SECURITY
Eight Killed, Fourteen Injured in Helmand Car Bombing
Helmand: Eight security personnel have been killed and more than a dozen others injured in a suicide car bombing in southern Helmand province. Pajhwok
NZ Forces Accused of Civilian Deaths
New Zealand Special Forces killed six civilians, including a three-year-old girl, during an operation in two villages of Baghlan province in 2010, as claimed by an investigator journalist, Nicky Hager, in his recently published book. He further claimed that the botched raids were apparently covered up by military and political leaders. Fifteen civilians were also injured during the raids. Pajhwok
POLITICAL
Senators Worry about Trucks Crossing Durand Line Unchecked
A number of Meshrano Jirga senators, on Tuesday, raised concerns over the possibility of weapons being smuggled into Afghanistan as hundreds of trucks had been crossing the Durand Line following the reopening of gates. According to a senator, Juma Din Gianwal, “When the border was open, hundreds of trucks, full of explosive devices, were transferred to Afghanistan. Now also it is a trick (border closure) and checking all the trucks is very difficult”. Tolonews
Torkham, Spin Boldak Gates Finally Re-Open
Torkham and Spin Boldak gates re-opened on Tuesday morning for traffic, a month after Islamabad closed the crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to the owner of Pakistan transportation company, Abbas, “We have lost lots of money due to the border closure.” A number of Afghan traders also said they had suffered severe losses and urged the Afghan government to take steps to prevent such moves in future. Tolonews
Noor Announces his Intention to Run for President
Balkh provincial governor Atta Mohammad Noor said that he would, in the near future, discuss his future plans over running in the next presidential elections. According to him, “I thank President (Ashraf Ghani) for his trust and for re-appointing me as the governor of Balkh. Soon, I will make a decision over my resignation after consultation with political allies in order to participate in the upcoming elections.” Tolonews
Afghanistan Won’t be Left Alone: Gen. Nicholson
According to Gen. Nacholson, we would give military and financial support to Afghan government to defeat militancy, and IS across Afghanistan. He further said that they would extend support to Afghan security officials to restore peace and stability in Afghanistan. Pajhwok
Join Peace Process or Face Action, Atmar Tells Rebels
Hanif Atmar extended an open invitation to all militants groups across Afghanistan to join the peace process. According to him, it was the cry of the hour to give peace a chance in Afghanistan. He further said that if they were not willing to join the peace process, then we would be compelled to take serious actions against them. Pajhwok
