The Week of July 15-21
The Week of July 15-21
Security and Conflict
Arrests Following Badghis Attack – After an explosion at the entrance gate of the Badghis provincial building on Monday, the Taliban arrested at least 20 civilians in Qala-e-Naw. The Taliban have not commented on the incident. The National Resistance Front of Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that it resulted in the deaths of the Taliban's administrative and financial chief and three associates.
Cross Border Attack – On Thursday, unverified reports indicated clashes between the Afghan and Pakistani armies along the Durand Line in the Bajaur-Kunar region. Intermittent firing at two border posts led to one fatality on the Afghan side and conflicting reports of 1-4 deaths on the Pakistani side. Afghan Taliban fighter Karimullah Mansoor was killed in an exchange of fire with Pakistani security forces.
Security Cameras installed in Kabul – The Taliban have installed 90,000 security cameras in Kabul to monitor the city and track incidents, with plans to expand this system to all Afghan cities within four years. Some cameras were purchased by residents, while others were installed under a contract with China’s Huawei. Human rights organizations have raised privacy concerns.
ANSF Killed in Spin Boldak – Raziq, was murdered in Spin Boldak, Kandahar. In addition to targeting former security personnel, the Taliban are reportedly conducting a specific purge against the Achakzai tribe, to which General Raziq belonged.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Ashura Crackdowns – During Shia Ashura ceremonies, the Taliban closed telecommunication networks and blocked roads in western Kabul, citing security concerns. Taliban fighters restricted movements within the city and disrupted Ashura ceremonies in Kabul's Gulayi Mehtab Qala and Dashti Barchi, as shown in videos where they dispersed mourners and occasionally used violence. In Daikundi, residents were barred from participating in processions, limiting ceremonies to mosques and shrines. In Mazar-e-Sharif, Taliban militants raided several Hussainiyas in the first, second, third, and ninth districts after midnight, removing flags and disrupting Muharram ceremonies. Despite these restrictions, residents of Herat's Haji Abbas region managed to hold their Ashura ceremonies. On Friday afternoon, July 19, an attacker threw a hand grenade among Ashura mourners in the center of Sar-e-Pol, injuring seven people, with no group claiming responsibility. Shia communities were forced to halt their mourning activities prematurely due to Taliban-imposed constraints.
Man Tortured and Killed by Taliban in Herat – Local sources report that on July 16, Taliban intelligence arrested Hikmatullah Barkzai from Dasht-e-Nizan, Pashtun Zarghun district, Herat, accusing him of working against the group. A few days later, his body, showing signs of severe torture, was returned to his family. Images and videos reveal bruises and signs of strangulation. Barkzai had recently returned from laboring in Iran and had no known connections to anti-Taliban forces. His killing is allegedly linked to his familial connection with former local police commander Ghulam Farooq. Following the release of images and videos, the Taliban arrested his brother for publicizing the murder and have promised an investigation.
Arrest of Former head of Prison — The Taliban arrested General Abdul Wakil, the former head of Panjshir province prison, from his home in Dara district on July 14. The reason for the arrest is unclear, and the Taliban have not commented on the matter.
Internal Politics
Meeting in Kandahar – On Sunday, Taliban spokesperson announced that leader Hibatullah Akhundzada met with senior security officials, including Yaqoob Mujahid, Sirajuddin Haqqani, and Abdul Haq Wasiq, in Kandahar. The meeting, amid internal tensions and following Haqqani’s UAE visit, involved updates on security activities and new directives from Akhundzada. A subsequent reshuffling of Taliban officials was also announced.
Ministry Changes – The Taliban's Supreme Leader ordered that three security ministries submit lists of employees who are religious scholars with teaching or prayer-leading experience for reassignment to the Ministries of Hajj and Religious Affairs and Education.
Mullah Yaqub Hands over Responsibility of Border Forces – Taliban Defense Minister Mullah Yaqub, in a letter, assigned all border force responsibilities to Deputy Minister of Defense Mullah Qayum Zakir. This move reflects Akhundzada’s replacement of Kabul-based ministers with his close associates in key positions.
International Developments
War Commission Testimony – At the U.S. Commission on the War in Afghanistan's first session, Michael George Vickers testified that Pakistan helped combat al-Qaeda but protected Taliban safe havens. Nader Nadery criticized the U.S. for negotiating with the Taliban, undermining the Afghan government, and prioritizing short-term military goals over long-term governance, urging an investigation into Pakistan's role and noting civilian casualties and arbitrary detentions.
CSTO Statement on Drugs and Terrorism – Imanqali Tasmagambetov, CSTO Secretary General, informed the UN Security Council that terrorism and drug trafficking from Afghanistan have intensified, posing significant threats to Central Asia. The CSTO has formed a working group to address these issues and reduce tension at the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, in response to Taliban calls for action against regional ISIS bases.
IOM Report on Afghan Migrants – Between April and June, over 532,000 people left Afghanistan, while more than 858,000 entered. Reasons for departure included economic opportunities, protection, safety, and health. The U.S. is expediting relocation processes for Afghan applicants, including those with Special Immigrant Visas, with support from countries like Pakistan. Recent Iranian and Pakistani policies have affected migration flows, highlighting the need for coordinated international support for Afghan migrants and refugees.
Claims of US Funds Aiding Jihadi Schools – Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, told American journalist Sean Ryan that the Taliban are misusing U.S. funds to build jihadist schools and have established 900 NGOs to access this money. He cautioned that continued U.S. aid to the Taliban could have severe consequences. Massoud also noted that the Taliban earn around $2.5 billion annually, excluding drug trade profits, and that foreign fighters are being trained in Afghanistan. Recently, the U.S. House passed a bill to cut financial aid to the Taliban.
Freedom of the Press
Journalist Arrested in Kandahar – Mohammad Yar Majrooh, a journalist in Kandahar, was arrested by the Taliban on Saturday, according to the Afghanistan Journalists Center. The reasons for his arrest are unclear. Previously, he was detained by Taliban intelligence in February 2023 while working for Tolo News.
Report on Freedom of the Press Incidents – he Afghanistan Journalists Center reported that in the first half of 2024, the Taliban shut down seven media outlets and committed 89 rights violations against journalists, including 60 threats and 29 arrests. Increased pressure and oversight on media content were particularly notable in southern and eastern provinces. Some media outlets were closed due to expired licenses. The center has urged the Taliban to cease unreasonable demands on journalists and to ensure a fear-free working environment.
Regional Developments
Attack On Pakistani Soldiers – A suicide bomber and other insurgents launched an attack on a military facility in Bannu, Pakistan, killing four soldiers and injuring several others, including civilians. The coordinated assault targeted the compound housing military offices and residences for security personnel. Usmanullah Kamran, identified as an Afghan Talib from Urgora village, Jani Khel district, Paktia, was involved in the attack, which Pakistan attributes to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group based in Afghanistan. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for swift action and is awaiting a response from the Taliban.
Treatment of Afghans in Iran – A video from an Afghan in Iran shows Iranian police arresting immigrants en masse and tying their hands with ropes. Other recent videos depict Afghan migrants being chained and detained in buildings while being denied food and water. These arrests, which took place at workplaces in Tehran, have been accompanied by reports of severe mistreatment.
Acting Foreign Minister Trip to China – A delegation from the Taliban's Deputy Ministry for Counter-Narcotics, led by Chief of Staff Hasibullah Ahmadi, traveled to China for a scientific conference. This visit follows Abdul Haq Akhund’s recent claim of eliminating poppy fields in Afghanistan, despite UN reports of ongoing challenges and discrepancies in enforcing the ban.
Drug Arrest at Torkham – Pakistani border officials in Torkham arrested two Afghan women attempting to smuggle six kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, valued at 70 million Pakistani rupees (approximately $250,000). The women, who were reportedly simple laborers, were caught trying to conceal the drugs in oil cans, according to Deputy Customs Officer Saeqa Abbas.
Miscellaneous
Flooding – Heavy rains and storms on Monday and Tuesday have caused severe flooding in eastern Afghanistan, affecting provinces such as Bamiyan, Maidan Wardak, Panjshir, Badakhshan, Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, Paktia, and Kapisa. Around 1.36 million people, including 858,000 children, live in the severely impacted areas. The floods have resulted in an estimated 45-60 deaths, at least 350 injuries, damage to about 400 houses, and left over 1,500 children homeless. Infrastructure, including telecommunications and roads, has been disrupted, complicating rescue efforts. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has noted the challenges in areas hosting displaced and returning migrants. The Taliban's Meteorological Department has warned of more heavy rain and potential flash floods in eight provinces—Badakhshan, Nuristan, Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar, Logar, Paktia, and Khost—on Sunday, July 21, with expected rainfall of 15 to 35 millimeters and strong winds up to 90 km/h.
China Delivers Aid – The Taliban's Ministry for Refugees and Returnees confirmed receiving the first batch of Chinese aid, worth 100 million yuan, on Tuesday, July 26. The aid includes 80 vehicles (such as Hilux trucks and ambulances), water tankers, utility vehicles, over 6,000 large and small tents, and 100 heaters. China's ambassador emphasized ongoing support through humanitarian aid and large-scale projects in Afghanistan.
NEXT WEEK
After several weeks of heavy resistance activity, increased Taliban checkpoints and searches are expected this week. Travel with caution and avoid checkpoints, especially in the evenings.
Flooding and weather-related issues will disrupt travel across much of the country. Stay informed about road and weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel.
Deportations of Afghans will continue in Pakistan and Iran. Pakistani officials have conducted house-to-house raids in Islamabad this week, seizing and deporting Afghans without residency documents. Tensions with Pakistan will remain high due to recent cross-border clashes and the Bannu attack. Expect possible cross-border tensions, drone strikes, and border closures, and exercise caution.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Surge in Executions – In the first half of 2024, Iran executed at least 266 prisoners, including 72 Kurds, 42 Turks, 32 Balochs, 23 Afghans, 10 women, and one child, predominantly for drug-related offenses, according to the human rights group Hengaw. This follows more than 850 executions in the previous year.
Iran Willing to Reopen Nuclear Talks – In an interview with Newsweek, Iran's acting foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani stated that Tehran remains open to resuming negotiations with Washington to restore their participation in the nuclear agreement, despite stalled indirect talks and U.S. sanctions. Bagheri Kani, who will address the UN Security Council, also emphasized Iran's intention to strengthen ties with China, Russia, and neighboring countries, and to advocate for action against Israel amid the Gaza conflict.
PAKISTAN
Senior Al Qaeda Leader Arrested in Punjab – Aminul Haq, a senior Al-Qaeda leader and close aide to Osama Bin Laden, was arrested by the Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Sarai Alamgir, Gujrat. Included on the UN's global terrorist list, Haq was accused of planning large-scale sabotage in Punjab. His arrest is considered a significant counter-terrorism victory as Pakistan faces increased terror activities following the TTP’s ceasefire end. The Pakistani government has launched Operation Azm-i-Istehkam to address these threats.
Imran Khan Arrested and Move to Ban PTI – The federal government plans to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and pursue Article 6 proceedings against its founder Imran Khan, ex-president Dr. Arif Alvi, and former NA deputy speaker Qasim Suri, due to their alleged involvement in foreign funding, May 9 riots, and cipher manipulation. Imran Khan is currently remanded in the Toshakhana case and will be interrogated via video link due to security risks. Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been formally charged in the Shadman arson case.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Forced Deportations Leave Afghan Women in Dire Poverty
Inter Press Service
Sarai e Shamali camp in Kabul is a temporary refugee shelter. The camp receives on average 100 Afghans a day, forcibly returned from Pakistan and Iran where most had sought asylum when the Taliban took over power in Afghanistan three years ago.
The deportation has left these individuals in a desperate situation, facing severe financial hardship, homelessness, and a lack of means to earn a living.
AFGHAN NEWS
Taliban restricts Tasu’a observance in Afghanistan
Amu TV
On the ninth day of Muharram, the Taliban imposed a ban on the observance of Tasu’a by Shias in Afghanistan, according to sources.
Sources informed Amu that the Taliban restricted celebrations on Sunday night, prohibiting people from gathering in the streets to commemorate the ritual.
REGIONAL NEWS
Islamic State in Khorasan Province’s Increased Activity Threatens Central Asia
Lucas Webber
The Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) is increasing external operations and expanding recruitment in Central Asia through media wings that publish Central Asian militants and present them as role models for existing or potential supporters to follow.
ISKP’s growing reach and international operational capabilities are causing concern about rising terrorism among many states on all sides of the geopolitical divide, including the United States, China, Russia, India, and Iran.
The ISKP leadership looks set to intensify efforts to incite violence and direct external operations into Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the other former Soviet republics to expand influence for recruitment and foment unrest.
Govt to ban PTI, seek Article 6 proceedings against Imran, others
Dawn
In its latest attempt to suppress the PTI, the federal government on Monday announced that it has decided to ban the party and seek Article 6 proceedings against its founder Imran Khan, ex-president Dr Arif Alvi, and former National Assembly (NA) deputy speaker Qasim Suri.
The move appears to be an attempt to prevent the PTI from becoming the single largest party in the NA.
K-P Assembly passes resolution for Imran Khan's release, opposes plan to ban PTI
Tribune
The assembly session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, saw Law Minister Aftab Alam presenting a resolution regarding the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.
The resolution cited a report from the United Nations General Assembly's Human Rights Committee, stating that the cases against Imran Khan and his associates violate laws.
The K-P Assembly urged that Imran Khan be released in light of the UN report.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Defence Department sets out compensation plan for unlawful Afghanistan killings
Evelyn Manfield
The Australian government has laid out how it will compensate the families of people found to have been unlawfully killed or abused by Australian special forces in Afghanistan.
Compensation was one of the recommendations from the damning 2020 Brereton report, which found "credible information" that Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were involved in serious crimes, including the "murder" of 39 prisoners and civilians between 2005 and 2016.
EU Nations Mull Reopening Afghan Embassies, Recognizing Taliban
Donato Paolo Mancini and Natalia Drozdiak
Several European countries are considering reopening their embassies in Afghanistan in a move that would entail diplomatic recognition of the Taliban almost three years after the fall of Kabul, according to people familiar with the matter.
In a sign of potential interest, Italy conducted a reconnaissance mission with its intelligence services in Kabul in the past few weeks, said some of the people, who were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive plans.
Russian Envoy: Taliban Becomes Moscow’s Ally in Fight Against Terrorism
Kabul Now
Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov said that the Taliban has become Moscow’s ally in the fight against terrorism and is working to eradicate terrorist cells.
In an interview with the Russian News Agency TASS, the Russian diplomat said that terrorists captured across Afghanistan are held in solitary confinement at Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 70.67 AFN (as of 21 July 2024)
