August 15, 2023

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Tuesday, August 15th. *) Afghanistan’s Taliban government marks two years of return to power Afghanistan’s Taliban government has marked the second anniversary of their takeover of the country with celebrations and a public holiday, issuing a defiant statement commemorating their surge back to power. A statement from the authorities early Tuesday hailed a victory that was able to “pave the way for the establishment of the Islamic system in Afghanistan”. The international community continues to grapple with how, and if, to engage with the Taliban authorities, with restrictions on women’s rights being a key obstacle. *) A rights group says it can’t get access to detained officials in Niger Human rights activists in Niger say they have been unable to gain access to top political officials detained after mutinous soldiers ousted the democratically elected president nearly three weeks ago. The junta has been holding President Mohamed Bazoum, his wife and son under house arrest in their compound in the capital. Those close to Bazoum say his electricity and water have been cut off and he’s running out of food. The junta says it plans to prosecute Bazoum for “high treason” and undermining state security. If convicted, he could face the death penalty, according to Niger’s penal code. *) Two Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in West Bank Israeli forces have shot and killed two Palestinians, including a 16-year-old, in a military raid in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said. “Two young men were rushed to the hospital with bullets in their chests,” the Jericho Hospital’s director said early Tuesday. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified those killed as Qusay al Walaji, 16, and Mohammed Nujoom, 25. The raid took place in the Jericho area, which has seen heavy fighting over the last 16 months. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. *) Russia strikes western Ukraine in deadly large-scale air attack Russia has launched a large-scale a