Recent Appearances...

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Recent Appearances...

Afghanistan

UNSC Grants 23-Day Travel Exemption to Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar

2025-02-17

[ToloNews] The United Nations
...where theory meets practice and practice loses...
Security Council sanctions committee has announced a 23-day travel exemption for Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy prime minister for economic affairs.

In a statement, the committee said that the purpose of this exemption is for Baradar’s travel to Doha for medical treatment.

Pray for sepsis.

The Security Council’s statement mentions that this exemption has been issued under resolution 1988 and is valid from February 9 to March 3, 2025.

The UN Security Council sanctions committee stated: "On 7 February 2025, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) approved a travel ban exemption for Abdul Ghani Baradar Abdul Ahmad Turk (TAi.024) regarding his visit to Doha, State of Qatar
Qatar

...an emirate on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on some really productive gas and oil deposits, which produces the highest per capita income in the world. They piss it all away on religion, financing the Moslem Brotherhood and several al-Qaeda affiliates. Home of nutbag holy manYusuf al-Qaradawi...
, from 9 February 2025 to 3 March 2025 for medical treatment."

"If Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar’s travel is for medical purposes, I hope it also has a political aspect to help Afghanistan emerge from economic and political isolation," said Zalmai Afghanyar, a political analyst.

The statement also mentioned that a three-day travel exemption to Russia has been granted to the head of Afghanistan’s Central Bank.

The committee added that this exemption was granted for his visit to Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, to participate in the Ural Cybersecurity in Finance Forum, scheduled from February 19 to 21.

"For Afghanistan’s economic growth and to bring the country out of isolation, Mr. Baradar and his colleagues should take steps during this trip," said Samim Shamsi, another political analyst.

Previously, the UN Security Council sanctions committee had also issued travel exemptions this year for three officials of the Islamic Emirate, including the acting ministers of interior, foreign affairs, and Hajj and religious affairs.

What’s the point of sanctions if exemptions are issued every time one of them wants to go somewhere?

Link

-Signs, Portents, and the Weather-

Latest Reports Say Death Toll of Baghlan Flooding Over 170

2024-05-14

[TOLONEWS] The number of victims from the recent floods in the country has nearly reached 180, doctors said, as cited by Mullah Baradar, who visited the disaster-stricken province of Baghlan.

Meanwhile,
...back at the dirigible, Jack stuck the cigar in his mouth, stepped onto the gantry, and asked Got a light, Mac?

Von Schtinken stopped short, lowering the dagger and trying to control his features.

If you light that thing, Herr Armschtröng, he pointed out, his voice tense, we all die!...
on the fourth day of the flooding in Baghlan province, affected families called for immediate aid.

They said that they lack shelter, food supplies, and clean drinking water, and are living in heartbreaking conditions.

Mohammad Alam, 50, who lost six family members in the Friday floods in the Darwazakan area of central Baghlan, said: "I have lost two of my sister-in-laws, my wife, two daughters—one six years old and the other thirteen—and a nephew."

Another group of affected individuals who have lost their possessions are also demanding urgent help from the authorities.

"We need clean water and tents. The foreign aid that has been promised needs to be delivered," said Arbab Gulzada, a flood victim in Baghlan.

"Our request from the Islamic Emirate is to deliver aid to the people affected in Baghlan, especially central Baghlan," said Haqbin Moradi, a flood victim in Baghlan.

At the same time, Alam Majidi, the spokesperson for the governor of Baghlan, said that the process of distributing initial aid from the government and aid organizations to the flood victims is ongoing, and more aid will be distributed to them after assessments are completed.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy prime minister for economic affairs, who visited the flood-affected areas, said: "They told us the number of casualties is 154 deaders, but doctors have reported up to 170 people."

According to official statistics provided by the authorities in the caretaker government, the corpse count in Baghlan province so far reached nearly 180, and the search and rescue operations are still ongoing.

Link

Afghanistan

Daily Evacuation Brief May 23-24, 2023

2023-05-24

Daily Evacuation Brief | May 24, 2023

[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS

DEADLY ATTACK ON PAKISTANI OIL OPERATION IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA – A large militant force of up to 50 men stormed a Hungarian oil complex in the Hangu District of the Province. The attack targeted two specific pumping wells and heavy weapons and rocket-propelled grenades were employed in the attack. 4 Police and 2 private security guards were killed in the attack. It is not known how many of the militants were killed or wounded in the exchange of fire. After the attack, the militants were thought to have retreated into North Waziristan. The TTP claimed credit for the action, but this has not been confirmed by officials in Pakistan. Minor damage was inflicted on the facility but did not affect production. Police and military units were conducting sweeps of the adjacent areas as well as sending heavily armed patrols into North Waziristan.

IMRAN KHAN MAY HAVE OVERESTIMATED HIS POPULARITY – The ousted Prime Minister appears to have overplayed his hand and is reeling from a wave of defections from his political party. Since the nationwide violence broke out on 9 May, thirty-five party leaders have resigned from the party. Several local party offices have been vandalized, some by their own former members. Turnout at local rallies has dwindled. At this point, it is not clear how much support the embattled politician retains. A source in Islamabad said that Khan made a monumental mistake when he ‘challenged the Army’. While few are counting Pakistan’s ‘master of spin’ out, there is a growing sense that even many within his own party are tired of the constant tirades and conspiracy theories. The former PM appeared in front of three separate proceedings yesterday over a slew of legal issues. Despite launching several Twitter warnings, he was not arrested and the courts gave him lenient extensions of bail.

HEAVY FLOODING IN GHOR PROVINCE KILLS 5 – Rain and melting snow contributed to severe flooding in the Madrasa area that reportedly killed 5 people. Damage from the floodwaters was also reported in the Pasaband District.

TALIBAN FINALIZING RULES REGARDING WOMEN WORKING IN AID CAPACITIES – According to the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Jan Egeland, the Taliban have nearly completed the new guidelines for Afghan women to work for nongovernmental organizations in the country. When pressed for dates or a timeline, the Taliban would not provide additional information. Many are skeptical that any work is being done and, even if it were, the ruling cabal in Kandahar would overrule plans to allow women back to work.

CONFLICT TRACKER
Laghman: ALM forces reportedly engaged a Taliban unit near Mount Barmasmut yesterday evening. 6 Taliban were reportedly killed in the encounter.

NEXT 24 HOURS: No Threats Received

Daily Evacuation Brief | May 23, 2023

[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS

TALIBAN CAUTIONS IRAN OVER HELMAND RIVER THREATS – The escalating war of words over water rights between Iran and the Taliban continued yesterday as the Taliban Foreign Minister sent mixed messages regarding the commitment to the 1973 treaty. Amir Khan Muttaqi said during a press conference in Kabul that the Taliban was committed to honoring the treaty but then hedged by saying that Tehran needs to be prepared to lower expectations based on the drought in Afghanistan. In previous statements about the matter, the Taliban has consistently said it would adhere to the provisions of the treaty. We assess that the change in rhetoric was likely provoked by Iran’s public request to dispatch an assessment team to Afghanistan to measure water levels. A source in Tehran said that several of the drone flights conducted by Iran in the Spring of 2023 were sent into Afghanistan to conduct aerial hydrological surveys of reservoirs and that Tehran is convinced the Taliban are withholding water from the Helmand River with plans to divert it for domestic agricultural use. The Taliban appear to be adjusting their messaging with regard to the water issue.

THE RAINY SEASON MAY USHER IN DENGUE FEVER CONTAGION – The World Health Organization has issued a warning over the risk of outbreaks of Dengue Fever in Afghanistan. Populations in Eastern Afghanistan are the primary concern as the region has historically suffered the highest infection rates from the disease. The organization said it had anticipated the problem and had successfully trained approximately 300 medical staff to deal with the disease. Of note, the majority of the medical staff trained for this potential crisis are women.

MODERATELY POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE REPORTED IN BADAKHSHAN – An earthquake struck Badakhshan Province before noon yesterday. The 4.9 magnitude quake was centered near Faizabad and the tremors were felt in Kabul. The quake was the second above 4.0 magnitude reported in a ten-hour span and seismologists are concerned that a stronger earthquake may be coming.

NEW PRIME MINISTER APPOINTMENT THOUGHT TO BE AIMED AT THE ‘YOUNG LIONS’ IN THE TALIBAN 2.0 – Several long-time observers and analysts feel the appointment of Maulvi Abdul Kabir as acting Prime Minister by the supreme leader was a political message aimed at Mullah Baradar, Mullah Yaqoob, and (most importantly) at Sirajuddin Haqqani. Kabir’s roots lie in Paktia Province and his family ties are largely seen as competition to the Haqqani family. There seems to be a growing consensus that Hibaitullah Akhundzada has grown paranoid and it is said that he overruled several of his inner circle who had urged for a promotion for Mullah Baradar (First Deputy Prime Minister). Further reshuffling is expected to take place and many believe the Haqqani family will lose key positions.

CONFLICT TRACKER
Takhar: An ALF unit reportedly attacked a Taliban security checkpoint in the 1st police district of Taloqan yesterday evening. 1 Talib fighter was reportedly killed and 3 others were wounded in the incident.

NEXT 24 HOURS
PAKISTAN - FORMER PM KHAN SCHEDULED TO MAKE THREE COURT APPEARANCES TODAY – The ousted Prime Minister will start his day with questioning in front of the National Accountability Bureau in Rawalpindi over a corruption case. Then, he is scheduled to request bail in a case concerning potential charges of terrorism at the Anti-Terrorism Court. Lastly, he is scheduled to appear at the Islamabad High Court where he will be processed for his biometric data in an attempt to receive another grant of bail in several new cases. The former PM called on his followers to remain calm if he is arrested today. Some believe the about-face is due in large part to several high-level defections from his party and recent polling that gives the Pakistani military very high approval ratings. Relative calm has reigned in Pakistan since the events that transpired after 9 May but the former PM has proven to be a wily political figure and it is possible that orders have gone out to instigate a new round of mass protests should be detained. However, the matters before him today are considered routine and we assess the likelihood of violence to be low. At-risk Afghans sheltering in Islamabad and Rawalpindi should continue to remain vigilant but should be able to go about their daily affairs.

Link

Afghanistan

Engaging With Mullah Yaqoob is Easier, NRF’s Resistance not a Challenge: Brookings

2023-02-11

[KhaamaPress] Research findings of the Brookings Institution of the United States indicate that Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada is an irreconcilable leader, whereas Mullah Yaqoob is a pragmatic person, and it is easier to engage with him for the West.

It is also highlighted that the National Resistance® Front’s (NRF) military resistance does not pose any immediate threats to the country’s ruling regime.

Vanda Felbab-Brown author and political analyst in the foreign policy programs at Brookings say that serious disagreements exist among the Taliban
...Arabic for students...
leaders over the group’s policies.

After contacting reliable sources in Afghanistan and the West, Brown claims that pragmatic figures such as Mullah Yaqoob, and Sirajuddin Haqqani

...son of Pashtun warlord Jalaluddin Haqqani, still titular head of the Haqqani Network....
do not oppose the Taliban supreme leader’s decrees fearing death penalties and the group’s division.

Despite the Taliban’s negotiation team in Qatar
...an emirate on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on some really productive gas and oil deposits, which produces the highest per capita income in the world. They piss it all away on religion, financing the Moslem Brotherhood and several al-Qaeda affiliates. Home of nutbag holy manYusuf al-Qaradawi...
repeatedly emphasizing that the group’s policies towards political factions and women have changed, they have restricted women from participating in education and work as they seized power in August 2021. Brown says by forming a ’monopolistic Pashtun government’ the Taliban have kicked other political groups out of the government circle.

Brown belongs to those Western politicians and analysts who recently discuss ’moderate and extreme’ Taliban members. They believe that the moderate group of Taliban would take control of power in Afghanistan and revise the group’s policies and engagement with the western world.

The political analyst reiterates that the Taliban council based in Kandahar led by Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada exclusively issues the implementation of murderous Moslem decrees in Afghanistan. This comes as the moderate branch of the Taliban believes that the introduction of such policies will weaken the current regime and lead to losing control of power in the long term.

Pragmatic Taliban want the group to sustain power in Afghanistan. As per their analysis, if the economic challenges and the international isolation of the ruling regime are not resolved, and the foreign cash aid ended, the group will not sustain itself in power for longer.

According to Brown, Mullah Yaqoob, Defense Minister, Mullah Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister, and Sirajuddin Haqqani, Interior Minister are among the pragmatic Taliban Leaders.

She further adds that the three senior Taliban leaders including Mullah Yaqoob, Sirajuddin Haqqani, and Mullah Baradar are not united and do not trust each other. Therefore, it is difficult for them to bring most of the Taliban commanders with them.

Meanwhile,
...back at the mall, Clarissa suddenly spied Mr. Bartlett at the checkout counter. He was buying Grecian Formula!...
the chances are high that these senior Taliban leaders might even lose their lives due to deep intergroup disagreements, which may lead to the division of the group.

Link

Afghanistan

Top Taliban Leaders Consider Deposing Supremo Akhundzada Over Afghan Women’s Education

2023-02-01

[News18] First Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar front-runner as issue of women’s education splits Taliban
...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
, a high-level source tells News18

Senior Taliban functionaries are considering deposing supreme leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, top sources in Afghanistan said, as mounting frustration on the issue of women’s education threatens to rupture the unity of the government.

First Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is emerging as the person most likely to supplant Akhundzada if the Amir-ul-Momineen is ousted, a high-level source told News18, emphasizing that the discussions are at an early stage.

The decision, in December last year, to ban women from universities, has become a flashpoint in the top echelons of the Taliban. As News18 reported, Interior (Home) Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani

...son of Pashtun warlord Jalaluddin Haqqani, still titular head of the Haqqani Network....
and Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqub are not in favour of the crackdown by the hardliners and want the government to reverse course.

But their negotiations with the supreme leader have not borne fruit as Akhundzada is insisting that he will not reverse the ban under international pressure. But Haqqani and Yaqub are unwilling to accept this position, arguing that international support is vital for Afghanistan, the sources said.

"This (Akhundzada’s) is not a logical reason," a top source said. "High officials are therefore thinking about a solution and how to change the leader."

The doors of education are shut to women and girls from middle school onwards, and all women in public are required to cover themselves from head to toe in a burqa. Recently, the government also banned women from working in non-governmental organizations which help provide aid in the impoverished country.

Haqqani and Yaqub (the son of Taliban founder Mullah Muhammad Omar), who lead the moderate faction, have been attempting a rapprochement with major foreign powers as they struggle to manage Afghanistan’s shattered economy. Together they control the security forces and hold sway over large swathes of the country.

One of the options that Taliban officials considered was to have Haqqani as the Amir-ul-Momineen but the interior minister is not interested in the position. Besides, he may not enjoy acceptance in the southern region of Kandahar, which is the Taliban’s headquarters. Yaqub was also considered for the job, but his youth (he is thought to be about 33 years old) went against him. This meant that Baradar has emerged as the likeliest contender for the top post in the Taliban.

It will not be easy to depose the Kandahar-based Akhundzada, though, as he enjoys the support of key governors and has loyalists in several branches of the government. The governors of Kandahar and Khost province
... across the border from Miranshah, within commuting distance of Haqqani hangouts such as Datta Khel and probably within sight of Mordor. Khost is populated by six different tribes of Pashtuns, the largest probably being the Khostwal, from which it takes its name...
s are thought to be loyal to Akhundzada, and so also some military commanders.

Afghanistan said it had outlawed university education for women because women were dressing ’improperly’: in the words of the higher education minister, ’as if they going to a wedding instead of college.’

The ban came in the backdrop of a widening political schism between the moderate and Death Eater factions of the Taliban. The moderates, led by Haqqani and Yaqub, are pitted against the supreme leader Akhundzada and his allies in the Taliban heartland of Kandahar.

Link

Afghanistan

Daily Evacuation Briefs December 21-23, 2022

2022-12-23

[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS

FEMALE LED PROTESTS AGAINST UNIVERSITY BAN DISPERSED – Taliban security forces used another heavy-handed approach to breaking up the protests with beatings and some reports suggested vehicle-mounted water cannons were used to disperse crowds. Several arrests have been reported across the country. Condemnation against the policy has been nearly universal. Further protests are being planned and are expected to be met with violence. Several Pakistani and Indian news sites have quoted sources who say the Taliban leadership fears national protests on the scale of those in Iran and has quietly empowered local Taliban officials to put down protests swiftly.

DOWRIES ILLEGAL IN HELMAND – Officials in the Province have stated that dowries are considered illegal and those caught either giving or receiving them will be referred for prosecution. It is believed that several other Provinces are weighing similar measures to do away with the practice. It is currently unknown if anyone has been charged at this time and what punishments might be in the offing for a conviction.

REGIONAL ECONOMIC PROJECTS BEING RECONSIDERED – Several governments in the region who had been considering major commercial projects in the region have scheduled meetings over the next few weeks to reassess the plans in the wake of the ban on women’s University studies. A source in a country with a major project on the books has stated that the ban gives his country the ‘camouflage’ it needed to potentially back out of a deal. The source went on to say that sentiment among his country’s leaders had turned against the Taliban in its current form and that he wouldn’t be surprised to see several high-profile projects put on hold or canceled.

PAKISTAN CRACKS DOWN ON US DOLLAR SMUGGLING TO AFGHANISTAN – Several shipments of US dollars that had been packed inside crates of oranges have been interdicted since Pakistani officials were made aware of the scope of the problem last month. A recent report commissioned by the government stated that over 100 seizures have been made, totaling $4.2 million dollars. It was not clear if all the seizures involved US currency or other foreign currencies. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to stop the practice and a local source near Torkham Gate said that vehicle inspections have taken longer over the past month as a result.

NEXT 24 HOURS
RUMORS OF A COUP – Unverified reports have arrived that claim a coup may be underway in Kandahar. The unsubstantiated reports state that Mullah Yaqoub (Minister of Defense) and/or Sirajuddin Haqqani (Minister of the Interior) have or will attempt to oust the Supreme Leader and his group of advisors. Also, (reportedly) involved in the discussions were Mullah Baradar and Mullah Hasan Akhund. Apparently, the group has styled itself as the ‘moderate’ faction of the Taliban and feels compelled to take action after the stupendously inept edict barring women from attending Universities. There have been no reports of fighting and this information is not verified at this time. However, there is potential for either localized or widespread violence should such an action take place. Should inter-Taliban fighting begin, at-risk Afghans should immediately seek shelter and be prepared to stay in their homes. Coups are typically not protracted affairs, but we do not know how loyalties are divided among the Taliban at this point. It is also important to note that terrorist groups may seek to capitalize on the confusion and chaos of an internal dispute to launch potential attacks against religious or ethnic targets. Again, this information has yet to be verified and may simply be a rumor.

Daily Evacuation Brief | December 22, 2022

[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS

LATEST DECREE POLARIZES COUNTRY – While the Taliban have shown little interest in condemnation from the international community, it has consistently fretted over support from local leaders and 2022 saw several domestic missions by high-ranking Taliban leaders that were dispatched to the Provinces in order to quell potential resistance and assure local leaders of the IEA’s inviolability. However, many in Kabul say this latest move will put more pressure on local leaders than at any time previously and it could widen existing cracks.

NRF SEES PLEDGES OF SUPPORT AFTER TALIBAN DECREE ON WOMEN – Sources in the Resistance say their ranks will swell with new recruits this Spring after many have become disillusioned with the Taliban 2.0. Sources claimed the recent announcement that bars women from attending Universities has prompted many new potential recruits to contact Resistance members and commit to joining the group for the Spring campaign season. While some of the predictions seem far-fetched, most analysts seem to agree that they could double the numbers in their ranks to approximately 6,000 and they will likely be able to form cells in Provinces across the country.

POSSIBLE SECURITY THREAT IN MAZAR-I-SHARIF – Taliban security forces appear to be at an elevated security status in Mazar-i-Sharif. Taliban security vehicles were observed to be stationed across all districts of the city on Wednesday. Taliban security personnel have been congregating around the vehicles and the vehicles remained in their positions all day and into the night. It is not clear what threat may have prompted the deployment. Typically, Taliban vehicles congregate at the established checkpoints and conduct sporadic patrols throughout the city. The Taliban may be taking precautionary measures in anticipation of protests against the recent announcement regarding the ban on women attending Universities. We are attempting to verify that other cities across the country are seeing similar deployments.

FORMER PRESIDENT KARZAI RETURNS TO KABUL – His return puts to rest several rumors which stated that he had planned on fleeing the country.

THE SALANG PASS HAS REOPENED FOR SMALL VEHICLE TRAFFIC – Local officials are debating instituting new rules for commercial traffic that could involve inspections of safety equipment and/or establishing a schedule that would keep commercial traffic from traversing the tunnel while civilian traffic is present. A source with the emergency services who have been clearing the wreckage from the tunnel is concerned the tunnel was damaged from the intense heat and has requested a structural evaluation be completed prior to reopening but the advice appears to have been ignored by the Taliban.

NEXT 24 HOURS
TALIBAN DEPLOYMENT IN MAZAR-I-SHARIF — While there is no information concerning a possible threat, it is advisable to warn those at-risk Afghans in the city of the Taliban deployment and we recommend people remain indoors until the situation becomes clearer.

Daily Evacuation Brief | December 21, 2022

[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
TTP LEADERSHIP WORKING OUT OF AFGHANISTAN – The confirmation that TTP terror operations are being directed from Pakistan has validated concerns voiced by regional leaders and some members of the international community who have continually claimed the leadership enjoyed protection from the Taliban. After the uprising in the Bannu detention facility, leaders from the Provincial government in Pakistan began negotiating with the TTP leadership in Afghanistan. The announcement places the Taliban in a difficult position with regard to continued denials by the regime about cross-border terrorism groups within their territory.

Link

Afghanistan

UAE Wins Contract for Ground Operations at 3 Afghan Airports

2022-05-25

[ToloNews] The Islamic Emirate on Tuesday signed a contract for ’ground handling’ operations with GAAC, a UAE-based company.

The contract was signed by the deputy minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Ghulam Jailani Wafa, and a representative of the GAAC company in the presence of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, first deputy prime minister.

Speaking at the ceremony during the signing of the contract, Mullah Baradar said that security is good in the country and the Islamic Emirate is ready to cooperate with investing countries.

With the signing of this contract, Baradar said that all international airlines will start their flights to Afghanistan in a safe and reliable manner.

After the Islamic Emirate swept into power, several rounds of negotiations have been held between with companies in Qatar
Qatar

Khaama Press adds:

The Taliban
...mindless ferocity in a turban...
and the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement for the management of four Afghan airports. The management of Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif, and Herat
...a venerable old Persian-speaking city in western Afghanistan, populated mostly by Tadjiks, which is why it's not as blood-soaked as areas controlled by Pashtuns...
airports is officially handed over to the United Arab Emirates.

After the country was thrown into disarray last year when the Taliban took control and foreign forces withdrew, Qatar
...an emirate on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on some really productive gas and oil deposits, which produces the highest per capita income in the world. They piss it all away on religion, financing the Moslem Brotherhood and several al-Qaeda affiliates. Home of nutbag holy manYusuf al-Qaradawi...
and ~~The Sick Man of Europe~~ Turkey
<del>The Sick Man of Europe</del> Turkey

<del>The Sick Man of Europe</del> Turkey

...the occupiers of Greek Asia Minor...
dispatched temporary technical teams to assist in airport operations and security.

The UAE has long been considered a Taliban ally, having backed and recognized the Taliban during their first term in office.

Link

Afghanistan

The National Resistance Front to Reassume the Control of Sections of Panjshir Province; “Nu uh,” sez Taliban

2022-05-08

[KhaamaPress] The Resistance® Front claims that operations in Panjshir have resumed, with their first operation claiming sections of the province.

The Resistance® Front’s front man, Sibghatullah Ahmadi, tweeted last night, May 7, that the districts of AbdullahKhel and Abshar, with the exception of their centers, had fallen to the Front.

He also labeled all of the Resistance® Front’s held territories as crucial and strategic, noting that the district centers were under siege and that the Taliban
Taliban

...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
had asked more time to surrender.

The operation was carried out as the Taliban Red Unit was conducting house-to-house searches in the two districts, according to the front man for the Resistance® Front.

The operation has killed 13 Taliban fighters, and Ahmadi claims that five of their armored vehicles have been destroyed.

Mr. Ahmadi further said that the Resistance® Front forces had also taken control of the Doab checkpoint. Nine Taliban members were killed and six others were maimed during this phase of the liberation operation.

Former Taliban security chief for Panjshir province Abdul Hamid Khorasani has dismissed the Resistance® Front’s assertion as a fabrication.

The response:

Islamic Emirate Denies Clashes in Panjshir

[ToloNews] The Islamic Emirate denied the festivities between the Islamic Emirate and the Resistance® Front’s forces in the central province of Panjshir.

A front man for Panjshir’s governor, Abubaker Sediq, said there was a small amount of gunfire but the situation was controlled by the Islamic Emirate.

"We deny this allegation. This is a plot by some biased individuals. This is not true. There was a small amount gunfire yesterday evening in the Abshar area by the opponents, but the Islamic Emirate controlled the situation," he said.

Meanwhile,
...back at the wrecked scow, Agent 49 felt gingerly for his head. It was still there. He had been hoping differently...
the Resistance® Front claimed that festivities are still underway in Abshar district of Panjshir province, and they have overrun several areas.

"An extended region of the Panjshir province, including a large part of Abdulah Khail and Abshar valley, fell to the resistance (forces)," said Sebghat Ahmadi, a front man for the Resistance® Front.

This comes as reports of festivities between the Islamic Emirate and the Resistance® Front in Panjshir have been posted on social media.

The Islamic Emirate’s front man, Zabiullah Mujahid, denied the reports and called them speculation.

"There have been no security incidents anywhere. The enemy published some propaganda on Facebook and Twitter. But the truth is (Look out! Whopper coming! that a strong troop presence exists there (Panjshir) and nothing will happen," Mujahid said.

However,
there's no worse danger than telling a mother her baby is ugly...
there has been no video footage of festivities between the two sides in Panjshir.

Link

Afghanistan

Mullah Baradar Calls for Afghan Self-Sufficiency

2022-03-27

[TOLO] ~~"Send us money~~ Endeavor to Persevere"
First Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said that the aid provided by international donors will alleviate urgent needs for a short period of time, but said that the ministries must work toward self-sufficiency.

Speaking at a ceremony held to celebrate the National Day of Farmers in the capital city of Kabul, Mullah Baradar said that a new agricultural plan will come into effect in the near future which will also benefit half of the Afghan population.

The new plan will pave the way "for irrigation of half of Afghanistan," he said.

"We must work day and night and immediately bring a system that makes Afghans self-sufficient," Mullah Baradar added.

The acting Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Abdul Rahman Rashid, vowed that they have been empowered to prevent many land seizers from seizing the government lands.

The ceremony included an exhibition of Afghan-made products, where various types of products were displayed.

The exhibition was also attended by Afghan women who displayed their products.

"Our business has been broken. Our business has collapsed. Now, with this exhibition, we hope our business will get better," said Farishta Hashimi, a participant.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, around 75 percent of Afghans are making their income through agriculture.

Link

Afghanistan

RumInt: Afghan Taliban deny replacing Prime Minister Mullah Hasan Akhund

2022-03-25

[Dawn] Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Thursday denied rumours that the group's Prime Minister Mullah Hasan Akhund has been replaced by his deputy.

Earlier in the day, reports of the Taliban government's Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar replacing Akhund started doing rounds on social media. Subsequently, Mujahid, in a tweet, clarified that media reports of any reshuffle of the prime minister and changes in the cabinet were untrue.

"There has been no change in the cabinet of the Islamic Emirate or anywhere else," he added.

In September, the Taliban appointed Akhund as its new head of state. Prior to his ascension to the top office, Akhund was the head of the Taliban's Rehbari Shura or leadership council. He hails from Kandahar and is also said to be one of the founders of the movement.

The rumours of Akhund being replaced emerged after China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, for the first time since the Taliban takeover, arrived in Kabul unannounced on Thursday morning.

The visit comes a week before Beijing hosts a two-day conference — on March 30-31 — comprising Afghanistan's neighbours on how to assist the Taliban government. Pakistan and Iran had earlier hosted similar meetings after the Taliban takeover. The two sides are expected to hold talks on important issues, focusing on China’s role in stability and development of war-torn Afghanistan.

Link

Afghanistan

Dozens killed and more than 50 70 hurt in Afghan mosque bomb blast during Friday prayers - a week after ISIS suicide bomb attack killed at least 100; ISIS claims this one, too

2021-10-16

Every week has a Friday.
[Daily Mail, Where America Gets Its News]

Three bomb blasts struck a Shiite mosque in Kandahar during Friday prayers

At least 37 people were killed and more than 70 wounded, though toll likely to rise

Comes a week after another blast at a Shiite mosque in northern Kunduz
That’d be Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque in Kunduz city.
Last week's blast was claimed by ISIS-K, the terror group's Afghan branch, which has stepped up attacks in Afghanistan since the Taliban retook control

The attack took place at Fatemieh mosque in Kandahar, the largest Shiite place of worship in the city,

Witnesses to today's attack reported hearing multiple explosions in different parts of the mosque, though officials only confirmed the presence of one suicide bomber.

Murtaza, who and like many Afghans goes by one name, said he was inside the mosque during the attack and reported four explosions: two outside and two inside. He said Friday prayers at the mosque typically draw about 500 people.

A local resident who identified himself only as Ahmadullah said: 'Firing started after we ended the prayers. Then two or three explosions took place.’

The latest attack is significant because it took place in Kandahar, the ancestral homeland of the Taliban.

Many Afghans backed the Taliban retaking control of the country because they believed the Islamist group could bring security and stability.

Interior ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti tweeted: 'We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in a mosque of the Shiite brotherhood in the first district of Kandahar city in which a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded.

'Special forces of the Islamic Emirate have arrived in the area to determine the nature of the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.'

ISIS-K has links to the Taliban through the Haqqani Network - a mercenary force run by the Haqqani family, whose members form part of the new Afghan government.

But the two groups are ideologically opposed and have been at war with each-other since 2015, when ISIS-K was established in Afghanistan.

Formed at the height of ISIS's so-called Caliphate across Iraq and Syria, ISIS-K was intended to extend the group's reach into Afghanistan.

It poached fighters from Taliban ranks who believed the group was not extreme enough, causing a rift between the group's leaders.

Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, a senior Taliban figure, then wrote a missive to ISIS spiritual leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi suggesting that any expansion of the ISIS caliphate into Afghanistan should happen only under the Taliban banner.

This caused fighting to break out between the two groups, which continued until 2019 when a series of defeats effectively stopped ISIS-K fighting traditional battles.

At 6 pm local time Khaama Press reported:

Three bomb blasts in Imam Barga mosque of Kandahar province killed nearly 40 and wounded more than 90 worshipers on Friday, October 15.

The blasts are said to be carried out by three suicide bombers who shot the security guards of the mosque and then entered to detonate their explosives.

From Tolo News, earlier:

A bombing attack occurred at Imam Bargah Fatimeyah mosque in the southern province of Kandahar on Friday, local officials told TOLOnews.

The targeted mosque is in Kandahar city’s police district one (PD1).

Eyewitnesses said three back-to-back explosions hit the mosque, one of the biggest in Kandahar city, causing high casualties.

According to eyewitnesses, three men equipped with guns and explosives first opened fire on the worshipers and then detonated their explosives in three different parts of the city.

The Times of Israel points out:

If the attack was carried out by IS, it would be the first major assault by the extremist group in southern Afghanistan since the US departure enabled the Taliban to consolidate control of the country. Recent attacks in the north, the east and the Afghan capital have cast doubt on the Taliban’s ability to counter the threat posed by IS.

Update from the Times of Israel at 12:40 a.m. ET:

The Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) group claimed the suicide bombing of a Shiite mosque in the Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday that killed at least 41 people and wounded scores more.

In a statement released on its Telegram channels, the jihadist group said that two suicide bombers carried out separate attacks on different parts of the mosque while worshippers prayed inside.

“The first suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest… in a mosque hallway, while the second suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest in the mosque’s center,” the statement said.

Link

Afghanistan

Mullah Baradar returns to Kabul, brings own security

2021-10-07

[OneIndia] The Deputy Prime Minister in the Taliban
...Arabic for students...
government Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has returned to Kabul and assumed duties.

He has however refused to take security from the interior ministry headed by Sirajuddin Haqqani

...son of Pashtun warlord Jalaluddin Haqqani, still titular head of the Haqqani Network....
, a report in the Hindustan Times said. The development comes a month after Baradar was injured in a fight with the Haqqani faction in Kabul. He had even issued an audio statement denying reports of his death following the fight with the Haqqani faction.

While Haqqani had insisted that he take security from the interior ministry, Baradar refused the same.

He is said to have brought his own security. Baradar is now living in the Kabul Palace. Defence Minister, Mullah Yaqoob the son of Mullah Mohammad Blinky Omar

...a minor Pashtun commander in the war against the Soviets who made good as leader of the Taliban. As ruler of Afghanistan, he took the title Leader of the Faithful. The imposition of Pashtunkhwa on the nation institutionalized ignorance and brutality in a country already notable for its own fair share of ignorance and brutality. Died of an unspecified ailment in a Pak hospital...
is still in Kandahar.

The report also said that the return of Baradar could increase tensions in Kabul. Tensions could escalate with the ISI backed Haqqani Network, the report also added.

Link

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