[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- 2 BLASTS REPORTED IN KABUL – Two separate bombings reportedly occurred in Kabul on Saturday:
- An IED was detonated in Police District 2 on Saturday evening, injuring two unidentified Taliban members traveling in a light truck. The blast occurred at the Pashtunian intersection, near the Ministry of Telecommunications and Technology.
- A large explosion was reported near a hospital in the Qawa area (Kyle). There were no details available about this blast.
No group has claimed responsibility for either incident and no further information was provided.
- SECURITY IN KABUL INCREASED – Several eyewitnesses have reported that Taliban security forces were on the streets of Kabul in force on Saturday and well into the night. The increased security was noticed prior to either of the two blasts that had been reported. Multiple rumors were spreading on social media but nothing had been confirmed that would account for the heightened measures. There were rumors that some foreign diplomatic facilities had closed and their staff had departed the country but these are currently unverified. While we do not have any valid information about a potential threat, we recommend that at-risk Afghans avoid going out if at all possible while the situation remains tense.
- NETHERLANDS AGREE TO PAY SURVIVORS OF 2007 ATTACK THAT KILLED 20 NON-COMBATANTS – The Dutch government said it would not appeal a court ruling that held the country liable for the death of 20 people in a late-night attack in 2007, perpetrated by Dutch troops.
- A 4.3 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE STRUCK IN PAKTIKA – An earthquake struck Paktika on Saturday morning at approximately 0900hrs local. Reports on any damage/casualties have yet to come in.
- MORE INFO ON PAKISTAN’S AFGHAN ROUNDUP ON THURSDAY – After 20-30 male Afghan refugees were taken from their homes on Thursday and processed at local police stations. In many cases, a bribe was paid to secure their release. A public outcry occurred on social media and officials in Pakistan released statements to the effect that counter-terrorism operations were ongoing throughout the twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad). While that is likely true, there were clearly some low-level entrepreneurial activities taking place by some in the police. A source said a caution had been issued to the police services from leaders in the government after reports of the social-media backlash were shown to the leadership.
CONFLICT TRACKER
Takhar: NRF forces attempted to assassinate a Tqliban official in the Rastaq district with a magnetic mine. But the mine fqiled to detonate properly and nobody was injured in the attack.
NEXT 24 HOURS
POLICE SEARCHES/DETENTIONS IN PAKISTAN MAY CONTINUE – While it appears the government has warned police from unlawfully arresting Afghan refugees in security sweeps across Islamabad/Rawalpindi. The economic crisis in the country may still mean at-risk Afghans could see the illicit activity take place. We advise at-risk Afghans to remain calm if they have their residences searched and cooperate with the authorities. As the searches are carried out, take note of police insignia and markings and make a mental note of any precinct or division numbers/names that may be on their uniforms. After the search has occurred and if anyone from their family was detained or property is taken, they should reach out to their case managers and report any information they have collected.
Priority Information can include:
- Unit name/number of the police conducting the search
- Any names visible on a nametag
- Property searched
- Questions asked
- Any information provided about why and where a family member might be taken and what is the process for their release
- Time/Date/Location/Duration of the search
We strongly advise against trying to take photos, arguing with the Police forcefully, live streaming, or otherwise threatening the officials in any way. It is our belief that such actions will only worsen the situation.
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