Latest News
IEA forms special ‘Green Unit’ to protect Afghanistan’s forests
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) said Monday that the government would create a special unit for the protection of forests in eight provinces including Kabul.
Inamullah Samangani, a spokesman for the IEA, said in a series of tweets that the 450-member Green Unit would be tasked to prevent “illegal deforestation” and trafficking of logs.
Samangani said that 100 members of a military unit would be assigned in Kabul and 50 more would be tasked to safeguard forests in seven other provinces. These provinces are Kunar, Nuristan, Khost, Laghman, Paktia, Paktika, and Nangarhar.
Samangani tweeted that the Green Unit will also be responsible for preventing “illegal utilization and trafficking of medicinal plants; destruction and usurpation of forests, grasslands, protected areas, and government property; smuggling of wood, natural products, and medicinal plants; as well as the illegal hunting of wild animals and birds.”
Hafiz Abdul Qayoum, the ex-governor of Nuristan province, raised concern in the past over the serious deforestation happening in Nuristan and Kunar provinces and called on the IEA to curb the problem.
“There have been reports of deforestation in Nuristan and Kunar. We hope that the relevant authorities will seriously prevent this and punish the perpetrators severely. The people should fully cooperate with the authorities,” Qayoum tweeted.
Recently the IEA Council of Ministers banned deforestation and timber smuggling in the country following concerns about increased deforestation.
“According to the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, cutting down forests, selling timber and transferring them is strictly prohibited,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted.
He also called on security and provincial officials to take steps to curb the problem.
Terrorist activities continue to be observed along Afghanistan borders and along the India–Pakistan–Afghanistan corridor, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview published on Monday.
Speaking to Russia-based media outlet TV BRICS, Lavrov pointed to ongoing concerns in the Middle East, including its Asian regions.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration with India at the United Nations to advance a global counter-terrorism convention.
Lavrov stated that while the draft convention has already been prepared, consensus on its adoption has not yet been reached.
Russia has repeatedly expressed concern about militant threats from Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate, however, has dismissed the concerns saying that it will not allow Afghanistan’s soil to be used against any country.
Noorullah Noori, Afghanistan’s Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs, held a phone conversation with Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, to discuss bilateral border cooperation.
According to the Iranian news agency IRNA, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening border collaboration, with a particular focus on the ongoing renovation and updating of border markers. They also agreed to accelerate joint technical and legal meetings to enhance coordination.
As part of the agreement, the next meeting of senior border officials from Afghanistan and Iran is scheduled to take place in Iran in 1405 (2026–2027).
The Director General of the OIC Mission in Kabul, Mohammed Saeed Alayyash, met on Sunday with Rolf Dieter Reinhard, Head of the German Liaison Office for Afghanistan in Doha and Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy in Afghanistan.
During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan. They focused on the security situation, as well as the humanitarian and economic conditions faced by the Afghan people.
The two officials also reviewed recent political developments and broader challenges in the country, highlighting the need for continued international engagement and support.
The meeting emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation and coordination between the OIC Mission and the German side in addressing Afghanistan’s challenges and in supporting efforts to promote stability and improve the humanitarian situation.
Terrorist activities observed along Afghanistan borders, says Lavrov
Afghan border minister holds phone talks with Iran’s deputy foreign minister
OIC Kabul mission chief meets German envoy to discuss Afghanistan situation
Iran arrests at least four reform front politicians
Early medal leaders emerge as Winter Olympics continue in Italy
Afghanistan–China joint market opens in Kabul
Pakistan approves re-export of stranded Afghan transit trade cargo
ATN secures broadcast rights to Carabao Cup semis across Afghanistan
Pakistan army orders evacuation of Tirah Valley, fears of mass displacement grow
Afghan traders sign deal to import pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh
Saar: Afghanistan’s relations and opportunities with regional countries
Tahawol: Kabul’s response to Pakistan’s new accusation discussed
Saar: Discussion on Iran-US talks in Oman
Tawsia: Afghanistan’s interest in buying Russian oil and gas
Tahawol: IEA calls UNSC’s Daesh concerns baseless
-
Latest News2 days agoAfghanistan to grant one- to ten-year residency to foreign investors
-
Latest News4 days agoTerrorist threat in Afghanistan must be taken seriously, China tells UNSC
-
Sport5 days agoWinter Olympics finally underway, ATN to broadcast exclusively across Afghanistan
-
Sport5 days agoAfghanistan beat West Indies in final T20 WC warm-up match
-
Sport3 days agoIndonesia shock Japan to reach historic AFC Futsal Asian Cup final
-
Sport4 days agoMilano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: What You Need to Know
-
Latest News5 days agoAfghanistan hosts 4th Doha Process Counter-Narcotics Meeting, highlights progress
-
Sport2 days agoIran clinch AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 in penalty shootout thriller