LAST 24 HOURS
BAGRAM EQUIPMENT RELOCATED TO TAJIK BORDER — Yesterday’s Daily Evacuation Brief reported that a large number of vehicles and equipment were being secretively moved from Bagram Air Base to an undisclosed location. Based on footage received today, it appears that at least a portion of the vehicles and equipment was sent to Afghanistan-Tajikistan border posts in Kunduz, Takhar, and Badakhshan provinces. The Taliban may be bulking up their posts in response to the Tajik government recently reinforcing their side of the border. Despite the Tajik Foreign Minister’s inflammatory remarks at the United Nations last week and the buildup of security forces on the border, there have been no reports of clashes and traffic has been observed transiting normally.
It should be noted that Taliban equipment is beginning to break down, and regular maintenance of vehicles has been nonexistent for many units. This move could simply be part of a plan to replace or repair worn-out vehicles.
17 DOSTUM AFFILIATES ROUNDED UP — As of Wednesday morning, it is being reported that GDI agents brought 17 of Marshal Dostum’s former colleagues to Kandahar for questioning. The 17 men were rounded up in Balkh, Kabul, Herat, and Kandahar. Messages from those who were arrested do not indicate any torture or abuse has taken place, and some detainees were allowed to keep their phones in their possession, which suggests the questioning may be more benign than initially thought. No further information was available.
UN DEPUTY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR AFGHANISTAN BRIEFS UNSC— Markus Potzel, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative (Political) for Afghanistan, briefed the UN Security Council on developments in Afghanistan on Tuesday. Mr. Potzel’s remarks were generally negative, focusing on the continued exclusion of girls from schools, the ongoing violence nationwide, and the simultaneous humanitarian, economic, and human rights crises. He highlighted the UN’s competing priorities of ensuring human rights and political representation while simultaneously dealing with the humanitarian crisis. A full transcript of his remarks can be found HERE.
TTP ATTACK IN PAKISTAN — The TTP was confirmed to be responsible for this weekend’s attack on a Pakistani military post in South Waziristan that resulted in the deaths of 2 Pakistani Army soldiers. It is not clear if the attack came from the Afghan side of the border. No further information was available.
NEXT 24 HOURS
TAKHAR, A NEW FRONT? — While the fighting in Panjshir has eclipsed the events taking place in Takhar over the past month, it should be noted that multiple battles between the NRF, other affiliated Resistance groups, and the Taliban have steadily been fought in the province over the last 45 days. In recent weeks, the engagements have increased in both frequency and intensity. Some Afghanistan observers believe the Taliban’s lack of success in Panjshir has forced them to open a new front. Others believe the NRF escalated attacks in the province to draw Taliban forces out of Panjshir and alleviate pressure on their strongholds. Regardless, the end result is that Takhar will likely continue to be the second most active province in fighting between the Resistance and the Taliban. Consequently, non-combatants in the area should exercise appropriate caution.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Why Afghans are unhappy with Pakistan
By The Express Tribune
Mistreatment of Afghan people and cargo on borders — Torkham, Chamman, Nawanpass, and Ghulam Khan in particular — is the single largest source of disaffection, dislike, and at times contempt for Pakistan as a whole. Every day, hundreds of negative stories take birth with the maltreatment of Afghans wanting to cross the border either way.
AFGHAN NEWS
Afghanistan: Taliban deputy calls for reopening schools for girls
By The New Arab
The Taliban deputy foreign minister, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has called for middle schools and high schools to be reopened for girls…
Afghanistan’s money is crumbling to pieces, just like its economy
By Nabih Bulos – LA Times
Remember cash? These days, when a wand-like wave of a phone or credit card gets you a cup of coffee or more, it’s easy to forget what actual bills look like — and the abuse they receive…
223,000 Afghans Affected by Natural Disasters: OCHA
By Amina Hakimi – TOLOnews
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that more than 223,000 people have been affected by natural disasters over the…
REGIONAL NEWS
Taliban Claims Pakistan Receives Hefty Money for Permitting US Airstrikes on Afghanistan
By Saqalain Eqbal - Khaama Press
Taliban government authorities assert that US drones invaded Afghanistan through the airspace…
Afghans Deported From Turkey Report Abuse
By Banafsha Binesh - TOLO News
A number of Afghans who were recently sent back from Turkey accused the Turkish military of human rights…
Afghan Taliban sign deal for Russian oil products, gas and wheat
By Mohammad Yunus Yawar and Charlotte Greenfield – Reuters
The Taliban have signed a provisional act with Russia to supply gasoline, diesel, gas, and wheat to Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Commerce…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Bill to Keep Government from Shutting Down Leaves Out Afghan Refugees Despite Vet Protest
By Rebecca Kheel – Military.com
A must-pass bill to fund the government beyond the end of the week does not include a pathway for Afghan refugees to become permanent U.S. residents despite veterans holding a sit-in outside the Capitol building for nearly two weeks…
UN report flags presence of foreign terrorist groups in Afghanistan
By ANI
The United Nations on Tuesday raised growing security concerns in Afghanistan while highlighting worrisome trends witnessed…
THE DAILY WTF
No terrorist groups present in Afghanistan: Interior Ministry
By Ariana News
There are no terrorist groups present in Afghanistan, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry said on…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 88.33 AFN (as of 28 SEP 2022)