Regional
Peace talks between Afghanistan-Taliban to begin next month: Western officials
For the first talks between Afghanistan government and Taliban will begin next month in cooperation with Pakistan.
According to western officials Pakistan’s top military and intelligence officials have begun pressing the Taliban to sit down for face-to-face discussions with the Afghan government, potentially opening a path for direct peace talks for the first time since the start of the American-led invasion in 2001.
After 13 years of bloody war in Afghanistan, now this time Pakistani authorities come to action to persuade Taliban group to come to the negotiation table with Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, president’s spokesman, Ajmal Obaid Abedi emphasized that there has not been any talks with Taliban so far and from now on the details of these negotiations will be available for Afghans.
“President Ghani is committed to not have any talks and negotiation in secret and away from the eyes of Afghan people.” Abedi said.
Afghans have spent more than 4 decades in crisis and war. Afghanistan and the international community have long attempted to force Taliban for peace talks.
Reported by Fawad Naseri
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed on Friday that it shot down a US F-35 fighter jet in central parts of the country, Iranian media reported.
Due to the destruction of the aircraft, the fate of the pilot remains unknown, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported, citing a statement by the IRGC.
This marks the second time Iran claimed it shot down a US F-35 amid the ongoing escalation since Feb. 28.
The US has not responded to the report as yet.
Iran had previously announced on March 19 that it had shot down a US F-35, a claim rejected by Washington.
Tehran also claimed on Thursday to have downed an Israeli F-16 jet.
Tensions in the region have remained high following a wave of US and Israeli airstrikes launched on February 28. Iranian sources say the strikes have resulted in more than 1,300 deaths, including senior leadership figures.
In response, Iran has carried out drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf states hosting US military facilities. The ongoing exchanges have led to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to regional air traffic and global markets.
Regional
Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery hit by drones, fires break out
The Kuwaiti army earlier said air defenses were currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by drones early on Friday, setting off fires at operating units, according to the state news agency, but no injuries were reported.
The Kuwaiti army earlier said air defenses were currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation in a statement said they are monitoring and tracking air quality in the areas surrounding the refinery, and no negative environmental impacts have been recorded so far as a result of the attack.
Emergency and firefighting teams are working to contain the fires and prevent their spread, the company said. No injuries were reported in the attack.
Dubai-based airline Emirates’ website said on Wednesday that Iranian nationals were not allowed to enter or transit the United Arab Emirates.
The website of another carrier, Flydubai, said Iranian nationals holding a UAE “Golden Visa” were exempt and permitted to enter and transit the country, Reuters reported.
The restrictions come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Gulf states.
5.8-magnitude earthquake shakes parts of Afghanistan
Tawsia: This week’s key economic developments in Afghanistan discussed
Iran claims it shot down US F-35 jet
Tripartite agreement to launch new Russia–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan transit corridor
China says Afghanistan–Pakistan peace talks show progress
Prominent Muslim scholar issues fatwa calling for Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire
IEA Supreme Leader issues Eid-ul-Fitr message urging unity and support for Islamic system
14 Pakistani soldiers killed after military post falls along Durand line: MoD
Afghanistan steps in to replace Iran in supplying fruits and vegetables to Russia
Afghan airstrikes target Pakistani military sites in retaliation for air attacks
Tawsia: This week’s key economic developments in Afghanistan discussed
Tahawol: Start of talks between Kabul-Islamabad in China discussed
Saar: Ongoing US and Israeli attacks on Iran discussed
Tahawol: Ongoing US–Israeli war with Iran discussed
Saar: Afghanistan-Pakistan talks in China discussed
-
Latest News5 days agoTAPI gas pipeline advances 25 km in Afghanistan
-
Business5 days agoAfghanistan opens doors to agribusiness investments amid rising opportunities
-
Latest News3 days agoBaradar approves 17 projects worth over one billion AFN
-
Latest News5 days agoAfghan diaspora protests in London and Oslo over Pakistan strikes
-
Business4 days agoRussia backs Uzbekistan–Afghanistan trade hub, praises regional economic cooperation
-
Sport4 days agoATN secures broadcast rights for inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League
-
International Sports5 days agoAmnesty International raises alarm over deportations, protests ahead of FIFA World Cup
-
Sport3 days agoATN to broadcast second season of Ariana Snooker Championship