Daily Evacuation Brief | April 29, 2022
Discover more from The Afghan Digest
LAST 24 HOURS:
At least 9 people were killed and many others wounded when two mini-buses blew up in Mazar-i-Sharif. The majority of the victims appear to be Shiites. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The black flags of ISIS were openly displayed in traditional ISIS-K strongholds throughout the country after the recent spate of attacks. We assess that ISIS-K is emboldened and has stepped up its recruiting efforts after a bout of defections and inactivity. Some sources claim that select Taliban leaders are beginning to show sympathy for ISIS-K’s cause.
Hazara leaders met in several locations to discuss collective security measures they felt would be needed to protect members of the ethnic group. Sources provided video evidence of an unknown Taliban leader being escorted out of one of the meetings at gunpoint. Sources state the rhetoric at the meetings was fiery, and there was no faith the Taliban would act to safeguard Hazaras in the country. We expect the Hazara militia’s ranks will swell based on these meetings.
The Taliban received a report that ISIS-K is planning car bombings at both main border crossings into Pakistan: the Torkham and Chemin gates. One source claimed the attacks would occur before the end of Ramadan, while the others said it would take place after. The Taliban reputedly had information about the two vehicles that may be used in the attacks but were unsure of their whereabouts as of 1900 hrs local time on April 28, 2022. Taliban leadership considered deploying helicopters to the border crossings but felt the move may be too provocative considering the recent troubles with Pakistan. No further information is available, and it is important to note that several threats have been made to the border crossings over the past months without follow through.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
We currently have no information about potential threats to report.
ANALYSIS SPOTLIGHT:
Undertones: Taliban Narratives About Afghan Women
By Civic Media Observatory
While Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership tries to persuade the world to recognize and financially support them, even after they took over the country by force, Taliban fighters and militants violently silence those who oppose them, especially women.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 85.89 AFN (as of 29 APR 2022)
AFGHAN NEWS
Twin blasts kill at least 9 in northern Afghanistan
By Reuters
Two explosions, within minutes of each other, killed at least nine people and wounded 13 in northern…
Analysis: Shiites should resort to self-protection model if Taliban fails to protect them
By Al Waght News
Suicide blasts targeting Shiite sites in various Afghanistan cities have been making important headlines for media in…
IEA imposes strict dress codes on the few girls schools still open
By Ariana News
Despite the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) decision to suspend schooling for teenage girls, Human Rights Watch found that a number of…
REGIONAL NEWS
Beijing-Nangarhar Company constructs industrial zone in Perozi Township
By Hasrat – Pajhwok Afghan News
Acting government has inked agreement with Beijing -Nangarhar Construction Company for the construction of an…
Mistrust between Pakistan, Afghanistan prevents development-oriented collaboration
By ANI
Pakistan and Afghanistan are facing the same issues like water management problems, and shortage of food and…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The Taliban's takeover triggered a refugee exodus – but where will they go?
By Jacob Dykes – Geographical
A humanitarian crisis and economic collapse has brewed since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021. By the end of the year, more than 710,000 people were…
US Left $7B of Military Equipment in Afghanistan: Report
By Hamid Bahram – TOLO News
CNN cited a report of the US Department of Defense, saying that the equipment was brought into Afghanistan over the past…
THE DAILY WTF
HRW: Afghan Female Students Dropping Out Over Strict Dress Codes
By Madina Morwat – TOLO News
But the Ministry of Education said it is ready to open girls' schools above the sixth grade if the leadership calls…