UN Agency Warns of Thousands of Deaths Among Women Following US Aid Cut

Over half a million U.S. weapons and military equipment, primarily obtained by the Taliban, have reportedly been lost, sold, or smuggled into the hands of militant groups, according to sources cited by the BBC. Following the Taliban's takeover in 2021, they acquired approximately one million pieces of military hardware, much of which was funded by U.S. taxpayers. Sources reveal that, during a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council's Sanctions Committee in Doha, the Taliban admitted that around half of the military equipment is unaccounted for. UN reports indicate that groups affiliated with al-Qaeda, such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, have either accessed or purchased these weapons on the black market. While Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat claims that all arms are securely stored, former Afghan officials dispute this, stating that local commanders are allowed to keep a portion of seized weapons, fostering a thriving black market. Furthermore, the U.S. accountability measures for the equipment left behind have been criticized for being insufficient and unreliable, complicating tracking efforts.

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, aged 79 and 75, have been held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan for over two months, according to their daughter, Susie Romer. The couple, who have worked on educational projects in the country for 18 years, have reportedly endured 29 interrogations without any charges being filed against them. They were arrested alongside American national Faye Hall while traveling home to Bamyan province. Hall was released recently following diplomatic efforts that included the lifting of bounties on Taliban leaders by the Trump administration. Romer has expressed her distress, stating that her parents' situation is dire, characterized by "absolutely horrific" prison conditions involving infestations and limited food. She is urging the UK government to escalate its efforts for their release, emphasizing the urgency given the couple's risky circumstances. Although the Taliban stated that the case "will soon be resolved," no timeline has been provided. The British Foreign Office reiterated its commitment to support the Reynolds family during this ordeal.

Over 200 health facilities operated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Afghanistan have ceased operations following significant cuts in U.S. aid, impacting 1.84 million people, according to WHO sources. These closures come after the Trump administration's freeze on foreign assistance, which included over $40 billion for international projects from USAID. Health clinics have shut down across 28 of the country's 34 provinces, leading to an escalating humanitarian crisis in a nation already struggling with poverty and outbreaks of diseases such as measles and polio. Ajyal Sultany, head of communications at WHO in Afghanistan, noted that the closure is particularly detrimental to marginalized communities who face increased risks of malnutrition and disease. The situation is aggravated by Taliban restrictions requiring women to have a male guardian to access healthcare. Other organizations, such as Save the Children, have also reported clinic closures due to funding shortfalls, with many areas lacking essential health services. Experts warn that without intervention, the healthcare crisis in Afghanistan may worsen significantly.