Taliban cell confesses to carrying out series of targeted assassinations

The cell was responsible for the November killing of television journalist Yama Siawash, as well as other targeted attacks against police leaders, prosecutors and judges.

Beijing turns Muslim suffering in Xinjiang into musical melodrama

The musical film 'The Wings of Songs' is a tasteless attempt by China to try to reframe the regime's well documented abuses against Muslims in Xinjiang -- and no one is buying it.

Kunduz residents urge Taliban to stop violence during Ramadan

A ceasefire should occur during Ramadan, residents say, stressing that Afghans should not be disturbed by violence during the holy month.

Protests erupt after brutal rape, murder of teenage girl by Taliban in Jawzjan

After a Taliban commander raped and shot a 16-year-old girl, members of the militant group imprisoned her parents for filing a complaint in a Taliban court over the heinous crime.

Taliban threats, violence force over 300,000 children out of school in Herat

'Illiteracy and lack of knowledge are key tools of the Taliban's war,' said one analyst, as the group's activities thwart untold thousands of children from fulfilling their dreams.

Video of Taliban commander beating child in Ghor sparks outrage

A video clip circulated online shows a child pleading with a Taliban commander to stop whipping him, but the militant refuses and continues what many describe as a disturbing 'un-Islamic' act.

Taliban take aim at freedom of expression with brutal assassinations, intimidation

The Taliban have ramped up attacks against journalists in recent months in the hopes of silencing critics and undermining hope for an open society in Afghanistan.

Thousands of displaced in Kandahar face uncertainty after Taliban offensive

An estimated 9,500 families have been displaced after the Taliban forced them from their homes. Now, these civilians face severe food shortages and a bleak future.

Killing of al-Qaeda, Taliban leaders together proves groups' ongoing ties

Special forces killed Abu Mohammad al-Tajiki, a senior al-Qaeda member, alongside Taliban commander Hamza Mahajer in Paktika Province -- further evidence of an inconvenient truth.

Local Army forces in western region keep Taliban in check

Recruiting local forces to combat the Taliban has kept the militants away from villages and helped restore security, say Afghan officials.