Daily Evacuation Brief | December 20, 2022

Dec 20, 2022

DEATH TOLL IN SALANG TUNNEL DISASTER RISES TO 31 – There are credible reports that people are still trapped in the tunnel and local eyewitnesses speculate the casualty count is expected to climb in the next few days. While work crews have arrived on the scene, the work to clear the tunnel is progressing slowly and there are fears that two additional fuel trucks that were abandoned in the tunnel could ignite. Taliban officials confirmed that the Director of the National ID Card office, Hanif Nasher, and his two children perished in the disaster.
PAKISTAN IN TALKS WITH TTP IN AFGHANISTAN TO RESOLVE BANNU HOSTAGE CRISIS – Multiple sources in Afghanistan have confirmed that Pakistan government officials are in discussions with the leadership of the TTP in Afghanistan. A spokesman of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government confirmed the meetings as well. It is not clear how many Pakistani security personnel are being held and there are rumors that several have been killed in the inmate uprising.
PASSPORT DIRECTORATE REMAINS CLOSED – The troubles at the Passport Directorate continue and citizens have registered their outrage over the stalled process. A source who attempted to get a passport for a family member visited the offices and was told that ‘technical problems’ are causing the problems. A source in the Ministry of the Interior claimed the technical issues are nonexistent and Taliban loyalists are being served. While some official passports have been delivered, they appear to be those that were applied for in January 2022. The black-market passports have increased substantially in price and applicants have complained the exorbitant fees go into the pockets of Taliban leaders who have found the practice to be a lucrative means of increasing their personal wealth.
FINAL PHASE OF POLIO VACCINATION CAMPAIGN STARTED MONDAY – Health officials and NGOs kicked off the last campaign of 2022 on Monday in 26 Provinces across the country. The goal of the effort is to vaccinate approximately 7 million children in the country. Conflicting numbers have been presented by the Taliban and aid organizations operating in the country as to how many children are currently vaccinated.
10 PEOPLE PUBLICLY FLOGGED IN HERAT – Continuing the trend of public punishments, 10 people were accused of theft and drug dealing and were flogged in front of a crowd of several hundred people.

NEXT 24 HOURS

PAKISTAN INCREASES AIR POWER ALONG BORDER – Pakistan repositioned strike aircraft and some of its drone fleet to Western bases shortly after the Bannu compound was seized by inmates. A source in the Pakistan Frontier Corps claimed the move was a prudent measure that was meant to give Pakistan’s leadership the ability to launch strikes on suspected TTP positions. Several unconfirmed reports of drones patrolling the Durand Line have been received.

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

IRAN

Nationwide strikes continued in select commercial sectors. A delegation from the regime had begun talks with the Nation’s oilfield workers.
The regime has hinted at restarting the nuclear talks if Western countries withdraw support for the protestors. The move is widely viewed as one of desperation.
The UN nuclear inspection team departed the country.

PAKISTAN

A suicide bomber detonated a device in North Waziristan on Monday and killed 1 Pakistani soldier. The blast occurred in the Miran Shah area.
Former PM, Imran Khan, has blasted the current government for a failure to take the threat of terrorism seriously. The former PM took to Twitter and stated the attacks are emanating from within Afghanistan and a harder line must be taken.

TAJIKISTAN

Russian troops from the 201st military base continued maneuvers at the Lyaur military range complex.
A power-rationing plan was announced and is facing fierce criticism from citizens.

SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS

Afghanistan And Its Neighborhood: Stocktaking Of Regional Cooperation Since Taliban Takeover – Analysis

By Dr Jiayi Zhou - EurAsia Review

Twenty years ago, the six countries bordering Afghanistan signed a declaration expressing their shared commitment to help rebuild the country and a desire for ‘peace and stability in the region’ after the fall of the then Taliban government.

AFGHAN NEWS

Death toll from oil tanker explosion in Afghanistan rises to 31

By Yeni Safak

An oil tanker overturned and caught fire in Afghanistan’s Salang pass, which is the only gateway connecting Afghanistan's northern…

Pakistan Delegation to Visit Afghanistan This Week

By Imran Danish - TOLO News

A delegation from Pakistan comprised of religious scholars and tribal elders is visiting Afghanistan this week, local officials in the…

Afghanistan: AFJC condemns the torture of a journalist in Takhar province

By ifeX

Zabihullah Noori, a journalist for 'Takharistan Radio', was arrested by authorities on 9 December "on charges of being a…

REGIONAL NEWS

Return of terror: Suicide bomber strikes in tribal area bordering Afghanistan

By Sumaira Khan - SAMAA

As many as three people embraced martyrdom, including an official of the of armed forces, when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives laden vest in Miranshah area of North Waziristan…