Security
Kabul: Explosion causes causalities in Kabul City
A bomb targeted an Afghan National Army (ANA) vehicle which left one solider dead. The incident took place in Kabul on 23October 2016. The driver of the vehicle sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. No militants group has so far claimed responsibility of the incident.[1]
Kunar: Clash between Taliban and Security Forces Causes Casualties in Noorgul
On 23October 2016, Taliban insurgents attacked a police check post in Noorgul district of Kunar province in which 14 Taliban insurgents and two policemen were killed while two policemen were wounded.[2]
Farah: Airstrikes cause 35 insurgent causalities
On 23October 2016, at least 24 insurgents were killed and 11 others wounded as Afghan forces recaptured Ganahgan area in Farah city. Security forces targeted militants with airstrikes in Ganahkan and Raj localities of the provincial capital. According to the Governor’s spokesman, the area has been cleared of militants.[3]
Helmand: Taliban Film Nawa Suicide Attack on Drone Camera
The Taliban militants have filmed a suicide attack in the Nawa district of Helmand province on a drone camera they allegedly received from a foreign spy network, the governor’s office claimed on 23October, 2016. According to statement, the Taliban have received the drones from outside intelligence agencies and are using these for operational purposes.[4]
Kabul: Daesh attempting to establish Caliphate in Afghanistan – Nicholson
General John Nicholson, head of the Resolute Support (RS) Mission commander in Afghanistan, stated on 23 October 2016 that though the so-called Islamic State Khorasan (ISK) was principally a non-Afghan organization which did not find support among the Afghan people, but were focused on establishing caliphate inside the country. Nicholson further said that the U.S. had seen many foreign fighters joining the Islamic State in Afghanistan, particularly Uzbeks from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and Pashtuns from the Pakistani Taliban.[5]
Faryab: Taliban attack on Dostum’s Compound thwarted
On 23October 2016, the security forces foiled a Taliban attack near the compound of Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum in Ghormach district of Faryab province. Taliban were forced to flee from the area after an operation was launched and the group’s militants suffered casualties. No further details were given regarding the exact number of Taliban casualties in the gun battle. Taliban have conducted similar attacks against Abdul Rashid Dostum in the past, which failed too.[6]
Political
Kabul: Abdullah Abdullah Addresses a Press Conference After His Trip To Saudi Arabia
On 23 October 2016, Abdullah Abdullah, the CEO of the National Unity Government (NUG) said, at a press conference after his trip to Saudi Arabia, that most of the Taliban leaders are based in Pakistan. “Taliban’s trip to Pakistan is not new because they are there and carry out all their activities from there,” said Abdullah Abdullah. Regarding the government’s secret peace talks with the Taliban in Qatar, Abdullah said: “I don’t know details over the government’s peace talks with Taliban in Qatar.”[7]
Socio-Economic
Kabul: Eklil Hakimi Addresses a senate Session, Talking about Development Budget
Minister of Finance Eklil Hakimi on 23 October, 2016 told members of the Meshrano Jirga (Upper House of Parliament) that majority of ministries this year failed to spend more than 35 percent of their development budget.[8]
UNAMA report finds settling water disputes, key to economic growth and avoiding conflict
23 October 2016: The demand for water to support agricultural development in conflict-plagued Afghanistan often results in high-stakes water disputes, according to a new report released by United Nations, which underscores the need for more effective and transparent means of resolving the differences. Tadamichi Yamamoto, Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the country said in a news release, “As this report clearly outlines, the stakes involved in water disputes are high.”[9]
[1] “Explosion in Kabul city leaves one person wounded”, Khaama, October 23, 2016, http://www.khaama.com/explosion-in-kabul-city-leaves-one-person-wounded-02127
[2]“14 Taliban Insurgents Killed And Wounded In Kunar Clash”, ToloNews, October 23, 2016, http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/27951-14-taliban-insurgents-killed-and-wounded-in-kunar-clash
[3] Mohammad Humayon Zahin,”24 militants killed, 11 wounded in Farah airstrikes”, Pajhwok, October 23, 2016, http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2016/10/23/24-militants-killed-11-wounded-farah-airstrikes
[4] Faridullah Hussainkhail, ”Taliban Using Camera Drones In Helmand”, ToloNews, October 23, 2016, http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/27949-taliban-using-camera-drones-in-helmand
[5] Faridullah Hussainkhail.”Daesh Trying To Establish Caliphate In Afghanistan: Nicholson”, ToloNews, October 23, 2016, http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/27966-daesh-trying-to-establish-caliphate-in-afghanistan-nicholson
[6] “Taliban attack foiled near Vice President Dostum’s compound in Faryab”, Khaama, October 23, 2016, http://www.khaama.com/taliban-attack-foiled-near-vice-president-dostums-compound-in-faryab-02131
[7] “Taliban based in Pakistan, leaders trip to Islamabad not new: Abdullah”, Khaama, October 23, 2016, http://www.khaama.com/taliban-based-in-pakistan-leaders-trip-to-islamabad-not-new-abdullah-02128
[8] Gulabudin Ghubar, “Senators Concerned as Ministries Fail to Spend Development Budget”, ToloNews, October 23, 2016, http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/27957-senators-concerned-as-ministries-fail-to-spend-development-budget
[9] “Water Rights is Key to Economic Growth in Afghanistan: UNAMA”, ToloNews, October 23, 2016, http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/27953-water-rights-is-key-to-economic-growth-in-afghanistan-unama
