LAST 24 HOURS
LARGE AVALANCHE IN BADAKHSHAN, CASUALTIES REPORTED – Two districts along the border with Tajikistan reported the avalanche had killed at least 12 citizens and destroyed approximately 50 homes. Heavy snow has affected the Province and an earlier avalanche claimed the lives of 2 people when it swept a vehicle off a mountain road earlier in the week. Limited emergency services units were unable to assist the region over fears that heavy truck traffic could cause additional damage. Tajikistan reported 17 of its citizens had been killed by avalanches on its side of the border.
TALIBAN BAN CONTRACEPTION, SAY IT IS WESTERN EVIL – The Taliban have reputedly forced storekeepers and medical clinics to halt the sales of contraceptive devices in several cities. Since the takeover, many midwives have been threatened by security forces personnel for providing contraceptives. It is not clear if this is an official national policy at this time.
SUICIDE BOMBER IN SOUTH WAZIRISTAN ATTACK SAID TO HAVE COME FROM AFGHANISTAN – Pakistani authorities say the perpetrator of the suicide bombing in South Waziristan last Thursday was one Nik Rahman Mahsud and that he came from Logar. The TTP claimed credit for the attack and the continued use of Afghan citizens in these attacks is thought to be the main reason Pakistan’s security forces have been ordered to interview Afghan populations in the country.
KARACHI POLICE STATION ATTACKED BY GUNMEN – In a brazen evening attack, a group of unidentified gunmen targeted the Karachi Police Office which is the headquarters for the Police in the city (Saddar neighborhood). Sources say the attack was carried out by 12 men in police uniforms and a significant gunfight broke out between police and the armed group. 3 of the attackers were said to have been killed and 4 Pakistanis are dead with another 18 security force members wounded. It is not clear what happened to the other 9 gunmen who launched the attack. The TTP has claimed credit for the attack but this has yet to be verified.
US ANNOUNCES IT HAS KILLED A SENIOR ISIS LEADER IN SYRIA – The leader, Hamza al-Homsi, was said to have been killed in an air assault (helicopter) raid in Northeast Syria on Thursday. Officials said that no other ISIS militants were killed or captured in the engagement. 4 Americans were wounded in the fighting.
NEXT 24 HOURS
PAKISTAN INCREASING ITS SECURITY POSTURE – After the attack on the Police Headquarters in Karachi, Islamabad announced it was raising its domestic security stance to its highest level. Several sources have stated there are forthcoming attacks planned in other cities across the country as the TTP tries to destabilize the regime. At-risk Afghans will see significantly more patrolling in cities and the security checkpoints at entrances have been reinforced. As some of the recent suicide bombing attacks have been attributed to Afghan nationals, it is likely that searches of locales frequented by Afghan refugees will intensify. Yesterday’s search operations in Golra resulted in the search of 40 houses, 7 motorcycles, and over 30 pedestrians. Officials in Islamabad said search operations had been scheduled for all of Islamabad over the coming days.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Protests began again across many cities in the country with thousands taking to the streets and chanting ‘freedom’. Video of the protests has been smuggled out and contrasts sharply with the regime’s narrative of ‘small groups’. The latest protests occur on the 40th day after 2 male protestors were executed by the regime.
The US says the drone that hit an Israel-owned tanker in the Arabian Sea on the 10th of February was likely launched by Iran.
China’s President is said to have scheduled a visit to Tehran soon.
PAKISTAN
Scattered protests against inflation and the new price hikes on fuel have been reported around the country. Analysts say they could spread as the cost of fuel is now eating into people’s daily budgets.
Former PM Khan again calls for elections. Some local observers say his grip on his political party is slipping and many are now blaming him for the economic misery they are facing.
TAJIKISTAN
A state emergency official said that 69 avalanches had been reported over a 24-hour period in the country and that 17 citizens had been killed when their homes collapsed.
President Rahmon convened a special security conference with leaders of police and security forces personnel to empower the security apparatus for potential domestic or regional issues. The President specifically ordered the military to ramp up efforts to build 70 border camps over the coming year.
A Tajik ISIS recruiter was sentenced to 21 years in prison by the Tajik Supreme Court on 16 February. Parviz Saidrahmonov had been extradited from Turkey to face charges in Dushanbe last year. He was linked to terror attacks in Sweden, Russia, and Tajikistan.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
The Azadi Briefing: Taliban Divisions Come Out Into The Open
By Mustafa Sarwar - RFE
Key Taliban officials have recently appeared to criticize the militant group's supreme leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, whose repressive policies have alienated Afghans and isolated the Taliban's unrecognized government internationally.
AFGHAN NEWS
Inside the Taliban slaughterhouses where Western ‘collaborators’ are tortured to death
By Arpan Rai - The Independent
After Zoya’s brother was snatched from the streets of Kabul, her family were told nothing – until his mutilated body was…
Former MP Mursal Nabizada’s killer arrested: Kabul police
By Ariana News
Khalid Zadran, the spokesperson of the Kabul police, said on Twitter that the murderer of Mursal Nabizada and one of her security guards was…
Germany Will Resume its Afghan Projects for Sake of Women: German Media
By Mitra Majeedy - TOLO News
According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, citing German authorities, Germany will fund its projects in Afghanistan as Afghan women will…
REGIONAL NEWS
Gunmen attack Police Chief Office in Karachi, Pakistan
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
A group of unidentified gunmen attacked the Karachi Police Office (KPO) headquarters in Pakistan’s Karachi metropolis on Friday evening, which…
TTP Militant Commander Killed in Terror Attack in Punjab
By Nizamuddin Rezahi - Khaama Press
According to a statement issued by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Friday, the clash continued for twenty minutes between the…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
House Republicans seek Afghan withdrawal documents from Biden administration
By Doug Cunningham - UPI
Several U.S. House Republican committee chairs have sent letters to Biden administration officials requesting all documents, communications and information related to…
Shaheen Meets Chinese Special Envoy for Afghanistan in Qatar
By Nazir Shinwari - TOLO News
The head of the Islamic Emirate’s political office in Qatar, Suhail Shaheen, said that he discussed various issues, including the economy, with…
THE DAILY WTF
Why Indian Deobandis Are Quiet on Women Education Ban?
By Manish Rai - Ekurd Daily
It seems that Darul Uloom, Deoband, one of the most important and influential schools of Islamic Studies especially in South Asia, doesn’t have any time to shed…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 89.28 AFN (as of 18 FEB 2023)