Over 2,000 Afghan Commandos denied resettlement in UK despite service with British Forces

Khaama Press

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that more than 2,000 Afghan commandos, who had valid service records with units supported by the UK, have been unsuccessful in securing resettlement in the country. These commandos were part of various training and support programs facilitated by the UK in Afghanistan.

According to a report by BBC, these Afghan forces had been part of UK-funded programs, and their expenses were covered by the UK government. Despite their previous service with UK-supported units, these commandos are now facing the rejection of their resettlement applications.

Mike Martin, a member of the UK Parliament and a former military officer with experience in Afghanistan, expressed concerns over this decision, calling it “extremely worrying.” He emphasized the implications of the UK’s failure to provide a safe relocation for these individuals, who had previously worked alongside British forces.

The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that over 2,000 Afghan commandos have had their resettlement requests denied. These individuals had valid records of service with units that had operated under British support in Afghanistan, yet they have been denied the opportunity to seek refuge in the UK.

In the past, the UK implemented several programs to help resettle individuals who had collaborated with British forces. One such program was the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which allowed local personnel, including translators and Afghan staff, to relocate to the UK. Additionally, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) was set up to support Afghan nationals who were at risk.

The rejection of these commandos’ resettlement requests raises concerns about the UK’s commitment to its allies who have served with British forces in Afghanistan. The denial of resettlement not only affects the individuals involved but also sends a troubling message about the safety and treatment of those who have supported foreign military operations.

The situation of Afghan commandos denied resettlement in the UK is a major humanitarian concern. As the world watches, it is essential that the UK and other nations fulfill their obligations to those who stood by them in Afghanistan.

Over 2,000 Afghan Commandos denied resettlement in UK despite service with British Forces
read more

Qani: ISIS Has No Presence in Afghanistan

The spokesperson added that, according to their information, recent ISIS attacks were planned outside Afghanistan’s borders, in neighboring countries.

Abdul Mateen Qani, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, told TOLOnews that ISIS has been completely suppressed in Afghanistan and has no physical presence.

The spokesperson added that, according to their information, recent ISIS attacks were planned outside Afghanistan’s borders, in neighboring countries.

Qani said the Islamic Emirate is working to neutralize ISIS’s cross-border attacks as well.

He stated: “ISIS does not exist in Afghanistan at all and has reached zero. We completely reject their presence. Unfortunately, the recent incidents we have witnessed have roots beyond our borders. There is evidence and documents proving they are organized from neighboring countries, and their citizens are involved. We are working to establish relations with those countries to eliminate ISIS beyond our borders as well.”

The spokesperson once again pledged that Afghanistan’s soil will not be used against other countries.

Some members of the United Nations Security Council had previously expressed concerns over Afghanistan’s security situation.

Some military analysts also stressed the need for joint efforts to combat terrorist groups at the regional level.

“To prevent ISIS activities in Afghanistan, a regional consensus must be established to put an end to this issue,” said Sadiq Shinwari, a military analyst.

“The roots of ISIS-Khorasan should be traced and pursued outside Afghanistan’s borders because the intelligence and technology of regional and global countries are highly advanced, and they know well where ISIS-Khorasan originates from,” said Ahmad Khan Andar, another analyst.

Previously, the Islamic Emirate’s Central Commission for Security and Clearance Affairs had also stated that, based on credible information, newly recruited fighters are being transferred through Karachi and Islamabad airports to centers in Balochistan and the tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the aim of carrying out attacks in the region and globally, especially in Afghanistan.

Qani: ISIS Has No Presence in Afghanistan
read more

UN Security Council Debates Extension of UNAMA Mandate

UNAMA’s current mandate is set to expire on March 17 of this year

The United Nations Security Council members are discussing draft resolutions for extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

The Security Council stated in a release that two drafts have been prepared for extending UNAMA’s mandate: one drafted by the United States and South Korea, and the other by China and Pakistan.

UNAMA’s current mandate is set to expire on March 17 of this year.

The UN Security Council’s statement reads: “Council members are likely to discuss two alternative draft resolutions on the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which expires on 17 March.”

“If the United Nations and major countries want to stay informed about the situation in Afghanistan, their office in Kabul [UNAMA] must remain open, and extending this mandate is essential. This way, they can stay informed about Afghanistan’s conditions and also provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people,” said Salim Paigir, a political analyst.

The UNAMA office in Afghanistan aims to promote human rights, gender equality, facilitate negotiations, promote regional cooperation, coordinate humanitarian aid, and support climate action efforts.

“The Security Council members must set aside internal differences and adopt a unified stance on Afghanistan, focusing on how to help Afghanistan overcome its current situation,” said Edris Mohammadi Zazai, another political analyst.

Previously, an American organization reported tensions between China and the United States over which country should take responsibility for Afghanistan’s file at the UN Security Council. According to the report, these disagreements have led to a deadlock in finalizing the draft resolution for extending UNAMA’s mandate.

UN Security Council Debates Extension of UNAMA Mandate
read more

US-China dispute over Afghanistan resolutions escalates at UNSC

By

AMU TV

17 Feb 2025

File-Photo United Nations Security Council

A diplomatic dispute over control of United Nations Security Council resolutions on Afghanistan has escalated into a broader clash between the United States and China, raising tensions within the global body, Just Security reported.

The disagreement, which has been simmering since late 2024, has intensified in recent weeks following the return of the Trump administration. The dispute could shape not only the U.N.’s engagement with the Taliban-led government in Kabul but also Beijing’s growing influence in the Security Council.

“While the Trump administration has made headlines by pulling out of U.N. mechanisms like the Paris climate pact and the World Health Organization, this argument in the council could be a harbinger of more Sino-American tensions over multilateral security,” the report stated.

At the center of the dispute is which country should serve as the Security Council’s “penholder” on Afghanistan. In U.N. terminology, the penholder is responsible for drafting resolutions, initiating negotiations, and shaping key mandates related to the country in question.

Some council members have suggested a shared arrangement, with South Korea acting as a pro-Western counterbalance to China’s influence. However, Pakistan has asserted its right to take the lead, citing its geographic proximity and security concerns related to Afghanistan.

Security Council resolutions are binding documents aimed at maintaining international peace and security. They can include sanctions, the deployment of peacekeeping forces, and diplomatic measures, all of which member states are obligated to enforce.

Resolutions on Afghanistan typically address counterterrorism efforts, support for the peace process, oversight of U.N. missions—such as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)—human rights, and sanctions enforcement.

The Just Security report noted that U.S. officials are increasingly concerned about China’s influence at the U.N. and are reluctant to allow Beijing to shape Afghanistan’s agenda. The tensions over Afghanistan’s Security Council resolutions have further intensified with Donald Trump’s return to office.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Two weeks ago, he stated that if he had been in office at the time of the U.S. withdrawal, he would have retained control of the base. He also claimed—without evidence—that China currently controls the facility.

Historically, the three Western permanent members of the Security Council—the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—have held significant influence over resolution drafting. According to Just Security, in 2024, the U.S. served as penholder on six country-specific issues, France on seven, and the U.K. on six. Russia has led on matters concerning Central Asia and co-leads with the U.S. on the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights.

With Beijing’s influence at the U.N. growing, the battle over Afghanistan’s Security Council resolutions is likely to remain a key flashpoint in U.S.-China relations.

US-China dispute over Afghanistan resolutions escalates at UNSC
read more

Afghanistan’s exports to India grow

By Fidel Rahmati

Indian media has reported that over the past two years, the country’s imports from Afghanistan have increased, with bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan reaching a value of $642.29 million.

According to the report, the largest exports from Afghanistan to India include agricultural products such as saffron, raisins, figs, apples, potatoes, almonds, apricots, onions, garlic, pomegranates, and mixed nuts.

Meanwhile, the National Statistics and Information Authority of the Taliban government has stated that the country’s exports decreased by $28 million in January compared to December, with a total export value of $162.2 million through the country’s customs in the past month.

It is reported that the highest exports were made to Pakistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates, while the highest imports came from Iran, Pakistan, and China.

Based on the statistics from this authority, the total export value of the country in the January 2025 was $190.2 million, while the import value was $1,041.5 million.

It is worth noting that the significant trade deficit and the increase in imports from other countries have turned Afghanistan into a consumer nation.

Additionally, the World Bank reported a 14% decline in Afghanistan’s exports from January to September compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan continues to maintain trade relations with neighboring countries, the growing import dependence and declining exports suggest challenges for the nation’s economic stability. The trade imbalance is a concerning trend, which highlights the need for efforts to boost local production and reduce reliance on foreign goods.

Afghanistan’s exports to India grow
read more

Ministry: Women’s Rights Accusations Used to Pressure Islamic Emirate

Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, the ministry’s spokesperson, said that Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and Islamic laws have defined fair rights for women, children, and all segments of society.

Khyber said: “Criticism of the laws, activities, and strategies of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice under the name of women’s human rights reflects the double standards of international norms, using human rights slogans as a tool for political pressure.”

A day earlier, female foreign ministers from 17 countries, including Canada, Australia, Germany, and representatives of the European Union, expressed concerns in a joint statement regarding the restrictions imposed on women in Afghanistan.

They stressed that no government can achieve sustainable peace, prosperity, and a viable future without the participation of women and urged the Islamic Emirate to lift the restrictions imposed on Afghan women.

The joint statement read: “Today, women foreign ministers from around the world convened to discuss and reaffirm their deep concerns about the ongoing and systematic violations and abuses of human rights in Afghanistan by the Taliban de facto authorities, particularly those affecting women and girls.”

“Both women and men play significant roles in society. Without women’s participation, we cannot achieve goals such as the country’s progress and development,” said Faryal Saidzada, a women’s rights activist.

The ministers highlighted that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan depends on the participation of all Afghans, including women, in the country’s future and called on all countries to ensure the full and meaningful participation of women in discussions about Afghanistan.

The statement added: “We know that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is only attainable if all Afghans, including women and girls, can fully participate in and contribute to the country’s future. This includes discussions and decisions happening within the country, but also on the international stage.”

“We cannot move forward with only one segment of society; people have different mindsets and demands. We must have women’s representatives in organizations and international conferences,” said Fatima Fayzi, a women’s rights activist.

According to the statement, while Afghanistan faces high maternal and child mortality rates, the Islamic Emirate has decided to ban girls from attending health centers starting from December 2024.

Ministry: Women’s Rights Accusations Used to Pressure Islamic Emirate
read more

UNSC Grants 23-Day Travel Exemption to Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar

In a statement, the committee said that the purpose of this exemption is for Baradar’s travel to Doha for medical treatment.

The United Nations Security Council sanctions committee has announced a 23-day travel exemption for Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy prime minister for economic affairs.

In a statement, the committee said that the purpose of this exemption is for Baradar’s travel to Doha for medical treatment.

The Security Council’s statement mentions that this exemption has been issued under resolution 1988 and is valid from February 9 to March 3, 2025.

The UN Security Council sanctions committee stated: “On 7 February 2025, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) approved a travel ban exemption for Abdul Ghani Baradar Abdul Ahmad Turk (TAi.024) regarding his visit to Doha, State of Qatar, from 9 February 2025 to 3 March 2025 for medical treatment.”

“If Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar’s travel is for medical purposes, I hope it also has a political aspect to help Afghanistan emerge from economic and political isolation,” said Zalmai Afghanyar, a political analyst.

The statement also mentioned that a three-day travel exemption to Russia has been granted to the head of Afghanistan’s Central Bank.

The committee added that this exemption was granted for his visit to Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, to participate in the Ural Cybersecurity in Finance Forum, scheduled from February 19 to 21.

“For Afghanistan’s economic growth and to bring the country out of isolation, Mr. Baradar and his colleagues should take steps during this trip,” said Samim Shamsi, another political analyst.

Previously, the UN Security Council sanctions committee had also issued travel exemptions this year for three officials of the Islamic Emirate, including the acting ministers of interior, foreign affairs, and Hajj and religious affairs.

UNSC Grants 23-Day Travel Exemption to Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar
read more

Taliban Confirms Hand Grenade Attack At Aybak Mosque in Samangan

Volant Media UK Limited

Feb 14, 2025, 12:26 GMT

The Taliban police command in Samangan has confirmed an explosion at the Joi Zindan Mosque in the city centre of Aybak.

Hashmatullah Rahmani, the Taliban police spokesperson, stated that the incident occurred when two individuals threw a hand grenade into the mosque during prayers, reportedly over a “personal dispute.”

Rahmani indicated that at least four worshippers were injured in the attack. He added that Taliban security forces arrived promptly at the scene and subsequently arrested the perpetrators, confirming that the two attackers were armed. The incident is currently under investigation, and the injured have been transferred to Mazar-e-Sharif Provincial Hospital for treatment.

Earlier reports from local sources told Afghanistan International that an explosion and subsequent gunfire had been heard inside the Grand Mosque in the Joi Zindan area, with a grenade being thrown followed by gunfire. Doctors from the Samangan Public Health Department reported that dozens of worshippers were injured during the attack.

This attack is the latest in a series of explosions in Afghanistan in recent days. On the morning of Thursday, 13 February, a suicide attack targeted the Taliban’s Ministry of Urban Development in Kabul, resulting in multiple casualties.

Prior to that, on Tuesday, 11 February, a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside the Kabul Bank office in Kunduz, where Taliban officials and military personnel were awaiting their salaries. ISIS-K later claimed responsibility for the Kunduz attack.

 

Taliban Confirms Hand Grenade Attack At Aybak Mosque in Samangan
read more

UNICEF and ADB officials highlight support for women and children in Afghanistan

Tajudeen Oyewale, the UNICEF representative in Afghanistan, emphasized support for women and children during a meeting with officials from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

On Friday, February 14, Oyewale stated on his X account regarding the meeting with ADB officials, discussing how they can support women and children in Afghanistan.

He described the meeting as a “strong partnership for a brighter future for women and children in Afghanistan” and stressed that they are working together to expand essential services and create more opportunities to help those in greatest need.

He emphasized that during the discussion, both parties agreed to expand essential services and provide more opportunities for those in need. No further details have been released about the meeting’s discussions.

This comes at a time when several international humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, especially for women, after the suspension of U.S. aid.

According to reports, Afghanistan’s economic and social crises have intensified, leaving millions of women and children reliant on humanitarian aid to meet their basic needs. Recently, the World Bank reported that Afghanistan is facing a severe food security crisis, with at least 2.9 million people currently on the brink of hunger.

UNICEF and ADB officials highlight support for women and children in Afghanistan
read more

Muttaqi Warns Against Unjust Criticism, Disobedience

During his speech, the acting foreign minister described unjust criticism as a cause of ruin.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting minister of foreign affairs, stated during a ceremony at a religious school in Kabul that those who disobey the Amir (leader) will face downfall.

During his speech, the acting foreign minister described unjust criticism as a cause of ruin.

Muttaqi said: “Now that Allah has granted us a society where we have elders, youth, teachers, an Amir, ministers, governors, and district chiefs, if we entertain wrong thoughts, follow other groups, engage in gossip, undermine our own community, and offer unjust criticism, it will lead to ruin.”

In another part of his speech, Muttaqi urged members of the Islamic Emirate to avoid narrow-mindedness and not to act in ways that alienate the people.

The acting foreign minister added: “The Taliban should not be narrow-minded, should not rely solely on themselves, or consider themselves perfect. They must view every individual in society with respect and dignity.”

Salim Paigir, a political analyst, told TOLOnews: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not taken significant steps in this area over the past three and a half years. It must also accept the Afghan people and political figures to collectively solve the current challenges of the country.”

This comes as the spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate recently acknowledged differences in views among its members but clarified that these differences do not imply division or conflict.

Muttaqi Warns Against Unjust Criticism, Disobedience
read more