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Algeria Begins Process to Cancel 2013 Air Services Agreement with UAE
Algeria has started the process to cancel its 2013 air services agreement with the UAE, with state radio citing procedural steps under the pact. The move comes amid prior accusations from Algerian officials of UAE interference in regional affairs.
Turkish Police Detain Over 30 Afghan Migrants in Sakarya and Bingol
Turkish police detained 31 Afghan migrants and one Pakistani in operations in Sakarya and Bingol cities, deporting some from Sakarya after legal procedures. Official data indicates over 3,000 Afghans were detained nationwide in January.
Taliban Closes Six Shops in Nangarhar for Using Pakistani Rupee
Taliban authorities in Nangarhar province closed six shops in Mohmand Dara district for using Pakistani rupees, enforcing a ban on foreign currencies in local transactions.
Residents Warn Bost Fortress in Helmand Risks Collapse Without Restoration
Residents in Helmand province warn that the historic Bost Fortress, dating back thousands of years, is at risk of collapse due to erosion and neglect without urgent restoration.
Afghanistan clinches T20 series over West Indies with Mujeeb Ur Rahman's hat trick
Mujeeb Ur Rahman took a hat trick and 4-21 to lead Afghanistan to a 39-run win over West Indies in the second T20, clinching the series ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Rashid Khan Named Captain of Afghanistan's Squad for T20 World Cup
Rashid Khan was appointed captain of Afghanistan's 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib and Naveen-ul-Haq returning to the side. The team, fresh off a semi-final run in 2024, faces New Zealand first in Group D.
Taliban courts flog nine people including three women in Parwan and Uruzgan
Taliban courts in Parwan and Uruzgan flogged nine people, including three women, for extramarital relations and disrespect to father, with sentences of 30-39 lashes and suspended prison terms. Over the past five days, at least 73 individuals have been flogged across Afghanistan amid criticism of the group's new penal code.
Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington on Iran Negotiations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss Iran negotiations, including nuclear and missile issues, amid recent indirect US-Iran talks in Oman.
US to Award Purple Heart to Two National Guard Members Shot by Afghan Refugee
The U.S. will award Purple Heart medals to National Guard soldier Sara Bextrom, killed, and Andrew Wolf, wounded, in a November 2025 shooting near the White House by Afghan refugee Rahmanullah Laknwal, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced.
Iran defeats Indonesia on penalties to win AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026
Iran claimed its 14th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title by beating host Indonesia 5-4 on penalties after a 5-5 draw in the final. Indonesia had advanced by defeating Japan 5-3 in the semi-finals.
Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Opens with Ceremony Across Multiple Italian Locations
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics launched with an opening ceremony across Italy, featuring performances by Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey, and declared open by IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
Iran's Supreme Leader Warns US Attack Would Spark Regional War
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned a US military attack would spark a regional war amid rising tensions with Washington and the EU over protests, nuclear issues and IRGC terrorist designation. Iran plans drills in the Strait of Hormuz as the US deploys naval assets.
Pakistan military accuses Afghanistan of becoming terrorist hub, Taliban denies
Pakistan's military accused Afghanistan of harboring international terrorists including al-Qaida and Islamic State, claiming 2,500 militants arrived from Syria; Taliban spokesman rejected the allegations as propaganda amid strained bilateral ties.
Shamar Springer's hat trick helps West Indies avoid T20 series sweep against Afghanistan
Shamar Springer's hat trick in the 19th over propelled West Indies to a 15-run win over Afghanistan in the third T20I in Dubai, preventing a series sweep after Afghanistan won the first two matches.
Residents of Kandahar's Miyanshin District Cite Lack of Healthcare Services Putting Lives at Risk
Residents of Miyanshin district in Kandahar province say the absence of local healthcare facilities forces dangerous long-distance travel for treatment, leading to deaths. They call for equipped clinics and medical staff amid broader national shortages.
UNDP Assessment Finds Cannabis Most Widely Used Drug Among Men in Afghanistan
UNDP assessment of over 10,000 respondents across 21 provinces finds cannabis as the top drug for lifetime and past-year use among Afghan men, despite Taliban ban, with opium, heroin and pharmaceuticals following. Provincial variations highlight tobacco, methamphetamine and Tablet K in specific areas.
12 Killed, 3 Injured in Traffic Accident in Afghanistan's Badakhshan Province
Twelve people died and three were injured when a vehicle plunged into a valley in Arghanj Khwah district of Badakhshan province due to poor road conditions, the Taliban police command spokesperson's office said.
Ministry of Interior Delivers New Vehicles to Traffic Police
Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior handed over new, equipped vehicles to the traffic police to enhance management, prevent accidents and improve public services. The move was announced via ministry statements and a social media post.
Afghanistan launches polio vaccination campaign in 18 provinces
Afghanistan started a four-day polio vaccination drive targeting 7.3 million children in 18 provinces, amid ongoing endemic status and Taliban restrictions on campaigns. WHO reports nine cases in the country last year, with challenges in insecure areas.
Afghanistan Faces New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026 Opener
Afghanistan's cricket team opens its 2026 T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai, India, in a challenging Group 4 that includes South Africa, UAE and Canada.
17-Year-Old Paralyzed Artist in Kapisa Urges Girls Not to Abandon Dreams
Zahra Mohammadi, a 17-year-old artist with paralysis from Kapisa province, paints despite her limitations and urges girls worldwide not to lose hope in pursuing their talents.
Taliban Offers 1-10 Year Residency to Foreign Investors
Taliban authorities approved a policy granting foreign investors 1-10 year residency permits in Afghanistan, amid UN warnings of barriers hindering investment.
Traffic Accidents in Badakhshan, Farah and Helmand Provinces Kill 13, Injure 15
Separate traffic accidents in Badakhshan, Farah and Helmand provinces claimed 13 lives and injured 15 others, officials said, citing poor road conditions and reckless driving as main causes.
Iran FM Araqchi: Just Solution to Palestinian Issue Cornerstone of Sustainable Regional, Global Security
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi told the 17th Al Jazeera Forum in Doha that resolving the Palestinian issue justly is essential for sustainable security in West Asia and worldwide, condemning actions in Gaza as genocide.
Iranian President Authorizes Foreign Minister for US Nuclear Talks Under Conditions
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to engage in nuclear talks with the US if held without threats and aligned with Iran's interests, following a proposal from President Donald Trump.
Iran executes Afghan national Ahmad Farhad Heydari in Karaj prison
Iran executed five prisoners including Afghan national Ahmad Farhad Heydari from Herat at Qezel Hesar prison in Karaj, per Hengaw Human Rights Organization. The group noted a rise in Afghan executions since the Taliban's takeover, with 85 Afghans among 1,858 total in 2025.
Iran foreign minister criticizes EU decision to list IRGC as terrorist group
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the EU’s designation of the IRGC as a terrorist group a “strategic mistake” during a visit to Turkey. The EU move responds to Iran’s crackdown on protests and was approved unanimously by its member states.
Azerbaijan Releases 14 Afghan Nationals from Prisons
Azerbaijan released 14 Afghan nationals from prisons following diplomatic efforts and an order from its leadership, according to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ghor residents complain of shortages of safe drinking water
Residents in Allah Yar district, Ghor province, report severe lack of clean drinking water, forcing long treks to distant springs and causing health issues. Named locals and a doctor highlight risks, while officials say solutions are in progress.
Suicide Blast at Shia Mosque in Islamabad Kills 31, Injures 169
A suicide blast claimed by ISIS at a Shia mosque in Islamabad killed 31 and injured 169 during Friday prayers, drawing global condemnation. Pakistan accused an Afghan border crossing and alleged India-Taliban links, prompting rebuttals from India and the Taliban.
Russia conducts massive airstrikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure
Russia targeted Ukraine's power plants and grids with over 400 drones and 40 missiles in a major airstrike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, criticizing Moscow's choice of attacks over diplomacy amid freezing weather.
Video Circulates of Taliban-Detained Girl Dressed as Boy Claiming Necessity to Work
A social media video shows a girl in Taliban custody confessing to dressing as a boy to work in a cafe and support her family, amid ongoing restrictions on women's employment since 2021.
Pakistan Claims Afghan National Masterminded Deadly Islamabad Mosque Attack
Pakistani officials arrested four suspects, including an alleged Afghan mastermind linked to ISIS, following a mosque bombing in Islamabad that killed 31. Authorities accused ISIS of planning the attack from Afghanistan and blamed external funding on India.
Islamic Emirate Approves One- to Ten-Year Residency for Foreign Investors
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has approved residency permits of one to ten years for foreign investors, with duration based on investment volume, as decided in an Economic Commission meeting chaired by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
Residents Warn Historic Begum Minaret in Ghazni Province at Risk of Collapse
Residents in Ghazni's Jaghatu district warn that the ancient Begum Minaret risks collapse due to neglect and ageing, urging Taliban authorities for urgent restoration. The site, a symbol of regional cultural identity, has drawn tourist interest amid broader preservation challenges in Afghanistan.
Kandahar and Nangarhar Host Afghanistan's Grade 1 Provincial T20 Cricket Tournament
Afghanistan's Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan Grade 1 Provincial T20 Tournament launched Tuesday in Kandahar and Nangarhar, marking the first dual-format edition to scout talent. The event runs through Feb. 13, with semis and final in Nangarhar.
Taliban Interior Ministry hands over new vehicles to traffic police
Taliban's Interior Ministry delivered new Ranger vehicles to traffic police to improve road safety, enforcement and services, replacing older Toyotas for cost efficiency.
Afghanistan defeats West Indies in first T20 by 38 runs
Afghanistan won the first T20 against West Indies by 38 runs in Dubai, led by Zadran and Rasooli centuries near-misses; a second report details another win by 23 runs on Wednesday.
US to Begin Payments on Overdue UN Dues Amid Financial Crisis Warnings
The US will begin initial payments on its overdue UN dues, as announced by US representative Michael Waltz, following warnings of the organization's imminent financial insolvency. The move addresses over 95% of UN arrears owed by Washington and supports a $3.45 billion 2026 budget for global operations.