Daily Evacuation Brief | November 17, 2022

Nov 17, 2022

LAST 24 HOURS

EXPLOSIONS IN BALKH AND TAKHAR – In separate instances explosions were reported in both Provinces yesterday.

In Takhar, a roadside bomb was detonated outside the gates of the appeals court in the capital city of Taloqan at approximately 0930hrs local time. It is believed that two Taliban vehicles were destroyed in the blast but no word of casualties has been received. Unconfirmed reports that the vehicles may have been transporting prisoners are circulating on social media. No group has claimed credit for the attack.
In Mazar-i-Sharif, a hand grenade was detonated and is thought to have injured 5 people. It is not clear who was injured yet and the circumstances surrounding the blast are murky. Mazar-i-Sharif has previously been the scene of accidental grenade detonations as careless Taliban recruits triggered grenades while playing with them. Further information is required.

MAJOR RAIL PROJECT ON HOLD – European news reports are claiming the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan rail project, long heralded as a major economic investment win by the Taliban, has been placed on hold. The nearly $6 billion dollar project was reportedly suspended due to the Taliban’s recent announcement concerning the implementation of Sharia Law across the National justice system. If confirmed, analysts agree it will be a major blow to the Taliban’s aspirations and will cause further domestic discontent with the regime. Uzbekistan has long played the role of “good cop” with regard to the Taliban. The tectonic shift represents a serious warning to the Taliban regime.

TALIBAN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ERADICATING TERROR GROUPS AFTER HERAT OPERATION – The Defense Minister said in an OIC meeting that the Taliban are taking the fight against ISIS-K seriously and pointed to the recent security operations in Kabul and Herat as evidence they seek to eradicate the terror group. Based on troop displacements and border security measures, it seems clear that none of Afghanistan’s neighbors believe the Taliban will be able to contain the threat that ISIS-K and other terror groups known to be in the country may pose to regional states.

MOSCOW SUMMIT – The Russian-hosted event called for a comprehensive solution to the Afghanistan issue and the consensus seemed to be focused on economic solutions to provide stability. China and Russia levied heavy criticism at the West and the United States in particular for the crisis. Iran’s delegate added to the criticism and called for a regional solution and a rejection of a return of US forces. The summit was universal in calling on the Taliban to form an inclusive government.

NEXT 24 HOURS

TENSIONS REMAIN ALONG AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN BORDER – Another cross-border incident in Paktika illustrates the elevated tensions between the two countries. Afghanistan has yet to submit to Pakistan’s demands to hand over the individual who is thought to have instigated the shootings at Spin Boldak-Chaman. For its part, the Taliban has sought to create confusion over the event and has announced the establishment of a Loya Jirga to look into the matter. Whether Pakistan agrees to the ploy or not, their border forces remain at elevated security levels and there is a concern in Islamabad that the TTP has become emboldened by the border scuffles and has launched a complimentary campaign in Waziristan that may or may not be supported from the Taliban in Afghanistan. The situation remains perilous and will continue to pose a threat to at-risk Afghans near the border and who may attempt a crossing. We assess that if cross-border hostilities continue, Pakistan is likely to close the Torkham crossing to all but humanitarian aid traffic until the dispute is resolved.

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

IRAN

Iran is being blamed for a drone attack on an oil tanker off the Omani coast. The ship in question is believed to be owned or operated from Israel.
5 protestors and possibly Iranian police members are dead after a shooting in the country’s Khuzestan Province (southwest Iran). At least 10 others are said to have been wounded. The Iranian government has blamed terrorists for the attack.

PAKISTAN

Pakistani security forces are being blamed for the death of a non-combatant in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province yesterday evening.
Thousands of people protested in Waziristan against terrorism, targeted killings, and kidnappings. They called for peace and a renewed focus on economic progress.
The TTP is being blamed for an ambush of a police vehicle in the Lakki Marwat District that killed all 6 occupants of the vehicle. The ambush used small arms to attack the vehicle and the militants were seen fleeing on motorcycles. A Pakistani military response is expected.

SPOTLIGHT OPINION

Humanitarian Assistance To Afghanistan – OpEd

By Asia Maqsood - Eurasia Review

Afghanistan is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. Afghanistan is receiving aid from its neighbors India, Pakistan, China and also from the US. These nations are assisting Afghanistan believing in the principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality. For humanitarian aid to truly help humanity wherever it is in need, it must be independent of achieving any political, economic, and military objectives.

AFGHAN NEWS

Afghan Taliban constitutes high-level Jirga to probe Chaman incident

By Pakistan Observer

Afghan Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on Tuesday said that the Taliban constituted the high-level Jirga to bring the criminals behind the…

Takhar police confirm explosion but no casualties reported

By Ariana News

Takhar police said an explosion shook Talaqan city court area on Tuesday morning but that no casualties were…

Banned from education, 'idle' Afghan girls are married off

By BSS News

Thirteen-year-old Zainab should have been shopping for a new school uniform this autumn but, with no prospect of girls' schools reopening…

REGIONAL NEWS

Russia hosts Afghanistan conference as Taliban violence rises in Pakistan

By The National

Russia's presidential envoy to Afghanistan on Wednesday called for a regional summit on Afghanistan, expressing discontent at the Taliban’s government…