Suicide attack in Kunduz kills and injures at least 12

Local sources in Kunduz province have reported that a suicide attack in the center of the province has left at least five dead and seven injured.

According to the sources, a powerful explosion occurred around 8:35 AM today, Tuesday, February 11 in front of a branch of Kabul Bank in the center of Kunduz.

Officials from the Taliban also confirmed the explosion, stating that a suicide bomber detonated themselves near Kabul Bank in Kunduz.

Jummahuddin Khaksar, spokesperson for the Taliban’s police in Kunduz, confirmed that five people, including members of the Taliban, were killed in the explosion, and seven others sustained injuries in the attack.

An eyewitness from the provincial hospital in Kunduz said that the bodies of 14 people have been brought to the hospital. Another source from the same hospital stated that at least 17 dead have been transferred to the hospital so far. Some sources have reported a higher number of casualties than these figures.

It is noteworthy that ISIS has claimed responsibility for all suicide attacks that have occurred in the past three years, including an earlier attack on members of the Taliban in front of a bank branch in Kandahar.

The increasing frequency of such attacks has raised concerns about the security situation in the country, especially as groups like ISIS continue to target officials and civilians. As investigations into the latest attack proceed, efforts to enhance security and prevent further attacks will likely become a priority for the authorities.

Suicide attack in Kunduz kills and injures at least 12
read more

Afghan Refugees in Limbo as Advocates Urge US Support

Donald Trump’s suspension of the refugee program has caused significant concern among Afghan citizens waiting in other countries.

The head of the AfghanEvac and a group of former US Army soldiers have urged the US Secretary of State to continue supporting Afghan allies

Shawn VanDiver, the head of AfghanEvac, the main coalition working on the resettlement of Afghans with the US government, has warned that the lack of support for these individuals will put their lives in greater danger.

According to VanDiver, failing to support these individuals could undermine trust in US forces in future wars.

Michael McCaul, former chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, has also called on Donald Trump to lift the suspension of Afghan refugee admissions, particularly for those who worked alongside US forces in Afghanistan.

Regarding this issue, Michael McCaul stated: ” We promised them we would protect them when they worked with our servicemen and women in Afghanistan. These are the interpreters, the ones who are right alongside our combat veterans. They have these special immigrant visas and P1, P2 and it’s my- my view, that they should be allowed to go forward with the SIV program.”

Donald Trump’s suspension of the refugee program has caused significant concern among Afghan citizens waiting in other countries for decisions on their asylum cases.

According to a report by the Associated Press, after the issuance of this order, many former Afghan colleagues of US forces who were awaiting relocation to the United States have faced an uncertain future.

“We are stranded with no money in our pockets. We ask the government to create a proper plan so we can proceed with our journey,” Shafi, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, told TOLOnews.

“The US State Department must work with both Islamabad and Doha to ensure necessary cooperation to reduce the difficulties these Afghan refugees are facing,” said Mohammad Khan Mohammadi, an activist for migrant rights.

Previously, the US vice president, in an interview with an American media outlet, defended Donald Trump’s order to suspend the Afghan refugee relocation program, stating that the security background checks on some applicants had not been fully completed before their entry into the United States.

Afghan Refugees in Limbo as Advocates Urge US Support
read more

Afghanistan Falls Three Spots in Global Corruption Ranking

Afghanistan scored 17 out of 100 on the organization’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which is three points lower than its 2023 score.

Transparency International reported in its 2024 report that Afghanistan ranked 165th out of 180 countries in public sector corruption.

According to the report, Afghanistan scored 17 out of 100 on the organization’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which is three points lower than its 2023 score. The country had previously scored 20 in 2023 and 24 in 2022.

In this index, a score of 100 indicates the absence of corruption in the public sector, while a score of zero represents widespread corruption. The report places Denmark (90 points), Finland (88 points), and Singapore (84 points) at the top of the ranking, while South Sudan (8 points), Somalia (9 points), and Venezuela (10 points) are at the bottom.

It is important to note that the Corruption Perceptions Index is not based on public opinion. Instead, it is compiled using surveys and data from 13 different external sources, including assessments from experts and business executives. However, Transparency International itself is not directly involved in the process.

The index takes into account factors such as: bribery, diversion of public funds, officials using their public office for private gain without facing consequences, ability of governments to contain corruption in the public sector, excessive red tape in the public sector which may increase opportunities for corruption, nepotistic appointments in the civil service, laws ensuring that public officials must disclose their finances and potential conflicts of interest, kegal protection for people who report cases of bribery and corruption, state capture by narrow vested interests and access to information on public affairs/government activities.

However, some factors are not considered corruption in this index, such as: citizens’ direct perceptions or experience of corruption, tax fraud, illicit financial flows, enablers of corruption (lawyers, accountants, financial advisors etc), money-laundering, private sector corruption and informal economies and markets.

Since 2012, Afghanistan’s lowest score in this index was 8 (in 2012), while its highest score was 24 (in 2022).

Afghanistan Falls Three Spots in Global Corruption Ranking
read more

McCaul says Afghan allies deserve refugee admission in US by Mujeeb Rahman Awrang Stanikzai

AMU TV

10 Feb 2025

WASHINGTON — Representative Michael McCaul on Sunday called on the U.S. government to allow Afghan allies who assisted American forces during the war in Afghanistan to be admitted as refugees, following the suspension of the refugee admissions program by President Donald Trump.

Thousands of Afghans who worked alongside U.S. forces—many as interpreters—remain stranded in third countries, facing uncertainty after the policy change.

“I do believe that it was an unintended consequence that needs to be fixed,” McCaul said on CBS’s Face the Nation. “We promised them protection when they worked with our service members in Afghanistan. These are the interpreters, the ones who rode right alongside our combat forces. They have special immigrant visas and Priority-1 and Priority-2 refugee status.”

He added that the U.S. “ought to live up” to its commitments. “Otherwise, in another conflict down the road, no one is going to trust us,” he warned.

McCaul also urged the Trump administration to “move more expeditiously” in granting waivers for humanitarian aid, following the suspension of foreign assistance under a January 20 executive order.

Speaking on Face the Nation, he argued that aid programs provide stability in fragile states.

“Our foreign adversaries are watching this,” McCaul said, referring to cuts to USAID and foreign aid implemented by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. “We need a strong presence in destabilized nations to keep out our adversaries.”

While Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved a waiver for life-saving assistance, the United Nations has warned that the aid freeze will severely impact vulnerable populations.

McCaul says Afghan allies deserve refugee admission in US by Mujeeb Rahman Awrang Stanikzai
read more

Norwegian Refugee Council to halt operations in Afghanistan due to US Aid suspension

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) announced on Monday, February 10, that it would suspend its humanitarian activities in nearly 20 countries, including Afghanistan, following the suspension of foreign aid from the United States.

The organization, which received approximately 20% (150 million dollars) of its 2024 budget from the U.S., stated that it had no choice but to withdraw its staff from Afghanistan and other countries.

In a statement, the NRC said: “In our 79-year history, we have never experienced such an immediate cut in funding from any donor countries, intergovernmental organizations, or private aid agencies.”

The NRC’s statement also highlighted, “Currently, we have millions of dollars in delayed requests with the U.S. government. Without an immediate solution, by the end of February, we will be forced to halt all life-saving programs funded by the United States.”

Last month, following the NRC President’s visit to Afghanistan, the organization noted the significant reduction in global aid to address the humanitarian crisis in the country. They pointed out that Afghan people, under Taliban rule for over three years, are experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis in the country’s history.

In the early days of his presidency, Donald Trump issued an order halting foreign development aid for 90 days. The decision was made to review the effectiveness of aid programs and their alignment with his administration’s foreign policy.

Although U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that some critical projects would be exempt from the suspension, the NRC mentioned that it has not yet benefited from any such exceptions.

Following this decision, the Norwegian People’s Aid Office also suspended its demining activities in Afghanistan and 11 other countries.

The ongoing suspension of aid puts millions of vulnerable people in jeopardy. It is crucial that international partners find a way to restore humanitarian support to regions facing severe crises, especially Afghanistan, where the needs are dire.

The situation in Afghanistan, exacerbated by the lack of foreign assistance, calls for urgent action to ensure that vital humanitarian services continue. The international community must address these challenges to prevent further suffering and instability in the region.

Norwegian Refugee Council to halt operations in Afghanistan due to US Aid suspension
read more

UN: ISIS remains a major threat to Afghanistan and the region

Khaama Press

The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism’s Director, Vladimir Voronkov, stated in a Security Council meeting that ISIS-K remains a serious threat to Afghanistan, the region, and the world. Reports show that foreign terrorists are traveling to Afghanistan.

Voronkov emphasized that ISIS-K not only conducts attacks within Afghanistan but also orchestrates attacks in Europe through its supporters. The group continues to be a global security concern.

He added that ISIS is still recruiting new members from Central Asian countries, despite international and regional efforts to counter its spread. The organization’s activities persist, undermining global stability.

In his address, Voronkov also highlighted the situation in Syria after Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapse. He warned that the ongoing instability in Syria could facilitate the growth of ISIS, with tens of thousands of ISIS members and their families still in camps in northwest Syria.

Voronkov further stated that over 700 Iraqi citizens, hundreds of Syrians, and 8,600 foreign nationals are held in camps and prisons. He noted the slow process of repatriating ISIS prisoners, with only 760 individuals returned to Iraq so far.

ISIS continues to be a serious threat worldwide, with its reach expanding beyond Afghanistan and the Middle East. This highlights the importance of global cooperation to dismantle the group’s networks and prevent further violence.

The challenges of dealing with ISIS also include managing the return of its members and ensuring their accountability. The UN’s efforts in facilitating the return of foreign nationals from camps in Syria have yet to achieve significant progress. Further diplomatic efforts are essential to address these issues and reduce the group’s influence globally.

In addition to the growing number of recruits in Central Asia, ISIS’s attacks in regions like West Africa serve as a reminder of the group’s global ambitions. This reinforces the need for sustained international action to tackle ISIS at all levels.

UN: ISIS remains a major threat to Afghanistan and the region
read more

Islamic Emirate Spokesperson: ISIS Has Been Suppressed in Afghanistan

Speaking to TOLOnews, the spokesperson further said that ISIS activities in the region have no connection to Afghanistan.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, has once again stated that ISIS has been suppressed in Afghanistan and emphasized that the group has no power in the country.

Speaking to TOLOnews, the spokesperson further said that ISIS activities in the region have no connection to Afghanistan.

Mujahid added: “ISIS is not a threat in Afghanistan and has no strength. It has been significantly crushed and is no longer considered a danger from Afghanistan. How its effects extend in the region is not our concern, but we are confident that ISIS is not a threat in Afghanistan.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a special session today (Monday) to discuss the threats posed by terrorist groups, particularly ISIS.

It has been reported that in this session, the UN Secretary-General’s six-month report on ISIS threats, especially in Afghanistan, was reviewed.

According to the UNSC report, at Algeria’s request, discussions on extending the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) will also be held behind closed doors.

“In our region, ISIS centers exist in Balochistan, Pakistan. These centers pose a threat to Afghanistan and the region, and Afghanistan needs support from different countries to counter this threat,” said Fazl Rahman Oria, a political analyst.

“The extension of UNAMA’s operations in Afghanistan is certain because, in recent years—especially in the past three years—UNAMA has played a crucial role in assisting Afghanistan,” said Salim Paigir, another political analyst.

The UNAMA mission is part of today’s UNSC meeting as its one-year mandate is set to expire in March 2025.

Islamic Emirate Spokesperson: ISIS Has Been Suppressed in Afghanistan
read more

Norwegian Chargé d’Affaires Discusses Diplomatic Relations in Kabul

The Norwegian diplomat praised the Islamic Emirate’s efforts in combating narcotics, the ministry said.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate, met with Per Albert Ilsaas, the Norwegian chargé d’affaires for Afghanistan, on Monday to discuss political, economic, and humanitarian issues.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, key topics of discussion included positive engagement with countries, the expansion of diplomatic relations, the fight against narcotics, and the security situation. Muttaqi emphasized the opportunities emerging in Afghanistan and stated that the Islamic Emirate welcomes positive engagement with the international community based on mutual respect.

The Norwegian diplomat praised the Islamic Emirate’s efforts in combating narcotics, the ministry said.

Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided further details on the meeting: “At the end of the session, the need for positive engagement was discussed, and both sides expressed hope for strengthening diplomatic relations.”

The Islamic Emirate deems the consular services of some Afghan diplomatic missions, including the one in Norway, as invalid. And Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that due to restrictions on girls’ education in Afghanistan, it has reduced its engagement with the interim government and does not recognize the Islamic Emirate’s representative.

Some political analysts believe that the Islamic Emirate should focus on expanding diplomatic ties and reopening Afghanistan’s embassy in Norway during such meetings.

“Efforts should be made to rebuild political and economic relations and open a path to improve ties between the Islamic Emirate and Norway,” Mohammad Edris Zazai, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

“If diplomatic relations and engagement with Norway take place, other European countries may also be encouraged to establish ties with Afghanistan,” said Aziz Maarej, a former diplomat.

In a separate meeting with Din Mohammad Hanif, the acting minister of economy, the Norwegian diplomat described Afghanistan’s economic management over the past three years—despite ongoing economic sanctions, frozen assets, and halted development aid—as a significant achievement of the Islamic Emirate, according to the ministry. He also assured continued humanitarian assistance from Norway to the Afghan people, the ministry said.

Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, stated: “During the meeting, the Norwegian ambassador reassured continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. The Minister of Economy, while appreciating Norway’s humanitarian aid to vulnerable individuals and areas, called for greater focus from the international community and aid organizations on expanding development assistance.”

Over the past three years, several countries have expanded their diplomatic relations with the Islamic Emirate, but no country has yet officially recognized it.

Norwegian Chargé d’Affaires Discusses Diplomatic Relations in Kabul
read more

U.S. Veterans Call For Resumption Of Afghan Refugee Resettlement

Volant Media UK Limited

10 Feb 2025

A coalition of U.S. veterans has urged the Biden administration to resume the relocation process for eligible Afghan refugees, calling for an exemption from former President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending refugee admissions.

In a letter addressed to the U.S. Secretaries of State, Homeland Security, and Defense, the coalition highlighted the urgent need to relocate Afghan allies, many of whom worked alongside U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan.

According to Reuters, Shawn VanDiver, head of the AfghanEvac coalition, wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warning that failing to relocate Afghan allies could undermine trust in the United States and weaken local support for U.S. forces in future conflicts.

In the letter, VanDiver argued that not exempting Afghan refugees from Trump’s order would send a dangerous message to adversaries such as ISIS, suggesting that the United States abandons its allies in times of need.

A copy of the letter was also sent to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, a veteran of the Afghanistan war, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

VanDiver urged senior members of Trump’s cabinet to allow Afghan refugees to be resettled, despite the broader suspension of refugee admissions.

On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order halting the U.S. refugee admissions programme, effectively freezing the resettlement of thousands of displaced individuals, including Afghans awaiting relocation.

According to the AfghanEvac coalition, approximately 3,000 Afghan refugees remain stranded in camps in Qatar and Albania, while an estimated 50,000 others are stuck in Pakistan and other countries, awaiting approval to enter the United States.

Despite the ongoing suspension, Trump granted an exemption last Friday allowing a group of white South African refugees to be relocated to the United States, a decision that has sparked debate over the prioritisation of refugee resettlement policies.

 

U.S. Veterans Call For Resumption Of Afghan Refugee Resettlement
read more

They helped US order airstrikes against Taliban. Now Trump’s moves have left those Afghans in limbo

By  LLAZAR SEMINIFARNOUSH AMIRI and MUNIR AHMED

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — They helped the U.S. military order airstrikes against Taliban and Islamic State fighters and worked as drivers and translators during America’s longest war. They were set to start new lives in the United States.

Then President Donald Trump issued executive orders that put an end to programs used to help Afghans get to safety in America. Now those same Afghans, who underwent a yearslong background check, find themselves in a state of limbo.

“I was shocked. I am still in shock because I have already waited four years for this process, to get out of this hell and to get to a safe place and live in peace and have a new beginning,” said Roshangar, one of the Afghans whose life was upended by Trump’s action. Roshangar requested that The Associated Press only use his first name because he was afraid of Taliban reprisals.

He spoke in an interview from Afghanistan where he, his wife and son live in hiding, fearing punishment or even execution by the Taliban for his more than a decade-long partnership with American forces.

Roshangar served as a legal adviser to the Afghan Air Force, helping U.S. officials review and eventually approve airstrike packages that were used against the Taliban and the Islamic State group from 2007 until the fall of Kabul, the Afghan capital, in 2021.

Related “This was an unexpected move from Mr. Trump and everything went wrong and against us and leave us in severe danger under the Taliban regime,” he said.

His family’s experience is just one aspect of the fallout from Trump’s orders, many of which were implemented without broad consultation with experts in the areas affected.

“It’s an absolute stain on our national honor that we’ve pulled the rug out from under people who have patiently been awaiting relocation and those here in the US who have recently arrived,” said Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran and head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition supporting Afghan resettlement efforts. “This is an imminently solvable issue and our national security demands we fix it.”

During the U.S. evacuation from Kabul in August 2021, American military planes airlifted tens of thousands of Afghans from the main airport. But many more Afghans did not make it onto the planes. Since then, the U.S. has had various ways to help Afghans emigrate to the U.S. depending on what their role was in helping the U.S.-led mission in Afghanistan. Those path have been halted at this point.

It is the latest in a series of setbacks for the group of American allies who, despite strong backing from Republican and Democratic lawmakers along with veterans groups, continue to face hurdles in relocating and rebuilding their lives after the abrupt U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Many are now stranded in Albania, Pakistan and Qatar where they were awaiting transfer to the U.S. Others are in hiding from the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Afghans who eventually make it to the U.S. have to undergo an extensive process that usually involves a referral from someone they worked with, background checks, a medical screening and an interview with U.S. officials.

Rashengar had his interview last August and was set to finish the final part of the process — a medical exam — this month when Trump announced he was halting all refugee resettlement.

One of the Americans he worked with, Lt. Col. Steve Loertscher, referred him to the refugee program in October 2021.

Loertscher describes Rashengar as a casualty of the Biden administration not prioritizing applicants like him who were at higher risk of retribution by the Taliban.

But he believes Rashengar could be exempt from the executive order, which states that the State Department could consider individual applicants on a “case-by-case” basis.

“Eventually, I’m hopeful that he’ll be able to become a refugee and come to the United States,” Loertscher said.

Many veterans of the conflict have tried for years to help Afghans they worked with find refuge in the U.S. Many were prepared for setbacks but had hoped for special consideration for the Afghans.

Hashmatullah Alam had a flight scheduled to take him, his wife and six children to the U.S. when Trump’s order went into effect, just a day after the Republican president took office. The 40-year-old and his family had arrived in Albania in December to be processed and granted special immigrant visas before leaving for the U.S.

He is among the at least 15,000 Afghans who were already cleared for travel before the pause took effect, according to AfghanEvac.

Alam, who remains hopeful that the pause will be lifted, told the AP that he risked the lives of his family to assist the U.S. mission in Afghanistan during the war, landing him on the Taliban watchlist. He had hoped after three years to be repaid for that sacrifice with a fresh start in America where his children can grow up and receive an education.

“Also we help our families back home,” Alam said. “They are living in Afghanistan, our mothers, our fathers, and brothers.”

In Pakistan, Khalid, who worked alongside the U.S. Air Force, had been waiting by the phone to confirm his flight to America when the Afghan students he teaches notified him about Trump’s order.

“Let me tell you that my students cried after hearing that Trump has suspended the refugee program for us,” he said.

After arriving in Islamabad in March 2023, Khalid, who also asked to be identified by first name only, completed the security clearance, medical tests, and interviews over the next year. But as he waited to be approved to travel, he ran out of money to support his wife and children and began to teach children from other Afghan families who had come to Pakistan as part of the visa program.

He was reluctant to discuss how he helped America’s effort in Afghanistan, but said his contribution was “so important that if I go back, the Taliban will kill me.”

“We appeal to President Donald Trump to reverse his decision because we have lost whatever we had in Afghanistan, and he should know that we are waiting here for a bright future in America,” he said. “He should evacuate us from here and take us to America, we were promised that we would be taken to America, and please honor that promise.”

Amiri reported from Washington and Munir from Islamabad, Pakistan.

Amiri covers Congress for The Associated Press, with a focus on foreign policy and congressional investigations. She previously covered politics for AP as a statehouse reporter based in Columbus, Ohio.

 

They helped US order airstrikes against Taliban. Now Trump’s moves have left those Afghans in limbo
read more