[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- The Taliban have launched several separate attacks against NRF positions in Panjshir, Baghlan, and Takhar. The actions appear to have been hastily planned and were largely unsuccessful. However, helicopters have been dispatched to the area, and the Taliban continue to employ the tactic of inserting fighters above NRF mountain strongholds with the intent of overwhelming the bases with enfilade gunfire. To date, there has only been one reported instance where the Taliban successfully overran an NRF base, and in that case, the base was recaptured in less than 6 hours. The Taliban’s military failures continue to mount against a vastly outnumbered Resistance, and the Taliban’s inability to execute effective large-scale maneuvers are bleeding their forces and sapping morale.
- The conference of religious scholars and leaders in Kandahar ended with more exhortations for international recognition and a few troubling remarks that may indicate growing frustration with the lack of progress made by the IEA to date. Few challenged the current hardline approach, and the conference was largely seen as a publicity stunt meant to calm the nerves of those who worry the US may indiscriminately launch new air strikes.
CONFLICT TRACKER: All NRF vs Taliban
Baghlan: Nighttime NRF ambush in Andarab district kills 11 Talibs plus 3 maimed
Panjshir: Early a.m. Talib attack with air support in Khenj district, casualties on both sides.
Takhar: NRF night attack on provincial capitol Taleqan kills 2 Talibs plus 1 maimed.
Takhar: NRF night attack in Rustaq district kills 4 Talibs.
NEXT 24 HOURS
- Violence will be the norm in the North for the coming week. It is likely the Taliban commanders in the North are feeling pressured to achieve at least some modicum of success. At the same time, the NRF is enjoying success with a limited objective campaign that is serving to harass the Taliban and keep them off-balance.
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