[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS- KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA ETHNO-CENTRIC DISPUTES ERUPT INTO VIOLENCE – For five days now, a land dispute in the Kurram District has been witness to tribal violence. As of Tuesday evening, 11 people had been killed and over 50 were wounded in the fighting. The affected areas are Pewar, Balishkhel, and Khar Kallay and police, military, and civilian leaders have been negotiating a ceasefire. A temporary ceasefire had been in place on either Saturday or Sunday but conflicting reports say that one side violated the truce and the fighting has resumed.
- ROCKETS REPORTEDLY FIRED AT TALIBAN FORCES FROM PAKISTAN – Video of a purported rocket attack against Taliban security forces near Parachenar has been shared on social media. It is not clear who fired the rockets or why. No casualties were reported and it is unclear if the Taliban are viewing the incident as an accident or if the ordinance was targeting their forces.
- THE CENTRAL BANK CLAMPS DOWN ON MONEYCHANGERS AND LOAN SHARKS – A new policy unveiled on Monday now requires all moneychangers and those who disburse private loans (also called - Street Loans) to be registered with the Central Bank and must show a permit to customers or face legal consequences.
- SQUATTERS CAMP RAZED IN KABUL, 1,700 LEFT HOMELESS, 2 CHILDREN FEARED DEAD – The Norwegian Refugee Council said that employees on the ground witnessed the destruction of a settlement in the Pul-e-Shina neighborhood may have resulted in the deaths of 2 children and that 1,700 people are currently homeless after their homes were destroyed. The Taliban deny any deaths or injuries resulted from the operation and said the area was occupied illegally. Information concerning the reported deaths was still being gathered.
- REPORTS SUGGEST A TTP COMMANDER WHO PLANNED ATTACKS AGAINST CHINESE INSTALLATIONS WAS KILLED IN KUNAR – Unconfirmed reports have begun to circulate that Tariq Rafiq, a TTP Commander who is thought to be behind several high-profile attacks against Chinese personnel and facilities in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been killed in Kunar Province. A Pakistani news outlet and an anonymous government official say his death has been verified, but no official confirmation has yet been given. There is also no information surrounding the circumstances of his death.
- TALIBAN SUSPENDS ALL SWEDISH AID PROGRAMS AFTER QURAN BURNING IN STOCKHOLM – The Taliban regime announced it was suspending all Swedish humanitarian operations as of yesterday over the burning of the Quran that took place two weeks ago in Stockholm. The move will affect at least one NGO that provides education and health across 15 Provinces. The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan has asked for dialogue with the Taliban to discuss the situation.
CONFLICT TRACKER
Kapisa: An NRF strike team hit the Mirwais security checkpoint in the Kohistan district onTuesday night. 1 Taliban fighter was killed and 2 were wounded in the clash.
NEXT 24 HOURS
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA EXPECTED TO SEE MORE VIOLENCE – The tribal dispute that began last Friday has ignited again and 2 additional deaths were confirmed yesterday morning. Even with government intervention, the two opposing sides do not appear ready to honor a ceasefire. Roads have been blocked in several areas of the District and entire communities have been cut off from transport. At-risk Afghans in the affected zones are urged to remain in their lodgings and others who may be planning travel to or through the area should delay their plans.