The Week of July 8-14
The Week of July 8-14
Security and Conflict
Commander Arrested in Takhar – In Takhar, the Taliban arrested Tajik commander Ghulam Hussain Mubariz and six of his men, reportedly due to internal and ethnic disputes. They were transferred to Kunduz. On Thursday, Taliban forces from the "217 Omari" army corps in Kunduz disarmed at least 145 individuals associated with Commander Mubariz. Recent tensions among Pashtun, Tajik, and Uzbek Taliban members have escalated, occasionally leading to conflicts. Some Taliban commanders have previously complained about ethnic discrimination.
Reported ISKP Arrests – According to Al-Mirsad Media, Taliban intelligence arrested an ISKP cell in Kabul on July 10, 2024. The cell, led by an Afghan under ISKP’s Pakistan-based leadership, planned attacks on Shia gatherings during Ashura. The cell’s leader, recently moved from Balochistan, was involved in an April 2024 IED attack in Kabul. Taliban intelligence has also dismantled other ISKP cells with Pakistani members across Afghanistan.
Possible Cross Border Strike – Local sources in Khost report that on Friday, Pakistani fighter jets bombed the Babark Tani area in the Alisher district, killing five Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members. The jets entered Afghan territory, targeted the TTP fighters, and then returned to Pakistan. Previously, Pakistani forces have conducted airstrikes on TTP members in border areas. Pakistan has not commented, the Taliban have denied the incident.
Former ANSF Killed – Local sources confirmed that the Taliban tortured and killed former police officer Sher Mohammad in Kabul's Mir Bacha Kot district on July 5, accusing him of holding weapons. The Taliban hanged his body, claiming it was a suicide, but his family denied this. The Taliban buried Mohammad without informing his family. Mohammad was related to ex-police commander Zumrai Paikan.
Drug Arrests – On Tuesday, the Taliban arrested 52 residents of Jund district, Badghis, for allegedly cultivating opium, despite a ban by their leader. The arrested individuals were transferred to Qala-e-Naw. The Taliban have not commented yet.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
UN Report on Taliban Human Rights Violations – A new UN report on the Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice documented 1,033 instances of forceful enforcement from August 15, 2021, to March 31, 2024, which violated personal liberties and caused physical and mental harm. The report urges the Taliban to uphold human rights, particularly for women and marginalized groups, in line with international standards. The full report can be read here
Muharram Restrictions – In Herat, the Taliban arrested two men for installing Muharram flags, tore down flags in Jebrael Township, and banned vendors from selling black Muharram clothing. Five additional men were arrested in Jebrael on Friday, and a young man was shot and killed in a dispute with the Taliban. They prohibited mourners from public processions and limited Muharram ceremonies to three days, held in designated mosques with approved speakers. In Kabul, the Taliban destroyed charity drink centers on Ustad Mazari Road and banned Muharram processions. They consolidated ceremonies into specific mosques, barred Sunni Muslims from attending, and banned loudspeakers in Shia mosques. On Friday, citizens of Herat protested the restrictions on Muharram ceremonies.
Detention and Torture of Former NDS – Raisa Yazdanparast, a former NDS director, reported that the Taliban arrested and tortured her for a month and a half in Kabul. She revealed that the Taliban have access to security personnel information, leading to arrests and torture. Released through local mediation, she later fled Afghanistan. Yazdanparast condemned the Taliban’s general amnesty as deceptive. Other accounts of Taliban prison torture, including those of activist Lailma Dawlatzai, have also emerged.
Images of Mazari Destroyed – The Taliban destroyed Abdul Ali Mazari's statue in western Kabul using a drill and nails, then covered it with plaster. They are patrolling the area to prevent photography. Mazari, a Hazara and former leader of the Hezb-e Wahdat-e Islami Party, was killed by the Taliban in 1995. They plan to demolish his memorial in Mazari Square. Political leaders and social media users condemned the actions, while some Taliban supporters endorsed them. The destruction of the memorials took place at the beginning of Muharram.
Flogging – On Tuesday, one person was flogged in Ghazni.
Internal Politics
Audio Leak from Taliban Intel Chief – Dr. Bashir, former Taliban intelligence chief for Nangarhar, disclosed internal conflicts within the Taliban in an audio clip. He mentioned that Taliban members in Nangarhar are killing and conspiring against each other. Known as Engineer Basharmal, Dr. Bashir is accused of making many individuals, including tribal elders and youths, disappear under the guise of them being ISIS members, with their bodies later found in canals. Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, reportedly refused to shake hands with him, accusing him of having blood on his hands. Dr. Bashir was arrested with suicide vests during the Republic era.
Firings at the Attorney General Office – The Taliban have suspended or dismissed at least 800 employees, including prosecutors from the previous government’s Attorney General's Office, now the "General Directorate of Orders and Decrees." About 400 were transferred to the military sector and then placed on a temporary attendance list. This action reflects a broader pattern of the Taliban replacing former government employees with their own members, often lacking specialized qualifications.
Statement By Acting Minister of Mines – Hedayatullah Badri, the new Taliban Minister of Mines, plans to reduce taxes by extracting Afghanistan's $3 trillion mineral wealth. Despite rich resources, the country remains poor, risking a resource curse. Badri aims to manage mines properly, prevent illegal smuggling, and process minerals domestically, amid the Taliban's international sanctions and heavy taxation.
International Developments
UN List of Taliban Members Under Sanctions Released – The UN sanctions monitoring team has listed 61 Taliban officials under international sanctions. This includes 35 members of the Taliban cabinet and senior officials such as Prime Minister Mullah Hasan Akhund, Deputy Prime Ministers Abdul Ghani Baradar, Abdul Salam Hanafi, and Abdul Kabir. Key figures include Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, who recently traveled under temporary UN approval. Other sanctioned officials are Intelligence Chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, Ministers Noor Mohammad Saqib, Khairullah Khairkhwa, Noorullah Noori, and Hamidullah Akhund. The list also names Central Bank Governor Noor Ahmad Agha, Yahya Haqqani, and various ministers and advisors. Sanctions restrict travel and freeze assets abroad. The UN extended the monitoring team's mandate to ensure Taliban compliance with counter-terrorism and human rights, especially women's rights. The list highlights the continued international scrutiny on Taliban leadership.
France Grants Asylum to Afghan Women – A French court has granted asylum to Afghan women due to the Taliban's actions against their rights and freedoms. The decision follows a European Court of Justice ruling that women facing gender-based violence can seek asylum. Afghan women fleeing Taliban persecution can now apply for asylum in France with a high chance of acceptance. Similar policies have been adopted by Sweden and Denmark.
Calls for Diplomatic Recognition of the Taliban – Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, urged foreign diplomats to return to Afghanistan to support women's rights, girls' education, and minority protection. Echoing Hugh Bailey's call, he stressed that aid groups face funding shortages and excessive pressure. Martin Hartberg also supported increased British presence, emphasizing challenges faced by women-led businesses. The absence of Western diplomats since the Taliban's 2021 return has complicated aid efforts.
Meeting With Saudi Ambassador – Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Faisal bin Talq Al-Baqmi, met with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul, focusing on bilateral relations. Saudi diplomats had left Kabul in February 2023 due to security threats. Muttaqi requested the ambassador undertake a bilateral mission, and the ambassador emphasized continuing humanitarian aid. The Saudi embassy has not commented.
Freedom of the Press
Free Journalist Club Taken Over by Taliban – The Afghanistan Journalists Center reported that the Taliban's Information and Culture Directorate in Kandahar has reclaimed the office of the Free Journalists Club, which had been used by journalists for over 10 years. The office will now be converted into a museum. Journalists, facing increasing restrictions and economic challenges under Taliban rule, found the office beneficial. The Taliban's actions against journalists and the media are intensifying.
Journalist Detained – Hamidullah Hairan, a journalist with Arzasht Radio Television, has been detained by the Taliban for around five months, his family confirmed. They are deeply concerned, unaware of his whereabouts, and believe he was taken by Taliban intelligence. The Taliban has not commented. Amnesty International urges the Taliban to respect human rights.
Regional Developments
Pakistan Extends Proof of Registration Validity – Pakistan will extend expired registration cards for 1.45 million Afghans for a year, as announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following a UN request to pause refugee repatriation. The extension, valid until June 30, 2025, does not guarantee exemption from future deportations. Despite UNHCR's calls for halting the repatriation plan, Pakistan continues to implement it amid economic struggles and accusations against Afghanistan of harboring militants. Over 500,000 Afghans have been repatriated since the campaign's announcement.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Trip to Pakistan – On Tuesday, Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, met with Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, to discuss Afghan refugee issues. Grandi emphasized finding solutions with international support. Since October 2023, Pakistan has expelled over 639,000 undocumented Afghan migrants. Grandi opposed forced expulsions, advocating for voluntary returns.
Turkey to Deport Former Officials – Turkey has detained five military commanders affiliated with Abdul Rashid Dostum, leader of Afghanistan’s Islamic Movement party, and transferred them to a migrant repatriation center in Istanbul. The Afghan Embassy in Ankara is prepared to assist in their release. Turkish police reportedly forced four commanders to sign deportation documents. Many officials and military personnel from the previous Afghan government face expired residencies and risk deportation. Approximately 200 families linked to Dostum are affected. Some fear persecution or death if returned to Afghanistan. Members of the Islamic Movement claim Turkey is violating its commitment not to expel former Afghan officials and military personnel.
Report on Afghans Imprisoned in Iran – The judiciary of Iran reported that nearly 95% of foreign prisoners in Iran are Afghan citizens. Deputy Kazem Gharibabadi announced prisoner transfers based on a bilateral agreement with the Taliban. Afghan citizens in Iran are imprisoned mainly for drug offenses, theft, and illegal border crossing. Human rights organizations are concerned about the increasing executions of Afghan prisoners, with 13 executed in early 2024. The Taliban claimed to have saved 200 Afghans from execution. Iran hosts millions of Afghan migrants.
Taliban May Expel Iranian Diplomat – An Iranian diplomat, Ali Moujani, faces potential expulsion from Afghanistan for criticizing the Taliban. Barred from attending Eid prayers led by the Taliban's Supreme Leader, he was reportedly told to leave on short notice. His social media posts frequently criticize Taliban politics. Neither the Taliban nor Iran have commented officially.
Plan to Move TTP to Ghazni – Ahead of Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Kabul, the Taliban plans to relocate Pakistani Taliban (TTP) members to a camp in Ghazni to restrain militants. TTP members fear potential Pakistani airstrikes. Ishaq Dar aims to address these threats and improve Pakistan's security. The Taliban hasn't commented on the visit's objectives.
Miscellaneous
WFP Lacks Funding to Assists in Flood Impacted Areas – The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) announced it lacks the funds to support tens of thousands affected by recent floods in Afghanistan. The disaster killed hundreds, destroyed homes, and worsened food insecurity. Despite initial aid efforts, WFP needs over $600 million to continue its operations and help communities recover amid an ongoing funding crisis.
Report on Children’s Mental Health – UNICEF reports that over 24% of Afghan children aged 5-17 experience anxiety and 15% suffer from depression, rates ten times higher than the global average. These issues stem from war, migration, displacement, and poverty. Restrictive measures on girls' education have reduced access to health services. UNICEF operates 750 child-friendly spaces and supported nearly four million children in 2023, aiming to assist 3.6 million in 2024. The full report can be accessed Here
Maternity Hospital Closed – The 60-bed maternity hospital in Faizabad, Badakhshan, has suspended operations due to unpaid salaries, with the WHO not disbursing payments for months. Over 70 medical professionals have gradually stopped working. This closure leaves only a 30-bed maternity unit in the provincial hospital, straining local healthcare resources.
NEXT WEEK
Ashura begins on Monday evening and continues through Tuesday evening this week. Mosques and shrines may be targeted by ISKP during this time in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. Afghans in the region should try to avoid large crowds and exercise caution.
The Taliban have announced restrictions on processions and ceremonies during Muharram. Crackdowns should be expected for any ceremonies outside the locations and time frames allowed by the Taliban.
Deportations will continue from Pakistan despite the extension of Proof of Registration cards. Afghans in Pakistan and Iran should be aware of the possibility of extortion, harassment, detention, and deportation.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Statement on Border Closing – Habibollah Sayyari, Deputy Coordinator of Iran's Army, announced on Thursday that the Iran-Afghanistan border is being closed to prevent illegal Afghan entry. During his visit to the border wall construction on Wednesday, Sayyari emphasized that the project aims to ensure lasting security and is being executed by the 444th Engineering Group under challenging conditions.
PAKISTAN
German Consulate Closed to Non-EU Citizens – The German consulate in Karachi has indefinitely suspended services for non-EU citizens due to security threats, though visas already issued can still be collected. This follows increased militant violence in Pakistan, including recent attacks on foreign nationals and law enforcement, highlighting the region's volatile security situation.
Pashtun Leader killed in Pakistan – Gilaman Wazir, poet and activist of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, died on Wednesday in a Pakistani hospital after being stabbed in Islamabad on Sunday. His death has sparked significant reactions. Manzoor Pashteen, PTM leader, suggests government involvement if attackers are not identified. Wazir, known for his revolutionary Pashto poetry and criticism of the Pakistani government, was previously detained and tortured by the army. He is survived by his two wives and five children. His burial will be in North Waziristan.
Foreign Minister Statement On TTP – Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged that TTP operates in Afghanistan, contradicting the Taliban's previous denials. Dar demanded TTP's expulsion from Afghanistan, emphasizing Pakistan's desire for strong relations with Kabul. He noted that TTP seeks to disrupt Pakistan-China relations, highlighting China's security concerns. Pakistan has seen a rise in militant attacks, mostly attributed to TTP.
Police Unable to Patrol Parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – The southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are reportedly becoming restricted areas for police, with the Taliban patrolling and setting up checkpoints from evening to morning. This has led to increased crime and militant activity. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has placed bounties on 2,251 terrorists. Local recruitment for TTP has surged, with hundreds joining, including educated youth. Despite 1,400 counter-terrorism operations, extremists remain active, forming new alliances and claiming attacks under different names. The police face challenges due to lack of equipment and resources.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Tenuous Taliban control gives life to al-Qaida, Islamic State
Jeff Seldin
Taliban efforts to solidify the group’s control over Afghanistan are bringing a measure of peace and stability to its residents, but intelligence gathered by United Nations member states suggests the reprieve is not likely to last.
A report issued late Wednesday by the U.N. sanctions monitoring team warns that Afghanistan will almost certainly remain a source for insecurity with terror groups like al-Qaida and Islamic State either finding safe haven or finding ways to exploit the Taliban’s weaknesses.
“The country continues to be perceived as permissive or friendly territory by terrorist groups,” the report warns. “Continued Taliban tolerance of a range of terrorist groups, based across many Afghan provinces, sets the conditions for terrorism to project into neighboring States.”
Al-Qaida, in particular, continues to thrive, taking advantage of its long-term ties to the Taliban despite being forced to keep a low-profile.
Analysis: Al Qaeda expands its network of training camps in Afghanistan
Bill Roggio
Al Qaeda is operating training camps in the Afghan provinces of Kandahar and Takhar, the United Nations Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team reported. These facilities are in addition to those located in 10 other provinces that the Monitoring Team identified over the past year. Additionally, the Monitoring Team notes that Al Qaeda “still uses Afghanistan as a permissive haven under the Taliban.”
The Monitoring Team disclosed the presence of new Al Qaeda training camps in its latest 1267 report on Afghanistan on July 10.
Al Qaeda now operates training camps in 12 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. In its previous two reports, the Monitoring Team reported that Al Qaeda had camps in Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, Uruzgan, Helmand, Zabul, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Badghis, and Kunar.
AFGHAN NEWS
Watchdog reports 217 killed in Afghanistan in three months
Amu TV
At least 217 people, including 180 Taliban members, were killed and 212 more were wounded in security incidents in the country in the past three months, according to a report by Afghanistan Security Watch.
The watchdog’s report detailed 94 security incidents recorded in 18 provinces during this period.
According to the report, Kabul had the highest number of incidents with 47, followed by Herat with 11, Baghlan with nine, and Takhar with five.
The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for 57 attacks, the Freedom Front for 19, and the Daesh group for six, while nine attacks were attributed to unknown parties, the report says.
Taliban limits Muharram rituals to three days, imposes unprecedented restrictions
Hasiba Atakpal
Taliban bans roving money changers in Kabul forex market
Amu TV
Taliban has banned roving money changers from operating in the Shahzada Forex Market in Kabul, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The decision has left over 2,000 people without daily wages, sources added.
The sources said that a joint notice from the Taliban intelligence services, the Taliban-run Ministry of Interior, the Taliban-run Central Bank and the Shahzada Market Money Changers Union confirmed the ban, although no specific details or reasons were provided.
REGIONAL NEWS
Army to be deployed nationwide for Muharram security
Shakeel Qarar
The interior ministry on Monday approved the nationwide deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers for security purposes during the month of Muharram.
The ministry order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, said the approval followed requests by all provincial governments, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Afghans Invested $3 Billion In Iran, Says Country’s Official
Afghanistan International News
Mahmoud Siadat, Chairman of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce said on Tuesday that over 50% of foreign-registered companies in Iran belong to Afghan citizens.
Siadat mentioned that Afghan traders have invested more than USD 3 billion in Iran.
According to Iran's Student News Agency (ISNA), this official noted, "Today, over 50% of foreign companies registered in Iran are Afghan companies." He added that "the largest foreign investors in Iran are also Afghans”.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
'Absolutely false': US categorically denies funding Afghan Taliban amid human rights concerns
The Express Tribune
"We do not provide any funding to the Taliban. That is absolutely false," stated spokesperson Matt Miller during a press briefing on July 10.
During the press briefing, a journalist raised concerns about misinformation from a recent interview with a Taliban senior official conducted by a retired Pakistani government employee turned YouTuber. He said the Taliban spokesperson falsely claimed that there are 90,000 female teachers in Afghanistan, whereas these teachers are actually sitting at home receiving salaries from the government without working.
State Department releases names of three Americans held in Taliban custody
Beth Baily
In response to a Washington Examiner inquiry, a State Department spokesperson confirmed on July 11 that three U.S. citizens, George Glezmann, Mahmood Habibi, and Ryan Corbett, are currently being held in Taliban custody. Taliban representatives repeatedly claimed they only held two Americans in detention.
US Department of Justice
A federal jury convicted a U.S. Navy Reserve commander today on multiple criminal charges related to a years-long bribery scheme involving Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan nationals.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jeromy Pittmann, 53, of Pensacola, Florida, received bribe money from Afghan nationals in exchange for drafting, submitting, and falsely verifying false letters of recommendation for citizens of Afghanistan who applied for SIVs with the U.S. Department of State. Each year, the State Department offers limited SIVs to enter the United States for Afghan nationals employed as translators for U.S. military personnel. In connection with this program, Pittmann signed over 20 false letters in which he represented, among other things, that he personally knew and had supervised the Afghan national visa applicants while they worked as translators in support of the U.S. military and NATO; that the applicants’ lives were in jeopardy because the Taliban considered them to be traitors; and that, based on his personal knowledge of the applicants, he believed they did not pose any threat to the national security of the United States. In reality, Pittmann did not know the applicants and had no basis for recommending them for SIVs. In exchange, Pittmann received several thousands of dollars in bribes. To avoid detection, Pittmann received the bribe money through an intermediary and created false invoices purporting to show that Pittmann was receiving the money for legitimate work unrelated to his military service.
Strengthen Anti-Taliban Resistance Fronts Through Aid, Advises Former US NSA
Afghanistan International
John Bolton, former US National Security Advisor, told Afghanistan International that the Taliban must be sidelined to resolve the crisis in Afghanistan.
He expressed support for strengthening anti-Taliban forces and called for sending US military aid to resistance groups in Afghanistan.
On Monday, July 8, Bolton stated that meetings between US officials and the Taliban, especially intelligence officials from both sides, benefit the Taliban more than the US, as they grant legitimacy to the group.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 70.82 AFN (as of 14 July 2024)
