[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- TERROR ATTACK TARGETS CHINESE WORKERS NEAR GWADAR PORT IN PAKISTAN – The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) reputedly launched a terror attack against a convoy that was transporting over 20 Chinese nationals (engineers) yesterday in Balochistan. The BLA unit that orchestrated the attack is said to be the Majeed Brigade. There are discrepancies about the number of people killed in the incident but both journalists and the government say that no Chinese nationals were killed. At least 2 of the terrorists were killed and at least 1 Pakistani soldier is said to have died from wounds suffered in the exchange of gunfire. There are also disputed reports that some of the terrorists were captured by police. The Chinese embassy released a statement immediately after the attack and reportedly requested a meeting with both the Foreign Minister and the Minister of the Interior.
- TALIBAN RAMPING UP PROPAGANDA MESSAGING AS 2-YEAR ANNIVERSARY APPROACHES – As the anniversary of the withdrawal approaches, the different ministries across the Taliban government have begun broadcasting curated messages that are clearly intended to paint a very serene picture of life under their rule. The majority of the propaganda appears to be aimed at audiences abroad and many of the claims being bandied about are questionable at best.
- PAKISTAN PASHTUN MARCH ON ISLAMABAD SCHEDULED FOR 18 AUGUST – The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement is organizing a march on the Supreme Court in Islamabad that is scheduled to take place at 1500hrs local time on 18 August. The organizers hope to advocate for peace, gain the release of Pashtuns who are serving prison sentences, and highlight other issues the community says it is facing. There is the potential for ethnic violence and the government may attempt to stop/divert the march with force.
NEXT 24 HOURS
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN PAKISTAN COULD INVITE BOTH POLITICAL AND TERRORISM VIOLENCE – While no direct threat has been received, it is likely that many groups intend to disrupt celebrations. While a massive police presence has been reported in major cities, they face the daunting task of policing multiple gatherings. At-risk Afghans residing in Pakistan are encouraged to avoid these celebrations in order to avoid any risk of collateral injury.
Meanwhile, in India the security forces are patrolling everywhere to prevent eruptions. But India has enough money to pay them, possibly because they don’t have pet jihadis to support.
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