The Week of September 2-7
Abbreviated edition
Security and Conflict
NRF Fighter Killed in Baghlan – On Tuesday, clashes erupted between Taliban forces and NRF in the Kohgadai mountains of Nahrin district, Baghlan. Local sources reported that NRF commander Qayum Khan was killed, along with two to four Taliban fighters. His body remains in Taliban custody, and house-to-house searches followed the fighting. The confrontation lasted about 40 minutes. The NRF confirmed his death, but the Taliban have not commented.
Khost Resistance Fighter Killed in Baghlan – Resistance commander Barialai Sangin reported that Taliban forces arrested and killed his comrade Farshad, a member of the Khost Resistance Front, in Baghlan-e Markazi on August 28. He said several civilians in Khost district were also detained during house-to-house searches over alleged NRF links, with their status unknown. The Taliban have not commented.
Former Commander Killed – On Friday, Abdul Rahman Emaq, former commander of the Aliabad district uprising, was fatally stabbed by unknown assailants in Kunduz after leaving a mosque. Sources said he had recently returned from Iran. The motive remains unclear.
Former Police Officer Killed – On Friday, August 29, former Afghan police officer Tufan Kargar was killed on the outskirts of Sheberghan, Jowzjan province. Taliban police claimed he faced charges of robbery, banditry, and substance abuse, and had been under pursuit. Local sources disputed this, saying Kargar was unarmed when killed by Taliban intelligence agents in the Aqcha port area. He had earlier clashed with a Taliban checkpoint.
Former ANSF Found Dead – On Tuesday, former Afghan soldier Walid Naiemi, originally from Panjshir and a member of the former special police forces, was found dead in Kabul after going missing 10 days earlier, sources reported. Naiemi had fled to Iran after the 2021 collapse but recently returned amid deportations.
Former Intelligence Commander Arrested – On Wednesday, Taliban intelligence arrested former army commander Parwiz Sayidkhili and his brother in Kabul’s Khairkhana district, transferring them to Bagram Prison. The Taliban also raided Sayidkhili’s home, placing it under control. Sayidkhili, who recently returned from Iran, previously led an army brigade in Baghlan. The reasons for his detention remain unclear. It is his third arrest since 2021. Two of his brothers are also jailed in Bagram.
Reports of Drone Strikes in Kunar – On Friday, sources claimed that Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes in Kunar province around 3 p.m. near the Durand Line in the Gozargah Nawa area of Sarkano district. Pakistan said the strikes targeted a TTP hideout. No casualty details have been reported, and the Taliban have not commented.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Civil Society Activist Arrested – On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Taliban intelligence forces arrested civil society activist Ahmad Mojtaba Mohammadi after raiding his Kabul home, just days after his deportation from Iran. The Taliban have not commented.
Sufis Arrested in Kabul – On Saturday, the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue announced the arrest of several Sufis in Kabul, accusing them of committing “un-Islamic acts, innovations, and superstitions” under the guise of religion. Spokesman Saif Khyber said they were detained for allegedly misusing the name of Sufism and engaging in unlawful practices.
Floggings – On Monday and Tuesday, 12 men and one woman were flogged in Kabul.
Internal Politics
Haqqani Blocks Staff Reduction – Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has reportedly blocked leader Mullah Hibatullah’s order for a 20% staff reduction in his ministry, part of a wider austerity plan. Sources said Haqqani refused the cuts to protect loyal personnel, leading the Finance Ministry to delay salary payments for two months. Haqqani allegedly offered to fund salaries personally.
New VIP Passport Service – The Taliban’s Passport Directorate announced a new “VIP” service enabling applicants to obtain passports within an hour, though eligibility and costs remain unclear. An agreement with Afghan Post allows home delivery for an additional 100 afghanis. The Taliban reiterated restrictions on passport issuance, barring convicted individuals, those under travel bans, debtors, and children without guardians.
New Law on Mining – On Saturday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice announced that the group’s leader ratified a new law regulating contracts between Taliban ministries and private companies. The law prohibits deals with Taliban-linked firms and sets rules on asset protection, procurement, and construction standards, emphasizing “reliable and honest” partners. While the ministry says it ensures transparency, international observers and Afghan citizens remain skeptical, citing favoritism and misuse of revenues.
International Developments
UK Temporarily Suspends Refugee Reunification – On Tuesday, the UK government temporarily suspended refugee family reunification, requiring applicants to follow general immigration rules until new legislation is enacted. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the step addresses pressure on local authorities and curbs human smuggling. Over 21,000 such visas were issued in early 2025, mainly to women and children.
SIGAR Releases Lessons Learned Report – A new SIGAR lessons learned report warns that much of the $10.7 billion in international aid sent to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover has been diverted, with the U.S. contributing $3.8 billion. The report highlights Taliban manipulation of aid flows through coercion, taxation, and collusion with UN officials, while a complex web of NGOs and agencies further erodes effectiveness. SIGAR found evidence of bribery, “formalized” Taliban payments, and systemic opacity, leaving as little as 30–40% of aid reaching Afghans. Recommendations include tighter UN oversight, fewer aid layers, and stronger risk management. The full report can be accessed Here
Roza Otunbayeva’s Mission in Afghanistan Ends – On Friday, UN envoy Roza Otunbayeva concluded her mission in Afghanistan with a farewell meeting with Taliban Refugee Minister Abdul Kabir, who praised her service. Otunbayeva highlighted continued humanitarian aid, noting 25 UN teams deployed to quake-hit areas, and announced a $23 million migration project. The UN Security Council confirmed her tenure ends in September, when she will deliver a final report.
Regional Developments
Russian Envoy Statement on Militant Groups in Afghanistan – On Tuesday, Russia’s envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, voiced support for Pakistan and China’s concerns over militant threats from Afghan soil. He said both countries regularly raise complaints with the Taliban about Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, warning these groups could harm Taliban relations with Islamabad and Beijing. He stressed the need for bilateral solutions and stronger counterterrorism cooperation.
Pakistan Statement on Taliban’s TTP Claims – On Thursday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan dismissed Taliban Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob’s claim that Pakistan’s security agencies are weak as “a joke.” Khan said TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan remain a serious issue undermining ties and urged the Taliban to act. The Taliban deny harboring militants, insisting Afghanistan poses no threat.
US Visa Processing Information
Changes to Case Transfer Process for SIVs – Effective immediately, applicants must contact the National Visa Center (NVC) to request a transfer to a third-country embassy by using the Public Inquiry Form found HERE. 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. Applicants whose cases are interview-ready must continue processing in a third country. SIV applicants are responsible for 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 case transfer, applicants are strongly advised to research visa processing times, cost-of-living conditions, and the feasibility of visa renewals. Many embassies face significant backlogs and are refusing transfers. Do not relocate until you have written confirmation from both NVC and the U.S. Embassy approving your transfer and interview date. Applicants may also wish to secure multi-entry visas to nearby countries for added flexibility while awaiting processing. Please note that Dushanbe is not currently accepting SIV cases.
Pactio v. Trump – On Sept. 3, 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in Pacito v. Trump, a challenge to the refugee ban. Plaintiffs urged the court to reinstate district court injunctions, at minimum allowing resettlement of over 12,000 refugees with booked flights. With the case expedited, a ruling is expected in the coming weeks.
Travel Ban – The Trump administration’s travel ban on Afghans remains in place. While some Green Card holders have traveled abroad and been allowed to return, Afghans are strongly advised not to travel outside the United States at this time, particularly given escalating ICE detentions, including detentions upon re-entry.
Miscellaneous
Earthquake Updates – A powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday has left at least 2,205 people dead and 3,640 injured, with figures expected to rise as rescue teams access remote areas. Around 12,000 people are directly affected, with Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces reporting severe casualties and destruction. Women and children face delays in treatment due to the shortage of female doctors, and at least six pregnant women were among the dead. Aftershocks of 5.2 and 4.2 magnitude shook the region on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Additional major quakes
measuring 6.1 to 4.7 were reported Thursday, felt in Kabul, Laghman, and Nangarhar, with aftershocks in Kunar. The earthquakes triggered landslides in Kunar. The EU and UK pledged €1 million each, NRC $2 million, and the UN $5 million, while Pakistan, India, and several other countries dispatched aid. Save the Children reported that 260,000 children have been impacted, with an estimated 280 orphaned.
In Afghanistan, additional aftershocks and landslides remain possible in southeastern provinces. Affected communities continue to be largely cut off from aid and travel, and access to impacted areas will likely remain difficult and dangerous over the coming week. Targeted killings and detentions of former government officials, ex-ANSF personnel, and resistance fighters have increased in recent weeks and are expected to continue. Recent returnees from Iran and Pakistan have been heavily targeted by the Taliban and unknown gunmen. Those at high risk should exercise extreme caution upon return.
In Pakistan, detentions and deportations of PoR card holders have begun. House-to-house searches are ongoing in Islamabad and likely in other major cities. Afghans are urged to exercise caution in their movements, as even individuals with valid visas may face detention or extortion.
In Iran, the extension of census cards expired on September 6. These cards are now invalid, and Afghans without legal visas risk deportation. Afghans are strongly advised to secure valid visas where possible and to exercise caution when traveling. Those vulnerable to deportation in Iran and Pakistan should wipe their phones of sensitive contacts or messages and lock social media accounts preemptively.
In the United States, ICE detentions continue. Afghans are reminded to carry proof of legal status at all times. While enforcement primarily targets individuals with criminal records, all Afghans should understand their rights if questioned or detained. More information can be found here. USCIS has also announced a new “good moral character” requirement for green card holders seeking naturalization, which may include social media reviews, neighborhood checks, and “anti-Americanism” screenings. Afghans in the U.S. are advised to lock social media accounts and use caution with public postings.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 68.15 AFN (As of September 7)