Latest News
Taliban seize Murghab district in Ghor province
As the Afghan negotiating team prepares for upcoming peace talks in Doha, the Taliban on Monday seized control of the center of Murghab district, in Ghor province.
A security source told Ariana News that fierce clashes broke out between the Afghan security forces and the Taliban after insurgents attacked the district center from several directions early Monday morning.
According to the source, following hours of clashes the Afghan forces retreated from the district to avoid civilian casualties.
At least four policemen were killed and six others wounded in the battle, the source added.
Meanwhile, Murghab police chief and all security forces have also retreated from Dawlatyar district in Ghor, said Mohammad Musa Kalim, the district’s governor.
Kalim said Monday night that clashes were still ongoing in parts of the district.
The Afghan National Army (ANA) meanwhile said reinforcements have been sent to the area.
This is the first major attack and siege of a district by the Taliban since the Doha deal in February between the group and the United States.
According to the deal, which was aimed to pave the way for intra-Afghan talks, the Taliban pledged to avoid attacks on major cities and district centers.
The Taliban has not however commented on Monday’s siege.
Ghor is one of a number of central provinces deemed insecure due to ongoing Taliban activity in provincial districts.
International Sports
IPL 2026: RR slip to fifth as Shane Bond calls for bowling changes
Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowling coach Shane Bond says his side’s bowlers must start “doing something different” after another disappointing defeat in IPL 2026 left the team slipping down the points table.
RR suffered a heavy loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday after conceding more than 200 runs for the fourth straight match. The defeat pushed them down to fifth place with only three league games remaining.
The problems started early when fast bowler Jofra Archer struggled badly in the opening over, needing 11 balls to complete it after bowling a no-ball and several wides. The over cost RR 18 runs and set the tone for another difficult evening.
Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan said Archer appeared rusty after the team’s eight-day break and suggested Jaipur’s pitches are not helping RR’s pace attack.
Bond admitted RR’s bowling has not adapted well enough to the aggressive batting seen throughout this year’s IPL.
“You’ve got to be doing something different,” Bond said after the match. “Batsmen are developing new shots and putting bowlers under pressure, so bowlers also need to develop new skills and new plans.”
He added that bowlers must improve both their decision-making and execution, while using analysts more effectively to study opposition batting patterns.
Despite their recent slump, RR remain in contention for the playoffs, although their form has become a growing concern after a strong start to the season.
Meanwhile, IPL action continues on Sunday with Chennai Super Kings taking on Lucknow Super Giants in the afternoon match, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Mumbai Indians in a high-profile evening clash.
Chennai Super Kings will look to revive their inconsistent campaign against a Lucknow side still fighting for a playoff place, while Bengaluru and Mumbai meet in what could prove crucial in the race for the top four.
Both matches will be broadcast live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.
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