[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS- POSSIBLE CROSS BORDER ARTILLERY STRIKE IN PAKTIKA – Unverified reports say Pakistani artillery shells fell on a suspected TTP target in Birmal, Paktika. Additional unverified reports suggest that Taliban security forces returned fire. There has been no official confirmation of either action and no reports regarding casualties. Again, this information has yet to be verified.
- RECENT BOUT OF FLOODING KILLS OVER 40 AFGHANS – The rains that blanketed the country have caused at least 40 deaths and a similar number of people are reportedly missing. Those are the official numbers and local sources say the number is much higher. More rain is in the forecast for the next 24 hours. Emergency crews were dispatched to a few remote areas but have now found themselves trapped by flooded roads and two landslides.
- TALIBAN BEGIN LOBBYING FOR THE SUSPENSION OF TRAVEL BANS – The Taliban’s office in Qatar has reportedly asked the United Nations Security Council to remove travel sanctions on its leaders as the 1 year anniversary of the travel bans approaches. Anonymous sources at the Security Council opined that a suspension of the bans was unlikely given the current dynamics taking place in Afghanistan.
- WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME FORCED TO CUT AID TO 8 MILLION IN AFGHANISTAN OVER FUNDING SHORTFALLS – The United Nations agency said it has had to halt aid programs for approximately 8 million Afghans after facing a $1.2 billion dollar shortfall from donors. They have closed down 25 mobile health and nutrition teams. After July 2023, the WFP will only be able to support 5 million Afghans based on the funding available through October of this year. The initial Humanitarian Response Plan called for $4.6 billion dollars in aid and has only received approximately 9% of that number to date
NEXT 24 HOURS
- MORE RAIN EXPECTED FOR 21 PROVINCES IN AFGHANISTAN – Forecasts are calling for as much as an additional 40mm of rainfall in Afghanistan over the next 24 hours. The additional precipitation is expected to cause significant flooding due to the near-complete saturation of the ground from previous storm systems. Authorities are urging citizens to stay at home and keep a close watch on nearby water sources if they need to evacuate. It is not clear if any emergency management services have been dispatched to assist communities facing the most significant threat.
- DURAND LINE TENSIONS – If earlier reports about a possible cross-border artillery duel with Pakistan are correct, the border region could see additional strikes over the coming days. Should the violence escalate, the border may be closed until a ceasefire can be negotiated.