Afghanistan’s western hub, gateway to Iran and Turkmenistan
The Taliban-era ban on girls' secondary education persists as multiple reports show rising suicides and personal tolls among Afghan women. New investigations quantify deaths and ongoing suppression, while international condemnation continues amid economic and health concerns.
Protests in Herat over hijab rules have intensified as security forces deploy to disperse demonstrators. Reported casualties and arrests trigger UN concerns, while Taliban officials deny using force and describe the events as maintaining order.
Protests over dress-code arrests in Herat have escalated as police have opened fire during demonstrations. The UN and rights groups warn of serious rights abuses amid a harsher enforcement of hijab rules. Multiple arrests and at least one fatality are reported, with authorities insisting actions align with Shariah.
UNAMA reports 499 civilian deaths and 1,216 wounded from cross-border fighting; Amnesty International says Kabul strike may be a war crime. Pakistan defends its Kabul airstrike as precision targeting of militant infrastructure. Tensions have intensified since February, with both sides trading accusations and casualties rising.