LAST 24 HOURS:
An unconfirmed report stated that 500 Chechens arrived at Bagram airbase over the last few days. We had previously received reports of Chechens congregating in Pakistan (Waziristan) but could not corroborate the allegations. We do not know if these reports are true nor do we know why Chechens would be stationed at Bagram, but felt this information merited inclusion as the Chechens could represent a threat to citizens.
5 Hazara coal miners were found shot dead in Samangan Province. The photos of the cadavers clearly show all five had been shot in the head. It is not yet clear who killed the men or why.
Ariana Airlines announced future flight service between Kabul and Moscow. The Taliban hope to encourage a flow of tourism dollars with the resumption of the flights. The flights are expected to depart on Mondays with a return flight each Tuesday.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
Several Hazara “protection groups” are expected to meet in Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif to discuss cooperation to protect members of their community. The Taliban have been warned not to interfere or disrupt the meetings. It is not clear if the Taliban view the meetings as a threat, but no reports of troop deployments have been reported yet. Violence could result in areas where the meetings take place.
More Pakistani military vehicles were photographed moving along border roads adjacent to the Durand Line. We have not yet confirmed if fencing operations were continued over the previous 24 hours, but we do not think work will begin until after Ramadan is complete. However, the traffic is notably not typical for daily operations.
ANALYSIS SPOTLIGHT:
By Zahid Hussain – Dawn
THE simmering tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban regime seems to be fast spilling over into an open conflict as border clashes mount. There has been an exponential rise in cross-border militant attacks on Pakistani security forces over the past few months. The situation has now taken a more serious turn with alleged Pakistani air strikes conducted inside Afghanistan and reported civilian casualties heightening tensions.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.90 AFN (as of 28 APR 2022)
AFGHAN NEWS
Afghan ‘Fighting Season’ Ushers in New Anti-Taliban Groups
By Masood Farivar – VOA
With the onset of the “fighting season” in Afghanistan, small pockets of anti-Taliban resistance appear to be forming across much of…
Iran says IEA considering holding Loya Jirga
By Ariana News
“Loya Jirga is a traditional event where elders gather to resolve a crisis that cannot be resolved through ordinary means,” Hasan Kazemi Qumi, Iranian president’s special…
Five Hazara Coal Miners gunned Down in Samangan province
By Najibullah Lalzoy – Khaama Press
Local officials of the northern Samangan province confirmed that unidentified gunmen have shot dead five miners of a…
REGIONAL NEWS
Taliban Might Get Recognized If They Form Inclusive Government: Russian Foreign Minister
By Najibullah Lalzoy – Khaama Press
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the interim government of the Taliban might be recognized by Russia if they…
(No Photo)
3 Chinese citizens killed in Karachi bomb attack
By S. Muddasir Ali Shah – Pajhwok Afghan News
Three Chinese nationals have been killed and four others injured in a suicide attack in Pakistan’s port city…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
EU delivers 34 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
By ANI
European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic said on Wednesday that the European Union had delivered 34 tonnes of food…
Guterres Concerned Over “Absence of Liquidity” in Afghan Economy
By Amina Hakimi – TOLO News
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the absence of liquidity in the Afghan economy could have “devastating consequences” for the…
THE DAILY WTF
ISIS Not a Threat, Eliminated in Afghanistan: MoI
By Najibullah Lalzoy – Khaama Press
Ministry of Interior Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announced that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Daesh has been eliminated by up to 98 percent in Afghanistan and is no more a threat.