Exclusive Content from Whispers: Has the Spring Fighting Season Already Begun?
Whispers is a free intelligence and analysis column focused on a post-democratic Afghanistan.
With multiple armed opposition groups active in the country and terrorist activity increasing, the Taliban will have their hands full as Afghanistan’s new rulers. April is traditionally the month that the fighting season begins so we will soon see the Taliban’s mettle tested. The question on everybody’s minds is when? (read more here)
LAST 24 HOURS:
The NRF claimed to have ambushed Taliban Security Chief Maw Rashad in Faizabad. They say he was gravely injured in the attack, and several of his bodyguards were killed. We have confirmed a “VIP” was rushed to the hospital around the time the attack was reported to have happened but can neither confirm or deny the information.
In a surprising move, the Taliban banned drug cultivation across the country, particularly affecting poppy production in the world’s leading producer of opium. Few believe the ban will be enforced, especially given the ongoing economic crisis. Observers claim there are likely two main reasons for edict:
To curry favor with the international community
To solidify control of the opium industry into the hands of producers and traffickers who have long supported the Taliban.
Explosions across the country continued Sunday with a blast in the money exchange section of Kabul’s market. The explosion was reportedly triggered by a hand grenade. So far, one death has been confirmed with as many as fifty reported wounded. Some authorities speculated the incident was the work of a known thief, but there has been no confirmation yet. A deadly blast in Herat was reported earlier in the week and marks a troubling beginning to the Ramadan holiday.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan executed a last-ditch attempt to ward off a vote of no-confidence by dissolving parliament. Opposition groups immediately asked the Supreme Court to intervene. An answer is expected this week. The potential for prolonged or wide-scale violence in Pakistan has diminished as the impasse has drawn out.
Nearly every major city received reports of increased security at checkpoints and visible patrols. Even though these are likely in response to the recent attacks, at-risk Afghans should maintain a low profile.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
The Ministry of the Interior scheduled a meeting to discuss the current security situation. Sources state that accusations have been flying between Baradar’s loyalists and the Haqqani acolytes even prior to the bombing in Herat. There are major disagreements over the strategy going forward, with some advocating for a more active role and stricter movement policies within cities and between towns.
The Pakistani Supreme Court is expected to decide on the opposition case, and the decision could spark civil unrest in certain quarters of Islamabad.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 88.51 AFN (as of 4 APR 2022)
Afghan News
Blast in Afghanistan Kabul's market
By ANI
An explosion occurred in Afghanistan’s Kabul on Sunday morning, media reported…
Taliban bans drug cultivation, including lucrative opium and poppies
By Charlotte Greenfield and Jibran Ahmad – Reuters
The Taliban announced on Sunday a ban on the cultivation of narcotics in Afghanistan, the world's biggest opium producer…
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All conditions have been facilitated for the resumption of extraction at the Mes-Aynak copper mine, the…
Regional News
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Special envoy: Taliban agrees to honor Iran’s water rights
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Talks with Kabul's delegation regarding the Iran-Afghanistan water rights agreement were positive, Iran's…
International News
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The family members of victims killed and wounded in an airstrike conducted four years ago in…
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