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| Afghanistan |
| Taliban leaders may have moved to Afghanistan from Pakistan |
| 2016-11-26 |
| [WAPO] KABUL, Afghanistan -- After operating out of Pakistan for more than a decade, the leaders of Afghanistan’s Taliban movement may have moved back to their homeland to try to build on this year’s gains in the war and to establish a permanent presence. If confirmed, the move would be a sign of the Taliban’s confidence in their fight against the U.S.-backed government in Kabul. It could also be an attempt by the militants to distance themselves from Pakistan, which is accused of supporting the movement. The Taliban’s leaders have been based in Pakistani cities, including Quetta, Karachi and Peshawar, since their rule in Afghanistan was overthrown in the 2001 U.S. invasion after the 9/11 attacks. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the leadership shura, or council, relocated to Afghanistan "some months ago," although he would not say to where. One Taliban official said the shura had moved to southern Helmand province, which the insurgents consider to be part of their heartland and where most of the opium that funds their operations is produced. The official refused to be identified because of security reasons. Other Taliban sources said the justice, recruitment and religious councils had also moved to southern Afghanistan. The statements could not be independently confirmed. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s office said it had no confirmation that any such move had taken place. |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #6 Moving the Talib back to Helmand does give the ISI a fig leaf when the Taliban inevitably commits one atrocity or another, as well as ensuring the heroin money continues to flow and fund things in the region, as directed by the ISI in large part. It also takes most, if not all, of the dronezaps out of Pakistan, which have been putting a lot of pressure on the Pak government from their own people. Still, good point about something being up. It can be seen as suspicious. |
| Posted by: OldSpook 2016-11-26 22:26 |
| #5 Ima wondering if the Paks didn't have the US elections in mind (either candidate.) |
| Posted by: Pappy 2016-11-26 14:47 |
#4 I wonder what they have planned Watch India. Haven't the two of them been getting worked up again lately? |
| Posted by: Rob Crawford 2016-11-26 13:26 |
| #3 Pakistan wants plausible deniability for the actions of the Taliban again. I wonder what they have planned |
| Posted by: Injun Bucket8891 2016-11-26 10:45 |
| #2 "too". Jeebus. "Fidel! More coffee, dammit!" |
| Posted by: Frank G 2016-11-26 08:48 |
| #1 "Quetta was getting to violent and crazy. We had to move" |
| Posted by: Frank G 2016-11-26 08:47 |