Amu: Taliban on Sunday informed of signing a $20.2 million contract for the extraction of gold in northern Kunduz province with Afghan and Azerbaijani companies. But critics, including economists and anti-corruption advocates, have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the contracts, revenue collection and oversight of Afghanistan’s mining sector. Click here to read more (external link).
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Amu: Exiled members of Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team are urging the International Cricket Council to recognize them as an official national side, arguing that the organization should follow the example set by FIFA in supporting displaced Afghan athletes. The appeal comes after FIFA changed its rules to allow exiled players from Afghanistan’s women’s football team to compete internationally without approval from the Taliban. Click here to read more (external link).
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Afghanistan International: Local sources told Afghanistan International that armed clashes erupted in parts of Paryan district in Panjshir on Thursday, after which Taliban forces reportedly detained at least seven villagers. According to local reports, security tensions in Paryan have been building for several months. Click here to read more (external link).
Amu:At least two people have been killed and about 14 others wounded in ongoing clashes between local residents and Taliban forces in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province, local sources said on Saturday. The fighting began on Thursday in Argo district and was continuing into Friday, the sources said. Residents and local officials attributed the unrest to Taliban operations aimed at destroying poppy fields in the district, part of a broader campaign by Taliban authorities to enforce a nationwide ban on opium cultivation. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan International: Residents reported unidentified aircraft flying over Kabul on Saturday, along with Taliban gunfire. At least three independent sources told Afghanistan International that repeated shooting was heard across parts of the capital.One source in western Kabul said the sound of continuous gunfire was heard while the aircraft were patrolling overhead. Click here to read more (external link).
Amu: Afghanistan’s prominent bodybuilder Ali Bilal won the men’s physique title at the New York Pro competition in the United States on Friday night, adding another major international title to his career. Bilal defeated the Brazilian competitor Edvan Palmeira to secure first place in the men’s open physique division at one of the sport’s most recognized professional events. Click here to read more (external link).
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Hamid Karzai
Ariana: Hamid Karzai, former president of Afghanistan, has expressed concern over recent developments along the Durand Line, saying Pakistan has increased military and economic pressure on villages and residents living near the line. According to Karzai, these developments amount to an effort by Pakistan to legitimize the Durand Line and represent an action against Afghanistan’s national sovereignty. Click here to read more (external link).
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Amu: Sources reported heavy fighting early Friday in parts of Parian district in Panjshir, in what appeared to be one of the most significant clashes reported in the province in recent months. Local sources told Amu TV that the fighting took place in the Kohsar and Kor Pitab areas of Parian district and continued for several hours. According to the sources, the intensity of the clashes prompted the Taliban to send hundreds of additional forces to the district. The reported fighting comes days after anti-Taliban graffiti appeared in Dara district of Panjshir, according to local sources. Images circulated on social media showed slogans reading “Death to the Taliban” and “Panjshir will soon be free.” Click here to read more (external link).