The Guardian (UK): Most SAS personnel approached by an inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings in Afghanistan have refused to answer any questions, the judge leading the proceedings has said. Lord Justice Haddon-Cave is investigating allegations of more than 50 summary killings by UK special forces soldiers as well as claims of an alleged cover-up of illegal activity and inadequate investigations by the Royal Military Police. Click here to read more (external link).
Iran Says Synthetic Drug Seizures on Afghan Border Quadrupled
Kabul Now: Iranian border guards have reported a fourfold increase in seizures of synthetic drugs along the border with Afghanistan during the first half of the current Iranian calendar year, amid growing concerns over the production and trafficking of methamphetamine in the region. Click here to read more (external link).
Climate Change and Habitat Destruction Push Afghanistan’s Wildlife Toward Extinction
8am: Several environmental experts and wildlife researchers warn that climate change is threatening the survival of wild species in Afghanistan by altering the conditions of their natural habitats. They say rising temperatures, intensifying droughts, and melting glaciers have limited wildlife’s access to water and food, making life harder for species such as the snow leopard, the Marco Polo sheep, and aquatic birds. They add that, together with habitat destruction, this situation could negatively affect the reproduction and survival of these species. According to them, illegal hunting, deforestation, and land-use change are other factors that are increasing the threats to wildlife in Afghanistan. Click here to read more (external link).
Discrimination in Helmand’s Education Centers: Taliban Members Receive Better Facilities, Students Say
8am: Sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Monday, October 12, that training centers for Taliban members have better learning materials, advanced equipment, dormitories, and stipends, while ordinary students are deprived of these facilities. Meanwhile, sources say the Taliban also discriminate between their fighters and ordinary citizens in government offices in other provinces of Afghanistan. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – October 12, 2026
Taliban Ban Men from Sewing Women’s Clothing in Kandahar
8am: Local sources in Kandahar say the Taliban’s ban on men sewing women’s clothing has left some tailors unemployed and worsened their economic difficulties. Sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Monday, October 12, that tailors had previously covered their living expenses by sewing women’s clothing, but they have lost their source of income since the ban was imposed. The sources added that the ban has also created difficulties for families who previously had their women’s clothing made by tailors. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan U19 begin Asia Cup Preparations with Oman tour
Ariana: Afghanistan’s Under-19 cricket team departed for Oman on Monday for a six-match Youth ODI series against Bangladesh and the hosts as part of its preparations for the U19 Asia Cup in November. According to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the Afghan youth side will face Bangladesh U19 in a four-match series from October 16 to 23, before taking on Oman U19 in two matches scheduled for October 27 and 30. Click here to read more (external link).
Other Afghan Cricket News
Theft Surges in West Kabul: Not Even Expensive Clothing or Mosque Donation Boxes Are Safe
8am: A number of residents in western Kabul have expressed serious concern about rising thefts. They say neither their property nor their lives are safe, and that thieves are even stealing the donation boxes of mosques. Some residents of Dasht-e-Barchi say thieves are even taking expensive women’s clothing. In one case, thieves went through the household belongings and singled out a hand-embroidered pair of women’s trousers to take with them. They say they cannot raise their voices for fear of the Taliban, and that every time thieves are arrested, they are released again after paying a bribe. According to these residents, some Taliban fighters are also involved in the thefts. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan ranks third globally in deaths from unexploded ordnance, UNAMA warns
Deminer (file photo)
Ariana: Children are particularly vulnerable, accounting for 80 percent of all casualties caused by these explosive hazards, according to UNAMA. Many are injured or killed after encountering unexploded ordnance while playing. Click here to read more (external link).