The Week of April 8-14
Security and Conflict
IS Recruitment in Wardak – A GDI report has emerged noting that ISIS has begun a recruitment campaign in Maidan Wardak. The regime notes concerns that Talib's purged from their ranks through the Purification Committee may be specifically targeted for recruitment to assist with intelligence. The report further indicates the possibility of the Taliban being infiltrated by ISIS fighters.
Fire in Kabul – On Tuesday, a significant fire erupted in the Qala-e-Murad Bik area of northern Kabul, caused by explosives planted in a lot containing fuel tankers. As of now, the Taliban have not issued any comments regarding the incident. ISKP has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Taliban IS Raid – On Friday, the Taliban claimed a raid in Spedar village of Dewagal valley in Sawkay district of Kunar, targeting an alleged ISKP location. The Taliban report that 2 ISKP fighters were killed and a weapons cache was confiscated.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Manije Siddiqi Released – On April 7, Manije Siddiqi, women’s rights activist, was reportedly released from Pul-e-Charkhi prison. Siddiqi, among 500 others released, was arrested on October 9 for allegedly burning a photo of Hibatullah Akhundzada. Her family has not yet commented on her health condition following her release.
Jihadi School Official Arrested for Sexual Assault – Qari Abdul Basir, associated with a Taliban-affiliated school in Fayzabad, Badakhshan, was detained over allegations of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old student, who is reportedly pregnant. The arrest came after the victim's family filed a complaint. Official Taliban response from Badakhshan is awaited.
University Professor released – Najibullah Jamil, a university professor detained last week for criticizing Taliban policies on girls' education and civil liberties, was released by the Taliban on Monday.
Educational Activist Released – Amnesty International confirmed on Wednesday the release of Siddiqullah Afghan, an education activist, from Taliban captivity, while demanding the unconditional release of Ahmad Fahim Azimi, who was arrested at the same time as Siddiqullah Afghan at their "Better Thinking Academy" in Kart-e Char, Kabul.
Women Banned from Recreational Areas over Eid – During the Eid celebrations, Taliban officials from the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice barred women from accessing Gulghondi Hill in Parwan province, despite adherence to dress codes and male accompaniment. The Taliban enforced a broader ban on women visiting parks and recreational areas, using insults and vulgar language towards them.
Activist Call for Action – The Purple Saturdays Movement, a women's rights movement, called for action against the Taliban's alleged misuse of $40 million in weekly U.S. humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. They claim the aid fuels oppression, particularly against women, and supports extremist activities, including the establishment of jihadist schools. The group urged the U.S. to ensure aid reaches the needy, not the Taliban's terrorism efforts.
Floggings – The Taliban Supreme Court in Afghanistan has publicly flogged four individuals for theft and sodomy in Zabul and Nangarhar provinces. The court issued sentences ranging from six months to two years in prison, accompanied by 10 to 30 lashes, administered publicly.
Internal Politics
It seems that a strategic divergence is emerging within the Taliban leadership, highlighted by the Eid al-Fitr messages from its leaders. Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada reinforced a strict adherence to Sharia, while Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani presented a softer image, emphasizing humility and a more approachable governance style. Haqqani's approach suggests an attempt to position himself as a more moderate figure within the group, possibly aiming to win over domestic audiences and to improve the Taliban's international standing and attract aid.
International Meetings and Developments
Head of UNAMA to Visit Kabul – Following the Eid holidays, the UN Secretary General will send Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Head of UNAMA to Kabul for. a critical follow up meeting to the February Doha conference. This meeting is seen as part of crucial talks on the possibility of international recognition of the Taliban regime.
WHO donation to Kunduz Hospital – The World Health Organization donated drugs worth $105,000 to Kunduz's regional hospital, aiding over 72,000 people. The donation includes various medical kits. This is part of a larger effort, with over $4.4 million in supplies provided across Afghanistan amid a healthcare collapse post-Taliban takeover. 18 million Afghans now rely on health aid.
Freedom of the Press
Cell Communications Cut Over Eid – On Thursday, residents of Kabul, Herat, Kandahar and Balkh noted that cell phone communications were blocked and only internet based communications were available.
Regional Developments
CSTO Meeting – At a meeting in Moscow on Wednesday, members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), including Russia, discussed concerns about terrorism and drug trafficking from Afghanistan affecting regional stability. The discussion highlighted the necessity for coordinated efforts to promote peace and address emerging cyber threats, terrorism linked to international groups, and illicit arms trafficking involving advanced technologies.
Taliban Statement on Iran Attacks on Israel – The Taliban's Foreign Ministry supported Iran's recent attacks on Israel as a "legitimate defense." Spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi criticized Israel for diverting global focus from Gaza through regional provocations. The ministry, benefiting from ties with Iran, urged international efforts to restrain Israel and prevent crisis escalation.
NEXT WEEK
The next phase of deportations in Pakistan, targeting holders of Afghan Citizenship Cards, is set to begin on April 15. The Pakistani government is advocating for voluntary repatriation. During this period, Afghan nationals in Pakistan may face searches and could be encouraged to leave. Caution is advised in the upcoming weeks.
Those in Iran or traveling to Iran should be aware of the possibility of ongoing conflict with Israel. Travel to or from Iran may be delayed. The conflict may also cause issues with those traveling by air in or out of Afghanistan.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Graduation Video Arrest – In Iran, legal actions are underway against a student following outrage over a viral video showing female students from Al-Zahra University, Bushehr, dancing at graduation and engaging in activities like public dancing and motorcycle riding—acts restricted for women. The university's dean, Zahra Hajiani, announced an investigation into the incident amid tighter government controls on women's freedoms.
Attack on Police – On Tuesday, at least five Iranian police personnel were killed and others injured in an attack in Sistan-va-Baluchistan's Soran-Mehristan region. The militant group Jaish Ul Adl claimed responsibility for the assault.
US Does Not Renew Sanctions Waiver – The Biden administration has declined to renew sanctions waivers that allowed Iran and Russia to collaborate on nuclear projects at Iranian sites. These waivers, reinstated by Biden after being revoked by Trump, expired early 2024. Previously, these waivers facilitated up to $10 billion in revenue for Russian firms and were part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal initiated under Obama, involving multiple nations.
PAKISTAN
Expedited Aid From Saudi – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia have agreed to accelerate a $5 billion investment plan in Pakistan. The sectors targeted include mining, agriculture, and information technology. This decision was made during Sharif's inaugural international visit to Saudi Arabia, following a directive by the crown prince to the Saudi Development Fund to consider boosting the State Bank of Pakistan's deposits.
Heightened Security or Eid – Pakistan deployed over 100,000 police across mosques and markets for Eid al-Fitr amid warnings of potential militant attacks. Security heightened in areas where prominent figures pray. The focus is on countering threats from the Pakistani Taliban and Baloch separatists, with significant deployments in Punjab, including Lahore.
Zainebiyoun Brigade Designated as Terrorists – On Thursday, Islamabad labeled the Zainebiyoun Brigade. The group, established by Iran's IRGC after the Syrian Civil War, actively recruits Pakistani Shiites from both Iran and Pakistan to fight in the conflict. Initially tasked with defending the Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque, it has since expanded its operations across various Syrian frontlines under the guidance of the IRGC.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
How Iran’s attack on Israel was stopped
Dan Sabbagh
Iran’s widely anticipated missile and drone attack was defeated with the orchestrated help of the US, UK and Jordan who, alongside the Israeli military, ensured that all but a handful of ballistic missiles were neutralised overnight.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that about 360 missiles and drones were fired from Iran and that “99% of the threats” had been intercepted in a successful defence mission that may have cost Israel £800m – but will have saved many lives and dented Iran’s military credibility.
Iran’s plan appears to have been to try to overwhelm Israel’s system of air defences with a complex attack of the type employed by Russia against Ukraine, but on a much vaster scale. It comprised relatively slow-moving drones, faster cruise missiles and high-speed ballistic missiles capable of travelling several times quicker than the speed of sound.
AFGHAN NEWS
Taliban’s Senior Defence Ministry Officials From Single Ethnic Network, Says Green Trend
Afghanistan International
‘The Afghanistan Green Trend (AGT), led by Amrullah Saleh, has released a list of 189 senior Taliban officials, who have allegedly established "an ethnic, madrassa, and acquaintance network" within the Ministry of Defence.
According to the AGT, only one of these officials is not affiliated with the Taliban, and all of them have received education at "religious madrassas in Pakistan”.
Afghanistan International is unable to independently verify the identities and positions of these Taliban officials, as well as other information disclosed by the AGT. Nonetheless, criticisms have been directed at the Taliban for their perceived political and ethnic monopolisation, particularly within government institutions.’
Taliban Currently Has 40 Foreign Nationals Detained In Afghan Prisons
Afghanistan International
‘Habibullah Badr, the Deputy Director of Military Affairs for the Taliban's Prison Authority, revealed that the group currently has detained approximately forty foreign prisoners.
Badr specified that these detainees are citizens from a variety of countries, notably those neighbouring Afghanistan, and have been incarcerated on allegations of serious criminal activities, including murder.
Reports emerging on Sunday highlighted that these foreign nationals are distributed across several detention facilities within Afghanistan.’
Independent - Maya Oppenheim
‘Aafia* is battling debilitating migraines and her teeth are falling out, possibly from stress. But she is unable to go to the dentist or the doctor because she is in hiding, living in constant fear that the Taliban will track her down and kill her.
“I am very angry,” she tells The Independent from her secret location in Afghanistan. “Without reason, I cry. I cannot sleep because of the fear and the stress.”
The 48-year-old judge had her life turned upside down when the Taliban seized control of the country following the fall of Kabul in August 2021. The group went on to release thousands of prisoners, with judges like Aafia left petrified that the criminals they had sent to jail – including terrorists and senior al-Qaeda operatives – would track them down and seek revenge.’
Rukhshana Media -Mehreen Rashidi
‘Zahra* is the kind of woman the Taliban had hoped to eradicate. Despite Taliban decrees cutting her off from any formal education and most opportunities for work or socialising, Zahra is still pursuing her studies and her dreams of being a doctor.
Radically, she views the denial of her freedom as an opportunity.
“Despite being prevented from continuing my studies, I see this period as a long-term opportunity, especially my English language,” Zahra says’.
REGIONAL NEWS
Iran Implements Entry Ban For Immigrants In 3 Bushehr Counties
Afghanistan International
An Iranian official announced stringent restrictions on entry, accommodation, and employment for immigrants in the counties of Ganaveh, Deylam, and Asaluyeh, including those with residency documents.
Razieh Alipour, the Director General of Aliens and Immigrant Affairs in Iran's Bushehr province, emphasized that any immigrants found in these counties, regardless of their status, would be subject to immediate expulsion.
The Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) reported that there is an ongoing effort within Bushehr Province to identify and expel undocumented immigrants. Alipour noted that over the past year, more than 26,000 individuals were identified and processed for deportation as part of this initiative.
IMF chief says Pakistan seeking potential follow-up loan programme
The Express Tribune
Pakistan is in discussions with the International Monetary Fund on a potential follow-up programme to its nine-month, $3 billion stand-by arrangement, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday, adding that it had important issues to solve.
Georgieva told an event at the Atlantic Council think tank, that Pakistan was successfully completing its existing programme with the IMF and its economy was performing somewhat better, with reserves now being built up.
Gunmen abduct and kill 9 passengers from Punjab after ID check on bus near Balochistan’s Noshki
Dawn.com - Abdullah Zeri
‘Nine people from Punjab were killed near Noshki, Balochistan in the early hours of Saturday, when gunmen forced them off a bus they were travelling in and shot them, officials said. Another attack on a separate vehicle killed two people.
“About 10-12 gunmen blockaded the Quetta-Taftan Highway N-40 in the vicinity of Sultan Charhai near Noshki and abducted nine passengers from a bus,” Deputy Commissioner Habibullah Musakhel told Dawn.com.’
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Committee Releases Second Tranche of Afghanistan Interview Documents
HFAC
‘Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul announced another release of transcribed interviews with State Department officials charged with coordinating the United States’ civilian evacuation from Afghanistan. On Monday, the committee released its first tranche of transcribed interviews with State Department officials.
The transcribed interviews were conducted over several months and are minimally redacted.’
Afghan allies endangered: Congress grapples with the Special Immigrant Visa program’s shortcomings
Washington Examiner - Beth Bailey
‘Congress is on track to authorize an additional 12,000 Special Immigrant Visas to keep the Afghan SIV program afloat after concerns that around 8,000 available visas would run out in September 2024. The stay of execution has offered some sense of relief to many of the more than 147,000 Afghans awaiting processing.
With the time clock on the SIV program temporarily reset, a handful of former and current U.S. Army Special Forces personnel are on a mad dash to get the Afghans who served beside them to safety in the United States. While they worry about Taliban kill orders and combat the exhaustion of supporting allies in a post-withdrawal Afghanistan, their most leviathan foe remains the SIV program itself, which has been beset by failures and a lack of transparency since its inception in 2009.’
DailyMail.com - Peter Allen and James Reynolds
‘A knifeman was shot dead by police machine gun fire in Bordeaux tonight after he allegedly stabbed one passer-by to death and wounded another.
The bloodbath unfolded just before 8pm on Wednesday in the south-west French city, at end of the evening rush hour.
'A police officer used his machine gun to kill the assailant on the Left Bank of the Garonne river, just after he had attacks by the city hall,' said an investigating source.’
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 71.18 AFN (as of 14 April 2024)