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American citizen Mahmood Habibi detained by Islamic Emirate in Kabul, witnesses say

According to U.S. officials, Habibi’s detention is likely linked to the CIA’s use of his employer’s security cameras to track Zawahiri.

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Mahmood Habibi, a naturalized U.S. citizen and former Afghan civil aviation official, was detained by Taliban security forces in Kabul nearly three years ago, according to witness statements and U.S. officials.

The Islamic Emirate however has repeatedly denied these allegations.

U.S. officials have told Reuters that Habibi, 37, was blindfolded and taken from his Kabul apartment by gunmen linked to the Islamic Emirate’s secret police, the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), shortly after the U.S. drone strike that killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in July 2022.

According to U.S. officials, Habibi’s detention is likely linked to the CIA’s use of his employer’s security cameras to track Zawahiri.

Despite repeated denials from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), U.S. authorities have made his release a priority, including offering a $5 million reward for information.

The FBI leads the U.S. effort to secure his freedom, with support from the State Department.

Habibi’s family, now based in the United States, has not heard from him since his arrest. His older brother expressed hope that recent U.S. government efforts will lead to his release.

The IEA rejected a proposed prisoner swap involving Habibi and an alleged Osama bin Laden aide held at Guantanamo Bay.

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IEA cabinet approves development budget spending report

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The cabinet of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has approved a report on the spending of the national development budget, following deliberations at its 14th meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund.

According to a statement issued by the Arg on Tuesday, the cabinet endorsed the development budget expenditure report and instructed relevant ministries and departments to ensure that allocated funds are spent on planned projects in a timely manner and in line with approved development plans.

The meeting also reviewed a range of key economic, social and cultural issues. Cabinet members emphasized the need for proper implementation of development activities and adherence to established timelines.

In addition, discussions were held on challenges facing refugees, with relevant authorities directed to identify and implement appropriate solutions to address their concerns.

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FM Muttaqi and Turkish envoy discuss strengthening Kabul-Ankara ties

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Sadin Ayyıldız, the new head of Turkey’s diplomatic mission in Kabul, met in an introductory visit with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, to discuss the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Ayyıldız described relations between Afghanistan and Turkey as positive and emphasized the expansion of cooperation in economic and health fields, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Muttaqi also wished Ayyildiz success, described Turkey as a close friend of Afghanistan, and assessed bilateral relations as being on a path of progress.

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Afghan, Indonesian sports officials discuss expanding cooperation

Indonesian officials said the deputy minister plans to visit Afghanistan in the future to further advance cooperation.

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Ahmadullah Wasiq, head of Afghanistan’s National Olympic and Physical Education Committee, met Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Taufiq Hidayat, during an official visit to Indonesia held alongside the Asian Cup competitions.

The talks focused on strengthening sports cooperation, including improving access for Afghan athletes living in Indonesia to local leagues and training camps.

Hidayat described the meeting as a positive step toward closer sporting ties and stressed the need for continued engagement.

Afghanistan’s ambassador to Indonesia, Saadullah Baloch, also attended the meeting, highlighting the role of sports diplomacy in bilateral relations. Indonesian officials said the deputy minister plans to visit Afghanistan in the future to further advance cooperation.

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