[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- TALIBAN AND IRANIAN BORDER GUARDS CLASH – A firefight was reported between Iranian and Taliban border security forces near Milak (Nimruz Province). Reports initially said the clash was brief and only involved a small arms exchange. However, later reports suggested that heavy weapons were employed and that rockets fired by Iranian forces landed near a police building in Zaranj. At this time, it is unclear what transpired. No casualties have yet been reported
- GREAT BRITAIN PLANS TO DEPORT REFUGEES ARRIVING BY SMALL BOATS – The British Prime Minister announced his intentions to ship refugees who arrive by sea to Rwanda or other countries under new laws enacted to deal with the refugee crisis in Europe.
- IRAN NABS 2 AFGHAN DRUG SMUGGLERS – The two were arrested at the Dogharon customs station on Saturday when they were caught attempting to smuggle 10 kilograms of opium and nearly 5 kilograms of marijuana. Iran has historically dealt harshly with drug offenses. It is not known what has transpired with the two men.
- PASSPORTS BEING ISSUED – Several sources have reported that Afghan citizens are receiving their passports now that the Directorate has reopened. The online application system also appears to be working. At-risk Afghans who had previously applied for passports before the Directorate closed are encouraged to check the status of their online applications.
- TURKISH NAVY RESCUES 60 AFGHANS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN – An overloaded vessel carrying 60 Afghan refugees was saved by ships of the Turkish Navy and Coast Guard on Saturday. Maritime forces within the Mediterranean are reputedly taking a more active role in stopping vessels carrying refugees after the deadly wreck in Italy claimed nearly 100 lives.
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CONFLICT TRACKER
Paktia: An explosive device detonated in a house in the Chamka io district. 2 non-combatants were killed in the blast and an unspecified numver of others were wounded. The circumstances surrounding the blast are currently not known and it may be the result of an accident.
Takhar: An AFF team reportedly struck the Taliban checkpoint in the 4th Police District in Taloqan. 3 Taliban ere said to have been wounded in the attack. It is not clear what method the AFF used to inflict the casualties.
Kabul: Taliban security forces claim to have killed 2 NRF fighters and arrested 1 in an operation in the Pul-e Sukhta neighborhood.
NEXT 24 HOURS
BORDER SITUATION WITH IRAN COULD REIGNITE – While Taliban forces have reportedly not changed markedly after today’s firefight there are reports that Iranian forces have been reinforced substantially in Balochistan. At-risk Afghans residing in the area should be prepared to take cover should additional exchanges of artillery, rockets, and/or heavy weapons occur. |