Afghanistan

- Taliban faces increasing armed resistance across Afghanistan, including in traditionally resistant northern and northeastern provinces. - China has opened a road through the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan to diversify its connections amid Pakistan's destabilizing actions; the Taliban may face civil war as China-led mediation efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan fail. - At least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained for not adhering to dress code requirements since the Taliban took power. - Afghan emerald miners sell nearly 3,000 carats of precious stones at an auction in Panjshir, attracting global buyers despite harsh conditions.