The Week of September 22-28
Security and Conflict
Fighting in Musa Qala Helmand – On Sunday, September 21, at least five people were killed and two injured in clashes between Taliban forces and an armed group in Musa Qala district, Helmand. The fighting in Rigi Ganj village left three Taliban members and two from the opposing side dead, with Taliban fighters also among the wounded. Some sources suggested the attackers were linked to ISIS, though details remain unverified. Taliban officials have not issued a statement.
ISKP Commander Reportedly killed in Mazar – Unconfirmed Pakistani reports indicate ISKP commander Mohammad Ihsani, alias Anwar, was killed by unidentified gunmen in Mazar-e-Sharif on Saturday. Ihsani, an ethnic Tajik, was accused of training and escorting Tajik suicide bombers into Pakistan and was linked to the 2022 Peshawar mosque bombing that killed over 60. Taliban authorities have not commented.
Clash in Bamiyan – On Sunday, September 21, an armed clash inside a mosque in Mohammad Kicheh village, Bamiyan’s Shibar district, left 10 people wounded, including a young woman, according to the Taliban governor’s office. The attack, linked to intra-tribal hostilities, occurred during prayers when assailants armed with guns, knives, and sticks stormed the mosque. Four victims remain in critical condition. Taliban authorities reported no deaths and confirmed six arrests in connection with the incident.
15 Former NDS and Tribal Elders Detained in Faryab – Taliban intelligence forces have detained 15 former soldiers and tribal elders in Khwaja Sabzposh district of Faryab over the past week, local sources reported Friday. The individuals were arrested during night raids in Badghisi village and transferred to a detention facility in Maimana. Families have been denied contact, and the reasons remain unclear.
Former Soldier Killed in Herat – On Sunday, September 21, former Afghan soldier Gul Agha Jalali was shot dead in Herat by two armed motorcyclists. Jalali, who had fought against the Taliban and lost an eye in Shindand, was deported from Iran two months ago. Taliban officials have not commented.
Former SF Commander Killed in Logar – On Friday, former Afghan special forces commander Latif was killed by Taliban fighters in Mohammad Agha district, Logar, in front of his young daughter. Witnesses said armed Taliban in civilian clothes tortured him after dragging him from a store.
Former NDS Officer Killed in Badakhshan – On Monday, Abdul Rashid, a former Afghan intelligence officer, was arrested, tortured, and killed by Taliban members in Nasi district, Badakhshan. Rashid, deported from Iran after the Taliban takeover, had been working in a local gold mine due to unemployment. Despite repeatedly seeking a “pardon card” from district officials, his request was denied.
Former NDS Killed in Khost – On Thursday, Commander Samad, a former Afghan intelligence officer, was killed in Tanai district, Khost province, by unidentified gunmen. While some attributed the murder to family disputes, others suspect Taliban involvement.
Former ANP Killed in Baghlan – On Thursday, Faiz Mohammad, a former Public Order Police officer, was shot dead near his home in Baghlan-e-Markazi district by unidentified gunmen. Mohammad had fled to Iran after the Taliban takeover but was deported and later returned to his hometown following a stay in Kabul.
Former ANSF Detained in Kabul – On Sunday, relatives reported that the Taliban detained former soldier Abdul Hamid Junbish in Kabul’s Qowaye Markazi area after his recent deportation from Iran. A native of Abdullah Khil, Panjshir, he was transferred to an undisclosed location.
Nighttime Curfews in Several Areas – The Taliban have imposed a nighttime curfew in Khulm district, Balkh province, with reports also citing restrictions in Samangan. Residents note similar unofficial 10 p.m. curfews enforced across several northern districts. Authorities have not issued formal statements, but locals describe increased monitoring and movement controls during evening hours.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Families Forcibly Displaced in Bamiyan – Dozens of families in Bamiyan’s Punjab district have been forced from their homes after the Taliban ordered residents of several villages, including Rashk, Tobak, Guli, and Hoz Mahmood, to leave and sign land transfer documents. Many displaced families now live in tents, reporting looted property and worsening conditions as cold weather approaches. Local sources say the evictions, carried out under Governor Abdullah Sarhadi’s orders, have spread across multiple villages. Taliban authorities have not commented.
New Restrictions on Women in Kandahar – The Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Kandahar has instructed doctors not to treat women without male guardians, forbidden male dentists from treating women, and warned rickshaw drivers against transporting unveiled women. The move follows recent arrests of female tailors in the city, which left many jobless and sparked public anger. Officials have threatened further restrictions, while women in Kandahar already face sweeping bans on work, education, and public life.
Woman Shot Dead in Taliban Provincial Court – On Saturday, the wife of former provincial council member Abdul Rahman Moradi Alizai was shot dead during her trial at the Taliban-run Court of Appeal. Moradi was killed at his home in January, initially described as an accident, though family members accused his wife. She was on trial for his murder when gunned down in the courthouse hallway. Sources said Moradi’s brother is suspected; Taliban officials have not commented.
Taliban Shoot Elderly Man for Making Tawiz – On Thursday, in Juran district, Badakhshan, a Taliban official from the Department of Vice and Virtue shot and severely wounded an elderly man accused of writing amulets. The victim, known as “Mastari,” was hit by three bullets and is in critical condition at Kunduz hospital.
Female Blogger Beaten and Arrested in Herat – On Thursday, Taliban officers in Herat arrested Alia Maloreen, a well-known blogger, while she was dining at a local restaurant. Witnesses reported she was beaten during the arrest and is now being held in Herat Central Prison. Maloreen had launched her social media career after women were banned from working, promoting local businesses for income. Taliban officials have not commented.
Increase in Floggings – Over the past month, the Taliban flogged 114 people, including 20 women, across at least 15 provinces—nearly five times more than the previous month, according to Supreme Court data. Cases surged in Kabul, Parwan, and Takhar, with women often punished for “running away” or “moral corruption.”
Floggings – On Thursday, 17 people were flogged in Kabul, while a man and a woman were flogged in Maidan Wardak. On Saturday, 10 men and six women were flogged in Kapisa and Khost.
Internal Politics
Mullah Hibatullah Reportedly Calls Cabinet to a Vote – Mullah Hibatullah convened his cabinet in Kandahar for a vote on Bagram Air Base, following repeated demands by U.S. President Donald Trump to reclaim the former American hub. Taliban officials deny any negotiations on Bagram, insisting discussions with Washington focus only on prisoners and economic ties.
New Restrictions on Universities and Students – The Taliban’s Acting Higher Education Minister, Neda Mohammad Nadeem, has issued 50 directives imposing new restrictions in universities. The rules ban possession and use of smartphones on campuses and within the ministry, including by lower-ranking staff and many professors. They also require removal of images of living beings from classrooms and mandate that all employees wear turbans. Oversight of universities is placed under the Ministry of Vice and Virtue, extending its authority inside academic institutions nationwide.
Changes to Tazkera Prices outside Afghanistan – The Taliban-controlled National Statistics and Information Authority has lowered fees for Afghan citizens abroad seeking national ID cards. Applicants in neighboring countries, Central Asia, India, and Turkey will now pay $50, while those in Arab and African states, as well as Russia, will be charged $70. For residents of Europe, North America, Canada, and Australia, the fee is $150. The new rates apply only to in-person applications with residency documents, replacing the earlier $200 remote application fee.
International Developments
Al Qaeda Video Calls Afghanistan School of Jihad – Al-Qaeda has released a 62-minute propaganda video marking the 24th anniversary of 9/11, portraying Afghanistan under Taliban rule as the global training ground for jihad. The video glorifies Taliban forces, highlights shared victories, and describes Afghanistan as the “mother and school of contemporary jihad.” It emphasizes the country’s role in producing militant leaders such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammad and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, raising concerns about Afghanistan serving as a safe haven for transnational militancy.
OIC Meeting on Afghanistan – On Thursday, at an OIC Contact Group meeting in New York, Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar called for unconditional humanitarian aid, restoration of Afghanistan’s banking system, and stronger regional connectivity. He warned that over 20 militant groups, including TTP and BLA, operate from Afghan soil, posing regional threats. Dar proposed a six-step roadmap: humanitarian aid, economic revival, dialogue, support for poppy farmers, lifting Taliban restrictions on women, and refugee return. He stressed that Afghanistan’s isolation cannot continue and urged the Taliban to take concrete action against cross-border terrorism.
UN Sideline Meeting on US Statements on Bagram – On Friday, Russia, Iran, China, and Pakistan jointly rejected the possible return of U.S. military bases in Afghanistan, warning it would destabilize the region. Meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, they blamed NATO for Afghanistan’s crisis and urged the lifting of sanctions, return of frozen assets, and economic support. The statement followed Donald Trump’s claim that his administration was in talks with the Taliban over Bagram—an assertion the Taliban deny. While all four countries engage closely with the Taliban, only Russia has formally recognized their government.
Canada’s Feminist Forum for Afghanistan Report on Human Rights – A new field study, based on surveys of 600 women and 100 men across 14 Afghan provinces, highlights how the Taliban’s rule has institutionalized gender apartheid and entrenched women’s subjugation as central to its political project. It documents lived experiences of fear, violence, and repression under a system where laws like the 2024 Vice and Virtue Law intensify surveillance and erase women from public life. The report argues the Taliban deliberately use gender oppression as a tool of social control, blending indoctrination with ideological framing to maintain power, while minority groups and ex-government affiliates face heightened persecution. The full report can be accessed Here
Kyrgyz President Urges UN to Unfreeze Afghan Assets – Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov told the UN General Assembly that Afghanistan’s frozen assets should be released, warning that isolation and denial of financial aid are harmful. His remarks echoed earlier calls by China, Russia, and the UN. The U.S. froze about $10 billion after the Taliban takeover; while the group seeks access, many Afghans oppose Taliban control over the funds.
Freedom of the Press
Internet Updates – On Monday, internet services resumed in Kandahar through a point-to-point system, allowing banks, government offices, and institutions to function. Sources said the restored service remains limited to public and financial sectors, not private businesses or homes. On Tuesday, limited internet returned to Nangarhar; on Wednesday, to Mazar; and on Thursday, to Helmand’s government and banking sectors. Reports indicate fiber restrictions now cover at least 16 provinces, with Parwan cut on Monday. In Herat, beginning Monday, fixed internet was cut nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., leaving only mobile services available.
Images Banned in Additional Provinces – On Tuesday, the Taliban banned the use of images of living beings in media; on Friday, the ban was extended to Helmand.
Regional Developments
Balochistan Chief Claims Taliban Help Terrorists – On Thursday, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti accused the Taliban of providing militants with safe havens and training camps in Afghanistan, enabling cross-border attacks on Pakistan. He said security in Balochistan has deteriorated, with the Baloch Liberation Army intensifying assaults on security forces. Bugti urged Taliban compliance with the Doha Agreement and alleged Indian intelligence involvement. The Taliban deny facilitating militant operations against Pakistan.
Taliban Stop Migrants Headed to Iran – On Wednesday, Taliban forces in Helmand intercepted about 100 people attempting to migrate illegally to Iran through Marjah district. The group was stopped in four locations and sent back to their provinces, while three individuals were arrested on charges of human smuggling. Taliban officials have recently stepped up efforts to curb irregular migration along border routes.
Afghanistan’s Trade Volume Increases – Afghanistan’s trade volume reached $6.78 billion in the first six months of the solar year, a 30% rise from last year, according to the Taliban’s Commerce Ministry. Exports grew 9% to $748 million, while imports climbed 21% to $6.03 billion. Key exports included dried fruits, saffron, and beverages; imports centered on fuel, food, and machinery. Analysts warn the export-import imbalance and sanctions keep Afghanistan’s economy fragile.
Torkham Closed – On Monday, Pakistan closed the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan, halting passenger movement. Taliban officials in Nangarhar confirmed the closure and instructed citizens to avoid travel until further notice. Reports linked the shutdown to internet cuts affecting the border management system. The crossing reopened on Tuesday.
US Visa Processing Information
*Note- No major changes to visa processing this week. Last update 9/21/25
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.)
Miscellaneous
Earthquake in Kabul – On Tuesday, an earthquake struck Kabul, with no immediate reports of damage. The tremor was also felt in Nangarhar’s Dara-e-Noor district, where it triggered a landslide that injured 15 people and destroyed dozens of homes.
Landslide in Nuristan – On Wednesday, a landslide in Parun, the capital of Nuristan, killed two workers and injured three others, Taliban officials said. The incident occurred along the Nuristan-Kunar road construction project. Rescue teams are working to free people trapped under debris, and authorities have warned the death toll may rise. All victims were employees of the project.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, broadband internet cuts are expected to continue and may spread to additional provinces. Point-to-point internet service has been restored in several areas, but connections remain limited to government institutions and banks. Home Wi-Fi is unlikely to return, though mobile internet has not yet affected at this time. The pattern of Wi-Fi cuts suggests concerns about cybersecurity or potential data breaches, rather than restrictions solely on information access, though this remains unconfirmed. Evening internet cuts in Herat are likely to continue until point-to-point connections are introduced.
Targeted killings and detentions of former soldiers and NDS officials have sharply increased this week and are expected to continue. Individuals who have recently returned from Iran appear most at risk.
The recent rise in targeted killings and detentions, newly imposed curfews in the north, and the re-emergence of the NRF after months of inactivity—coinciding with U.S. statements on Bagram—appear to have raised Taliban concerns about growing resistance movements. The Taliban may also fear recruitment of former soldiers, government officials, and intelligence officers by resistance groups or foreign governments. Security crackdowns, particularly in the north, should be expected, with house-to-house searches, phone inspections, and expanded checkpoints. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has recently established neighborhood committees, allegedly to monitor moral crimes; these are also likely being used to track anti-Taliban activity. The risk of human rights abuses is higher than normal at this time.
Deportations from both Iran and Pakistan continue and are expected to increase in the coming week. Pakistan’s closure of long-established refugee camps will displace hundreds of thousands of Afghans, many of whom were born in these camps. Iranian officials have also announced plans to increase deportations. 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 U.S., ICE detentions remain a risk for Afghans. A recent Supreme Court ruling allows ICE officers to stop individuals based on race, language, or occupation. Afghans should carry proof of legal status at all times and review their rights in case they are stopped by ICE. Afghans should review the following information to ensure they know their rights in case they are stopped by ICE: here.
USCIS has also introduced a new “good moral character” requirement for green-card holders applying for naturalization. This may include social media reviews, neighborhood checks, and screenings for so-called “anti-Americanism.” New immigration rules require certain social media accounts to be public, so Afghans should exercise caution when posting online.
Afghans abroad should be extremely cautious about traveling back to Afghanistan. Reports of detentions upon return have increased. In addition, some countries have begun reviewing asylum and immigration cases of Afghans who returned to Afghanistan after claiming their lives were at risk there. Afghans in the U.S., including green-card holders, are strongly advised to avoid international travel, as they may face detention upon re-entry.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Continuing Deportations – Between Sept. 20–26, Iran deported 6,456 Afghan migrants, through both forced and voluntary returns, via crossings at Islam Qala and Pul-e Abrisham, Taliban refugee commission data show. The previous week, Sept. 13–19, Iran expelled 9,020 Afghans.
Afghan Shot at Iranian Border – On Wednesday, Iranian border guards shot and killed an 18-year-old Afghan named Saeed in Haji Qiyom village, Kang district of Nimroz, according to eyewitnesses. They reported that guards opened fire from watchtowers, killing him instantly.
Afghan Executed – On September 21, Iranian authorities executed an Afghan national surnamed Ahmadi at Taybad Central Prison in Khorasan Razavi Province, according to Hengaw. He had been arrested on drug-related charges and later sentenced to death.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan to close Afghan Refugee Camps – On Thursday, Pakistan announced the closure of 16 Afghan refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Punjab as part of its ongoing repatriation policy. Many of the camps, established in the early 1980s following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, have sheltered thousands for decades. The Panian camp in Haripur—one of the largest—once housed more than 100,000 refugees and still accommodates about 13,000 families. Authorities say camp lands and assets will be handed over to provincial administrations.
Deportations Continue – Between Sept. 20–26, Pakistan deported 38,953 Afghan migrants, according to Taliban refugee commission figures, marking a sharp increase from the 32,064 expelled the prior week. Returns occurred through Torkham, Spin Boldak and Bahramcha, combining forced removals with voluntary departures.
Military Strikes Kill 23 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – On Monday, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement leader Manzoor Pashteen accused the Pakistani army of killing 23 civilians, mostly women and children, in an airstrike on Shadalo Metarai village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tirah Valley. He said two homes were destroyed and bodies remain under the rubble. Pashteen condemned the government for targeting Pashtuns under the guise of counterterrorism and urged unity against such actions. Pakistani officials have not commented, though authorities blame Afghanistan-based militants for rising insecurity in the region since the Taliban takeover.
14 TTP Killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – On Saturday, at least 14 Pakistani Taliban affiliates were killed and three soldiers injured in an intelligence-based operation in Abbasa Khattak, Karak district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police imposed a curfew in nearby villages until 2:00 p.m. Sunday as security forces continued operations in the area following the clashes.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Forced Returns Put Afghan Families at Risk of ISKP Exploitation, Experts Warn
Kabul Now
Security experts and diplomatic sources warn that the recent mass return of Afghan migrants from Pakistan and Iran may create fertile ground for recruitment by Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP).
Since January, around 2.6 million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan under forced or voluntary circumstances, many after living abroad for decades or arriving for the first time.
UN agencies caution that returnees face severe shortages of jobs, housing, and basic services on top of severe Taliban restrictions. which could push some toward extremist groups. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) projects that up to 4 million Afghans may return by the end of 2025.
Hans-Jakob Schindler, former coordinator of the UN committee monitoring militant groups, told AFP that ISKP may view these newly arrived Afghans as a “potential recruitment pool.” The group, though weakened in some regions, continues periodic attacks in eastern Afghanistan and remains one of the main threats to both Taliban rule and regional stability.
AFGHAN NEWS
My three boys starved to death. I hope angels bring them home, says Afghan mother
Yogita Limaye
Gusts of wind blew dust up off the ground as Ghulam Mohiddin and his wife Nazo walked towards the graveyard where all their children are buried.
They showed us the graves of the three boys they lost in the past two years – one-year-old Rahmat, seven-month-old Koatan and most recently, three-month-old Faisal Ahmad.
All three suffered from malnutrition, say Ghulam and Nazo
Afghanistan: People with disabilities say they face worsening poverty, neglect
Sharif Amiry
As more than 69 percent of Afghans struggle with inadequate income amid rising poverty and unemployment, people with disabilities say they are living in even more fragile conditions.
Many told Amu they lack job opportunities, housing security and basic support.
“In 30 years I have been disabled. My leg is broken in three places and I cannot work. My life is ruined,” said Sayed Agha, a Kabul resident. “It’s been nearly three months since I have been able to pay my rent.”
Did restrictions on women workers hamper Afghanistan’s earthquake response?
Ruchi Kumar
A devastating magnitude 6.0 earthquake in eastern Afghanistan on August 31 killed more than 2,200 people and injured some 3,600, according to the Taliban authorities.
Nearly half a million were affected by the earthquake in the worst-hit Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, with relief and rescue efforts continuing even after three weeks of the tragedy.
However, as the local government and aid agencies attempt to provide support to victims in a country largely dependent on international humanitarian support, women remain visibly absent from these efforts.
REGIONAL NEWS
Understanding the Zero-Tolerance Policy of Pakistan on Terrorism
Dr. Patrick Austin
Over the past few years, the number of terrorist attacks in Pakistan is increasing in alarming rates, and different groups aim to destabilize this country and create war among citizens. Yet, the security agencies of Pakistan have assumed a firm and uncompromising zero-tolerance approach against terrorism, especially against the Khawarij who are the radical group that has caused terror, killed civilians and disrupted peace in the nation. A recent successful mission in Upper Dir where Pakistan security forces killed 10 Khawarij terrorists is a good sign that the nation is serious about this policy. Such a holistic approach, with the unwavering support of citizens and Armed Forces, has sent a clear message: any group or individual daring the state will be answerable.
Police nab 89 suspected militants in anti-terror sweep in Pakistan’s Punjab
Waseem Abbasi
Police in Pakistan’s Punjab province have arrested 89 suspected militants in hundreds of intelligence-based operations across the province over the past three months, they said on Monday, amid a surge in militancy in the South Asian country.
Pakistan is currently battling an insurgency led by religiously motivated groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, which borders Punjab. The attacks in KP this year forced Punjab authorities to heighten security in the region.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2025
The “Gender snapshot 2025” sounds the alarm: if current trends continue, the world will reach 2030 with 351 million women and girls still living in extreme poverty, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5—to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls—missed. This is not inevitable: it would be a political outcome, shaped by systemic neglect, stalled investments, and a retreat from equality.
But the data also make clear that a different path is still possible. If we chose to invest even in just one concrete action on closing the gender digital divide, 343.5 million women and girls globally could benefit, lifting 30 million women and girls out of poverty and generating a USD 1.5 trillion windfall in global GDP by 2030.
Produced by UN Women and UN DESA, the “Gender snapshot” is the world’s leading source of data on gender equality and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Drawing from more than 100 data sources, it tracks progress on gender equality across all 17 SDGs. With five years to go, and thirty since the Beijing Platform for Action, the report offers both a warning and a way forward. It also anchors the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, identifying six priority areas for accelerated delivery, including two with costed investment pathways on digital inclusion and freedom from poverty.
British couple released after detention in Afghanistan say they feared being executed
Matthew Weaver
A British couple who were reunited with their family in the UK after being released from almost eight months in detention in Afghanistan have said they feared being executed by the Taliban.
Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife, Barbie, 76, who arrived at Heathrow on Saturday, said it was never explained to them why they were imprisoned in Afghanistan after their arrest in February.
“We began to think that we would never be released, or that we were even being held until we were executed,” Peter told the Sunday Times. He added: “We are bewildered as to why any of this happened and are very happy that this ordeal is over.”
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 67.28 AFN (As of September 28)