Daily Evacuation Brief | February 25, 2023

Feb 25

LAST 24 HOURS

MINISTER OF DEFENSE RAISES CONCERNS OF UNKNOWN DRONES IN AFGHAN AIRSPACE – For several weeks, eyewitnesses have been reporting multiple drone sightings across Afghanistan. Some rumors claimed the drones were Chinese and training was being provided at Bagram Air Base for future Talian operators. In a speech at the Taliban’s National Defense University, he dispelled the rumors and said the airspace is ‘occupied’ and that there was currently nothing that could be done about the problem.
CONFUSION CONTINUES AT TORKHAM – Pakistani authorities said the crossing was in a conditional reopening program at the moment and that only certain classes of people were being allowed to cross. A source in the security forces said that a threat had emerged after the talks between the Taliban and Pakistani leaders in Kabul, but the threat is unspecified and has not been communicated to the border security forces yet. At present, it has been reported that only Pakistani nationals and some medical visa holders are allowed to cross.
US RESTRICTS VISAS FOR SOME TALIBAN MEMBERS – The United States announced further visa restrictions for current/former members of the Taliban and several non-state militia figures. In some cases, the visa restrictions will be extended to immediate family members. The US State Department said the restrictions will target all responsible for the planning and implementation of the gender bans. While largely symbolic, several international partners are considering imposing similar restrictions.
TALIBAN DELEGATION HEADS TO IRAN TO DISCUSS REFUGEE ISSUES – The delegation left yesterday and plans to visit with Afghans who have been imprisoned as well as hearing from Afghan groups who say they are facing persecution in Iran. The delegation’s arrival has been highly anticipated by the Afghan diaspora in Iran.

NEXT 24 HOURS

POSSIBLE SECURITY OPERATION IN TAKHAR – Taliban forces in the capital Taloqan reputedly received information about a possible safe house that may be sheltering those who planned last week’s bomb attack. The local GDI office may initiate a raid on the building. There is no information on where the building is located and the timing of any operation. At-Risk Afghans in Taloqan should be wary of any potential build-up of Taliban trucks or personnel in neighborhoods around the city and they should leave the area immediately if they encounter such a situation.

ALERTS

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

IRAN

New protests in Southeastern Iran were reported. Locals say internet service has been halted.
Rumors persist that Iran will close the UK embassy in Tehran.
Iran signaled it planned to send Syria air defense systems after purported Israeli airstrikes.

PAKISTAN

Economists predict that Pakistan will require further IMF assistance as early as June.
The government in Sindh has banned the carrying of weapons for three months as the threat of terrorism has increased.
The government’s austerity measures have expanded to include a ban on first-class flights for senior government officials and no more five-star hotel stays.

SPOTLIGHT GENDER

Afghanistan “It’s time for women to stand up for other women”

By OCHA - United Nations

Just two months ago – on 24 December 2022 – the Taliban de facto authorities issued a harsh directive, banning Afghan women from working for national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The international community was united in its response, condemning what was the latest in a series of measures that have dramatically curtailed the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and increasingly pushed them out of public life.

AFGHAN NEWS

Torkham border crossing reopened “conditionally”

By AMU TV

The border crossing has been reopened only for some passengers, including those whose families live in Pakistan, as well as Pakistani citizens who are in…

Afghanistan airspace is occupied: defense minister

By Ariana News

The Minister of National Defense has expressed concern about the patrolling of drones in the airspace of Afghanistan and said that the…

Crackdown against Hijab, prayer violations in Mazar-i-Sharif ordered

By Abdul Sabour Seerat - Pajhwok Afghan News

The Department for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice in Northern Balkh province has directed its assigned ombudsmen to walk three days in…

REGIONAL NEWS

Pakistani Exporters Suffer Huge Losses as Torkham Gate with Afghanistan Shut for Five Days

By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press

A trade group reported on Friday that over 7,000 trucks loaded with goods, including perishable items like fruits, vegetables, juices…

INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN

US transfers Pakistani brothers from Guantanamo Bay

By Al-Monitor

Two Pakistani brothers detained without charge at the American military prison in Guantanamo Bay were released to their home country after two decades, the Pentagon…