Security and Conflict
Taliban Deployed to Ghazni – On Sunday, Taliban forces were deployed in areas bordering Ghazni, Maidan Wardak, and Bamyan provinces, with hundreds of personnel present in parts of Nawa, Behsud, and Wars districts. The forces stopped and questioned residents in some areas, prompting frustration over alleged harassment.
Taliban Shoot Protestors in Yaftal-e Payan – OOn Saturday, August 1, residents of Yaftal Payan district in Badakhshan protested after Taliban forces allegedly conducted a physical search of a woman at a checkpoint. Witnesses said Taliban forces opened fire to disperse the demonstration, with reports indicating at least three protesters were killed and around 10 wounded, although casualty figures remain unconfirmed. Taliban police acknowledged the protest but said it began after a checkpoint stopped a man and a woman on suspicion of drug smuggling, accusing unnamed individuals of inciting unrest after claims that the woman had been searched by male personnel.
Taliban Claim Cross Border Strike in Chitral – On Monday, July 27, Taliban-affiliated media claimed Taliban forces carried out airstrikes against positions used by Islamic State, the AFF, and the NRF in the Shah Salim area of Pakistan’s Chitral district. The reports alleged the sites were used to plan attacks against Afghanistan. Pakistani security sources denied that any strike occurred, and the claims could not be independently verified.
HSF Raises Flag in Yaftal Badakhshan – On Tuesday, the Homeland Soldiers Front (Sepahian-e Mihan) posted a video showing one of its fighters raising the group’s flag in Yaftal district, Badakhshan. Online sources claim the video is from the group’s brief seizure of the Yaftal district center on July 17, although the location and timing of the video could not be independently verified.
National Mobilization Front Issues Statement in Support of AFF – On Monday, the Leadership Council of the National Mobilization Front of Afghanistan (NMF), whose leadership includes former military and government officials Javed Ahmad Kargar (former military commander and media figure), General Shams Vafadar (former member of the 205th Army Corps council), Engineer Ahmad Suhail Parto (former National Directorate of Security official), and Engineer Abdullah Nawabzada, directed its fighters to cooperate closely with the AFF. The statement instructed NMF members to provide logistical support, accommodation, and other assistance to AFF fighters where both groups operate.
House Searches in Balkh – On Thursday, residents of Marmul district in Balkh province reported that Taliban members had carried out nighttime raids on homes over several consecutive nights, reportedly banging on doors and demanding that households install outside lighting powered by electricity generators. Residents said the operations had caused fear among families, many of whom cannot afford generators.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Residents Detained in Yaftal Payan – On Wednesday, July 29, the Taliban detained seven residents of Yaftal Payan district in Badakhshan on allegations of collaborating with or having knowledge of the Homeland Corps. Sources also said Taliban intelligence arrested four former Afghan security personnel in Faizabad on Tuesday and Wednesday. The reported detentions follow recent security incidents in the province, including the killing of a Taliban official and several days of clashes with the Afghanistan Freedom Front.
Shia Leaders Meet to Urge Taliban to Stop Discrimination – On Thursday, Shiite and Hazara religious leaders, elders, politicians, and community representatives met in Kabul to discuss concerns over reported pressure on their communities, including the seizure of Omid Sabz township in Kabul and the closure of some mosques. Participants called on the Taliban administration to restrain Justice Minister Abdul Hakim Haqani, saying his actions were inconsistent with Taliban policy and had increased concern among Shiite and Hazara communities.
Increased Restrictions in Dara District Panjshir – On or around July 24, Taliban authorities reportedly imposed new restrictions in Dara district of Panjshir following an armed attack on one of their checkpoints. Local sources said residents were banned from entering the surrounding mountains, including to graze livestock, and were also prohibited from holding public gatherings or moving near Taliban checkpoints.
Women Arrested in Herat and Helmand – On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Taliban MOPVPV arrested women in Helmand and Herat. In Helmand, more than 10 women were reportedly detained over the past week, with most arrests occurring at the Women’s Market in Lashkargah. In Herat, at least nine women were detained over two days for alleged dress code or public conduct violations.
Activist Detained in Khost – On Monday, the Taliban detained social activist Ehsan Saadat in Khost, according to reports. Saadat, who reportedly supports the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), remained in custody several days later, with no official explanation for his arrest. Reports said he had previously been detained twice by the Taliban’s intelligence agency. Reports indicate his detention is linked to Facebook posts criticizing Pakistan’s policies toward Afghanistan. The Taliban have not commented.
Internal Politics and Taliban Policies
Taliban Suspend More Mining Operations in Badakhshan – On Monday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said mining operations at some sites in Badakhshan had been suspended while extraction regulations are reviewed, citing illegal mining, disorder, and the seizure of mining areas. The announcement followed protests last week in Yaftal District over mine closures. Mujahid said the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum would issue new guidelines before operations resume under revised rules and standards.
MOJ Enforces Seizure of Land in Kabul – On Monday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice announced the enforcement of a court ruling declaring more than 1,500 jeribs (301 hectares; 744 acres) of land in Kabul’s Omid-e-Sabz Township as state-owned. The decision, affecting a predominantly Hazara residential area in Districts 6 and 13, could displace thousands of residents. The ministry said affected homeowners should seek compensation from those who sold them the properties rather than from the Taliban administration.
Ban on Transfer of “State-Owned” Land – On Saturday, the Taliban Ministry of Justice announced a ban on property transactions in residential and commercial townships it has declared state-owned. Tenants in these areas must reportedly pay rent to the Taliban rather than to previous occupants, with banking details to be provided. The Taliban has declared dozens of townships state-owned, including Omid Sabz in western Kabul, where residents were recently ordered to vacate. Property owners have disputed the rulings, alleging their documents were not properly reviewed and that court decisions lacked impartiality.
New Decree for Government Employees – A decree issued this week by Mullah Hibatullah requires government employees under Taliban control to maintain beards of at least one fist in length, wear caps and turbans, perform prayers in congregation, and attend ongoing religious instruction based on Sunni teachings. The order was issued after officials reported shortcomings in implementing the Taliban’s Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. Employees are also required to study texts on Sunni doctrine, prayer, and obedience to the Taliban’s Sharia-based system. The decree warns that violations may result in salary suspension, suspension from duty, demotion, or dismissal. It also directs the Taliban Foreign Ministry to enforce the requirements at diplomatic missions and embassies abroad. The order has raised concerns over religious freedom, particularly for Shiite employees. Some government workers reportedly said the increasing restrictions are placing additional pressure on employees and that appearance and language are receiving greater attention than professional qualifications.
Taliban Revoke Seven Private University Licenses – In 2026, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Higher Education suspended seven private universities for one year and revoked the licenses of two others following a nationwide evaluation. The suspended institutions are Barlas, Rah-e Saadat, Turkistan, Azhar, Barna, Rashad, and Payam universities. Licenses were revoked for Kohandazh and Khana-e Danish universities. The ministry cited alleged violations, including fictitious enrollment, falsified records, inadequate facilities, unapproved curricula, and insufficient academic and administrative staff.
Mullah Hibatullah Meets with University Faculties – On Saturday, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada told university professors and officials that religious scholars have a duty to “reform human beings” and strengthen the Taliban’s governance. The meeting, attended by the Taliban’s higher education minister, also featured Akhundzada’s emphasis on obedience to his leadership and the scholars’ role in supporting governance.
Freedom of Press
Tolo News Reporter Arrested in Badakhshan – On Thursday, reports said Taliban intelligence detained TOLOnews reporter Nazim Qasemi in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province. He was released from Taliban custody on Saturday.
International Developments
China Speaks on IS-K Risk at UN – On Tuesday, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Sun Lei, told the UN Security Council that terrorist groups based in Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to the country and the region, warning that IS-K is increasing its capacity to conduct cross-border attacks. He urged the Taliban to fulfill their counterterrorism commitments and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups while calling for greater international cooperation and economic support for Afghanistan.
UN Members Not Seeking to Recognize Taliban – n Tuesday, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said there was no movement among UN member states toward recognizing the Taliban, emphasizing that recognition is a decision made by individual governments, not the United Nations. He said no such process was currently underway. Since the Taliban took power in 2021, only Russia has recognized its government, while the UN continues to refer to it as Afghanistan’s de facto authorities.
Agriculture Delegation Travels to Moldova – On Monday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock said a delegation led by Acting Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Sadr Azam Osmani traveled to Moldova on an official visit. According to the ministry, the visit aims to expand cooperation in agricultural research, plant protection, integrated pest management, modern farming technologies, and scientific and technical collaboration. Moldova confirmed the trip but emphasized that it does not recognize the Taliban and that these were not official meetings.
Regional Developments
Taliban Ambassador Meets Iranian Ambassador – On Monday, Gul Hassan Hassan, the Taliban’s ambassador to Russia, met Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and cooperation in the political, economic, trade, health, and cultural sectors. According to the Afghan Embassy in Moscow, the two sides also discussed strengthening consular cooperation, facilitating travel for citizens, and improving coordination between their embassies.
ACC Members Meet with Turkmenistan Officials – On Thursday, Afghanistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in Turkmenistan, Fazl Mohammad Saber, met a delegation from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment during its visit to Ashgabat to discuss expanding bilateral trade and addressing challenges facing traders. The chamber said talks with Turkmen officials also covered transit, energy cooperation, joint investment, border improvements, and the removal of trade barriers, while inviting Turkmen investors to visit Afghanistan.
Natural Disasters
Continued Flooding in Eastern Afghanistan – On Sunday, flash flooding caused property damage in the Mandol district of Nuristan following heavy rainfall. On Monday, further flooding struck eastern Afghanistan, with Taliban disaster management authorities reporting two deaths in Kunar province. In neighboring Nuristan, local sources said flooding in the Olagul area of Barg-e Matal district damaged around 200 homes, with unconfirmed reports of casualties.
Flooding in Kunar – On Monday, two people were killed, and residents sustained significant property damage after flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Nurgal district of Kunar province. Local sources said the flooding also damaged temporary shelters for earthquake-affected families. Taliban disaster management officials confirmed the fatalities and damage but provided no estimate of the losses.
US Visa Processing Information/US Legal Information (Updated 8/9/26)
Update for Afghan SIVs awaiting Interview – The expanded U.S. travel ban, which took effect January 1, 2026, continues to block Afghan SIV applicants from receiving visas or entering the United States. Despite ongoing legal challenges, the ban remains in effect. Even applicants with otherwise approved cases may be denied a visa by a U.S. embassy under Section 212(f) of U.S. immigration law. A 212(f) denial is final, not a temporary refusal, and cannot be appealed.
If the travel ban is lifted or changed in the future, an applicant denied under 212(f) may need to pursue the visa again. The denial, however, should not cancel the underlying SIV case approval, including a valid COM approval. Based on current legal guidance from IRAP, Afghans with scheduled visa appointments should consider postponing their interviews rather than risk receiving a final 212(f) denial.
Screening for Green Card Holders Returning to the U.S. – On June 23, 2026 U.S. Supreme Court ruling increased the potential risks for some green card holders with criminal histories who travel outside the United States. When returning, border officers may treat them as seeking admission to the U.S., rather than simply returning as permanent residents. This can result in detention and immigration court proceedings that could ultimately put their green card status at risk. Green card holders with any criminal history should speak with a qualified immigration attorney before traveling outside the United States to understand how the ruling may affect their individual case. More information can be found HERE (translation available).
Asylee Follow to Join Restarted – On July 29, a federal judge in Virginia ruled in favor of Afghan asylees who had been prevented from reuniting with family members who remained overseas through the Follow-to-Join (FTJ) program. The court ruled that the administration cannot apply the travel ban to asylees seeking reunification through the FTJ process. Refugee FTJ applications remain barred by the separate refugee ban.
Protecting Yourself from Immigration Fraud – Global Refuge has released a new resource aimed at helping immigrants identify and avoid unauthorized immigration service providers. The guide explains the risks associated with the unauthorized practice of immigration law, outlines common warning signs of fraud, and highlights scams involving false promises to influence or expedite immigration cases. It also provides information on how individuals can find qualified, authorized legal assistance and protect themselves from costly mistakes that could negatively affect their immigration cases. The resource is available HERE in English, Dari, or Pashto.
USCIS Resumes Processing Immigration Benefits – On June 5, a federal court ruled in Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS that USCIS could not freeze or delay immigration applications based solely on a person’s nationality. The decision ended policies affecting applicants from 39 countries, including Afghanistan, that had blocked or delayed green cards, work permits, citizenship applications, asylum cases, and other immigration benefits. USCIS has since confirmed that it is complying with the court order and has resumed processing affected cases. The government has appealed the ruling, but its request to pause the court’s decision while the appeal continues was denied on July 15. For now, the court’s order remains in effect.
Federal Agency Conducts Survey of Afghans— The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is calling Afghans who came to the U.S. in recent years. ORR says the calls are for Afghans who “may be in vulnerable situations” and are designed to connect people to services and support they are eligible for. Some have raised concerns that ORR may share information it collects with ICE. You can decide not to answer the call or choose not to answer any individual question. Many Afghans are eligible for case management and other services through programs like Preferred Communities and Intensive Case Management. Even if you do not respond to a call from ORR, you can reach out to your local refugee resettlement agency to see if you are eligible.
Pacito v. Trump – In the ongoing Pacito v. Rubio litigation challenging the suspension of the USRAP)a federal judge has allowed plaintiffs to amend their complaint, enabling expanded claims that the administration unlawfully prioritized Afrikaner refugees while excluding other refugee populations, including groups prioritized by Congress. According to the plaintiffs, more than 120,000 approved refugees remain unable to enter the United States under the current policy, while only a small number of Afghans have received exemptions. A trial in this matter is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
IRAP Afghan & Iraqi Allies v. Rubio – In the class action case Afghan & Iraqi Allies v. Rubio, a federal court is continuing to pressure the Trump administration over massive delays in the Afghan SIV program after previously ordering the government to resume processing COM applications. More information can be found HERE.
New Asylum Yearly Fees – New U.S. asylum regulations introduce application, annual, and work permit fees. Beginning May 29, 2026, applicants who fail to pay the annual fee within 30 days of notice face significant penalties. Authorities may terminate the asylum application (Form I-589), reject pending work permit requests (Form I-765), and end existing work permits after a denial unless appealed. Individuals without legal status could be placed in removal proceedings. Applicants whose cases are terminated for nonpayment may reapply but must submit a new application and pay fees again. Officials advise timely payment and consultation with legal providers if needed. More information can be found Here
Refugee Review – The U.S. government will re-examine refugee approvals for individuals admitted between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, even for those who already hold Green Cards. USCIS may review both the initial refugee determination and the Form I-485 application. Green Card applications for refugees from this period are currently paused. Refugees from travel-ban countries will also be subject to the stricter review and enhanced security checks noted above. More information is available in Dari or Pashto
Work Permit Changes – Most new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will no longer be valid for five years. Under a new rule, many applicants will now receive EADs valid for 18 months, while others may receive permits valid for one year or less. These changes apply to applications submitted or pending on or after December 5, 2025 (for 18-month permits) and July 22, 2025 (for one-year permits). Existing EADs remain valid until their printed expiration dates.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, resistance activity is expected to increase significantly over the next week. Frequent attacks are likely to continue. The Taliban are also expected to intensify security crackdowns, including increased checkpoints, house-to-house searches, and the detention and arrest of former government officials, ANSF personnel, and NDS members. All at-risk groups should exercise extreme caution in their movements and activities. All Afghans should also expect an increased likelihood of stops at checkpoints and searches of mobile phones by Taliban personnel. Individuals should avoid storing sensitive messages, photos, contacts, or documents on their devices, exercise caution in their online activity and social media use, and secure or remove content that could place them at risk before traveling.
In Pakistan, deportations of Afghans without valid visas are expected to continue. All Afghans without valid visas remain at risk of detention, property seizure, and deportation, regardless of how long they have lived in Pakistan or whether they have pending third-country visa cases, including U.S. P1/P2 or SIV applications.
In the United States, the travel ban on Afghan nationals remains in effect despite several ongoing court cases. P1/P2 refugee processing remains paused. SIV COM processing has resumed, though visa issuance remains suspended. Afghan SIV and other visa applicants who attend interviews are expected to receive denials under Section 212(f), which are generally permanent and cannot be appealed. Legal aid organizations, including IRAP, continue to advise affected applicants to consider postponing interviews and to avoid submitting passports or completing medical examinations while the restrictions remain in place.FOr other updates, please see the US Visa Processing section above.
ICE enforcement activity has increased in a number of locations across the United States. All Afghans should familiarize themselves with their legal rights and be prepared for possible encounters with immigration authorities. Individuals are encouraged to review the ICE raid section of the U.S. processing guidance and consult the know your rights guide.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
More Migrants Die Trying to Reach Iran – On Friday, July 31, the bodies of 14 Afghan migrants, including at least seven children, were found in the deserts of Nimroz around two weeks after they disappeared while attempting to reach Iran through irregular routes. The victims, part of a 19-member group from Badghis province, reportedly died from dehydration and extreme heat after becoming lost. A video showing the final messages of two of the victims to their families later circulated on social media.
Pakistan
Pakistan Bars Graduates from Afghan Schools from Medical Licensing Exam – On Monday, Pakistan’s medical regulator announced that graduates of Afghan medical and dental schools would no longer be eligible to sit the National Registration Examination required for medical licensing, citing the exclusion of Afghan institutions from the ECFMG-approved list. The decision is expected to affect thousands of Pakistani students studying in Afghanistan, while a related legal challenge remains pending before Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court.
Attack in SWAT – On Monday, at least 13 people, including eight police officers, were killed and 22 others injured in a suicide bombing near a police station in Pakistan’s Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police said the attacker detonated explosives after being stopped at the station’s main gate. The blast occurred near a civil society protest. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Operations Against TTP – On Thursday, Pakistani security forces reportedly killed 10 alleged TTP militants in two operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The military said eight were killed in Azam Warsak after attempting to attack security posts, while two were killed in Dir, where weapons and ammunition were recovered. Search operations continue, while the TTP has not publicly commented on the military’s claims.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
This week’s spotlight analysis is by Afghan Digest staff and examines new coordination between resistance groups in Badakhshan and developments in the resistance over the past month. The analysis will be sent in a separate post.
AFGHAN NEWS
Hazara-Shia Representatives Accuse Taliban Justice Minister of ‘Systematic Discrimination’
Besmillah Zahidi
Representatives of Afghanistan’s Hazara-Shia community have accused the Taliban’s justice minister of pursuing discriminatory policies, saying his actions amount to “systematic discrimination” and an attempt to forcibly displace members of the community.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the representatives called on the Taliban leadership to intervene, alleging that Abdul Hakim Shara’i has repeatedly targeted the Shiite community through arrests, property disputes, closures of religious institutions, and other measures over the past five years.
The statement came days after the Taliban Ministry of Justice ordered residents of Omid-e Sabz Township, also known as Haji Nabi Township, to vacate the area after a special Taliban court declared more than 1,500 jeribs (about 301 hectares) of land to be state-owned. The township, located in Kabul’s Districts 6 and 13, is home to more than 4,000 families, most of them from the Hazara Shia community.
Afghanistan hunger crisis intensifies as millions left without food aid
Nathalie Minard
14 million Afghans face acute hunger, with only one in nine receiving WFP food assistance.
Child malnutrition has reached record levels in 12 provinces, with children under two hardest hit.
Funding shortages have forced WFP to scale back lifesaving nutrition programmes nationwide.
The agency needs $500 million before winter to avert a worsening humanitarian crisis.
In a new alert on Tuesday, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said that one in three Afghans is now in the grip of acute food insecurity and that it lacks the resources to contain the deepening crisis
Today, 12 provinces have now reached critical levels of acute child malnutrition, the highest number ever recorded.
Conflict, widespread unemployment, soaring food prices, shrinking humanitarian funding and disruption to supply routes are fuelling the crisis, WFP said.
REGIONAL NEWS
Afghanistan’s trade with Pakistan remains stalled for over 300
Yasin Shayan
More than 300 days after Pakistan closed its border crossings with Afghanistan, trade between the two neighbors remains largely at a standstill, disrupting exports, increasing transport costs and reshaping regional trade routes.
The closure, which began on Oct. 12, 2025, followed escalating border tensions and has shut down Afghanistan’s main commercial crossings with Pakistan, including Torkham in Nangarhar, Spin Boldak-Chaman in Kandahar, Kharlachi in Paktia, Angoor Ada in Paktika and Ghulam Khan in Khost.
The prolonged closure has cut Afghanistan off from what had long been its largest traditional export market and its most direct overland route to seaports. Pakistan, meanwhile, has also lost access to one of its largest export markets and a key transit corridor to Central Asia.
Pakistan’s UN Envoy Urges Action Against Growing Terrorist Threat From Afghanistan
Afghanistan International
Pakistan’s UN envoy Asim Iftikhar urged member states to confront what he called the growing terrorist threat from Afghanistan, saying multiple groups had expanded their operations since the Taliban’s return.
Speaking at the Security Council on Wednesday, 5 August, Iftikhar said the situation in Afghanistan was deeply concerning.
He claimed that safe havens were currently available in Afghanistan to groups including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Balochistan Liberation Army, Islamic State Khorasan Province, the East Turkistan Islamic Movement and al-Qaeda.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Afghanistan: Taliban Assault on Rights Deepens 5 Years on
Afghanistan’s Taliban have entrenched one of the world’s worst human rights crises and systematically dismantled the rights of women and girls since taking power five years ago, Human Rights Watch said today, releasing a timeline of abuses over the last five years. Afghanistan is also facing a severe humanitarian crisis with nearly 40 percent of the population in urgent need of assistance.
Since capturing Kabul on August 15, 2021, Taliban authorities have imposed sweeping restrictions on women’s rights to work, movement, and participation in public life as part of a broader system aimed at social control and curbing any dissent. The Taliban’s morality police have raided workplaces, surveilled public spaces, and arbitrarily arrested women for alleged violations of dress code rules. Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls are barred from education beyond the sixth grade.
Afghani to US Dollar: $1 – 65.70 AFN (As of August 9)