SECURITY
Four Security Personnel Dead in Zabul Attack
Zabul: At least four security personnel, including an Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier, have been killed and as many wounded in the Taliban attack in the Arghandab district of southern Zabul province. Taliban also suffered causalities in the battle; however, no exact figures had been disclosed. Pajhwok
Six Rebels Dead in Badakhshan; Taliban Purged of 17 Baghlan Villages
Baghlan: Seventeen villages have been cleared of insurgents in Baghlan-i-Markazi district of northern Baghlan province, while six insurgents were killed and another 12 wounded in northeastern Badakhshan province. According to Baghlan Governor, Abdul Sataar Bariz, the insurgents used to threaten people’s lives and torture passengers on roads near Sugar factory in Baghlan-i-Markazi district. Pajhwok
Ten Militants Join Peace Process in Kunduz City
A group of ten militants joined peace process in the strategic Kunduz city in North of Afghanistan. According to Provincial police Chief General Abdul Hamid Hamidi the militants were actively operating in various parts of Kunduz city before they joined peace process. Khaama
POLITICAL
Moscow Huddle: Sirajul Haq Blasts Kabul’s Exclusion
A key rightwing Pakistani politician has resented the exclusion of Afghan government from a recent tripartite meeting in Moscow. Representatives from Russia, Pakistan and China recently held consultations on coordination of regional efforts to stabilize the war-torn country. According to Jamiat -i- Islami Chief, “When these nations are discussing Afghanistan, Kabul must be given due representation for the sake of durable peace in the region”. Pajhwok
Timeline for Foreign Forces’ Pullout Central to Peace Talks
The Anti-War Movement has called for an agreement regarding timeline for the pullout of foreign forces from Afghanistan, release of innocent prisoners and a framework for lasting peace in the country. The demands were raised by the Anti-War Movement, which was comprised of renowned political and academic personalities. There are huge hurdles in the way of peace; one major obstacle is the presence of foreign forces. No independent country would allow a foreign military presence, operations, or prisons on its soil. Pajhwok
Good Russia-US ties in Afghanistan Interest: Karzai
Former president Hamid Karzai, on Monday, said he supported US president-elect Donald Trump’s stance on relations with Russia. According to Hamid Karzai, “Good relations between the US and Russia are essential for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the world.” Pajhwok
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Japan Pledges Investment to Increase Afghanistan’s Access to Chabahar Port
Japan has pledged investment to support Afghanistan have proper access to Chabahar port in a bid to help the Afghan traders export their commodities using the port. The commitment was made by Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kentaro Sonora during a meeting with Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. Khaama
