The Week of December 8-14
Security and Conflict
Complex Attack by NRF – On Monday evening, NRF carried out a targeted operation against a key Taliban base in Dara district, Panjshir province. According to the NRF, the attack involved a two-stage assault, an embedded mine followed by rocket fire, resulting in the deaths of 17 Taliban members, including a battalion commander from the Ministry of Defense’s Special Brigade, and wounding five others. Multiple sources confirmed the attack and the scale of casualties, though the Taliban have denied that the incident occurred. This marks the largest resistance attack in several months.
Former Soldier Killed in Parwan – On Thursday, a former Afghan National Army soldier, Abdul Shakoor, and another man, Abdul Wahid, were shot dead by armed assailants in Parwan province’s Jabal-us-Siraj district. Shakoor had served in the former army, while Wahid was related to a former security official. The Taliban confirmed the incident and reported the arrest of three suspects, including the brother of one of the victims.
Taliban Intelligence Clash With Hospital Guards in Badakshan – On Saturday, a clash between Taliban intelligence fighters and hospital guards in Fayzabad, Badakhshan, left at least three people injured. The confrontation began after a dispute between the Taliban intelligence commander and the head of the hospital guards. Taliban security forces later intervened, arresting those involved and transferring them to the provincial security command center.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Taliban Shut Women’s Shelter in Kabul – On Thursday, the Taliban forcibly closed a women’s shelter in Kabul operated by Mahbouba Seraj, a prominent women’s rights activist who had previously advocated engagement with the group. The shelter was housing 33 women and children at the time of closure. In a message, Seraj expressed deep distress, stating she had “lost her battle.” Despite her prior engagement, the shelter was not spared, prompting renewed criticism from human rights advocates.
Four Arrested in Herat for “Western Clothes” – On Monday, the Taliban arrested four youths in Herat’s Jebrael district for wearing clothing inspired by the television series Peaky Blinders, which they had shared on social media. The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue stated that the attire violated Islamic and Afghan values.
Floggings – On Wednesday, two individuals were flogged in Maidan Wardak, and one man and one woman were flogged in Nangarhar. On Thursday, three men and two women were flogged in Sar-e Pul, two men in Paktika, and one man and one woman in Kabul. On Sunday, two men and two women were flogged in Faryab and seven were flogged in Takhar.
Internal Politics
Opposition Coalition Issues Statement – On Tuesday, three major Afghan opposition coalitions, along with key political figures Ahmad Massoud, Abdul Rashid Dostum, and Hanif Atmar, called for UN-led intra-Afghan peace talks to address the ongoing crisis. Their joint statement urged a binding political settlement with guarantees for women’s and youth participation, a new constitution, inclusive governance, and transparent management of national resources. The statement also called for an end to rights abuses and restrictions on women. On Wednesday, Salahuddin Rabbani, leader of a faction of Jamiat-e Islami, announced his party’s withdrawal from the coalition. Similar initiatives in the past have produced limited results, contributing to public skepticism.
Religious Scholars Hold Meeting in Kabul – n Wednesday, approximately 1,000 Taliban-aligned religious scholars and elders gathered in Kabul and issued a resolution responding to what they described as violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. The five-point declaration recognized the Taliban-led government as a legitimate Sharia authority, declared the defense of Afghanistan a sacred jihad, reaffirmed that Afghan territory must not be used for external militant activities, prohibited Afghans from traveling abroad for jihad, and warned of consequences for violations.
Police Reshuffling in Ghazni – On Tuesday, the Taliban governor’s office in Ghazni announced the reassignment of 18 officials, including district governors and police chiefs. The reshuffle affected districts such as Khwaja Omari, Nawur, Zana Khan, and Jaghatu, and included rotations of police chiefs in Ab Band, Jaghori, and Deh Yak. Taliban authorities said the changes were based on provincial leadership requirements.
Mullah Omar’s Mother’s Funeral – On Sunday, the funeral for the mother of Mullah Mohammad Omar, the founder of the Islamic Emirate, was held at Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar, followed by her burial in Siyuri district of Zabul province. Although numerous senior Taliban officials attended, journalists were barred from both events.
International Developments
Security Council Discusses Afghanistan – On Wednesday, the UN Security Council held a briefing on Afghanistan, with Georgette Gagnon, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative, outlining the country’s political, humanitarian, and security challenges. Russia’s envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, argued that Afghanistan has avoided total collapse despite sanctions and the withdrawal of foreign troops, urging the international community to pursue constructive engagement with the Taliban and cautioning against increased Western pressure.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned of a deepening crisis, stating that 1.1 million children face the risk of malnutrition and that millions lack access to healthcare following widespread clinic closures. China’s representative echoed calls for continued international engagement, advocating for a review of sanctions and the restoration of travel exemptions.
Pakistan’s envoy, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, accused the Taliban of harboring militant groups such as the TTP, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda, warning Pakistan would take necessary measures if action is not taken. Afghanistan’s acting UN representative, Naseer Ahmad Faiq, also cautioned that extremist recruitment from Afghan territory continues, heightening regional security risks. The text of the full speech can be found here
People’s Tribunal Issues Ruling – On Thursday, the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT), an international body addressing crimes against peoples and minorities, issued a non-binding ruling following hearings in Madrid on alleged Taliban crimes against Afghan women. Requested by Afghan civil society groups, the Tribunal found evidence of systematic gender-based violence amounting to possible “femi-genocide.” UN experts Richard Bennett and Reem Alsalem supported the findings, warning of a moral failure and deepening impunity if the international community remains silent. The full ruling can be accessed here
CSTO Meeting Discusses Afghanistan/Tajikistan Border – On Wednesday, at a CSTO Parliamentary Assembly Council meeting, Secretary-General Imangali Tasmagambetov said strengthening security along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border is the organization’s top regional priority. He noted that the CSTO is supporting the first phase of this effort by coordinating the provision of weapons, equipment, and technical resources from member states to Tajik border forces. The Taliban has not responded but maintains that Afghanistan poses no threat to neighboring countries. The comments follow reports last week (denied by Dushanbe) that Tajikistan had requested Russian assistance to bolster border security.
International Statement on World Human Rights Day – On Thursday, representatives of 56 countries issued a joint statement condemning the Taliban’s widespread human rights abuses in Afghanistan, describing the situation as among the worst globally. The statement highlights entrenched gender segregation, suppression of fundamental freedoms, and systemic discrimination, particularly against women and girls, as well as persecution of minorities and civil society actors. The signatories urged the Taliban to reverse these violations and allow independent human rights monitoring.
EU Parliament Approves Stricter Migration Rules – On Monday, EU interior ministers approved a new package of stricter migration measures. The plan includes establishing return centers for rejected asylum seekers outside EU borders and imposing tougher penalties on those who refuse to leave. While unauthorized entries have declined significantly in 2025, rising public pressure and the influence of far-right parties have driven the reforms. Critics warn the measures could endanger migrants. Ministers also agreed on a “solidarity” mechanism requiring member states either to relocate 30,000 asylum seekers or make financial contributions. The package still requires approval from the European Parliament.
Regional Developments
Tehran Holds Talks On Afghanistan – On Sunday, senior diplomats from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China, Russia, and Iran convened in Tehran for a high-level meeting on Afghanistan’s evolving situation and its regional implications. Pakistan’s envoy stressed the need for Afghanistan to eliminate terrorist groups, citing regional consensus on terrorism as a shared threat. He emphasized that a stable, terror-free Afghanistan is essential for building regional trust and enhancing connectivity. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei warned that rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan could directly impact Iran, given its shared borders with both countries. The Taliban government declined to attend.
Kazakh Envoy Travels to Kabul – On Monday, Perkin Tokumov, Kazakhstan’s presidential envoy, met with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. On Tuesday, Tokumov also met with Sirajuddin Haqqani to discuss border security. During the visit, he underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to continued cooperation with Afghanistan, stressing that regional stability is a shared responsibility that requires trust, security, and sustained collaboration.
US Visa Processing Information/US Legal Information (Updated 12/1/25)
SIV Processing – As of November 27, the U.S. State Department has paused the issuance of all visas for Afghan passport holders. This includes SIVs, follow-to-join applications, and family-based petitions. On December 2, the U.S. government also announced a pause on COM decisions for SIV applicants. Both actions are described as temporary pauses, not terminations of the SIV program. It remains unclear how long these measures will be in effect. More detailed information can be found Here
Travel Ban and Benefit Review – The U.S. has introduced stricter immigration rules for nationals of 19 countries, including Afghanistan. Immigration applications are now paused, and pending cases, such as Green Cards and citizenship, are on hold. Individuals who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021, may have their previously approved immigration benefits reviewed again. Additional security checks will also apply. Issues with identity documents or perceived risks linked to one’s country may now negatively affect cases. The full guidance is available in Dari or Pashto
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 one of the 19 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
Asylum Cases Paused for Afghans – USCIS has paused decisions on all new and pending affirmative asylum applications. No approvals or denials will be issued during this period. However, this pause does not affect asylum cases in immigration court, which will continue moving forward. New asylum applications may still be filed, but no decisions will be made until the pause is lifted. No end date has been announced.
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.
ICE Raids – ICE detentions involving Afghans, including some lawful permanent residents, have increased sharply over the past week. A recent Supreme Court ruling expanded enforcement authority, allowing stops based on factors such as language, appearance, workplace, or location. Reports indicate that Afghans with criminal records or pending asylum cases are being targeted. Individuals should carry proof of legal status at all times, know their rights, and review available legal support resources. Rights information is available here.
Last Day to File New SIV Case – The deadline to submit a new SIV application remains December 31, 2025. For detailed guidance on eligibility and next steps for new and current applicants, please refer to IRAP’s guide here
US Bill Introduced to End SIV Program – On December 4, U.S. Congressman Wesley Hunt introduced a bill seeking to end the SIV program for Afghans. At this time, there is no change in official policy, and Afghans should not be alarmed or change their plans. This proposal is still in its earliest stage and has not become law. It’s important to note that similar bills have been introduced in the past, but none have ever moved forward or passed. In contrast, the SIV program has historically received strong bipartisan support and has been consistently extended and maintained by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. This new bill has not progressed beyond introduction and will take months, if at all, to move forward through Congress. The current application deadline of December 31, 2025, remains in place, and applicants should continue preparing as usual, even during the processing pause.
NEXT WEEK
In the United States, continued pressure on the Afghan community is expected. ICE detentions are likely to increase nationwide. Afghans in removal proceedings or those with criminal records are most likely to be targeted, though others may also be affected. It is extremely important that all Afghans understand their rights at this time. Please review the ICE raid section of the U.S. processing guidance and refer to the IRAP guide here.
All Afghans are encouraged to review recent changes to immigration and legal status outlined in the U.S. visa processing and U.S. legal information section of this week’s digest. Significant changes have occurred across multiple immigration categories, including for many already in the United States. It is critical that individuals understand how these developments may affect their cases. Those with questions are strongly encouraged to consult an immigration attorney.
In Afghanistan, resistance forces carried out larger and more complex attacks this week. Increased political and military pressure is expected to continue, as resistance groups seek support from regional powers, particularly Pakistan, amid heightened tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan.
In Pakistan, despite closed borders, detentions and deportations continue. Afghans are urged to exercise caution. Police in several areas have begun house-to-house searches, and even individuals with valid visas may face bribery demands and extortion. Pakistan is currently not extending visas for Afghan nationals. SIV applicants in Pakistan should note that cases are paused at this time, and visas will not be issued until processing resumes, likely causing significant delays. Letters from the U.S. embassy related to SIV or P1–P2 cases are unlikely to prevent detention or deportation. The Afghanistan–Pakistan border is not expected to reopen for travel to Pakistan in the coming week.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
1.8 Million Afghans Returned through Dogharoon Border in 2025 – An estimated 1.8 million Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan this year through the Dogharoon–Islam Qala crossing, marking one of the largest repatriation waves in recent years. Iran’s Razavi Khorasan deputy security chief, Amrollah Shamghadri, said the peak occurred during a 12-day conflict, after which return flows stabilized. Despite the scale of returns, authorities report minimal impact on the province’s labor market, public services, and security, estimating an overall effect of around 10% with no major disruptions.
More than 700 Afghans Arrested in Yazd – Iranian police arrested 755 Afghan migrants in Yazd over the past week for lacking legal residency documents, according to regional police commander Ahmad Negahban. Those detained were transferred to a temporary holding facility for forced deportation. The arrests come amid intensified crackdowns on migrants, with Iran reportedly deporting approximately 300 Afghans per day.
Official Warns Iranians Against Hiring Undocumented Afghan – On Monday, Mehdi Aghabarari, deputy governor of Semnan province, urged employers to stop hiring undocumented Afghan migrants, warning that the practice exacerbates security and economic challenges. Speaking at a meeting of the province’s foreign nationals commission, he criticized weak oversight and called for stronger coordination among police, regulatory bodies, and labor authorities.
PAKISTAN
Six Security Personnel Killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – On Tuesday, six Pakistani security personnel were killed and four others injured in two consecutive militant ambushes in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attacks also resulted in the death of militant commander Usman Khaibari.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
December 2025 Monthly Forecast
UN Security Council
Expected Council Action
In December, the Security Council will convene for its quarterly open briefing on Afghanistan. Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) and Officer-in-Charge of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Georgette Gagnon, a senior official from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and a representative of civil society are expected to brief. Closed consultations are scheduled to follow the open briefing.
UNAMA’s mandate expires on 17 March 2026.
Key Recent Developments
Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban, which have been simmering since Therik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announced the end of a ceasefire with Pakistan in November 2022, have led to clashes over the last month, a serious escalation that has the potential to destabilise the region. The crisis began in earnest on 10 October, when Taliban officials accused Pakistan of carrying out attacks in Kabul and Patika province in eastern Afghanistan the day prior. Although Pakistan has accused the Taliban of harbouring the TTP and failing to curb its activities on Afghan soil, it did not claim responsibility for the attacks, which followed a series of increasingly frequent clashes between the Pakistani military and militant groups near the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. When asked about the attacks during a 10 October press conference, Pakistani Army spokesperson Ahmad Sharif told reporters that “Afghanistan is being used as a base of operations against Pakistan, and there is proof and evidence of that”. The latest report of the Monitoring Team Assisting the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, which was issued on 24 July, says that the TTP has “continued to receive substantial logisitical and operational support” from the Taliban.
Several days after the strikes inside Afghanistan, fighting between Taliban security forces and the Pakistani military erupted in various locations along the border between the two countries and, on 15 October, Pakistan reportedly conducted airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar province. While each side provided differing casualty estimates, it appears that many combatants and civilians were killed or injured during the airstrikes and the skirmishes. In a 16 October statement, UNAMA announced that at least 17 civilians were killed and 346 injured in Spin Boldak in Kandahar province and said that it had documented at least 16 civilian casualties resulting from other clashes in Paktika, Patkya, Kunar, and Helmand provinces.
On 15 October, Pakistan and the Taliban announced that the two sides had agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, which was later extended before being formalised on 19 October during negotiations in Doha mediated by Qatar and Türkiye. While the ceasefire has largely held, there have been sporadic violent incidents since it was first agreed, including a 17 October Pakistani airstrike in Patika province and an exchange of fire between the two sides near Spin Boldak on 6 November. There have also been several reports of clashes between the Pakistani military and militants in northwestern Pakistan, near the border with Afghanistan. On 25 November, the Taliban of carrying out strikes in Khost, Kunar, and Patika provinces, and claimed that the attack in Khost province killed nine children and one woman. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s military subsequently denied the allegations. The alleged attacks came two days after suicide bombers struck the headquarters of Pakistani security forces in Peshawar, killing three people and wounding 11 others.
AFGHAN NEWS
WFP: Food Insecurity and Malnutrition in Afghanistan Are Deepening
The World Food Programme (WFP) says food insecurity and malnutrition in Afghanistan are worsening at an alarming pace, raising concerns about the situation during the upcoming winter months.
In a post on X on Sunday (December 8), the agency warned that malnutrition among women and children is likely to rise during winter, reaching levels not seen in recent years.
Carl Skau, WFP’s Deputy Executive Director, told Al Jazeera that the organisation is increasingly worried about escalating hunger and shrinking humanitarian funding in Afghanistan.
REGIONAL NEWS
PTI reconstitutes political committee on Imran Khan’s instructions
Mumtaz Alvi
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has reconstituted its political committee, comprising 23 members, including representatives from the Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP).
According to a notification — signed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Additional Secretary General Firdous Shamim Naqvi —the committee will take effect immediately, The News reported on Saturday.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Germany revokes pledges to grant asylum to Afghans
Bernrd Riegert
Afghans who had been told they could move to Germany will be informed in the next few days “that there is no longer any political interest in their admission.”
With these terse words, the spokeswoman for the Germany’s Interior Ministry, Sonja Kock, revealed that 640 people waiting in Pakistan to be relocated in Germany will not be able to come after all.
Amid fears of persecution and reprisals from the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, this group had already been promised asylum by the German government.
But the pledge is being revoked because Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government in Berlin aims to scrap the resettlement programs “as far as possible.” This was agreed by the conservative CDU and CSU parties and the Social Democrats in their coalition agreement earlier this year.
Asylum-seeker who fled Taliban is at risk of deportation back to Afghanistan: Attorney
Laura Romero
An asylum-seeker who fled Afghanistan last year after being persecuted by the Taliban is at risk of being deported back to his home country, according to his attorney.
Attorney Elora Mukherjee told ABC News that despite having no criminal record and having future asylum hearings scheduled, her client was apprehended by immigration authorities last Wednesday during a routine “check in” at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City.
Afghani to US Dollar: $1 – 66.11 AFN (As of December 14)