Taliban moves swiftly to increase their rule across the region – the military group has clashed with protestors who are fighting back against the regime
The Taliban has continued to move swiftly to increase their rule across the region – the military group has clashed with protestors who are fighting back against the regime.
This comes as thousands of Afghan residents and foreign nationals rush to Kabul’s main airport in a desperate bid to escape the country before it’s too late.
As of today, the US military has so far evacuated around 7,000 people from Afghanistan after taking control of the airport earlier in the week.
It appears that the Taliban are cooperating with the evacuation efforts but there are fears that this could change very quickly.
Ned Price from the US State Department stated that the America’s rescue efforts are continuing.
We are also hearing reports that the Taliban is forcing Afghan residents to stay inside and the militant group is moving to enforce a curfew for “an indefinite time”.
This comes as residents line the streets in several cities to protest the Taliban’s regime and call for a return to a democratic government.
All kinds of movement will now be banned by the Taliban in the wake of protests
All kinds of movement will now be banned by the Taliban in the wake of protests
The clampdown follows a United Nations briefing that found that the Taliban is stepping up the search for “collaborators”.
The G7 foreign ministers have called on the militant group to continue to honour their commitment to allowing safe passage out of the country.
In a statement, the UK’s Dominic Raab says “the ministers are deeply concerned by reports of violent reprisals in parts of Afghanistan”.
UK’s Dominic Raab (pictured)
‘The fact is that a future Afghan government that upholds the basic rights of its people, that doesn’t harbor terrorists, and that protects the basic rights of its people, including the basic fundamental rights of half of its population, its women and girls, that is a government that we would be able to work with,’
Australia’s evacuation flight arrives in Perth
The first Australian evacuation flight from Afghanistan has arrived in Perth.
The Royal Australian Air Force plane carrying 90 Australians and Afghan visa holders landed in Western Australia this morning.It marks the first flight of more than 600 Australians and refugees to make the journey.
40 additional troops have been deployed to Kabul as rescue efforts continue.
On Thursday, Taliban militants fired into the air to try to control the crowds gathered at the airport’s blast walls.
Men, women and children fled in fear for their safety, scrambing into planes – some without a ticket.
Fighter jets later roared overhead, but no airstrike accompanied their pass.The ABC reported that several Australians and visa holders trying to get through were forced to flee after Taliban guards attacked people.
In Short:
– Peter Mandelson has been dismissed as Britain’s ambassador to the US due to connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
– Prime Minister Keir Starmer reversed his support after new details revealed the significance of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein.
Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, has been dismissed following revelations about his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer requested Mandelson’s withdrawal after emails indicated that the nature of their relationship was more significant than previously understood.The decision comes after the release of a birthday book containing a letter from Mandelson, referring to Epstein as “my best pal.”
Although Starmer initially supported Mandelson, he reversed his stance amidst growing pressure from his party.
The foreign ministry stated that new details indicated a changed understanding of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein, which warranted his removal.
Deep Association
Mandelson reportedly suggested that Epstein’s first conviction should be challenged, which was viewed as troubling new information.
Expressing remorse, he acknowledged the painful impact of Epstein’s actions on victims and lamented his continued association with him, describing Epstein as a “charismatic criminal liar.”
In Short:
– Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was killed at Utah Valley University.
– A manhunt for the actual shooter is underway; two men have been questioned and released without charges.
Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The incident occurred around 12:20 PM when Kirk was shot in the neck, leading to a chaotic scene as attendees fled. Kirk, a father of two, died shortly after being taken to a local hospital.Investigators believe the shooter fired from a building approximately 200 yards away.
During the aftermath, two men, one of whom claimed to have fired the shot, were taken into custody but later released without charges. A manhunt is ongoing for the actual shooter.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that those responsible will be held accountable, outlining the state’s commitment to justice.
President Donald Trump condemned the political climate surrounding Kirk’s death, blaming extreme rhetoric and violence.
In a statement, he remembered Kirk as a patriot who advocated for open debate. Following the incident, vigils were held nationwide, and classes at the university have been cancelled.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigations continue, American flags will fly at half-staff until Sunday in honour of Kirk.
“I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, told a news conference.
“And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said that its State Crime Lab was “working with multiple active crime scenes”.
“These were identified based on where the victim was shot, as well as the locations where the suspect and victim travelled,” a department statement said.
“The shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard.”
Eyewitness account
Attendee Tiana Lao said the shooting came as a shock in what otherwise felt like an= normal event.
“We didn’t realise it was real at first and then everyone began rushing out, shouting to get down in panic and distress,” she told ABC News.
“People were excited. There were some opponents like there usually are at these events … but they were peaceful, so this was a total shock.”
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk assassinated at Utah university, leaving a significant void in U.S. conservative politics. #BreakingNews
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been assassinated while speaking at a Utah university, sparking shock and grief across America.
Known as the founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk became a leading voice in the MAGA movement, shaping conservative youth politics and energising Donald Trump’s base.
His sudden death leaves a major void in the U.S. conservative landscape.