United News of Bangladesh

Heavy snowfall and rainfall over the last three days have left at least 61 people dead and more than 110 injured across Afghanistan, disaster management officials said on Saturday, as rescue efforts were hampered by blocked roads and isolated villages. According to National Disaster Management Authority spokesman Yousaf Hammad, the extreme weather has fully or partially damaged 458 houses and killed hundreds of livestock in 15 of the country’s 34 provinces. He added that the casualty figures could rise as more information becomes available from affected areas. Afghanistan remains highly exposed to extreme weather, with heavy rain and snow frequently triggering flash floods that claim dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of lives. In 2024 alone, spring floods killed more than 300 people nationwide. The impact of such disasters has been intensified by decades of war, fragile infrastructure, economic hardship, widespread deforestation and the growing effects of climate change. Remote regions are particularly at risk, as many homes are made of mud and provide little protection against severe weather. Read More: Winter storms dump snow and ice across New England Eastern Afghanistan is also still recovering from powerful earthquakes that struck in late August and again in November last year, destroying entire villages and killing more than 2,200 people. People displaced by the earthquakes are especially vulnerable to harsh winter conditions. In December, UNICEF warned that about 270,000 children in quake-affected areas faced a serious risk of life-threatening cold-related illnesses. Earlier this month, the United Nations said Afghanistan is expected to remain one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises in 2026. The UN and its partners have launched a $1.7 billion appeal to provide emergency assistance to nearly 18 million people in need.

British military veterans and families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan have expressed anger over remarks by US President Donald Trump, saying his comments downplayed the role of Nato allies in the war. Trump said in a recent interview that America’s Nato partners sent “some troops” to Afghanistan but stayed away from the front lines, a claim strongly rejected by veterans and relatives of the dead. Andy Reid, a former British soldier who lost both legs and an arm after stepping on a Taliban explosive device in Helmand province, said Trump should apologise. He said British and American troops served side by side on the front lines. Many veterans said the remarks were disrespectful to those who were injured or killed during the conflict. A total of 457 British service members died in Afghanistan, while thousands more were wounded. British forces were deployed in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014 after the US invoked Nato’s Article 5 following the 9/11 attacks. At its peak, the UK had around 11,000 troops in the country, making it the second-largest contributor after the US. Andy Allen, a former soldier injured by an improvised explosive device in 2008, said he plans to write to the White House to stress that Nato troops fought alongside US forces on the front lines. Relatives of fallen soldiers also voiced their pain. Diane Dernie, whose son Ben Parkinson was severely injured in Afghanistan, said the comments were shocking and ignored the sacrifices made by allied troops. Other Nato veterans from Canada and the US also criticised Trump’s remarks, saying the mission could not have been carried out without allied support.   With inputs from BBC

A 22-year-old Afghan woman who was reportedly operating a taekwondo gym for girls has been released after spending 13 days in custody, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s supreme court confirmed. Khadija Ahmadzada was detained for allegedly violating Taliban regulations governing women’s sports facilities, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. Women have been barred from sports clubs since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Officials had previously said women’s sports facilities would reopen once a “safe environment” consistent with their interpretation of Islamic law was established. However, as of January 2026, no such facilities have reopened and women remain prohibited from competing. Ahmadzada, who lives near the western Afghan city of Herat, was arrested along with several others after inspectors reported violations at her gym. Authorities accused her of failing to wear what they deemed appropriate hijab, playing music, and allowing men and women to mix in the facility. She was sentenced to 13 days in jail and reportedly had received multiple prior warnings. Read More: Qatar Foundation pledges support for female athletes in Bangladesh The case was later referred to the Taliban’s supreme court, which announced her release on Thursday, January 22. Her current whereabouts remain unclear. Her arrest sparked widespread criticism on social media and drew the attention of Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, who publicly called for her immediate release. Bennett also highlighted the case of Nazira Rashidi, a female journalist detained in late December in the northern city of Kunduz. Taliban officials have denied that Rashidi’s detention is linked to her journalism, according to local media reports. Source: BBC

Downing Street has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Nato troops stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan, calling the remarks wrong and dismissive of allied sacrifices. The Prime Minister’s office said Trump was “wrong to diminish” the role of Nato forces, including British troops, who fought alongside the United States following the 9/11 attacks. Britain joined the US-led operation in 2001 after Nato invoked its collective defence clause for the first and only time. Trump’s comments, made in an interview with Fox News, triggered strong criticism across the UK political spectrum and among veterans. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns described the remarks as “utterly ridiculous” and “a real shame,” while Defence Secretary John Healey said British soldiers who died in Afghanistan should be remembered as heroes. Opposition leaders also condemned the statement. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it “flat-out nonsense,” and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the prime minister should demand an apology from Trump. Veterans and families of those injured or killed expressed anger and hurt. Former soldiers said the suggestion that Nato forces avoided combat was disrespectful, noting that British and allied troops fought in some of the most dangerous regions, including Helmand province. According to official figures, 457 British service personnel were killed during nearly two decades of conflict in Afghanistan, with many more suffering life-changing injuries. Downing Street said their service and sacrifice, alongside US and other Nato allies, would never be forgotten.   With inputs from BBC

US President Donald Trump’s claim that Nato troops stayed “a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan has drawn strong criticism from UK politicians and veterans’ families. Trump made the remarks during a Fox News interview on Thursday. He said he was “not sure” Nato would support the US if needed and suggested that allied troops in Afghanistan stayed behind the front lines. UK Health and Social Care Minister Stephen Kinnock called the comments “deeply disappointing” and “plainly wrong.” He said British and other Nato troops had always stood alongside US forces and many had lost their lives in American-led missions. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described Trump’s remarks as “flat-out nonsense.” Labour MP Emily Thornberry called them “an absolute insult” to British service personnel. Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey said Trump, who avoided military service five times, had no right to question the sacrifices of 457 British troops killed in Afghanistan. The UK joined the US in Afghanistan in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, invoking Nato’s collective security clause. Thousands of British soldiers served there over the next two decades. Stephen Kinnock said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer would convey the country’s position to Trump, highlighting the service and sacrifices of the armed forces.   With inputs from BBC

A powerful, 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook northern Afghanistan before dawn Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 300 others, a health official said. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake's epicenter was located 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of the town of Khulm, and that it struck at 12:59 a.m. at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles). Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, said the quake killed at least 20 people and injured 320 others. Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s disaster management agency, said most of the injured suffered minor wounds and were discharged after receiving initial treatment. In the Afghan capital of Kabul, the Ministry of Defense announced that rescue and emergency aid teams have reached the areas affected by last night’s earthquake in the provinces of Balkh and Samangan, which suffered the most damage, and have begun rescue operations, including transporting the injured and assisting affected families. Afghanistan earthquake kills over 2,200, Taliban reports The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, in a post on X platform said the earthquake hit Afghanistan's Balkh, Samangan and Baghlan provinces, causing casualties and financial loss. He expressed his sorrow and grief over the losses and said relevant governmental organizations were busy trying to get needed help to the people affected by the quake. According to the Afghan officials, the earthquake was also felt in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province. In Mazar-e-Sharif, footage circulating on social media showed damage to the historic Blue Mosque. Several bricks had fallen from the walls but the mosque remained intact. The centuries-old site is one of Afghanistan’s most revered religious landmarks and a major gathering place during Islamic and cultural festivals. The quake was felt in Kabul and several other provinces in Afghanistan. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that a rockslide briefly blocked a main mountain highway linking Kabul with Mazar-e-Sharif, but the road was later reopened. It said some people who were injured and trapped along the highway were transported to the hospital. The United Nations in Afghanistan said on X that Monday's earthquake came just weeks after a deadly earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. The U.N. said its teams are on the ground assessing needs and delivering urgent aid. “We stand with the affected communities and will provide the necessary support,” the post said. Afghanistan has been rattled by a series of earthquakes in recent years and the impoverished country often faces difficulty in responding to such natural disasters, especially in remote regions. Buildings tend to be low-rise constructions, mostly of concrete and brick, with homes in rural and outlying areas made from mud bricks and wood, many poorly built. A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan on Aug. 31 near the border with Pakistan, killing more than 2,200 people. On Oct. 7, 2023, a magnitude 6.3 quake followed by strong aftershocks left at least 4,000 people dead, according to the Taliban government. Read more: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake Source: AP 

Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have been engaged in over a week of fierce border clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday. It marks the worst confrontation between the two neighbours in years. According to a Qatari statement, both sides also agreed to form mechanisms to promote lasting peace and stability and will hold follow-up talks in the coming days to ensure the truce endures. The negotiations were mediated by Qatar and Turkey. Tensions flared earlier this month, with each country accusing the other of cross-border aggression. Afghanistan has rejected Pakistan’s claim that it shelters militants who stage attacks along the frontier. Pakistan has been facing a growing wave of militancy since 2021, when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. The recent fighting raised fears of further instability in a region where extremist groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaida have been attempting to reemerge. A temporary 48-hour ceasefire expired Friday evening, and hours later Pakistan launched strikes across the border. Afghan, Pakistani officials meet in Doha to address border violence Pakistani security officials told the Associated Press that the military targeted militant hideouts in two districts of Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, identifying them as bases of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. The strikes were described as retaliation for a suicide bombing at a security compound in Mir Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the day before. Officials said the air raids killed dozens of militants without civilian casualties. However, Afghan authorities reported at least 10 civilian deaths, including women, children, and several young cricketers who had been playing nearby. In response, Afghanistan’s cricket board announced a boycott of its upcoming series in Pakistan. The International Cricket Council said it was “saddened and appalled by the tragic deaths of three young and promising Afghan players.” Thousands of people attended funeral prayers for the victims in Paktika on Saturday, where clerics denounced the attacks over loudspeakers. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned what he called Pakistan’s “repeated crimes and violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty,” describing them as deliberate provocations aimed at prolonging hostilities. The two nations share a 2,611-kilometer (1,622-mile) frontier known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never officially recognized. Pakistan, meanwhile, has accused India of supporting armed groups inside its territory — a charge New Delhi denies. Afghan police accuse Pakistan of cross-border strikes after ceasefire ends Addressing cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir urged Afghanistan to choose “mutual security over perpetual violence and progress over hardline obscurantism,” while calling on the Taliban to rein in militants operating from Afghan soil. High-level delegations from both countries took part in the Doha negotiations that led to Sunday’s ceasefire announcement. Source: AP 

Russia has become the first nation to officially recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, drawing sharp criticism from opposition figures and rights activists. The decisin marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough for the Taliban nearly four years after they seized control of Kabul and re-established their rule. Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed hope that Russia’s decision would encourage other nations to follow suit. So far, most countries have hesitated to recognise the Taliban administration due to its strict interpretation of Sharia law and severe restrictions on women and girls. Critics, however, have strongly condemned Moscow’s recognition. Former Afghan politician Fawzia Koofi warned that normalising relations with the Taliban would not bring peace but rather embolden impunity. She further cautioned that such actions could endanger both Afghan citizens and global security. The Afghan Women's Political Participation Network echoed these concerns, saying the recognition legitimises a "regime that is authoritarian, anti-women, and systematically dismantling basic civil rights." The Taliban maintains that they respect women's rights within the framework of their interpretation of Afghan culture and Islamic law. However, since they regained power in 2021, girls above the age of 12 have been barred from receiving an education, and women have been excluded from many professions. Additional restrictions include limiting women’s ability to travel without a male guardian and bans on women raising their voices in public. Russia launches largest air attack on Kyiv since war began Muttaqi described Russia’s move, announced on Thursday, as the beginning of "a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement," calling the decision "courageous." Russia’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement, highlighted prospects for expanded economic cooperation with Afghanistan in sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure. The ministry also pledged continued support to Kabul in fighting terrorism and drug trafficking. Unlike many other countries, Russia kept its embassy in Kabul open after the Taliban took power in 2021, following the withdrawal of US and allied troops. In 2022, Russia also became the first country to sign a major economic agreement with the Taliban, involving the supply of oil, gas, and wheat to Afghanistan. Earlier this year, in April, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations, further paving the way for official engagement. Russian President Vladimir Putin had already referred to the Taliban as an "ally" in combating terrorism during remarks made in July last year. The relationship between the two countries, however, remains complex. The Soviet Union, led by Russia, invaded Afghanistan in 1979, leading to a devastating nine-year conflict that resulted in the deaths of approximately 15,000 Soviet troops. The Soviet-backed government installed in Kabul faced international condemnation, eventually forcing a Soviet withdrawal in 1989. In response to Russia’s latest decision, the Afghan Women's Political Participation Network recalled the Soviet invasion, saying they had not forgotten Russia’s role in Afghanistan’s destruction. The group accused Moscow of continuing its harmful interference under the guise of diplomacy. Former Afghan National Security Adviser Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta also criticised Russia's recognition, calling it "regrettable." He warned that in the absence of widespread opposition, other countries might follow Russia’s example. Following the Taliban takeover in 2021, the United Nations imposed strict sanctions on Afghanistan, including the freezing of around $9 billion in assets. The UN has condemned the Taliban’s treatment of women, labelling the restrictions as "gender apartheid," while also reporting incidents of public floggings and brutal attacks on former government officials. Despite widespread international refusal to recognise the Taliban, some countries have maintained or adjusted their relations. Germany, for example, is considering re-establishing deportations of convicted Afghan criminals. Although Germany halted deportations after the Taliban’s return to power, politician Alexander Dobrindt said Thursday that Berlin should negotiate directly with Afghan authorities to resume deportations. However, the UN Human Rights Office warned on Friday that returning individuals to Afghanistan would be inappropriate, citing ongoing human rights violations under the Taliban regime. While most countries shut their embassies in Kabul after 2021, a few—including China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan—continue to maintain formal diplomatic representation by appointing ambassadors to Afghanistan. #With Inputs from BBC

Australia reached the Champions Trophy semifinals after its last group game against Afghanistan was abandoned because of rain and a wet outfield on Friday. Australia, which achieved a record chase of 352 against England in the opening game, finished the group stage with four points after its last two games were washed out in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Afghanistan had three points and was on the verge of an exit. To advance, it needs South Africa to lose by an improbable margin of more than 200 runs against already eliminated England in Saturday’s Group B game. Afghanistan was bowled out for 273 on the final ball and Australia cruised to 109-1 in 12.5 overs when the rain returned. The outfield became too sodden to continue. “The first objective was obviously to get to the semifinals, (and) we are there now,” Australia captain Steve Smith said. “The guys did a really good job to restrict them to 270 and then we were in a pretty good position when the game got called off.” Travis Head’s 34-ball half-century gave Australia a rollicking start against some scratchy Afghanistan fielding and poor fast bowling. Rashid Khan couldn’t hold onto a regulation catch when Head was on 6. Head cut loose and motored Australia to 90-1 in the batting powerplay. Substitute fielder Nangeyalia Kharote dropped Matthew Short off Azmatullah Omarzai but Short was dismissed two balls later when Gulbadin Naib took a smart catch over his shoulder at mid-on while running backwards. Fast bowling allrounder Omarzai, who grabbed his maiden five-wicket haul in Afghanistan’s stunning eight-run win over England at the same venue, was smacked for 43 off his five overs while Fazalhaq Farooqi also erred a lot in his lengths and went for 32 off his three overs. Atal and Omarzai strike half-centuriesLeft-handed batter Sediqullah Atal (85) missed out on a century but Omarzai held one end up with a 67-ball 63 that included five sixes. Spencer Johnson (2-49) and Ben Dwarshuis (3-47) struggled to control the swing with the new ball but both fast bowlers came back strongly with the old ball. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell early for the third consecutive time when Johnson yorkered him without scoring off his fifth legitimate ball. Ibrahim Zadran, who recorded the tournament’s highest score of 177 against England at the same venue on Wednesday, made 22 and was gutted when he was caught at point in Adam Zampa’s (2-48) first over. Captain Steve Smith squeezed Afghanistan in the middle overs with his spinners as Matthew Short (0-21) conceded just one six in his tidy seven overs and Glenn Maxwell bowled a maiden while finding the edge of Rahmat Shah’s bat (12). Atal tried to accelerate after captain Hashmatullah Shahidi struggled to keep the scoreboard moving, but Atal was caught by Smith at short cover in Johnson’s return spell. Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib went cheaply and Afghanistan slipped to 199-7. Omarzai farmed the strike and completed his half-century off 54 balls and boosted Afghanistan’s morale. “We should have scored 300 plus, but they bowled really well, especially in the middle overs,” Shahidi said. “We didn’t started well (with the ball), and gave too many hitting options to them, hopefully we learn from this.”

Pakistani security forces killed 19 insurgents in three separate raids on militant hideouts in northwest Pakistan bordering Afghanistan, the military said Tuesday. Three soldiers also died in the shooting. Troops killed 16 insurgents in two separate raids in the northwestern Peshawar and Mohmand districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said in a statement. Another three insurgents were killed in the third assault in Karak, also in the same province, it said. The military said that three soldiers were killed in the ensuing shoutouts. Afghan forces target Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised troops for eliminating the insurgents. In separate statements, they also paid tributes to the “martyred” soldiers. In recent months, Pakistan has stepped up intelligence-based operations against the Pakistani Taliban, which has become emboldened since the Afghan Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. The TTP is a separate group, but a close ally of the Afghan Taliban.