LAST 24 HOURS
FORMER SPOKESMAN FOR TTP ACCUSES PAKISTAN OF USING ISIS TO DESTABILIZE AFGHANISTAN – Ehsanullah Ehsan, the former spokesman for the TTP accused the government of Pakistan of complicity in ISIS-K operations in Afghanistan. Ehsan released several photos and the names of reputed leaders of ISIS-K who reside in Pakistan. He contends that some of these individuals live on Pakistani military bases and enjoy support from the nation’s intelligence service. A source in Islamabad said that the revelations raised some concerns within select government circles, but it was unclear if any actions had been planned.
ARMS SHIPMENT CONTAINING SOME US WEAPONS SEIZED AT TORKHAM BORDER CROSSING – A truck carrying a shipment of onions was stopped by Pakistani officials and a subsequent search discovered several of the bags contained weapons, ammunition, night vision devices, and laser range finders. Authorities revealed that some of the weapons were US-made M4 rifles. The driver was arrested and an investigation has commenced.
TTP RELEASES STATEMENT ON RECENT VISIT BY US OFFICIALS TO PAKISTAN – A document was shared by the current spokesman for the TTP, Muhammad Khurasani which detailed the terror group's response to the recent US envoy’s visit to Islamabad. The document stipulated that its fight was with Pakistan’s security forces and that it had no foreign agenda. The document concluded with a warning to the international community to avoid becoming involved in its dispute with Islamabad.
IRAN’S FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS IEA IS ‘REALITY IN AFGHANISTAN’ – Iran continued to send mixed signals to Kabul and the Foreign Minister’s remarks represent the ‘hot and cold’ rhetoric that has come to epitomize many of Afghanistan’s neighbors concerning the Taliban. Also included in the Minister’s remarks was the recognition the Taliban have continued to fight against ISIS and he also expressed the hope that an inclusive government would eventually take shape in the country.
NEXT 24 HOURS
NO THREATS REPORTED
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
A fire at the Birjan refinery caused two large explosions. No casualties were reported but all of the holding tanks eventually caught fire.
The US sanctioned 2 Iranian Intelligence officers for attempting to recruit individuals for assassination operations in the US.
Officials in Cyprus have arrested 2 Iranian citizens in a counter-terrorism operation. Cypriot officials said the 2 were planning to attack Israeli citizens in the nation.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan’s military chief departed for a visit to the US in his first official visit to the country since assuming his post.
Economists point to the surge in Pakistan’s stock exchange as a positive sign the economy is on the road to recovery.
I Islamabad High Court will reconvene today to hear the appeal of former PM Khan’s lawyers to suspend the verdict in the Toshakhana corruption case.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
A Dreams Deferred (Again): The last remaining Afghan in Guantanamo loses his latest bid for freedom
By Kate Clark - Afghanistan Analysts Network
The last Afghan still held in Guantanamo, Muhammad Rahim from Nangrahar province, has failed in his latest attempt to persuade the United States authorities to release him. The US continues to assert that he was a translator, courier and facilitator for al-Qaeda leaders and even though it is more than two years since US forces left his country, still claims his release would be a threat to its national security. As AAN’s Kate Clark reports, the US has detained Rahim without charge or trial for almost 17 years, never giving him the chance to have its claims against him independently scrutinised.
AFGHAN NEWS
100,000 Posts to Be Created for School Teachers: Deputy Minister
By TOLO News
The deputy Minister of Education (MoE) said that 100,000 posts are expected to be created for school teachers in the near future in…
Afghans Risk Deadly Winter Without Shelter, UN Agency Warns
By Sathish Raman - One India
The United Nations refugee agency has issued a dire warning, highlighting the perilous situation faced by Afghan returnees crossing the…
REGIONAL NEWS
Islamic Emirate to Iran FM: Govt is Inclusive
By TOLO News
The Islamic Emirate reacted to the recent remarks of Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian regarding the…
Pakistani Protesters Demand Relaxed Afghan Travel Rules
By RFE
For more than 50 days, a mass sit-in rally has been protesting Pakistan's tightened rules for travel to and from…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan’s UN Representative: No legal protection for citizens’ rights
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
The Acting Representative of Afghanistan at the United Nations stated on World Human Rights Day that there is no legal protection and safeguard for…
As the Taliban pursue women activists, Australia must prioritise visas for human rights defenders
By Zahra Karimi & Susan Hutchinson - The Strategist
Sunday 10 December was International Human Rights Day, marking an area in which Australia has a strong historical record of…
THE DAILY WTF
Elite Afghan troops face return to Taliban after UK 'betrayal'
By Joe Inwood - BBC
About 200 members of Afghan special forces, trained and funded by the UK, face imminent deportation to their Taliban-controlled homeland, the BBC has…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 69.23 AFN (as of 11 DEC 2023)