Author: Admin

Government officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have discovered two mass burial sites holding the remains of at least 172 people in the eastern city of Uvira, according to a provincial governor’s announcement this week.

The grim discovery was made after AFC/M23 rebel forces retreated from Uvira, a key transportation center situated on Lake Tanganyika close to the border with Burundi. The rebel group had taken control of the city in December but started pulling out just one week later due to pressure from the United States. Congo’s military forces regained control of Uvira last month.

Jean-Jacques Purusi, who serves as the government-appointed governor of South Kivu province where Uvira is situated, informed local media that the burial sites were located in the Kilomoni and Kavimvira districts. According to his Tuesday statement that was recorded and aired nationally on Thursday, one site held 31 bodies while the other contained 141 remains.

AFC/M23 representatives have not provided any response to requests for comment made on Friday. Local officials have not disclosed the cause of death for those found in the graves, and Reuters could not independently confirm the details surrounding these deaths.

A human rights advocate from the area, Mashauri Mwindule, informed Reuters that additional burial sites have been discovered in Kabimba, a community located approximately 8 kilometers from Uvira.

In December, the advocacy organization Human Rights Watch documented that M23 combatants had conducted executions without trial in Uvira, with bodies discovered across multiple districts, including Kavimvira. The organization based its report on accounts from local residents and a United Nations source.

While AFC/M23 did not address these specific accusations at that time, the group had previously characterized Human Rights Watch as conducting a “disinformation campaign” against their organization.

Human Rights Watch also noted that Congo’s military forces and their allied militia groups committed violations both before the rebels seized the city and during their own retreat.

The AFC/M23 rebel movement currently maintains control over large portions of both North and South Kivu provinces after launching a swift military campaign last year that resulted in their capture of the important cities of Goma and Bukavu.

Rwanda continues to deny accusations from Congo, the United Nations, and Western nations that it provides military equipment and personnel to support M23. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by various parties, including Qatar and the United States, armed conflict has persisted in recent weeks across multiple areas of eastern Congo.

KOYA, Iraq (AP) — A bitter public dispute has erupted between Iran’s crown prince in exile and Kurdish opposition organizations, exposing deep fractures within the Iranian resistance movement.

These divisions have become apparent following widespread anti-government demonstrations and violent government suppression, occurring as Iran potentially faces military conflict if nuclear negotiations with the United States collapse.

Five Kurdish organizations declared the establishment of the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan on Sunday. Their statement outlined goals to “struggle for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to achieve the Kurdish people’s right to self-determination, and to establish a national and democratic entity based on the political will of the Kurdish nation in Iranian Kurdistan.”

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has lived in exile for almost five decades while positioning himself for potential leadership should Iran’s religious government collapse, sharply criticized the Kurdish declaration.

Although both sides seek to remove Iran’s current leadership, deep animosity exists between Pahlavi and Kurdish factions. Under his father Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s reign, Kurdish populations faced marginalization and oppression. Meanwhile, Pahlavi’s camp has consistently accused Kurdish organizations of seeking to fragment Iran.

Following the Kurdish alliance announcement, Pahlavi posted on X: “In recent days, several separatist groups — some of whose records include collaboration with both Khomeini and Saddam — have made baseless and contemptible claims against the territorial integrity and national unity of Iran.” His reference targeted Islamic Republic founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomenei and deceased Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Pahlavi emphasized that “Iran’s territorial integrity is the ultimate red line.”

The Kurdish alliance responded by labeling Pahlavi’s remarks “hysterical and hateful,” describing his family’s rule as characterized by the “massacre of civilians and suppression of democratic freedoms of the Iranian people, especially the oppressed nations of this country.”

“Why do they think that people oppressed by the dictatorship of the Islamic Republic are willing to bow to him and other like-minded people as part of the alternative for the future Iran?” the coalition questioned.

Following Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the new theocratic government fought Kurdish rebels. Iranian military forces devastated Kurdish communities during months of conflict that claimed thousands of lives.

“We have been through ethnic cleansing and persecution and dictatorship (both) under the Pahlavi regime and under the Islamic Republic,” stated Karim Parwizi, a senior Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran official and member of the new coalition.

Speaking with The Associated Press at their northern Iraq camp on Thursday, Parwizi warned about Pahlavi’s potential return to power.

“There’s a threat of fascism returning to Iran, and we’re thinking about how to prevent that from happening,” he said.

Multiple Iranian Kurdish opposition and separatist organizations, including some with military components, have established bases in northern Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish territory.

The Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) has openly acknowledged conducting attacks against Iran’s Revolutionary Guard forces in response to Tehran’s harsh protest suppression last month.

Parwizi clarified that the new coalition hasn’t decided on launching military operations within Iran, stating their armed components serve defensive purposes only.

He also rejected claims that the alliance seeks Kurdish independence.

“Every ethnic group should have their land, but we haven’t requested this and we haven’t requested to divide Iran,” Parwizi explained. “We need to work with other ethnic groups to make sure that there will be a place for all of us in the new Iran.”

While measuring Pahlavi’s domestic Iranian support proves challenging, significant protests occurred in early January after he urged public demonstrations, and recent student protest videos captured chants supporting him.

Iran specialist Mehrzad Boroujerdi from Missouri University of Science and Technology described the public conflict between Pahlavi and Kurdish groups as damaging to opposition unity efforts.

“With his open denunciation of these Kurdish groups, I think (Pahlavi) is shooting himself in the foot in that sense, because the Kurds are going to be really an integral part of any serious opposition,” Boroujerdi explained.

He noted that perceptions of Pahlavi’s inability to unite opposition factions have already undermined his Washington support efforts.

“President (Donald) Trump, for example, was not willing to personally meet with him and sort of validate his campaign because of serious concerns that, this guy, if he is not able to unify the opposition now before there is a regime collapse, how is he going to do that after the fact?” Boroujerdi said.

The Kurdish organizations maintain independent Washington connections and advocacy efforts. Parwizi confirmed communications with the State Department and congressional members for political backing while denying any U.S. financial assistance.

PANAMA CITY — A small Central American nation finds itself caught in the middle of escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing after taking control of two crucial shipping facilities that bookend the Panama Canal.

The controversy began when Panama’s highest court determined that agreements allowing a Hong Kong company’s local branch to manage the ports violated the nation’s constitution. Before President Trump even returned to the White House, he had accused China of controlling the vital waterway — claims Panama’s government firmly rejected.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in late January, Panamanian officials this week took over operations at both shipping terminals and brought in temporary operators while preparing for new bidding. On Thursday, authorities carried away boxes of records from Panama Ports Co. headquarters.

The response from Beijing was swift and stern, with China warning of serious repercussions for Panama. President José Raúl Mulino fired back on Thursday, cautioning China to “be careful” and declaring: “They need us more than we need them.”

The facilities at the heart of this international standoff serve as crucial links in global trade chains. While Panama’s 4 million residents don’t generate massive import or export volumes, the canal has transformed their country into a vital logistics center for worldwide shipping.

Enormous freight vessels arrive constantly from Asian ports, European harbors, and American coastlines. Most cargo isn’t destined for Panamanian consumers, but containers are transferred at Balboa, Cristobal, and other terminals before continuing to final destinations on smaller vessels.

The Balboa facility on the Pacific side and Cristobal terminal facing the Atlantic together process nearly two-fifths of Panama’s container operations. Approximately 7,000 workers depend on these ports for their livelihoods.

Panama Ports Company, the local arm of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison conglomerate, has managed both terminals since 1997.

A government audit uncovered problems with how the operating agreement was extended, including allegations that Panama lost substantial revenue. Following the constitutional court’s decision, officials promised a smooth transition to prevent disruptions to port activities.

While situated at canal entrances, these terminals operate independently from the autonomous Panama Canal Authority that manages the waterway itself.

The Chinese company’s control of these strategic locations has long concerned American officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio chose Panama for his inaugural foreign visit in his new role, delivering an unmistakable message about U.S. opposition. He warned that China could potentially block canal traffic if it chose to do so.

Because the waterway handles both commercial cargo and U.S. military vessels, Washington views the situation through a national security lens. Americans constructed the canal before transferring it to Panamanian control in 1999.

Panama Ports Company has initiated arbitration proceedings following the court ruling. The firm claims Panama’s government conducted a year-long “campaign” against its concession that severely damaged the business.

Company officials argue their investor protections have been violated and are seeking unspecified damages. Economy Minister Felipe Chapman stated the company wants $1.5 billion. The firm’s 25-year operating license was just extended in 2021.

Beijing’s Hong Kong oversight office condemned the court decision, claiming Panamanian leaders were surrendering to “hegemonic powers.”

“Panama’s authorities should recognize the situation and correct their course,” the statement read. “If they persist in their own way and refuse to see reason, they will pay a heavy price both politically and economically!”

This week’s government takeover triggered another wave of Chinese objections. Mulino defended the action as essential for maintaining operations and assessing the ports’ actual worth.

“The more than 7,000 jobs continue without changes,” he emphasized.

Mulino has maintained that the Supreme Court’s ruling is definitive and must be honored.

Despite the legal battle, port operations continue normally.

Chapman noted that arbitration proceedings could stretch on for years. During this period, the government plans to launch the process for selecting new port operators.

A United Nations human rights specialist is raising alarm about Taliban policies that are putting Afghan women and children in life-threatening situations by blocking their access to emergency medical care.

Richard Bennett, who serves as the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, revealed Friday that the Taliban’s healthcare rules force women seeking medical attention to follow strict dress requirements, bring a male escort, and receive treatment only from male healthcare providers.

According to Bennett, women are routinely refused ambulance transportation when they don’t have a male guardian with them.

Bennett’s report to the UN Human Rights Council this week detailed disturbing cases, including a woman who had to deliver her baby alone outside a hospital entrance because she arrived without a male companion. In another tragic incident, a mother watched her four-year-old son die because she couldn’t make the trip to the hospital by herself.

“The Taliban’s restrictions must be reversed, otherwise they will be killing people,” Bennett stated during a Geneva press conference.

“These policies are not isolated measures. They form an institutionalised system of gender discrimination that denies women and girls autonomy over their own bodies, health, and futures,” he added.

Bennett revealed that Taliban officials ignored his attempts to get their response to his findings. The Taliban maintains that their policies honor women’s rights according to their understanding of Islamic teachings.

Since regaining control in 2021, the Taliban has implemented sweeping restrictions on women’s freedom of movement and banned girls from attending school beyond elementary levels through various moral conduct laws that also restrict personal expression and job opportunities.

Data from last year shows women made up roughly 25% of Afghanistan’s healthcare workforce. However, Bennett warned that the prohibition on medical education for women is eliminating the future supply of female healthcare workers needed to treat women patients under the gender separation requirements.

“It’s a completely unjustifiable policy. It puts the entire health system in jeopardy, and unless reversed, it will lead to unnecessary suffering, illness and death,” Bennett emphasized.

Suraya Dalil, Afghanistan’s former health minister, spoke at the same briefing about her growing concerns regarding increasing maternal deaths during childbirth.

“Unfortunately, we expect higher mortality – maternal mortality (and) infant mortality – in the coming years because of the fact that the health workforce are systematically restricted,” Dalil warned.

Nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran have yielded meaningful headway according to diplomatic sources, though key disputes remain unresolved as military tensions escalate across the Middle East.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi served as an intermediary during the Geneva discussions and confirmed that meaningful advances were achieved. Technical-level negotiations are now set to resume next week in Vienna.

The American negotiating team was headed by special envoy Steve Witkoff and included Jared Kushner, son-in-law to former President Trump. Rafael Grossi, who leads the International Atomic Energy Agency, participated in the discussions, highlighting the monitoring organization’s importance in any potential future agreement.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the Geneva meetings as achieving “good progress,” noting that negotiators found common ground on certain matters while acknowledging that divisions persist.

These diplomatic efforts unfold against a backdrop of heightened military activity, as President Donald Trump has authorized the most extensive American military deployment to the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Iranian leadership has warned that any military action against their nation would trigger a forceful response.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Iran’s uranium enrichment activities remain the central sticking point. Tehran maintains its right to continue enriching uranium for what it characterizes as civilian energy needs. Washington has proposed that Iran transfer its current stockpile of approximately 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of enriched uranium to another country.

American negotiators reportedly presented various compromises during the talks, though specific details have not been revealed publicly. According to BBC reporting, one potential framework could permit Iran to restart limited uranium enrichment following a three-to-five-year pause, with international oversight throughout the process.

Speaking on Iranian state television, Araghchi emphasized that his country’s negotiators are seeking the removal of economic sanctions that have severely impacted Iran’s economy as part of any deal. Opposition voices have cautioned that easing sanctions could strengthen Iran’s religious leadership both economically and politically.

Though representatives from both nations expressed commitment to continued diplomatic engagement, no deadline has been established for finalizing an agreement, leaving the potential for preventing military confrontation unclear.

Conflicting stories are emerging about Pakistan’s involvement in President Trump’s Gaza peace efforts, with unconfirmed reports claiming the administration has sidelined the South Asian nation from key discussions.

The allegations suggest Trump excluded Pakistan from the inaugural Gaza Board of Peace meeting and pressured Saudi Arabia to abandon plans for purchasing Pakistani-manufactured fighter aircraft. However, none of these claims have received official confirmation from Washington, Riyadh, or Islamabad.

Sources familiar with the Trump administration’s approach have long characterized Pakistan as a valuable contributor to the Gaza peace initiative, crediting Islamabad with convincing several Muslim nations to participate in the diplomatic effort.

The speculation about Pakistan being marginalized appears connected to the country’s refusal to deploy military forces as part of an international Gaza peacekeeping mission. Pakistani leadership made clear their troops would not participate in disarming Hamas, arguing such responsibility should fall to Palestinian authorities.

Pakistani representatives also informed their American counterparts that domestic political considerations and internal security challenges would make troop deployment to Gaza politically damaging at home.

These diplomatic positions contrast sharply with Trump’s public statements about Pakistani leadership. During the Gaza Board of Peace ceremony, Trump offered praise for the country’s officials.

“Prime Minister Sharif, I like this man, of Pakistan. There was some fighting going on when I got to know him and your field marshal general, great general, great field marshal, a great guy,” Trump stated during his remarks.

The positive tone of these comments appears to contradict suggestions that Washington is diminishing Pakistan’s role in the peace process.

Diplomatic sources in Islamabad, speaking anonymously, suggested the negative reports might stem from Indian lobbying efforts aimed at reshaping perceptions following tensions between India and Pakistan in May 2025.

“Each time President Trump references the May episode and mentions Indian losses in the conflict, it creates discomfort in New Delhi,” one official explained. “There is significant activity, particularly in the United States, aimed at reshaping that narrative.”

During the Gaza peace meeting, Trump positioned himself as instrumental in mediating the India-Pakistan conflict and brokering a ceasefire, though Indian officials have disputed this characterization.

The reports about Saudi Arabia’s fighter jet purchase also remain unverified. In January 2026, discussions reportedly began about converting approximately $2 billion in Saudi loans into a deal for JF-17 combat aircraft, following a mutual defense agreement signed between the two countries in 2025.

However, no finalized purchase agreement has been officially announced, making claims about Trump’s displeasure largely speculative.

Mohammed Alhamed, a Saudi geopolitical analyst and head of Saudi Elite consultancy, rejected suggestions that the US president is pressuring Riyadh to cancel any potential aircraft deal.

“Such baseless geopolitical claims do not accurately reflect the reality of US–Saudi strategic engagement,” Alhamed explained to The Media Line.

Alhamed emphasized that Saudi defense procurement decisions are driven by technical requirements, technology transfer opportunities, and industrial objectives tied to Vision 2030, rather than political pressure.

Dr. Maria Sultan, who chairs the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute University and advises Pakistan’s Defense Ministry, described the evolving security landscape as creating new pressures on traditional partnerships.

“In changing times amid global transformations where war and use of kinetic force has become the norm the threat to traditional alliance partners have become all the more vivid,” Sultan told The Media Line.

Sultan characterized Pakistan-Saudi defense cooperation as based on shared interests and regional familiarity, arguing it strengthens Saudi capabilities without undermining Washington’s interests.

Umar Karim, an associate fellow at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh, dismissed suggestions of deteriorating US-Pakistan relations.

Karim told The Media Line that Pakistan and the United States “still maintain a cordial working relationship across almost all relevant matters and files.”

He noted that reports of the Saudi fighter jet purchase remain “largely rumors” and questioned whether Saudi Arabia would actually purchase Pakistani aircraft given their current advanced fleet capabilities.

Muhammad Shoaib, who teaches at Quaid-i-Azam University’s School of Politics and International Relations, argued that Pakistan maintains regional diplomatic relevance despite questions about its Gaza role.

“Pakistan remains an important player in the emerging Middle Eastern equation, but its position on the Palestine conflict and potential role in the stabilization force has been clear,” Shoaib explained to The Media Line.

Shoaib suggested that any marginalization of Pakistan might reflect broader political considerations, including potential Israeli objections, rather than solely Pakistan’s stated limitations.

He identified China’s growing influence as a more significant concern for Washington, particularly regarding Chinese systems integration with US-origin platforms in Saudi Arabia’s defense infrastructure.

As an example of how such dynamics can affect international arms deals, Shoaib referenced Turkey’s S-400 purchase and subsequent removal from the F-35 program, though he suggested this wouldn’t necessarily prevent a Pakistan-Saudi agreement.

A young Pakistani girl’s remarkable cricket abilities captured global attention through a viral video, but the story behind that footage reveals a tragic tale of violence and intimidation in Pakistan’s dangerous North Waziristan region.

Eight-year-old Aina Wazir became an internet sensation when footage of her impressive bowling technique spread across social media platforms, earning praise from professional cricket players worldwide. However, new information reveals the deadly consequences faced by those connected to her story.

Aina’s father, Omar Wazir, worked as both an educator and travel business owner in his community, where neighbors knew him as a gentle, well-respected man. His troubles began approximately eight years ago when he bought a car that hadn’t gone through proper customs procedures. After using the vehicle briefly, he sold it to another local person, and ownership changed hands multiple times over the years.

Several months ago, government officials discovered that a separate car displaying identical registration numbers had been involved in a terrorist incident. Security forces brought Omar Wazir in for interrogation regarding the attack. During questioning, he explained that he had disposed of his original vehicle years before and that criminals had created counterfeit license plates for the car used in the attack. Authorities accepted his explanation and released him.

However, his freedom was short-lived. Unknown gunmen seized Omar Wazir from his home shortly after his release from questioning. Days later, his remains were discovered showing evidence of brutal treatment. Intelligence sources suggest the same terrorist organization responsible for the original attack may have orchestrated his murder.

The person who recorded Aina’s cricket video, Zafran Wazir, also became a target of extremist violence. Members of the prohibited Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan organization were enraged by the footage and took action against the cameraman.

Armed militants invaded Zafran Wazir’s residence and kidnapped him. During his captivity, they forced him to record an apology video in which he expressed regret for filming Aina and posting the content online. In the coerced statement, he promised to stop recording females and to avoid social media entirely.

The kidnappers justified their actions by claiming that creating and distributing video content featuring young girls contradicted both Islamic principles and traditional Pashtun cultural values.

Following his release, Zafran Wazir described the horrific abuse he endured while imprisoned. In a social media post, he revealed that his captors inflicted pain on every part of his body and subjected him to profound humiliation throughout his detention.

Despite the violence surrounding her viral fame, Aina Wazir remains in a secure location, according to family members. A relative recently shared footage of the young girl making a direct appeal to Pakistan’s government, requesting better educational access for girls in her situation.

Emergency crews responded to two separate bus accidents in Israel’s Negev desert region Thursday morning, with both incidents occurring within just one hour and resulting in injuries to 28 people, according to Israeli authorities.

The second incident happened along Route 40 between the towns of Mitzpe Ramon and Shdema, close to the Ramat Eliezer memorial site, where a passenger bus carrying 50 people flipped over. Medical teams treated 17 individuals at the scene, with most experiencing minor injuries. However, both the driver and one passenger sustained moderate injuries. The accident forced officials to shut down Route 40 in both directions while police and rescue workers managed the emergency response.

About 40 minutes earlier, another accident occurred near Nevatim when a bus collided with a private vehicle. This crash sent 11 people to the hospital, including 10 with minor injuries and a 29-year-old woman who was moderately hurt, emergency responders reported. Law enforcement officers were sent to manage both accident sites on Route 40 and Route 25.

Israel’s national emergency service, Magen David Adom, reported receiving notification of the Nevatim crash at 8:09 a.m. Medical personnel arrived to treat victims before transporting them to hospitals. At 8:47 a.m., emergency dispatchers received another call about the overturned bus south of Mitzpe Ramon, which prompted the deployment of more medical response teams.

All patients requiring hospitalization from both crashes were taken to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba for continued medical care and evaluation, Magen David Adom confirmed. Emergency medical officials stated that the vast majority of hospitalized patients were in stable condition.

Law enforcement officials said their immediate priorities included making the crash sites safe, controlling traffic flow disruptions, and supporting emergency medical workers. Investigators have begun looking into what caused both accidents, though officials have not yet released any preliminary findings about the causes.

Officials advised drivers traveling through the Negev desert area to drive carefully, especially on the main highways impacted by these crashes, and to obey police directions while road blockages and traffic rerouting continue.

GOMA, Congo — Citizens in the eastern Congo city of Uvira are expressing alarm over possible disease outbreaks after local officials announced the discovery of 171 bodies in mass burial sites left behind by departing M23 rebels.

South-Kivu province Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi announced Thursday that the deceased were located in two separate mass burial sites on the city’s periphery, holding the rebel group responsible for the fatalities.

The Associated Press was unable to confirm these allegations independently. Representatives from M23 have not yet responded to requests for comment.

According to Purusi, the victims will remain unburied until medical investigators finish mandatory examinations, and he emphasized that the locations must remain undisturbed during this period.

Local resident Flavien Kalenga Mutumishi reported Friday that he and other community members found approximately twelve decomposing corpses after the rebels departed and immediately contacted authorities.

Mutumishi expressed worry about public health dangers, noting that one burial site sits within a residential area.

“We found bodies that had been poorly and partially buried in shallow pits,” Mutumishi told the AP by phone. “This poses a great danger to nearby communities.”

A second resident confirmed they had also notified officials about decaying remains in the same location.

“That is why we felt compelled to call in health workers to carry out the work. Unfortunately, they were afraid because there was no covering over the grave,” said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisals.

Community advocacy organizations and other locals reported that officials have limited access to the burial sites and prohibited photography.

Purusi confirmed that legal authorities have begun an investigation and called upon the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and regional organizations to conduct their own inquiries.

MONUSCO representative Ndeye Khady Lo stated the mission cannot verify the mass grave reports independently, citing insufficient detailed and confirmed information regarding locations, victim counts, and circumstances.

The governor and local civil society leaders in Uvira claim M23 executed these individuals under suspicion of ties to Congolese military forces or pro-government militia groups.

Human rights organizations have previously accused both Congolese armed forces and M23 of unlawful executions and other violations.

M23 seized Uvira in December during a swift military campaign. Regional officials report more than 1,500 deaths and approximately 300,000 displaced persons resulted from the takeover.

The rebel organization subsequently retreated from the city, characterizing their departure as a “unilateral trust-building measure” requested by the United States to support peace negotiations.

Congo, the United States, and United Nations experts maintain that Rwanda supports M23, which has expanded from several hundred members in 2021 to roughly 6,500 fighters, according to UN estimates.

Over 100 armed organizations compete for territory in mineral-wealthy eastern Congo, located near the Rwandan border, with M23 being the most significant. This conflict has generated one of the globe’s most severe humanitarian emergencies, displacing more than 7 million people according to the UN refugee agency.

Although Congolese and Rwandan governments signed a US-brokered agreement and ongoing talks between rebels and Congo continue, combat persists across multiple areas in eastern Congo, resulting in substantial civilian and military casualties.

Ghana’s foreign minister disclosed Friday that no fewer than 55 citizens from the West African nation have perished while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, marking one of the most significant casualty counts among African countries involved in the conflict.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, revealed that 272 of his countrymen have been deceived into participating in the conflict since 2022, with two additional individuals currently held as prisoners of war, based on intelligence provided by Ukrainian sources.

Speaking during his visit to Ukraine, Ablakwa stated: “Ukrainian authorities revealed that from their credible intelligence gathering (that) they have documented 1,780 Africans from 36 countries who have been lured by criminal trafficking networks to join the war against Ukraine.”

The West African nation joins an expanding roster of African countries raising alarms about their nationals participating in the conflict, with many recruited through deceptive tactics including promises of well-paying employment or professional development opportunities.

Recent intelligence findings indicated that approximately 1,000 Kenyan citizens were enlisted to fight for Russia after being misled with bogus job offers. The Kenyan administration reports that numerous individuals have been either hospitalized or remain unaccounted for.

Ukraine’s intelligence services reported earlier this month that two Nigerian nationals lost their lives fighting for Russia at the close of last year.

On Wednesday, eleven South African citizens who were reportedly tricked into fighting for Russia returned home, arriving at Durban airport.

In South Africa, authorities are investigating Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, for her suspected role in recruiting over a dozen South African men to Russia.

Ablakwa emphasized: “As a responsible government, we cannot turn a blind eye to these heartbreaking statistics. This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others.”

The foreign minister announced that Ghana’s administration plans to strengthen public awareness campaigns and work to “track and dismantle all dark web illegal recruitment schemes” active within the nation. He noted that the two imprisoned Ghanaians have urged young people to resist the temptation of financial rewards to participate in the war.

Workers, opposition politicians, and left-wing groups took to the streets of Buenos Aires Friday as Argentina’s Senate prepared for a crucial vote on President Javier Milei’s controversial labor reform package.

The proposed legislation would give employers increased flexibility when it comes to hiring and firing decisions, severance packages, and collective bargaining negotiations. Labor unions and their Peronist political allies have strongly opposed the measure, claiming it would eliminate important worker protections against exploitation and Argentina’s frequent economic instability.

If passed by supporters of the ruling La Libertad Avanza party, the reform would represent a significant political win for Milei. The president could then highlight these major economic changes during his Congressional address scheduled for Sunday when ordinary legislative sessions begin.

The bill previously received preliminary Senate approval last week, but senators must now cast a final vote before it can become law. The government had to modify a provision that would have cut wages in half for workers taking leave due to non-work-related injuries or illnesses after opposition lawmakers strongly objected.

Friday’s Senate session will likely approve the amendment, which would finalize the legislation’s passage. Alternatively, senators could reject the changes and restore the original language, though most observers expect the former outcome.

The legislative battle has created significant tension between Milei’s administration and opposition forces. Last week’s debate in the lower chamber of Congress sparked major confrontations, with Argentina’s largest union confederation organizing a nationwide 24-hour work stoppage while protesters from various leftist organizations clashed with law enforcement outside the legislative building.

President Milei views these modifications to Argentina’s 50-year-old labor laws as essential for attracting international investment, improving worker productivity, and creating more jobs in a nation where approximately 40% of workers operate in the informal economy.

Union leaders contend the legislation would undermine worker safeguards that have been fundamental to Argentine society since Peronism emerged as the country’s leading populist movement during the 1940s.

Union statistics indicate that roughly 40% of Argentina’s 13 million registered workers hold union membership, with many maintaining close ties to the Peronist political movement.

Damascus officials announced Wednesday that Kurdish military forces abandoned a major detention facility in northeastern Syria without warning, triggering widespread departures of ISIS-related detainees and sparking new security worries across the region.

The al-Hol facility, positioned close to Iraq’s border, had served as a holding center for family members connected to Islamic State militants as well as civilians who fled during years of warfare.

Interior Ministry representative Noureddin al-Baba explained to media that Syrian military forces were getting ready to take control of the location when Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces suddenly retreated hours beforehand without informing Damascus leadership. According to al-Baba, government soldiers discovered complete disorder upon their arrival.

“When the forces arrived, they found the camp had been opened in a chaotic manner, leading to widespread unregulated departures,” al-Baba stated.

Government inspectors recorded over 138 breaches in the facility’s 17-kilometer security barrier, creating pathways that officials believe facilitated smuggling operations and threatened regional security. Syrian leadership noted that previous population counts of approximately 23,500 inhabitants didn’t match what troops found during their assessment.

Nearly 70% of those who remained were women, children, and elderly individuals, predominantly Syrian and Iraqi citizens, plus international families with ties to former Islamic State combatants.

Al-Baba dismissed broad accusations targeting all residents, emphasizing that Syrian legal standards demand individual court cases instead of group penalties.

“Syrian law prohibits collective punishment and requires individual criminal responsibility through the judicial process,” he explained.

International aid groups had repeatedly cautioned that al-Hol’s crowded environment and insufficient supervision created conditions that could promote radicalization and humanitarian disasters. The detention center became a contentious issue among Damascus, Kurdish leadership, and Western nations regarding accountability for thousands of prisoners after ISIS lost its territory in 2019.

Authorities verified that al-Hol was completely evacuated and permanently closed on Sunday following the organized relocation of remaining families via convoy transportation, representing a significant change in who controls detention facilities throughout northeastern Syria.

Ghana’s foreign minister has disclosed that 55 of the country’s citizens have perished in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict after being deceived into combat roles, following his recent diplomatic visit to Kyiv where the recruitment of African nationals was discussed.

In recent months, there have been increasing reports of African men being enticed to Russia with false employment opportunities, only to find themselves deployed to Ukraine’s battlefields, straining diplomatic relationships between Moscow and several African nations.

Russian officials have rejected claims of illegally conscripting African citizens for military service in Ukraine.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa wrote on X Thursday evening: “We were informed that 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been lured into battle since 2022 for which an estimated 55 have been killed and 2 captured as prisoners of war.”

During a Tuesday press conference, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, appearing with Ablakwa, stated that over 1,780 Africans from 36 nations are currently “fighting in the Russian army.”

Ghana, which maintains economic and diplomatic relationships with Russia, plans to increase public awareness about recruitment tactics and eliminate “dark web illegal recruitment schemes operating within our jurisdiction,” Ablakwa stated in his social media post.

“This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others,” he declared.

South Africa announced this week that two of its nationals had perished in the conflict zone.

These casualties are distinct from a separate group of 17 South Africans who were deceived into fighting for Russia in Ukraine and have largely been brought home, according to South Africa’s foreign ministry statement.

A Kenyan intelligence assessment indicates that over 1,000 Kenyans have been enlisted to fight for Russia.

Kenya’s foreign ministry reported that 27 Kenyan nationals have been rescued after becoming stranded in Russia.

Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced plans to travel to Russia in March for discussions regarding this matter.

The Biden administration plans to put forward an American candidate to head the United Nations World Food Programme within the next few weeks, according to a State Department official who spoke Thursday following Cindy McCain’s announcement that she will leave her position.

“The United States can confirm that it will be nominating a highly-qualified American to lead the … WFP, continuing America’s tradition of excellence and responsible stewardship of the organization. The candidate will be announced in the coming weeks,” the spokesperson said.

As the World Food Programme’s largest financial contributor, America has historically provided leadership for the organization. The executive director position requires joint appointment by both the UN Secretary-General and the head of the Food and Agriculture Organization, with terms lasting five years.

Officials from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ office have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the transition.

McCain, age 71 and widow of former Republican Senator John McCain, announced Thursday she will resign within three months. She began leading the organization in 2023 following her previous role as U.S. representative to UN food and agriculture agencies.

In her departure statement, McCain explained that despite wanting to complete her full term, her health has not fully bounced back. She experienced a mild stroke this past October that has affected her recovery.

BERLIN – A proposed German law would grant security agencies unprecedented authority to combat international cyber threats, according to draft legislation obtained by Reuters this week.

The new measures would enable German law enforcement to take direct action against digital attacks by disabling computer networks and removing data, even when those systems are located on foreign servers.

Germany’s push for stronger cyber defenses comes in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has prompted the nation to strengthen both its military capabilities and intelligence operations to address hybrid warfare tactics. This represents a significant policy shift for a country that has historically been cautious about expanding security powers due to its Nazi-era history.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt had previously stated that Germany needs enhanced capabilities to defend against international cyber threats, which German intelligence believes frequently originate from Russia. Russian officials have rejected claims that they conduct hybrid attacks against European nations.

The draft legislation states: “Like law enforcement, prevention of threats does not stop at national borders when it comes to combating cyberattacks.”

Under the proposed framework, authorities would not be permitted to conduct major offensive cyber operations, but they could reroute internet traffic, disable computer systems, and in severe situations, modify or eliminate data on servers abroad.

Most actions targeting private computer networks would need judicial approval, though emergency situations would allow authorities to seek court permission up to three days after taking action. The initiative would also require hiring hundreds of additional personnel.

The Federal Office for Information Security, known as BSI, would gain authorization to engage in “threat hunting” activities, enabling the agency to identify and neutralize cyber attack preparations before damage occurs, rather than responding after incidents happen.

Internet and digital service companies would be required to assist authorities under the new law, with non-compliance resulting in penalties reaching 20 million euros (approximately $23 million).

WARSAW – A senior Polish security official has cast doubt on France’s potential leadership role in a European nuclear defense initiative, stating that Warsaw considers only the United States as a trustworthy nuclear ally at this time.

The remarks from Slawomir Cenckiewicz, who heads Poland’s National Security Bureau, come as European nations explore alternatives to U.S. nuclear protection amid uncertainty about American commitments under President Donald Trump.

This month, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Berlin had initiated conversations with France about creating a European-wide nuclear deterrent. France remains the European Union’s sole nuclear-armed nation following Britain’s departure from the bloc.

While Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that Poland has also started discussions with France, he emphasized the need for concrete details before considering participation in any European nuclear program.

Cenckiewicz recommended that Poland should observe the German-French negotiations while focusing on NATO’s current nuclear-sharing arrangement, which permits non-nuclear member states to host and deploy American nuclear weapons as protection against Russian threats.

The Polish official raised concerns about France’s nuclear doctrine, noting that it would grant complete authority over nuclear weapons to the French president – a point that Emmanuel Macron is expected to address publicly on Monday.

According to Cenckiewicz, decisions about nuclear weapon deployment under NATO’s Article 5 collective defense provision should involve all alliance members, not rest with a single nation’s leader.

He maintained that America remains Poland’s only viable nuclear partner, citing its superior capabilities compared to European nuclear powers like France and Britain.

“The United States has not stopped in this military and intelligence area for a moment, but is simply constantly developing this potential and investing in it,” Cenckiewicz told Reuters.

European nations have historically depended on American nuclear deterrence against potential adversaries. However, Trump’s approach toward Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict and his stance on traditional allies – including recent threats concerning Greenland, which belongs to NATO member Denmark – have created anxiety among European leadership.

French representatives maintain that Paris does not intend to substitute for American nuclear protection or challenge NATO’s role.

Cenckiewicz’s statements also reflect Poland’s internal political tensions: Tusk’s pro-European Union administration favors increased European cooperation, while President Karol Nawrocki, who aligns with Trump, emphasizes Atlantic partnerships and NATO relationships.

The two leaders often disagree on defense matters, and the president’s constitutional role as military commander-in-chief allows him to veto government defense proposals.

Cenckiewicz stressed that Warsaw must develop military capabilities matching the threats it confronts.

“Russia must be treated as an existential threat to Poland,” Cenckiewicz stated. “In this logic, whether participation, entry into nuclear sharing, or in the perspective of building one’s own sovereign nuclear capabilities is a consequence.”

A brewing trade dispute between two South American nations intensified Friday when Colombia’s commerce minister announced plans to significantly raise import duties on products from Ecuador.

Diana Marcela Morales, Colombia’s commerce minister, revealed during a Friday interview that she intends to recommend boosting tariffs on specific Ecuadorean imports from the existing 30% rate to 50%. This announcement comes as retaliation for Ecuador’s decision to implement identical tariff increases on Colombian products starting March 1.

Ecuador justified its tariff hike by claiming Colombia has not adequately collaborated in fighting drug trafficking activities along their mutual border – an accusation that Colombian officials reject.

“We are going to present the proposal not only to raise tariffs on the 73 tariff subheadings, but also to consider other products that could generate some degree of sensitivity due to the measures Ecuador has taken today,” Morales explained during her radio interview with Blu Radio. She noted the proposal requires approval from a government committee and confirmed “It would be 50% for the 73 subheadings that currently have a 30% rate.”

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa reinforced his country’s position Friday, maintaining that Colombia has neglected its border security responsibilities in areas known for cocaine smuggling and other illegal trade.

“This surcharge is the result of an absolute lack of oversight at the border on Colombia’s part; even the army has been withdrawn several hundred kilometers away, which doubles our cost of protecting our border, to nearly an additional $400 million a year,” Noboa stated during an interview with Radio Centro de Quito. He also reported that Ecuador has already collected $13 million from the tariff implementation, which was initially announced in January, and claimed violence in border regions has decreased.

The Ecuadorean leader noted his country faces a $1.1 billion trade deficit with Colombia.

The trade tensions escalated further after Ecuador dramatically increased fees on Colombian oil shipments through its SOTE pipeline system by 900%, bringing the cost to $30 per barrel. This action prompted Colombia to completely suspend its oil shipments through the pipeline.

JERUSALEM – Israel’s Supreme Court issued a temporary order Friday preventing the government from closing down the Gaza operations of numerous humanitarian organizations that had challenged the shutdown in court.

Back in December, Israeli authorities gave 37 international relief organizations a 60-day deadline to either comply with new registration requirements or cease their work in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The affected groups include well-known organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Council.

The new Israeli regulations demand that these organizations provide the names of their Palestinian employees. However, 17 relief groups along with the Association of International Development Agencies filed an emergency petition with Israel’s High Court of Justice on Sunday, arguing the shutdown would create devastating humanitarian impacts.

The Supreme Court’s temporary order permits these aid organizations to maintain most of their current operations while the court reviews their legal challenge.

The humanitarian groups argue that revealing staff information could endanger their workers’ lives, particularly given that hundreds of aid personnel have been killed or wounded during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israeli officials have stated the registration requirements are designed to prevent Palestinian militant groups from redirecting humanitarian supplies, though aid agencies contest claims that significant amounts of aid have been diverted.

Athena Rayburn, who serves as executive director of AIDA, expressed cautious optimism about the court ruling. “We’re still waiting to see how the injunction will be interpreted by the state and whether or not this will mean an increase in our ability to operate,” Rayburn stated, while noting that conditions inside Gaza remain “catastrophic.”

Israeli government representatives have not yet provided responses to media inquiries about the court decision.

The United Nations’ top human rights official issued a stark warning Friday that South Sudan has reached a critical juncture, with escalating violence putting the nation’s fragile peace agreement at serious risk.

The warning from UN human rights chief Volker Turk came one day after Western nations condemned what they called a massacre carried out by groups connected to South Sudan’s military forces.

According to state information minister Nyamar Ngundeng, no fewer than 16 civilians lost their lives when “unruly elements from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces soldiers” attacked in Jonglei state’s eastern region on February 21.

While South Sudan’s government disputed claims that soldiers intentionally attacked civilians, officials acknowledged that innocent people may have been killed during combat operations in the conflict-plagued area that shares a border with Ethiopia.

The violence threatens to unravel a 2018 peace agreement that brought an end to five years of devastating civil war between forces supporting President Salva Kiir and those backing First Vice President Riek Machar. That conflict claimed close to 400,000 lives in what is considered the world’s youngest nation.

Since the peace deal was signed, the country has experienced ongoing territorial disputes and other conflicts. Political instability deepened after Machar was removed from his position last year and faces charges alongside 20 others for allegedly participating in militia attacks in the northeastern region. All defendants have rejected the accusations.

Turk reported that 189 civilian deaths were recorded in January alone, representing a 45% spike in human rights violations and abuses compared to the previous month.

“We are at a dangerous point, when rising violence is combined with deepening uncertainty over South Sudan’s political trajectory, as the peace agreement comes under severe strain,” Turk addressed members of the UN Human Rights Council.

Regarding the weekend violence in Jonglei, Turk provided a higher casualty figure, stating that eyewitnesses described soldiers commanding civilians to assemble before firing upon them, resulting in 21 deaths of unarmed individuals, including children.

“Military discipline appears to have collapsed in both Government and opposition forces in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria, where troops have demonstrated a near-total disregard for civilian protection,” he stated.

Turk also noted that government forces, opposition groups, and their allied militias have launched attacks on residential communities across multiple states including Upper Nile, Unity, Central Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, and Warrap.

In a collective statement released on social media platform X Thursday evening, the United States, European Union, Britain, and other Western countries expressed being “appalled by credible reports of a deliberate massacre of civilians” in Pankor village within Jonglei state.

South Sudan government spokesperson Ateny Wek responded to the international criticism by denying that military personnel deliberately killed civilians.

“Unless those civilians were caught in a crossfire, there’s not any SSPDF that has the intention to kill any civilian,” Wek explained.

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel’s Supreme Court issued a temporary order Friday blocking the government from shutting down international humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza and other Palestinian areas, while overnight military strikes left four people dead in the conflict zone.

The court’s temporary injunction came after 17 humanitarian organizations filed a legal challenge against the Israeli government’s plan to prohibit 37 aid groups from operating by March 1st. The government had threatened the ban because the organizations refused to follow new registration requirements implemented last year.

Under the contested regulations, aid organizations must register employee names and contact details while disclosing funding sources and operational information. The humanitarian groups consider these requirements overly intrusive and arbitrary, warning that forcing them out would severely limit essential services to Gaza’s devastated population.

The court’s temporary order maintains current operations until a final ruling is made, though no timeline has been established for that decision.

“This is, however, a step in the right direction — with a long, long way still to go. We will keep fighting to be able to do our jobs, and deliver life saving assistance to Palestinians in need,” said Athena Rayburn, the executive director of AIDA, an umbrella organization representing over 100 groups operating in the Palestinian territories.

Legal representatives for the humanitarian groups described the court decision as providing Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank some “breathing room.”

The legal petition challenged the Israeli regulations as violations of international law, arguing that Israel, functioning as an occupying authority, must guarantee food and medical supplies reach civilians. The groups also contended Israel lacks jurisdiction to close organizations in territories under Palestinian Authority administration.

Nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million inhabitants depend on humanitarian organizations for basic necessities including food, water, medical care, and shelter following Israel’s two-year military campaign that devastated the territory. Hundreds of thousands remain in temporary tent housing, with reconstruction efforts yet to commence despite a fragile ceasefire reached in October.

Hospital officials reported that overnight Israeli airstrikes resulted in at least four deaths Friday. These attacks have repeatedly violated the U.S.-brokered truce that began October 10th. Rising Palestinian casualties have led many Gaza residents to believe the conflict continues without interruption.

The military strikes targeted two police checkpoints — one near Khan Younis in southern Gaza and another at Bureij refugee camp. Israel’s military confirmed Friday it eliminated several armed fighters in eastern Rafah near the Egyptian border, stating the strikes responded to ceasefire violations.

In a separate development in the occupied West Bank, the U.S. Embassy began providing consular services Friday at an Israeli settlement for the first time.

This action reflects continuing policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has shown greater support for Israeli West Bank settlements compared to previous U.S. administrations.

Residents formed lines outside what appeared to be a gymnasium in Efrat, home to approximately 4,000 American citizens. Tables filled the space beneath a wall sign reading: “US Embassy welcome to Efrat.”

Efrat Mayor Dovi Sheffler celebrated the new service availability. “The United States says Efrat is part of Israel, Efrat is going to be forever here,” he said.

The U.S. Embassy has historically offered consular services in Ramallah and other Palestinian West Bank communities with Palestinian American populations.

Over 3.4 million Palestinians and 700,000 Israelis inhabit the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in 1967 that Palestinians seek for future statehood. International consensus widely regards Israeli settlement construction in these areas as illegal and detrimental to peace efforts.

VIENNA (AP) — The International Atomic Energy Agency cannot confirm Iran’s uranium enrichment activities following Tehran’s refusal to grant inspectors access to nuclear sites damaged during June’s 12-day conflict, according to a classified report obtained Friday by The Associated Press.

The confidential IAEA document, distributed among member nations, states the agency “cannot verify whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities” or determine “the size of Iran’s uranium stockpile at the affected nuclear facilities” due to the access restrictions.

Satellite imagery analysis has revealed “regular vehicular activity around the entrance to the tunnel complex at Isfahan,” the watchdog agency noted in its assessment.

The Isfahan complex, located approximately 350 kilometers (215 miles) southeast of Tehran, served as a primary production site for uranium gas used in centrifuge operations for purification processes.

Israeli forces targeted structures at the Isfahan nuclear installation, including a uranium conversion plant, while U.S. forces also launched missile strikes against Isfahan during last June’s military operations.

The IAEA’s satellite surveillance has detected “activities being conducted at some of the affected nuclear facilities, including the enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow,” though the agency emphasized that “without access to these facilities it is not possible for the Agency to confirm the nature and the purpose of the activities.”

Military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached a critical point, with Pakistan’s defense minister declaring that an ‘open war’ situation now exists between the two nations.

Afghan military personnel have taken defensive positions along the shared border as both countries engage in reciprocal military strikes against each other. The escalating conflict reflects decades of complex relations between the neighboring nations that trace back to when Pakistan gained independence in 1947.

The Associated Press has compiled photographic documentation showing the current military standoff, with images capturing Afghan forces maintaining their border positions during this period of heightened hostilities.

LONDON — Metropolitan Police officers apprehended a vandal in the act Friday as he spray-painted pro-Palestinian messages across the Winston Churchill monument in downtown London.

Authorities arrested the 38-year-old man on charges of racially motivated criminal damage after he allegedly scrawled “Zionist war criminal” in red paint on the base of the 12-foot bronze figure of the former British Prime Minister, which stands opposite Big Ben and Parliament, according to police officials.

Additional messages reading “Stop the Genocide” and “Free Palestine” were also found painted in red across the sculpture.

A Dutch organization known as “Free the Filton 24” took credit for the vandalism. The group’s name references Palestine Action protesters who face charges for infiltrating facilities belonging to Elbit, an Israeli defense contractor operating in Britain.

Following standard protocol for uncharged individuals, police have not released the suspect’s identity, though they confirmed he remains in detention.

Olax Outis, identifying himself as a Dutch member of the activist organization, stepped forward as the person responsible through a series of pre-recorded Instagram messages.

“If you see this message that peaceful protest has begun and it’s a reasonable assumption that I’m currently in a jail, somewhere in London,” he wrote.

Outis criticized both Churchill and Britain’s current leadership, stating he aimed to bring “attention to the horrible human rights violations happening in a country that’s run by colonizers who refuse to listen to their people.”

The monument, crafted by sculptor Ivor Roberts-Jones and dedicated in 1973, has been targeted by vandals multiple times. In 2020, Black Lives Matter demonstrators spray-painted “racist” on the statue, and climate activists from Extinction Rebellion did the same this past October.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared Friday that his nation is engaged in an “open war” with Afghanistan, as military clashes have intensified into the most severe armed conflict between these neighboring countries since a Qatar-brokered ceasefire collapsed in October.

The two nations share a complex relationship dating back to Pakistan’s establishment in 1947. Despite traditional social, ethnic and economic connections, their relationship has remained unstable and frequently erupted into military confrontations.

Recent months have seen sporadic clashes along their winding, permeable border as tensions have mounted. The current conflict represents the most dangerous escalation yet.

Thursday evening saw Afghanistan launch a major cross-border offensive targeting six Pakistani provinces, which Afghan officials described as retaliation for Pakistani air attacks on Afghanistan the previous Sunday. While Pakistan claimed those Sunday strikes eliminated dozens of militants in Afghanistan, Kabul maintained that only innocent civilians, including women and children, were killed.

Pakistan responded with early Friday morning airstrikes targeting Afghanistan’s capital along with Kandahar and Paktia regions. Border combat, which had temporarily stopped, resumed and continued throughout Friday.

Pakistani officials point to a dramatic increase in domestic militant violence over recent years, including suicide attacks and coordinated strikes against security personnel. Pakistan blames the Pakistani Taliban, called Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, for many incidents and claims Afghanistan provides sanctuary for the organization within its borders.

Afghan leadership denies these accusations, stating it prohibits anyone from using Afghan territory for attacks against any nation, including Pakistan.

Formed in 2007, the TTP united various banned organizations that agreed to collaborate against Pakistan while supporting the Afghan Taliban, who were then battling U.S. and NATO troops. Both the United Nations and United States classify it as a terrorist organization.

The organization demands stricter implementation of Islamic law, freedom for imprisoned members in Pakistan, and reduced Pakistani military presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the border region it has historically used as its operational base.

While distinct from the Afghan Taliban now governing Afghanistan, the TTP maintains close ties with them. Many TTP leaders and fighters are believed to have found refuge in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s 2021 return to power, further deteriorating relations.

Afghanistan facilitated a brief ceasefire between the TTP and Pakistan in 2022. The agreement collapsed when the TTP claimed Pakistan’s military violated the terms.

Pakistan was among just three nations — alongside Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — that recognized the Taliban’s initial government after they first took control in 1996. Following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, Islamabad shifted to support Washington in the U.S.-led Afghan war, a change that infuriated domestic Islamist militant organizations.

Most tension centers on the countries’ 2,611-kilometer (1,622-mile) border called the Durand Line. Named for British diplomat Mortimer Durand and established in 1893, this boundary divides the traditional homeland of the Pashtun people, Afghanistan’s largest ethnic group and the source of Afghan Taliban leadership.

While internationally recognized as Pakistan’s western border, Afghanistan refuses to acknowledge it as legitimate.

Each country regularly accuses the other of ignoring Islamic militants operating along this frontier.

Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions have remained elevated for months. They peaked last year when dozens of civilians, security forces and militants died in the deadliest confrontations between the countries in years.

On October 8, militants attacked an army convoy in Pakistan’s Orakzai district, killing 11 soldiers. This assault was part of ongoing violence that has claimed hundreds of civilian and security personnel lives in recent years.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared Pakistan could no longer accept continued casualties and authorized the military to respond with full authority. The next day, Pakistan’s military conducted strikes inside Afghanistan, triggering cross-border battles.

A Qatar-mediated ceasefire in mid-October stopped the fighting, though repeated strikes and skirmishes in the border region have since occurred, resulting in dozens of deaths. The two sides report vastly different casualty numbers.

Istanbul peace negotiations in November failed to produce a lasting solution.

Tensions have also increased over Pakistan’s mass deportation of Afghan refugees.

In 2023, Pakistan initiated a nationwide campaign against foreigners living without legal status. While officials claimed the effort wasn’t targeting any specific nationality, it has predominantly affected Afghans.

Over four decades, millions of Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan, escaping war, political turmoil and economic difficulties in their homeland. The crackdown impacts more than two million Afghans in Pakistan, including some born there.

Iran, Afghanistan’s western neighbor, has also conducted deportations, further straining resources in impoverished Afghanistan. The U.N. refugee agency reports 5.4 million people have returned to the country since October 2023, mostly from Pakistan and Iran.

The conflict has concerned the international community, particularly since the region hosts other militant groups, including al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, which maintain a presence and seek to re-emerge.

In October, Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia had facilitated discussions between the parties. At that time, U.S. President Donald Trump had also commented, saying he planned to resolve the conflict “very quickly.” Whether he will intervene again remains uncertain.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan contacted his Pakistani, Afghan, Qatari and Saudi counterparts, a Turkish official said Friday, speaking anonymously according to government policy.

Russia has urged an immediate end to hostilities and a diplomatic solution to the conflict, while Iran expressed readiness to help facilitate dialogue.