Recent Appearances...

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Recent Appearances...

Afghanistan

Mujahid Calls UN Report on Al-Qaeda Presence in Afghanistan Incorrect

2025-02-16

[ToloNews] The Islamic Emirate considers the United Nations
...an organization conceived in the belief that we're just one big happy world, with the sort of results you'd expect from such nonsense...
Security Council's sanctions monitoring committee report on the presence of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan to be inaccurate and contrary to the current realities of the country.

Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told TOLOnews that the interim government will never allow any group to use Afghan soil to act against other countries.

According to Mujahid, some countries and intelligence circles within the United Nations are using this narrative to conduct propaganda against Afghanistan.

Mujahid said: "The Islamic Emirate does not allow any foreign, rogue group to operate in Afghanistan, and such groups are not present here. Unfortunately, some countries and intelligence circles, through organizations like the United Nations and the Security Council, are tarnishing public opinion and waging propaganda and campaigns against Afghanistan."

The United Nations Security Council's sanctions monitoring committee reported that the Islamic Emirate has provided favorable conditions for al-Qaeda's presence, offering safe houses and training camps across Afghanistan.

The report states: "Low-profile members resided with their families under the protection of the Taliban
Taliban

...mindless ferocity in a turban...
intelligence service (General Directorate of Intelligence) in Kabul neighbourhoods, while big shots were placed in rural areas outside Kabul. Some Member States noted that Hamza al Ghamdi (not listed) was in the highly secured Shashdarak area in Kabul with his family."

"The unconfirmed killing of al-Zawahiri
...Formerly second in command of al-Qaeda, now the head cheese, occasionally described as the real brains of the outfit. Formerly the Mister Big of Egyptian Islamic Jihad. Bumped off Abdullah Azzam with a car boom in the course of one of their little disputes. Is thought to have composed bin Laden's fatwa entitled World Islamic Front Against Jews and Crusaders. Currently residing in the North Wazoo area assuming he's not dead like Mullah Omar. He lost major face when he ordered the nascent Islamic State to cease and desist and merge with the orthodox al-Qaeda spring, al-Nusra...>
should not reflect Afghanistan's decision or the will of the Afghan people, and the fate of Afghanistan should not be determined based on that. It must be addressed according to Afghanistan's situation, logic, and evidence, not through malicious policies or blind speculations for self-interest," said Abdul Sadiq Hamidzoi, a political analyst.

Meanwhile,
...back at the secret hideout, Scarface Al sneeringly put his proposition to little Nell...
Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, has stated that the situation in Afghanistan poses a serious threat to neighboring countries.

In a presser, Lavrov emphasized the need for regional cooperation to counter security threats in Central Asia, particularly Afghanistan. He said: "The situation in Afghanistan remains difficult and has a significant impact on neighboring countries, including Tajikistan."

Although the international community has repeatedly expressed concerns about potential terrorism threats from Afghan soil, the Islamic Emirate has stated that, just as Afghan soil has not been used against other countries so far, it will not be used for such purposes in the future.

Link

Afghanistan

Pakistan hits TTP hideouts in border regions inside Afghanistan amid spike in terror attacks

2024-03-19

[GEO.TV] Pak forces this morning carried out intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the border regions inside Afghanistan against snuffies launching attacks in Pakistain from Afghan soil, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Monday.

The target of today’s operation was the snuffies belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadur
...a member of the Madda Khel clan of the Uthmanzai Waziris. Educated in a Deobandi madrassa located in Multan, he is affiliated with the Jamaat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) political party. Upon the formation of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in December 2007, he was announced as the group's overall naib amir under Baitullah Mehsud, who was based in South Wazoo, but has largely distanced himself from the TTP due to rivalries with the Mehsuds and disagreements about the TTP's attacks against the Pak state..
Group, which along with the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban
Taliban

...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
Pakistain (TTP), is responsible for the March 16 attack in Mir Ali, North Wazoo and multiple other terrorist attacks in the country, resulting in deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials.

On Saturday, at least seven Pakistain Army soldiers — including a lieutenant colonel and captain — embraced martyrdom after gallantly fighting with snuffies as they attacked a security forces' post in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The Foreign Office (FO) issued a detailed statement on the matter, saying that Pakistain, for the past two years, has repeatedly conveyed its serious concerns to the interim Afghan Government over the presence of terror outfits including TTP inside Afghanistan.

It said that these snuffies pose a grave threat to Pakistain’s security and have consistently used Afghan territory to launch terror attacks inside Pak territory.

Pakistain accords prime importance to the illusory sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. It has, therefore, always prioritised dialogue and cooperation to confront the terrorist threat.

"We have repeatedly urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete and effective action to ensure that the Afghan soil is not used as a staging ground for terrorism against Pakistain. We have also called on them to deny safe havens to TTP and to hand over its leadership to Pakistain," the FO said.

The statement added that Pakistain has great respect for the people of Afghanistan; however, certain elements among those in power in Afghanistan are actively patronising TTP and using them as a proxy against Pakistain.

"Such an approach against a brotherly country, which stood with the people of Afghanistan through thick and thin, manifests shortsightedness. It ignores the support extended by Pakistain to the people of Afghanistan over the last several decades.

"We urge these elements in power to rethink the policy of siding with Khwarij snuffies shedding the blood of innocent Paks and to make a clear choice to stand with the people of Pakistain," it added.

The FO further stated that terrorist groups like TTP are a collective threat to regional peace and security.

"We fully realise the challenge Afghan authorities face in combating the threat posed by the TTP. Pakistain would therefore continue to work towards finding joint solutions in countering terrorism and to prevent any terrorist organization from sabotaging bilateral relations with Afghanistan," the statement concluded.

However,
if you can't say something nice about a person some juicy gossip will go well...
the Afghan Taliban claimed that two air strikes carried out inside Afghanistan by Pak forces had killed right people in the war-torn country.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not allow anyone to compromise security by using Afghan territory," said Zabiullah Mujahid, a front man of the Taliban administration, in a Rooters report.

He added that the strikes took place in the eastern border provinces of Khost and Paktika
...which coincidentally borders South Wazoo...

Link

Afghanistan

Formation of Ulema Council Completed for All Provinces: Mujahid

2023-09-26

[ToloNews] The Islamic Emirate’s Spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that the formation of the councils of Ulema (religious scholars) for all provinces have been completed.

The Ulema councils have been appointed by the Islamic Emirate’s leader, Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Mujahid said that the councils are established to increase coordination between the people and the interim government. He said the councils are composed of religious holy mans and also some tribal elders.

"It has been two days since the councils have been completed. The latest council was the council of Ulema for Pashtun-infested Logar province. The councils are important. They will work as a hub between the people and government," Mujahid said.

He said the councils are comprised of religious holy mans and some tribal elders.

"The formation of the Ulema council has differences in various provinces. In some areas, there are tribal elders and also the Ulema. But in some areas, if there are no tribal elders, it does not mean that they will not be included. But their numbers will increase as there are some names under assessment," Mujahid said.

Political analysts gave various opinions regarding the formation of the Ulema council.

"The influential tribal figures should be included in it. It will have a positive impact on solving the issue and managing affairs," said Habibullah Janibdar, a political analyst.

"The line of their duty should be announced nationwide, so the citizens understand what the difference is between the duty of the Ulema council and the Ministry of Vice and Virtue and other departments," said Mohammad Afzal Habib Safi, a political analyst.

Earlier, Mujahid said that the councils will share their views regarding women’s work and activities in the government, based on Sharia.

The Islamic Emirate’s leader ordered the establishment of Ulema councils in Jadi in 1401 (solar year).

Link

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Leader Visits Nimroz Province

2023-09-25

[ToloNews] Zabiullah Mujahid, the front man of the Islamic Emirate, reported a visit of Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Islamic Emirate, to Nimroz province.

Mujahid told TOLOnews that during this trip the leader of the Islamic Emirate met with religious scholars, elders, and residents of the province and heard their problems and demands.

"He assessed Nimroz's state and closely observed government operations there. He said that the complaints of people should be carefully considered. In the area of service delivery, he provided guidelines. The trip was ended last night," the front man said.

Meanwhile,
...back at the shootout, Butch clutched at his shoulder. Ow! he exclaimed, with feeling......
some religious leaders and elders in Nimroz said that they had discussed the difficulties that the people of this province are currently facing, and the leader of the Islamic Emirate promised to address those challenges.

"I was sitting close to him. On behalf of the council of Ulema and influential people, I shared Nimroz's difficulties with him, including those related to the Kamal Khan Dam, the center's own issues with a shortage of water, storms, and other issues that haven't yet received attention. We hope that with his arrival, a new page will be opened for the people of Nimroz," said Subhanullah Sediqi, a member of the Provincial Ulema Council of Nimroz.

"We shared with him the issues that we have at the level of roads, hospitals, municipality and city cleanliness, traffic, and other problems in the water sector," said Habibullah Rahimi, Khatib of Nimroz Jame Mosque.

According to some political analysts, this kind of trip of the bigwigs of the Islamic Emirate is important for addressing people's problems.

"There are many questions for people that the head of the Islamic Emirate is not actually present, or from the perspective of the politicians, there are rumors that people has less faith in him. It is good that he visits the provinces," said Safiullah Arabzada.

Previously, the leader of the Islamic Emirate visited Uruzgan Province and ordered the officials of the province to address the challenges of the province based on Islamic Sharia.

Link

Afghanistan

OCHA: 38 Aid Workers Killed in Two Years in Afghanistan

2023-08-22

[ToloNews] The OCHA humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan, claimed that 38 workers were killed during the last two years.

Daniel Endres said that most of them were polio
...Poliomyelitis is a disease caused by infection with the poliovirus. Between 1840 and the 1950s, polio was a worldwide epidemic. Since the development of polio vaccines the disease has been largely wiped out in the civilized world. However, since the vaccine is known to make Moslem pee-pees shrink and renders females sterile, bookish, and unsubmissive it is not widely used by the turban and automatic weapons set. Currently the disease is only found in Pakistain and Afghanistain...
vaccinators and deminers in Afghanistan.

"We salute their courage and celebrate their dedication to serving humanity we also take a moment to pause to recognize those humanitarian workers who have bit the dust and were maimed, kidnapped, arrested or remain in captivity or detention... 38 workers were killed during the last two years many of whom were polio vaccinators and deminers." Said Daniel Endres.

"The Taliban
Taliban

...mindless ferocity in a turban...
government, which is currently in power, has a legal obligation to ensure the safety of aid workers and those who are engaged in distributing aid to the people of Afghanistan," said Asadullah Nadim, a military analyst.

Despite the lack of funding for humanitarian aid

in Afghanistan, last year UN employees provided humanitarian aid to more than 26 million people in 401 districts of Afghanistan.

"Humanitarian needs in Afghanistan reached more than 29 million people in need of assistance," said Daniel Endres.
Meanwhile,
...back at the abandoned silver mine, the water was up to Jack's neck and still rising. And then he smelled the smoke...
the front man of the Islamic Emirate rejected the comments of the coordinator of humanitarian aid and said that the aid workers in Afghanistan have the support of the Islamic Emirate.

"The Western institutions are all coordinated in presenting Afghanistan as an unsafe region and have started and are continuing their propaganda. This is not true; the Afghans are witnessing, and we are also witnessing that the aid workers were not harmed," said Zabiullah Mujahid.

In February 2022, eight health workers--including four women--were shot and killed in separate attacks by unidentified button men in the northern provinces of Kunduz and Takhar.

Link

Afghanistan

Foreigners, Including Americans, Detained for Various Issues: Mujahid

2023-08-07

Caliphate, emirate, sultanate, mullacracy — all carry on the ancient tradition of kidnap for fun and profit.

[ToloNews] The Islamic Emirate’s front man, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that some foreign nationals including Americans have been detained on charge of various issues including security issues.

Mujahid told TOLOnews that the decision about the detainees will be made by the interim government after the investigation of their cases is completed.

The detainees will be released if they are proved innocent, Mujahid said, without providing details about the exact numbers of the detainees.

"The people who are suspicious of being involved in security issues or issues which are against our law, and law of living in Afghanistan, have been detained. We investigate and see how many of them were criminals. If they were not proven criminals, they will be released but if they are criminals, then we will seek a solution," he said.

Political and military analysts said that the foreign nationals should be released based on the court’s decision.

"Every foreign national who travels to a second country, he/she is obliged to obey the law of that country. If the foreigners are detained in Afghanistan, they should be treated based on Afghan law," said Zalmai Afghanyar, political analyst.

"The release of foreigners who are in detention of the Islamic Emirate, should be based on a gesture. This will begin a positive engagement with the countries whose citizens are detained here," said Samar Sadaat, political analyst.

Earlier, the US Department of State said that the American officials in their meeting with the delegation of the Islamic Emirate in Doha, had discussed the issue of American detainees in addition to various other matters.

Link

Afghanistan

The Taliban suspends the work of the Swedish missions in Afghanistan

2023-07-12

Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[Regnum] Sweden's missions in Afghanistan have been suspended. This was announced on July 11 by the representative of the Taliban movement (an organization whose activities are banned in the Russian Federation), which came to power in the country in August 2022, Zabiullah Mujahid.

A major loss to the Swedish quality of life, to be sure.

He explained that the reason for this decision was the desecration of the Koran in Sweden.

Of course it is.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is suspending all Swedish activity in Afghanistan until they apologize to Muslims for this heinous act," the Twitter post read.

The Taliban also urged other Muslim countries to reconsider their engagement with Stockholm.

As IA Regnum reported , on June 28, on the first day of Eid al-Adha, a 37-year-old immigrant from Iraq held an action to burn the Koran near the cathedral mosque in the center of Stockholm. Earlier, the city police refused to hold the action, justifying it with possible threats against the country and the risk of terrorist attacks. But the organizers appealed to the court, which recognized the decision of law enforcement officers as erroneous. As a result, a demonstration with the burning of the Koran next to the mosque was allowed to be held.

The action aroused the indignation of Islamic countries - in Baghdad, protesters broke into the territory of the Swedish embassy and demanded the expulsion of the ambassador of the kingdom from the country.

On July 5, it became known that the Swedish police received three more applications for religious book burnings. One of the applications was submitted by a woman who wants to burn the Koran at a mosque in Stockholm as soon as possible. The man wished on July 15 to destroy the Torah and the Bible at the Israeli embassy. And a third citizen plans to burn religious texts on July 12 in the city of Helsingborg.

The police have already issued a permit for the rally in Helsingborg in southern Sweden.

Mufti Rushan Abbyasov, Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (DUM) of Russia, called on believers in Sweden to actively condemn "blameless actions" with the burning of sacred religious books. He believes that such actions can lead to very sad consequences, primarily in Sweden itself.

Link

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Says McCaul's Remarks 'Untrue'

2023-07-11

[ToloNews] Islamic Emirate front man Zabiullah Mujahid on Twitter denied the remarks of the US House of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, who said the "Taliban
...mindless ferocity in a turban...
" is selling weapons left behind by foreign troops to Washington’s "adversaries like Iran
...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for spontaneously taking over other countries' embassies, maintaining whorehouses run by clergymen, involvement in international drug trafficking, and financing sock puppet militias to extend the regime's influence. The word Iran is a cognate form of Aryan. The abbreviation IRGC is the same idea as Stürmabteilung (or SA). The term Supreme Guide is a the modern version form of either Duce or Führer or maybe both. They hate ~~Jews~~ ~~Zionists~~ Jews. Their economy is based on the production of oil and vitriol...
and the Paleostinians against Israel."

In an interview with the CNN
...formerly the Cable News Network, now who know what it might stand for...
’s State of the Union program, Mc Caul claimed that the "Taliban" are selling the weapons left by the foreign troops to Washington’s "adversaries like Iran and the Paleostinians against Israel."

Mujahid said that these "allegations" are untrue and that after the Islamic Emirate came to power, all of the military equipment has been maintained.

"Such propaganda is the plot of those tension-seeking circles who cannot tolerate the ongoing stability in Afghanistan and make propaganda against it," Mujahid said.

Mc Caul told the CNN: "We should not have abandoned Bagram where we have over $7 billions of taxpayer weapons left behind that now, by the way, the Taliban are selling to our adversaries like Iran and the Paleostinians against Israel."

Political analyst, Asadullah Nadim, said that the remarks of the American officials are mainly reflecting the election competition in the US.

"The allegation that the American weapons are being provided to other powers and foreign organizations, is mainly reflecting the election and party competition in the US," he said.

McCaul reacted to US President Joe The Big Guy Biden
...46th president of the U.S. Former Senator-for-Life from Delaware, an example of the kind of top-notch Washington intellect to be found in the World's Greatest Deliberative Body....
’s recent remarks on al-Qaeda in Afghanistan saying: "It is devoid of reality," and "the President of the United States would have [to] be so disillusioned about what is happening on the ground in Afghanistan."

Earlier, US President Joe Biden said he was right when he said to "ask for help from the Taliban" and that "al-Qaeda would not be in Afghanistan."

"This is a huge foreign policy blunder," McCaul said, adding: "It’s a bit bizarre to me that a president would be so devoid of his own foreign policy, and he just really wants to sweep Afghanistan under the rug,"

Link

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Denies Pakistan Envoy’s Remarks on TTP Relocation

2023-07-11

[To,oNews] The Islamic Emirate’s front man Zabiullah Mujahid, denied the remarks of the Pakistain special envoy for Afghanistan about the relocation of Tehrik-e-Taliban
Taliban

...Arabic for students...
Pakistain into other parts of Afghanistan.

The Pakistain special envoy for Afghanistan, Asif Ali Durrani, said in an interview with Hum Pashto Khabruna, that Islamabad welcomes transfering of TTP to other areas of Afghanistan.

"If the TTP is relocated and it causes us peace all over our borders, it will be a great change and we praise it, he said.

Islamic Emirate front man Zabiullah Mujahid said that only refugees from Wazoo who entered Afghanistan due to conflicts in their areas, will be relocated, in a bid to assure Pakistain about the protection of threats from Afghanistan.

"The reality is that if someone is active or has movements in Pakistain, it is the issue of Pakistain. They should solve this issue. We are committed to not allowing anyone to cause threats to anyone else (or) Pakistain from Afghanistan," Mujahid said.

This comes as political analysts said that if these displaced people are related to the TTP, they will cause threats for Central Asia, which will also concern Russia.

"Pakistain is a country who always supported terrorism in the region and this is something which is obvious for everyone," said Janat Fahim Chakari, a political analyst.

"If it is proven that they are the members of the TTP, then it will be very expensive for Afghanistan and its nation because Russia and China will not be ignoring this issue and Russia will use bombardment and any action," said Aziz Maarij, a political analyst.

Earlier, Mujahid said that the Waziristan refugees will be shifted to the central, south and northern areas of the country.

Link

Afghanistan

25 Political Figures, Officials Returned Last Month: Commission

2023-07-01

How many returned willingly? How many will long survive their arrival?

[ToloNews] The "Commission for the Return and Communications with Former Afghan Officials and Political Figures" said that at least 25 Afghans including political figures, former government officials and parliament members have returned to Afghanistan within the past month.

The commission’s front man, Ahmadullah Wassiq, said these individuals had left Afghanistan after the former government collapsed but returned through the mediation of the commission.

"Senior officials such as ministers, directors, deputy ministers, provincial governors and provincial security chiefs were among these officials," Wassiq said.

According to the commission, hundreds of political figures and former officials have received forms to return to Afghanistan.

Meanwhile,
...back at the revival hall, the congregants were being herded into the paddy wagon...
the Islamic Emirate’s front man, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that many figures who are abroad are seeking to return to the country.

"For those who left (the country) and feel threatened, the main goal of the commission is to eliminate their concerns about risks. I assure you that we will welcome them," Mujahid said.

An Afghan figure who lives abroad said that the political figures, former officials and professional figures who return to Afghanistan should be given jobs in government institutions.

"The wishes of the Afghan people should be fulfilled and also plans should be implemented to solve the current challenges that engulf Afghanistan," said Mohammad Hakim Torsan, a political figure.

Based on the statistics of the commission, more than 520 political figures and former officials have returned to Afghanistan since the establishment of the commission.

Link

Afghanistan

Afghanistan Produced 80% of the World’s Opium in 2022: UN Report

2023-06-27

[KhaamaPress] The United Nations
...aka the Oyster Bay Chowder and Marching Society...
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that Afghanistan produced the majority of global illicit opium production in 2022, which makes 80%, despite the Taliban
Taliban

...Arabic for students...
’s ban on opium cultivation in April last year.

The report released a day before the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, said that the supply and trafficking of illegal drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, have increased dramatically worldwide, including in Afghanistan.

The report said, "The 2023 opium harvest in Afghanistan may see a drastic drop following the Taliban’s ban, as early reports suggest reductions in poppy cultivation. The benefits of a possible significant reduction in illicit opium cultivation in Afghanistan in 2023 would be global. However,
there's more than one way to stuff a chicken...
it will be at the expense of many farmers in the country who do not have alternative means of income generation."

According to recent UNODC figures, there will be over 296 million drug users worldwide in 2021, a 23% rise from the previous ten years. Meanwhile,
...back at the laboratory, Igor and Oleg were discussing what the quickest way might be to deal with the monster...
39.5 million people worldwide have drug use problems, a 45% increase in ten years.

The World Drug Report 2023 also emphasises how social and economic injustices both cause and are caused by drug problems, the destruction that illicit drug economies make to the environment and human rights
...which are usually entirely different from personal liberty...
, and the increasing dominance of synthetic drugs.

"Time is needed to determine whether trends hold and the effect that may have on global heroin markets, especially those sourced by opium from Afghanistan."

"Afghanistan is also a major producer of methamphetamines in the region, and the drop in opiate cultivation could drive a shift towards synthetic drug manufacture, where different actors will benefit," The report noted.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime is dubious about "the connections between the illegal manufacture of heroin and methamphetamine in the country and whether the two markets will develop in parallel or whether one will eventually replace the other."

Tolo News adds:

However,
a good lie finds more believers than a bad truth...
the Islamic Emirate’s front man Zabiullah Mujahid said that there has been no new survey about the poppy cultivation in the country.

"It has been two years since the cultivation of poppy has been banned. I am sure that even one percent has not been cultivated, if it was cultivated, it has been eliminated. It means that in 2023 we have absolutely cleaned Afghanistan of cultivation of poppy... the 80 percent claim is not correct," he said.

In a separate report released by the UNODC, it said that Afghanistan is home to an estimated 3.5 million drug users, a number that accounts for nearly 10 percent of the total population.

"Since political change in August 2021, most drug treatment and rehabilitation centers in the country are struggling to remain operational due to resource limitation," the report said.

Link

Afghanistan

Daily Evacuation Brief June 21-25, 2023

2023-06-25

Daily Evacuation Brief | June 25, 2023
[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS

ETHNIC TROUBLE IN BADAKHSHAN – A few unconfirmed reports have stated that Tajik Taliban units had forced approximately 500 Pashtun Taliban out of the Province. It is not clear what may have transpired between the units but a general sense of distrust has persisted between Pashtun elements and the Tajik, Hazara, and Uzbek ethnic units. If the reports turn out to be true, it could be worrisome for Kandahar and would likely mean the Taliban will send units to the area to reestablish control and chastise local Tajik Taliban Commanders. If that happens, violence could ensue.

PAKISTAN ORDERS MILITARY AND POLICE UNITS TO TREAT AFGHAN REFUGEES BETTER – The Ministry of States and Frontier Regions has released guidance to its personnel in a memorandum that forbids harassment or mistreatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and urges restraint in deportation cases of any Afghan refugee who has a valid Proof of Registration Card and/or a NADRA issued Afghan Citizens Card. Only engagement in criminal/anti-state activity will be acceptable grounds for forced deportation. The memorandum was published and distributed across multiple agencies on 20 June 2023.

RELOCATION OPERATION FOR DURAND LINE REFUGEES AND SUSPECTED TTP APPEARS TO HAVE BEGUN – Persistent reporting from Balkh and Takhar Provinces suggests the Taliban have been steadily moving caravans of people who were living along the Durand Line to these two Provinces. Convoys loaded with people and their baggage have been photographed passing along the roadways. The men in the convoys appear to be armed and it is not clear if they are Taliban security forces members or, the refugees themselves. It is not clear where the majority of these refugees are intended to take up residence as of yet. The operations commenced roughly ten days ago and consist of approximately 10 vehicles in each serial. The operation has not been met with enthusiasm from residents already living in the North and depending on what the Taliban has planned for their long-term lodging and resettlement in these areas, it could elicit a violent response. Especially, if forced evictions begin to take place as has been seen with Hazara communities.

CANADA FLIES NEARLY 200 AFGHAN REFUGEES FROM THE UAE TO CANADA – As a part of the recent agreement between Canada and the UAE to resettle some of the remaining Afghan refugees who have been living in the country since the fall of Kabul, Ottawa flew 192 refugees on a chartered flight on Friday. Additional flights are expected.

NEXT 24 HOURS: No Threats Reported

Daily Evacuation Brief | June 24, 2023
[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS

GERMANY ANNOUNCES IT WILL RESUME EVACUATIONS NEXT WEEK – The German Foreign Ministry announced that it would begin accepting Afghan refugees again beginning next week. Flights are expected to start departing on 26 JUN. The German program paused at the end of March after several accusations arose that the program was being abused and some involved in the application portion of the program were profiting from Afghans. The program is expected to reach a maximum of 1,000 people monthly within weeks of relaunching. Those Afghans who have been accepted into the program and who are waiting in Pakistan and Iran will be prioritized for now.

CHINA OPENS A ‘SUPER OBSERVATION STATION FOR CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT’ ON TAJIKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN BORDER – China announced it had officially opened the observation station near Shahrtuz, Tajikistan yesterday. The observation post is part of a series of climate research monitoring stations funded by Lanzhou University which is also listed as one of at least 68 academic institutions that habitually work with China’s defense industry. Few believe the observation post is solely devoted to studying climate and its proximity to the border suggests it may have an intelligence or military role.

UNHCR AND UNODC ANNOUNCE PLANS TO ESTABLISH WOMEN’S SERVICE CENTER IN KABUL – The project is intended to support women-run businesses and will seek to provide training programs and support for female entrepreneurs. The center appears to have at least nominal support from the Taliban but sources say that Kandahar was taken by surprise over the announcement and may have something to say about its future.

MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR AGAIN DISMISSES PRESENCE OF ISIS-K IN AFGHANISTAN – Sirajuddin Haqqani stated that the terror group was no longer active in Afghanistan, but did admit the group may still have some ideological support in ‘remote areas’.

PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN BORDER CROSSINGS PERMITTED DURING EID – Unconfirmed reports suggest that Afghan travelers will be permitted to cross the border with only Tazkeras today from 0700hrs local until 2100hrs local. This information has not been confirmed so, potential travelers should call ahead to determine if the window of opportunity is legitimate. However, both countries have allowed similar free movement during holiday periods in the past.

NEXT 24 HOURS: No Threats Reported

Daily Evacuation Brief | June 23, 2023
[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY LASER FOCUSED ON TERRORISM ISSUE – Big T (terrorism) continues to be the primary focus of regional and international actors when it comes to dealing with the Taliban. In the last ten days, the concerns over terror groups regrouping in Afghanistan have been communicated by at least three regional bodies, the United Nations, and several individual nation-states. It has been a constant worry for the international community since the Taliban came to power and even states who may be willing to look the other way over gender discrimination policies have not relented on their insistence to combat terror threats. The Taliban, for their part, seem to be taking the fight against ISIS seriously but the many other groups who have a confirmed foothold in the country are left alone. Most analysts view the counter-ISIS operations as more of a competition for the Taliban than a serious effort to tackle the problem. The other groups that have been in Afghanistan have their sights set elsewhere, are externally financed, and pose no threat to the IEA. Many long-time observers are counting the days until a major attack occurs in China, India, Russia, etc.

KABUL SEARCH OPERATIONS – As previously reported, the Taliban are continuing house-to-house search operations in Kabul. At this time, it is still not clear who or what the Taliban are searching for. Searches that had begun in Police District 9 a few days ago have since shifted to Police District 3 (near the University). The search teams reportedly include women and anonymous sources say the searches are significantly more thorough than those conducted over the past few months. Another source stated that Taliban security checkpoints around Kabul appear to have been reinforced as well.

PROTESTS AND PLEAS SEEM TO BE HAVING AN EFFECT ON PAKISTAN’S TREATMENT OF AFGHANS – An international outcry took place after Pakistan’s recent round of crackdowns on Afghan refugees sheltering in the country. The United Nations, NGOs, the IEA, and several domestic refugee organizations have called on the authorities in Pakistan to halt the targeted operations. In response, Pakistani authorities have stated their intent to release more Afghans being held in custody and dispatched a Minister to visit the Torkham Gate to observe the situation firsthand. There is hope that the tensions will ease.

ANGRY CROWD APPREHEND 2 TALIBAN SECURITY FORCES MEMBERS IN GHOR – Locals told Hasht-E Subh journalists that local residents in the Ghelmin neighborhood of Firozkoh intervened and halted an attempt to sexually assault two females. The 2 Taliban were handed over to the local GDI office.

REPORT FINDS SCHOOLS IN IRAN CHARGING EXORBITANT FEES FOR ADMITTING AFGHAN STUDENTS – A source from the Children’s Aid Association said that some schools were charging fees that amounted to bribery to enroll Afghan students. The report alleges the fees constitute a form of bribery and that the administrators should be investigated. The report goes on to detail other obstacles that are often placed in the path of prospective students and concludes that Afghan parents are not aware of the procedures to report the activity.

CONFLICT TRACKER
Helmand: A video has been shared by an ALM [Afghan Liberation Movement] Twitter channel that purports to show Taliban security forces firing on several youth who were protesting in an undisclosed town, The video shows several young men who had been shot being evacuated to an hospital. Several hundred protestors are shown in the footage. It is not clear how many may have been killed or wounded in the incident.

NEXT 24 HOURS
KABUL SEARCHES TO CONTINUE – As the ongoing search operations have yet to yield a result we expect the operations to continue. Based on the information received from several sources who witnessed the searches, the effort appears to be focused on recovering something (a phone, computer, hard drive, etc). In a few cases, the families were moved out of the home while the search took place and very few questions were asked of the occupants. While not definitive, it seems to suggest that the Taliban are attempting to find an item. Particular attention was paid to electronics and some of the searchers threatened residents with violence for not providing passwords to devices.

Daily Evacuation Brief | June 22, 2023
[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS

KABUL SEARCH OPERATIONS, POLICE DISTRICT 9 – Early yesterday morning, Taliban security forces cordoned off an area in the Khoja Rawash neighborhood and began searching houses. The streets to the East of Camp Baron were blocked and all secondary roads into the area were closed. It is not clear what/who the Taliban are looking for but some of the vehicles that arrived to support the effort contained heavy weapons and demolition materials.

TAJIK TALIBAN COMMANDER QUESTIONS IEA LEADERSHIP IN VIDEO MESSAGE – A long-serving Taliban Commander in Panjshir, Abdul Hamid Khorasani, released a video message on social media in which he bitterly claims that non-Pashtun ethnicities are being marginalized by the Ministry of Defense. In his message, he claims his brother was dishonored when Pashtun Taliban members disarmed him. Khorasani is reputed to be a controversial figure and many in the Resistance have nicknamed him ‘The Taliban’s Slave’.

SAD NEWS, 78 AFGHANS/PAKISTANIS CONFIRMED AMONG THE DEAD IN GREEK SHIPWRECK – Identification of those who were lost in the doomed human-trafficking scheme is continuing but Greek authorities announced that 78 of those lost at sea hailed from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Authorities are interviewing the survivors to try and establish where the migrants had come from as well as investigating the transport network used by the traffickers to get the people on the ship. A source in Athens says that the migrants from Pakistan traveled through at least four different countries before embarking on the vessel and went on to say that a large investigation had been launched with international partners to find those responsible for this (and other) trafficking-related tragedies.

PHILIPPINES AFGHAN REFUGEE PLAN WILL BE DECIDED BY 15 JULY – The Philippines’ Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, said his government would probably decide whether to accept a proposal to take in Afghan Refugees by 15 July. The Ambassador was quick to stress that those under consideration were not ‘refugees’ but were former employees of the US Government. It is not clear how many Afghans the Philippines will agree to accept should the request be approved.

RECENT INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT FINDS DEFICIENCIES IN SIV EVALUATION PROCESS FOR AFGHANS – A report issued by the Department of Defense Inspector General’s Office in the US found that mistakes may have been made in the evaluation of SIV cases for other US Government agencies. The inconsistencies discovered in the investigation could have resulted in some SIV applicants being removed from consideration. It is not clear if the faults found will provide grounds for some SIV applicants to reapply. The report can be accessed HERE.

CSTO MEETING IN BELORUSSIA ISSUES STATEMENTS ON AFGHANISTAN – In a joint statement, envoys who attended the CSTO meeting in Minsk referenced the situation in Afghanistan. In the statement, the assembled diplomats urged the Taliban to; 1) Increase counter-terrorism measures in the country. 2) Halt the displacement/relocation of ethnic groups in Afghanistan.

CONFLICT TRACKER
Samangan: Reports confirm that 2 Taliban were killed in an operation by the UFA in the Darah Sof Payan district of the province. Information about the nature of the operation was not provided.

NEXT 24 HOURS
SEARCHES MAY CONTINUE IN KABUL – Based on past experience, it is likely the recent searches conducted in Police District 9 could expand to other neighborhoods in Kabul. As of publication, there has been no word if the Taliban found what they were looking for. At-risk Afghans may experience searches of their homes over the next few days.

Daily Evacuation Brief | June 21, 2023
[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS

SUPREME LEADER ADMONISHES SECURITY FORCES, ISSUES NEW CONDUCT ORDERS – After several cases of ill-disciplined troops reportedly abusing citizens were discussed and elevated by elders, the Supreme Leader of the Taliban saw fit to issue a new order that limits what Taliban personnel can do to non-combatants. The order specifically forbids any Taliban member from beating people with sticks, whips, cables, or any other form of abuse without a court order. He specifies that only a court has the right to issue punishments to people in Afghanistan.

TALIBAN OFFER TO MEDIATE TALKS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND THE TTP – The chief spokesman for the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid, told reporters that the regime would facilitate negotiations between Pakistan and the militant TTP as long as the result would be beneficial to regional stability. Mujahid was careful to distance the regime from the TTP in his remarks and once again claimed that the group had no foothold in Afghanistan. Most observers see the development as potentially positive for regional peace and stability.

ANOTHER CLASH REPORTED BETWEEN HAZARAS AND KOCHIS IN TAKHAR – The clash took place in the Bahuddin District and involved an unknown number of people on each side. Central to the dispute was a reputed demand by leaders of the newly arrived Kochis for Hazara families to leave their homes. Apparently, a deal between the Kochis and the Taliban was brokered that will affect approximately 300 Hazara families. Several injuries were reported as a result of the fighting but information has been difficult to gather.

CSTO MEETING BEGINS IN BELORUSSIA – Foreign Ministers from the Collective Security Treaty Organization convened in Minsk, Belorussia yesterday to discuss a full agenda that included Ukraine and Afghanistan. Of primary importance to the member states are concerns about the potential threat of terrorism in Afghanistan.

A MAN CONVICTED OF MASS MURDER WAS EXECUTED BY THE TALIBAN IN LAGHMAN PROVINCE – The capital sentence was carried out by the son of one of the condemned’s victims near a Mosque. The execution marks only the second officially sponsored execution to be carried out in public since the Taliban took power.

CONFLICT TRACKER
Kabul: Unconfirmed reports of gunfire were reported in Police District 2 yesterday. The incident took olace near an unidentified Police building. Local sources say the incident was brief and over quickly.

NEXT 24 HOURS No Threats Reported

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