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American journalist, Afghan interpreter killed in Helmand

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Last Updated on: October 25, 2022

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An American photojournalist and Afghan interpreter working for U.S.-based National Public Radio were killed on Sunday afternoon after their vehicle came under fire in southern Afghanistan.

David Gilkey, 50, and Zabihullah Tamanna, 38, were on assignment and traveling with the Afghan army near Taliban-contested Marjah district in Helmand province when their vehicle was hit by “shellfire,” according to a NPR statement. Two other NPR staff, Tom Bowman and producer Monika Evstatieva, were unhurt.

The road between Marjah and Lashkar Gah had only recently been reopened by security forces after heavy fighting in the area. The details of the attack and the journalists’ deaths were confirmed by the 205th Corps commander, General Mohammed Amin.

NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman and producer Monika Evstatieva were also in the convoy, traveling in a separate vehicle. They were not injured.

“We are devastated by the death of David and Zabihullah,” Jarl Mohn, NPR’s chief executive officer, said in the statement. “Horrific incidents like this remind us of the important role journalists play in America’s civic life.”

David was considered one of the best photojournalists in the world — honored with a raft of awards including a George Polk Award in 2010, a national News and Documentary Emmy in 2007 and dozens of distinctions from the White House News Photographers Association, including 2011 Still Photographer of the Year.

US Secretary of State John Kerry released the following statement:

 

“I was saddened to learn today of the death of an NPR photographer, ‎David Gilkey, and his colleague Zabihulla Tamanna, who were part of a crew reporting on Afghan forces in the southern part of the country.

This attack is a grim reminder of the danger that continues to face the Afghan people, the dedication of Afghan national defense and security forces to securing their country, and of the courage of intrepid journalists — and their interpreters — who are trying to convey that important story to the rest of the world.

David Gilkey certainly never shied away from conveying those stories, whether there in Afghanistan or Somalia, Haiti, Gaza, Iraq and dozens of other places around the world. He was ‎more than a gifted photographer. He was a gifted story‎teller, who understood the power of imagery to enhancing the power of understanding. He will be sorely missed.

Teresa and I send our t‎houghts and prayers for these courageous individuals to their colleagues, friends and families.”

 

The incident highlighting the growing dangers faced by journalists covering the worsening conflict in Afghanistan.

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IEA accuses Pakistan of war crimes amid heavy civilian losses

The attacks also left a trail of widespread destruction. Over 1,100 homes were completely destroyed.

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In a grave accusation, the deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Hamdullah Fitrat, has condemned Pakistan’s military actions, accusing it of carrying out attacks that led to significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction across several Afghan provinces. The allegations focus on a period between February 22 and April 4, 2026, during which Pakistani military strikes are said to have targeted various regions of Afghanistan.

According to Fitrat, the attacks primarily impacted the provinces of Paktika, Paktia, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Kunar, Kabul, Khost, Nuristan, and Laghman. The toll on civilians has been devastating: 761 people were killed, 626 others injured, and 27,407 families displaced from their homes.

The attacks also left a trail of widespread destruction. Over 1,100 homes were completely destroyed, along with 256 shops, while 34 mosques, 13 schools, 13 Madrasas, 3 health facilities, and 42 vehicles were all reduced to rubble. The destruction has had a severe economic impact, with 661 livestock animals reported as killed.

The scale of the strikes has been particularly alarming. A total of 14,973 missiles, mortars, and artillery shells were fired during the period in question, inflicting immense physical and psychological damage on civilian populations.

Fitrat has called these actions “war crimes” against Afghan civilians, highlighting not only the tragic loss of life but also the deep humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the attacks. The international community is now being urged to take action to address the devastating impact of the bombardments on Afghanistan’s civilian infrastructure and economy.

Pakistan has not yet publicly responded to the accusations. However, these developments are likely to escalate tensions between the two neighboring countries as both sides continue to grapple with a volatile and complex geopolitical situation.

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Kabul to host ‘Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue’ tomorrow

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At the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the “Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue” will be held in Kabul tomorrow (Sunday).

The meeting will be chaired by Amir Khan Muttaqi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and attended by senior representatives from Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.

The discussions will cover political, economic, and security issues, as well as the development of regional cooperation, trade, and transit.

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Around 15,000 cases of vulnerable Afghan children addressed over past year

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The Directorate of Child Protection at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced on Saturday that in the solar year 1404, through the implementation of extensive support programs and the handling of thousands of protective cases, it has achieved significant accomplishments in securing rights, raising awareness, and improving the situation of children across Afghanistan.

According to the directorate, the registered cases have been organized into 23 different categories, allowing for targeted and specialized handling of each type of case. In the area of awareness-raising, extensive programs have also been implemented to improve the general knowledge of children and their families, resulting in 404,207 children and family members being informed about child rights, explosive hazards, environmental protection, and other important topics.

To strengthen local structures and accelerate case management, the Directorate of Child Protection, within the framework of its 1404 work plan, established 20 new committees at the district level in provincial centers. These committees play a key role in coordinating between government offices, rapidly identifying cases, and providing support services. Currently, child protection committees are active in 204 districts and regularly review and resolve children’s issues.

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