Afghan Weekly (Nov 18 – Nov 24, 2016)

This week witnessed another deadly attack claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria targeting a Shia mosque, Baqir-ul-Ulum Mosque, in the Kabul city, killing over 32 people while wounding 85.[1] In a press release by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Pakistan conveyed profound condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayers for early recovery of the injured. Reiterating its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations, the Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment for continued efforts and cooperation for eliminating the menace of terrorism.[2] The US State Department, also, condemned the attack on the mosque in the strongest possible terms, affirming the US’ support to Afghanistan,[3] while the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, condemned the attack, endorsing India’s support to Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism.[4] Other highlights of this week’s security, internal politics, international engagements and socio-economic developments in Afghanistan follow below.

A Security Overview

25 Insurgents, 8 Security Forces Killed in Separate Incidents – November 19, 2016

At least 13 insurgents were killed and 17 others wounded in Afghan security forces’ ground operations and air strikes in Sar-e-Pul province.[5]

Taliban Commander Killed in Badakhshan Attack – November 19, 2016

Rahm Khuda, a Taliban commander was killed in an attack on a security check post in north-eastern Badakhshan province on 19th November’s night, local officials said.[6]

14 Insurgents Killed in Joint Operations

Fourteen insurgents were killed in several operation around the country in the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement early 20^th November. According to the statement the operations were carried out by the Afghan National Army and National Directorate of Security (NDS) members in Laghman, Uruzgan, Helmand, Paktiya, Maidan Wardak and Nangarhar provinces. “As a result 14 armed militants were killed, 10 were wounded and eight others were arrested by joint forces,” the statement read.[7]

Winter Operation to be Launched Monday – November 20, 2016

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) on November 20 said they are ready to launch the “Second Shafaq” operation from Monday in eastern Nangarhar province in order to eliminate the Taliban’s safe havens and cut off their supply routes. “Tomorrow an operation under the name of Second Shafaq will be launched in which security forces will target insurgents’ supply routes, their recruitment places and the areas where they gather,” said Mohammad Radmanesh, spokesman for the MoD. [8]

Prominent Taliban leader ‘Zarqawi’ killed in East of Afghanistan – November 22, 2016

A prominent Taliban leader identified as Majid Zarqawi was killed during an operation by the Afghan security forces against the Taliban insurgents in eastern Laghman province of Afghanistan along with his two companions on November 22.[9]

3 militants arrested in Laghman disguised as refugees returning from Peshawar – November 22, 2016

A group of three militants disguised among the refugees returning from Peshawar were arrested in eastern Laghman province of Afghanistan. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said the militants belonged to Taliban group were on their way to Laghman for coordinating attacks November 22.[10]

Taliban’s explosives expert arrested in Nangarhar province – November 22, 2016

The Afghan security forces arrested the explosives expert of the Taliban group in eastern Nanarhar province of Afghanistan on November 22.[11]

Afghan Air Force to get bomb building, weapons storage facilities in Mazar – November 22, 2016

The Afghan Air Force (AAF) is expecting to get bomb building and weapons storage facilities in Mazar-e-Sharif, the provincial capital of northern Balkh province of Afghanistan stated on November 22. The US Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) said a loading area for aircraft is also in the plan with the construction work expected to kick off in December.[12]

3 ISIS loyalists arrested in Jalalabad city by Afghan police forces – November 23, 2016

A group of three people were arrested by the Afghan police forces in Jalalabad city during a special military operation. They were suspected to have links with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group.[13]

8 militants killed in an airstrike in Helmand province – November 23, 2016

Eight militants were killed in an airstrike in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) reported on November 23. MoD further added that the airstrike was carried out during the clearance operation and, as a result, at least 13 militants were also wounded.[14]

Several Afghan soldiers rescued a year after kidnapped by Taliban – November 23, 2016

Several soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) forces abducted by the Taliban militants were rescued in northern Faryab province on November 23. MoD further added that the soldiers were kidnapped a year ago after a helicopter belonging to the Afghan army made an emergency landing in Pashtunkot. No further details were given regarding the exact number of the soldiers rescued and circumstances surrounding their release.[15]

Terrorists Trying To Sow Seed Of Sectarianism: Mohaqeq

The CEO’s second deputy, Mohammad Mohaqeq, said on November 23 that terrorists are trying to create sectarian conflict between the Shias and Sunnis in Afghanistan and that inclusive security measures are needed so as to prevent a repeat of Monday’s deadly mosque bombing in Kabul.[16]

Afghan intelligence warned US twice before deadly Bagram attack

The United States Department of State confirmed ten days ago that two US soldiers and two US contractors were killed in the suicide attack in Bagram airfield. It has been reported that the Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), warned the US military at least twice before a deadly attack in Bagram airbase. Government and security sources told Reuters that the western forces were alerted regarding a possible suicide attack by an employee working in the base. The officials further added that the Afghan intelligence had sought information regarding the employees of the base to check for suspicious people but the request was rejected.[17]

Internal Politics & Governance

Electoral Commissioners Sworn In

The new commissioners for Afghanistan’s electoral bodies – the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the Independent Election Complaints Commission (IECC) – were announced on November 22 during an oath-taking ceremony in Kabul. Addressing guests at the ceremony, President Ashraf Ghani said elections are the only solution for a peaceful transition of power and that only votes determine power transition. He said the selection committee scrutinized documents for 700 nominees and 21 had been shortlisted for the two election bodies. Ghani went on to thank CEO Abdullah Abdullah for his role in the process. In turn, Abdullah thanked Ghani and said it was a historic day for Afghanistan and that electoral reforms were a fundamental goal of the NUG. He said: “I am thankful to Allah that today we achieved this goal.”[18]

Afghan Taliban News

Taliban mulls peace talks resumption, condemn Ghani for seeking UN sanctions

The Taliban militants group leadership is mulling to resume peace talks with the foreign stakeholders and the Afghan government, it was reported on November 24. The officials in Taliban’s political office in Qatar have informed regarding the possible resumption of peace talks. “We are now exploring the options for talks with foreign stakeholders, as well as with the Afghan side,” a Taliban leader has told The Express Tribune in an interview from Qatar. The Taliban leader further added “It will be a national level decision. The consultation process was strong. The Taliban military commanders, who had not been on-board earlier, have also been taken into confidence. I would say the consultation process was initiated at the grassroots level this time,” he said.

He rejected the notion that the Taliban want a military solution to the Afghan problem. “We want a non-military solution,” he added. Condemning President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s recent move to seek UN sanctions on Taliban chief Maulvi Haibatullah, the Taliban leader said “We think that the Kabul administration’s efforts are aimed at creating hurdles in the way of peace. We view such acts as anti-peace. It seems the government leaders do not show sincerity in the political process,” he said.[19]

Economy & Development

US increases its contribution to $207 million for Afghan humanitarian response

The United States increased its contribution to $207 by pledging a new aid package of $39 million to Afghan human humanitarian response on November 24. “The United States is pleased to announce that it is providing over $39 million to meet the extraordinary needs of Afghan refugees returning to Afghanistan. This brings the total U.S. contribution to the Afghan humanitarian response to more than $207 million since the beginning of FY 2016,” a statement by the State Department said.[20]

International Engagements

Meshrano Jirga Approves Draft Accord on Chabahar Port

The Meshrano Jirga (Upper House of Parliament) on November 20 approved a draft agreement for Chabahar Port – which determines the details of using the port for transit of goods to and from Afghanistan.[21]

China increases funds for Afghanistan housing project by CNY 1 billion

China has increased the budget for the Afghanistan housing project by Chinese Yuan (CNY) 1 billion, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing announced on November 22. Previously, China had pledged CNY 500 million for the housing project to be built in Kabul, consisting 10,000 housing units.[22]

Women in Afghanistan

90% Of Women In Rural Areas Can’t Read Or Write

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) director and representative in Afghanistan, Patricia McPhillips, on November 19 said 90 percent of women and 63 percent of men in the country’s villages are not able to read or compute.[23]

Minister of Women’s Affair Dilbar Nazari, President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah speak out about violence against women

The Minister of Women’s Affairs Dilbar Nazari said on November 23 that the ministry is intending to introduce 10 women to Afghan Ulema Council. Speaking during a ceremony to mark the International Day for the elimination of violence against women, Minister Nazari said the Afghan women continue to face issues despite numerous projects have been implemented to improve the condition of the women. She urged for the censorship of the identities of the victims of violence against women, specifically those facing sexual violence and are raped. In the meantime, Chief Executive Abdullah said the persistent violence against women will bar them from providing care to their family and children. President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in his turn said the issue of violence against women is serious and called on the Afghan people to start a campaign in elimination of violence against women, emphasizing that the issue is against the Islamic teachings and law.[24]

The women entrepreneurs’ expo official opened in Kabul on 23^rd November with dozens of products on display at 35 booths.

This is the second year the expo is being held. Qurban Haqjo, deputy minister of commerce and industry (MoCI), said at the opening that a lot has been invested in promoting women but still, their full potential has not been harnessed. He added that women can play a sturdy role in the growth of the economy and said government should provide them with access to permanent markets through promotional programs.[25]

Taliban militants abduct 2 female teachers in Ghor province

The Taliban insurgents have abducted two female teachers in central Ghor province of Afghanistan, local officials said on November 24. Both the Taliban insurgents and loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group are actively operating in a number of the remote districts of Ghor province. The ISIS loyalists killed over 30 civilians after abducting them in this province earlier this month and abducted 6 more civilians few days later.[26]

This weekly is compiled by Sitwat Waqar Bokhari who is a Research Fellow at CRSS.

Sources:

[1] http://www.khaama.com/isis-claims-responsibility-behind-kabul-mosque-bombing-that-left-32-dead-02331

[2] https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2016/11/pakistan-condemns-suicide-attack-in-kabul/

[3] http://www.khaama.com/us-reaffirm-strong-support-to-afghanistan-after-deadly-kabul-attack-02335

[4] http://www.khaama.com/kabul-attack-modi-says-india-stands-with-afghanistan-in-its-fight-against-terrorism-02334

[5] www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28422-25-insurgents-8-security-forces-killed-in-separate-incidents

[6] http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28436-taliban-commander-killed-in-badakhshan-attack

[7] http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28434-14-insurgents-killed-in-joint-operations

[8] http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28439-winter-operation-to-be-launched-monday

[9] http://www.khaama.com/prominent-taliban-leader-zarqawi-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02333

[10] http://www.khaama.com/3-militants-arrested-in-laghman-disguised-as-refugees-returning-from-peshawar-02336