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No changes in U.S. Forces Operations in Afghanistan: U.S. Army
The U.S. military in Afghanistan has rejected the reports of limitations in the U.S. operations against the militants in the country.
A spokesman for the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, Sonny Leggett said that no changes have been brought to the U.S.’s mission in Afghanistan.
“Resolute support remains committed to supporting Afghan security forces as they protect Afghan people from those who oppose peace,” said Leggett. “As general miller said our mission is not changed, we remain committed to supporting Afghan security forces.”
Earlier, the Newsweek magazine reported that the U.S.-led operations against the militant group in Afghanistan have significantly reduced or halted as the Pentagon continues to plan for a potential withdrawal of thousands of U.S. forces from its longest conflict ever.
The U.S. personnel have been ordered to limit nearly all offensive combat operations against the Taliban and cease advising the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces as the Trump administration proposes cutting U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan by nearly half to 6,000 as a means of finalizing “technical” details among Taliban leadership, senior Pentagon officials quoted by the Newsweek.
It comes as the U.S. Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has just concluded the eighth round of peace talks with the Taliban delegates in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
Khalilzad said in a tweet on Monday that this round of talks was “productive” as the two sides had focused on technical details.
“Over the last few days, the sides (the U.S. and Taliban representatives) focused on technical details,” Khalilzad said. “They were productive. I am on my way back to DC to consult on next steps.”
Talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have officially begun in the Chinese city of Urumqi, sources told Ariana News on Thursday.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Economy, Din Mohammad Hanif, expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying he hopes the discussions will help bring an end to ongoing tensions and conflict between the two neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andarabi, said the talks involve senior officials and rejected claims that they are merely low-level engagements, calling such reports a “false narrative.”
Islamabad confirmed it has dispatched a delegation to Urumqi, reiterating its longstanding position that Afghanistan must address Pakistan’s security concerns, particularly regarding militant groups.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that both Afghanistan and Pakistan are neighbors of China, adding that Beijing supports resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation.
China has also been actively facilitating mediation between Afghanistan and Pakistan and will continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions and improving relations between the two countries, the spokesperson said.
More than 1,200 Iranian nationals have returned home since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict, with many travelling through neighboring countries including Afghanistan and Armenia, according to reports.
Citing figures from Tasnim News Agency, a total of 1,262 Iranians have been repatriated from the United Arab Emirates since hostilities began. The returns come amid tightening travel restrictions and disrupted regional transport links.
Iranian authorities have formally requested that the UAE facilitate additional evacuation efforts, including the organisation of sea transport and access to a dedicated airstrip to expedite the return of citizens still stranded abroad.
Earlier on Wednesday, Dubai-based airline Emirates indicated on its website that Iranian nationals were no longer permitted to enter or transit through the UAE, further complicating travel options for those seeking to return home.
The developments come as regional airspace disruptions and security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict have significantly curtailed commercial travel routes across parts of the Middle East. With direct flights limited or suspended, many Iranians have been forced to rely on indirect and often complex routes through neighboring countries.
Countries such as Afghanistan and Armenia have emerged as key transit points due to their geographic proximity and continued land access, allowing travelers to bypass restricted air corridors.
The situation reflects broader challenges facing civilians in conflict-affected regions, where shifting aviation policies, border controls, and security risks have made cross-border movement increasingly difficult.
Authorities continue to explore alternative evacuation channels as demand for safe return routes remains high.
The Land Grabbing Prevention Commission has verified and secured more than 27.5 million jeribs of public grazing land in three provinces across Afghanistan over the past year, the Ministry of Justice said on Thursday.
The commission reported that extensive surveys were carried out in Faryab, Badghis, and Badakhshan, resulting in the formal identification and registration of over 27.57 million jeribs of pasture land.
According to the findings, more than 9.3 million jeribs were confirmed in Faryab, over 4.1 million jeribs in Badghis, and upwards of 14 million jeribs in Badakhshan. The grazing lands are located across provincial centers as well as all districts within these provinces.
The commission emphasized that survey and verification teams are currently working in other provinces to assess additional grazing lands.
Once the assessment process is completed in those areas, the lands will also be formally recorded in the land bank, ensuring legal protection and proper management.
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