AfghanGuard

The United States has imposed additional visa restrictions on current or former Taliban members and others responsible for repressing women and girls in Afghanistan. The Taliban's recent edicts banning women from public and private universities and NGOs, and closing secondary schools to girls, have forced over one million school-aged Afghan girls and young women out of the classroom, worsening the country's humanitarian and economic crises. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the Taliban cannot expect the respect and support of the international community until they respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, including women and girls. The U.S. will continue to support the inclusion of female staff in aid delivery in Afghanistan and safe access to vulnerable populations.

Date: 24 February 2023
Location: Balkh Province, Afghanistan
Incident: Child Kidnapping and Rescue Operation
A child who was kidnapped ten days ago in Mazar-i-Sharif city was rescued from the captors in an operation carried out by the security forces in Balkh province. During the operation, one kidnapper was killed in a shootout, and two others managed to escape.
The child was found safe and unharmed during the operation and was handed over to his family.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan, including the risk of kidnapping for ransom.