Habibullah Wahidzada, Tajikistan’s Prosecutor General, says the recent attacks launched from Afghan territory into the country’s border regions were intended to undermine Dushanbe’s relations with Beijing. He confirmed that five Chinese nationals were killed in these incidents.

Wahidzada told a press briefing that the latest border incident in the Shamsuddin Shohin and Darvoz districts point to deliberate attempts by criminal groups to destabilize the region.

“Chinese citizens are engaged in road construction. Who benefits from killing them? This clearly shows that certain individuals and criminal groups do not want peace or are seeking to harm our relations with China,” he said.

According to Wahidzada, the attacks on Chinese workers along the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border are being investigated as a criminal case, and authorities have determined that Tajik citizens were not involved in the killings.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has also stated that its assessments indicate the attacks were carried out by groups aiming to fuel instability and mistrust in the region. Kabul stressed that it will not allow the current atmosphere of trust or its relations with Tajikistan to be undermined.

In a statement issued to mark the 37th anniversary of the defeat and withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) described the occasion as a proud and historic day for the nation and a moment of gratitude to Allah.

The statement noted that the 26th of Dalwa commemorates the end of the former Soviet Union military presence in Afghanistan, calling it a significant victory achieved through years of jihad, struggle, sacrifice, migration, and hardship endured by the Afghan people.

According to the Islamic Emirate, these sacrifices enabled Afghans, with divine support, to defeat a major global power and force it to withdraw from their homeland. The statement added that Afghanistan’s liberation from occupation for the third time in more than a century demonstrates the firm resolve and commitment of the Afghan people to defend their faith, independence, and sovereignty.

The declaration also urged foreign powers to learn from the repeated failures of past invasions over the last hundred years and to refrain from taking steps against the freedom and independence of the Afghan nation in the future.

The Islamic Emirate emphasized that Afghans must remain vigilant against conspiracies and threats, uphold Islamic unity, and continue following the path of their forefathers to safeguard their religion, beliefs, and national independence.

The statement concluded by congratulating Afghans on the anniversary and reaffirming commitment to unity, resilience, and independence.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan with a video message, describing it as a sacred period of reflection, prayer, hope, and peace for Muslims around the world.

In his remarks, Guterres said Ramadan represents a noble vision rooted in compassion, solidarity, and unity. However, he noted that for millions across the globe, this vision remains distant due to ongoing conflict, hunger, displacement, and discrimination. He specifically referenced the suffering of people in Afghanistan, Yemen, Gaza, Sudan, and other crisis-affected regions.

The UN chief urged the international community to uphold the enduring message of Ramadan by bridging divisions, extending help and hope to those in need, and protecting the rights and dignity of every individual.

Guterres also highlighted his long-standing tradition of visiting Muslim communities during Ramadan and joining them in fasting, saying the month’s spirit of peace and compassion continues to inspire him each year.

He concluded by expressing hope that Ramadan would motivate people worldwide to work together toward building a more peaceful, generous, and just world for all, ending his message with the greeting, “Ramadan Kareem.”