Threat Analysis
LAST 24 HOURS:
The United Nations Security Council voted to extend UNAMA’s mandate by one year in a session on Thursday. Russia was the only nation to abstain from voting.
Turkey became the first member of NATO to call for recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Turkey appears to be out of step with the EU who stated “the Taliban must win the consent of the people” before the EU will consider recognition.
Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani met with the Deputy Ambassador from Iran to discuss lowering tensions along the border. The meeting follows deadly clashes between border security forces earlier this month.
Sources claim the Taliban executed a former Afghan Army officer during the night in Baghlan province. We have not yet confirmed this information.
A man who had been reported missing 17 days ago was found dead in Helmand province. It is believed he was murdered.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
The Taliban intend to dispatch an additional 400 new recruits to Panjshir province in order to reinforce garrisons there who reportedly came under attack yesterday. It is not clear where exactly these troops will be positioned.
Construction efforts on the Durand Line are expected to begin again after a lull. Pakistani engineering units have received additional materials, and several drone flights have been noted along the border for the past two days. There is potential for more cross-border conflict.
Clearing operations are expected to continue in select districts around Kabul and elsewhere. According to our sources, the searches have resulted in the arrests of 6 NDS Officers, 21 Special Forces members of the Afghan Army, 11 Ministry of the Interior high-ranking personnel, and many others.
SPOTLIGHT: Team Rubicon
On occasion, the Afghan Digest highlights organizations or resources that are particularly helpful for evacuations, immigration, and/or resettlement.
Disaster response nonprofit Team Rubicon is partnering with local groups and the US government to assist Afghan refugees who have recently arrived in the US transition and integrate into their new communities. They work with local organizations and individuals to help furnish living spaces, provide clothing, and hygiene items for transitioning Afghans.
To find out more about their services or to volunteer to help out, please visit their website at:
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 88.24 AFN (as of 18 MAR 2022)
Afghan News
Islamic State in Afghanistan seeks to recruit Uzbeks, Tajiks, Kyrgyz
By Eurasianet
The Islamic State is trying to broaden its appeal in Central Asia. The group’s Afghanistan branch has recently ramped…
Under Taliban 2.0, women wait in fear for the real face to emerge
By The Sun Daily
Mind abuzz with anticipation, 32-year-old Afghan gynecologist Dr. Fawzia Iman is nervous as she waits for her flight…
Taliban to open high schools for girls next week, official says
By Charlotte Greenfield - Reuters
The Taliban will allow girls around Afghanistan to return to class when high schools open…
Regional News
Iran to mine iron ore in Afghanistan
By IRNA
Iran has held talks with Afghanistan to help exploit iron ore mines in the country…
Iran diplomat, Taliban minister discuss resolving border issues
By MEHR News Agency
The Deputy Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Kabul, Seyed Hassan Mortazavi, met with Taliban Interior…
New Ambassador of IEA to Turkmenistan has Started Assignment
By Bakhtar News Agency
Fazl Mohammad Saber has introduced to the staff of the Embassy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Ashgabat…
International News
UNSC extends mandate of UN assistance mission in Afghanistan by one year
By ANI
The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan by one year, with Russia abstaining…
Afghan diaspora in trouble after closure of Afghan embassy and consulates in US
By Javed Hamim Kakar - Pajhwok Afghan News
Afghans living in the US have expressed their deep concern over the closure of Afghanistan’s embassy and other…
Afghan refugees returning home despite fears of Taliban reprisals: report
By Mark Moore - The New York Post
Dozens of Afghan refugees who were removed to the United Arab Emirates to await transfer to the US are volunteering to…
Absurdity of the Day
Chief of Army: Afghanistan is Free and Independent Now, Thanks to the Sacrifices of Martyrs
By Bakhtar News Agency
The Ministry of National Defense of the Islamic Emirate says: Thanks to the jihad and the blood of the martyrs, we now have a free, independent Afghanistan without dependence on foreign countries…