Security
Jawzjan: Afghan women joins fight against militancy
As reported on 13 November 2016, a group of 45 women, including women with Uzbek and Aimaq backgrounds, have joined the fight against Taliban insurgents in northern Jawzjan province. The uprising against Taliban have emerged in order to curtail the mounting influence of insurgents in the northern areas in the province. A 53-year-old female militia commander, Zarmina, is leading the women fighters in their fight against militancy.[1]
Nangarhar: Aerial strike kills militants in Achin district
On 13 November 216, at least 23 militants associated with Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) were killed during an aerial strike in Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province. The Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed the casualties; however, it is unclear that if the aerial strike was conducted by Afghan security forces or by the US forces stationed in the country.[2]
Nangarhar: A group of Taliban joins peace process in Nangarhar
On 13 November 2016, a group of eleven Taliban surrendered its arms to join the peace process in eastern Nangarhar province. A high-ranking militant commander was also among those who joined the peace process.[3]
Kunar: Pakistan based terrorists arrested in Asdabad
On 13 November 2016, three terrorists, hailing from Bajaur agency of Pakistan, were arrested in Asadbad city, the provincial capital of eastern Kunar province. The arrestees were allegedly planning to join ISIS. The detentions came following the proclamation by a government official in Nangarhar province that majority of the ISIS militants were foreigners and that the residents of Orakzai agency in Pakistan were predominantly forming a majority in the group.[4]
Farah: Kidnapped child pleads to save him in a video release
In a video clip, released on 13 November 2016, a kidnapped child was shown pleading the authorities to release him. The child said, in the video release, that he was going to die, if not rescued.[5]
Balkh: German Consulate attack masterminded in Pakistan, says acting governor
On 13 November 2016, the acting governor of Balkh province, Mohammad Eshaq Sarwari, asserted that the attack on German Consulate, on 10 November 2016, was masterminded in Peshawar. The governor while referring to an arrested would-be suicide bomber that he confessed about his training in Peshawar. The arrestee, as asserted by Mr. Sarwari, was trained for two months to stage attack in Afghanistan.[6]
Kunduz: Key Taliban commander arrested during a security operation
On 13 November 2016, a key Taliban commander, named Bilal, was arrested during a search operation conducted in northern Kunduz province. No casualty was reported during the security operation.[7]
Political
Kabul: Parliament dismisses two ministers, Finance Minister secures vote of confidence
On 13 November 2016, Lower House of the Parliament, Wolesi Jirga, dismissed the ministers of education and aviation for not using 7- percent of the allocated budget to their department. However, the Finance Minister, Eklil Hakimi, secured vote of confidence in the parliament.[8]
References
[1] “Dozens of Afghan Women Join Fight against Taliban Insurgents,” Khaama Press, November 13, 2016. http://www.khaama.com/dozens-of-afghan-women-join-fight-against-taliban-insurgents-02266
[2] “23 ISIS Militants including 13 Foreigners Killed in Afghanistan,” Khaama Press, November 13, 2016. http://www.khaama.com/23-isis-militants-including-13-foreigners-killed-in-afghanistan-02268
[3] “11 Taliban Join Peace Process in Nangarhar,” Pajhwok Afghan News, November 13, 2016. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/security-crime
[4] “3 Pakistani Terrorists Arrested before Joining ISIS in Afghanistan,” Khaama Press, November 13, 2016. http://www.khaama.com/3-pakistani-terrorists-arrested-before-joining-isis-in-afghanistan-02270
[5] “I am Dying, Please Save Me, Says Kidnapped Child,” Pajhwok Afghan News, November 13, 2016. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/security-crime
[6] “Attack on German Consulate Masterminded in Pakistan,” Tolo News, November 13, 2016. http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28319-attack-on-german-consulate-masterminded-in-pakistan
[7] “Taliban Commander Arrested in Kunduz Operation,” Tolo News, November 13, 2016. http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28313-taliban-commander-arrested-in-kunduz-operation
[8] “Finance Minister Secure Vote of Confidence, 2 Ministers Dismissed,” Khaama Press, November 13, 2016. http://www.khaama.com/finance-minister-secure-vote-of-confidence-education-minister-dismissed-02269
