[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- SUPREME LEADER ISSUES GUIDANCE ON ARRESTS – In what some are calling a major policy change, Haibatullah Akhunzada issued clear instructions to the leaders of the Taliban intelligence departments about arrests. Citing feedback the Taliban had received from multiple surveys and discussions with local leaders in many of the Provinces, he warned the officials that credible proof was the only acceptable warrant for an arrest and instructed them to caution the rank and file to avoid arresting people based on suspicions. He did not say if those accused of making baseless arrests would face disciplinary action. The edict drew muted criticism from the Ministries of Defense and Interior. A source in Kabul claimed the message was taken as a rebuke by the intelligence community and would widen the rift between Kandahar and the Haqqani faction.
- ROAD CLOSURES IN KABUL – Taliban security forces began closing roads in Police Districts 2 and 10 overnight. The security is reputedly related to an official meeting that is expected to take place today. There is the potential for a terrorist attack and at-risk Afghans should be cautious as they move around the city. Avoid loitering at security checkpoints as these are often the scene of altercations between terror groups and the Taliban.
- EARTHQUAKE REPORTED IN BADAKHSHAN – A moderate earthquake has been reported near Faizabad. The quake measured 5.1 and no damage or destruction was reported.
- UPDATE ON LAGHMAN BOMBING – After additional reporting, it appears that 2 Taliban security forces personnel were killed and a further 8 people were injured (possibly some police). The identities of those killed and/or targeted in the blast have not been released yet. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
- CENTRAL BANK AUCTIONED $10 MILLION US DOLLARS – The auctions have kept the Afghani from plummeting. Rumors that a potential robbery of the money have surfaced but the details are not clear.
- KUCHIS CLASH WITH TALIBAN IN GHAZNI – Taliban security forces shot and wounded 8 Kuchi nomads in the Sheikh Abdul Salam region of the Province. The Kuchis had begun constructing houses on land given to them that was not in accordance with central planning directives. The Taliban attempted to halt the construction and an altercation ensued. The Taliban opened fire, wounding 8 Kuchis. After the incident, several hundred Kuchis set up a roadblock on the Kabul-Kandahar road to protest the violence. Some arrests were said to have taken place and Kandahar planned to dispatch an emissary to talk with the tribesmen.
CONFLICT TRACKER
Baghlan: Sources in Baghlan say the NRF successfully ambushed a Taliban convoy in an undisclosed location, killing 6 Taliban and wounding several others,
Khost: While it is unclear who may have commenced hostilities in the province, reports are coming in from multiple sources of several battles between the Taliban and the NRF. Casualties have been reported on both sides, but it will take time to assemble an accurate count. Some non-combatant casualties have also been reported.
NEXT 24 HOURS
- THE FIGHTING IN KHOST WILL CONTINUE – Sources on both sides of the fighting in Khost claim that reinforcements are being called to the scenes of the clashes and they expect the front will widen to include more Districts on Wednesday. Currently, the Taliban holds a 3:1 edge over Resistance forces in the Province but the arrival of more reinforcements is expected to push their advantage to 5:1. A source close to the Resistance claims the fighting is helping to take attention off of Badakhshan and Panjshir. There are rumors that a last large-scale offensive is being planned by the Resistance before Winter sets in and may encompass five Provinces.
- AVOID TRAVEL ON KABUL-KANDAHAR HIGHWAY – There is potential for more violent protests and possible clashes between Kuchi nomads and Taliban security forces near the vicinity of a skirmish yesterday over the construction of non-sanctioned homes. Hundreds of Kuchis put up improvised barriers and blocked the road near Sheikh Abdul Salam after the skirmish and are rumored to be planning a larger protest over the coming days. 8 Kuchis were wounded in the skirmish and two were not expected to live. Avoid travel in the area if at all possible until the situation calms down.
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