Page 24 - S Troops News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

8am: Several journalists and media workers in Afghanistan have reported that they are facing increasing pressure from Taliban intelligence. They have stated that, due to arrests and threats of intimidation from the Taliban, journalists working for them have resorted to extreme self-censorship and have experienced mental health issues. Additionally, the majority of Afghan journalists are dealing with severe financial difficulties. Organizations that provide aid to journalists have corroborated the precarious situation of these journalists.

CNN: Young Afghan women gathered outside Kabul University on Monday to protest the ruling Taliban’s ban on female education as their male peers returned to school for a new academic year and the United Nations heard the restriction may amount to a crime against humanity. A video shared widely on social media shows a group of girls sitting on the ground outside Kabul University reading their books. CNN has not independently verified when the video was filmed.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said US troops were 'ready' to stay in Iraq on Baghdad's orders to help fight the Islamic State group.

8am: According to sources, an 18-year-old girl hung herself in the Kunduz province’s capital city. The incident occurred on Monday night in the Zakhil Qadim region of Kunduz city’s third district. According to local sources in Kunduz, the young girl took her own life as a result of being forced into marriage. Her family had reportedly arranged for her engagement to a boy without her consent.

Thailand and the United States have begun joint military exercises with more than 7,000 personnel and forces from 30 countries