Daily Evacuation Brief | June 21, 2022
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NEW COLUMN: Afghan Voices
Afghan Voices is a new publication from The Afghan Digest that features Afghans telling their own stories in their own words. We hope to provide a space where Afghans’ moving stories and powerful voices can be featured because we know that Afghans are the best advocates for themselves. As we navigate the ongoing disaster in Afghanistan and determine how to prevent further tragedy, we hope this column will help provide perspective on the situation and inspire action.
THIS WEEK – Phoenix: A former professor and activist's experience living in hiding in Kabul
“Exile is usually defined as being barred from one’s native country. However, in Afghanistan my family and I are in exile within the borders of our homeland, barred from the real country we know and love. Why? Because we have spent the last 20 years building up in an inclusive and just Afghanistan that has slipped away before our eyes.”
LAST 24 HOURS
In a rare rebuke, the Taliban asked Iran to treat Afghan citizens who are in Iran with more respect and civility. Marking International World Refugee Day, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation called on UNHCR to do more for the millions of Afghan refugees abroad.
The National Resistance Front and its allies appear to have broadened the front in their fight with the Taliban. Messages to Resistance forces on social media have called for dispersed operations to relieve pressure on the NRF strongholds in Panjshir. Combat operations from adjacent provinces are beginning to be reported and conflict frequency is increasing. There are unconfirmed reports that some Taliban units in Panjshir have been ordered to move to other locations as soon as the flooding has receded and it is safe to do so.
A large explosion took place in the crowded market in the Ghani Khail district of Nangarhar province. It is not clear if the bomb was in a car or a roadside device. The blast killed at least 2 people and injured almost 30 others. The head of a local hospital is rumored to have been the intended target. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Heavy rains have resulted in severe flooding across Afghanistan. Travel by roads is inadvisable in the affected areas at this time, which includes low-lying areas of 22 provinces such as Badakhshan, Panjshir, Parwan, Paktia, Khost, Kandahar, and more.
Sources within the Taliban claim the recent release of five British citizens was timed to coincide with the meetings taking place at the United Nations. The hope is that the travel bans on Taliban leaders will be lifted permanently.
NEXT 24 HOURS
Select Taliban units are expected to be repositioned from Panjshir province to other areas in response to local Taliban commanders reporting large groups of Resistance fighters in their areas and asking for more fighters and equipment. Sources in Kabul state the Taliban was reluctant to shift too many fighters out of Panjshir but are also worried about the optics if they lose a base in other parts of the country. Apparently, there is significant concern about additional defections to the Resistance. Consequently, they approved moving small contingents to reinforce Taliban bases. No information is available yet regarding how many Taliban forces will be stripped off the Panjshir front and where they may be sent.
Flooding is expected to recede as rain moves out of the region. However, roads will continue to be impacted and travel will be dangerous for the next 36 hours in many parts of the country. Travelers are advised to seek opinions if a journey must be made.
AFGHAN NEWS
Explosion in Eastern Afghanistan Kills Two and Injures At Least Twenty-Eight People
By Saqalain Eqbal – Khaama Press
The explosion, as per the sources, took place in the Ghani Khail district of Nangrahar province around 9:30…
Taliban Frees Five U.K. Citizens Held In Afghanistan Since February
By Radio Free Europe
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss announced the news on Twitter, saying the government had "secured the release of five…”
Employees at an Airport in Southern Afghanistan Resign Due to Non-Payment of Their Salaries
By Saqalain Eqbal – Khaama Press
According to the local sources, the number of the employees resigning from their jobs in the Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport in Kandahar…
REGIONAL NEWS
U.S. may let Tajikistan hold on to fleeing Afghan aircraft
By Reuters
The Taliban have demanded that the two countries return the…
Refugees from Afghanistan hold rally near UN building in Bishkek
By Yuri Kopytin - 24
“We have been living in Kyrgyzstan for 20 years, but we still have not obtained citizenship. We are constantly denied and asked to…”
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
UK govt publicly apologizes to IEA for conduct of 5 freed detainees
By Ariana News
“On behalf of the families of the British nationals, we express their apologies for any breach of Afghan culture, customs or laws, and offer…”
Afghan refugee wins Senate seat in Australian parliament
By Ariana News
Fatima Payman, who is just 27 years old, has won Western Australia’s sixth and final Senate seat, becoming the first Afghan-Australian and…
THE DAILY WTF
Gay Afghan who fled after being abducted, beaten and burned by Taliban left in asylum limbo
By Patrick Kelleher – Pink News
From the moment Kabul fell, Sohil was a target – his western clothes set him apart from other Afghan…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 89.43 AFN (as of 21 JUN 2022)