LAST 24 HOURS
TALIBAN SAY 2 ISIS-K MILITANTS KILLED IN HERAT OPERATION, OTHERS SAY ‘NOT SO FAST’ – Officially, the Taliban say the clashes in Herat targeted ISIS-K cells living in the city. They claim that 2 ISIS-K fighters were killed in the operations. Some pro-Taliban social media accounts even circulated photos of the body of the supposed ISIS-K Commander for all of Afghanistan. However, the photos are being criticized by former intelligence professionals as fake and they say the pro-Taliban groups have misidentified the recognized ISIS-K leader. A competing account says that the Taliban intelligence chief for Herat (unclear if they meant GDI or Military Intelligence Chief) sent fighters to kill rival commanders (Mowlawi Ghafoor and Mowlawi Daud). These accounts say the ISIS-K claim is a canard, meant to minimize any suggestion of inter-Taliban strife. While a definitive count of all casualties sustained in the clashes has yet to be provided, most observers believe that approximately 40 people were killed and/or injured as a result of the spat. Regretfully, we have no new information to add which could clarify recent events.
AFGHANISTAN ENTREPRENEUR A FINALIST IN PRESTIGIOUS JAPANESE STARTUP COMPETITION – Nasrat Khalid, who became famous for launching the Afghanistan Etsy is the sole non-Japanese finalist in the prestigious Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC). His company, Aseel Technology, is poised to become a model for bringing handcrafted goods to markets in developing countries. Should Mr. Khalid win the competition, he will receive significant financial support as well as highly placed Japanese mentors to guide his company along its path.
3 JOURNALISTS ARRESTED IN BAGHLAN RECENTLY, RELEASED – After massive local and international protests, the three Journalists who were arrested on Wednesday in Northern Baghlan were released. It was rumored the three were forced to sign oaths that prohibited criticism of the regime.
SHOPKEEPERS IN HERAT GO ON STRIKE TO PROTEST NEW TAXES – Pictures of empty stalls in Herat’s markets were being circulated on social media as local businesses protested a new taxation policy by the Taliban. Apparently, the tax demanded precludes the businesses from making a profit, and stall owners are demanding the tax be abolished.
HOUSE SEARCHES CALLED OFF IN NIMRUZ – A local source in the Province said that searches of private dwellings had been called off and that Taliban security forces were resuming their normal routines in Zaranj. Some have questioned whether any ISIS-K operation ever took place and wonder what the fighting was about.
NEXT 24 HOURS
THE SITUATION IN HERAT REMAINS TENSE, TALIBAN HAVE SENT SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR AND DEFENSE TO ASSESS THE SITUATION – While the last twenty-four hours were largely peaceful in the city, locals said the Taliban security forces have been on edge and have accosted pedestrians and vehicle operators around town. At-risk Afghans should exercise caution as they make their way around the city should fighting start anew.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Iran and Saudi Arabia pledged to work together to bring security and stability to the Mideast in a joint statement made in Beijing.
Azerbaijan expelled 4 Iranian diplomats shortly after arresting six men that Baku believes are Iranian intelligence agents.
The spokesman for the Iranian Teachers Union was arrested in Tehran on Wednesday and international condemnation has been swift.
PAKISTAN
The Federal Investigative Agency (akin to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation) announced it was launching probes into ministerial corruption.
The Prime Minister announced his government would accept the decision by the full bench of the Supreme Court regarding elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A court in Islamabad has ruled that the former Prime Minister merits security measures similar to the sitting Prime Minister.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Why, when and how America should engage the Taliban
By Ronald E. Neumann - The Hill
America’s goals in Afghanistan are sensible, but the current approach of sanctions, demands and restricted contact with the Taliban is not working. Reopening pathways for women, setting humanitarian goals, negotiating hostage release, and implementing counterterrorism cooperation are correct policy objectives shared by the international community. Is another approach more likely to bring improvement?
AFGHAN NEWS
Amid Restrictions on Employments Some Women Start Small Businesses
By TOLO News
Many former female employees in government institutions have started their own businesses after losing their jobs and following the ban on women’s employment in…
Afghanistan: State land being distributed to private investors
By Ariana News
According to them, ownership documents are being distributed on a daily basis to the new…
Gaming and Internet Cafes Closed in Herat
By TOLO News
The Vice and Virtue Directorate in Herat province has closed internet and gaming cafes in the province, officials said, adding that the decision was made after…
REGIONAL NEWS
Afghanistan Seeking to Develop Relations with Russia: Muttaqi
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov on Wednesday met acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and discussed political, security and…
Political crisis in Pakistan; Law Minister demands elections simultaneously across the country
By Javed Ahmad Kakar - Pajhwok Afghan News
Pakistan Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday demanded that elections should be held in…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Biden blames Trump for chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan
By AMU TV
The White House on Thursday sent a report to Congress on the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and blamed the chaos on a deal former President Donald Trump made with the…
Security Council to meet over ban on women working for UN in Afghanistan
By AMU TV
The security council said council members are likely to be interested in hearing Otunbayeva’s analysis of her meetings with the Taliban during Thursday’s…
THE DAILY WTF
Irrigation canal being built by the Taliban may worsen already poor water management in Central Asia
By Asia-Plus
After returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban began building an irrigation canal to convert 550,000 hectares of desert in…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.63 AFN (as of 7 APR 2023)