Daily Evacuation Brief | May 28, 2022
Discover more from The Afghan Digest
LAST 24 HOURS:
Despite the high winds, the Taliban military attempted to use helicopters to support their attacks against NRF strongholds in Panjshir yesterday. Sources on the ground stated the air support was largely unsuccessful, and the Taliban appeared to have difficulty with inserting troops effectively. Two separate sources stated they saw one of the MI8 helicopters depart the field with smoke trailing behind it as it flew back south.
Turkish authorities say they captured Abu al-Hassan al-Qurayshi, the current caliph of the Islamic State, in Istanbul. An anonymous government source reportedly provided the information to a Turkish media site. The information has not been verified yet.
The fourth Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in Dushanbe ended with several concerns for Afghanistan’s future voiced by regional powers. The meeting focused on Afghanistan’s and regional security, counter-terrorism efforts, the refugee crisis, the need for inclusive government, and more. After we analyze the minutes of the meeting, The Afghan Digest will publish a full analysis of plans to maintain stability in the region for the future.
In Herat, a Taliban security vehicle ran over workers in the 5th District. 2 non-combatants were killed and 9 more were being treated for injuries. This is thought to be the third instance of deaths attributed to speeding Taliban security vehicles in Herat this year.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
The Taliban banned the use of smartphones for the Al-Farooq Corps, a Taliban army corps typically based in Herat. It is believed the Taliban have implemented the policy in order to control leaked photos and videos of incidents between Taliban forces and non-combatants. Sources state the Taliban are considering extending the ban nationwide. It is not clear why this corps specifically is being targeted.
Several million new passport booklets are expected to arrive in Afghanistan. The Passport Directorate had curtailed processing passport applications due to a shortage of 5-year booklets. We expect the directorate to begin issuing passports at a slightly accelerated rate over the coming weeks.
ANALYSIS SPOTLIGHT:
‘It Doesn’t Matter If We Get Killed,’ Afghanistan’s Hazaras Speak Out
By Nilly Kohzad – The Diplomat
In western Kabul’s Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood, 21-year-old Zahra peeks out of the window of her small home to feel the cool breeze of the outside world on her cheeks. Stuck mostly at home, she spends her days reading novels and writing stories of her own, the only activities that have helped keep her sane since the Taliban takeover last August. “I come from Ghazni, and we are Hazaras, but I am away from my family right now because of my studies. I’m living with relatives here in Kabul,” she says. As an ethnic Hazara, Zahra says it’s difficult to see her people suffer endlessly. The Hazaras are one of Afghanistan’s many ethnic groups, but one that has faced generations of violence and persecution…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 88.96 AFN (as of 28 MAY 2022)
AFGHAN NEWS
US Treasury Puts Afghan Trader Nabizada on Sanction List
By TOLO News
Some analysts said the placement of Afghan traders on such lists will affect investment in…
Islamic Emirate Says UN's Concerns Over Women's Rights 'Unfounded”
By Zabi Aqeel – TOLO News
In a statement, the ministry pointed to the Hijab decree, saying nothing has been imposed on the Afghan people that runs against the cultural and…
Bride injured as Taliban forces open fire at wedding procession
By Yousuf Zarifi – Pajhwhok Afghan News
Security forces at a checkpoint opened fire at a wedding procession in eastern Nangarhar province, injuring the bride and…
REGIONAL NEWS
Iran: Some regional, extra-regional countries transferring terrorists to Afghanistan
By IRNA
Speaking during a regional security conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Shamkhani said that Iran has always been seeking to help establish peace and…
Former PM Khan Gives Gov’t Six-day Deadline to Announce New Polls
By Arif Ahmadi – Khaama Press
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan warns the government to set new elections in coming six days, according to local media, or he will again march on the…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Opinion: U.S. needs to do more to help Afghan allies like me
By Walid Azizi – The Mercury News
Every time the phone rang, I was afraid to answer. In my home country of Afghanistan, my father and I conducted criminal investigations and translated…
US State Dept: Kabul's Legitimacy Depends on Women's Rights
By TOLO News
Kabul has always said that the rights of women and girls are ensured within the framework of…
THE DAILY WTF
Implement my words like Sharia rule, Akhunzada tells officials
By Javed Ahmad Kakar – Pajhwok Afghan News
Taliban’s supreme leader Maulvi Hibatullah Akhundzai has asked local officials in southern Kandahar province to implement his words like…