Daily Evacuation Brief | May 18, 2022
Discover more from The Afghan Digest
LAST 24 HOURS:
The Taliban have purportedly banned all private security companies operating in the country and are mandating diplomatic facilities, NGOs, and businesses now hire Taliban forces for security. Sources state the move is very unpopular with the few remaining international organizations, and the diplomatic community plans to push back against the edict. Our analysis indicates some of the companies will cease operating in Afghanistan as a result of the bizarre move.
The NRF is performing consolidation operations in Andarab and claims to have cleared the Taliban from the region. NRF vehicles are now stationed at former Taliban checkpoints.
Tajikistan mounted military maneuvers along the border near Sherkhan Bandar and Imam Sahib (Kunduz). The maneuvers included a live-fire exercise involving both heavy and light weapons. The Tajik border security forces have been heavily reinforced after a probable ISIS-K rocket attack and a recent cross-border clash with the Taliban. Tensions remain high.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
A resolution between Pakistan and the TTP is expected to be announced soon. The provisions of the agreement are still in dispute.
A large, coordinated Resistance offensive may commence in the next 24 hours. The operation involves several Resistance groups and is believed to span several provinces.
The Central Bank intends to auction $13 million USD in an ongoing effort to solidify the currency.
ANALYSIS SPOTLIGHT:
Central Asia’s fears of rising militancy in Afghanistan as Moscow invades Ukraine
By Shar Zardykhan – Global Voices
On May 8, 2022, the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan reported that they are investigating Islamic State (IS) rockets attack on Tajikistan from Afghanistan's Takhar Province, as IS admitted firing eight…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 87.24 AFN (as of 18 MAY 2022)
AFGHAN NEWS
2 persons injured in Kabul blast
By Hasrat – Pajhwok Afghan News
Two civilians were wounded in a roadside blast in the Kotal-i-Khairkhana locality of capital Kabul on Tuesday…
The Taliban Orders the UN Female Staff in Afghanistan to Wear Hijab
By Saqalain Eqbal – Khaama Press
The Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice has ordered female staff members of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to wear…
Taliban dissolve Afghan human rights commission
By La Prensa Latina
The Taliban government on Tuesday dissolved the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission along with four other institutions of power which did not receive an…
Islamic Emirate Reacts to CSTO’s Statement
By Shirshah Rasooli – TOLO News
The CSTO voiced concerns about the situation in Afghanistan and on other external borders of the organization’s member…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan Forces Kill 2 Terrorists Along Afghanistan Border
By Outlook India
Two terrorists were killed in an operation by security forces in Pakistan's northwest tribal district bordering Afghanistan, the Army said in…
OpEd – Pakistan: World’s Second Largest Host Of Afghan Refugees
By Muneeb Ur Rehman – Eurasia Review
Today, Afghans make up the largest refugee group in the world and Pakistan hosts the world’s second largest number of refugees in…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Plight of Afghan judges in spotlight as court hears UK asylum challenge
By Patrick Wintour – The Guardian
Alleged inconsistencies in the way the UK Home Office and Foreign Office process asylum applications from vulnerable judges in hiding in…
Pentagon IG Report: Afghanistan Withdrawal 'Significantly Reduced' Terrorist Tracking
By Theodore Bunker – NewsMax
The Department of Defense "has faced several challenges" conducting counterterrorism operations since the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan last year, according to a…
THE DAILY WTF
Haqqani Says Kabul Wants Good Ties with US, World
By TOLO News
Haqqani in an interview with CNN said that “there is no one” who “opposes education for women” in…