In Afghanistan, humanitarian flights by the U.N. have resumed in parts of the country. The World Food Programme warned the current political upheaval has only compounded the food insecurity brought on by years of conflict and a devastating drought. Some 14 million people, or one-third of the population, face “acute food insecurity,” and half of all children under the age of 5 suffer from malnutrition. Western Union announced Thursday it is resuming money transfer services to Afghanistan.

In the western city of Herat, dozens of women took to the streets Thursday to demand the Taliban respect their human rights, and full participation in Afghan society.

Farzana Karami: “We demand the right of education, employment, freedom, security and also presence in public forums, social activities, politics. We have to take place in political, social and public fields. We have fought for these important rights for years.”

Meanwhile, intensifying fighting between rebel Afghan forces and the Taliban in Panjshir province, located north of Kabul, has reportedly resulted in casualties on both sides. This comes as the Taliban is poised to announce the formation of a new government in Kabul, with Reuters reporting recently returned Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar will be its leader.