Daily Evacuation Brief | July 2, 2022
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LAST 24 HOURS
The ongoing Loya Jirga dominated reporting as Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is said to have made an appearance. His speech was sweeping, largely focusing on expressing disgruntlement with continued international interference in Afghanistan, and broadcast across Afghanistan on national radio. There has been much debate over whether he truly attended the event or if it was a fake recorded message as rumors continue to swirl that he was actually killed some time ago.
Power transmission lines to Kandahar are said to have been repaired, and residents were told to expect fewer outages.
It appears another attempt was made to disrupt the Loya Jirga over the last 24 hours. More information on the attack is included in the Conflict Tracker below. Details are scant currently, and we will publish a full account when the situation is clearer.
Several engagements were reported throughout northern Afghanistan. We refer readers to the Conflict Tracker to catch up on the latest updates to the security situation.
Pakistan reported another attack on its military forces in North Waziristan. 1 Pakistani soldier was killed and another injured. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Although there are no direct ties to Afghans at this point, some previous attacks on security forces in the region were carried out by Afghans and the attack may heighten tensions.
NEXT 24 HOURS
The Loya Jirga was originally expected to conclude on July 2, but now may be extended for several days. ISIS-K is rumored to be planning an action against the event, and at-risk Afghans are encouraged to avoid any security checkpoints near the perimeter of the assembly.
SPOTLIGHT OPINION
A Modest Proposal to Save Afghanistan—From Itself
By Lynne O’Donnell – Foreign Policy
Religion has long been a weapon in Afghanistan, where it’s hard to argue against fanatics who believe they’re on a mission from God. Sources close to the Taliban say the movement is dominated by a handful of senior figures who think just that. They’re blocking efforts at political reform that could end Afghanistan’s misery and international isolation.
AFGHAN NEWS
Taliban leader makes first visit to capital city Kabul
By Secunder Kermani – BBC News
The Taliban's secretive leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, has made his first visit to the Afghan capital Kabul, according to…
Women’s Absence at Clerics’ Gathering Criticized
By Banafsha Binesh – TOLO News
Recognition of the Islamic Emirate by the international community is conditional upon upholding human rights and the role…
Afghan women in danger of being 'erased from public life'
By Eleanor Burnhill – RTE
An exiled former member of the Afghan parliament has told an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council that women there…
REGIONAL NEWS
Uzbek capital to host international conference on Afghanistan
By Asia-Plus
Delegations from more than 20 countries and international organizations will partake in the International Conference on…
Over 3,000 Afghan refugees return from Iran in past 2 days
By Hijratullah Kakar – Pajhwok Afghan News
In the past two days more than 3,300 Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan from Iran…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Taliban say talks held with US on unblocking foreign reserves
By Riyaz ul Khaliq – Anadolu Agency
Top officials from Afghanistan and the US held a two-day meeting to discuss the possible unblocking of foreign reserves in the…
Urgent Debate at the Human Rights Council on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan
By EEAS
Upon the request of the European Union, the Human Rights Council holds today an Urgent Debate on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, which has seen a…
THE DAILY WTF
Only 2 Participants at Clerics’ Gathering Called to Reopen Girls’ School
By TOLO News
Two days of meetings have now passed since the start of the gathering of Islamic clerics, and so far only two of the participants have called on the…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 87.70 AFN (as of 02 JUL 2022)