LAST 24 HOURS:
The Taliban mandated women must wear burqas in public. The move was expected, and the international community appears to have taken it as a sign the “new” Taliban are not so reformed after all. The regressive policy will likely influence financial aid, and our analysis suggests that international recognition is now beyond reach for the Taliban. We also believe the policy was timed prior to an expected announcement about girls being allowed to attend school – potentially as a means of controlling criticism.
The Taliban have claimed reports of major combat operations against opposition forces in the North are exaggerations on social media. Several of our sources say the reality on the ground is quite different, and there is panic in the palace. Apparently, the Taliban had seriously underestimated the capabilities of the opposition groups and were not happy with the lackluster performance of the Red Guard units. A decree has been passed among senior leaders to minimize any mention of the opposition clashes.
A source visiting the Khaja Ghar district in Takhar stated he/she had witnessed a Toyota truck pull up to the border with Tajikistan and fired 7 rockets across the river onto Tajik soil. We have no other confirmation of this event at this time.
Fighting has continued throughout the North, and social media is full of photos and videos posted by various opposition groups. The biggest gains appear to have been made in the Worsaj district of Takhar. Sources indicate that most Taliban fled the fighting, but nearly 100 have been captured. There is wide disagreement over the number of casualties inflicted. We expect more accurate numbers will be reported over the coming days.
NEXT 24 HOURS:
As previously stated, fighting in the North has made travel dangerous. At-risk Afghans planning travel in or through the areas should consider delaying or rerouting for the time being.
ANALYSIS SPOTLIGHT:
Remember Afghanistan’s Hazaras
By Knox Thames – The Diplomat
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, respect for human rights and women’s rights has sharply declined. The detention, torture, and murder of journalists, the killing of opposition figures, and the closing of girls’ schools have all received international attention. Meanwhile, the Taliban’s failures in governance have created space for the Islamic State franchise in Afghanistan to relaunch a reign of terror against Hazara Shia.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.12 AFN (as of 8 MAY 2022)
AFGHAN NEWS
Offensive launched against Taliban rule in Panjshir: Armed group
By al Arabiya News
An Afghan insurgent group led by the son of late anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud claimed Saturday to have seized…
Taliban make burqas mandatory for women in Afghanistan
By Shafiq Ahmad – Anadolu Agency
Under the decree, any garment covering a woman’s body is acceptable provided that it is not too tight or thin so as to reveal her body, ministry…
The National Resistance Front to Reassume the Control of Sections of Panjshir Province
By Saqalain Eqbal – Khaama Press
The Resistance Front claims that operations in Panjshir have resumed, with their first operation claiming sections of…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan sends relief assistance for flood-hit Afghanistan
By Ariana News
Sharif tweeted Saturday morning that the “first consignment of relief goods for the flood affectees has reached Afghanistan to…
Kabul Denies Tehran’s Claim About Wheat Trafficking
By Tamin Shahir – TOLO News
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock denied Tehran’s claim that Afghanistan trafficked wheat from…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
US ‘concerned’ after Taliban orders Afghan women to cover faces: State dept
By al Arabiya News
“We are extremely concerned that the rights and progress Afghan women and girls have achieved and enjoyed over the…
Media Watchdog Demands Release Of Afghan Journalist Held By Taliban
By Radio Free Europe
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has demanded that Taliban authorities immediately release Afghan journalist Khalid Qaderi and end arrests and prosecutions of…
THE DAILY WTF
Islamic Emirate Denies Clashes in Panjshir
By Toba Walizada – TOLO News
However, there has been no video footage of clashes between the two sides in…
