KABUL, Afghanistan: The Afghan air force carried out more airstrikes against Taliban positions in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, as the insurgent force made additional gains in the country’s north.
A defense ministry statement said air strikes were carried out across the country, including in the southern Helmand province, where the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah is being fiercely contested. The Taliban control of nine of the city’s 10 police districts.
Residents in Lashkar Gah reported heavy bombing near the government radio and television station, which is under Taliban control. Several wedding halls and a guesthouse of the provincial governor’s are all located near the radio and television station.
In northern Afghanistan, the Taliban took control of most of the provincial capital of Sar-e-Pul, the head of its council, Mohammad Noor Rahmani said. In recent months, the group has gained control of dozens of districts across several provinces in the north.
The Taliban onslaught seems to have intensified with the start of the final withdrawal of US and NATO troops in late April. As attacks intensify, Afghan security forces and government troops have retaliated with increasing air strikes, aided by the United States. This has raised growing concerns about civilian casualties across the country.
“We can tell you that we are deeply concerned about the safety and protection of people in Lashkar Gah, in the south, where tens of thousands of people could be trapped by fighting,” Stephane Dujarric, the United Nations spokesman said on Wednesday.
“We, along with our humanitarian partners in Afghanistan, are assessing needs and responding in the south, as access allows,” he said.
Airstrikes pummel Taliban in south; insurgents gain in north
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Airstrikes pummel Taliban in south; insurgents gain in north
- A defense ministry statement said air strikes were carried out across the country
Ramadan lights illuminate London’s heart as mayor calls for unity
- A sign reading ‘Happy Ramadan,’ decorated with stars and crescent moons, will be illuminated from sunrise to sunset
- This year, the Muslim fasting month coincides with Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
LONDON: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has switched on the Ramadan lights as British Muslims prepare to welcome the fasting month this week.
“A beautiful celebration of the holy month and a reminder that our city is a beacon of hope, unity, and inclusivity. A city where diversity is a strength, and where everyone is loved and wanted,” Khan wrote on X.
The heart of London’s West End is now illuminated by 30,000 LED bulbs for the fourth consecutive year, celebrating culture, cuisine, and community during the holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Rahima Aziz BEM, a trustee of the charitable Aziz Foundation, told Arab News that organizing the canopy of lights on Coventry Street, near Piccadilly Circus, has expanded every year since 2023.
“And what started as just a simple light installation has become something where you can really experience the spirit of Ramadan and what it has to offer,” she said.
For this year’s program, the Aziz Foundation has organized “Shared Lights,” an interfaith art exhibition in the basement of the Zedwell Hotel, featuring 20 artists from across the UK who explore the values central to Ramadan, including love, peace, generosity, and hope.
The charity has also created an interactive digital map of halal and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, allowing visitors to plan their iftar meals from exclusive set menus and locate nearby prayer spaces and evening activities.
“Many young Muslims will choose to have iftar out with their friends and family, in central London. So, we wanted to provide them with more incentive to really spend and boost the local economy, through freebies and special discounts,” Aziz said.
An estimated 4 million British Muslims live across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, with over 1 million living in London alone, according to the 2021 census. London was the first major European city to adorn its central streets with Ramadan lights, which have become part of the city’s calendar alongside Hanukkah and Diwali.
A sign that reads “Happy Ramadan,” decorated with stars and crescent moons, will be illuminated nightly from 5:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., and will then change to “Happy Eid” in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr in March. This year, Ramadan coincides with Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent begins on Feb. 18 and concludes on April 2. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan is expected to start on Feb. 17 and end on March 18.
“Eventually, we’ll get to a time where we’re sharing Ramadan with Christmas, which is just beautiful. Great opportunity for some cross-cultural experiences,” Aziz added.
Ramadan, which follows the lunar Hijri calendar, occurs approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year in relation to the Gregorian solar calendar. This year, Muslims in London will fast for between 12 and 14 hours daily. Iftar is held around 5:30 p.m. at the beginning of the month and around 6:30 p.m. as the month approaches the end. However, when Ramadan falls in the summer, the fasting period can last nearly 19 hours, and these hours vary across countries and regions within a country.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the Shahada, a profession of faith, prayer, giving alms, and performing Hajj. Muslims refrain from food, drink, and some activities during daylight for 30 days as a way to reflect on religion, life, and empathize with the poor.
“I grew up in London. I’ve been here most of my life,” Aziz said. “What is really special for me is seeing the curiosity about Ramadan and about Islam increase. Ramadan lights are about making people feel that London is a melting pot of diversity, for everyone.”
