[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- ISIS-K CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING OF TALIBAN CHECKPOINT NEAR AIRPORT – ISIS-K and its affiliates have claimed responsibility for the deadly attack near the military airport the other day. A few analysts noted the complexity of the attack and the choice of targets indicated they are gaining proficiency and confidence. The checkpoint that was targeted has long been considered a position of honor for the Taliban and has been habitually manned by more experienced Mujahadeen. The fact that ISIS-K was able to target it sends a powerful message.
- TENSIONS WITH PAKISTAN CONTINUE TO RISE – Pakistan has clearly signaled that it plans to take action against the TTP in Afghanistan and the responses by the Taliban have served to ratchet up tensions between the two. While both countries say they prefer dialogue, the troop movements they are making on their respective sides of the border suggest they are planning for violence.
- LITTLE PROGRESS IN TALKS BETWEEN THE TALIBAN AND UN OFFICIALS ABOUT WOMEN IN AID ROLES – Despite a couple of high-level visits, the Taliban have not shown any sign they plan to relent on the ban on women in humanitarian aid roles. A few mixed messages had been sent during the last week of 2022 but a source in the Ministry of Communication says the Taliban leadership has now flatly refused to discuss the matter openly and insists the laws must be followed. It was not clear if the Taliban is united on this stance or if the Kabul faction still supports the ban.
- AMERICAN TEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR KNIFE ATTACKS ON POLICE IN NEW YORK CITY ADMIRED THE TALIBAN – Trevor Bickford, a 19-year-old man from Maine was shot after attacking several police officers in downtown New York City on New Year’s Eve. A diary found on Bickford contained references to joining the Taliban and wanting to die as a martyr. Nobody was killed in the rampage and Bickford is in a hospital recovering from his wounds.
NEXT 24 HOURS
AIR STRIKES FROM PAKISTAN POSSIBLE IN BORDER AREAS – A source in Afghanistan, but who has ties to sources in Pakistan says that air strikes are likely on suspected TTP hideouts within the next 24 to 48 hours. When pressed for locations, the source said that Kandahar and Paktia are likely candidates but that some sites of concern had been identified in Badakhshan as well. At-risk Afghans living in these areas should be prepared to take cover should an air campaign take place. Should the strikes occur, the border will likely be closed for an indeterminate amount of time.
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