[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- UNITED NATIONS ‘WORK FROM HOME’ PROGRAM EXTENDED – The UN’s ‘work from home’ program was set to expire yesterday but a UN spokesman has stated the program will continue until a new strategy can be developed and put in place. Many critics of the United Nations' engagement with the Taliban pounced on the announcement as proof it had accepted the Taliban’s bans and would continue to implement programs without women. We assess that such claims are irresponsible and go against all stakeholders’ clearly espoused efforts to repeal the ignorant bans on work and education. It will likely take some time to figure out a way forward and we believe that Islamic organizations such as the OIC will be asked to take a more direct role.
- MINISTERS OF DEFENSE AND INTERIOR REPORTEDLY PERTURBED OVER NEW APPOINTMENTS – Sources in Kabul say that many of the mid-level and senior leaders in both ministries have been grumbling about the Supreme Leader’s new appointments in the military and across several Provinces. The perception is that Hibatullah is attempting to insulate himself from Yaqoob and Haqqani with those loyal to him. Other sources downplayed the appointments and said they were based on merit alone and were widely supported by the Taliban. Haqqani, in remarks made at the introduction ceremony for the new Governor of Kandahar, seemed to issue more remonstrations against autocratic power and implied that the Supreme Leader draws his power from the people and warned that failing to take them into account would only arouse suspicions. It seems that the Minister of the Interior is likely to continue his criticism of Kandaharian policy.
- INDIAN TROOPS BATTLE MILITANTS IN JAMMU & KASHMIR, 2 DEAD – In one of the first counter-terrorism operations to take place since the deadly Poonch terror bombings, the Indian Army targeted several reputed terrorist hideouts in the Kandi Forest. An Army spokesman said that terrorists succeeded in detonating a large IED that killed 2 Indian soldiers and wounded 4 others. There was no information about casualties among the suspected terrorists. Army units operating in Jammu & Kashmir have been ordered to converge on the site of yesterday’s clash and several hundred troops are said to be in the immediate area. Late reporting suggests the casualties taken by the Indian forces may be higher. Further information is required.
- REVERED TRIBAL ELDER MURDERED IN BALKH PROVINCE – Mohammad Hussain Ehsani was killed by unidentified men in Mazar-i-Sharif yesterday. Ehsani was a respected Hazara leader and a motive for his killing was not provided. Some have contended he was targeted by a Taliban assassination team while others say that a long-standing family grudge was to blame. No further information was available.
CONFLICT TRACKER
Kabul: Taliban forces reportedly raided a suspected ISIS-K safe house in Police District 22. Several ISIS-K members were reportedly killed in the engagement, but a firm count was not available.
NEXT 24 HOURS
ISLAMABAD POLICE RECEIVE MULTIPLE WARNINGS OF A POTENTIAL TTP THREAT TO THE TRILATERAL CONFERENCE TODAY – A source in Islamabad said that several threats had been received about a possible bomb plot to target the meeting of emissaries from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China today. No specifics about the threats were received and the source said police were treating the anonymous tips as hoaxes. Police did not believe the TTP would attempt to target any event attended by the Taliban Foreign Minister or his party. Regardless, police and military activity in downtown Islamabad is significant and there have been a few scattered reports of harassment of civilians at security checkpoints. Further complicating matters, former PM, Imran Khan, has called for rallies today in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. It is not clear how many of his supporters will attend the rallies and the late notice may constrain participation. At-risk Afghans in the capitol are advised to stay away from the security forces or any PTI protests for the next 24-48 hours.
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