Security
Nangarhar: Airstrikes kill ISIS militants in Achin district
On 31 October 2016, at least eleven militants associated with Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) were killed during a series of airstrikes in Janjal Shaga and Shaistagar areas of Achin district in Nangarhar province. Afghan and foreign security forces have recently intensified their operations against the ISIS associated militants in eastern Nangarharhar province, a stronghold of the militant outfit.[1]
Nangarhar: Civilians killed in suicide attack in Jalalabad city
On 31 October 2016, at least six people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated his suicide vest inside the residence of a tribal leader, while a meeting was underway there, in Jalalabad, the capital of Nanagarhar province. The tribal elders, who were targeted in the suicide attack, belonged to Pacher Agam district, a stronghold of ISIS in eastern Nangarhar province. According to government officials, ISIS might establish a caliphate after establishing stronghold in Tora Bora, an area located near the Pacher Agam district.[2]
Nangarhar: Security forces rescue civilians from ISIS prison
Afghan security forces, on 31 October 2016, rescued at least 19 civilians, including children, from a prison run by the militants associated with ISIS in Pacher Agam district of eastern Nangarhar province. The civilians were rescued during an operation conducted jointly by Afghan security forces. Afghan forces have, for the first time, released the civilian prisoners taken hostage by ISIS.[3]
Uruzgan: Airstrike kill dozens of Taliban militants in Chora district
On 31 October 2016, at least 70 militants were killed while about 80 others wounded in an airstrike targeting a gathering of Taliban militants at an abandoned army base located in Chora district of Uruzgan province. The Taliban militants captured the army base about two days ago during a coordinated attack in which the provincial capital was also reached at the brink to collapse in the hands of militant elements.[4]
Political
Herat: Selection of new mayor leads to disorder
The selection of new mayor has led to the sales of public properties as commercial plots which, in turn, has resulted in disorder in the municipality in the province of Herat. According to media reports, the municipality has illegally sold a number of public properties in Shaidai Township following the selection of the new mayor who belonged to an influential family.[5]
Kabul: Parliamentarians question the war strategy amid surge in violence
On 31 October 2016, the members of Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) questioned the government’s war strategy in the wake of growing violence across the country. The parliamentarians also questioned the capacity of the leadership of different security agencies. They called for summoning the security leadership in the house to brief on the security situation and answer the questions of parliamentarians.[6]
References
[1] “Gunships Target ISIS Loyalists in East of Afghanistan, 11 Killed,” Khaama Press, October 31, 2016. http://www.khaama.com/gunships-target-isis-loyalists-in-east-of-afghanistan-11-killed-02179
[2] “Suicide Attack Rocks Jalalabad City,” Khaama Press, October 31, 2016. http://www.khaama.com/suicide-attack-rocks-eastern-afghan-district-frequented-by-isis-fighters-02181
[3] “19 Afghan Civilians including Children Rescued from ISIS Prison,” Khaama Press, October 31, 2016. http://www.khaama.com/19-afghan-civilians-including-children-rescued-from-isis-prison-02182
[4] “70 Killed as Airstrike Target Taliban Gathering in Abandoned Afghan Army Base,” Khaama Press, October 31, 2016. http://www.khaama.com/70-killed-as-airstrike-target-taliban-gathering-in-abandoned-afghan-army-base-02183
[5] “New Herat Mayor Selection Leads to Disorder, Sale of Public Properties,” Khaama Press, October 31, 2016. http://www.khaama.com/new-herat-mayor-selection-leads-to-disorder-sale-of-public-properties-02185
[6] “MPs Question Govt’s War Strategy amid Deteriorating Security,” Tolo News, October 31, 2016. http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28093-mps-question-govts-war-strategy-amid-deteriorating-security
