[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- SECURITY OPERATION IN KABUL POLICE DISTRICT 17 REPORTEDLY TARGET ISIS-K – Taliban officials launched a counter-ISIS security operation in the Khari Kane neighborhood of Kabul. The fighting went on for an extended period of time with both light and heavy weapons being used. Multiple explosions were also reported in the affected area. Taliban officials claim that 2 ISIS-K fighters were killed and 1 was injured and remains in custody. Some local eyewitnesses cast doubt on the men who were targeted and said they were not ISIS-K members. There are scattered reports of a second Taliban operation in PD 17 that was focused on suspected kidnappers and it is possible, the information is being misattributed.
- TAJIK BORDER GUARDS KILL 3 AFGHANS – 3 Afghan men were shot by Tajik border forces as they attempted to enter Tajikistan from the Bostan crossing in the Darqad District of Takhar Province. 1 of the men was killed instantly while the other two were drowned after being shot and swept away by the Amu River (one body was recovered, but the other remains missing). The men were rumored to be transporting drugs and a pro-Resistance website claimed that 2 of the men were Taliban security force members. However, this information has yet to be confirmed.
- FORMER AFGHAN ARMY SOLDIERS FACE ARREST IN HELMAND – Taliban forces have reportedly arrested over 40 former Afghan Army soldiers from the previous regime over the past 72hrs in Helmand Province. It is not clear what charges have been levied against the men at this time.
- SEARCH OPERATIONS IN NIMRUZ REPORTED – Taliban vehicles closed off ancillary roads in Zaranj City, and several teams of security personnel were seen manning checkpoints around the city. Home searches were conducted, but no reports of arrests have been received. It is not clear what prompted the security operation or what threat the Taliban was responding to.
- 800 PAKISTAN TRUCKS CROSS INTO AFGHANISTAN THROUGH TORKHAM IN 24 HRS – After the extended closure of the border crossing, local sources reported that trucks were passing through Torkham at an unprecedented rate. Both Pakistani and Taliban border forces allowed the vehicles to pass with minimal checks. Pedestrian traffic had returned to normal levels as well.
- SEVERAL HUNDRED AFGHANS PROTEST SLOW VISA ISSUANCE FROM US – Hundreds of Afghans in Pakistan gathered at the National Press Club in Islamabad to draw attention to the tectonic pace of the US visa process. They demanded the US expedite their cases. No violence was reported.
NEXT 24 HOURS
HOUSE SEARCHES TO BEGIN IN POLICE DISTRICT 11 OF KABUL – Based on an unspecified threat, Taliban police, and GDI agents are expected to launch a search of houses in PD 11 today. It could be related to the recent counter-ISIS operation from yesterday. At-risk Afghans residing in PD 11 are encouraged to hide all documents and money as well as remove any paraphernalia from the former regime. |