The World Today: Top stories of the day
#440, 03 September 2026
Avaneesh S, and Yesasvi Koganti

The War in Ukraine: The US-Russia talks to end the war expands to include a multibillion-dollar oil deal
On 02 October, Reuters reported that diplomatic talks between the Trump administration and Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine have expanded to include a multibillion-dollar oil transaction involving international assets owned by Russia’s energy giant Lukoil. The proposed deal involves global oil fields, refineries, and gas stations owned by Lukoil, with President Putin raising the idea during the last month Kremlin meeting with US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to demonstrate commercial ties could resume. The potential buyer group led by American billionaire Todd Boehly includes a US government entity alongside Middle Eastern investment groups with ties to Kushner and Witkoff's family.
(“US-Russia talks on Ukraine involve multi-billion dollar oil deal, NYT reports,” Reuters, 02 October 2026)

Yemen: Pakistan to hold emergency talks evaluating Iran's proposal on engaging Houthis; Saudi Arabia prepares for a multi-front offensive
On 02 October, Reuters reported that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that a committee of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement will hold an emergency meeting in Riyadh to evaluate Iran’s proposal to engage the Houthis movement politically following escalated attacks against Saudi Arabia. The member countries pledged mutual defence, with Pakistan deploying up to 40,000 troops to bolster Saudi border defences and air interception capabilities while firmly ruling out combat operations inside Yemen. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is preparing a major multi-front offensive led by local Yemeni forces to dislodge Houthis from the Bab el-Mandeb strait and reopen critical Red Sea shipping corridors. Supported by Saudi airstrikes, US intelligence, and military hardware from alliance partners Pakistan and Turkey, the operation could mobilise over 100,000 ground troops in the coming weeks. Riyadh concluded that new peace talks remain impossible while Houthis hold strategic maritime leverage.
(“Pakistan says Mecca pact members to hold emergency talks on engaging Houthis,” Reuters, 02 October 2026; “Saudis plan assault on Houthis to break Red Sea chokehold,” Reuters, 02 October 2026)

North Korea: Pyongyang tests intermediate-range missile in drill, says Kim Yo Jong 
On 03 October, Reuters reported that Kim Yo Jong,’ sister of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, confirmed that Pyongyang conducted a drill testing an intermediate-range strategic missile overseen by Kim Jong Un and executed by a specialized firepower unit. The military said the ballistic missile passed over 700 kilometers (435 miles) of sea that stretches to the east coast of South Korea. Kim Yo Jong claimed in her statement that the weapon was equipped with AI technology to modify its flight orbit at low altitudes, and had adopted a "wave-like trajectory mode" that enables it to evade detection and defy tracking. The launch comes as North Korea has been testing missiles over the past few months in the wake of various military exercises by the region. The exhibition is dedicated to a statement by Kim Yo Jong, South Korea's younger sister, that recently condemned Seoul for asking for an apology over landmines that struck South Korean soldiers in the Demilitarized Zone.
(“North Korea's Kim Yo Jong says intermediate-range missile test was conducted,” Reuters, 03 October 2026)

Taiwan: Former President Tsai Ing-wen to visit US for Stanford National Security Conference
On 03 October, Reuters reported that Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen announced that she will travel to the US next week to deliver the opening keynote address at Stanford University's DEFCON 2026 Technology & National Security Conference, marking her first visit to the country since completing her term in 2024. Tsai announced on social media that her speech will include Taiwan's experience in balancing rapid technology advancement with democratic resilience and national security challenges, and how these elements can be shared with international leaders from government, academia, and tech industries. The visit follows a recent series of diplomatic meetings in Europe and North America, where Beijing routinely objects to official contacts with Taiwan's leaders; it also comes after Beijing's long-standing opposition to any direct contacts with Tsai or her successor, President Lai Ching-te.
(“Former Taiwan president Tsai to visit US next week,” Reuters, 03 October 2026)

Canada and Turkey: PM Carney to hold bilateral meeting with President Erdogan, finalising FTA 
On 02 October, Reuters reported that Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is planning to visit Turkey later this month. He would be visiting Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan, marking the first bilateral visit by a Canada's PM to the country. PM Carney is expected to finalise the Free Trade Agreement with Turkey, when negotiations were officially announced on the sidelines of the NATO summit in July. Senior ministers and government officials from both sides have met with each other and agreed to expand cooperation on renewable and nuclear energy, aerospace, defence and engineering projects. 
(“Carney plans to visit Turkey this month, sources say,” Reuters, 02 October 2026)

Today in History 
03 October 1990: Germany reunifies, marking the integration of the German Democratic Republic into the Federal Republic ending WWII
On 03 October 1990, the former German Democratic Republic integrated into the Federal Republic following the historic fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, marking the reunification of Germany.  This reunification formally ended World War II and Cold War division. Propelled by a mass exodus of East Germans seeking economic opportunity and democratic freedoms, the rapid integration was orchestrated by West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl alongside international negotiations in the "Two Plus Four" forum involving the two Germanys and the four main Allied powers: the US, USSR, UK, and France. In exchange for billions in economic assistance, President Mikhail Gorbachev agreed to withdraw troops and permit a unified Germany to hold full sovereignty within NATO, guaranteeing Poland's western border. Despite widespread national celebration, the immediate post-unification era was marked by severe economic dislocation, the collapse of East German industry, rising federal costs, and social friction as the country confronted the painful legacy of state surveillance and eastern economic disparity.
(“Germany Reunification,” Britannica, 1990)

The Indian Neighbourhood Today
#237, 03 September 2026
Aishal Yousuf, Namrata L Ghanghatkar, and Priyanka Makhijani

Nepal: Government plans new laws to support investment and economic growth
On 03 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that Nepal’s Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle pledged to reform existing laws to support investment and economic activity. Minister Wagle said the government plans to introduce 27 new laws during the current fiscal year and has already repealed 15 outdated Acts. The government aims to achieve 7 per cent economic growth over the next decade and expand the economy to USD 100 billion. Minister Gautam said the current fiscal year has been designated the “Year of Lawmaking and Reform,” with a target of registering 166 bills in Parliament. She said 54 bills had already received Cabinet approval. Business groups called for simpler, clearer and more transparent legal procedures, particularly for infrastructure development.
(“Ministers pledge legal reforms ahead of Nepal infrastructure summit,” The Kathmandu Post, 03 October 2026)

Bhutan: Lhuentse businesses struggle, as population decline shrinks demand
On 03 October, Kuensel reported that business owners in Phaling town, Lhuentse’s main commercial hub, were struggling amid declining incomes and a shrinking customer base, with 323 households left vacant across the dzongkhag due to rural-to-urban and outward migration. Business owners cited intensifying competition, high transport costs and geographic isolation as key challenges, with some reporting monthly earnings as low as BTN 10,000 after expenses. The Lhuentse Dzongkhag Administration is now turning to tourism to revive the local economy, planning its inaugural Kishuthara Festival in December and developing infrastructure to integrate the region into the wider eastern Bhutan tourism circuit.
(“Lhuentse town struggles as population decline hits local demand,” Kuensel, 03 October 2026)

Bangladesh: Government outlines five-year development agenda
On 03 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman outlined the government’s five-year action plan at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026, focusing on economic stability and institutional reform. The government aims to attract investment, expand employment and strengthen social protection through Family, Farmers, Health and Universal Cards. It plans to recruit 100,000 health workers, expand healthcare access and education reforms, and provide free school support. Policies catered towards the youth will emphasise on skills, technology, AI, entrepreneurship and transforming brain drain into brain circulation.
(“PM: Govt moving ahead to implement promises made to people,” Dhaka Tribune, 03 October 2026)

Myanmar: Military market airstrikes kill 145 civilians since 2022
On 03 October, Mizzima reported that the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) Project said Myanmar’s military had carried out 41 airstrikes on local markets since January 2022, killing at least 145 civilians. The findings followed a 28 September strike on the India Market and Kissapanadi Bridge in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, which killed at least 50 people and injured 57 others. ACLED said attacks on civilian locations, including markets, schools and hospitals, had become a recurring pattern since the 2021 coup. Rakhine State recorded the highest casualties from market strikes, with at least 11 attacks and 49 deaths before the Kyauktaw bombing. The group linked the latest attacks to Operation 4926, launched on 04 September against the Arakan Army. It said the military had suffered battlefield losses without regaining significant territory, while expanding attacks could further expose civilians to harm.
(“Myanmar’s military has struck local markets 41 times since 2022, killing at least 145 civilians, ACLED says,” Mizzima, 03 October 2026)

Sri Lanka: Government urges fuel conservation and shift to clean energy
On 03 October, Daily Mirror reported that Sri Lanka’s government has urged the public to reduce fuel consumption, avoid peak energy demand periods and adopt fuel efficient and electric vehicles as the country transitions towards cleaner energy. Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka stressed that energy security requires controlling consumption alongside fuel prices. The government plans to add 1,200 megawatts of solar capacity by 2029. Meanwhile, new petroleum infrastructure at Muthurajawela will expand aviation fuel and petroleum storage capacity, while President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised maintaining a strong state role in the energy sector.
(“Govt. urges public to cut fuel use, switch to EVs,” Daily Mirror, 03 October 2026)

Maldives: Three islands eye revenue from blue carbon projects
On 03 October, The Edition reported that councils from three Maldivian islands, Vaikaradhoo, Kanditheemu and Fuvahmulah City, prepared to launch Blue Carbon projects aimed at earning USD revenue by naturally capturing carbon dioxide, with the IMF valuing a tonne of carbon at USD 85. The projects were opened to investors at the “Rasvehi Tharaghee” forum held during the MDP congress in Malé, with Kanditheemu’s initiative, led by the Blue Guide Foundation, planning a 10-year Blue Carbon Observatory pending government approval and scientific studies. Maldivian Democratic Party Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed estimated Kanditheemu could generate USD 75,000 to 100,000 annually, while Fuvahmulah’s mangroves could earn the city up to USD 4.9 million a year, and Addu up to USD 06 million, pledging support to secure financing for the projects.
(“Three Islands prepare to earn from Blue Carbon Projects,” The Edition, 03 October 2026)

Afghanistan: Pakistan demands action against militants from Taliban administration
On 03 October, Afghanistan International reported that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar urged the Taliban administration to take concrete measures against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch insurgents, stressing that national security remains Islamabad’s priority. He called for assurances that Afghan territory would not be used for attacks against Pakistan, while defending continued border closures despite economic losses, including agricultural produce spoiling. Kabul is yet to respond to Minister Dar’s latest remarks but has previously rejected Pakistan’s allegations of TTP bases in Afghanistan, calling them baseless and describing Pakistan’s security challenges as internal.
(“Taliban Must Show Concrete Action Against Terrorist Groups, Says Pakistan FM,” Afghanistan International, 03 October 2026)

The World Today: Top stories of the day
#438, 01 October 2026
Acsah H, Samraksha Mukund, and Yesasvi Koganti

The US-Iran War: President Pezeshkian reaffirms dialogue with the US, as Trump prefers a "real deal"
On 01 October, Al Jazeera reported on Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirming that Tehran remains open to diplomatic dialogue with the US to resolve the ongoing conflict, despite President Trump dismissing Iran’s latest proposal. Speaking at a business gathering in Tehran, President Pezeshkian stated that Iran "has never avoided dialogue and will not do so," despite being targeted multiple times during negotiations. The statement comes as Tehran weighs a formal US counterproposal intended to break the deadlock over the wartime maritime transit crisis. Concurrently, Trump warned that while Washington prefers a "real deal," resuming military strikes against Iran remains an option after the upcoming US midterm elections. Trump asserted that the US holds control over the Strait of Hormuz and maintains sufficient ammunition stockpiles to support its military operations and regional allies, dismissing reports of munitions shortages as false. He reiterated that Washington would not permit Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. 
("Iran war live: Pezeshkian says Tehran to continue seeking dialogue with US,” Al Jazeera, 01 October 2026)

The US, France, and Germany: Washington urges France and Germany to release diesel stocks or face export ban
On 01 October, Reuters reported that the Trump administration warned Germany and France to release emergency diesel inventories or face a potential ban on US diesel exports. As President Trump seeks to curb high domestic fuel prices ahead of November's midterm elections, Washington has asked European countries to release 120 million barrels of diesel over the next six months. The ultimatum follows frustration in Washington over Europe's alleged delay in fulfilling earlier commitments to release petroleum stocks amid global supply disruptions from China and the Middle East. In response, EU officials, alongside leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and the UK, held discussions to coordinate potential releases, while France President Emmanuel Macron plans to convene a G7 video conference to address rising global energy prices.
(“US tells France and Germany to release diesel stocks or face US export ban,” Reuters, 01 October 2026)

The War in Ukraine: Kyiv urges US sanctions on Russia’s Rassvet satellite network over security risks
On 01 October, Reuters reported that Ukraine is urging the US to sanction entities and individuals involved in developing Moscow's Rassvet satellite network, a domestic alternative to SpaceX's Starlink, according to Kyiv's acting ambassador to Washington, Denys Sienik. Ukraine’s officials warned that allowing Russia’s low-orbit satellite constellation to become operational by 2027 would pose grave security risks, enabling Russian forces to target locations across Ukraine’s territory in real time. Kyiv requested expanding Western sanctions to block key components for the project, developed by Iks Holding, while also appealing for 300 additional Patriot air defence interceptors to counter surging Russian ballistic missile production. Additionally, Ukraine’s diplomats pushed Washington to allow Starlink internet coverage over Russian territory to enable strikes on missile launchers, criticising a lack of official US pushback against recent Russian missile strikes targeting American business facilities in Ukraine.
(“Ukraine urges US to sanction entities supporting Russia's Starlink rival,” Reuters, 01 October 2026)

Syria: "Beirut and Hezbollah held secret Turkey talks on security and regional tensions," says Reuters
On 01 October, Reuters reported that representatives of Syria’s new government and Hezbollah held secret, face-to-face talks in Turkey last month to ease regional tensions and discuss mutual security concerns. Initiated by Turkey’s security and intelligence agencies, the discussions focused on preventing cross-border military escalation following the late 2024 ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. While Syria’s officials sought Hezbollah’s assistance in dismantling Syria-based sleeper cells and curbing smuggling, Hezbollah sought assurances that Damascus would not intervene militarily against its forces in Lebanon. Though both sides reported progress on security matters and affirmed a lack of hostility, no final agreement was reached partly due to frustration from Tehran over Iran's exclusion from direct participation in the talks.
(“Syrian government officials and Hezbollah held secret talks in Turkey, sources say,” Reuters, 01 October 2026)

China and Taiwan: "US officials and people suggest that China taking Taiwan by the use of force is unlikely," says Reuters 
On 01 October, Reuters reported that US officials and people familiar with US thinking suggest that China taking democratically governed Taiwan by the use of force is unlikely despite President Xi's instructions for the military's readiness by 2027. The reasons for such delay are said to include delays in military readiness, President Xi's anti-corruption campaign, and Beijing's wait to see the results of Taiwan's 2028 election. China was believed to have drawn the lesson of needing to move quickly once an invasion begins from the wars in Iran and Ukraine. On elections, in the case of President Lai Ching-te returning to power, "2028 becomes pretty sporty," said one of the US officials. Taiwan's Presidential office spokesperson Kuo said that President Lai will strengthen Taipei’s defences, work with democratic allies, deter threats, and preserve peace and the status quo. President Lai champions Taiwan's separate identity from China as opposed to President Xi's recent claim of national "reunification."
("US sees Chinese invasion of Taiwan unlikely next year despite 2027 timeline, sources say," Reuters, 01 October 2026)

Today in History
01 October 1949: Mao Zedong officially established the People’s Republic of China
On 01 October 1949, communist revolutionary Mao Zedong officially established the People’s Republic of China during a massive rally of 200,000 people at Peking’s Gate of Heavenly Peace. Standing before the newly cleared square, Mao read a proclamation declaring the new regime as the sole legal government of China and openly invited diplomatic recognition from foreign nations. Concurrently, the newly formed Central People’s Government Council appointed 51-year-old France-educated General Zhou Enlai to the powerful dual roles of Premier and Foreign Minister. The day's appointments also finalised a structural shift that integrated the old military administration directly into the state architecture, with Mao heading the People's Revolutionary Military Council and Chu Teh serving as commander-in-chief of the army. Additionally, prominent jurist Shen Chun-ju was named Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court. While the new government announced a willingness to build relations based on equality and mutual respect for sovereignty, the US immediately withheld official recognition. This stance deepened a long political rift that was heavily criticised by America’s Republicans and further aggravated by the outbreak of the Korean War.
(“On This Day | Oct. 1,” The New York Times, 01 October 2026; “Mao Zedong proclaims People’s Republic of China,” History, 31 January 2025)

The Indian Neighbourhood Today
#235, 01 October 2026
Aishal Yousuf, Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Sreemaya Nair, and Urja R Kudalkar 

Nepal: Flood-hit families seek jobs alongside housing
On 01 October, Nepal News reported that families displaced by the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli floods are urging the government to focus on livelihoods along with housing during rehabilitation. Many survivors have lost their homes, farms and businesses and are now staying in temporary shelters or with relatives. The report highlights survivors who were displaced by the 2015 earthquake and displaced again by the 26 August flood. They say safe housing alone will not be enough to rebuild their lives. Families from Khalte in Rasuwa, for example, previously depended on agriculture and livestock farming. They are seeking support to resume farming, animal husbandry and other small businesses. Survivors have also suggested purchasing private land in areas such as Pipaltar and Majhitar and helping families establish livelihoods there. They say rehabilitation plans should consider their existing skills and sources of income.
("Beyond four walls: Flood-hit families urge government to prioritise jobs over houses," Nepal News, 01 October 2026)

Bhutan: Government adopts new indicator to measure value of nature
On 30 September, Asia News reported that Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay announced the adoption of the Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP), a new indicator measuring the economic value of ecosystem services, which stood at USD 6.2 billion in 2024, nearly double the country's GDP. The metric will sit alongside GDP and Gross National Happiness in assessing national development, with PM Tobgay saying it reflected the belief that development cannot be measured by economic growth alone. The initiative is supported by Stanford-based Natural Capital Alliance and the Enlight Foundation, aligning with the UN's "Beyond GDP" initiative, with Bhutan becoming the first country to officially adopt the measure, originally developed in China.
("Bhutan's new economic indicator to value nature," Asia News, 30 September 2026)

Bhutan Opinion: Yangyel Lhaden, “Bhutan rethinks primary healthcare beyond access,” Kuensel, 30 September 2026 
“For decades, the measure of primary healthcare in Bhutan was, in large part, how close a person could get to a health facility. Today, with a nationwide network of hospitals and primary health centres, roads connecting much of the country, and emergency services reaching difficult terrain, the question is becoming more complex: what should primary healthcare deliver once access is no longer the only measure of success? … Communicable diseases remain important, but noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major health concern … That changes what primary healthcare needs to do … Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk outlined the future of Bhutanese primary healthcare through five core shifts: moving from treatment to prevention, building lasting family and community relationships, and strengthening primary care to lower unnecessary hospital reliance … The Lyonpo also announced a two per cent increase in the annual block grant allocated solely to the health sector in the fiscal year budget.”

Bangladesh: PM warns of attempts to disrupt Bangladesh’s democratic polity by ‘errant’ political parties
On 01 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman accused unnamed political parties of exploiting untoward incidents to create anarchy in Bangladesh and urged citizens to remain alert to misinformation. Speaking at the inauguration of the Muhuri-Kohua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni, he warned that disruption of government initiatives would ultimately harm citizens. PM Rahman also alleged that members of a “covert group” were involved in violence against women, while noting that an investigation was ongoing. He called for protecting the democratic process, questioned the credibility of opposing political forces, and referred to their alleged conduct during 1971 and subsequent periods.
(“PM: Some political parties trying to create anarchy by exploiting untoward incidents,” Dhaka Tribune, 01 October 2026)

Bangladesh Editorial: “There is no justice without funding,” Dhaka Tribune, 01 October 2026
“This is particularly significant for Bangladesh and the Rohingya community within it. Nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh, with conditions in Myanmar still unsuitable for safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation. At the same time, humanitarian resources are shrinking. There must, therefore, be greater international responsibility-sharing. Funding for food, healthcare, shelter, education and protection must be sustained, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups. At the same time, humanitarian funding cannot substitute for a political solution. The ultimate goal must remain safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.”

Bangladesh Editorial: “Being proactive to uphold communal harmony,” Dhaka Tribune, 01 October 2026
“The government’s decision to begin early preparations for ensuring a peaceful and safe Durga Puja is a necessary step. Early coordination among the ministries, local administrations, and law enforcement agencies is important to ensure that celebrations across the country take place in a secure and festive environment. The government has rightly emphasised vigilance at Puja mandaps, security during idol immersion, the prevention of rumours, and prompt legal action if any untoward incident occurs. However, planning alone will not be enough. At the same time, any incident that does occur must be investigated impartially, and those responsible must face the law. There should be no cover-ups, premature conclusions, or selective enforcement.”

Myanmar: Landslide leaves nine dead and eight missing in Tanintharyi
On 01 October, Mizzima reported that Rescuers have recovered nine bodies after a landslide struck Ka Det Nge Htein village in Myanmar’s southern Tanintharyi region on Saturday night. Eight people remain missing and are believed to be buried under the mud. The landslide occurred in Launglon township, about four kilometres from the Andaman Sea coast. The region experienced intense rainfall over the weekend, causing landslides and flash floods. Roads were cut, and communication lines were disrupted, making rescue and recovery operations difficult. Volunteers said some victims, including elderly residents, were buried while they were sleeping and had no time to escape. Other landslides and floods have been reported across Tanintharyi, but no official overall casualty figure has been released. Aid efforts have also been complicated by Myanmar’s ongoing civil war and divided control of the region. Rescue teams said communication with field teams sometimes requires foot messengers.
(“Rescuers pull nine bodies from Tanintharyi region landslide in flood-hit Myanmar,” Mizzima, 01 October 2026)

Sri Lanka: Vaccination to receive 100 per cent state funding from 2027
On 01 October, Daily Mirror reported that the Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa announced that Sri Lanka will achieve 100 per cent government funding for all required immunisation vaccines next year. Speaking at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation's (SPC) 55th anniversary and Professor Senaka Bibile's 49th death anniversary event, he outlined key healthcare improvements. Medicine availability in state hospitals has risen from 50 per cent to 96 per cent, supported by an annual allocation of LKR 185 billion for medicines and surgical equipment. The government aims to eliminate procurement delays, prevent emergency purchase misuse, and boost local manufacturing.
(“100% government funding for vaccines from next year,” Daily Mirror, 01 October 2026)

Maldives: Coast Guard seizes foreign fishing vessel in Maldivian waters
On 01 October, Adhadhu reported that the Maldives Coast Guard intercepted a foreign fishing vessel operating illegally within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, seizing it with seven crew members aboard roughly 46 nautical miles north of Haa Alif Thuraakunu. The vessel was taken into custody by Coast Guard Ship Imaduddin, a vessel gifted to the Maldives by Australia and commissioned in July, with authorities now escorting it to Haa Dhaal Kulhudhuffushi.
("Coast Guard intercepts foreign fishing vessel," Adhadhu, 01 October 2026)

Afghanistan: Pakistan claims to have killed '22 terrorists' in Afghan territory
On 01 October, Afghanistan International reported that Taliban's spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said “Pakistani aircraft bombed" districts of Shultan and Chugam in Kunar province as well as Garmser district in Helmand. Pakistan's Information Ministry confirmed the strikes were carried out by them inside Afghanistan and claimed that "22 terrorists" were killed in the airstrike. According to Pakistani authorities, camps and hideouts belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch militant groups were precisely targeted at two locations in Afghanistan, killing what it called 22 terrorists and destroying large quantities of weapons and ammunition.
("Pakistan Air Strikes Hit Kunar, Helmand; Taliban Says Nine Civilians Killed," Afghanistan International, 01 October 2026)