Afghanistan Instability Threatens Central Asia, Says Regional Bloc

The meeting was attended by officials from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus and Russia, along with representatives from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Participants stressed the importance of strengthening co-operation in border security to address threats linked to Afghanistan. Measures taken by member states to counter cross-border threats were also reviewed.

The meeting highlighted a CIS programme to reinforce external borders for 2026–2030, described as a key mechanism for implementing member states’ policies.

It was also reported that a set of measures aimed at maintaining stability along the external borders of these countries was developed during the meeting.

The Commonwealth of Independent States was formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Its members include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Tajikistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Moldova.

These countries have previously warned about the risk of militant groups spreading into Central Asia and have repeatedly expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan.

Two Taliban Members Killed In Badakhshan Attack, Says NRF

Apr 9, 2026, 14:37 GMT+1

The National Resistance Front says it killed two Taliban members in a rocket attack on the Taliban governor’s office in Faizabad, Badakhshan. Local sources said three Taliban-linked sites were targeted on Wednesday night.

Local sources in Badakhshan confirmed the incident, telling Afghanistan International that three locations linked to the Taliban were struck in the rocket attacks.

According to the sources, one rocket hit near the First Police District close to the governor’s office, a second struck the residence of the governor’s guard, and a third hit the Taliban Ulema Council office.

The sources said the attacks caused no casualties, but the National Resistance Front claimed two Taliban members were killed and another injured.

The group also said that no civilians were harmed in the attacks.

Local Taliban officials have not yet commented on the incident.

Flooding Kills Nine, Damages Homes Across Afghanistan

Apr 9, 2026, 13:18 GMT+1

At least nine people were killed and 13 injured by flooding in the past 24 hours, a Taliban official said on Thursday. About 80 homes were destroyed and 626 damaged across several provinces.

Mohammad Yousuf Hammad, spokesman for the Taliban’s disaster management authority, said in a video message on Thursday, April 9, that one person is also missing.

He added that at least six kilometers of roads were washed away due to heavy rain and flooding over the same period.

According to Hammad, flooding and heavy rainfall caused casualties and damage in Kabul, Parwan, Panjshir, Daikundi, Paktia, Paktika, Ghazni, Maidan Wardak, Zabul, Ghor, Badghis, Balkh, Jawzjan, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces.

He said about 8.4 acers of agricultural land were destroyed and 18 irrigation canals damaged.

The spokesman noted that on the previous day, 15 people were killed and 18 others injured due to natural disasters within 24 hours.

With the latest figures, the total death toll since March 26 has risen to 157, with at least nine people still missing.

Afghanistan Situation Closely Watched, Says SCO Chief

Apr 9, 2026, 10:57 GMT+1

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation says Afghanistan remains under close watch, with member states monitoring developments due to their regional impact and shared borders.

SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev told a Russian outlet that although the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group is currently inactive, but Afghanistan remains a key focus for the organisation.

The group’s activities have been suspended since the Taliban’s return to power.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on July 2024, that he supports reactivating the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, noting it could help normalise the situation in the country.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also called on July 2025, for the revival of the SCO contact group on Afghanistan.

Yermekbayev said the situation between Pakistan and the Taliban is also under the organisation’s attention.

He added that the SCO consistently supports resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.

According to him, no formal request has been made by Pakistan or the Taliban to use the organisation’s mechanisms or take specific measures.

However, he stressed that the SCO continues to closely monitor tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban.

Fire At Key Afghanistan Border Port Brought Under Control With Iran’s Help

Apr 9, 2026, 08:59 GMT+1

A major fire at the Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi border port in western Afghanistan has been brought under control with assistance from Iran, Taliban officials said on Wednesday.

Local sources told Afghanistan International that the blaze broke out at the port in Farah province, sharing videos showing large flames and thick columns of smoke rising from the site.

The fire began on Wednesday afternoon. The Taliban have not yet provided details on the cause of the blaze, the extent of the damage or whether there were any casualties.

In footage circulated from the scene, a man can be heard expressing concern about the fire spreading to nearby vehicles.

The Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi port is one of the largest commercial crossings on the Afghanistan-Iran border. Border facilities in Afghanistan generally lack modern firefighting systems.

In 2021, one of the largest fires in recent years broke out at the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat province, which was eventually extinguished with assistance from Iran. Hundreds of vehicles were destroyed in that incident.

Pakistan Talks Ended In ‘Constructive’ Atmosphere, Says Taliban

Apr 8, 2026, 17:30 GMT+1

The Taliban Foreign Ministry says talks with Pakistan in Urumqi have ended, describing discussions as “constructive” and covering bilateral ties, security issues and regional stability.

Taliban’s foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said in a statement on Wednesday that the talks were held in a constructive atmosphere and thanked China for its goodwill and hosting.

He expressed hope that the process would strengthen trust, sustainable relations, mutual understanding and effective cooperation.

Earlier, sources told Afghanistan International that the talks ended without a clear outcome and that both delegations had returned home.

China’s Foreign Ministry said the Taliban and Pakistan agreed during the talks to explore a comprehensive solution to end the conflict.

Mao Ning China’s foreign ministry spokesperson said both sides agreed to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or complicate the situation.

She described the talks, held from 1 to 7 April, as frank and pragmatic, adding that they reflected a problem-solving and results-oriented approach.

Mao noted that terrorism remains a key issue affecting relations between the Taliban and Pakistan, and said all three sides emphasised the importance of the Urumqi process and expressed interest in maintaining dialogue.

Sources also confirmed that the talks were held in a constructive atmosphere but resulted in no major agreement, with delegations returning to their countries.

Both the Taliban and Pakistan had confirmed the start of the new round of talks in Urumqi on Thursday.

Earlier reports said the Taliban had sought China’s help to bring Pakistan to the negotiating table, while Pakistan said its participation focused on counterterrorism and border security rather than broader political engagement.

Pakistani officials have reportedly asked the Taliban to designate Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan as a terrorist group and dismantle its sanctuaries in Afghanistan, though the Taliban have not formally responded to these demands.

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