SECURITY
Concerns Raised over ‘Sharp Increase’ in Insecurity in North
A number of political and jihadi figures said that they were extremely concerned about the “sharp increase” in insecurity in the country’s north and that the “inattention” of government in this respect would provide grounds for “a sectarian” war in northern provinces. The Taliban had gained control over seven districts in Badakhshan, Kunduz, Baghlan and Sar-e-Pul provinces. Tolonews
Eleven Civilians Killed in an Explosion in Logar Province of Afghanistan
Logar: At least eleven civilians were killed in an explosion in central Logar province of Afghanistan. Five children and five women were among those killed. The incident took place in Mohammad Agha district after a civilian vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), leaving all those on board dead. Khaama
Five Policemen Killed by a Comrade in East of Afghanistan
Nangarhar: At least five policemen were killed in an insider attack in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. The attack was carried out in a check post located in Marko Bazar. No group including the Taliban insurgents or any other terrorist group has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident. Khaama, Pajhwok
Notorious Taliban Commander among Seven Dead in Maidan Wardak
Wardak: At least seven rebels, including notorious commander and Taliban shadow governor for Kabul province, were killed in security forces airstrike and ground offensive in central Maidan Wardak province. Pajhwok
Uprising Group Commander Gunned Down by Taliban
Ghazni: The Taliban shot dead local uprising group commander for the Gilan district of southern Ghazni province. Further detail of the incident has not yet been provided. Pajhwok
Man Involved in Maulvi Hanafi Killing Arrested
Parwan: Police in central Parwan province apprehended one suspect in connection with the killing of Ulema Council Head Maulvi Abdul Rahim Hanafi. Pajhwok
POLITICAL
Nabil Blames NSC for Delay in Major Decisions
Rahmatullah Nabi, Former head of the National Directorate of Security, said that a “complicated environment” within the National Security Council (NSC) had resulted in a delay in making big decisions about important matters by government. He further said that the politicization of security agencies, lack of clear war strategy and political rifts among government leaders were the biggest challenges for the National Unity Government. Tolonews
Gen. Murad Appointed as Deputy Interior Minister for Security
The Afghan National Army Deputy Chief of Staff General Murad Ali Murad has been appointed as the deputy interior minister for security. He has been appointed for the post based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Interior and approval of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani. Khaama
Kabul Process can be a Platform for Talks with Taliban: President
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has said that the Afghan government would head the Kabul Process Conference and the platform would be used for talks with the Taliban and other armed groups. The Kabul Process would not be merely a formality but the platform would ensure durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and it would be a symbol of joint counter-terrorism efforts. Pajhwok
Peace Agreement with HIA may encourage other Groups to Reconcile: Ghani
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said that the success of peace agreement with Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) was made possible as a result of sincere efforts and strong commitments and hoped the agreement might encourage other rebel groups to join peace process. Pajhwok
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
No Combat Role for NATO Troops in Afghanistan: Stoltenberg
Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, said that the Afghan forces were professional and had the ability to shoulder full responsibility of security in their country. NATO troops would continue their assistance, advice and train mission and would not take part in battles. He further said that there was no question about NATO going into any combat operation in Afghanistan. Tolonews
Some Countries covertly helping Terrorist Networks: Jahid
Interior Minister Taj Mohammad Jahid has said that Militants with the support of some foreign countries were trying to capture some areas and block highways, an attempt they would never succeed in. He further said that insurgency inside Afghanistan sustained because they were supported from foreign countries. Pajhwok
