LAST 24 HOURS:
Both Kabul and Kunduz experienced huge blasts as more bombings took place. Please refer to the Conflict Tracker for more information.
A large Taliban presence was reported in the Khair Khaneh of Police District 17. Taliban forces were reported to be searching cars, houses, and pedestrians. The reason why is unclear.
Third Deputy Prime Minister Mawlavi Abdul Kabir met with youth, clerics, and local influential figures from a few of the Northern provinces. While some in the press portrayed the meeting as a moment of supplication and support, sources who were present claimed the tone reflected more panic than support. Many of the Northern representatives wanted to know what the plan was to restore peace in the North.
A Pakistani medical assessment team arrived in order to explore possible opportunities to support the Afghan health system through this difficult period.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
Bombings are likely to continue over the next several days. Mosques, schools, and markets are the likely targets, and at-risk Afghans should avoid these areas when possible.
After several reports of civil unrest in locations where the bomb attacks occurred, Taliban security personnel in these areas will be significantly reinforced.
There has been an unconfirmed threat made against the airport in Kabul. A source claimed a mortar position was discovered nearby with a buried cache of mortar shells not far away. The projectiles were said to have been recently buried. It is impossible to tell if the photos provided were taken at the site. We assess the threat to be moderately credible. It is unlikely there are other positions as the airport is heavily patrolled.
ANALYSIS SPOTLIGHT:
If You Thought Terrorists Couldn’t Get Any Worse in Afghanistan, Think Again
By Jason Criss Howk – Clearance Jobs
This week terrorists proved that they are far from done wreaking havoc in Afghanistan and South Asia. The feeble Taliban-Haqqani regime that sits in Kabul has been powerless to stop terrorists, and often are still committing terrorism themselves. Between the terrorist groups causing deaths, and the Taliban-Haqqani regime abducting, torturing, and murdering citizens, Afghans have nowhere to turn.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.73 AFN (as of 23 APR 2022)
AFGHAN NEWS
Afghanistan mosque bombing leaves 33 dead, 43 injured
BY ANI
A blast occurred in the mosque of Afghanistan’s Imam Sahib district of Kunduz, killing at least 33 people…
IEA arrests mastermind of attack on Shiite mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif
By Ariana News
Officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) in Balkh province announced Friday they had arrested the mastermind of…
Victims of Balkh Mosque Attack Buried on Friday
By TOLO News
The residents of Mazar-e-Sharif said that many people who were killed were young adults aged…
REGIONAL NEWS
Turkey: Deportation threat dashes Afghans' hope for safety and new life
By Ali M Latifi – Middle East Eye
When Jahan Hotkhil left Afghanistan late last winter, his hope was to reach Istanbul to start a…
Iran's Worst Fears in Afghanistan Are Coming True as ISIS Tests Red Line
By Tom O’Connor – Newsweek
With the United States' foreign policy focus set firmly on the war in Ukraine, the distant unrest left behind in…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Secretary-General condemns multiple attacks in Afghanistan
By The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
The Secretary-General condemns the multiple attacks yesterday in Afghanistan, including on the Seh Dokan mosque in…
THE DAILY WTF
Trump: I Would Have Kept Bagram Air Base to Monitor China
By Najibullah Lalzoy – Khaama Press
Former US President Donald Trump has slammed US president Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from…