The United Nations has raised alarm over a deepening malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan, warning that millions of mothers and children are being pushed to the brink as humanitarian operations struggle under growing pressure.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly five million mothers and children across the country are affected by severe malnutrition, with conditions approaching record levels.

“WFP has been sounding alarm bells for months,” said Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of WFP, following a recent visit to Afghanistan.

Skau described witnessing malnourished families in eastern Afghanistan who traveled long distances to reach aid clinics, only to be turned away due to a lack of nutritional supplies. He warned that similar conditions are widespread across the country.

The crisis has been worsened by multiple factors, including border closures with Pakistan, recurring natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, and a sharp decline in humanitarian funding. Rising global fuel prices and disruptions linked to Middle East tensions have further strained already limited resources.

The report also highlighted a surge in returns, with around 500,000 people arriving from Pakistan and Iran so far this year, adding pressure to already vulnerable communities. Many returnees, including women and children, lack access to food, shelter, and basic services.

WFP has called for urgent international support, stating it requires $350 million over the next six months to sustain life-saving operations in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan expressed serious concern over the detention of at least three journalists in recent days by the Taliban on unspecified charges. The mission urged authorities to clarify the legal basis for the detentions and ensure respect for due process and press freedom.

UNAMA also cited ongoing reports of threats, assaults, and property confiscation targeting journalists, stressing that a free and independent press is essential for transparency and accountability in Afghan society.