The Week of February 16-22
Security and Conflict
Pakistan Carries out Strikes in Afghanistan – On Saturday night, Pakistani fighter jets carried out airstrikes in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan, targeting five districts in Nangarhar (Behsud, Khogyani, Ghani Khel) and Paktika (Barmal, Urgun) provinces. According to Taliban officials, the strikes hit Behsud, Khogyani, and Ghani Khel in Nangarhar, and Barmal and Urgun in Paktika. Pakistan stated that the attacks targeted TTP and ISKP hideouts. The strike in Behsud reportedly killed 17 members of one family, including 11 children. No official details on casualties or damage have been released, although a former Taliban official claimed a madrassa was struck. The Taliban condemned the strikes as violations of Afghan territory, denied that ISKP and TTP operate from Afghan soil, and summoned the Pakistani ambassador in response.
Mullah Hibatullah Sends Troops to Badakshan Mines – On Thursday, Mullah Hibatullah announced the deployment of 1,000 fighters to protect gold mining operations in Badakhshan Province, following recent clashes between residents and Taliban-linked companies and an explosion at a local mine. Provincial officials stated that the force will safeguard investments and regulate extraction, amid ongoing concerns over transparency, environmental damage, and control of mining revenues.
Weapons Seized At Pakistan Border – On Saturday, Nangarhar Deputy Governor Ghulam Rahman Haidari said authorities seized 525 weapons and related ammunition at the Torkham crossing from a vehicle transporting Afghan migrants from Pakistan. The cache included 27,000 rounds of ammunition, 200 bundles of primacord, multiple rifles and pistols, laser devices, and binoculars. One Afghan and one Pakistani national were arrested in connection with the seizure.
AFF Announce Ramadan Ceasefire – On Wednesday, AFF announced a ceasefire for the month of Ramadan. The group has paused operations during Ramadan and Eid in previous years.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Taliban Arrest 6 in Bamiyan for Moral Crimes – On Wednesday, the Taliban’s Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Bamiyan Province announced the arrest of a driver, six hotel owners, and several bakers for alleged violations of Islamic regulations. Authorities said the driver was imprisoned after repeated warnings for transporting women without a male guardian. The hotel owners and bakers were sentenced to prison for serving food publicly during restricted Ramadan hours despite prior warnings. Authorities instructed travelers to bring their own food and eat discreetly. The announcement comes amid differing declarations on the start of Ramadan between Sunni and Shiite scholars, a recurring issue in Afghanistan that has previously led to tensions.
Taliban Desecrate Body of Former Commander – On Saturday, February 14, the Taliban police command in Uruzgan Province confirmed the desecration of a former military commander’s grave and said an investigation is underway. Spokesperson Bilal Uruzgani described the act as inhumane and denied Taliban involvement, reaffirming commitment to a declared amnesty. The grave belonged to a former district chief killed in 2021. Similar incidents have previously been reported.
Floggings – On Wednesday, one woman and two men were flogged in Balkh; in Parwan, one man and one woman were flogged; and eight men were flogged in Ghor and Kabul. On Thursday, two people were flogged in Faryab.
Instruments Burned in Parwan – On Wednesday, authorities in Parwan Province announced the burning of more than 500 musical instruments as part of a morality enforcement campaign. The Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice stated that the items had been collected over the past year.
Internal Politics
Taliban Communication Minister Statement on Doctors Treating Women – On Tuesday, Taliban Acting Minister of Communications Hamdullah Nomani told a meeting with doctors in Kabul that male physicians are considered “mahram” for female patients and may examine them when necessary. It remains unclear whether his remarks reflect official policy, and they are not currently reflected in practice. His comments come amid Taliban bans on women’s education, including medical training, raising concerns about long-term healthcare capacity.
New Law on Preaching – On Tuesday, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada endorsed a new 17-article law regulating preaching activities. The legislation places oversight under the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, sets qualifications for preachers based on Hanafi jurisprudence, restricts women and minors from accompanying outreach groups, and limits media content to formats that do not include images of living beings. More information can be located Here
International Developments
US SIV Report Released –The quarterly report on the SIV program was released this week after a significant delay, despite a court order requiring regular updates. The Q3 FY2025 report, covering the period ending June 2025, was published in February 2026, several months late. The full report can be accessed Here.
Regional Developments
Taliban Set New Rules For Afghan Returnees – Taliban authorities in Nangarhar have announced new transport rules for Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan through the Torkham crossing. Returnees must pay Pakistani drivers only up to the Torkham Umari camp. From there, Afghan trucks will transport them and their belongings to their home provinces. The Taliban administration will cover cargo transfer costs and has urged Afghan drivers to send vehicles to assist.
Taliban Release 3 Captured Pakistani Soldiers – On Tuesday, the Taliban announced the release of three Pakistani soldiers detained during October border clashes, handing them over to a Saudi delegation. The move, described as a gesture for Ramadan and reportedly made at Saudi Arabia’s request, follows months of tense Taliban–Pakistan relations. Pakistan has not publicly commented. Last year’s border fighting left dozens of casualties on both sides.
Tajik Officials Seize Narcotics at Border – On Wednesday, Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security announced the seizure of 58 kilograms of narcotics smuggled from Afghanistan in Shamsiddin Shohin district and the arrest of two Tajik nationals. Officials said the drugs were destined for Dushanbe and other countries. Authorities reported rising cross-border trafficking, with nearly 2.7 tonnes seized last year, marking a significant increase compared with 2024.
Regional Contact Group Meeting in Kazakhstan – On Monday, an extraordinary meeting of the Regional Contact Group of Central Asian special representatives on Afghanistan was held in Astana. According to Kazakh media, discussions focused on trade, economic cooperation, and transit links. Kazakhstan’s envoy Yerkin Tukumov said perceptions of Afghanistan are shifting from a purely security focus toward balancing risks with potential economic opportunities.
Uzbekistan Advisor Meets with Head Of Center for Strategic Studies – On Monday, Deputy Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan Javlon Vakhabov met in Kabul with Abdul Hai Qanit, head of the Center for Strategic Studies at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan. According to Vakhabov, the two discussed advancing bilateral cooperation, enhancing public awareness of regional developments, and translating long-term strategic objectives into practical initiatives.
US Visa Processing Information/US Legal Information (Updated 2/22/26)
New Policy Announced to Detain Refugees – On Wednesday, the administration announced a policy requiring the arrest and re-interview of refugees who have lived in the United States for at least one year without applying for lawful permanent residency. A Department of Homeland Security memo states that such refugees must return to custody for renewed inspection, including a reassessment of their original eligibility. Those who have filed Form I-485 and attend scheduled interviews may reduce their risk of detention. All Afghans in this category are strongly encouraged to consult an immigration attorney immediately and to file Form I-485 if eligible.
IRAP SIV Court Ruling – On Friday, a federal court ordered the Trump administration to resume processing COM applications under the SIV program in the class action case Afghan & Iraqi Allies v. Rubio. The judge ruled that the administration must comply with a previously ordered plan to adjudicate applications in a timely manner, despite the expanded travel ban blocking Afghan nationals from entering the United States. A status conference is scheduled for February 24 to review compliance. It remains unclear whether the administration will fully comply with the court order. It is important to note that even if processing resumes, the expanded travel ban continues to prevent Afghan nationals from receiving visas or traveling to the United States at this time. More information can be found here. More information can be found Here.
Update for Afghan SIVs awaiting Interview – Starting January 1, 2026, the expanded U.S. travel ban will block Afghan SIV applicants from receiving visas or entering the United States, though those with issued visas may still enter. Even if an application has already been approved, a U.S. embassy may deny the visa under Section 212(f) of U.S. immigration law. This type of denial is final, not temporary. The denial cannot be appealed.
If a visa is denied under 212(f), the applicant may need to apply again if the travel ban is lifted in the future. However, this denial should not cancel the underlying approval of the case (COM Approval remains valid). IRAP is currently recommending that Afghans with visa appointments consider postponing their interview dates. SIVs should seek legal advice prior to making a decision on attending a visa interview at this time.
Travel Ban and Benefit Review – The U.S. has introduced stricter immigration rules for nationals of 39 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. The administration has agreed to hand over a list of cases that will be reviewed within the next 90 days. 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 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.
Miscellaneous
Earthquake in Baghlan – On Friday at 5:40 p.m., a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was located 38 kilometers northwest of Bazarak in Panjshir Province at a depth of 90 kilometers. The tremor was felt in Kabul and parts of Parwan and Baghlan provinces. No casualties have been reported.
NEXT WEEK
This week, additional strikes by Pakistan are possible, and cross-border fighting is likely. Those in border areas should exercise caution. The Afghanistan–Pakistan border remains closed to land travel and is not expected to reopen this week. Increased deportations of Afghans from Pakistan are very likely. Afghan citizens are strongly advised to ensure their documentation remains valid and to be aware that visa renewals for Afghans are not currently being processed.
In Afghanistan, Ramadan has begun. The Taliban are likely to intensify enforcement of so-called moral crimes during this period, with women and minorities, particularly Shias, at heightened risk of being targeted. Public punishments are expected to remain high throughout the month.
Tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated, with the possibility of U.S. strikes in the coming week. Afghans in Iran should remain alert to developments and exercise caution in their movements.
The United States has halted all visa processing for Afghan cases, though a court ruling has ordered the resumption of Chief of Mission (COM) review for SIV cases. Afghan SIV and other visa interviews are likely to result in denials under Section 212(f), which are permanent and non-appealable. IRAP and other legal service providers are advising Afghans to consider postponing interviews to avoid a 212(f) denial. All Afghans are currently barred from entering the United States unless they hold a valid visa issued prior to the ban.
Across the United States, ICE detentions continue to increase nationwide. It is critically important that Afghans understand their legal rights. 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
700 Afghans Rescued At Border – This week, Iran’s Taybad governor stated that 700 Afghan nationals were rescued after being stranded by severe weather near the Dogharoun border while attempting to enter the country illegally. Authorities reportedly provided medical care, food, and shelter before planning to hand them over to the Taliban.
PAKISTAN
Attack in Bajaur – On Monday, a vehicle-borne suicide bombing destroyed a religious seminary in Mamund, Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, triggering a complex attack that included additional projectiles, according to local and security sources. Rescue efforts were briefly halted by gunfire. At least 13 people, including 11 security personnel and two civilians, among them two children, were killed, and several others were injured. The TTP claimed responsibility. On Thursday, Pakistan summoned the Taliban ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the bombing.
Explosion in Bannu – On Monday, at least 13 people, including security personnel and civilians, were killed in an attack on a security post in Bannu, according to official and rescue sources. Funeral prayers for eight personnel were held in Peshawar, and additional bodies recovered later raised security force fatalities to 11, including one policeman. Two civilians, among them a six-year-old child, were also killed, and seven others were injured.
TTP and ISKP Clash in Khyber Pakhtunkwa – On Friday, clashes erupted in Pakistan’s Orakzai district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, between fighters from the ISKP and TTP, leaving at least four people dead and several wounded, according to local and security sources. The fighting, reportedly sparked by a dispute over extortion payments, resulted in the deaths of three ISKP members, including a commander, and one TTP fighter. TTP denied that the clashes occurred.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Afghan Analyst Network
AAN has translated a decree from the Islamic Emirate’s Supreme Leader concerning assets belonging to Afghans who are absent from the country and those who are engaged in ‘spreading disorder’. The decree orders the dissolution of the Directorate of Residential Property Assessment under the Office of Administrative Affairs and tasks the military wing of the Supreme Court with identifying such individuals and seizing and impounding their assets, which will then be held ‘in trust’, along with any income accruing from them.
Issue No 15
Date: 27/7/1447/Lunar year [17 January 2026]
Decree of Amir ul-Muminin regarding the dissolution of the Directorate of Residential Property Assessment [de manizelo de barrasi riyasat] under the Office of Administrative Affairs and the transfer of its functions to the Supreme Court.
Article 1
The Directorate of Residential Property Assessment of the Office of Administrative Affairs is hereby dissolved, and its functions shall be transferred to the Office of the Deputy Head of the Supreme Court for Military affairs.
AFGHAN NEWS
Taliban in Helmand Sets Punishment For Shaving Beards
Afghanistan International
Taliban authorities in Helmand province have warned that individuals who shave their beards will face what they describe as “sharia-based punishment.”
The new warning is part of the group’s enforcement of its Law on the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
REGIONAL NEWS
Iranian mourning ceremonies prompt new crackdowns in echo of 1979 revolution
Parisa Hafizi
Iranians have returned to the streets this week to mourn those killed by security forces during last month’s anti-government demonstrations, sparking some new crackdowns in an echo of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that brought down the U.S.-backed Shah.
The anti-Shah revolutionaries turned Shi’ite Muslim memorial processions 40 days after each death into new protests, which prompted renewed violence from the authorities and fresh “martyrs” for the cause.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Taliban say talks underway on detained Americans
Habib Mohammadi
The Taliban said they are engaged in discussions with the United States over detained American citizens and are seeking a resolution, responding to recent remarks by US officials that the Taliban are using prisoners as bargaining chips.
“We are in talks with the Americans on this matter, and solutions are being explored,” Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s spokesman, said in an audio statement broadcast by state-run national TV.
Afghani to US Dollar: $1 – 63.25 AFN (As of February 22)