SECURITY
53 Insurgents, Including 20 Daesh Militants Killed
At least 53 insurgents including 20 Daesh militants were killed in anti-terrorism operations across the country. According to the Ministry of Interior the joint security forces’ operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Logar, Paktika, Kandahar and Helmand provinces. During the operation five insurgents were wounded, five others were detained, and weapons were also seized by the security forces. Tolonews
Airstrike Targets Prominent Taliban Leader’s Compound in Laghman
Laghman: An airstrike was carried out on a hideout of a prominent Taliban leader in eastern Laghman province of Afghanistan. During the airstrike militants have suffered casualties but the exact number has not been ascertained so far. This comes as the officials earlier reported that a major attack plan by the Taliban militants to capture the government compound and other key institutions was thwarted by the security forces. Khaama
Taliban’s Mine Planter Arrested in Laghman Province
Laghman: A key Taliban group member who was involved in planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on roadsides has been arrested by the Afghan security forces. According to the Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), the detained militant has been identified as Sultan Mohammad who was covertly operating in the provincial capital. The security forces also confiscated an Ak-47 rifle, 20 landmines, and several rounds of ammunition. Khaama
26 ISIS Militants and Weapons Depot Eliminated in East of Afghanistan
Nangarhar: At least 26 militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were eliminated along with a weapons depot of the group in East of Afghanistan. The operations were conducted by the Afghan Commandos and with the support of the air force. According to the Afghan security forces local residents did not suffer any casualties during the operations. Khaama
POLITICAL
Peace Deal with Hizb-e-Islami a Big Achievement: Govt
According to the National Unity Government (NUG), the signing of the peace agreement with Hizb-e-Islami was one of the biggest achievements of government. The peace deal was signed six months ago. According to Shah Hussain Murtazawi, the President’s spokesman, “Government has taken all the steps mentioned in the peace deal and we are waiting for Hizb-e-Islami’s announcement about when their leader is ready to come to Kabul”. The peace deal has 25 points in which government obligations include removing Hekmatyar’s name from the UN blacklist, freeing Hizb-e-Islami prisoners and others – in return, Hekmatyar has an obligation to accept the constitution, reject violence and cut ties with terrorist groups. Tolonews
Afghan Security Forces Faced a Tough Year: SIGAR
The findings of the U.S Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) shows that the sovereignty of Afghan government over the country reduced to 58 percent, and also the armed insurgents managed to plot a range of terror attacks in Kabul and Kandahar provinces. But, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) claims that over 10,000 insurgents were killed as a result of military operations by the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and foiled several attempts by the insurgents to capture provincial capitals. Based on the SIGAR report, the collapse of several provincial capitals reduced the control of government over 62 percent territories to 58 percent. Tolonews
Border Tiff: Kabul Warns of Resort to Dangerous Options
Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of dishonoring the pledge it held out at last week’s trilateral meeting in London, warning Kabul would mull over other options that would be dangerous for Islamabad. Tawab Ghorzang, spokesman for the National Security Council (NSC), said that Afghanistan believed the crossing points would be reopened for trade and public transport soon in line with the neighboring country’s promise. However, he regretted, the commitment was not honored. The month-long closure of the Durand Line, which has inconvenienced travelers and caused traders huge financial losses, figured prominently at the meeting. Pajhwok
If Invited, Taliban to Attend Moscow Consultations
The Taliban may attend a meeting that Russia is to host next month on peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Russian officials made it clear to the officials of Afghanistan that they are interested to restore peace and defeat IS in Afghanistan. Pajhwok
Terrorism in Afghanistan has Outside Links: Saikal
Days after his unprecedented attack against Pakistan for the latter’s alleged role in terrorist activities inside Afghanistan , the country’s top diplomat to the United Nations has said that the purpose was not to shame anybody. I wanted to make it clear that different militants groups active in Afghanistan have foreign connections. They are being supported from neighboring countries. Pajhwok
SOCIO-ECONOMIC
President Ghani Approves Five Contracts worth One Billion Afghanis in NPC Meeting
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has approved at least five contracts worth 1 billion Afghanis during a meeting of the National Procurement Commission. According to the Office of the President, the contracts approved during the meeting, includes procurement of tables, chairs, and solar power system for the schools in 22 provinces. Other projects approved during the meeting included repair and maintenance of the power plants and generators for the Afghan army central command and Corps units, and supplies of logistics for the administrative office of the President. A plan for the establishment of an extraordinary committee to expedite the works of the infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, housing projects, dams, was also approved during the meeting. Khaama
Afghan Govt Approves 30 Megawatt Kandahar Solar Power Project Plan
The Afghan government has approved in principle the 30 megawatt solar power project plan for the southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan. The decision was taken during a meeting of the national economic council chaired by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani. According to the Bill, a total of 65 megawatt of electricity is supposed to be generated via solar power, 14 megawatt from wind, 13.5 megawatt from urban wastes, and 7.5 megawatt from hydropower. Khaama
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Pakistan’s PM Orders Immediate Re-opening of Torkham
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered the immediate re-opening of Torkham, Spin Boldak and other gates that were closed in the aftermath of recent “terrorist” attacks in the country. He said in a statement that the border was being re-opened as “A Goodwill Gesture.” He further said that he hoped the Afghan government would address the grievances cited for the closure of border. The closure of the gates has incurred millions of dollars of losses in trade for both countries. Tolonews
