LAST 24 HOURS
TORKHAM GATE LANDSLIDE RESCUE, DEATH TOLL NOW AT 7 – Rescuers recovered another body while sifting through rubble that covered over twenty trucks. 5 of the 7 who died have been confirmed as Afghan citizens. About half the trucks have been recovered. More bodies are expected as the rescue work continues.
CONTROVERSIAL SUNNI IMAM IN IRAN SAYS PROTESTS ARE A CITIZEN’S RIGHT – The remarks were made during an Eid al-Fitr sermon in Zahedan where thousands had gathered to mark the end of Ramadan. Molavi Abdul Hamid went on to say the government must release political prisoners if it wants the support of the people. After the sermon, Sunni youth assembled near a police station and threw stones at police, their vehicles, and the building itself. Many believe the protests in Iran will start anew with the crackdown on women who refuse to wear hijabs.
NEXT 24 HOURS
POSSIBLE THREAT TO SECURITY CHECKPOINTS ON NORTHERN ROADS OUT OF KABUL – A source in Kabul has stated that action(s) were in the final stages to attack one (or several) of the Taliban security checkpoints along main roads leading North. The timing of the attacks is expected in the next 48 hours. It is unclear if the roads have continued to be blocked after earlier reports suggested the Taliban had closed the roads to Panjshir to all non-military traffic last week. Several eyewitness reports say that traffic was never stopped and commercial trucks continued to make the trip to Northern Provinces from Kabul. At-risk Afghans residing near these checkpoints in Northern Kabul should be prepared to shelter in place and avoid loitering near the checkpoints for the next few days.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
During a speech, the President of Iran voiced support for the Houthi factions in Yemen and vowed continued support.
The new ‘HijabCam’ law has reignited confrontations between students and security forces as Ramadan ends. The regime has reportedly recruited plainclothes security members to infiltrate campuses and report on dissidents.
The family of a US/Iranian businessman who has been jailed in the country since 2018 expressed ‘utter disbelief’ over the failure to secure his release.
PAKISTAN
Inflation reached an all-time high when it was reported at 47.23%. The high cost of basic goods has dampened spirits in the country and many Fitr celebrations have been scaled back.
Rescuers at the scene of the deadly landslide near Torkham Gate have discovered another body in the debris and the death toll officially stands at 7. It is expected to climb as more vehicles are uncovered.
A new riot police squad made up entirely of women was announced in Balochistan on Friday. The unit is comprised of 40 specially trained officers.
SPOTLIGHT OPINION
Saving our Afghan allies’ lives by cutting red tape
By Josh Smith & Jared Walton - Washington Times
The recent report from President Biden’s administration and the critical responses from Republicans show it is important to learn from our mistakes. Yet too much time is spent on which party is at fault for the fall of Kabul. 20/20 hindsight may be revealing, but the focus on who is to blame shouldn’t distract us from opportunities to act today. There are still too many Afghan allies stuck in the country who need our help.
AFGHAN NEWS
On Eid, Afghans Welcome Security But Face Economic Hardship
By TOLO News
According to the office, the words of PM Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund were read aloud, saying security is ensured across the country and…
Malala blasts Afghan Taliban for banning women from Eid celebrations
By GEO News
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai on Friday lashed out at the Afghan Taliban for banning women in two provinces from participating in…
'Future of women in Afghanistan' bleak as the Taliban have 'eradicated women's most basic rights'
By France 24
For more on the dramatic plight of women and girls in Afghanistan, FRANCE 24 is joined by Afghan artist, photographer and women's…
REGIONAL NEWS
Iran president calls for formation of inclusive government in Afghanistan
By AMU TV
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in an invitation with envoys of Muslim nations, including a Taliban delegation, in Tehran, called for the…
Qatar sends school supplies and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
By Ariana News
Qatar sent nearly 60 tons of educational materials and food aid to Afghanistan on Tuesday as part of its ongoing efforts to promote education in the…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
EU Adopts Resolution on Human Rights in Afghanistan, Russia, Nigeria
By Banafsha Binesh - TOLO News
The resolution calls on the EU and its member states to exert diplomatic pressure directly or indirectly on Afghanistan’s de-facto authorities to secure the…
Diplomatic Engagement with the Taliban: A Path Forward or a Black Hole?
By Just Security
Afghanistan remains in the news, with U.S. congressional hearings shedding plenty of heat, but also some light, on the…
THE DAILY WTF
By Haley Ott & Sami Yousafzai - CBS News
Aid workers at non-profit organizations in Afghanistan that receive financial support from the U.S. government say they're being forced to pay fees and provide services to the…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 89.17 AFN (as of 22 APR 2023)