Tasu'a mourning
Muslims around the world are marking Tasu’a, a day before the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad. Tasu’a is the ninth day of the month of Muharram on Islamic calendar. The day precedes Ashura when Imam Hussein and 72 of his companions were martyred in 680 A.D. They were killed by the tyrant of their time, Yazid during the Battle of Karbala. Tasu’a is devoted to Imam Hussein’s half-brother, Abbas ibn Ali, who made proverbial sacrifices during the battle. The annual rituals attract millions of mourners in various countries. But this year, like the previous one, many large gatherings have been cancelled due to the pandemic.
Afghanistan deadly protest
At least three people are reportedly killed during a protest against the Taliban in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad. According to sources, over a dozen people were also injured after Taliban members opened fire at the protesters. The clashes erupted as people took to the streets after the Taliban raised their own flag by replacing Afghanistan’s national flag in an important square. Video footage showed hundreds of Afghans also held and waved the national flag in the streets of Jalalabad.
Afghan refugees in Iran
In the wake of the recent developments in Afghanistan, Iran has seen a steady influx of Afghan refugees. Iran's border police have set up temporary camps alongside the country's eastern border with Afghanistan to host the inbound refugees.