UN Political Mission Members Detained by Taliban Authorities in Afghanistan
· 92 views
Kabul (Terror Monitor) — Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have detained two members of the United Nations political mission in the country, the UN said Thursday.
According to the UN, officials from the Taliban administration’s General Directorate of Intelligence detained the two members on Sunday, August 9, in the western Afghan city of Herat.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York that both detainees are members of the UN mission’s staff. He said the authorities have provided no explanation of the allegations against them and have not yet allowed UN officials to meet with the detained personnel.
Haq said the UN political mission in Afghanistan had called on the Taliban authorities to respect the privileges and immunities afforded to the United Nations and its personnel under international law.
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, following the withdrawal of NATO forces after more than two decades of war.
The UN political mission in Afghanistan was established through a decision of the UN Security Council. Its main responsibilities include supporting and advising humanitarian efforts, promoting and protecting human rights, advocating equal rights for women and girls, and assisting efforts to improve governance and economic stability in the country.
Related Articles
Israel Intensifies Airstrikes on Southern Lebanon, Killing at Least 11
At least 11 people, including two children and two medical workers, were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, as Israel intensified its air campaign despite a June ceasefire with Hezbollah. The latest attacks have raised renewed concerns over the future of the ceasefire and stability along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
More Than 140 Killed in Clashes Between Yemen’s Government Forces and Houthis
More than 140 fighters have been killed in recent clashes between Yemen’s government forces and Iran-aligned Houthi fighters in southwestern Yemen. The fighting over the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait has become the deadliest in the area in two months, with more than 300 fighters and some civilians reportedly killed since Thursday.
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Positions in Southern Lebanon
Israel says it struck multiple sites in southern Lebanon in response to two Hezbollah drone attacks targeting Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military also warned residents near a building in Arab Salim to evacuate, saying Hezbollah was using the site. Hezbollah has not commented.
Russian Missile Strike in Ukraine Kills Five Steel Plant Workers
A Russian ballistic missile strike on a steel plant in Ukraine’s eastern Dnipro region has killed five workers and damaged production facilities and other infrastructure. Steelmaker Metinvest said all operations at the plant had been suspended following the attack.