Taliban ‘Hostage Diplomacy’ Will Not Go Unanswered, Says US
The US State Department says the Taliban are detaining American citizens for political gain and warned the actions will not go unanswered.
Afghanistan
Taliban Detains Shia Clerics In Herat Over Eid Dispute
Sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban have detained several Shia clerics in Herat after they refused to mark Eid al-Fitr on the day declared by the group.
China Welcomes Pakistan-Taliban Ceasefire
China’s foreign ministry says it welcomes a temporary ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban.
Rehab Centre Struck in Kabul Was Under Taliban Interior Ministry, Says UN
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime says it did not support the Omid hospital in Kabul that was destroyed in a Pakistani airstrike, citing its control by the Taliban interior ministry.
Seek Peaceful Resolution With Pakistan, Says Taliban PM
Taliban Prime Minister Mullah Hasan Akhund says he supports dialogue and peaceful solutions to resolve issues with Pakistan.
Bombs & Aircraft Cannot Defeat Us, Says Taliban Leader
The Taliban say their leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, attended Eid al-Fitr prayers at Kandahar’s Eidgah Mosque on Thursday and delivered a speech.
Taliban Cut Telecom Networks In Kandahar During Leader’s Speech
Sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban temporarily shut down telecommunications networks across Kandahar on Thursday during the presence of their leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, at the Eidgah Mosque.
Taliban ‘Not Weak’ but Seek To Avoid Escalation With Pakistan, Says Haqqani
The Taliban’s interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, said the group is “not weak” and capable of confronting Pakistan but does not want the situation to escalate.
143 Killed in Pakistan Strike On Kabul Rehabilitation Centre, Says UN
A United Nations official told Reuters on Wednesday that the UN mission in Afghanistan estimates 143 people were killed in a Pakistani strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul.
Taliban Step Up Diplomatic Efforts Over Pakistan Conflict
The Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has held a virtual meeting with the group’s diplomats in various countries to discuss the ongoing conflict with Pakistan.
Pakistan-Taliban Tensions Could Lead To Full-Scale War, Warns Russian Envoy
Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan said Moscow is concerned about escalating tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban and warned they could lead to a full-scale war.
NRF Announces 2,000 Attacks Against Taliban Carried Out Over A Five-Year Period
A senior official of Afghanistan’s National Resistance Front said the group has carried out more than 2,000 attacks against the Taliban over the past five years.
Taliban FM Compares Pakistan Strikes To Israel’s War In Gaza
The Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said at a meeting with foreign diplomats in Kabul that 408 people were killed and 265 others wounded in Pakistani airstrikes on Monday night, which he said targeted a drug treatment centre.
Afghan Politicians React To Deadly Pakistan Strike In Kabul
Afghan political figures have reacted strongly to a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul which, according to the Taliban, targeted a drug rehabilitation centre and left “hundreds” dead.
UN Disputes Taliban Claim Of 400 Dead In Kabul Airstrike
The United Nations has rejected Taliban claims that 400 people were killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, saying instead that “dozens” were killed or wounded.
Pakistan Strike In Kabul: Drug Treatment Centre Or Suicide Drone Facility?
Findings by Afghanistan International indicate that the site targeted in Pakistan’s airstrike in eastern Kabul on Monday night was a former NATO base where a drug rehabilitation centre had been established about 10 years ago.
Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes On Nine Targets In Afghanistan
Credible sources told Afghanistan International that Pakistan carried out airstrikes on nine targets in Kabul and Nangarhar province on Monday night.
Hundreds Killed In Attack On Kabul Rehabilitation Centre, Says Taliban
Residents of Kabul said they heard the sound of a fighter jet followed by at least two powerful explosions across the city at about 8:50 p.m. local time, according to reports shared with Afghanistan International.
4 Civilians Killed In Pakistani Attacks In Past 24 Hours, Says Taliban
Taliban officials say at least four civilians were killed and nine others injured in Pakistani attacks over the past 24 hours in the provinces of Khost, Nuristan, Kunar and Paktika.
Pakistan Invites Afghan Taliban Opponents For Talks, Say Sources
Sources told Afghanistan International that Pakistan has invited several prominent political groups opposed to the Taliban to Islamabad. At least two officials confirmed discussions about a possible visit to Pakistan.
UN Lifts Sanctions On Several ‘Moderate’ Taliban Leaders
The UN Security Council’s sanctions committee has released an updated list of 22 senior Taliban officials subject to sanctions, along with brief biographies.
European Parliament Hosts Talks With Taliban Opponents
A two-day meeting of Taliban opponents has begun at the European Parliament, which is hosting several political and military opponents of the Taliban on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17.