A bomb-making facility allegedly run by Pakistani Taliban fighters exploded, causing the death of at least 24 people, including 10 women and children. The explosion has been linked to an alleged state-sponsored bombing campaign in the region by opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Local lawmaker Abdul Ghani Afridi condemned the attack as "state oppression" and called for accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
Reports have emerged of a devastating airstrike in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, allegedly carried out by Pakistani fighter jets. The attack is said to have killed over 30 civilians, including women and children, and flattened homes in the area. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with local leaders accusing the Pakistani government of targeting innocent civilians under the guise of counter-terrorism. The Pakistan Army has denied any involvement and claimed that the casualties were a result of a terrorist munitions accident.
At least 30 civilians, including women and children, were killed in an air strike carried out by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operation, allegedly targeting Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, resulted in multiple blast zones and widespread destruction in a densely populated civilian settlement. While the PAF used precision glide bombs, local sources and survivors reported a high number of civilian casualties, raising questions about Pakistan's military conduct in its tribal belt and risking further resentment and anti-state militancy. Tribal elders and Pashtun activists have organized demonstrations and social media campaigns to protest against the strikes.
The Pakistani military has ramped up airstrikes and raids in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan border regions in response to a surge in militant attacks. However, these operations have also raised concerns about civilian casualties and allegations of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have announced their formal recognition of a Palestinian state, despite opposition from the United States and Israel. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that this move is to revive hope for peace for both Palestinians and Israelis, and that Hamas must release the hostages it still holds. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that this recognition aims to strengthen those who seek peaceful coexistence and end Hamas. Finally, Australia has also recognized a Palestinian state, joining other Western governments ahead of this week's United Nations General Assembly.
The Trump administration has issued a stern warning to Afghanistan, demanding the return of the Bagram Airbase to the United States. This move is seen as a strategic move to establish a forward operating base against China, Iran, and Russia, as well as to re-establish US hard power credibility in the region. Sources also suggest that this demand indicates Washington's prioritization of Pakistan over Afghanistan, and could potentially lead to a realignment of power dynamics in the region.
Former US President Donald Trump took to his social media platform to demand that Afghanistan return control of the Bagram Airbase to the United States. Trump reminded the Taliban, now in control of Afghanistan, that he had overseen the US troop withdrawal agreement in 2021 during his first term and warned of consequences if his demand was not met. However, according to a Taliban official, no such arrangement had been discussed during the Doha talks and the agreement did not include any mention of returning bases to US control. Bagram, once the largest American military installation in Afghanistan, holds strategic importance for projecting power in the region.
Former US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to the Taliban government in Afghanistan, stating that the United States will take back control of the Bagram Air Base if it is not returned to them. Trump's statement comes amidst ongoing efforts by Western countries, particularly the US, to re-establish a military presence in the region. While some members of the US Congress have backed Trump's position, China has dismissed his remarks and continues to call for regional peace and stability. Afghan officials, on the other hand, have reiterated their stance of rejecting any foreign military presence in the country, but remain open to political and economic engagement. This development has raised concerns about potential confrontation in the region and has led to warnings from other countries, such as Russia, against Western efforts to regain a foothold in Afghanistan.
US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Afghanistan, saying that if the Taliban-controlled country does not return the Bagram Airbase to the US, there will be consequences. Trump's statement comes after he hinted at the US retaking control of the base during a state visit to the UK. The Bagram Airbase played a crucial role in the US-led war against the Taliban, but has since been handed over to Afghan forces, leading to concerns about human rights abuses at the facility.
The United States Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns over the newly proposed $100,000 H-1B visa sponsorship fee by the Trump Administration. In response, the Secretary of Homeland Security has stated that the Department of Homeland Security is continuously working towards improving the immigration system for both employers and workers. Stay updated on the latest developments and reactions surrounding the proposed fee on News24.