The Week of September 15-21
Security and Conflict
Bombing at Chaman-Spin Boldak Crossing – On Thursday, a suicide bomber targeted Afghans returning from Pakistan at the Chaman–Spin Boldak border crossing in Balochistan. Witnesses said the blast occurred on the Pakistani side. At least five people were killed and three injured in the explosion at a taxi stand in Chaman, near the Afghan border, Pakistani media reported. Officials stated that explosives were hidden in passengers’ luggage, though the intended target remains unclear. Most victims were local laborers. The border has been closed since the attack.
Fighting in Badakshan – On Wednesday, clashes between rival Taliban commanders in Warduj, Badakhshan, left one person dead and 15 injured. The confrontation involved Baba Jan, the Taliban police chief in Zebak, and Zahir, a battalion commander in Ishkashim, each leading over 200 fighters. Armed with light and heavy weapons, the groups also burned three Ranger vehicles. The dispute reportedly stemmed from a pasture conflict between villagers from Ghaniu and Akhshera. Taliban forces from Faizabad were deployed to contain the escalating violence.
Explosion Near Bagram – On Sunday, an explosion occurred near Bagram Airfield’s eastern “Saydukan” gate in Parwan. Taliban police said it was a controlled detonation of leftover explosives under inspection, though locals reported the blast at the base’s fourth gate. Media outlets confirmed the incident, but details on the nature of the explosion remain limited.
Former ANP Killed in Herat – On Tuesday, unidentified gunmen killed Arbab Aziz Ahmad Fazli, a former local police commander, inside his clinic in Herat’s Pushtun Zargun district.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Taliban Forcefully Displace Hazara Neighborhood in Herat – Reports from Herat suggest the Taliban are preparing to forcibly relocate residents of Andisheh Township, one of the city’s largest residential areas, home to more than 10,000 families, most of them Hazara. The township, built two decades ago, was recently declared state property. Sources say a Hazara cemetery within the township has been handed over to a Kandahar-based company, which has already begun surveying the land to develop an industrial complex. The plan has reportedly been approved by the provincial governor. Taliban officials have not publicly commented on the matter.
Taliban Advisor Arrested For Criticizing Policy – On Monday, Taliban authorities arrested Farooq Azam, an advisor to the Ministry of Energy and Water, after he criticized the ban on girls’ education and opposed recent policies of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, challenging directives from the Supreme Leader.
Six Shopkeepers Arrested in Mazar Following Protests – On Thursday, Taliban intelligence in Balkh province detained six shopkeepers in Mazar-e Sharif after protests over the demolition of long-standing stalls in the second-hand clothing market. Residents said the businesses, active for nearly 40 years and recently taxed by the Taliban, were torn down without warning. Officials confirmed the properties, belonging to the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs, had been leased to a private company for redevelopment into a new commercial market. No further information is available on the detained individuals.
Two Arrested in Kunduz for “Negative Propaganda” – On Tuesday, Taliban police in Kunduz reported arresting two individuals in Khanabad district for alleged “negative propaganda” on social media, accusing them of sharing misleading videos that harmed public opinion. Authorities said the detainees had engaged in similar activity before.
British Couple Released from Taliban Detention – On Friday, the Taliban released British nationals Barbie Reynolds, 76, and Peter Reynolds, 80, who had been detained since February while traveling to their home in Bamiyan. Their release followed a visit by UK envoy Richard Lindsay and a Qatari delegation.
Floggings – On Monday, five people were flogged in Farah and six in Khost. On Tuesday, 11 people were flogged in Kabul and Baghlan.
Internal Politics
MoPVPV sets up Neighborhood Committees – The Taliban have formed new “cooperation committees” across Afghanistan to enforce their Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. Approved by Mullah Hibatullah, the guidelines direct committees to engage ministries, local officials, schools, mosques, and businesses in promoting compliance. Clerics and influential figures are tasked with mobilizing public support. The initiative expands the authority of the Vice and Virtue Ministry, which has already arrested citizens—particularly women and youth—for alleged dress and appearance violations.
Taliban Intelligence Offiical Statement on Suicide Bombing – On Saturday, senior Taliban intelligence official Tajmir Jawad warned the group may resume suicide bombings to defend its rule, shortly after Donald Trump said the U.S. is exploring a return to Bagram Air Base. In an audio message broadcast on Taliban TV, Jawad, the deputy intelligence chief and Haqqani network member, vowed to sacrifice to preserve Taliban control and branded opponents “infidels.” His comments, widely seen as a response to Trump, highlight renewed Taliban threats linked to U.S. intentions.
18 Subjects Banned from Universities – On Thursday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education banned 18 university subjects, works by women, and publications from Iran, according to directives dated September 3–4 obtained by BBC Pashto. Deputy Minister Ziaurrahman Aryoubi said the subjects conflicted with Sharia and government policy. Scholars reviewed the materials before their removal, marking a sweeping new restriction on Afghanistan’s academic curriculum.
International Developments
UN Report on Afghanistan – On Wednesday, the United Nations’ latest quarterly report painted a stark picture of Afghanistan’s deteriorating conditions. In July, Taliban morality police arrested 60 women and girls in Kabul for alleged hijab violations, while 63 people (47 men, 16 women) were publicly flogged. Between May and July, the UN documented five extrajudicial killings, one arbitrary arrest, and three cases of torture targeting former officials. Security incidents rose 9% year-on-year, with 2,658 incidents recorded, though ISIS-K attacks declined in scale. Cross-border clashes with Pakistan totaled 14 incidents, displacing 50 families in Helmand. The report also highlighted the continued exclusion of 2.2 million Afghan girls from education, warning of a “generation at risk.” UN and U.S. officials pressed the Taliban to meet their obligations amid skepticism about the group’s commitments. The full report can be accessed Here
Trump’s Statement on Bagram – On Thursday, Donald Trump said his administration is negotiating to “get back” Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base, describing it as vital for monitoring China and counterterrorism operations. His comments followed a Wall Street Journal report that U.S. envoy Adam Boehler is leading talks with the Taliban on a possible limited U.S. presence at Bagram, alongside discussions on prisoner exchanges, economic deals, and security. China condemned the plan, warning it would heighten regional tensions and stressing Afghanistan’s sovereignty. The Taliban has not formally responded, though senior diplomat Zakir Jalaly reiterated opposition to any return of foreign troops, saying future engagement should focus on politics and economics.
Vienna Process Formalized – On Wednesday, the Vienna Process formally established its National Commission, comprising 27 representatives from political parties, civil society, and women’s and human rights defenders. Chaired by former UN envoy Mahmoud Saikal, the commission aims to foster political and civic coordination, explore solutions to the crisis, and propose a democratic alternative framework. Officials describe it as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and mobilization toward a just, inclusive, and democratic Afghanistan, with findings to be shared both domestically and internationally.
Freedom of the Press
Internet Shut Down in Multiple provinces – Since Monday, Afghanistan has faced widespread Wi-Fi disruptions after Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah ordered sweeping internet restrictions. Confirmed outages have hit Mazar-e Sharif and parts of Kandahar, with reports of similar cuts in Helmand, Herat, Uruzgan, Nimroz, Kunduz, Takhar, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Paktika, Laghman, Nangarhar, and Kunar. While mobile internet remains accessible, Afghan Telecom and other Wi-Fi services have been halted, including in government offices and across Balkh province. Telecom sources say fiber-optic services have been suspended nationwide, significantly slowing internet speeds.
The restrictions have disrupted banking, passport services, customs operations, and other government functions, raising concerns about broader impacts, including potential interruptions to international money transfers. Employees and officials have voiced frustration, with some ministers and bank leaders reportedly opposing the cuts and pressing for restored access. Taliban authorities defend the move as part of a campaign to combat “immorality,” following costly failures to block platforms such as TikTok, PUBG, and pornography websites. However, the clampdown has heightened fears of long-term economic and administrative disruption, particularly as the government struggles with fragile digital infrastructure.
Regional Developments
Iranian Delegation in Kabul – On Monday, an Iranian delegation led by Industry Minister Seyed Mohammad Atabak arrived in Kabul for talks with Taliban officials on expanding trade, transit, and investment. Scheduled meetings include Taliban ministries and private-sector representatives, with visits planned to the Islam Qala border crossing, railways, and mining sites in Herat province.
Taliban Acting Minister travels to Qatar – On Tuesday, Taliban Acting Defense Minister Mujahid visited Qatar, meeting Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi to discuss bilateral ties and express support for Qatar, according to spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
Afghanistan Receives Observer Status at SCO – Afghanistan has secured observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization following a majority vote at the recent summit. Kabul’s envoy to Moscow, Mawlawi Gul Hassan Hassan, met with Russia’s Zamir Kabulov, who emphasized stronger bilateral ties. Ambassador Hassan called SCO participation vital for Afghanistan’s regional engagement and mutual understanding.
US Visa Processing Information
SIV Case Transfer Updates –Applicants wishing to transfer SIV cases must contact the National Visa Center to request a transfer to a third-country embassy by email at NVCSIV@State.gov. NVC will review requests and determine whether the requested embassy is currently accepting SIV cases.
SIV Processing – SIV cases remain exempt from the U.S. travel ban. CARE flights have ended and will not resume. Applicants whose cases are interview-ready must continue processing in a third country and bear all related costs, including travel, medical exams, accommodations, and onward travel to the United States. They must also maintain valid legal status (e.g., a visa) in the host country. Before requesting a transfer, applicants should research visa processing times, living costs, and the feasibility of renewals. Many embassies face significant backlogs and reject transfers. Do not relocate until you have written confirmation from both the NVC and the U.S. embassy approving your transfer and interview date. Applicants may wish to obtain multi-entry visas to nearby countries for flexibility. (Note: Dushanbe is not currently accepting SIV cases.)
Pacito V. Trump Updates – On Friday, September 12, in Pacito v. Trump, the Ninth Circuit largely upheld the current status quo, leaving many refugees overseas without a clear path to U.S. safety. The panel said the Trump administration is likely to succeed in pausing the Refugee Admissions Program and stayed orders restarting resettlement. It required services to continue for about 2,000 Afghan SIV holders and a small number of refugees already in the U.S. The case now returns to district court.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, if the Wi-Fi ban has not already been implemented in all provinces, it is expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks, with Kabul likely to be the last area affected. It remains unclear whether the ban will extend to mobile internet. While many Afghans primarily rely on mobile data, the higher cost of using it as the sole option may push large numbers offline. The impact on banking and remittances is still uncertain, but developments will continue to be monitored.
The risk of human rights abuses is high. Internet restrictions will make it harder to report or monitor violations, potentially emboldening the Taliban. The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has recently established formal neighborhood committees to report on violations of moral laws, but these are also likely to be used to monitor individuals for dissent. An increase in detentions, public punishments, and killings is likely.
Deportations from Iran and Pakistan continue, targeting census-card and PoR-card holders. The growing number of returnees is straining already fragile systems, leaving many at risk of serious challenges with housing, education, food, water, and healthcare. Recently returned individuals face a heightened risk of detention or killing, and at-risk families should remain extremely vigilant. Afghans in Iran or Pakistan who may face deportation are advised to lock their social-media accounts and clear message histories.
In the United States, ICE detentions are ongoing. The U.S. Supreme Court recently lifted an injunction that had barred immigration officials from stopping people based on race, language, or occupation; ICE may now stop individuals based on appearance or language spoken. Afghans should carry proof of legal status at all times. Although enforcement is mainly directed at those with criminal records, all Afghans should understand their rights if questioned or detained. More information about these rights is available here.
USCIS has also introduced a new “good moral character” requirement for green-card holders applying for naturalization. This may involve social-media reviews, neighborhood checks, and other “anti-Americanism” screenings. Afghans in the U.S. are encouraged to keep their social-media accounts private and exercise caution when posting publicly.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
New Deportations to Start from Iran – On Monday, Tehran Governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian announced that Iran will soon launch a second phase of deportations of Afghan migrants, stressing that the policy will be enforced rigorously. He claimed earlier expulsions had reduced crime, food consumption, and classroom overcrowding while freeing jobs for Iranians. However, local media report that the removals have also caused labor shortages and factory closures, underscoring the economic strain of removing large numbers of Afghan workers.
PAKISTAN
Khalilzad Urges Political Talks with TTP – On Monday, former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad urged Pakistan to open negotiations with the TTP, arguing that a political settlement is preferable to a military response. Writing on X, he noted that Pakistan once encouraged dialogue with the Afghan Taliban and should now adopt the same strategy, with Kabul’s support. Khalilzad, long criticized for his role in the Doha Agreement and the Taliban’s return to power, recently made unofficial trips to Kabul. His comments come amid rising violence in Pakistan and growing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Afghanistan’s Expanding Drug Economy from Opium to Methamphetamine
Anoussa Salim
Afghanistan is the largest producer of opium; it has long been the center of the global narcotics trade. The region has seen numerous attempts to contain drug farming and trafficking, but the deficits in political stability and international demand perpetuate the cycle. The drug trade not only finances conflict groups but also saps Afghanistan’s sociocultural and economic development, creating a complex web of issues for the country. According to reports by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Afghanistan is responsible for producing around 80-90% of the world’s opium. The southern and eastern regions that are often affected by the Taliban and other insurgents, such as Helmand, Kandahar, and Nangarhar, are known to cultivate the opium poppy plant. This black cash economy fuels terrorism, political corruption, and transnational organized crime, generating billions of dollars every year. Afghanistan’s reliance on opium production has severely undermined its geopolitical relationships, entrenching the nation in a cycle of economic dependency, political instability, and international isolation.
In addition, many farmers were turning to Opium farming to survive economically after the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. Farmers’ income from opium sales tripled from “$425 million in 2021 to $1.4 billion in 2022”. Heroin is one of the central pillars of its supply, and the country has long been at the forefront of the international drug market as a supplier of opiates. While Afghanistan has been notorious for its production of opiates, in recent years, it has become an increasingly significant producer of methamphetamine as well. According to the UNODC, methamphetamine trafficking in Afghanistan and neighboring countries is surging, with a twelvefold increase in seizures of the drug in five years from “2.5 tons in 2017 to 29.7 tons in 2021.” This shift focuses on the global market for synthetic drugs in addition to the burgeoning infrastructure for meth production inside Afghanistan. Despite attempts to curb opium cultivation, the Taliban’s resurgence and the shift toward synthetic drug production have further destabilized regional security and hindered international cooperation.
AFGHAN NEWS
Husband of Former Afghan Lawmaker Shot Dead in Southern Afghanistan
Kabul Now
Dawood Shah, the husband of former Afghan parliamentarian Fariba Kakar, was shot dead in his home in Kandahar city on Tuesday evening, local sources said.
The victim, who had recently returned from Canada, was killed by unidentified armed individuals, according to the sources. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and local Taliban authorities have not commented.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 67.38 AFN (As of September 21)