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Khalilzad urges Afghan gov’t, Taliban to accelerate prisoner releases

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The US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has welcomed the release of prisoners by the Afghan government and Taliban, urging the two sides to “accelerate” the process.

According to the US-Taliban deal which was signed on 29th February in Qatar, the Afghan government should release up to 5000 Taliban prisoners, in exchange; the group will free 1000 prisoners of the government.

“The release of prisoners is an important step in the peace process and the reduction of violence,” Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.

The US Envoy urged both the government and Taliban to accelerate prisoner releases so that to meet “targets specified in the US- Taliban agreement as soon as possible.”

“The potential for COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons poses a real threat and all the more reason to move urgently,” Khalilzad tweeted.

Meanwhile, Javid Faisal, a spokesman for the office of the National Security Council confirmed that so far the Afghan government has released 360 Taliban inmates, while the Taliban has released only 20 prisoners of the government.

“As per the decree, releases will continue across other prisons to free a total of 1,500 as part of our efforts to advance peace and fight COVID-19,” Faisal said.

The Taliban on Sunday released 20 government prisoners and handed them over to the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in southern Kandahar province.

The group’s spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the move was taken for a “goodwill”, not in exchange for their prisoners’ release, adding more would be released but it depends on the further movement of the Afghan government.

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Iran allegedly relocates aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan amid US strike fears: CBS Reports

The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, denied the presence of Iranian aircraft in Afghanistan in comments to CBS News.

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Iran is reported to have moved several military and civilian aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan, reportedly to safeguard them from potential US airstrikes, according to CBS News citing unnamed informed sources.

The report claimed that multiple Iranian military aircraft were spotted at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base near Islamabad, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane. Additionally, CBS News said Iran’s Mahan Air had transferred part of its civilian fleet to Kabul before the escalation of regional tensions, with aircraft later moved to Herat Airport amid clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

However, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, denied the presence of Iranian aircraft in Afghanistan in comments to CBS News. Pakistani officials also rejected claims that Iranian military planes were stationed at their airbases, describing the reports as inaccurate.

The situation underscores heightened regional security concerns as tensions continue to rise over potential US military action.

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UN warns hunger crisis in Afghanistan deepening, women and children most affected

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that persistent funding shortfalls have sharply reduced supplies of specialized nutritional food crucial for treating malnourished women and children.

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The United Nations has issued a stark warning that hunger and food insecurity are worsening in Afghanistan, with women and children facing the most severe consequences amid ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges.

According to UN agencies, Afghanistan continues to struggle with overlapping crises, including economic collapse, widespread unemployment, and climate-related shocks that have devastated livelihoods across the country. Rising regional tensions have also driven up food prices, putting additional pressure on vulnerable households.

“The little food we can afford we give to our children, but that is not enough,” said Raqiba Ahmadi, a resident of Faizabad city in northeastern Afghanistan. She added that her youngest daughter is recovering from malnutrition while her husband remains unemployed.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that persistent funding shortfalls have sharply reduced supplies of specialized nutritional food crucial for treating malnourished women and children.

Millions of Afghans remain at risk of severe hunger, prompting humanitarian organizations to call for sustained international support to prevent the situation from worsening further.

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Afghan powerlifting team wins six medals at World Cup series in Belarus

A total of six Afghan athletes and one coach represented the country in the tournament, which featured competitors from ten nations.

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The General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport of Afghanistan says Afghan powerlifting athletes secured six medals at the “Powerlifting World Cup Series 2026” held in Belarus.

According to the directorate, Afghan athletes won four gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal during the international competition.

Fawad Sherin Sokhan, Jabar Sherin Sokhan, Noor Ahmad Sakhi Zada, and Mirwais Rafi Zada each claimed gold medals, while Rohullah Khairandesh won silver and Hamidullah Hakimi earned bronze for Afghanistan.

A total of six Afghan athletes and one coach represented the country in the tournament, which featured competitors from ten nations.

The competition began on May 6 and concluded on May 10 in Belarus, showcasing strong performances from Afghan athletes on the international stage.

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