[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- FOREIGNER KIDNAPPINGS, RUMORS CIRCULATE – Last week, we reported on the possible abduction of 2 foreigners that supposedly took place in Kabul. Additional information has begun to circulate which suggests the 2 foreigners may have been diplomats from Qatar who were waylaid while driving from Kabul to Paghman by unknown assailants. The information has not been verified by any official sources (Taliban or Qatari) but continues to make the rounds on social media. In addition, we have had no information regarding the original report about the abductions. Both accounts may very well prove to be false and we will continue to follow the situation if it develops.
- ISIS-K MAKES RARE PUBLIC OVERTURE TO RESISTANCE GROUPS – Al-Azaim Media, an ISIS-linked media affiliate released a pamphlet on its website that appeals directly to Resistance groups operating in Afghanistan. In the pamphlet, ISIS makes an argument for cooperating together in the near term in order to bring the Taliban regime down. Long-time Afghanistan observers say this may be the first public call for cooperation that ISIS-K has made to the Resistance groups.
- SOME CALLS TO PROVIDE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT TO RESISTANCE GROUPS – While the NRF and other Resistance groups have received support from small groups in Europe, North America, and elsewhere some larger-mainstream organizations are beginning to look at ways of providing support. The intransigence of the Taliban to fulfill agreements under the Doha deal and the ever-increasing restrictions on women and minorities appear to have stiffened some backs in some NGO boardrooms. The US and Europe have dug their heels in and said repeatedly that they will not support any armed insurgents in Afghanistan and Russia/China have likewise maintained a similar stance. However, as the situation drags on, the Resistance groups may end up being the only option available. It is almost unthinkable that at least theoretical discussions along these lines have not been taking place in Washington, Paris, London, Moscow, Ottawa, et al.
- COUPLE REPORTEDLY SENTENCED TO DEATH BY STONING IN BAGHLAN MAY HAVE RECEIVED A REPRIEVE – Information about a couple in Pol Khomri (Baghlan Province) who had reportedly received a sentence calling for their deaths by stoning have had their executions postponed. The initial execution was reputedly set for Friday (after prayers) but has now been postponed. A source in Kabul who could not confirm if the executions had actually been ordered did say that orders had been issued from senior Taliban leadership to minimize any potentially embarrassing incidents while the Foreign Minister was meeting with the US officials in Doha. Some online social media accounts thanked US leaders and UN officials for personally intervening in the affair. We have yet to confirm the accuracy of the information and it is not clear if the death sentences were vacated or, merely postponed.
NEXT 24 HOURS: No Threats Reported |