Latest News
NDS arrests mastermind behind 2019 attack on Saleh’s office
The National Directorate of Security (NDS) special unit has arrested one of the masterminds of the 2019 attack on the First Vice President Amrullah Saleh’s political party office.
According to a statement, the NDS arrested Obaidullah, who was using aliases – Farooq, Bilal, and Ibrahim.
The suspect was arrested in an NDS operation in PD3 of Kabul city while planning to assassinate Selai Ghafar, a female advocate and civil society activist, the NDS said in the statement.
The attack was carried out against Green Trend – a movement led by Saleh – while he was campaigning during the presidential elections as President Ashraf Ghani’s deputy.
A car bomb detonated at the entrance gate of Saleh’s office and a number of armed men entered the building.
At least 20 people were killed and more than 50 others were wounded in the attack.
The NDS said that Obaidullah had received directions from Mawlavi Nik Mohammad, a Haqqani Network leader, to carry out a suicide attack against Saleh.
“He (Obaidullah) had infiltrated the Green Trend as a member of the organization…later on per order of Mawlavi Nik Mohammad, several suicide bombers under the guise of Green Trend members had entered [the office] ,” the statement read.
“While planning an attack on Saleh’s office, Obaidullah was monitoring the place and timing the movement of foreign forces’ convoys in parts of Kabul,” the statement said.
The statement added that Obaidullah now however had orders to carry out attacks on vehicle convoys of President Ashraf Ghani, the vice presidents, Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, former NDS Chief Rahmatullah Nabil, civil society activists, media workers, and prominent figures.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
Saar: Concerns over Pakistan’s political crisis discussed
Afghanistan Champions League: Omar Zawak Herat beat Toofan Herat 1-0
Blast in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan kills 11, injures 30
Ariana Afghan Airlines increases Kabul-Delhi cargo flights
Khalilzad questions Pakistan’s commitment to Afghan welfare
Saudi energy group signs major Afghanistan deals covering gas exploration and pipeline plans
Trump floats idea of renaming Atlantic or Pacific Ocean
US hits Egyptian bank branches with Iran sanctions as war marks six months
Nepal flood rescue mission enters critical phase as thousands remain missing
Iranian clubs to face Gulf opponents at neutral venues in Asian Champions League Elite
Saar: Concerns over Pakistan’s political crisis discussed
Exclusive interview with Abdul Latif Mansoor, Minister of MRRD
Tawsia: Overview of Afghanistan’s iron mines
Tahawol: Discussion on fresh Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan
Saar: Calls for international support for Afghanistan discussed
-
World5 days agoCNN, MS NOW and Politico sue Trump, challenging White House ban
-
Latest News3 days agoAriana Afghan Airlines ranks seventh among 45 Central Asian airlines
-
Latest News4 days agoUN reiterates call for respect for international law after Kunar airstrikes
-
Latest News5 days agoKhalilzad condemns Pakistan airstrikes, says current strategy is not working
-
Regional3 days agoUS and Iran hold first talks since June after Trump’s ‘annihilation’ threat
-
Latest News3 days agoSilk Road highway in Wakhan corridor now reaches the China border
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghan Official: Pakistan’s airstrikes will not go unanswered
-
Sport4 days agoAfghan boxing referee heads to China for international festival