Daily Evacuation Brief | September 16, 2022
LAST 24 HOURS
EXILED LEADERS CONVENE IN AUSTRIA — A meeting of exiled Afghan political, military, and civil leaders began in Vienna, Austria today. The three-day meeting has attracted several high-profile Afghan leaders who held posts in the previous regime or who are actively involved in opposition measures against the Taliban. The primary focus of the meeting is to (1) form an amalgamated consensus on the current security situation in the country and (2) plan both political and military steps to resist the Taliban regime going forward. A report will be issued upon the conclusion of the meeting.
SIDE MEETINGS AT SCO — While no senior Taliban officials are participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Uzbekistan, several Taliban representatives are said to be in attendance, and multiple bilateral meetings have taken place on the periphery of the conference between select SCO members and Taliban representatives. The conference will conclude on September 16, but several follow-up meetings are scheduled into next week.
MORE TALIBAN BODIES SHIPPED FROM PANJSHIR — An additional shipment of Taliban fighters killed in the fighting in Panjshir was reported late on Wednesday evening. 25 bodies were seen being loaded on transports headed to Uruzgan, and 11 bodies were reputedly sent to Maidan Wardak. In total, we estimate the total number of Taliban deaths during the past 6 days of fighting stands at approximately 300 (taking into consideration the bodies that could not be recovered in the mountains). In contrast, the casualty totals for the Resistance are approximately 50, but those figures are disputed by an NRF spokesman.
RUMORS OF MULLAH ZAKIR’S DEATH — Several rumors are circulating that the Taliban’s recently appointed special commander in Panjshir was killed during clashes with the NRF in Abdullah Khel Valley in Panjshir. Sources state that he was hospitalized in Kabul, but died after two days of treatment. One source claims he was “fragged” by his own men. There has been no confirmation of any of these rumors, and false death rumors commonly circulate in Afghanistan.
CRITICISM OF NEW US FUND — There have been many negative reactions to the US’ recent announcement to use the Central Bank’s frozen assets to create a trust fund at a Swiss bank. Humanitarian agencies decry the move as a throwback to strings-attached aid and say the move will hamper humanitarian operations. The Taliban, Russia, and China have all condemned the move. Our analysis of the political aspects of the strategy indicates that the move will allow the international community to maintain leverage in any future discussions with the regime.
NEXT 24 HOURS
UPCOMING CLASHES IN PANJSHIR — Although the fighting in Panjshir has subsided somewhat, we expect fresh offensive actions against select NRF bases in the province to commence within the coming days.
AFG-PAK BORDER DISCUSSIONS — There are rumors that a Pakistani delegation will meet with Taliban leaders at a secret location on the border to attempt to ratchet down the tensions. It is not clear if the Taliban have accepted the offer to meet.
SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW
Resistance leader Massoud sees "opportunity for success" in Afghanistan
By Anelise Borges – Euronews
The leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan Ahmad Massoud has called on the international community to help deliver a new future for his country, saying there is now a unique opportunity to bring about change.
AFGHAN NEWS
By Akhtar Makoii – Daily Mail
The Taliban have summarily executed members of a resistance group fighting against their harsh rule…
IEA opposes establishment of new fund to handle frozen assets
By Ariana News
Afghanistan’s central bank, Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), has slammed Washington’s decision to create a new international financing…
Around 90% of Voters in Online Poll Support Reopening Girls' Schools
By TOLO News
In an online poll by TOLOnews on the reopening of girls' schools across Afghanistan, about ninety percent of voters supported the reopening of…
REGIONAL NEWS
Afghanistan blames border clash on Pakistan’s bid to build post
By Abid Hussain – Al Jazeera
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has blamed the Pakistan army’s attempt to build a security post at their border as the reason behind Tuesday’s…
Trial Run for China-Afghan Rail Corridor as SCO Summit Kicks Off
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi – The Diplomat
A trial period of three months will see freight trains from China deliver goods to Afghanistan via…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
UK Donates £24M to UNICEF to Help Afghan Children
By TOLOnews
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has contributed an additional GBP 24 million towards UNICEF’s $2 billion Humanitarian Action for Children appeal for Afghanistan, UNICEF said in a report.
THE DAILY WTF
Haqqani calls on those who left country to return home
By Ariana News
The Minister of Interior Sirajuddin Haqqani called on Afghans who have left the country to return home and support…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 88.22 AFN (as of 16 SEP 2022)