Daily Evacuation Brief | April 20, 2022
Daily Evacuation Brief | April 20, 2022
Exclusive Content from Anatomy of a Crisis.
When Climate Change Inflames War
As Afghanistan grapples with ongoing conflict, incompetent governance, severe famine, a stagnant economy, and international disengagement, it is also struggling with a more nebulous crisis—climate change.
“The long road to a better future is impossible on an empty stomach.”
Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Representative, UNAMA
The Drought in Afghanistan
Over a million people have been driven from their homes due to natural disasters and climate change alone in recent years…
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LAST 24 HOURS:
Two schools were targeted by bomb attacks in Kabul, killing six and wounding around 25. The attacks took place in the predominantly Shiite Hazara Muslim neighborhood of Dasht-e-Barchi. Several eyewitnesses claimed at least one of the three blasts appeared to be triggered by a suicide bomber. Sources within the Taliban indicated the body count would likely rise over the next 24 hours based on the severity of some of the victims’ wounds. ISIS-K is thought to be behind the attacks, but no one has claimed responsibility yet.
After Uzbekistan denied ISIS’ claims that they had launched rockets into Uzbekistan, a video was shared on social media purportedly taken near Hairatan, the launch site of the supposed ISIS-K attack, which showed approximately 18 Uzbek helicopters flying along the border. It is possible that the flights were meant as a show of force in response to ISIS-K’s claims. No further information is available at this time, and the authenticity of the video has yet to be validated.
The Ministry of Defense announced it had recovered 132 military vehicles and over 300 rifles in search operations conducted in Kunar. Sources said some arrests were made temporarily, but other Taliban officials interceded and the people arrested were witnessed to be set free.
A former Afghan Army officer, Mujib Biabangard, was reported to have been arrested by the Taliban at his home in Mazar-i-Sharif. His disposition is currently unknown.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
The Taliban have rushed a sizable security force to the Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood of Kabul in response to the bomb attacks. Some house searches were reported, and more searches are expected over the next 24 hours. The forces are on high alert and appear to be nervous. At-risk Afghans are discouraged from traveling in the area, and at-risk Afghans living in that area should take care to scrub electronics in case their home is searched.
Uzbekistan has clearly increased security along the border, and if the video footage of the recent display is legitimate, it illustrates how seriously Tashkent is taking the situation. It is not out of the question that the Uzbek government could potentially strike any targets it views as a threat, even in Afghan territory.
Taliban leadership has discussed the potential for a third ISIS-K action and are concentrating forces in Kabul. Presumably, they have intelligence on a potential attack and are attempting to prepare for it.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.92 AFN (as of 20 APR 2022)
AFGHAN NEWS
Multiple Blasts Target School in Shia Hazara Neighborhood in Kabul, Killing 6
By Arif Ahmadi – Khaama Press
At least six people, including young students, have been killed and 11 further wounded after three blasts targeted a boy’s school in…
Badakhshan establishes new anti-insurgency unit
By Ariana News
According to the officials the members of this new unit are well-equipped and ready to suppress any insurgency by…
Health Officials: Malnutrition Growing Threat to Afghan Children
By Fakhria Radfar – TOLO News
The Ministry of Public Health says that in the last four months, 308 malnourished children have died, and…
REGIONAL NEWS
Uzbekistan Rejects Claim By Islamic State Affiliate In Afghanistan Over Rocket Assault
By Radio Free Europe
Uzbekistan has rejected claims by a regional affiliate of Islamic State that it carried out a rocket attack on the Central Asian nation from…
US working with Pakistan to bring about stable, secure Afghanistan: Price
By Ariana News
Addressing a news briefing in Washington, Price said: “We view Pakistan as an important stakeholder, an important partner, with…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Australia has ‘moral duty’ to take 20,000 more Afghan refugees, Catholic bishops say
By Mostafa Rachwani – The Guardian
Election statement also calls for a special intake of Ukrainians and a wider reassessment of refugee policies.
West's economic sanctions on Taliban won't reform outfit: Report
By ANI
The dilemma that faces the West when it comes to deciding whether or not to aid Afghanistan is that if 40 million Afghans are not to blame for what is…
THE DAILY WTF
Kabul denies presence of TTP fighters in Afghanistan
However, the government’s spokesman acknowledged on Monday there could be issue in mountainous and far-flung areas of the country…