SECURITY
Massive Explosion Rips through Downtown Kabul
Kabul: At least 85 people were killed and about 463 wounded in the truck bombing during rush hour in Kabul city. The incident has taken place close to the Zanbaq square in the 10th police district of the city. The explosion ripped through the diplomatic zone causing widespread damage. A water tanker was used in the explosion that ripped through the city during rush hour. According to Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), the private sector in the country suffered nearly $10 million USD in damages. Tolonews, Pajhwok
Taliban Reacts at Kabul Bombing that Left 80 Dead, over 350 Wounded
The Taliban militants group in Afghanistan reacted at the deadly bombing in capital Kabul that left at least 80 dead, claiming that the fighters of the group had no role in today’s devastating attack. Zabiullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, said that the group had no role in the attack and the Taliban fighters were also not involved in it as they were not allowed to carry out attacks in areas where there were no targets. He also added that the group strongly condemned today’s attack in the city. Khaama
Militants Involved in Destructive Activities Arrested in Nangarhar
Nangarhar: Two militants involved in destructive insurgency activities were apprehended by the Afghan security forces in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. The insurgents were arrested in the intelligence operatives’ operations in Jalalabad city, the provincial capital of Nangarhar. One of the militants detained during the operations had been identified as Matiullah who was involved in insurgency activities under the direct leadership of Taliban commander Khadem in Shirzad district. Khaama
Key Taliban Member Killed in Logar Raid
Logar: Security forces have killed a key Taliban figure during a raid in the Charkh district of central Logar province. No further details have been reported so far. Pajhwok
Taliban Militant Says he was Receiving Money and Weapons from Pakistan
A Taliban insurgent who has surrendered to the security forces and joined peace process says he was receiving money and weapons from Pakistan. He was identified as Noor-ul-Haq. He renounced violence and surrendered to the government due to the efforts of the National Directorate of Security. Haq was operating with the Gulab Sher group of Taliban. He was actively involved in insurgency activities in Nazian and Achin districts of Nangarhar during the past six months. Khaama
POLITICAL
Ghani Approves Habibi’s Appointment as Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority Chief
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has approved the appointment of Mahmood Shah Habibi as the head of the Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority. Habibi has also served as the deputy minister for operations at the Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority and has also worked as management specialist at Federal Aviation Administration. Khaama
MPs Lose Patience with Govt over Cabinet Picks
Some Wolesi Jirga (lower house) members warned the government of closing the national assembly’s doors if it did not introduce ministers-designate for a vote of confidence. Currently eleven ministries are being headed by acting ministers. The Wolesi Jirga had disqualified ministers of foreign affairs, labor and social affairs, public works, education, transport, telecommunication and higher education for spending less than 70 percent of their development budget. But they continued in office in compliance with a presidential decree. Pajhwok
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Afghan Govt, U.S Slams Wednesday’s Truck Bombing
Hugo Llorens, The U.S ambassador, said in a statement that the terrorists, and those who provide them support in any form, deserved the utter scorn of all civilized people around the world. He further said that we stood with the Afghan people and the government of national unity as they strived to build a brighter, safer tomorrow for the people of this great nation. The US embassy in Kabul also issued a fresh security threat. While on the other hand President Ashraf Ghani also condemned the attack and called on all hospitals and health institutions to make sure the wounded got the best treatment possible. Tolonews
Kabul Terrorist Attack Draws Ringing Denunciation
President Ashraf Ghani, NATO, India and Pakistan strongly condemned the Kabul terrorist attack that left over 80 people dead and more than 320 injured. According to them the attack could not be justified under any religion. Pajhwok
