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Security and Conflict
Badakhshan Clashed – Clashes commenced on Friday between local farmers and Taliban members in the Argo and Darayim Districts of Badakhshan. The majority of reports suggest that the conflict erupted following disputes between Tajik farmers and Pashtun Taliban over the destruction of poppy fields. Additionally, there are claims that the Taliban conducted home searches, including those with women present without a male guardian (mahram), and used force and violence, including against women. Two civilians, Nizamuddin Baig and Abdul Basit, were reportedly killed during the clashes on Saturday. The ongoing protest has seen road blockages and public denunciations of ethnic repression against the predominantly Tajik population. On Saturday, Taliban vehicles were observed moving from Taloqan, Takhar to Badakhshan to quell the protests. In an audio message released on Sunday, Qari Fasihuddin Fitrat, a Taliban leader, warned the protesters in Badakhshan against further escalation, threatening military intervention that could lead to violent confrontations. He reiterated the Taliban's commitment to ending poppy cultivation and urged local officials to widely disseminate his message.
ISKP Attack on Shia Mosque – On Monday, gunmen attacked the Imam Zaman Mosque (a Shia Mosque) in Andisha, Guzara district, Herat. Reports indicate that at least 2 gunmen arrived on motorcycle and attacked worshipers as they left prayers and that at least 7 people, including 2 women and a child and the Imam of the mosque were killed in the attack. ISKP has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Jamil Zadran Killed – Abdul Jamil Zadran, a former Afghan Special Forces commander, was detained and tortured by Taliban intelligence for two months after they discovered his plans to travel to the US. On Monday, Mr. Zadran died one week after being released from Taliban prison.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Four Civil Rights Activists Arrested – On Wednesday, the Taliban arrested four civil activists and a former military member in Gardez, Paktia, on accusations of affiliating with the National Resistance Front. Detained after returning from Iran due to hardships, their ethnic Tajik background may be notable as former military personnel are often targeted despite amnesty claims. The Taliban have not yet commented.
UN Report on Human Rights in Afghanistan – Despite assurances by the Taliban to respect human rights, the people of Afghanistan are witnessing the systematic dismantling of their inherent and inalienable human rights, with women witnessing their erasure. However, no amount of repression and oppression can wipe away the resilience of our people, especially the women of Afghanistan. Report here
Action Contre la Faim report on Mental Health – Recent studies in Afghanistan reveal significant challenges as prolonged conflict, natural disasters, and political instability disrupt lives, causing widespread displacement and psycho-social distress. Around 26% experience psycho-social impairment, with over 2 million affected by depression and anxiety. Access to healthcare remains limited, with only one-third accessing functional healthcare centers. Action Against Hunger's hotline initiative provides vital psycho-social support, addressing mental health needs. These findings emphasize the urgent necessity of expanding mental health resources and healthcare access in Afghanistan. Report
International Developments
Report on Missing Migrant Children in Europe – An international study reveals that 51,433 migrant children disappeared in Europe between 2021 and 2023, with Afghan children making up a third. Conducted by journalists and the group "Lost in Europe," it notes that about 47 children vanished daily, often under government care. The study, involving data from 31 countries, suggests human trafficking and exploitation as likely factors, warning that the true number might be higher due to insufficient data reporting.
USIP Report on Terrorist Threats – The United States Institute of Peace has reported an increase in terrorist threats from Afghanistan and Pakistan, highlighting the Taliban's alleged facilitation of terrorist groups, despite their claims to the contrary. ISIS-Khorasan is noted as a significant emerging threat with regional implications, while Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) poses a reemerging regional security challenge. The report warns of Al-Qaeda's maintained ties and support from the Taliban but notes that a full resurgence has not occurred. The institute urges U.S. policymakers to prioritize counter-terrorism efforts in response to these developments.
George W. Bush Institute Report – The George W. Bush Institute has analyzed the situation in Afghanistan under the Taliban since August 2021, detailing challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and oppression. The report highlights misuse of approximately $8 billion in international aid, with significant portions from the U.S., by the Taliban to strengthen their control. Despite substantial aid efforts, the institute points out ongoing corruption within the Taliban, affecting the effective distribution of humanitarian assistance and worsening the humanitarian conditions.
Freedom of the Press
World Press Freedom Day – On May 3, World Press Freedom day, the UN, the Afghan journalist center and other activists expressed concerns over actions by the Taliban against the media. Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, they have issued 17 media directives leading to severe restrictions on media freedom in Afghanistan. These directives prohibit women from media roles, coverage of protests, and publication of music, among others. Regional authorities have imposed additional restrictions, such as banning women’s voices in Helmand and photography in Kandahar. The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) documented 136 media freedom violations in the past year, including 72 threats and 64 arrests, highlighting an oppressive environment for journalists.
Challenges to Female Journalists in Afghanistan – Under Taliban rule, with bans on studying journalism and strict media restrictions, existing journalists operate under constant threat, navigating checkpoints and intimidation to report on sensitive issues. Despite the risks, they bravely shed light on Afghan realities, aiming to amplify women's voices and hold the Taliban accountable. However, the future for women journalists in Afghanistan looks bleak due to ongoing oppression and limited opportunities. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to preserving women's voices and advocating for change amidst Taliban suppression.
Regional Developments
Pakistan Deportations – Over 1,800 Afghan refugees were forcibly deported from Pakistan on Tuesday and Wednesday, returning through Torkham and Spin Boldak gates, as reported by the Taliban's Ministry of Refugees.
NEXT WEEK
The National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF) has announced plans to extend their special operations in Badakhshan for a month. Those in Afghanistan should be cautious around Taliban ministries, vehicles and checkpoints for the foreseeable future as increased attacks are likely.
Following this week’s events, house to house searches, checks on cell phones, and additional checkpoints are likely around Afghanistan. Those in Afghanistan should take appropriate caution when traveling and ensure any important documents are located in secure locations.
Deportations from Iran and Pakistan will continue. Those in Pakistan and Iran should avoid unnecessary travel from city to city and should be aware that they may be searched and deported.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP WILL RETURN NEXT WEEK
AFGHAN NEWS
Taliban face rare public uprising against their rule in northeastern Afghanistan
Voice of America
Afghanistan’s hardline Taliban leaders have threatened to militarily suppress unprecedented violent public protests in a northeastern border region against a nationwide ban on poppy cultivation. The unrest erupted last Friday when the Taliban’s anti-narcotics forces began destroying poppy fields in Badakhshan province, prompting angry farmers to resist it with the support of local residents.
Attacks Target Afghanistan’s Hazaras - Inadequate Protection Provided for Community Long at Risk
Human Rights Watch
For many Afghans, the country’s armed conflict has never ended. The armed group Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) attracted worldwide attention in March when it attacked the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, killing at least 143 people and injuring many others. Since emerging in Afghanistan in 2015, the group has carried out a bloody campaign mostly targeting Shia-Hazara mosques and schools and other facilities in predominantly Hazara neighborhoods.
REGIONAL NEWS
IRAN
Iran charges journalists after BBC report on teen protester's death
David Gritten,BBC News
Iran's judiciary has filed charges against "a number of journalists and activists" after the publication of a BBC report alleging men working for the security forces sexually assaulted and killed a 16-year-old protester.
Iran slaps sanctions on US, UK over Israel support
Voice of America
Iran announced on Thursday sanctions on several American and British individuals and entities for supporting Israel in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan records ‘wettest April’ in more than 60 years
Al Jazeera
At least 144 people died due to the heavy rainfall in April. Pakistan has experienced its “wettest April since 1961”, receiving more than twice as much rain as usual for the month, the country’s weather agency has said.
Hindustan Times
Pakistan's jailed ex-PM Imran Khan has warned about the dire security situation in the country and on its borders with Afghanistan and India. Khan alleged that India was undertaking assassinations inside of Pakistan.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Afghan Embassy in India Confirms Gold Smuggling by Consul General
Tolo News
The embassy announced in a statement that Zakia Wardak was not associated with the former government of the country and was operating in coordination with the Islamic Emirate in India. The statement said: “We would like to address the recent incident in Mumbai concerning gold smuggling allegedly involving an Afghan citizen. We acknowledge the regrettable nature of this event. However, it is important to clarify that the former mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in India asserts that the individual implicated has no affiliation with our former Republic's mission.”
THE WEEKLY WTF
The Taliban are working to woo tourists to Afghanistan
AP News - RIAZAT BUTT
Around 30 men are crammed into a Kabul classroom, part of the debut student cohort at a Taliban-run institute training tourism and hospitality professionals. It’s a motley crew. One student is a model. Another is 17 and has no job history.
The students vary in age, education level and professional experience. They’re all men — Afghan women are banned from studying beyond sixth grade — and they don’t know anything about tourism or hospitality. But they are all eager to promote a different side of Afghanistan. And the Taliban are happy to help.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 72.15 AFN (as of 05 May 2024)