Daily Evacuation Brief | March 12, 2022
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Daily Evacuation Brief | March 12, 2022
Open source daily news about Afghanistan and the surrounding region powered by Operation Snow Leopard
Threat Analysis
LAST 24 HOURS:
Sources indicate a female medical doctor was publicly beheaded in Kandahar. We have no further information at this time.
Several disturbing videos depicting the purported execution of a former ANA soldier by Taliban security forces were circulated on social media sites. If true, it portrays sharp contrast to the remarks made by the UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet during her visit to Kabul about the Taliban treatment of former military and government officials of the previous regime.
Afghans crossing the border into Pakistan over the last several weeks have reported an uptick in demands for bribes from the Pakistani border officials. According to reports, the bribes are predominantly asked for when the officials search the accompanying baggage. Afghans intending to make the crossing are encouraged to keep several different denominations in their possession and to stash them in different pockets if forced to pay a bribe.
More snow fell on the Salang Pass, which is expected to keep it closed to large vehicle and bus traffic for the next 24 hours.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
The Minister of Defense is expected to visit sections of the Durand Line on the border with Pakistan.
Several nations across the region are expected to elevate their security postures in response to the death of Abu Hamza Al-Quraishi, the leader of ISIS. Sources indicate there are concerns that ISIS affiliates will launch reprisal attacks in multiple locations. At-risk Afghans are encouraged to limit travel and avoid large gatherings if possible.
A Taliban column of reinforcements (800 fighters) is expected to depart for the North. They have been requested to deal with threats from the Freedom Front. Several sources have indicated a series of ongoing clashes are continuing in the North that are attributed to the Freedom Front, but confirmation has not yet been received.
ANALYSIS SPOTLIGHT: Spring Rapidly Approaches
The Taliban Ministry of Defense continues to claim that there are no armed opposition groups in the country. On March 11, a spokesman for the MoD claimed these resistance groups only exist online. While it is true that the Taliban control the cities and towns throughout Afghanistan, there have been enough confirmed clashes with ‘armed groups’ who clearly are not aligned with Daesh to give the informed observer pause.
Since taking power, the Taliban has conducted multiple purges within the army. They also launched a massive recruitment effort to reach a 110,000 man end-strength, ordered a country-wide search/seizure operation, and have had to forcibly deal with a near mutiny among marginalized ethnic Taliban forces in Balkh province.
In addition to internal struggles, the Taliban held at least two rounds of talks with the National Resistance Front leadership, hosted by foreign powers in Tehran and Moscow. There have been enough other backroom meetings between disaffected Afghan leaders to suggest an armed opposition is real and has been simmering for some time.
To unpack the tactical and strategic situation developing in the country, we at the Afghan Digest strongly recommend the recent analysis done by Peter Mills from the Institute for the Study of War:
Afghanistan in Review: Taliban and Opposition Groups Prepare for a New Spring Fighting Season in Afghanistan 9 March, 2022.
In our opinion, this treatise represents one of the best unclassified products available and will help the informed observer to understand the situation. The author does not make any claims about opposition capabilities as there is a lack of credible information. However, we concur with the information presented in the report and believe it will assist with disseminating situational awareness.
Afghan News
Facing Criticism, Govt Says More Posts for Women Are Planned
By Farshad Daryush – TOLO News
Some Afghan women complained about what they called the “sidelining of women” by the current…
By the British Medical Journal
Following the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 and the Taliban’s rapid takeover, maternal and newborn health are…
‘Relative peace’ in Afghanistan but more needs to be done: UN rights chief
By Riyaz ul Khaliq – Anadolu Agency
Acknowledging “relative peace” has returned to Afghanistan, UN human rights chief said Friday general amnesty granted by the…
OIC to Resume Halted Afghan Development Projects
By Tamim Shaheer – TOLO News
The OIC has also committed to work on the recovery of the economy, providing humanitarian aid and…
Sanctioned Taliban Financier Holds Leadership Post at Afghan Central Bank
By Ian Talley, Mengai Sun, Margherita Stancati – The Wall Street Journal
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has appointed a man blacklisted by the U.S., the United Nations and…
Regional News
Pakistan Confronts Growing Threat From Islamic State-Khorasan
By Abubakar Siddique – Radio Free Europe
Since it first emerged in 2015, Islamic State’s local affiliate in Afghanistan has focused its violent campaign within that…
Kerala ISIS terrorist killed in Afghanistan: Why India’s no-return policy is a good idea
By Vicky Nanjappa – One India
A member of the Islamic State from Kerala has been killed in Afghanistan. Najeeb Ali who…
International News Relating to Afghanistan
Islamic State Confirms Death of Its Leader, Names New Chief
By TOLO News
Islamic State confirmed on Thursday the death of its leader Abu Ibrahim Al-hashemi Al-Quraishi and its…
Afghanistan, Qatar, US hold trilateral meeting in Turkey's Antalya
By Yeni Safak
Senior officials from Afghanistan, Qatar and the US held a trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) that…
Former Afghan female lawmaker, mayor win Forbes award
By Erfanyar – Pajhwok Afghan News
Forbes International Magazine has awarded Nahid Farid, a former member of the lower house of parliament of…
Absurdity of the Day
IEA says resistance happening only on internet
By Ariana News
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has downplayed threats from its opposition that it will launch offensive in the coming spring, saying…
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