[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- UPDATE ON AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN BORDER CLASH AT SPIN BOLDAK-CHAMAN – The death toll from the cross-border conflict now stands at 3 Taliban dead and 8 Pakistani police and military killed. 1 Pakistani soldier was captured and 1 Taliban border guard is wounded. Adding to yesterday’s reporting, it has been confirmed that a second clash took place. The crossing has been closed indefinitely until the Pakistani demand of handing over the Taliban border guard who is thought to have initiated the violence is met. Both countries have reinforced security on their respective sides of the border and a local source observed heavy artillery being moved into supporting positions on the Pakistan side. Several aircraft have also been observed patrolling the Pakistan side of the border.
- SHARIA LAW HAS COME – The Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has empowered Taliban judges to enforce the tenets of Sharia Law in their future decisions. While specifics were not made available regarding punishments, Akhundzad apparently gave the green light to many of the more drastic punishments. A source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said he fears the judges will adhere to the Hanbali legal approach to appease the Taliban's old guard. The Hanbali doctrine is considered the most restrictive school of thought and often applies the more barbaric punishments. It is also familiar to the Taliban and was used under their previous stint in power. Another source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs opined that the move would make dialogue with even sympathetic regional partners much more difficult and could prompt a reduction in international aid. He went on to say the announcement had been timed to coincide with the opening of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation office in Kabul.
- POWER INTERRUPTIONS FROM UZBEKISTAN – The Breshna Electricity Company has said that one of the power lines from Uzbekistan has been cut. The Company claimed it was due to a technical issue but a source in the Ministry of Finance said that villagers near the line reported an explosion and the power cut may be due to sabotage. With the weather turning colder, reliable power supplies will be critical for survival. The Taliban had implemented armed security patrols along the National grid after Resistance forces had destroyed several pylons earlier in the year but the men and vehicles were pulled for service in Panjshir, Takhar, and Badakhshan over a month ago.
CONFLICT TRACKER
Nangahar: Heavy fighting between ALM and Taliban forces was reported in the early morning hours Monday. The fighting was centered in Khogyani district, and several dead have reportedly been dragged off the streets, An accurate tally of casualties was not available.
NEXT 24 HOURS
THE STANDOFF AT SPIN BOLDAK-CHAMAN – While we assess an escalation of hostilities as low, there is significant firepower parked on the Pakistani side of the border and it seems clear now that the Taliban may have initiated the crisis. In past cross-border incidents, the crossings remain closed for a few days and then opened back up. This case seems to be different and at-risk Afghans who may have planned to use the crossing for travel are urged to consider using the Torkham gate instead. |