LAST 24 HOURS
ROADS FROM KABUL TO THE NORTH HAVE ADDED SECURITY – Several local sources have described increased security measures that have been implemented along many of the roadways that lead to the Northern Provinces over the past three days. While some reports say that roads have been closed completely to travel, we have not been able to verify if this is true. We have verified that Taliban security checkpoints along the Northern routes are using biometric systems to screen travelers and are also subjecting people to significant screening questions about their travel. A source close to the Ministry of Defense says the additional screening is an attempt to thwart potential Resistance incursions into Kabul.
HIBATULLAH SPEAKS (MAYBE) – A video message was released on Twitter purporting to be the supreme leader. It was billed as a recent message to the nation but observers have found that it actually contains excerpts from a speech delivered to a group of Taliban judges in February 2023.
PAKISTAN DOUBLES DOWN ON ITS THREAT TO CONDUCT COUNTER-TERRORISM OPERATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN – Recently, Pakistan’s Minister of Defense warned the Taliban leadership that Pakistan’s armed forces would take action against suspected terrorist elements in Afghanistan unless the Taliban can bring them to heel. The Taliban responded with its continued insistence that no terrorist groups operating within the boundaries of Afghanistan.
TALIBAN FM ALLOWED A SEAT AT THE TABLE FOR CONFERENCE IN UZBEKISTAN – After initially rebuffing FM Muttaqi’s requests to join the 4th regional security conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan it appears the 7 nations in attendance relented and allowed him to speak. The representative of Pakistan warned her counterparts that the refugee situation would likely grow and predicted that Western groups were looking for an ‘excuse’ to walk away from the problem. Muttaqi used his time at the podium to hammer the West for the current conditions in the country, press Afghanistan’s neighbors for more economic development, and to recognize the Taliban as a strong central government. The other representatives voiced a consensus that Afghanistan requires an inclusive government and a lifting of restrictive policies on women. Apparently, Uzbekistan invited Muttaqi at the last moment and, as hosts of the conference, allowed him to speak.
CANADA RECEIVES AN ADDITIONAL 350 REFUGEES YESTERDAY – It is believed the latest flight originated from Pakistan and contained mainly refugees who had worked for the Canadian forces and/or government under the previous regime. Canada has vowed to evacuate 40,000 Afghan refugees and is hoping to reach this goal by the end of 2023.
RESISTANCE FORCES PLEDGE UNITY AND COOPERATION – Two of the largest and best-equipped Resistance forces have formed an alliance to cooperate and coordinate in their struggle against the Taliban. The Freedom Front released a document yesterday that pledged full cooperation and unity with the National Resistance Front (NRF). It is rumored that other Resistance groups are considering similar alliances with the NRF. While the Taliban have ridiculed the threat posed by the various Resistance organizations since they rose to power, they have been able to capitalize on the lack of coordination among the groups to mass their military operations against primarily NRF bases in Panjshir and the other Northern Provinces. Should an all-encompassing alliance be struck, the Taliban will face a very different enemy in 2023.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SWEDISH EMBASSY CLOSURE IN ISLAMABAD – According to a source familiar with the situation, the closure was ordered based on a threat to Swedish diplomatic personnel and facilities by suspected terrorist groups over the burning of the Quran outside of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm in January 2023. It was not immediately apparent which group(s) made the threats.
NEXT 24 HOURS
TRAVEL TO NORTHERN PROVINCES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY – With the recent reports of increased security checks along routes from Kabul to Panjshir, Takhar, and other Northern Provinces, we recommend that at-risk Afghans contemplating the journey wait until more information is available on the new checks. While we have not received information of any arrests or violence yet, we feel it is prudent to check with those who have made the trip or who may have knowledge of what kind of information is being collected at the checkpoints.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Israel discussed an increase in its military with the US. Talks with under-secretary of Defense, Colin Kahl in Washington focused on Israel’s belief that military action against Iran’s nuclear program was inevitable.
An unconfirmed source has stated that Iran is holding secret talks with Russia and China to acquire fuel for ballistic missiles. The report (quite detailed) provides a timeline and names Russian and Chinese chemical firms that are thought to be involved in the deal.
The regime is using all its media resources to encourage a large turnout for the 14 April pro-Palestine/anti-Israel day.
PAKISTAN
Both the stock market and currency rose significantly yesterday and trading in commodities also saw a rise.
The head of the Petroleum Division reported that only 3 foreign oil/gas firms are operating in the country. He reported that many of the international petroleum companies have ceased operations and have been selling off assets to quit the country.
The National Assembly rejected a call for funding of elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Some observers see the rejection as a means of punishing the former PM’s political party for perceived domestic instability. Apparently, military cadets and sporting clubs have been urged to participate.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Using Sports to Promote Diplomacy: The Power of Sports Diplomacy in Afghanistan
By Shahzad Aryobee - Modern Diplomacy
Despite the country’s rich historical background in sports, sports diplomacy in Afghanistan and the promotion of sports first emerged in the early 2000s. A prominent example of this is the growing popularity of cricket, particularly among Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The Afghanistan Cricket Federation (ACF) was established in 2001 to support the development of cricket in the country, which subsequently became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), allowing Afghanistan to compete in international tournaments. The country has since made significant strides in advancing its cricket infrastructure and has participated in various international events, including the Cricket World Cup.
AFGHAN NEWS
Asif warns of striking terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan
By The Pakistan Observer
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers that Islamabad will strike terrorist hideouts inside the neighbouring country if the latter were…
Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada shares rare audio message
By Fox News
he Taliban have shared a rare audio message from their supreme leader, who says justice is an instrument for the Afghan government's…
Taliban Say There Are No Obstacles to UN Work in Afghanistan
By The Diplomat
The U.N. says it cannot accept the decision, calling it unlawful and an unparalleled violation of women’s…
REGIONAL NEWS
Russia, China, Iran, and Pakistan Urge Taliban to Form Inclusive Goverment
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, including China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan, released a joint statement in the second informal meeting among their…
Taliban Foreign Minister Joins Regional Huddle on Afghanistan
By Ayaz Gul - VOA
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is attending Thursday's meeting with counterparts from Russia and six neighbors of…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
They helped the CIA in Afghanistan; now they're suffering in America
By Antonio Olivo - Stars and Stripes
At night, as his wife and seven children sleep in their Baltimore apartment, the former Afghan warrior lies awake — in pain, worried and…
ICE deported him to Afghanistan, then flew him back to L.A.
By Hamed Aleaziz - Los Angeles Times
On Jan. 27, in a decision they would later reverse, U.S. authorities deported Mr. A back to the country he had…
THE DAILY WTF
Being forced to drop out, students hit out at professors
By Abdul Raqeeb Sail - Pajhwok Afghan News
“Unfortunately, someone told the teacher something about me and I had to faced compartment. The teacher asked me for 10,000 afghanis to ensure my success.”
‘Pay to play’ TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.29 AFN (as of 14 APR 2023)