The Week of July 14-20
Security and Conflict
200 Afghans Killed as a Result of UK Data Leak – A leaked UK Ministry of Defense document allegedly led to the targeted killing of over 200 Afghan soldiers and police by the Taliban. The list, linked to an asylum program, was accidentally released in 2022 and reportedly fell into Taliban hands. The Taliban’s Yarmok 60 special unit subsequently launched a manhunt. Victims include former officers from multiple provinces. Although a UK court lifted a super-injunction allowing media coverage, restrictions remain on disclosing identities. “Person A,” a caseworker who raised the alarm, warned that the leak could have exposed up to 33,000 Afghans—many unaffiliated with British forces but vulnerable due to their applications. The full article, including photos of confirmed victims, can be accessed Here
Increased Targeted Killings – Over the past two weeks, unconfirmed reports indicate at least 20 targeted killings of former Afghan government officials and military personnel in Faryab Province. These include the attempted assassination of city council member Mohibullah Mirzad, the killing of former governor Saleh Mohammad, and the arrest of prominent figure Inayatullah Baik. In Khost, former soldier Gul-Waldin was shot dead, while Ubaidullah Panjsheri, a former Interior Ministry officer, was killed in Kabul. Returning Afghans now face biometric screening at border points, fueling fears that the Taliban are identifying and targeting former staff. Analysts warn that biometric tracking may endanger returnees amid mass deportations from Iran.
Former ANSF Killed in Jawzjan – Last week, the body of Ahmad Ruyin, a former army officer under the previous Afghan government, was found in Jawzjan. The circumstances of his death remain unclear, and the Taliban have not issued any statement.
Former Border Control Officer Killed – On Thursday, Gul Wali Din, a former Afghan border police commander, was shot dead in broad daylight in Khost Province’s Mandozi district. Two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle carried out the attack in a local marketplace and fled the scene. Din, who had been running a poultry shop, had no known enemies. The Taliban have not commented, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Cross Border Fighting – On Wednesday, Taliban forces clashed with Pakistani border guards in the Durbaba district of Nangarhar Province. Fighting continued overnight. While no Afghan casualties were reported, at least two children were reportedly killed across the border in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Officials from both countries have yet to comment
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Teacher Sentenced to Death For Blasphemy – On Thursday, the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced that Abdul Aleem Khamoosh, a teacher in Paktika’s Jani Khel district, was sentenced to death for allegedly insulting Islam and the Prophet. Arrested following complaints by local clerics, Khamoosh reportedly told students that modern education was more important than religious studies. Activists say he was initially sentenced to two years but later faced harsher charges. The Taliban did not provide details on his arrest or trial. Colleagues and relatives claim the charges are fabricated and motivated by local rivalries. After his arrest, Mawlawi Mujahid—linked to the influential Niazi tribe—was appointed head of the school.
100 Women Arrested in Shar-e Naw Kabul – On Wednesday, Taliban forces detained around 100 young women in Kabul’s Shar-e Naw area, removing them from streets, markets, and hospitals. Despite reportedly complying with Islamic dress codes, they were taken to vice ministry detention centers. The ministry has not disclosed the charges. Some were released the next day after families submitted written guarantees.
More Women Arrested in Kabul – On Saturday and Sunday, Taliban morality police arrested dozens of young women in western Kabul’s Dasht-e Barchi, Qala-e Fatullah, and Kote-Sangi—predominantly Shia Hazara and Tajik neighborhoods—including Resalat Alley and Barchi Center, for alleged hijab violations. Witnesses say the women were taken to Qala-e Naw, but their current locations remain unknown. While Taliban officials claimed they were only advising women on proper dress, eyewitnesses reported forced removals without explanation.
600 Families Forced From Homes in Ghor – In Ghor’s Dawlatyar district, Taliban forces under Commander Ahmad Shah Din Dost forcibly displaced over 100 families from six villages in the Kashrow Valley, reigniting a longstanding land dispute between the Taymani (Tajik) and Sardar Khil (Pashtun) tribes. Nearly 600 families have been affected, with residents reporting evictions at gunpoint. Despite a Taliban council ruling to divide the land, Din Dost—whose wife is from the Sardar Khil tribe—unilaterally awarded it to her tribe. Locals allege his actions stem from resentment over Taymani resistance to Taliban rule. The conflict has resulted in dozens of deaths, including Taymani elder Ahmad Khan, reportedly killed by Sardar Khil affiliates.
Floggings – On Wednesday, 13 men and 5 women were publicly flogged in Sar-e Pul Province. Since returning to power, the Taliban have publicly flogged more than 1,100 people
Internal Politics
MoD Layoffs Target Former Republic Bureaucrats – Over the past two weeks, dozens of former Afghan government employees in the Defense Ministry’s technical and administrative sectors have been dismissed by order of Mullah Fazil Mazloom, the Taliban’s Deputy Defense Minister. He directed that Taliban members—especially those trained in the past four years—replace them. While many former military personnel fled after the regime change, some civilian staff continued working under Taliban rule but are now being systematically removed.
Housing Crisis Related to Returnees – Afghanistan’s rental market is under extreme pressure as mass returnees from Iran and Pakistan flood urban areas, particularly Herat. Rents have surged by 40–50%, pricing out low- and middle-income families. Homes that previously rented for 3,000–4,000 Afghanis now cost 7,000; those once priced at 10,000 now range from 15,000 to 20,000. Many returnees face eviction or cannot find housing. Despite Taliban claims of monitoring the situation, no effective rent controls or housing assistance programs exist, leaving thousands homeless amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
MoUD Statement on Land Distribution – Taliban Urban Development Acting Minister Najibullah Haqqani announced land distribution for over 87,000 returnee families from Iran and Pakistan. He acknowledged housing shortages and soaring Kabul rents as major issues. The ministry has completed 21 migrant township plans and is working on 13 more. Ongoing housing projects include Qatar’s Kabul development, Nile Bagh, and Rahman Mina.
Morality Law Campaign in Bamiyan – On Monday, the Taliban launched a public awareness campaign in Bamiyan—a predominantly Shia province—to promote their controversial morality law first enacted in September 2024. Led by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, the campaign includes mosque outreach and religious events. The law, based on the Taliban’s interpretation of Sunni jurisprudence, is being promoted during Muharram, a sacred Shia month.
Taliban Shuffling of Officials – his week, the Taliban announced several provincial leadership changes. Controversial Uzbek commander Qari Salahuddin Ayubi, formerly Zabul’s police chief, was appointed governor of Logar, though he reportedly lacks influence there. Mawlawi Abdul Halim Halimi is now Zabul’s new police chief, Mawlawi Qudratullah Amini becomes Kabul’s deputy governor, and Mullah Mohammad Yunus Mukhlis has been reassigned as an advisor to the Ministry of Interior.
Weekly Cash Withdrawal Limit Increased – On Monday, Afghanistan’s Central Bank raised the weekly cash withdrawal limit from 150,000 to 350,000 Afghanis. The move aims to improve public access to funds and ease financial strain amid persistent economic challenges under the Taliban-led interim government.
International Developments
Germany Deports 81 Afghan Asylum Seekers – On Friday, Germany deported 81 Afghan men to Kabul, marking the second such deportation since the Taliban’s return to power and the first under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s new government, which has pledged a tougher stance on migration. All deportees were rejected asylum seekers flagged by judicial authorities. The deportation followed weeks of negotiations facilitated by Qatar, with limited direct contact with the Taliban. Germany previously deported 28 Afghans in August 2024. Officials say more deportations are planned, though no timeline has been announced. Family reunification programs for many migrants have also been suspended.
Impact of One Big Beautiful Bill on Immigrants – The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act is a sweeping budget bill with major consequences for refugees and humanitarian entrants. It strips key social services from lawfully present immigrants—including resettled refugees, asylum seekers, TPS holders, and survivors of violence. Starting in 2026, these groups will lose access to Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and Affordable Care Act coverage—cutting off critical health services for hundreds of thousands. The bill immediately ends SNAP eligibility, putting an estimated 250,000 people at risk of food insecurity. It sharply increases immigration enforcement, allocating $75 billion to expand ICE operations and detention facilities, permits indefinite child detention, and removes trafficking safeguards for unaccompanied minors—raising serious human rights concerns. Steep, non-waivable application fees—some rising from $0 to $1,000—create major financial barriers for asylum seekers and others. Advocates warn these changes will harm vulnerable communities and undo decades of bipartisan support for humanitarian protections.
UNHCR Chief Visits Kabul – On Saturday, UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi met with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul to discuss the worsening situation of Afghans forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan. Grandi pledged continued UN support and announced plans to assess returnee conditions in Herat and at the Islam Qala border. Muttaqi claimed the Taliban are assisting returnees but stressed the need for international aid, urging host countries to allow migrants time to settle personal affairs before expulsion.
UN Statement on Deportations – UN experts have condemned the mass deportations of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan, warning that Afghanistan remains unsafe under Taliban rule. They highlighted the risk of persecution, arbitrary detention, and violence—particularly for former officials, women, and minorities. In 2025, over 1.5 million Afghans have been expelled from Iran and 300,000 from Pakistan. The experts urged an immediate halt to forced returns, expansion of resettlement programs, and increased funding for humanitarian support. They emphasized that deportations often lack due process and may violate international law, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The full statement is available here
End of TPS Paused for 7 Days – On Monday, July 14, the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals paused the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans until July 21 to allow legal arguments in the CASA v. Noem case. The Court of Appeals is expected to act by Monday night, July 21. Possible outcomes include extending the current stay, issuing a formal opinion, or—less likely—letting the stay expire. The stay currently protects TPS for Afghans and others, and advocates are closely monitoring for a more stable, long-term resolution. Nearly 12,000 Afghans currently rely on TPS to avoid deportation.
US Refugee Processing (Pacito Case) – On Monday, a U.S. district court issued an order outlining how refugee admissions impacted by Proclamation 10949 (the travel ban) should proceed. The court reaffirmed that around 80 refugees from banned countries must be allowed entry under a prior injunction. The judge appointed U.S. Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson to review over 12,400 “Review-Eligible” refugee cases, excluding those presumed protected. Refugees with canceled travel after December 1, 2024, are now eligible for review. The order sets deadlines for notification, data collection, and a survey process to assess reliance interests. The government filed an emergency appeal on July 17.
Karzai Meets with Japanese Ambassador – On July 13, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with Japanese Ambassador Takayoshi Kuromiya in Kabul, emphasizing national consensus as the path to lasting peace and stability. In a social media post, Karzai thanked Japan for its longstanding support in health and education, calling it a historic friend of Afghanistan. He reaffirmed his support for inclusive governance, national unity, and the importance of girls’ education in shaping the country’s future.
UK Statement Or Russian Recognition of Taliban – On Monday, former UK Ambassador to Afghanistan Nicholas Kay stated that Russia’s move to recognize the Taliban is significant but unlikely to influence the West’s position. Speaking to Afghanistan International, Kay noted that regional countries may follow Moscow for strategic reasons. He emphasized that the West remains focused on terrorism, narcotics, and migration threats from Afghanistan. Without the Taliban respecting civil, political, and women’s rights, Western recognition remains unlikely. Kay also questioned the regime’s long-term stability.
Freedom of the Press
Publication of Images Banned in Sar-e Pul — The Taliban have banned the broadcasting of images of living beings in Sar-e Pul, converting its state TV into a radio station. This makes it the 20th province enforcing the rule. Other local media face the same restrictions, including on social media, hampering verification of protests and human rights abuses.
MoPVPV Shares “Repentance” Videos for TikTokers – The Taliban shared “repentance” videos of two TikTokers accused of posting improper content. In the videos, the individuals express remorse and vow to stop making entertainment content. One clip shows a user dancing, which the Taliban cited as evidence of misconduct. The confessions were posted by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
Regional Developments
Afghans in UAE At Risk of Deportation – On Thursday, reports emerged that around 32 Afghans face possible deportation from a refugee camp—likely the remnants of Humanitarian City in the UAE—where they have lived for nearly four years after being evacuated following the fall of Kabul. While most evacuees have since been resettled, some remain, though the reasons for their continued stay have not been disclosed. On Sunday, former President Trump stated he would assist with their cases, despite his refugee and travel bans- both of which have targeted Afghan allies.
Taliban Deny Claims of Chinese Troops at Bagram – Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi rejected Donald Trump’s claim about Chinese military presence at Bagram Airbase, stating no foreign troops are in Afghanistan and the Taliban will not tolerate such presence. He emphasized their firm opposition to any foreign military forces on Afghan soil.
Pakistani and Uzbek Officials Visit Kabul – On Thursday, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited Kabul to sign a joint feasibility study agreement for the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) railway project. He was accompanied by senior Pakistani officials, while Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov also arrived for trilateral talks. Hosted by Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the meetings aimed to advance the UAP railway, which would connect Central Asia to Pakistan’s ports via Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Minister Of Interior Arrives in Kabul – On Sunday, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Special Envoy for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq arrived in Kabul. They were welcomed by Taliban Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Nabi Omari. Sadiq stated the delegation plans to meet Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. The specific agenda of the talks remains unclear.
Kazakh President Aims to Strengthen Ties with the Taliban – On Wednesday, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev directed his special envoy to deepen ties with the Taliban, focusing on trade, economic cooperation, and humanitarian aid. Although Kazakhstan has not formally recognized the Taliban, it was the first country to remove them from its terrorist list and has increasingly engaged with the regime. Tokayev highlighted the role of the UN’s Almaty-based development center in supporting Afghanistan. Kazakhstan plans more humanitarian and educational projects and has signed a railway development MoU with the Taliban.
Ghulam Khan Border Crossing Reopens – On Wednesday, the Ghulam Khan border crossing in Khost Province between Afghanistan and Pakistan reopened to freight traffic after a 15-day closure prompted by two suicide attacks on the North Waziristan side. Taliban border officials confirmed that the reopening is temporary and intended to allow the passage of perishable goods.
Miscellaneous
UN Habitat Warns of Severe Water Crisis in Kabul – On Thursday, UN-Habitat warned that six million Kabul residents face a severe threat from a worsening water crisis. The agency described the situation as unprecedented, with water levels dropping rapidly. It called for urgent investment, strong interagency coordination, and public awareness campaigns to manage dwindling water resources. The warning echoes a recent UNICEF report predicting Kabul could run out of water entirely by 2030 without immediate action. More information is available here
IOM Aid to Flood Victims in Nangarhar – IOM has delivered emergency aid to 239 families affected by recent flash floods in Nangarhar. Initial assistance included tents, household items, and health kits. Damage assessments are ongoing, with IOM teams still active in the area. The floods destroyed homes, displaced families, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure across the province.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, the Taliban are expected to intensify crackdowns on women over the coming week. Women in minority-populated areas of Kabul are particularly at risk. The recent influx of returnees, especially from Iran, may be contributing to this trend. Returnees who experienced greater freedoms abroad may be targeted based on their clothing or hijab style. In response to recent detentions of women in Kabul, AFF has announced that MoPVPV will be the target of future attacks. An increase in violence is likely, especially in Kabul. Additional Taliban checkpoints and searches may be implemented to deter resistance activity. The NRF has not claimed any attacks since late May, and the reason for their continued inactivity remains unclear.
Afghans in Iran are urged to exercise extreme caution amid ongoing mass deportations. Reports remain vague regarding specific targeting patterns, so all Afghans should assume they are at risk. It is critical to carry valid documentation proving legal status at all times; however, even those with proper documents may be detained. Travel should be minimized, large gatherings avoided, and identification kept readily accessible.
In Pakistan, deportations continue. The interior minister has indicated that a new wave of deportations is underway. All Afghans are advised to maintain valid visas and carry proof of legal status. Detention, deportation, and extortion remain persistent threats. Additionally, Pakistan has seen significant unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the past week. Widespread flooding in Sindh, Punjab, and other areas is further complicating travel. Caution is advised for anyone moving to or within the country.
Afghan returnees from Iran, Pakistan, and other countries should exercise extreme caution. Border crossings typically involve biometric screening, which may be used to identify individuals who worked for the former republic or international forces. Despite Taliban claims of a general amnesty, some returnees—particularly those subject to personal vendettas—are being targeted. While many have no choice but to return, precautions should be taken: phones should be wiped of anti-Taliban content, contact names changed, social media accounts locked, and discretion used in securing housing and planning movements.
In the United States, a broad travel ban affecting Afghans remains in place. Although SIV holders are currently exempt, the status of other visa categories remains unclear. For now, all Afghans—including Green Card holders—are strongly advised to avoid international travel. More information on the travel ban can be found here
ARE is expected to close by September 30. SIV and immigrant visa cases not covered by the travel ban continue to be processed, but must now be handled at U.S. embassies or consulates in third countries. Applicants are responsible for all related costs, including travel, medical exams, accommodation, and onward travel to the United States. They must also maintain valid legal status (i.e., a visa) in the host country. Those considering case transfers are strongly encouraged to research local visa processing timelines and cost-of-living conditions in advance.
Reports also indicate that Tajikistan is increasing deportations and imposing new barriers to visa renewal for Afghans. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has significantly reduced the number of appointments for non-Tajik nationals, resulting in extended delays for visa processing, including SIVs. Individuals planning to transfer their cases to Tajikistan should thoroughly review visa requirements and cost-of-living expectations. They should not relocate to Tajikistan until they have a confirmed interview date for their immigration case. Current processing wait times often exceed the validity period of Tajikistan visas.
Recently arrived SIV holders—those who entered the U.S. after January 20—may now be eligible for resettlement assistance. They are encouraged to contact their local resettlement agency for updated guidance and support.
A court ruling in the CASA v. Noem case is expected on Monday. As of now, TPS for Afghans is scheduled to end on Monday, July 21, though this may change depending on the ruling. Afghans with TPS status only should seek legal counsel immediately. All Afghans in the United States are reminded to carry their Green Card or other proof of legal status at all times.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Deportations Continue – On Thursday, the Taliban governor’s office in Herat reported that over 621,000 Afghan migrants had returned via the Islam Qala border crossing this month. Taliban officials claim returnees received food, transportation, and cash assistance. However, the UNHCR reports that more than 1.4 million Afghans have been deported from Iran since early 2024—far exceeding the official figures released by Iran. Returnees face severe hardships, including inadequate shelter, food, and medical support, raising urgent concerns about humanitarian conditions along Afghanistan’s western border.
New Limits on Visas for Afghans – On Monday, Iran introduced a new visa policy restricting Afghan nationals to only three categories: work, visit, and medical. Work visas must now be arranged exclusively by Iran-based employers, as consulates abroad are no longer authorized to issue them. Visit visas are limited to first-degree relatives of legally residing Afghans in Iran and require thorough document verification. Medical visas will be processed only through authorized Afghan medical agencies, with applicants required to present valid documentation and a return guarantee. No other visa categories will be available to Afghan citizens under this new policy.
Afghan Killed at Border – On Saturday, July 12, 2025, the human rights group Haalvsh reported that Iranian border forces opened fire on two Afghan citizens near the Iran-Afghanistan border, killing one and injuring the other. The deceased, Abdul Manan—a 27-year-old father of three from Farah Province—was reportedly shot without warning in Nimroz Province shortly after reentering Afghanistan. His body was later found among sand dunes. Both Iranian and Taliban authorities have yet to comment on the incident.
Afghan Researcher Detained – On July 5, Iranian intelligence forces detained Afghan student and researcher Sara Gohari at the Taybad border while she was conducting independent research on refugee conditions. A sociology student at the University of Tehran, Gohari has been held incommunicado for over ten days, with no access to legal counsel or contact with her family. Her case was reported by the human rights group Hengaw. Iranian authorities have not issued any public statement. Her detention comes amid an intensified crackdown on Afghan refugees in Iran.
PAKISTAN
Deportations – On Sunday, Islamabad police raided several areas, including B-17 Township, detaining dozens of Afghan families, including women and children. Some detainees were reportedly former U.S. employees. Visa renewals for Afghans remain halted, leaving many undocumented. Pakistan’s interior minister has warned of a new wave of deportations.
Monsoon Rains Cause Flooding in Pakistan – On Thursday, Pakistani officials reported that 63 people had died and 290 were injured in the past 24 hours due to heavy monsoon rains. The worst-hit areas include Lahore, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal, and Pakpattan. More than 120 homes were damaged, and significant livestock losses were reported. Section 144 and a state of emergency have been imposed in parts of Punjab. The National Disaster Management Authority warns of continued rainfall and potential flooding, as seasonal monsoons routinely cause substantial casualties and destruction across Pakistan.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Security Incidents – This week, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a surge in counterterrorism activity, as security forces targeted militant strongholds across the province. In separate operations, at least 11 militants—including a key TTP commander—were killed in Tank and South Waziristan. An IED attack damaged a gas pipeline in Lakki Marwat. On Saturday, nine militants were killed and three security personnel injured during a major joint operation.
Temporary Admission Document Extension Issued for Truck Drivers – Pakistan has extended the Temporary Admission Document (TAD) facility for Afghan transporters until the end of July. Originally introduced in May 2023, the TAD allows Afghan drivers without passports or visas to enter Pakistan, facilitating cross-border trade amid ongoing visa processing delays in Kabul and Jalalabad. The extension follows a formal request from the Afghan consulate in Peshawar. Afghan transporters continue to face challenges in obtaining Pakistani visas, hindering commercial flow through the Torkham crossing.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
The Islamic State in Afghanistan: A Jihadist Threat in Retreat?
International Crisis Group
What’s new? Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) has emerged as a major international security threat, orchestrating or inspiring attacks abroad following a Taliban clampdown on its home turf. Although its strikes have fallen in number in 2025, its offensive could resurge.
Why does it matter? Despite the recent lull, IS-KP might reactivate commanders willing to carry out attacks abroad or coordinate with other ISIS branches to launch them. Even a small number of high-profile operations – such as the March 2024 mass shooting and arson in Moscow – can cause numerous deaths and have major international repercussions.
What should be done? Coordination among security services has improved, particularly in intelligence sharing and rendition. There are strong reasons not to resort to military action, but more could be done in terms of collaborating with the Taliban and Syrian governments, redefining the global anti-ISIS coalition’s law enforcement role, and supporting Central Asian countries.
AFGHAN NEWS
UN Warns of Severe Drought Worsening Across 19 Provinces Across Afghanistan
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has raised the alarm over worsening drought conditions affecting 19 provinces across Afghanistan, pushing vulnerable rural communities to the brink.
In a post on X on Tuesday, FAO said that northern provinces, most notably Faryab, are facing severely depleted water reserves. Pastures have dried up, crops have failed, and both people and livestock are being forced to migrate in search of basic necessities.
“There is almost no water, pastures and crops are disappearing, and people along with livestock are on the move in search of essentials,” the agency reported, warning that “the window for large‑scale action is rapidly closing.”
Man Kills Wife and Son in Kunar Province Amid Rising Domestic Violence
Kabul Now
A man in eastern Kunar province shot and killed his wife and one of his sons, while injuring his daughter and another son, local sources confirmed.
The incident took place on Saturday in the Nurgal district. According to one source, the injured children were transferred to Nangarhar Provincial Hospital for treatment.
REGIONAL NEWS
As Iran Deports a Million Afghans, ‘Where Do We Even Go?’
Elian Peltier, Farnaz Fassihi, Yaqoob Akbary
At the sand-swept border between Iran and Afghanistan, nearly 20,000 are crossing every day — shocked and fearful Afghans who have been expelled from Iran with few belongings in a wave of targeted crackdowns and xenophobia.
More than 1.4 million Afghans have fled or been deported from Iran since January during a government clampdown on undocumented refugees, according to the United Nations’ refugee agency. More than half a million have been forced into Afghanistan just since the war between Israel and Iran last month, returned to a homeland already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis and draconian restrictions on women and girls, in one of the worst displacement crises of the past decade.
Tajikistan reports sharp rise in trade with Afghanistan
Siyar Sirat
Trade between Tajikistan and Afghanistan reached nearly $40 million in the first five months of 2025, marking a 31.1 percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to data released by the Agency on Statistics under the President of Tajikistan.
Of that total, Tajik exports to Afghanistan accounted for roughly $32 million, or 80 percent of bilateral trade, while imports from Afghanistan stood at approximately $8 million, local media reported, citing official figures.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Revealed: 24,000 Afghans offered asylum in UK after data breach
Gareth Corfield
Britain has offered asylum secretly to nearly 24,000 Afghan soldiers and their families caught up in the most serious data breach in history, it can be revealed.
The leak, which can be reported following the lifting of a super-injunction, led the Government to earmark £7 billion to relocate Afghan refugees to the UK over five years, piling pressure on the Chancellor’s already stretched budget.
It was the longest ever super-injunction, the first deployed “contra mundum” – against the world – and the first ever deployed by the government.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 69.07 AFN (As of July 20)
