[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- PAKISTAN AIR STRIKES IN DISPUTE – The Ministry of Defense in Pakistan denied claims that its forces had launched air strikes against targets in Pakistan on Thursday. Several reports of planes dropping ordinances on locations in Nangarhar and Khost were circulated on Thursday and a Pakistan news outlet claimed an exclusive access report that confirmed the Nangarhar strikes took place. However, Pakistan government officials criticized the reports as ‘nonsense’ and claimed the attacks had not occurred. As no evidence of damage in Afghanistan has yet been produced, we can only assume the Pakistani authorities are telling the truth. As information becomes available, we will publish it.
- MAGNITUDE 5.8 EARTHQUAKE STRIKES HINDU KUSH REGION – The powerful quake struck in the mountainous region of the Hindu Kush and the tremors were felt in both Kabul and Islamabad. There have been no reports of casualties or damage, likely owing to the remoteness of the epicenter.
- CONFUSION OVER BORDER INCIDENT AT TORKHAM – An additional early report of a potential clash between Taliban and Pakistan border security forces now appears to have been an inter-Taliban affair, resulting from an accidental shooting. Details are not clear but Torkham Gate remains open and we are awaiting further information.
- AFGHAN NATIONAL MURDERED IN PAKISTAN – The Afghanistan Embassy in Islamabad confirmed that an Afghan man was brutally murdered in Depalpur (Punjab Province) on Wednesday. The details surrounding the man’s murder were not provided but the Embassy said it had contacted the man’s family and was arranging transport of his remains to his family in Afghanistan. The Embassy said the incident was the first in many years.
CONFLICT TRACKER
Kandehar: An ALM unit reportedly targeted the Taliban leader, Bismillah, in the Arghandab district. He was reportedly killed in action. A number of weapons were taken by the ALM forces.
NEXT 24 HOURS
- POSSIBLE ISIS-K CLEARING OPERATION IN HERAT – After a round of successful counter-terror operations in the country, a source working with the GDI (Taliban Intelligence Service) says another operation is expected in Herat. No details about the target were provided but the action is said to be imminent. At-risk Afghans in Herat should remain situationally aware and avoid concentrations of troops in the city.
- THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL WILL MEET TODAY TO DISCUSS THE BAN ON FEMALE NGO WORKERS – It is not clear what may result from the meetings but the US and European allies have signaled they were ready to hold the Taliban accountable for the regressive policies by the Taliban.
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