LAST 24 HOURS
ISIS-K CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING OF TALIBAN CHECKPOINT NEAR AIRPORT – ISIS-K and its affiliates have claimed responsibility for the deadly attack near the military airport the other day. A few analysts noted the complexity of the attack and the choice of targets indicated they are gaining proficiency and confidence. The checkpoint that was targeted has long been considered a position of honor for the Taliban and has been habitually manned by more experienced Mujahadeen. The fact that ISIS-K was able to target it sends a powerful message.
TENSIONS WITH PAKISTAN CONTINUE TO RISE – Pakistan has clearly signaled that it plans to take action against the TTP in Afghanistan and the responses by the Taliban have served to ratchet up tensions between the two. While both countries say they prefer dialogue, the troop movements they are making on their respective sides of the border suggest they are planning for violence.
LITTLE PROGRESS IN TALKS BETWEEN THE TALIBAN AND UN OFFICIALS ABOUT WOMEN IN AID ROLES – Despite a couple of high-level visits, the Taliban have not shown any sign they plan to relent on the ban on women in humanitarian aid roles. A few mixed messages had been sent during the last week of 2022 but a source in the Ministry of Communication says the Taliban leadership has now flatly refused to discuss the matter openly and insists the laws must be followed. It was not clear if the Taliban is united on this stance or if the Kabul faction still supports the ban.
AMERICAN TEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR KNIFE ATTACKS ON POLICE IN NEW YORK CITY ADMIRED THE TALIBAN – Trevor Bickford, a 19-year-old man from Maine was shot after attacking several police officers in downtown New York City on New Year’s Eve. A diary found on Bickford contained references to joining the Taliban and wanting to die as a martyr. Nobody was killed in the rampage and Bickford is in a hospital recovering from his wounds.
NEXT 24 HOURS
AIR STRIKES FROM PAKISTAN POSSIBLE IN BORDER AREAS – A source in Afghanistan, but who has ties to sources in Pakistan says that air strikes are likely on suspected TTP hideouts within the next 24 to 48 hours. When pressed for locations, the source said that Kandahar and Paktia are likely candidates but that some sites of concern had been identified in Badakhshan as well. At-risk Afghans living in these areas should be prepared to take cover should an air campaign take place. Should the strikes occur, the border will likely be closed for an indeterminate amount of time.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Several high-profile football players were detained briefly for attending a mixed-gender New Years’ Eve party where alcohol was served.
In response to memorial observances in Western Iran, IRGC and Police forces attempted to disrupt a service for slain protestors in a cemetery in Javanrud.
The regime said it has extended nearly 1 million residency permits for Afghans who are sheltering in the country. A further 2 million Afghans are thought to be in Iran without proper documentation.
PAKISTAN
COVID screening checkpoints have been activated at Torkham Gate and the major airports in the country.
Pakistan has moved additional aircraft to three bases in the Western part of the country. The additional planes follow on the heels of a decision to reposition drones last week.
An informal survey done by several news agencies found that 50% of PTI Parliamentarians did not want to resign.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
By Cheryl Benard - UnHerd
It has become common for countries to boast three-word slogans. India, Incredible India. Malaysia, Truly Asia. Afghanistan’s could be: We Squander Opportunities. Or perhaps: We Never Learn.
AFGHAN NEWS
Islamic State claims responsibility for Kabul attack which killed '20 people'
By The New Arab
The Islamic State group on Monday claimed responsibility for an attack on Taliban forces in…
Taliban’s ban on women traveling alone hinders scholarship students
By AMU TV
The solo-travel ban is one of many restrictions recently imposed by the Taliban on women in Afghanistan and a number of young women told Amu TV that for this reason they are not able to…
Defense Ministry Rejects Pakistan Official's Remarks on TTP in Afghanistan
By Banafsha Binesh - TOLO News
The Ministry of Defense reacted to recent comments by Pakistan’s interior minister about the presence of Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the…
REGIONAL NEWS
Incoming passengers being screened for Covid at airports, Torkham: NDMA told
By Samaa Web Desk
With fears of a new novel coronavirus (Covid-19) BF.7 Omicron variant spreading, the government has started screening of all international passengers arriving in…
Iran provides residency permits to one million Afghan refugees
By Ariana News
Sadiq Rezadoost, Iran’s Director General of Foreign Nationals and Immigrant Affairs of the Ministry of Interior, said that all nationals who…
Pakistan says will target TTP on Afghan soil, Taliban say things can be resolved by dialogue
By WION
The Afghan Ministry of Defense too said that Pakistan's remarks are baseless and provocative and that any dispute should be resolved by…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
NYC Machete Attack: Suspect Reportedly Wanted To Join Taliban—Here’s What We Know
By Nicholas Reimann - Forbes
A man arrested for allegedly attacking three New York City police officers near Times Square on New Year's Eve carried a diary…
By Taz Ali - iNews UK
Haji Nooruddin Azizi, the country’s acting commerce minister, said his government will launch a new “self-sufficiency programme” that will promote the use…
THE DAILY WTF
IEA Invites All Afghans Living Abroad to Return Home: Kabir
By Bakhtar News
Ghafari said that they are working abroad with the help and cooperation of other Afghan experts to improve the human condition of Afghans and…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 89.21 AFN (as of 3 JAN 2023)