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MPs warn govt not to take military approach to arrest Alipour

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Last Updated on: May 18, 2022

As the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANDSF) carry out operations in Behsud district in Maidan Wardak province to arrest militia commander Abdul Ghani Alipour some MPs on Tuesday said a military approach is not the solution.

These MPs said a military tactic will complicate matters further.

This comes after government officials accused Alipour’s men of having shot down an Mi-17 military helicopter on Thursday in the district.

Four crew members and five ANDSF members were killed in the crash.

Footage on social media shows what appears to be a missile hitting the helicopter.

Alipour, who is commander of the local public uprising forces – who have fought off the Taliban and Daesh in the area – has however denied his men’s involvement in the incident, stating that the chopper was shot from the air “.. I don’t have an air force.”

In a sound clip released on social media, Alipour stated: “I did not say that I have shot the helicopter, I said clashes were underway and a bullet could have hit the helicopter which led to its crash.”

This comes after some Iranian media outlet reported over the weekend that Alipour stated his men had shot the helicopter down.

“Now, they (government) released a video that shows a missile hit the helicopter, we have nothing to fire one with from the air. Maybe those who are filming from the air shot it. If it was me, I would from the ground not from the air because we have only got RPG rockets and have no access to missiles,” Alipour said.

Meanwhile, the MoD said in a statement Monday that Alipour’s command center was captured by the Afghan forces and a number of weapons and explosives were also seized during the raid.

The Political Deputy of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Asadullah Saadati stated: “USA and NATO should stop Afghan government using ANA, ANP, and ANDSF against the people.”

“It did so twice against Hazara in Behsud and Herat which led to dozens of innocent civilians dead and wounded. It plans to shed the blood of Behsud people by using Alipour as an excuse, he said.

Saadati further stated: “I still do not understand the behind-the-scenes battle cries of government leaders. Is Alipour very powerful? Or is government weak? Or is there a problem with my understanding.”

A number of MPs said Tuesday that the deployment of troops to Bihsud makes reaching a resolution more complicated.

“Current situation would undermine the government’s credibility among the people, and would cut productive ties between the government and the people,” MP Abdul Qayyum Sajjadi said.

On the other hand, a number of experts say that Alipour must be prosecuted as he has committed a crime.

“He committed a major crime and anyone defending him is also a criminal,” said Atiqullah Amarkhil, a military expert.

Fawad Aman, a deputy spokesman for the MoD said: “Alipour will be arrested, efforts are underway.”

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UN chief urges investment in water systems to advance gender equality

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Marking World Water Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday stressed that access to safe water and sanitation is essential for protecting the rights and health of women and girls, urging governments to take stronger action.

In his message, the Secretary-General warned that women and girls bear the greatest burden where water and sanitation services are inadequate. Many are forced to use unsafe facilities, care for relatives affected by waterborne diseases and spend hours each day collecting water—often missing out on education and opportunities.

Highlighting this year’s theme, “Where water flows, equality grows,” Guterres said improving water access can play a key role in advancing gender equality.

He called on governments to boost investment in water and sanitation systems by improving service delivery, strengthening workforce capacity and ensuring sustainable financing. He also urged developed nations to support these efforts by sharing technology, expertise and funding to build resilient infrastructure.

The UN chief emphasized the importance of including women in decision-making processes to ensure water systems effectively meet community needs.

While noting that water scarcity can contribute to conflict, Guterres said it can also foster cooperation and peace. He pointed to the upcoming UN Water Conference as an opportunity for countries to accelerate progress toward universal access to water and sanitation.

“Together, let’s make water a force for gender equality,” he said, calling for global efforts to ensure no community is left behind.

 

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Water crisis deepens in Afghanistan as families struggle for access

Traditional sources such as wells and karezes—underground channels that have sustained communities for generations—are now under severe strain.

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As the world marks World Water Day, Afghanistan is facing a worsening water crisis, with millions of people struggling to access safe and reliable supplies.

Years of drought, declining rainfall, rapid population growth and the return of families from neighbouring countries have placed increasing pressure on already fragile water systems.

Traditional sources such as wells and karezes—underground channels that have sustained communities for generations—are now under severe strain.

In many rural areas, families are forced to rely on unsafe surface water or travel long distances to meet daily needs. Women and children are most affected, often spending hours each day collecting water.

Urban centres, including Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif and Kandahar, are also grappling with shortages. Rapid population growth and unregulated groundwater extraction have led to significant depletion, leaving many households dependent on private wells or water deliveries.

The situation in Kandahar is particularly severe. Reports indicate that numerous wells have dried up, while others have dropped to depths of more than 100 metres.

Local community leader Fazil Rahman described water shortages as the most pressing challenge in his area, noting that even deep boreholes are failing to produce sufficient supply. He added that the crisis is disrupting education and livelihoods, as children are often forced to spend hours fetching water instead of attending school.

In response, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in partnership with the Urban Water Supply and Sewage State-Owned Corporation, launched a water infrastructure project in Kandahar in 2025. The initiative aims to improve access for more than 100,000 residents through expanded pipelines, new household connections and solar-powered pumping systems.

The ICRC has also upgraded a major water pumping station in Herat, now supplying water to more than 400,000 people through tens of thousands of household connections.

Beyond urban areas, water scarcity is also affecting agriculture, the backbone of many rural livelihoods. Reduced irrigation has led to lower crop yields and increased risks of food insecurity and malnutrition.

To support affected communities, the ICRC has rehabilitated irrigation canals, karezes and flood protection systems in several provinces, including projects in Parwan Province.

Despite these efforts, humanitarian organisations warn that aid alone will not be enough. Long-term investment in infrastructure, improved water management and stronger policies will be essential to address the crisis.

Without sustained and coordinated action, experts caution that water shortages could continue to threaten public health, food security and stability across Afghanistan.

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Deadly violence likely without dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan: ICG

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The International Crisis Group (ICG) has warned that rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan risk spiralling into further deadly conflict unless both sides return to dialogue.

In a recent statement, the organisation said last week’s strike on a hospital in Kabul marked a significant escalation, pushing already strained relations closer to direct confrontation. Analysts say ongoing exchanges of airstrikes and artillery fire have heightened fears of a broader regional crisis.

The attack on a major drug rehabilitation hospital in the Afghan capital reportedly killed more than 400 people and injured at least 265, drawing international concern.

Islamabad has accused Kabul of allowing militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from its territory—an allegation Afghan authorities deny. Kabul has instead condemned Pakistan’s military actions as violations of its sovereignty.

The ICG warned that current trends point to an escalating cycle of violence that could result in significant military costs with little strategic gain for Pakistan.

At the same time, the group noted that the fighting has further isolated Afghanistan diplomatically.

While several countries expressed condolences following the 16 March strike, there has been limited international condemnation of Pakistan’s actions, alongside increasing calls for Kabul to curb militant activity within its borders.

The organisation stressed the urgent need for international support to help both countries rebuild trust and address shared security threats. Without renewed engagement, it cautioned, further deadly violence appears unavoidable.

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