[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- BLAST TARGETS MOSQUE NEAR INTERIOR MINISTRY – Early reports suggest a suicide bomber successfully detonated a device in a Mosque that serves workers of the Interior Ministry (near the Kabul Airport). The Mosque is located in a fortified compound and typically has a significant security complement assigned to it. 4 people are said to have been killed and 25 others were wounded. More deaths and wounded are expected from this event. No group has claimed credit for the attack. Taliban security and GDI agents (National Intelligence) have swarmed the area and are canvassing locals to attempt to gather information. No arrests have been reported.
- TALIBAN ARREST ISIS-K FIGURE – The Taliban intelligence department (GDI) say they have arrested Abdul Malik Maliki under suspicion of raising funds for ISIS-K. They say he led many of the ISIS initiatives in Europe and elsewhere to raise money and recruit followers for the terror organization. They released audio from a taped confession in which he admits to recruiting and collecting funds in Ukraine, Germany, and Spain. The circumstances of his arrest were not released and it is not known where he is being held currently. No further information was available.
- KABUL MARKET FIRE DOUSED – A large fire was reported in the Kota-e-Sangi neighborhood of Western Kabul early on Wednesday morning. The Ministry of Defense was called in to assist with putting the fire out and both air and ground units were able to contain it. Many residents were concerned that the helicopters used to combat the flames were conducting counter-terrorism operations but multiple sources confirmed it was only to support the firefighting mission.
CONFLICT TRACKER
Takhar: The NRF reportedly attacked a Taliban position in an undisclosed location in the province, and claim to have killed 6 Taliban fighters and wounded 9 more, A photo of a burning HUMVEE was provided as proof but we couldn't verify the authenticity.
NEXT 24 HOURS
NATIONAL ENTRANCE EXAMS SCHEDULED THURSDAY – The Ministry of Education announced that university entrance exams will be held on Thursday in all Provinces except Kabul. 150,000 students are expected to take the exams. Many students have called on the Taliban to make sure the process is transparent and fair. Female test takers are expected to participate at a lower rate due to the ban on schooling beyond the 6th grade. THREAT ALERT- considering the bomb attacks over the previous week, two of which targeted education facilities, we feel the testing centers could well be targeted for attack(s) on Thursday. Taliban security has reportedly increased in the wake of the attacks but they have not effectively interdicted many terror attacks since coming to power. At-risk Afghans should remain aware of the situation and report unknown people who may loiter near the testing centers. We have heard that some neighborhoods and towns are proactively stationing men near the testing facilities to help safeguard the examination sites. We hope the exams pass peacefully and without incident. |