Political

Fruitless contact with Ahmad Massoud: Zahir on the fragmentation of anti-Taliban fronts. Taher Zahir, former governor of Bamyan, told the media that the Taliban’s power structure prioritizes the Pashtun ethnic group, effectively excluding other communities from political participation. He explained that his experience after the Taliban’s return shows there is no meaningful role for non-Pashtun

From religious violence to financial incentives and security guarantees: Taliban pressures on Ismailis in Badakhshan. In Badakhshan province, the Taliban issued an official decree stating that individuals converting from the Ismaili faith to Sunni Islam would receive “security coverage” as well as financial and administrative incentives. According to this document, which was shared with media

Taliban Forcibly Close Ismaili Prayer Halls in Badakhshan. Local sources in Badakhshan province report that the Taliban have forcibly closed five Ismaili prayer halls in Zibak district. These prayer halls are located in the villages of Kazdan Bala, Kazdan Payin, Nowabad, Kida, and Kalal. According to sources, the closures were carried out under orders from

Resurgence of Suicide and Martyrdom Rhetoric: Concerns Over Afghanistan’s Security Future. Abdul Mateen Qana, spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Interior, made controversial statements asserting that all members of the Taliban are “suicidal” fighters and that the group has established a special suicide battalion to protect what it calls “Islamic values.” Amid growing concerns over

Controversial Statements by India’s Defense Minister: “The Taliban Are Children of Israel”. Rajnath Singh, India’s Defense Minister, made controversial remarks regarding the Taliban, Pakistan, and regional security dynamics during the inauguration of a medium-caliber ammunition factory operated by Surya Industries on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Singh claimed that Pakistan is a common enemy of India

Speculation Over Possible Demolition of Part of Marshal Fahim’s Gravesite in Kabul. Informed sources in Kabul say that internal discussions are underway within the Kabul Municipality regarding the possible demolition of part of the gravesite of Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim. According to these sources, the grave is located in the Sarai-e-Shamali area of Kabul, and

Taliban Raid on a German-Linked Guesthouse in Kabul. German media outlets have reported that Taliban security forces raided a German-affiliated guesthouse in Kabul on the evening of Sunday, 18 January 2026, conducting searches and interrogations of its residents. According to these reports, the guesthouse was housing a number of Afghan nationals, including former local staff

Taliban Extortion and Morality Crimes Network Dismantled in Faryab. Sources within the Taliban intelligence directorate in Faryab province have reported the arrest of a network accused of moral crimes and financial extortion. According to preliminary information, three officials identified as Wakil Omid, Amir Khanjar, and Amir Hamed, along with a female associate, were arrested on

Taliban Dissident Commander Criticizes Ethnic Bias and Systematic Repression. Hamid Khorasani, a dissenting commander within the Taliban, has strongly criticized the group for ethnic discrimination, systematic bias, and the marginalization of other ethnic communities, warning that such practices are “not only un-Islamic, but also dangerous for religion and society.” His remarks were made in response

Taliban with Fingers on the Trigger: A Life-or-Death Situation for Students — What Really Happened? Sources from inside the graduation ceremony report that Taliban morality enforcers threatened students at Herat University with firearms, keeping their fingers on the trigger. Local sources add that during the graduation event at the Faculty of Medicine, the group forced