[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS- TALIBAN ISSUES CALL TO AFGHANS TO BE READY TO ‘DEFEND THE NATION’ ON TUESDAY – Possibly in an attempt to rally a sense of nationalism on the anniversary of the Soviet Invasion, Taliban leaders called on citizens to remain ready to defend the country over the course of the coming year. The comments come on the heels of a similar exhortation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs a few days ago. It is possible the Taliban see a threat on the horizon and are making efforts to stimulate the populace.
- NRF MOURNS THE LOSS OF 2 COMMANDERS AND TROOPS IN ANDARAB – The leader of the NRF issued a statement on Monday promising to avenge the deaths of Khair Mohammad Khairkhah, Ghazi Muradi, and another 15 Resistance fighters who had been killed in a fight with the Taliban. Several NRF sources have since claimed that 30 Taliban were killed and an additional 30 were wounded in the action.
- MINISTER OF FINANCE REPORTEDLY CONSIDERING HALTING MONEY TRANSFERS INTO AFGHANISTAN – Sources in the Ministry have said a decree is being prepared which would halt all external transfers of funds coming into Afghanistan. This information is unverified but we felt compelled to publish it as it could have an adverse effect on support operations within the country for many organizations, family members, and/or individuals.
- KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE, PAKISTAN AT RISK OF SLIDING INTO CHAOS – A report from Al Arabiya was published recently which claims the volatile Province in Pakistan is steadily slipping into the grasp of the TTP. The Al Arabiya report cited an internal Pakistan government study which stated the Province had witnessed 704 terror-related incidents over the past year. In comparison, Punjab reported 5 terror incidents over the same period.
NEXT 24 HOURS
HEAVY SECURITY PRESENCE CONTINUES – The Taliban security forces continue to maintain a heavy presence in areas near Universities in anticipation of potential protests to the many decrees barring women from education, work, and distributing humanitarian aid.