LAST 24 HOURS
IRAN SAYS IT HAS FOILED ANOTHER ISIS-K ATTACK – Government officials in Kerman announced they had arrested 2 individuals who were planning to carry out a terror attack on the funeral processions for those killed in the twin bombing on 3 January. A spokesman for the public prosecutor's office claimed that security forces had arrested many ISIS-K members over 2023 and that many explosive devices had been captured. The news surprised many long-time Iran observers who could not find evidence that any significant arrests had previously been announced. An anonymous senior policy analyst opined that Tehran may be using misinformation to lay the groundwork for an internal security operation. Kabul trotted out a former ISIS-K leader who now works for the regime to present a claim that the bombers had come from Pakistan and cast further aspersions on Tajikistan as a ‘hotbed’ of ISIS-K.
PASHTUN ‘INVASION’ OF BADAKHSHAN CONTINUING – Several newly appointed officials for the troubled Northern Province arrived on Saturday in Faizabad. The heavily armed convoy escorted the new leaders into the Provincial capital and local leaders were reportedly compelled to gather and greet the new leaders. The Province's tensions are high, and many Afghan observers expect clashes between Kabul’s imposed leadership and local leaders. A source in Badakhshan said that the underlying problem in the Province is that poppy cultivation has continued and was protected by the previous Provincial leaders. The Taliban considers the eradication of the opium industry to be one of the few ‘feathers in its cap’ and wants leaders who will implement its policies.
FOOTAGE OF FEMALES BEING ARRESTED FOR HIJAB VIOLATIONS GOES VIRAL – Several videos depicting the arrests of several girls made in Northern Kabul have flooded the internet and are sure to spur another international outcry. The Taliban’s chief spokesman has continually refuted claims that such activity was being carried out but the evidence is overwhelming. A source in Kabul said that members of the Ministry of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Interior are concerned that the actions of the Ministry of Vice and Virtue has ‘moved too quickly’ on the new rules. However, they are powerless to do anything about it as the Minister has the full support of Kandahar.
BIZARRE PLEA BY TALIBAN FOR RECOGNITION – Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Taliban regime appealed to the international community to ‘show flexibility’ in its treatment of the Emirate. During an interview with Tolo News, Mujahid said that he expects the government will be recognized in 2024. Considering the continued implementation of oppressive policies, a lack of ethnic representation, and the near-universal perception that terror groups are allowed to maintain a presence in the country, it is not clear where his optimism is coming from.
NEXT 24 HOURS
NO THREATS REPORTED
SPOTLIGHT OPINION
World is betraying Afghan women by legitimising the Taliban
By Chris Fitzgerald - South China Morning Post
As the world sees in a new year, Afghanistan remains a problem and its future uncertain. The country continues to suffer through a humanitarian crisis and the Taliban continues to rule through brutality, severely oppressing women. The world has been unsure how to solve these problems, though a recent vote at the United Nations suggests this might be changing.
AFGHAN NEWS
Dasht-e- Barchi Death Toll Rises to 5, 15 People Wounded
By Sodaba Nazhand - TOLO News
The spokesman for the Kabul department of security, Khalid Zadran, said that an investigation is underway regarding the…
Afghan Sikhs and Hindus call on IEA to return their usurped houses
By Ariana News
One of the few remaining Sikhs in Afghanistan, Manjit Singh Lamba, has called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to help return…
Increased Taliban arrests lead to Kabul families restricting women’s movement
By Zabihullah Doorandish - AMU TV
Women and girls in Kabul report growing concerns for their safety and restrictions from their families on leaving their homes, amidst rising Taliban arrests over clothing…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan’s Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman arrives in Kabul for talks
By Ariana News
Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam political party chief, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, arrived in Kabul on Sunday for talks with officials of the…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
UN Decries IS-Claimed Deadly Attack on Afghan Religious Minority
By Ayaz Gul - VOA
The United Nations has urged Afghanistan's ruling Taliban to bring to justice the perpetrators of an overnight deadly minibus bombing in Kabul that targeted…
THE DAILY WTF
Governing is the right of religious scholars: education minister
By Ariana News
Acting Minister of Education Habibullah Agha said on Sunday that governing is the right of religious scholars and in the past…
“The head buffoon speaks.” TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 70.38 AFN (as of 8 JAN 2024)