LAST 24 HOURS:
Iran announced it would recognize three Taliban diplomats in residence at the Afghan embassy in Tehran. The Foreign Minister was adamant that the recognition did not extend to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
The Taliban reputedly abducted the manager of the GholGhola Hotel in Bamiyan, Asghar Yousofi. He was taken by masked men in a Taliban vehicle and is thought to be held at the local Human Rights Commission building. No further information is available.
Several convoys of Tajik military and security vehicles were reported moving south from Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The vehicles only had drivers in them and were not carrying troops. No destination or purpose was provided about the movements.
Local sources stated that Pakistani engineering units were seen near the Durand Line but no work was started.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
Traffic at the border crossings with Pakistan is expected to be heavy with the holy month coming to an end. Security on the Pakistan side is expected to be doubled for the next several days.
Sources claim there will be significant air activity over the next 24 hours. Source stated the Taliban had received information about a joint NRF/ISIS-K meeting being planned. Drones and helicopters may be seen patrolling areas in the north and east of the country.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS:
The Peculiar Case of Elections Under the Taliban
By The Diplomat
This spring, Afghans living in various neighborhoods in the capital Kabul elected their wakilon guzar, or neighborhood representatives, casting their votes in ballot boxes or by raising their hands in gatherings in mosques. While this might be normal in other countries, it is remarkable in Afghanistan, as the new Taliban rulers have in the past consistently vilified elections as “un-Islamic.”
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 87.20 AFN (as of 27 APR 2022)
AFGHAN NEWS
Vice and Virtue ministry to address complaints against security forces
By Ahmad Sohaib Hasrat – Pajhwok Afghan News
The Ministry of Vice and Virtue and the complaints commission have emphasized on implementation of the…
Iran Consulate in Balkh Provides Cash to Blast Victims
By Sayed Mohammad Aref Musavi – TOLO News
The consulate general said that the families would receive food, medicine and clothes packages in…
Taliban's promises to protect Afghan minorities falling apart amid a spate of attacks: Report
By ANI
With a spate of attacks in minority-dominated areas of Afghanistan in recent…
REGIONAL NEWS
Travel restrictions eased for Afghans at Torkham
By S. Muddasir Ali Shah – Pajhwok Afghan News
Pakistan has decided to allow Afghans to cross the Durand Line till April 29 on producing their official identity card, called tazkira…
After 4 Days, No Information on Airport Contract Talks
By Shirshah Rasooli – TOLO News
Meanwhile, experts believe that maintaining security for airports will possibly be the controversial point…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
(No Photo)
Russia might recognize Taliban if they form inclusive Afghan govt – Lavrov
By InterFax
Russia intends to move toward recognizing the Taliban (a terrorist organization banned in Russia) as the legitimate authorities in Afghanistan as long as they…
(No Photo)
Solving the Afghanistan Puzzle
By Fu Xiaoqiang – China Us Focus
On March 31, China held its third meeting of foreign ministers of countries neighboring Afghanistan in Tunxi, Anhui…
THE DAILY WTF
Afghan barber guilty of using London shop as front for people-smuggling plot
Gul Wali Jabarkhel was being watched by UK's National Crime Agency while planning smuggling…