Latest News
US working to rescue dozens of Americans from Afghanistan
The US is working to assist 44 Americans who want to leave Afghanistan as well as several others detained by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday.
“There are several Americans who are being detained by the Taliban (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan). We are working to secure their freedom,” Blinken told a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.
“The families have asked that we protect their identities and don’t speak publicly to their cases,” he added.
“Those who have been detained — how many other Americans are there?” said Republican Representative Joe Wilson.
“As we speak, American citizens who identified themselves to us who are in Afghanistan — some of whom have been there since the withdrawal, some of whom went back to Afghanistan — there are about, that we’re in contact with, about 175. Forty-four of them are ready to leave, and we are working to effectuate their departure,” Blinken responded.
Republican lawmakers have been accusing President Joe Biden of the “failed” withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the chaos at Kabul airport in August 2021.
Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee requested documents related to the controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan from the State Department as part of an investigation.
During the hearing Thursday at the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Republican chairman Michael McCaul gave Blinken until the end of Monday to release an internal dissent cable written by at least 23 diplomats serving at the US Embassy in Kabul in July 2021.
“I have the subpoena. it’s right here. And I’m prepared to serve this,” McCaul told Blinken.
The classified cable reportedly warned of the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.
Blinken said in response to the committee’s request that the “tradition of having a dissent channel is one that is cherished in the department, and goes back decades.”
“It’s a unique way for anyone in the department to speak truth to power as they see it,” he said.
“These cables may only be shared with senior officials in the department, and again that’s to protect the integrity of the process to make sure we don’t have a chilling effect on those who might want to come forward,” he continued.
He said the State Department is “prepared to make the relevant information in that cable available, including through a briefing or some other mechanism.”
Latest News
WFP air services in Afghanistan may be suspended due to funding crisis
According to WFP, the organization urgently needs $10.5 million in funding to continue its relief flights in 2025.
The UN’s World Food Program (WFP) in Afghanistan has announced the possible suspension of its air services in the country due to a severe shortage of funding.
WFP is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan and the air services have played a vital role in transporting humanitarian aid, especially to areas difficult to reach by land.
In a message posted on X, the WFP explained that in the past, when roads were blocked, air services were the only way to deliver aid to remote areas of Afghanistan. This aid included food, medicine, and other essential items that are essential for the survival of millions of people in need in Afghanistan.
According to WFP, the organization urgently needs $10.5 million in funding to continue its relief flights in 2025.
In addition, the WFP stated that humanitarian needs in Afghanistan continue to increase and millions of people across the country are dependent on humanitarian assistance.
WFP stated that if air services are stopped, it will become very difficult, if not impossible, to deliver vital aid to areas that are not accessible by road.
Latest News
Afghanistan and Iran swap prisoners at Milak border crossing
At the same time, two Iranians serving sentences in Afghan prisons were repatriated to Iran.
Afghanistan and Iran exchanged prisoners at the Milak border crossing in south-eastern Iran on Sunday, officials confirmed.
According to IRNA, almost 200 Afghan prisoners held in Iranian prisons in Tehran, Sistan and Baluchestan and Isfahan were handed over to Afghan authorities at the Milak border in Sistan and Baluchestan.
At the same time, two Iranians serving sentences in Afghan prisons were repatriated to Iran.
Iran’s Deputy Justice Minister for Human Rights and International Affairs, Askar Jalalian, said recently that more than 4,500 foreign nationals detained in Iran had been sent to their home countries.
Roza Otunbayeva, Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), recently visited the city of Maimana in northern Afghanistan, where she met with local officials, entrepreneurs, and UN staff.
UNAMA wrote on its Facebook page on Sunday, that during the visit, entrepreneurs — including women — met with Otunbayeva, and requested support to facilitate access to new markets, particularly in Uzbekistan.
UNAMA further stated that among these entrepreneurs was a group of women who, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), had established a tailoring workshop.
They expressed their appreciation for the support received and spoke about the significant growth and development of their business.
UNAMA added that the organization remains committed to promoting economic opportunities and empowering Afghan communities, especially women.
WFP air services in Afghanistan may be suspended due to funding crisis
Afghanistan and Iran swap prisoners at Milak border crossing
Trump urges Russia to stop attacks; Rubio says US might walk away from peace efforts
Death toll from blast at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port rises to 40
Tahawol: Events of 7th and 8th Saur reviewed
South Korea, China, Japan seek regional trade amid Trump tariffs
Global organizations warn of health crisis due to aid cuts in Afghanistan
IPL 2025: Batters in race for prestigious Orange Cap
Myanmar quake death toll hits 1,700 as aid scramble intensifies
As Iran tensions build, US military moves warplanes to reinforce Middle East
Tahawol: Events of 7th and 8th Saur reviewed
Saar: Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism discussed
Tahawol: Possible consequences of India-Pakistan tensions reviewed
Saar: Ongoing efforts to start Afghan-Trans project work discussed
Tahawol: Key factors behind Gaza escalation reviewed
-
Sport5 days agoSri Lanka A defeats Afghanistan A by 4 wickets in Abu Dhabi
-
Latest News4 days agoAWCC activates new site in Nangarhar’s Kuz Kunar district
-
Latest News4 days agoTarig Ali Bakheet and Japan’s Deputy Foreign Minister discuss Afghanistan’s situation
-
Business4 days agoPakistan’s deputy PM discusses Trans-Afghan Railway Line project with Uzbek FM
-
Climate Change5 days agoPowerful earthquake of 6.2 magnitude shakes Istanbul
-
Latest News5 days agoSpecial meeting will be held to launch Afghanistan–Russia joint commission, says Kabulov
-
Latest News3 days agoAfghanistan’s medicine output reaches 900 types: Pharma Union
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghan delegation to participate in Iran’s international expo