SECURITY
Afghan Forces Retake Zebak District from Taliban in Badakhshan
Badakhshan: The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) personnel have retaken the control of Zebak district from the Taliban in northeastern Badakhshan province of Afghanistan. Gen. Dawlat Waziri, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) spokesman, said that the Taliban insurgents have suffered heavy casualties. Khaama
Suicide Bomber Bearing Pakistani Passport Arrested in Kabul
Kabul: A would-be suicide bomber was arrested by the security forces before he managed to carry out an attack in Kabul city. He was arrested during an operation. The suicide bomber was hiding in a house in Gulai Hesa Awal area in Khair Khana. Khaama
20 Suffer Casualties as Rival Taliban Factions Clash
Herat: At least 20 insurgents have been killed and several others injured in a clash between two rival Taliban factions in Adraskan district of western Herat province. Pajhwok
Faryab Petroleum Director Gunned Down in Office
Faryab: Gunmen shot dead petroleum products director, Naqibullah, for northwestern Faryab province in his office. According to details, two gunmen entered director’s office located in the first district of Maimana City. No group has yet accepted the responsibility. Pajhwok
POLITICAL
Plots Underway to Divide Afghans Politically, Ethnically: Khalili
Leader of Hizb-e-Wahdat-e-Islami (Islamic Solidarity Party), Mohammad Karim Khalili, said that the current crisis in the country could push Afghanistan towards a proxy war and it could turn the country into a battleground for other countries. He further said that there are attempts to grow the seeds of division on ethnic, political and religious grounds, but we will never return to that era. Tolonews
ISIS Leader Joins Peace Process in East of Afghanistan
A key leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group’s offshoot in Afghanistan has joined peace process in Nangarhar province. The ISIS group leader identified as Wafadar was in charge of a group of at least 15 insurgents has joined the peace process after reaching to a conclusion and understanding the realities on the ground. Khaama
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
CPSA Opposes NATO’s Plan to increase Troop Levels
The Council for Protection and Stability in Afghanistan (CPSA) said that they are against the U.S and NATO’s move to increase the number of foreign troops in Afghanistan. It is the first political group to speak out against the increase of foreign troops. The Afghan government has, however, welcomed the move but emphasized the need for help regarding the air force. Tolonews
Britain ‘Could Send in more Troops’ after NATO’s Request
NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, met with U.K Prime Minister where they discussed preparations for the upcoming meeting of Allied leaders later this month and the need for more troops in Afghanistan. According to media reports Britain could send up to 100 more British troops to Afghanistan. NATO requested its allied countries, including the UK, to increase its role in Afghanistan amid at deteriorating security situation. Tolonews
Afghan Govt Approves in Principle the Chabahar Port Implementation Plan
The Afghan government has approved in principle the Chabahar port agreement implementation plan. The plan includes awareness of the private sector regarding the materials of the agreement, meeting with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Interior, and Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries to specify the challenges and issues for the implementation of the plan and finding solutions for it. Khaama
Disputed Villages on Afghan-Pak Border Surveyed
Afghan and Pakistani technical teams have completed their joint geological study of two disputed villages on the Durand Line, but the survey’s result is not yet announced. Pajhwok
Zakhilwal Queries Effectiveness of Peace Processes
Afghan Ambassador Dr. Omar Zakhilwal said that Pakistan was more ideally positioned than any other nation to help the peace process in Afghanistan. While addressing a conference on peace in Afghanistan, he said that not only Pakistan but all the neighboring countries can play a very important role in establishing peace and security in Afghanistan. Pajhwok
