04:07 PM

Trump Honors Wounded National Guard Members in Congress Address, References Afghanistan U.S. President Donald Trump paid tribute to two National Guard members wounded in a shooting in Washington, D.C., during his annual address to a joint session of United States Congress, while making reference to Afghanistan. Speaking before lawmakers, Trump said the two guardsmen were injured in an attack carried out by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, whom he identified as an Afghan national. He strongly condemned the act of violence and praised the National Guard members for their bravery, service, and resilience. One of the injured service members, Andrew Wolf, was present at the ceremony and, at Trump’s direction, was awarded the George Washington Medal, prompting applause from Republican lawmakers in attendance. The address was delivered to both the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. However, dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotted the event, underscoring ongoing partisan divisions in Washington. Trump’s remarks combined recognition of military service with broader political messaging, drawing attention both to national security concerns and the deepening political polarization in the United States.

04:07 PM

Earthquake Felt in Kabul and Several Eastern Provinces of Afghanistan An earthquake struck areas in and around Kabul at approximately 3:41 p.m. local time, sending tremors across parts of Afghanistan. The quake was also felt in several eastern and northeastern provinces, causing brief alarm among communities. As of now, authorities have not released any official details regarding the earthquake’s magnitude or epicenter. No reports of casualties or damage have been confirmed so far, and further information is expected as monitoring agencies assess the situation.

04:06 PM

European Union Pledges $170 Million to Support Afghanistan’s Health Sector The Ministry of Public Health says its technical team has held talks with representatives of the European Union on key priorities and ongoing cooperation in Afghanistan’s health sector. In a statement, the ministry said the European Union has committed $170 million in assistance to support health services across the country. According to the announcement, the package includes $100 million in development funding and between $60 million and $70 million in humanitarian assistance aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery. The ministry noted that the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in the health sector and aligning support with Afghanistan’s most urgent needs and strategic priorities. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to improve access to essential health services for communities nationwide.