[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- FRESH CLASHES BETWEEN TALIBAN AND PAKISTAN BORDER FORCES IN PAKTIA – A firefight took place in Paktia Province at the Kharlachi border crossing on the Durand Line. According to reports, the firefight lasted for approximately one hour. No information was immediately available regarding potential casualties from the clash but eyewitnesses on the Afghanistan side claimed to have seen several wounded Taliban fighters being loaded on vehicles. The circumstances which led to the clash are not known.
- COUNTER-ISIS OPERATION ONGOING IN HERAT – Late reporting was received about a security operation that took place in Herat overnight. Taliban security forces launched the operation late last night. The operation targeted a suspected ISIS-K safe house in Police District 12 of Herat. 5 ISIS-K militants were reportedly killed in the fighting and the home was destroyed. No information on Taliban or non-combatant casualties has been given. At-risk Afghans in Herat are advised to shelter in place until the situation becomes clearer.
- NEW SECURITY CHECKPOINTS ESTABLISHED ON THE JAWZJAN-BALKH HIGHWAY - Approximately ten new security checkpoints have been set up along the route by police. It is not clear why the new checkpoints have been put in place and what threat they are intended to protect against. Travelers along this route should expect additional scrutiny of documents and electronic devices.
- FEMALE ACTIVIST GOES MISSING – Parveen Sadat, a noted female activist was reported missing yesterday evening. She reputedly disappeared after posting a voice message on social media that stated the Taliban had invaded her residence. Presumably, she was taken into custody but family and friends do not know where she is being held and what potential charges she may be facing.
- TALIBAN DISTANCING THEMSELVES FROM THE SPIN BOLDAK SHOOTER – Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the regime, tweeted that the attack was carried out by an unknown gunman. Eyewitnesses who were present at the scene of the skirmish claimed very early that the instigator was a Taliban border security guard who had been stationed at the post for several months. Our analysis indicates the deception is likely intended to mitigate the Pakistani demand that he be handed over. The impasse puts the Taliban in a tough position.
CONFLICT TRACKER
Paktia: A cross-border clash occurred between border security forces at the Kharlachi border crossing in the Dand Aw Patan district of the province. The fight lasted nearly an hour and some casualties were reported, but accurate numbers were not immediately available.
Herat: Taliban security forces launched a nearly morning raid on a suspected ISIS-K safe house in Police District 12 of Herat. 5 ISIS-K militants were reportedly killed and the house was destroyed.
NEXT 24 HOURS
AFGHANISTAN - PAKISTAN BORDER STANDOFF – With a second cross-border incident at a border crossing it is possible the security situation could deteriorate further. While not enough information is known about the impetus for the second clash it illustrates the simmering tensions and increased alert levels that are probably present on both sides of the border. If tensions escalate, the border may close entirely and Pakistan may resort to air strikes or the use of artillery to quell future threats. At-risk Afghans intending to cross the border should continue to monitor the situation. |