SECURITY
80 Taliban Militants Arrested, 3 Gunmen Killed in northern Afghanistan
Baghlan/Jawzjan: At least 80 Taliban fighters have been captured and three others killed in northern Baghlan and Jawzjan provinces, officials said on Monday. Mohammad Reza Ghafoori, the Jawzjan governor’s spokesman, told that security forces detained the militants, headed by Mullah Sheen Gul, as they tried to sneak into Faryab province. Pajhwok
Foreigners among 20 Killed in Zabul Explosion
Zabul: At least 20 Afghan and foreign militants have been killed and several others wounded as result of a bomb explosion in the Arghandab district of southern Zabul province. Gul Islam Sayal, the governor’s spokesman, told that the explosion took place inside a house in the Bagh Bazaar locality of the district. Pajhwok
25 Terror, Crime Suspects Detained in Kunduz
Kunduz: At least 25 suspected criminals and terrorists have been arrested in northern Kunduz province, the spy service said on Monday. The detainees included eight persons who were involved in terrorist activities, roadside bombings and attracting youth to the insurgency. Pajhwok
POLITICAL
Govt Unwilling to Hold Elections: Observers
Kabul: Election observers and experts on Monday said the government lacked a strong will to hold the long delayed parliamentary and district council elections. Independent Election Commission (IEC) commissioners held a consultative meeting with civil Society activists, election observers and experts and shared information about IEC plans in Kabul. The meeting also discussed IEC plans about polling stations, voter cards and holding elections to the Wolesi Jirga and the district councils next year. Pajhwok
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Need to Expand Travel Ban, White House Indicates
Countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan are under consideration for being included in the list of seven Muslim-majority nations whose people are currently being banned from entering the United States, the White House has indicated. US President Donald Trump last week signed an executive order banning for 90 days, nearly all travelers, except US citizens, from Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen. Pajhwok
US Promises Continued Support for Anti-graft Efforts
Kabul: The US embassy welcomed the establishment of a new permanent facility for the Anti-Corruption Justice Center in Kabul, hoping investigators would benefit from it. The new location would provide a secure and enabling environment for the investigators, trial attorneys and judges of the Anti-Corruption Justice Center, Ambassador Llorens Congratulates said. Pajhwok
Iran Supports UN Efforts for Stabilizing Afghanistan
Iran has reaffirmed its support for the national unity government, signaling its willingness to back United Nations’ efforts for bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held out the promise of supporting Afghanistan during a meeting with UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy Tadamichi Yamamoto in Tehran on Sunday. Pajhwok
