US Has Accepted Only 3 Afghan Refugees Since October 2025

BBC World cited data from the US State Department’s Refugee Processing Center, reporting that a total of 4,499 refugees were resettled during this period, all but three of whom were from South Africa.

This compares with the final full fiscal year of Joe Biden’s administration, when around 125,000 refugees from 85 countries were admitted to the United States.

Last year, Donald Trump introduced sweeping changes to immigration policy, significantly restricting or halting refugee admissions, including applicants from conflict zones such as Afghanistan.

However, he prioritised white South African minorities, whom he claimed face “racial persecution”, allowing them to apply for resettlement in the United States. The move was rejected by the South African government, which dismissed claims of “white genocide” as unfounded.

The Trump administration also reduced the refugee admissions cap for the 2026 fiscal year to 7,500, the lowest since the programme was established in 1980, prioritising white South Africans and “other victims of unlawful or unjust discrimination”.

Afghans have consistently been among the top nationalities seeking asylum in the US over the past decade. Following the recent changes, thousands of Afghan refugees remain stranded in regional countries and elsewhere, awaiting resettlement.

Taliban Mandating Religious Allegiance, Says Balkh University Students

Apr 10, 2026, 15:49 GMT+1

Students at Balkh University say the Taliban have forced them to sign a document pledging to follow the Hanafi school of Islam, alongside rules on dress, behaviour and religious observance.

A copy of the 14-point document, obtained by Afghanistan International, outlines strict regulations, including mandatory beards, wearing traditional Afghan clothing and a ban on music. Students are also required to comply with the Taliban’s promotion of the vice and virtue law.

The document specifies a dress code, requiring students to wear “Afghan-style clothing”, and prohibits photography and video recording.

Clause six states: “Given that the people of Afghanistan follow the school of Imam Abu Hanifa, I also choose to follow this school in order to preserve unity and cohesion.”

Students from several universities have shared the document with Afghanistan International, expressing concern over the imposition of such rules.

A Balkh University student said they were forced to sign the pledge and warned they could be expelled if they fail to comply.

The final section of the document states that students will have no right to appeal if they violate its terms.

There have previously been reports of Taliban efforts to enforce religious sect changes in provinces including Badakhshan.

In early 2026, the Taliban’s Ulema Council in the province announced that followers of the Ismaili sect would receive financial incentives and protection if they converted to Sunni Islam.

The Taliban’s penal code also recognises followers of the Hanafi school as Muslims, while describing other sects as “deviant”.

Attack On Civilians In Herat Kills & Injures Dozens

Apr 10, 2026, 15:02 GMT+1

Local sources say unknown gunmen opened fire on civilians in Injil district of Herat on Friday, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens, with casualties feared to rise.

The attack took place in Deh Mehri village in Injil district of Herat province. According to sources, the area is predominantly inhabited by Shia communities.

Victims had gathered near a shrine known as “Sayed Mohammad Agha” when they came under gunfire.

Sources said the group had gone to the area for recreation near the border of Injil and Zinda Jan districts when they were targeted.

Doctors at a local hospital told Afghanistan International that at least 10 bodies had been brought in so far, while sources warned the death toll could increase.

An eyewitness said he saw around 20 bodies at the scene.

Taliban authorities have not commented on the incident, and no group has claimed responsibility.

Flooding Affects More Than 10,000 Families In Afghanistan, Says UN

Apr 10, 2026, 13:46 GMT+1

The UN says heavy rain and flooding over the past two weeks have affected at least 10,634 families in Afghanistan, leaving 93 people dead and 181 injured across 165 districts.

In a report on Thursday, April 9, OCHA said a total of 73,300 people had been affected by the recent rainfall and flooding.

The agency added that 9,010 homes were impacted, including 1,338 destroyed and 7,672 damaged.

It said about 7,720 acres of agricultural land were lost and 543 livestock killed during this period.

The UN also reported damage to at least 200 kilometers of roads and the destruction of 19 bridges.

According to the report, around 1,200 affected families have so far received humanitarian assistance, including food, cash, emergency shelter, essential items and health services.

Figures from the Taliban’s disaster management authority show that since March 26, at least 157 people have died due to heavy rain and flooding nationwide, with nine still missing.

Uzbekistan Seizes 191kg Of Hashish Smuggled From Afghanistan

Apr 10, 2026, 12:47 GMT+1

Uzbek authorities say 191kg of Hashish was seized from a truck arriving from Afghanistan at the Termez crossing, with one suspect arrested. The drugs were hidden inside steam boilers.

Officials said an inspection of a Hyundai lorry found that of 750 boilers being transported, 210 had false bottoms or concealed compartments.

A total of 190kg and 800 grams of Hashish was recovered from the shipment.

The driver, a 34-year-old Uzbek national, had been under surveillance before crossing the border, authorities said.

Uzbek media reported the shipment was being transited to a neighbouring country, though the destination was not specified.

Taliban Forces Withdraw From Border Posts In Nuristan & Kunar

Apr 10, 2026, 10:36 GMT+1

Local sources say Taliban border forces have withdrawn from several posts after Pakistani attacks, including at least three positions in Barg-e Matal district.

Local elders reported that in Bari Kot, in Nari district of Kunar, and in Kamdesh district of Nuristan, Taliban forces abandoned border posts and took shelter in nearby village mosques.

One elder said: “When fighting began, Pakistani forces attacked Bari Kot. Both local residents and Taliban fighters left the area, and the posts are now empty.”

According to local sources, Pakistani and Taliban posts are located close to each other. It remains unclear why the Taliban withdrew or whether heavy Pakistani shelling forced the evacuation.

Aid organisations and Bakhtar News Agency reported that ongoing clashes between Taliban and Pakistani forces have displaced thousands of families from Nari district to the centers of Kunar and Nangarhar.

Local elders said roads leading to Kamdesh and Barg-e Matal via Nari have been blocked, possibly to conceal the Taliban’s withdrawal from border positions.

Some elders believe the Taliban lack logistical capacity to sustain their forces and withdrew out of fear of Pakistani attacks.

Others accused the group of misleading the public and media, saying officials use helicopters to visit district centers to give the impression they still control border areas and that roads remain open.

One elder said: “The Taliban now have both a government and a military, but they cannot keep roads open or ensure security.”

Earlier, Faridun Samim, spokesperson for the Taliban governor in Nuristan, confirmed that Pakistani forces were attacking vehicles trying to enter Kamdesh and Barg-e Matal, leading to the closure of land routes.

Some local residents warned that if the situation continues, they may be forced to seek help from Pakistani forces for movement and basic supplies.

Previously, Nuristan residents had urged Taliban Promotion of Vice and Virtue Minister Khalid Hanafi to take urgent steps to reopen roads in Barg-e Matal and Kamdesh.

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