The UN World Food Programme warns that acute child malnutrition has reached critical levels in one-third of Afghanistan's provinces, with 3.7 million children projected to suffer from malnutrition this year as funding shortfalls force cuts to food distributions and clinic services.
A federal judge refused to dismiss the case against an Afghan woman who is the first person facing deportation under the Trump administration's reactivation of a Washington-based court that had been inactive for years. The hearing marks the court's first public session since being brought back into operation.
The federal government has reportedly begun interviewing hundreds of Afghan nationals in the U.S., raising fears among refugees and activists that sensitive information could be used for deportations. Simultaneously, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers has introduced legislation to extend Temporary Protected Status for eligible Afghans who supported U.S. efforts.
Afghanistan's Taliban government conducted air strikes on targets along the Pakistan border, prompting Pakistan's military to shoot down four Afghan drones over Balochistan province. The escalation marks a dramatic deterioration in relations between the former allies.
Pakistani forces conducted overnight airstrikes and ground operations along the Afghanistan border, killing at least 36 civilians and wounding more than 160 others according to Afghan officials. Pakistan says it targeted militant hideouts in response to attacks across Pakistan, while Afghanistan condemned the strikes as acts of aggression.
A Taliban delegation met with European Union officials in Brussels for closed-door technical discussions focused on the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan, marking the first such meeting despite no EU country recognizing the Taliban government. The talks have drawn fierce criticism from rights groups and MEPs who warn against normalizing a regime that has banned girls' education beyond sixth grade.
The Taliban has issued a directive banning smartphones for all government officials and civil servants in Afghanistan, with violators facing confiscation, device destruction, and potential imprisonment. The order, attributed to Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has prompted government employees to switch off their devices, while analysts warn it could precede broader restrictions on the general population.
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Afghanistan's Taliban rulers to reverse their crackdown on women's rights, as reports emerge of continued detentions including an MSF staff member and ongoing use of excessive force against protesters.
Pakistan conducted air strikes on terrorist hideouts along its border with Afghanistan on Tuesday, killing 26 militants according to Pakistani officials. Afghanistan's Taliban government reported at least 13 civilians killed, including 11 children, and condemned the attacks.
A violent Taliban crackdown on women not adhering to strict dress code requirements triggered rare street protests in Herat, Afghanistan, with security forces killing at least two people, including a boy, according to UN and media reports.
Pakistan conducted airstrikes on a university in Afghanistan's Kunar province, killing at least seven and injuring 85, marking the first attacks since both countries agreed to halt violence at peace talks last month. Afghanistan denies Pakistan's dismissal of the reports.
Australia announced Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will become the country's first female army chief as part of a broader reshuffle of defence force leadership. Coyle has held several senior command roles over a nearly 40-year military career.
Four people died attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat, with two men and two women swept away by currents while trying to board a dinghy off the French coast. A Sudanese man was arrested on suspicion of endangering life.
American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in broad daylight in Baghdad, with US officials stating a suspect has ties to Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah. The State Department says it is working to ensure her release as soon as possible.
