SECURITY
Taliban Reject UN Civilian Causalities Report
Kabul: The Taliban on Monday rejected a United Nations (UN) report that blamed the militants for 60 percent of civilian casualties in 2016. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Monday released its annual civilian casualties report, saying 11, 418 civilians suffered casualties in 2016. The report said 3,498 civilians were killed and 7,920 others wounded during the conflict in Afghanistan last year. The report held Taliban militants responsible for 61 percent of the casualties, government forces 24 percent and foreign forces two percent. However, the Taliban rejected the report. Pajhwok
Rebel Attacks to Capture Lapis Lazuli Mine Repulsed
Badakshan: Local officials on Monday said security forces repulsed three attacks from militants to capture Lapis Lazuli mine in Karan wa Manjan district of northeastern Badakhshan province. Provincial police chief, Brig. Gen. Ghulam Sakhi Ghafori, the militant assaults began late on Sunday and continued till Monday morning. Four militants were killed and three others wounded in Afghan forces’ retaliatory attacks. Pajhwok
Nangarhar Bombing Leaves 3 hurt
Nangarhar: Three Afghan National Armey (ANA) soldiers were wounded as result of a roadside bombing in Behsud district of eastern Nangarhar province on Monday, an official said. Attuallah Khogyani, the governor’s spokesman, told that the incident took place in Beniga locality of the district before noon. He said a roadside bomb hit security forces convoy leaving three soldiers injured. Pajhwok
3 Civilians Killed, 4 Injured in Laghman Mortar Shelling
Laghman: Two women and a child were killed and four others wounded in a mortar shells firing in the Alingar district of eastern Laghman province on Monday, an official said. Sahardi Zwak, the governor’s spokesman, told that the civilian causalities resulted by a clash between security forces and the Taliban. Pajhwok
POLITICAL
Deprived Provinces at Top of Government’s Priorities: Ghani
Kabul: President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Monday said 10 provinces deprived of some important developments would be paid special attention. The president said this while presiding over a meeting that discussed requirements of provinces at the Presidential Palace. Pajhwok
UN Envoy Condoles Human Losses Resulted by Snowfall, Avalanche
Kabul: The UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, Mr. Mark Bowden, was saddened to learn of the loss of lives and widespread damage to property in Barg-e-Matal district of eastern Nuristan province due to an avalanche. “On behalf of the UN humanitarian agencies, I wish to extend our condolences to all those families who have lost loved ones as a result of this avalanche,” Mr. Bowden said. Pajhwok
JIA Supports Talks between Ghani, Noor
Kabul: The Jamiat-i-Islami Afghanistan (JIA) on Monday supported talks between President Ashraf Ghani and the acting governor of northern Balkh province, asking government leaders to hasten the implementation of political agreement. The leadership council of the party said in a statement, leaders of the ruling coalition must step up enforcing the power-sharing deal. Pajhwok
