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Security adviser warns of Afghanistan becoming safe haven for terrorists
Afghanistan again is facing serious threat of becoming a safe haven for terrorists, National Security Adviser said.
Hanif Atmar in an interview with a foreign press voiced his concern over presence of the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda groups in Afghanistan and called on US and NATO for help.
“The militants have not been degraded, they have regenerated themselves,” Atmar told to Associate Press.
Atmar warned the insurgent groups are reinventing themselves, joining forces, and drawing funds and support from outside as they take advantage of a perceived weakness of Afghan forces following the end of the U.S.-led international combat mission last year.
Security adviser said several groups are now using Afghanistan as a staging ground to reach their “home countries,” including China, Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, and Russia.
“What needs to be well understood is that the symbiotic network of terrorists that we are confronted with is going to be a threat to every country in this region and by extension the whole world,” Atmar said.
“We are hoping that assessment is shared not just by Central Asia, Russia and China, but by our neighbors to the south and east,” he said, referring principally to Pakistan.
He said the Islamic State group now poses an “existential threat” because it no longer includes only disaffected Taliban, unhappy with the lack of progress after years of fighting to topple the Kabul government, but has an “institutional connection” to the group’s leadership in Iraq and Syria.
“What these groups need to survive and to grow is sanctuaries, whether in Pakistan or Afghanistan. They’ve had them in Pakistan for decades now,” Atmar noted.
“Unless we get rid of the Taliban, either through counter-terrorism or through peace and reconciliation, these elements will grow because they need a host, and they need a recruitment facility. And we should not allow the Afghan Taliban to grow into that kind of facility for them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan Senate House criticized national security adviser of not informing the National Assembly; citing he should be summoned to the Senate.
“I wonder why our authorities do not share these statements with the representatives of our people,” Senator Nesar Haris said.
“The national security adviser has seriously warned of Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for terrorists, he must be summoned to the Senate for clarifications,” Senator Layloma Ahmadi said.
However, Afghan analysts say that Afghanistan would not become a safe haven for terrorist groups unless the politicians want to.
“Afghan people would never allow any terrorist groups to make the country a safe haven unless the politicians want to,” Aziz Rafi, civil activist said.
The 2015 fighting season between the Taliban and Afghan security forces is turning out to be the bloodiest on record since 2001.
Insecurity has significantly increased throughout the country, civilian deaths have shot up, and the Afghan security forces are taking large, and potentially unsustainable, casualties.
The Afghan forces also suffer from financial problems and deficiencies in logistics, intelligence resources, and special support functions, including medical evacuation. The lack of Afghan close-air-support assets is particularly problematic and a great boost to the insurgency.
Although Afghanistan passed through a critical juncture in the fall of 2014, when after an election, power was peacefully handed over to a new government, the country continues to face a series of political tripwires.
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Kabul to host ‘Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue’ tomorrow
At the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the “Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue” will be held in Kabul tomorrow (Sunday).
The meeting will be chaired by Amir Khan Muttaqi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and attended by senior representatives from Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
The discussions will cover political, economic, and security issues, as well as the development of regional cooperation, trade, and transit.
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Around 15,000 cases of vulnerable Afghan children addressed over past year
The Directorate of Child Protection at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced on Saturday that in the solar year 1404, through the implementation of extensive support programs and the handling of thousands of protective cases, it has achieved significant accomplishments in securing rights, raising awareness, and improving the situation of children across Afghanistan.
According to the directorate, the registered cases have been organized into 23 different categories, allowing for targeted and specialized handling of each type of case. In the area of awareness-raising, extensive programs have also been implemented to improve the general knowledge of children and their families, resulting in 404,207 children and family members being informed about child rights, explosive hazards, environmental protection, and other important topics.
To strengthen local structures and accelerate case management, the Directorate of Child Protection, within the framework of its 1404 work plan, established 20 new committees at the district level in provincial centers. These committees play a key role in coordinating between government offices, rapidly identifying cases, and providing support services. Currently, child protection committees are active in 204 districts and regularly review and resolve children’s issues.
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Severe rainfall and natural disasters cause heavy casualties across Afghanistan
At least 61 people have been confirmed dead, with 116 others injured. Four individuals remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations are underway.
The Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed widespread devastation across the country following a series of natural disasters and heavy rainfall. The toll continues to rise as authorities assess the damage.
At least 61 people have been confirmed dead, with 116 others injured. Four individuals remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations are underway. The disaster has also led to the destruction of 2,448 homes, leaving thousands displaced, while 26,841 acres of agricultural land have been severely damaged. In addition, the storm claimed the lives of 1,045 livestock animals, further exacerbating the already dire situation for rural communities.
In a statement, Mujahid emphasized the ongoing relief efforts. The Islamic Emirate is mobilizing all available resources to assist the hardest-hit regions and ensure the swift recovery of affected communities. The focus remains on providing immediate aid, including shelter, medical supplies, and food, while also beginning the long-term process of reconstruction and recovery.
Authorities have urged citizens in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant as more rain is forecast, adding to the urgency of the ongoing relief operations.
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