[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS- CONFIRMATION OF AID WORKERS' ARRESTS IN GHOR – 18 employees of the International Assistance Mission (IAM) NGO had been detained in central Ghor Province. Of the 18 arrested, 17 were Afghan citizens and 1 was reportedly an American. The Swiss NGO has not been told what charges led to the arrests but a local Taliban leader said the group of predominantly women had been ‘propagating and promoting Christianity’. A source in Kabul confirmed that all 18 had been moved to Kabul for interrogation and questioning.
- TORKHAM GATE HAS REOPENED TO BOTH COMMERCIAL AND CIVILIAN TRAFFIC – Both countries announced the gate was fully reopened after being closed for over a week. Traffic resumed normally and there were no security-related issues reported as of publication.
- US ANNOUNCES INTENTION TO REINVESTIGATE ABBEY GATE BOMBING – The US Central Command announced it was planning to re-interview approximately 24 people about the incidents that led up to the Abbey Gate bombing in August 2021. Criticism of the initial report on the incident has gained momentum in recent weeks and some witnesses claim they were never interviewed.
- DOCUMENT ATTRIBUTED TO TTP DEFENSE MINISTER BARS RECRUITMENT OF AFGHANS – Mufti Muzahim, the TTP Defense Minister, has reputedly released an inter-organizational document to all ‘shadow governors’ within the TTP’s hierarchy that forbade the recruitment of Afghans into the ranks of the TTP. A source in Kabul said that pressure had been applied to the TTP by the Afghan Taliban to ensure no Afghans would participate in any operations within Pakistan. This information has not been confirmed and the document's authenticity is being questioned.
- TALIBAN SIDE WITH AZERBAIJAN IN SPAT WITH IRAN OVER BORDER – The Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid said the Taliban support Azerbaijan in the current tussle over territorial integrity that has erupted with Iran.
- US DIPLOMAT RULES OUT SUPPORT FOR RESISTANCE GROUPS – Karen Decker, the charge d’affaires for the US Embassy, Kabul has reiterated the US’s stance on non-support of armed factions within Afghanistan.
- GERMANY SAYS IT WILL ADJUST AID MARKED FOR AFGHANISTAN AFTER WOMEN’S HUNGER STRIKE – After the conclusion of a hunger strike by Afghan women activists, the German Foreign Ministry announced it would reconsider aid that has been earmarked for Afghanistan and an effort will be made to only send aid to organizations who employ women workers.
NEXT 24 HOURS: No Threats Reported