LAST 24 HOURS
TALIBAN SECURITY OPERATION IN HERAT – Sources say the Taliban raided a suspected ISIS-K safe house in Herat. Several videos of both the raid and the aftermath are circulating on social media sites. Unverified reports suggest that 2-6 suspected ISIS-K operatives were killed in the operation. One of the photos of the victims was of a woman. It is not clear if those targeted were involved with ISIS-K and a source claimed that they may have gotten the wrong address for the house.
TALIBAN POLICE FORM A SPECIAL COUNTER-TERROR UNIT – A new unit has been formed by the Taliban police and is currently stationed in Police District 15. It is being billed as an anti-terrorism force and is comprised of approximately 110 men. Their reported mission is to react to emergency situations, conduct regular patrolling, and to conduct extensive search operations in Kabul. A propaganda video of the recruits has been shared on social media, showcasing their physical fitness abilities. While the stated purpose of the mission is for counter-terrorism operations, the proximity of their garrison headquarters in PD15 suggests the force was constituted with the Resistance in mind.
TALIBAN ARREST FAMILY OF FORMER GOVERNOR OF BAMYAN PROVINCE – In all, 8 people were arrested and 4 were brothers and cousins of the former Governor, Tahir Zuhair. The former Governor joined the renegade Hazara Commander, Mawlawi Mahdi, and faced off against the Taliban in Sar-e-Puhl Province. After Mahdi’s alleged murder, Zuhair was said to have hidden in Sar-e-Puhl and Bamiyan Provinces. A source with the Ministry of the Interior said the arrests were made as a warning message to Zuhair, to keep him from taking part in any Spring campaign operations against the Taliban. There are also rumors that a ransom has been levied for the release of his family members. Some rumors were spread over the Winter months that Zuhair may have successfully reconstituted half of Mahdi’s Hazara force and had commitments from almost 2,000 Hazara to join him in 2023. This information has not been verified.
CONFLICTING REPORTS ABOUT CONTROVERSIAL UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR’S STATUS – Ismail Mashal, the controversial University professor who was arrested after distributing books from a library cart in Kabul remains under arrest after several news outlets reported that he had been released on Thursday. A family member who is in contact with the Professor discounted the reports and said he remains in Taliban custody. Mashal gained notoriety when he tore up his diploma on a live television broadcast over the ban on women attending school.
NEXT 24 HOURS
THREAT TO CENTRAL BANK AUCTION – A source has said there is concern that a potential terrorist attack on the Da Afghanistan Bank auction on Saturday could result in many deaths. The threat was vague and it was not clear which group may be behind the plot but we advise at-risk Afghans who may be planning on attending the auction or who may find themselves in the vicinity to avoid the area. Security is typically tight for these events and no cash actually changes hands, but those who attend the auctions are considered to be high-value economic targets for dissident groups.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Predictably, the regime has blamed the spate of chemical attacks against female students on its ‘enemies’.
The poisonings have resulted in a new wave of protests and new calls for the government to step down. Thousands again poured out onto the streets in Tehran and elsewhere in the country.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived in Tehran for talks with the regime about the nuclear program.
PAKISTAN
The Finance Minister dismissed claims the nation would default on any of its loans.
The rupee gained nearly 3 points against the US dollar after news that one of China’s biggest banks was expected to extend a $1.3 billion dollar loan on Saturday.
A gas leak in a Balochistan coal mine has killed at least 6 miners.
UZBEKISTAN
3 corporate officers of the Indian drug manufacturer linked to the death of children in Uzbekistan were reportedly arrested.
The state-backed telecommunications company (Uzbektelecom) announced it had begun work on upgrading cellular networks to 5G in Tashkent and other cities.
SPOTLIGHT AID
After the Taliban ban on women NGO work, local and foreign aid groups take different approaches
By Ali M Latifi - The New Humanitarian
On a chilly February morning, an anxious crowd gathers in the stands of Kabul’s Afshar sports complex. They’ve come not to watch a match but to receive blankets, robes, rice, lentils, flour, sugar, oil, beans, and tea being handed out by an all-male team from Aseel, a platform that enables online donors to purchase aid packages for needy families. Of the 42 recipients, the vast majority are men and boys.
AFGHAN NEWS
Afghan women donate jewelry to help earthquake victims in Turkey
By Ariana News
A number of women in Kunduz, Jawzjan and Balkh provinces of Afghanistan have donated their gold and silver jewelry to help earthquake…
TB diagnose, treatment facility opened in Kandahar Central Prison
By Amin Samsoor - Pajhwok Afghan News
A 12-bed Tuberculosis (TB) diagnoses and treatment facility has been inaugurated in the Central Prison of southern…
Taliban-Appointed Agriculture Head in Panjshir Arrested on Corruption Charges
By 8AM Media
Abdul Mujib Mushafaq, who was appointed by the Taliban as the head of agriculture, irrigation, and livestock in Panjshir, has reportedly been arrested by the…
REGIONAL NEWS
Afghan Trade Hurt by Pakistani Economic Crisis: ACCI
By Nazir Shinwari - TOLO News
According to the ACCI, the trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan reached close to $3 billion but has recently…
Pakistan expects $1.3 billion in financing from China’s ICBC in coming days
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Friday that the country anticipates receiving $1.3 billion in funding from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC) in the…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Survey finds 73% of US veterans view Bidens withdrawal ‘negatively’
By Ariana News
Seventy-three percent of US veterans think the military withdrawal from Afghanistan tarnished America’s legacy in the…
West: US Engaging With Kabul Despite 'Grave Concern' With Policies
By Mohammad Farshad Daryosh - TOLO News
The US special envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas West, said Washington has not seen significant steps towards normalization with…
Qatar Offers Educational Help to World, Including Afghanistan: Alkhatar
By Fatema Adeeb - TOLO News
Qatar's Assistant Foreign Minister, Lolwah Alkhater, said Doha believes in education and that it provides development assistance in the…
THE DAILY WTF
Afghan Women Following Taliban's Rules Still Banned from NGO Work
By VOA
Every morning since 2021, 26-year-old Sabira Saidi would wear her black hijab and face mask and go to work accompanied by her…
“Tsk tsk Taliban, moving the goal net once again.” TAD STAFF
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 88.99 AFN (as of 4 FEB 2023)