Almost 1.3 million Afghans returned to Afghanistan during 2026 through October 3, according to a UNHCR dashboard drawing on data from the International Organization for Migration and the UN refugee agency.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said it confirmed at least 10 civilian deaths, most of them children, and nine injuries from airstrikes in Kunar and Helmand provinces on October 1.

Afghanistan is facing another severe deterioration in food security, with the United Nations World Food Programme warning that nearly 19 million people could face acute hunger in the coming months, according to an Associated Press report published October 15.