Kabul
Strong quake kills at least 280, injures 595 in Afghanistan
Some 255 people lost their lives in Barmal, Ziruk, Naka and Gayan districts of Paktika province, the most-hit eastern province, state-run Bakhtar News Agency reported, citing the latest local sources. Helicopters and rescue teams have arrived in the affected areas. In neighbouring Khost province, at least 25 people were killed and 95 others wounded, the report said.
2 dead after 3 explosions hit Kabul gurdwara
The Ministry of Interior have confirmed the blasts and said a group of armed insurgents entered the gurdwara in Kart-e-Parwan area. "Before entering, the enemy attacked the guards with a grenade, which caused a fire, and two of our Hindu compatriots, who were injured in the attack, were evacuated and taken to hospital for treatment," the Ministry said in a statement. According to the statement, a car bomb was also detonated by the insurgents before it reached its target.
Blasts near Sikh temple in Kabul
"We heard a huge blast in Kart-e-Parwan neighborhood at around 6 a.m. It was followed by another explosion which occurred about half an hour. The whole place has now been sealed off," a witness told Xinhua news agency. The security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures, he said. The blast sent a column of thick smoke into the sky and triggered panic.
Cycling competition in Kabul aimed at forging unity
A cycling competition with the participation of more than 100 students took place in Kabul to forge unity and togetherness among Afghans. "Aimed at forging unity and togetherness among Afghans, we contribute to the development of our society by organising sport, scientific and cultural programs," public relations officer of the private Rana University Milad Bawar told Xinhua
New US license allows broader financial ties, work With Afghans
In a statement released by the US State Department on Friday, the new general license says that financial institutions, non-governmental organisations, international organisations, and private sector companies can engage in wide-ranging transactions and activities in Afghanistan while complying with US sanctions, TOLOnews reported.
Indian wheat shipment for Kabul via Pakistan may start in February
It will be rare when India transports goods using Pakistan's land route to Afghanistan as Islamabad would otherwise never permit two-way trade between New Delhi and Kabul, said The Express Tribune report.
European Union opens Embassy in Kabul
In a tweet on Friday, Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said the decision to open the Embassy came after "consecutive meetings and reaching an understanding with EU representatives". "Apart from 220 million euros humanitarian aid, the EU announced 268 million euros additional assistance and set aside a portion for teachers' salaries, which we welcome," he added.
IS claims responsibility for Kabul passport office attack
According to a report on Khaama Press, the terror group released a statement on Saturday saying that it had carried out the December 23 attack. According to Kabul's security officials, a suicide attacker tried to enter the passport office on December 23 where hundreds of Taliban affiliates had gathered.
Taliban commander warns Pak against firing at Afghanistan
Abu Dojana, commander of the 201 Khalid Bin Walid Corps, said that despite the Taliban seeking good ties with the neighbouring nations, its forces also have the military equipment to defend Afghanistan in case of any provocation, reports TOLO News.
Kabul to remove all photos of women from billboards at shops, business centres
The spokesman of Kabul municipality, Nematullah Barakzai, said the government has ordered the municipality's officials to remove all photos of women from signboards at shops and business centres in Kabul. "Based on the decision of the government, the photos that are against Islamic regulations will be collected or removed from billboards," said Barakzai, the report said.
Advertisement