Anti-women government be overthrown.”