The Pentagon confirmed this week that while the Taliban government claims ISIS has been eliminated in Afghanistan, various other terrorist groups remain active in the country.

Major General Pat Ryder stated in a press briefing on Tuesday that “there are currently numerous terrorist groups in Afghanistan.”

“We are deeply committed to safeguarding our citizens from terrorist threats originating from Central Asia or any other part of the globe,” he asserted.

“We acknowledge the ongoing threat posed by groups like ISIS-K (Daesh) and are maintaining a relentless focus on counterterrorism efforts,” he emphasized.

Ryder underscored ongoing collaboration with intelligence agencies and strengthening partnerships with allies to address evolving security challenges.

When asked about distinctions between the Taliban and Daesh, Ryder noted, “The Taliban (IEA) currently holds governmental control in Afghanistan, albeit loosely. While they govern, ISIS-K operates differently. However, multiple terrorist groups are currently operating in Afghanistan.”

He affirmed continued vigilance over the region, stating, “Ultimately, our primary objective is to work with global allies and partners, including Central Asia, to ensure regional security and stability, safeguard US national security interests, and counter-terrorism and proliferation efforts.”

Ryder’s statements follow recent claims by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior that ISIS no longer exists in the country.

In a Tuesday report, ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani declared, “We can confirm that ISIS has been eradicated in Afghanistan and no longer conducts physical or ideological activities.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan has alleged that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan finds refuge in Afghanistan and orchestrates its operations from inside the country, which the Taliban officials deny these allegations.

The ongoing complexities highlight the need for continued international cooperation and vigilance to ensure stability and effectively counter the evolving terrorist threats.

In an explosion targeting a police ranger vehicle in the Dara Noor district of Nangarhar, at least six students from a religious school were killed, while another student and four Taliban members were injured.

A spokesperson for the Taliban police command in Nangarhar stated that these students and their teachers were traveling to the Dara Noor district for educational purposes.

According to a statement released by the Taliban, the explosion occurred at 12:30 PM on Thursday on the route of the Taliban ranger in the village of Shimal. The statement reports that four students were killed instantly, and two others, all minors, succumbed to their injuries on the way.

The Taliban police spokesperson in Nangarhar reported that five students and one teacher from the religious school were killed in the explosion.

Abdul Basir Zabli mentioned that all the victims were residents of Nooristan and were traveling to Dara Noor for educational purposes.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the explosion, and detailed information about the nature of the incident remains unclear.

The increasing frequency of such attacks reflects a broader pattern of violence. ISIS, as a major adversary of the Taliban, has escalated its campaign of bombings and targeted assaults against the Taliban, contributing to the instability in the region.

The lack of clarity about the perpetrators highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring safety and security in volatile areas. Efforts to address these threats must be intensified to protect innocent lives and mitigate further violence.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has issued a warning regarding the high maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan, stating that the country urgently needs 18,000 midwives.

The organization has warned that failing to address this urgent need in Afghanistan endangers many lives. Globally, UNFPA estimates that 900,000 skilled (trained) midwives are needed, with the immediate requirement for 18,000 midwives in Afghanistan being highlighted as “urgent.”

According to the report, the number of health centers supported by UNFPA, which was active in 2021, has increased sixfold this year. Over the past three years, the organization has assisted in treating more than five million Afghans in remote areas.

Despite the increase in healthcare facilities, Afghanistan’s health system suffers from significant deficiencies, with a shortage of skilled midwives being a serious concern contributing to high maternal mortality rates.

The UN emphasizes the urgency of recruiting skilled midwives in Afghanistan’s health system, asserting that their inclusion will help prevent maternal deaths and improve overall healthcare outcomes in the country.

Meanwhile, addressing the shortage of midwives in Afghanistan is crucial for improving maternal health and reducing mortality rates. The international community’s support and immediate action are essential to ensure that this pressing need is met and to enhance the country’s overall health infrastructure.

Iran’s Deputy Director of the Anti-Narcotics Department, Mohammad Zarei, announced on Wednesday that Tehran and  Kabul have agreed to collaborate on combating drug trafficking and narcotics.

Zarei informed Iranian media that this decision was reached during a meeting between representatives from both parties. The discussion covered various aspects, including drug prevention, reduction of demand, and treatment for drug addicts.

He also mentioned that the agreement includes exchanging information about drug control efforts, providing educational services, and forming joint committees to address the issue.

Zarei emphasized that the two sides have committed to enhancing coordination to effectively utilize the shared information in countering and dismantling drug trafficking networks.

This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation against drug trafficking. By pooling resources and expertise, Tehran and Kabul aim to more effectively tackle the pervasive issue of narcotics that impacts both countries.

The collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the need for coordinated efforts in addressing the complex and cross-border nature of drug trafficking.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported in its latest update that in 2024, 23.7 million people in Afghanistan, including 12.3 million children, have requested humanitarian aid.

The report highlighted that in the first six months of this year, UNICEF provided mental health and psychosocial support services to 2.8 million children and their guardians, including 26% of women.

The report also noted that heavy rains and flash floods in May affected 21 districts in Badakhshan, Baghlan, and Takhar provinces, resulting in 180 deaths and 280 injuries.

Additionally, UNICEF stated that it delivered drinking water services to 442,000 people, sanitation services to 269,000 people, and health protection services to 528,000 people in the first half of this year.

Amid this dire humanitarian crisis, the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries has further exacerbated the situation.

Many of these refugees, fleeing conflict and economic instability, now face the additional hardship of being returned to a country struggling to provide even basic services.

International organizations and human rights groups have expressed deep concern over these forced deportations, urging the global community to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.