[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON TOP PAKISTAN DIPLOMAT IN KABUL – At least three unidentified gunmen carried out an attack that appears to have targeted the Pakistan Charge d’Affaires in Kabul on Friday. Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani is said to have survived the attack but a Pakistani security guard was gravely injured. Many have alleged the attack was the work of the TTP and comes days after the militant group called off a ceasefire with the government of Pakistan. The Taliban have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice but the gunmen remain at large as of publication. The attack puts the IEA in a difficult position with regard to its close association with its Pakistani counterpart (TTP) and a desire for continued relations with Pakistan.
- SUICIDE BOMB ATTACK ON HEKMATYR’S PARTY OFFICES THWARTED – Another suicide bomb attack was foiled when two burqa-clad suicide bombers attempted to gain entry to a Mosque used by members of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s Hizb-e-Islami political party. The bombers were thwarted when they were challenged by security guards and both were killed along with a bodyguard of Hekmatyar. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
- US PUTS A TTP LEADER ON THE GLOBAL TERROR WATCHLIST – Qari Amjad was added to the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list. Amjad is said to be the Deputy Chief of the TTP and is thought to be hiding in Afghanistan. The other 3 names added to the least are suspected of serving with Al Qaeda and may also be hiding in Afghanistan.
- MINISTER FOR REFUGEES AND REPATRIATION SAYS IRAN IS RECRUITING AFGHANS FOR CONFLICTS IN OTHER REGIONS – Khalil Rahman Haqqani, current Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, while visiting Parwan said that he is aware of certain cases where Afghans had been recruited by the Iranian regime and sent to fight in Syria, Iraq, and possibly to Ukraine. He did not elaborate on details about the program. His announcement marks the first instance of a senior Taliban official confirming the practice.
NEXT 24 HOURS
- ALL DIPLOMATIC FACILITIES IN AFGHANISTAN INCREASE SECURITY – Embassies and Consulates across Afghanistan are expected to increase security postures in the wake of the attack on the Embassy of Pakistan. Some may even suspend operations for a time to assess the threat. The Taliban are sending more armed security to patrol the areas around diplomatic facilities and security checks will likely include more scrutiny of individuals and vehicles as a result of the attack.
- POSSIBLE KABUL CLEARING OPERATION – A source with the Ministry of Defense says the identities of at least one of the men responsible for the attack on the Pakistan Embassy are known. They are searching his last known residence and have questioned 2 neighbors about his whereabouts. Officials do not believe he, or his accomplices, have fled the city. A clearing operation in Kabul could take place soon. At-risk Afghans should avoid large concentrations of Taliban vehicles and personnel. If vehicles and Taliban security forces are seen loitering in areas where they are not frequently observed, it is best to leave the area as soon as possible.
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