A U.S. Congressman warned that Afghanistan has once again become a safe haven for terrorists, posing a growing threat to regional and global security.

Bill Huizenga, a Republican Representative from Michigan and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, warned on Thursday that Afghanistan has once again become a “safe haven for terrorist groups.” He described it as a growing threat to South and Central Asia and even beyond.

Speaking at a hearing titled “Assessing the Terrorist Threat Landscape in South and Central Asia and Exploring Opportunities for Cooperation”, Huizenga emphasized that the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan significantly shifted the regional security balance. He blamed the Biden administration’s exit strategy for allowing terrorist networks to regroup under Taliban control.

He specifically expressed concern over the growing activities of groups like ISIS-Khorasan and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Citing Pakistan’s recent surge in violence, he noted a rise in deadly attacks, including the recent assault in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which he saw as evidence of ongoing insurgency in the region.

Huizenga recalled the 2021 ISIS-Khorasan suicide bombing at Kabul airport that killed 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians. He said one of his own constituents was injured in that attack and warned that the group has since expanded its capabilities and reach, targeting both civilians and Taliban officials.

While acknowledging some recent U.S.-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation—including the capture and extradition of a key ISIS-K figure involved in the Kabul bombing—Huizenga warned that Pakistan remains unstable. He cited 2024 as one of the most violent years in the country in over a decade, pointing to attacks by TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army.

Huizenga also referenced a recent deadly attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 people dead, mostly tourists, describing it as a deliberate and brutal assault. He warned that such incidents risk sparking wider military confrontations between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan.

He urged a comprehensive review of U.S. counterterrorism tools and stronger regional cooperation. “It is essential,” he said, “to reassess the instruments we have and strengthen partnerships to continue the fight against terrorism.”

UNDP reports that 139,000 Afghan families now have access to clean water, addressing ongoing water scarcity challenges in the country.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Afghanistan has highlighted the ongoing water accessibility challenges in the country. In a report released on 26th July 2025, the UNDP revealed that 139,000 families have gained access to clean water, but significant challenges remain in ensuring widespread access.

The report stresses that water scarcity has had a direct impact on migration, agriculture, and livelihoods across many regions of Afghanistan. With insufficient access to water, communities are forced to relocate in search of more viable living conditions, which further strains the country’s resources.

Women, in particular, bear the brunt of the water crisis, with the report emphasizing that they carry a disproportionate share of the burden. In rural areas, women often spend hours collecting water, a task that impacts their health and well-being.

To address this crisis, UNDP has helped develop over 80 water canals and 10 check dams in key regions of Afghanistan. These projects aim to restore water supplies, improve agricultural productivity, and provide sustainable access to clean water.

In provinces like Kandahar, Zabul, and Nangarhar, the revitalization of traditional Karez systems and the creation of new water infrastructure have had positive outcomes. Not only have these efforts helped revive agriculture and irrigation, but they have also reversed migration trends and increased community resilience.

However, despite these efforts, the UN has raised concerns about the broader impact of climate change on Afghanistan’s water resources. Droughts and unpredictable weather patterns are worsening the water scarcity crisis, which threatens both the country’s agricultural sector and the livelihoods of its citizens.

As the situation continues to evolve, experts stress the importance of long-term solutions that not only address immediate water shortages but also help communities adapt to the changing climate. Continued support from international organizations will be crucial in ensuring Afghanistan’s water security and resilience.