Tragedy struck near Kabul, Afghanistan, this week as two children lost their lives during a Taliban-led demolition of a shantytown, leaving hundreds of families homeless. The Norwegian Refugee Council reported the incident, stating that the demolition displaced approximately 1,700 people, including 280 families. The deceased children were aged 4 and 15. The exact cause of their deaths remains unclear, with conflicting reports from the aid group and Kabul municipality spokesman Niamatullah Barakzai, who denied any casualties occurred during the operation.

This incident exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where over 6 million people are internally displaced due to decades of conflict and the economic downturn following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The withdrawal of international aid has crippled the nation's economy, pushing many into poverty and forcing them to seek shelter and work elsewhere. The Norwegian Refugee Council has expressed grave concerns that such evictions will further intensify the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations.

The Kabul municipality maintains that the operation was a clearance of illegally occupied land. However, the NRC emphasizes the displaced residents' precarious situation and urges authorities to halt further evictions, citing international laws protecting against forced displacement. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle of Afghan citizens facing poverty, displacement, and a lack of basic necessities in the wake of political and economic upheaval.

The drastic reduction in international funding since the Taliban takeover has severely impacted essential services like healthcare and education, further compounding the challenges faced by Afghans. Coupled with the pandemic, medical shortages, drought, and widespread malnutrition, the situation remains critical for a large segment of the population.