Latest News
US identifies Kabul airport suicide bomber
The U.S. military has for the first time publicly named the suicide bomber behind the deadly attack at Kabul airport during the chaotic final days of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
The identification was part of findings from a supplemental review ordered by U.S. Central Command to build on the military’s initial investigation by taking into account information and claims that have since surfaced.
The review also found that members of a Marine scout sniper platoon at the airport who believed they had the bomber in their crosshairs were mistaken, and they would not have been able to prevent the attack, ABC News reported.
In a recent briefing with reporters about the review, U.S. officials identified Abdul Rahman al-Logari as the perpetrator of the attack that killed 13 American service members and some 170 Afghans on Aug. 26, 2021.
Al-Logari had been a member of Daesh-Khorasan since 2016, according to a member of the review team from the US army.
At one point he was detained by coalition forces and held in custody, according to the review official.
Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack at Abbey Gate shortly after the bombing, praising al-Logari for committing the attack.
Republican Congress members have repeatedly raised the possibility the bombing could have been prevented in their attacks on the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal, largely based on testimony from former Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews, a member of one of the sniper teams providing overwatch near Abbey Gate.
In a March 2023 House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Vargas-Andrews claimed his team had a suspicious man matching a description of the suspected Abbey Gate suicide bomber in his sights before the deadly explosion on Aug. 26. He said they were denied permission to fire and prevent the blast, which claimed two of his own limbs.
Zhao Xing, the Chinese Ambassador to Kabul, has invited political deputy prime minister Mawlavi Abdul Kabir to participate in the upcoming Trans-Himalayan Forum meeting.
The Chinese envoy said at a meeting Wednesday with Kabir that Beijing supports the Islamic Emirate in terms of attending international meetings, especially UN Security Council meetings.
Zhao also said China was committed to cooperating with the Islamic Emirate.
Kabir in turn expressed his gratitude for China’s support and cooperation across numerous sectors and said that as a responsible government, the Islamic Emirate is bound by commitments made and tries to play an active role in regional issues and the stability and development of the region.
Kabir also acknowledged China’s support of the Islamic Emirate and said Beijing’s cooperation can bring about positive changes and economic growth in the country.
Torkham commissioner Mullah Abdul Jabbar Hikmat said Thursday the crossing will be closed for the next three days in order for Pakistan border authorities to move into new premises.
He said the crossing has been closed to travelers and to people seeking medical help in Pakistan.
Hikmat appealed to the public not to make their way to the crossing over the next three days.
However, trucks carrying goods will still be able to cross as per usual, in both directions.
Pakistani media has also reported that the crossing will be closed from May 17 to May 19 in order to enable border officials to move into new premises.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed Wednesday that one person was killed and 12 were injured when a helicopter crashed in Firozkoh, the capital of Ghor province.
Enayatullah Khwarazmi, the spokesman of the Ministry of Defense, said on X that on Wednesday morning, an Air Force Mi-17 helicopter, which was sent to Ghor province, experienced technical problems and crashed into a wall during an emergency landing.
In footage published by Afghan media, the wreckage of a helicopter can be seen lying in a fast-flowing river, with crowds of people gathered around it.
The spokesman of the Ministry of Defense said the helicopter had been sent to Firozkoh to retrieve bodies of car crash victims.
The spokesman said a car plunged into the Harirod River a few days ago, resulting in the death of a few people.
China invites IEA deputy PM to Trans-Himalayan Forum
Torkham crossing closes temporarily to travelers
Sorkh Poshan Khafi and Sarsabz Yashlar win in ACL matches
EU adds Russian media outlets to sanctions list despite Kremlin warning
Putin arrives in China to deepen strategic partnership with Xi
Commerce ministry inks 10 MoUs to boost development of small and medium-sized businesses
Rashid Khan threatens BBL pullout after Australia postpones Afghanistan T20I series
Afghanistan announce T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Rashid Khan named AWCC’s brand ambassador
Balkh health officials report sharp increase in number of cancer patients
Tahawol: China’s ambassador meeting with deputy PM discussed
Saar: USIP’s report on Daesh threats discussed
Tahawol: Afghanistan losing UN voting rights discussed
Tahawol: Uzbek delegation’s visit to Kabul discussed
Saar: UNAMA head’s meeting with Iranian officials discussed
-
Business5 days agoPakistan: Consultations underway on preferential trade agreement with Afghanistan
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan, Pakistan agree on new travel mechanism for truckers
-
Sport4 days agoKolkata down Mumbai to confirm IPL play-off berth
-
Business3 days agoAfghanistan can become important industrial center in region: Hanafi
-
Latest News4 days agoEx-MP Allah Gul Mujahid arrested in connection with a murder
-
Latest News4 days agoBaghlan floods leave 315 dead and over 15,00 injured so far
-
Latest News4 days agoSeveral countries express solidarity with Afghanistan after flash floods kill hundreds
-
Latest News4 days agoInvesting in Afghanistan mines can be profitable for Iranian industry: Qiafeh