Taliban Release 973 Prisoners from Nangarhar and Helmand Prisons for Eid al-Fitr

Taliban prison officials in Nangarhar province announced the release of 377 prisoners from the central prison on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, in line with an order from the group's Supreme Court. Sentences for 351 other prisoners were reduced. Maulvi Suhail Saeed, head of prisons in Nangarhar, said the released included 22 women and 26 children.

In Helmand province, officials reported the release of 596 prisoners from the central prison, with sentences reduced for 163 others. The announcements did not specify the crimes committed by those released or their time served.

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a message for Eid al-Fitr, congratulating Muslims worldwide and emphasizing unity, obedience to the Islamic system, patience, piety, social compassion, and non-interference by foreign countries in Afghanistan's internal affairs. He called for good relations with other nations based on Islamic principles and condemned aggression against Muslims.

Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, stated that Pakistani forces conducted mortar and artillery attacks on border areas in Nuristan, Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces over the past 24 hours, killing four civilians, including women and children, and wounding nine others. Specific districts targeted included Alisher, Zazi Maidan and Garbaz in Khost, Nari in Kunar, Shakhin and Barmal in Paktika. ToloNews reported at least 24 civilians killed in such attacks over the past 10 days across several provinces.

Reports differed on a UN Security Council sanctions list update. Amu TV said 22 Taliban officials remained sanctioned, including Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund and others. Afghanistan International reported the addition of Azizurrahman Abdulahad and removal of at least 39 names, such as Shahabuddin Delawar.