Security
Nangarhar: ISIS associated militants killed in Pacher Agam district
On 24 October 2016, a compound belonging to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group was targeted in an airstrike conducted by Afghan security forces in Pacher Agam district of Nangarhar province. At least five loyalists of the ISIS were killed during the airstrike while four others were killed during a ground operation by the Afghan forces in same district.[1]
Kapisa: Taliban key commander killed in Kapisa clashes
A key Taliban commander, Qari Emal was killed and two others were wounded during clashes with security forces on 24 October 2016. The clashes took place in Tagab and Alasai districts of Kapisa province. No other casualties were recorded during the clashes.[2]
Nimroz: Pakistani militants establish safe havens in Nimroz
Nimroz has become a safe haven for Pakistani militants as they have built stronghold in Khashrod district. They are helping drug smugglers and land grabbers in the southwestern parts of the country. Reports indicate that Pakistani military is helping the fighters; however, the embassy of Pakistan in Kabul rejects the involvement of Pakistani military in this aspect and claims that the militants are associated with Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP).[3]
Kabul: Nicholson attributes Afghan forces’ casualties with poor leadership
On 24 October 2016, the commander of NATO and US forces, General John Nicholson has expressed his serious concerns about escalating casualty rate of Afghan security forces. He attributes the high casualty rate of Afghan forces with the poor leadership.[4]
Socio-economic
Kabul: Opium cultivation increases in Afghanistan
According to a UN report, Afghanistan witnessed a 10 percent increase in opium cultivation this year. Minimized efforts for eradication of drug abuse resulting from the deteriorating security situation in the country and declining international aid to combat this menace are possible reasons for this rise. Although opium cultivation dropped last year due to drought; however, it has been on the rise in the past decade. Regardless of the costly US-led counter- narcotics programs, the growing cultivation of opium is fueling the Taliban insurgency and spurring a crisis of drug addiction.[5]
Foreign Affair
Kabul: Afghan Air Force to receive to transport plane from China
Afghan air force will receive two planes from China which will be used for transportation of security personnel. However, the exact date of delivery of planes was not revealed. Earlier, China’s Chief of Army pledged over $70 million to support and equip the Afghan security forces. Gen. Fenghui also added that China will call a regional summit to implement the proposal forwarded by President Ghani during Shanghai conference for fight against terrorism.[6]
Kabul: Pakistan pressurizes Afghan Taliban to leave the country
Pakistan has been putting pressure on fugitive Afghan Taliban leaders, along with their families, to leave the country if they refuse to hold peace talks with Kabul. “The squeeze is continuing on them [the Taliban] and some have already left, or [are] leaving the country,” says a senior Pakistani official directly involved in matters related to the Afghan policy.[7]
Kabul: USAID pledges $791 million for Afghanistan’s Health and Education
On 24 October 2016, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) pledged a fresh assistance of $791 million to support Afghanistan’s health and education sectors. The agreement was signed by (USAID) Director Herbert Smith and Minister of Finance Eklil Hakimi in Presidential Palace (ARG). Hakimi, during the ceremony, said that the amount will be spent on education, health, higher education and good governance.[8]
[1] “9 ISIS militants killed in air and ground raids in East of Afghanistan”, Khaama, October 24,2016, http://www.khaama.com/9-isis-militants-killed-in-air-and-ground-raids-in-east-of-afghanistan-02132
[2] “Taliban Commander Killed In Kapisa Clashes”, ToloNews, October 24,2016, http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/27970-taliban-commander-killed-in-kapisa-clashes
[3] “Hundreds of Pakistani Fighters Build Strongholds In Nimroz”, ToloNews, October 24,2016, http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/27975-hundreds-of-punjabi-fighters-build-strongholds-in-nimroz
[4] “U.S. General Blames Death Toll For Afghan Forces On Poor Afghan Leadership”,AfghanistanNews, October 24,2016, http://www.afghanistannews.net/index.php/sid/248799019
[5] “Afghan opium cultivation skyrockets”, AfghanistanNews, October 24,2016, http://www.afghanistannews.net/index.php/sid/248799211
[6] “China to deliver 2 transport planes to Afghan Air Force”, Khaama, October 24,2016, http://www.khaama.com/china-to-deliver-2-transport-planes-to-afghan-air-force-02135
[7]“ Islamabad reportedly asked Taliban to join peace talks or leave Pakistan”, Khaama, October 24,2016, http://www.khaama.com/islamabad-reportedly-asked-taliban-to-join-peace-talks-or-leave-pakistan-02133
[8] “USAID pledges $791 million in fresh aid to Afghanistan”, Khaama, October 24,2016, http://www.khaama.com/usaid-pledges-791-million-in-fresh-aid-to-afghanistan-02136
