Taliban offensive
The Taliban militant group says it has captured Afghanistan's main conduit for trade with Iran. The Taliban said they will try to shortly put back in operation the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat province. An Afghan government official said efforts are underway to recapture it. Islam Qala is the second key border crossing the Taliban have captured since they launched a sweeping offensive in early May. The militant group says it is now in control of 85 percent of territory in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Russia says the Taliban currently control more than two thirds of the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Moscow has urged all sides of the conflict to show restraint.
Dismissing OPCW accusations
Syria says the global chemical weapons watchdog has turned into a tool to exert pressure on the country and direct false accusations against it. The actions of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons contradict the principles of impartiality. That’s what the chairwoman of the Syrian mission to the OPCW said. Rania al-Refaei said the US has the largest chemical arsenal in the world which threaten global peace and security. She said Syria joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 and has fulfilled its obligations ever since. Al-Refaei was addressing an OPCW meeting. The US, France and Britain have long accused Syria of using chemical weapons against its people.
Israeli demolitions
The UN chief is deeply concerned by Israel’s Wednesday demolition of Palestinian property in a Bedouin community in the occupied west bank. That’s according to a spokesman for Antonio Guterres. The spokesman said the UN chief reiterates his call on Israelis to cease demolitions. Stephane Dujarric said such actions are contrary to international law. They also undermine chances for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He said representatives from the UN and other bodies were unable to provide assistance to the community, as Israeli forces denied them access. Dozens of Palestinian Bedouins became homeless after Israeli forces demolished their tents, claiming they were in a military firing range. Rights groups say Israeli demolitions are part of a long-running campaign to make room for new settlements.