[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS- PAKISTAN TERROR GROUPS BECOMING MORE ACTIVE – Taking advantage of the political turmoil between the political parties in the country, terror groups have launched a series of attacks and bombings in recent days. The brazen attack on an oil facility in North Waziristan was carried out by a force numbering approximately 50 men. A subsequent attack against an Iranian border installation was reputed to be initiated by a force of over 20 men. While terrorist actions have been a daily way of life in Pakistan, the numbers reported could signify a change in strategy and a decision to force more direct action. For months, TTP fighters were said to be returning to Pakistan from Afghanistan hoping to take advantage of a weakened state to press for an emirate-style Islamic system at home. While the incident on the border with Iran was not related to the TTP, it is possible that coordination between the disparate groups is taking place. Observers are closely scrutinizing the situation to see if the latest attacks have become a trend.
- DEFENSE MINISTER IN PAKISTAN SAYS GOV MAY BAN PTI PARTY – Political analysts in Pakistan say they were not surprised by the Defense Minister’s revelation and most believe the former Prime Minister’s party may have made a fatal error when it chose to launch country-wide protests earlier in May. Khan’s party has seen many defections of high-ranking leaders since the 9th of May with the vice president of the party, Fawad Chaudhry, announcing that he too has severed ties with Khan. If the ban goes ahead, many believe it will be immediately nullified by the Supreme Court, setting the stage for another battle between the judicial system and lawmakers.
- CLASHES ON BORDER WITH IRAN – A protracted firefight took place on the border with Iran yesterday near Dost Muhammad. The conflict lasted over four hours as border security forces exchanged small arms fire. It is not clear what led to the fighting and there have been no reports of casualties yet. In another incident in Nimroz Province, an Afghan boy was killed after Iranian border elements opened fire on a group of Afghans who attempted to cross into Iran.
- FLIGHTS RESUME BETWEEN CHINA AND AFGHANISTAN – Ariana Airlines is now operating a direct flight to Urumqi, China after a three-year hiatus. The first flight departed yesterday and Ariana announced it had plans to purchase more planes in the near future.
CONFLICT TRACKER
Samangan: An AFF team has reportedly assassinated the Taliban Director of Intelligence for Hazratsultan district.
NEXT 24 HOURS: No Threats Received