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Taliban reacts to reports of US base being established in region
The Taliban on Wednesday urged Afghanistan’s neighboring countries not to allow the U.S. to establish military bases in their countries stating that should such a step be taken “it will be a great and historic mistake and disgrace”.
According to a statement issued by the Taliban’s Doha-based spokesman, Mohammad Naeem: “The Muslim and Mujahid nation of Afghanistan will not remain silent before such heinous and provocative acts. Rather, it will fulfill its religious and historical responsibilities in the same way as it has performed throughout history.”
“As we have repeatedly assured others that our soil will not be used against security of others, we are similarly urging others not to use their soil and airspace against our country. If such a step is taken, then the responsibility for all the misfortunes and difficulties lies upon those who commit such mistakes,” the statement read.
This comes after reports emerged this week that the U.S. was setting up a military base inside Pakistan, just 8km from the Afghanistan border.
However, Pakistan rejected the claims on Tuesday and said “any speculation on this account is baseless and irresponsible and should be avoided.”
The reports emerged after David F Helvey, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Affairs, told the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee last week that the United States would continue its conversation with Pakistan because it had a critical role in restoring peace to Afghanistan.
“Pakistan has played an important role in Afghanistan. They supported the Afghan peace process. Pakistan also has allowed us to have overflight and access to be able to support our military presence in Afghanistan,” Helvey had told the committee.
“We will continue our conversations with Pakistan because their support and contribution to the future of Afghanistan, to future peace in Afghanistan, is going to be critical,” he had added.
Sources, meanwhile, told Ariana News on Monday that U.S. forces have begun construction of a large military base across the Durand Line.
According to the sources, the base is being built at the Shalozan Kurram Agency area in the Tribal Area inside Pakistan – in the Zazai Aryub district which borders Paktia province in Afghanistan.
Members of the Paktia provincial council told Ariana News that the base is under construction 8km from the Durand Line inside Pakistan and “supplies are being delivered via air and ground every day.”
Colonel Sonny Legget, a spokesman for the US Forces in Afghanistan, however, rejected these reports.
International Sports
One Day to Go: Everything you need to know about FIFA World Cup 2026
With one day remaining until kickoff, anticipation is building around the world as football prepares to take centre stage once again.
The countdown is almost over. In just one day, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will get underway, launching what is widely regarded as the world’s greatest sporting event.
Football fans across Afghanistan and around the globe are preparing for a month of excitement as 48 nations compete for the most coveted prize in international football.
What is the FIFA World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup is the premier international football tournament, held every four years and featuring the world’s best national teams.
The 2026 edition will be the largest in the tournament’s history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and featuring a record 104 matches.
Where is the tournament being held?
For the first time, the World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries:
United States
Canada
Mexico
Matches will be played across 16 host cities throughout North America.
When does the tournament start?
The tournament kicks off on June 11, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City.
The final will be played on July 19 in New York.
Why is this World Cup historic?
The 2026 tournament marks several major milestones:
First World Cup hosted by three nations.
First World Cup featuring 48 teams.
Largest World Cup ever with 104 matches.
First time Canada hosts World Cup matches.
Organizers expect millions of fans to attend matches, while billions around the world are expected to follow the tournament on television and digital platforms.
World Cup 2026: Ten attacking stars set to steal the show in North America
Which teams are among the favourites?
Several traditional football powers enter the tournament among the leading contenders, including:
Argentina (defending champions)
France
Brazil
England
Spain
Germany
Portugal
Stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi are expected to be among the tournament’s biggest attractions.
How can fans in Afghanistan watch the World Cup?
Football supporters across Afghanistan will be able to follow every moment of the tournament through Ariana Radio and Television Network’s (ATN) extensive coverage – on both TV and radio.
Ariana Television will broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live across Afghanistan, bringing viewers comprehensive coverage of the world’s biggest football event.
For fans on the move or unable to watch television, Ariana FM will also provide live match broadcasts throughout the tournament, ensuring supporters can stay connected to the action wherever they are.
What can fans expect?
From dramatic goals and unforgettable upsets to emerging stars and title contenders battling for glory, the FIFA World Cup consistently delivers some of sport’s most memorable moments.
With one day remaining until kickoff, anticipation is building around the world as football prepares to take centre stage once again.
Fans in Afghanistan can tune in to Ariana Television from 11:30pm to watch kick off between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday night, June 11.
Midfield Maestros: 10 players set to control the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), said on Wednesday Pakistani military forces violated Afghanistan’s airspace overnight and carried out airstrikes on civilian homes in the eastern provinces of Kunar, Khost and Paktika.
According to Mujahid, the attacks killed 13 civilians, including 11 children, one woman and one elderly man. He said 14 other women and children were wounded in the strikes.
Mujahid condemned the attacks as a “humanitarian crime” and an “act of aggression,” accusing Pakistan of targeting civilian areas.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has expressed concern over the dispersal of a protest in the Jebrail area of Herat province by security forces, saying the incident involved violence.
Karzai said: “Our society needs peace and a life full of happiness and friendship.” He added that “the dignity and respect of all Afghan people, especially women, must be fully observed, and conditions for a dignified life must be ensured in their homeland.”
Security forces on Tuesday dispersed a gathering in the Jebrail area of Herat, which, according to Sayed Masoud Hosseini, spokesperson for Herat police, had caused tension and disrupted public order.
Hosseini said the individuals had gathered under the pretext of protesting the issue of hijab and were attempting to disturb public order, adding that the situation was brought under control following the timely intervention of security forces.
Meanwhile, the UK Special Representative for Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, also reacted to the incident, calling for de-escalation and respect for freedom of expression.
In a post on X on Tuesday evening, Lindsay said: “Deeply concerned by reports of force being used on the streets of Herat. I call for de-escalation, respect for freedom of expression, and accountability for any unlawful harm.”
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