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.
Emmilia O’Sullivan’s inspiring journey highlights resilience in overcoming life-threatening health challenges and her mission to help others.
In Short
Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, has faced severe health challenges since childhood but remains resilient and determined to inspire others through her book, podcast and beyond. She emphasises a positive mindset and actively engages with her medical team while supporting her family during her journey.
Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, shared her journey through numerous health challenges starting from childhood.
Born with kidney disease, she had a kidney removed by age two and lived on one kidney until major complications arose at seventeen, requiring a bladder reconstruction and a kidney transplant at twenty-one.
However, shortly after her transplant, she faced a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at twenty-two. Following remission, she discovered rare EBV-driven smooth muscle tumors.
Over the years, Emmilia dealt with various medical issues, including a tumour requiring a craniotomy and a severe bout of sepsis that led to a coma.
Despite these obstacles, Emmilia demonstrates remarkable resilience, emphasising a positive mindset and a strong desire to survive. She actively engages with her medical team, focusing on treatments and timelines, determined to keep moving forward.
Her support system includes her husband and family, and she also plays a reassuring role for them despite her struggles.
Emmilia views her health challenges not as defining elements but as aspects of her life alongside her ambition to inspire younger individuals facing similar issues.
Through her book, & podcast she aims to provide guidance and support for others.
You can find her podcast on social media platforms and her website, ammeliaosullivan.com. Emmilia’s story is a testament to fighting spirit and the pursuit of life goals despite adversity.
Mental health support needs increased funding and resources to combat stigma and ensure affordability in Australia.
In Short
Demand for mental health support is rising in Australia, hindered by affordability, resource shortages, and stigma. Shehara Fernando, CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, calls for equal prioritisation of mental health services and systemic changes to improve access and reduce stigma.
The demand for mental health support continues to rise as affordability, resource shortages, and societal stigma present significant hurdles.
Shehara Fernando, founder and CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, highlighted the pressing need to prioritise mental health services on par with physical health care in Australia. High out-of-pocket costs hinder access, with current Medicare rebates often inadequate for ongoing therapy and specialised treatment.
Resource shortages, particularly of psychologists and psychiatrists, must be addressed through increased training of healthcare professionals and the expansion of telehealth options, which can reach rural populations effectively. Fernando emphasised the need for tailored services for diverse groups facing unique mental health challenges.
Overcoming societal stigma, especially among men, remains critical. Statistics reveal only 15% of Australian men with mental health conditions seek help, with a substantial number dropping out of treatment. Fernando urged public figures to speak openly about mental health, fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.
Crowned Cross Healthcare aims to deliver quality mental health services and encourages individuals to connect through their website and social media for support and resources. More systemic changes and discussions are vital for improving mental health care access.
Trump and Netanyahu warn of renewed conflict if hostages are not freed by deadline.
Hamas has confirmed it will release three more Israeli hostages as originally planned, reversing an earlier threat to delay their release.
The terror group had warned that it would withhold the captives unless Israel provided compensation for what it claimed were unmet entitlements.
However, under mounting international pressure, Hamas has agreed to proceed with the release.
The announcement comes amid growing tensions, as both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have made it clear that a failure to release all remaining hostages by Saturday at noon could result in the collapse of the current ceasefire.
Trump, during a press conference, stated that if the deadline is not met, Israel should “cancel it and … let hell break out.”
Netanyahu echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing that Israel would take decisive action if Hamas did not comply.
In a recent meeting, Trump and Netanyahu also discussed the possibility of resettling Palestinians outside of Gaza and even suggested U.S. control over the region—a proposal that has sparked debate among international leaders.
Josh Hasten a Middle East correspondent for JNS, and the co-host of the JNS podcast “Jerusalem Minute” joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.