LAST 24 HOURS
SUPREME LEADER ISSUES GUIDANCE ON ARRESTS – In what some are calling a major policy change, Haibatullah Akhunzada issued clear instructions to the leaders of the Taliban intelligence departments about arrests. Citing feedback the Taliban had received from multiple surveys and discussions with local leaders in many of the Provinces, he warned the officials that credible proof was the only acceptable warrant for an arrest and instructed them to caution the rank and file to avoid arresting people based on suspicions. He did not say if those accused of making baseless arrests would face disciplinary action. The edict drew muted criticism from the Ministries of Defense and Interior. A source in Kabul claimed the message was taken as a rebuke by the intelligence community and would widen the rift between Kandahar and the Haqqani faction.
ROAD CLOSURES IN KABUL – Taliban security forces began closing roads in Police Districts 2 and 10 overnight. The security is reputedly related to an official meeting that is expected to take place today. There is the potential for a terrorist attack and at-risk Afghans should be cautious as they move around the city. Avoid loitering at security checkpoints as these are often the scene of altercations between terror groups and the Taliban.
EARTHQUAKE REPORTED IN BADAKHSHAN – A moderate earthquake has been reported near Faizabad. The quake measured 5.1 and no damage or destruction was reported.
UPDATE ON LAGHMAN BOMBING – After additional reporting, it appears that 2 Taliban security forces personnel were killed and a further 8 people were injured (possibly some police). The identities of those killed and/or targeted in the blast have not been released yet. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
CENTRAL BANK AUCTIONED $10 MILLION US DOLLARS – The auctions have kept the Afghani from plummeting. Rumors that a potential robbery of the money have surfaced but the details are not clear.
KUCHIS CLASH WITH TALIBAN IN GHAZNI – Taliban security forces shot and wounded 8 Kuchi nomads in the Sheikh Abdul Salam region of the Province. The Kuchis had begun constructing houses on land given to them that was not in accordance with central planning directives. The Taliban attempted to halt the construction and an altercation ensued. The Taliban opened fire, wounding 8 Kuchis. After the incident, several hundred Kuchis set up a roadblock on the Kabul-Kandahar road to protest the violence. Some arrests were said to have taken place and Kandahar planned to dispatch an emissary to talk with the tribesmen.
NEXT 24 HOURS
THE FIGHTING IN KHOST WILL CONTINUE – Sources on both sides of the fighting in Khost claim that reinforcements are being called to the scenes of the clashes and they expect the front will widen to include more Districts on Wednesday. Currently, the Taliban holds a 3:1 edge over Resistance forces in the Province but the arrival of more reinforcements is expected to push their advantage to 5:1. A source close to the Resistance claims the fighting is helping to take attention off of Badakhshan and Panjshir. There are rumors that a last large-scale offensive is being planned by the Resistance before Winter sets in and may encompass five Provinces.
AVOID TRAVEL ON KABUL-KANDAHAR HIGHWAY – There is potential for more violent protests and possible clashes between Kuchi nomads and Taliban security forces near the vicinity of a skirmish yesterday over the construction of non-sanctioned homes. Hundreds of Kuchis put up improvised barriers and blocked the road near Sheikh Abdul Salam after the skirmish and are rumored to be planning a larger protest over the coming days. 8 Kuchis were wounded in the skirmish and two were not expected to live. Avoid travel in the area if at all possible until the situation calms down.
SPOTLIGHT OPINION
Taliban anger with Pakistan grows
By Muhammad Amir Rana - The Statesman
The regime in Afghanistan may have inked a few economic and trade agreements with its neighbours, but it has yet to secure formal recognition for its government from any side. The Taliban clearly understand why the international community remains reluctant to recognise them, yet their top administration insists on internal and external legitimacy on its own terms.
AFGHAN NEWS
IEA supreme leader issues guideline on the arrest of citizens
By Ariana News
He said people should not be detained based on “suspicion”.
Afghanistan: preventing electricity shutdown for millions across the country
By ICRC
After decades of conflict and in the midst of a growing humanitarian crisis, Afghanistan is battling to meet the growing domestic needs in…
Aid Agencies Express Concern over Taliban’s Interference in Aid Distribution
By 8am
“Nearly, all organizations shared a critical concern of interference of the external parties including the local authorities and community leaders in aid…
REGIONAL NEWS
Afghanistan's Dwindling Sikh Community Escapes to India
By Anjana Pasricha - VOA
“We have left our homes, our shops and come here to save ourselves. Conditions there are very bad,” said…
Special relationship: India delivers 13th batch of medical aid for Afghan people
By Hindustan Times
India has supplied the 13th batch of medical assistance, consisting of essential medicines and medical and surgical items, to…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan to compete for UNHRC membership seat
By Ariana News
“In this election, there are four seats from the Asia-Pacific group, which compete on four seats of six countries, including Afghanistan, South Korea…
THE DAILY WTF
Taliban Official Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree
By Saqalain Eqbal - Khaama Press
In recognition of the Taliban official’s “scientific and academic” services to the government, Nangarhar University reportedly awarded him…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 87.08 AFN (as of 12 OCT 2022)