Weekly Afghanistan and Pakistan Monitor
November 8 to 14, 2024
Prepared by: Muhammad Israr
November 8, 2024
Afghanistan’s Food Crisis:
Afghanistan is facing severe food shortages, with millions experiencing malnutrition as winter approaches. This situation is exacerbated by Taliban policies that restrict aid and limit agricultural support. (The Afghan Times) Afghan Times
Women’s Rights:
Reports indicate ongoing repression of women’s rights, including bans on female education and restrictions on public participation, which further isolate women from essential services. (BBC News) bbc.com, (CNN) cnn.com.
Return of Afghan Refugees from Pakistan:
Afghanistan is struggling to accommodate thousands of Afghan nationals recently deported from Pakistan, which adds pressure to the existing humanitarian crises. (Khama Press) khamapress.com.
Clashes in Kurram District:
Tribal conflicts over a land dispute in Kurram district have resulted in 43 deaths and 177 injuries. Authorities are working to implement a ceasefire, but the area remains tense. The conflict has disrupted daily life, with major roads closed, causing significant hardships for residents. (The new international) The News International, (Khyber News) Khyber News
November 9, 2024
Security Concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Several attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) targeted Pakistani security forces in border areas. An ambush in North Waziristan led to the deaths of six soldiers, with further clashes causing additional casualties among both militants and soldiers. Another incident in Kurram district killed seven Pakistani soldiers, while a roadside bombing in Baluchistan resulted in three more deaths and injuries. Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, TTP has intensified its cross-border operations, prompting Pakistan to raise concerns with Afghan authorities about militant activity originating from Afghan territory. (Voice of America) Voice of America
November 10, 2024
Militant Attack in Khyber District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
In the Khyber district, Pakistani security forces faced a pre-dawn militant attack near the Afghanistan border. Several soldiers were killed, and injuries were reported on both sides. This escalation reflects ongoing cross-border tensions, with Pakistani forces combating militancy in the region. The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group claimed responsibility for this and other recent attacks. Pakistani authorities link the increase in violence to insurgents allegedly taking refuge in Afghanistan, a claim the Taliban administration denies. (Voice of America) Voice of America, RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
Casualties in Various Afghan Provinces:
Skirmishes between the Taliban and local factions in various provinces have led to additional casualties, although specific numbers are not detailed in international reports. (Voice of America) Voice of America
Deportation of Afghan Nationals from Türkiye:
Turkey recently deported hundreds of Afghan nationals, highlighting regional displacement issues exacerbated by Afghanistan’s economic and security instability. (Voice of America) Voice of America, Dawn
November 11, 2024
Militant Attack in Bajaur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Militants from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacked Pakistani soldiers near the Afghan border, killing three and injuring several others. Five militants were also killed in the clash, illustrating the ongoing cross-border threats that Pakistan attributes to Afghan-based militants with alleged support from the Afghan Taliban. Voice of America
Regional Security Concerns:
Afghanistan and neighboring countries, during a meeting in Moscow, expressed concerns about terrorism based in Afghanistan affecting regional stability. The Taliban, however, denies allowing militant groups to operate from its territory. Voice of America
November 12 2024
Pre-Dawn Attack in Khyber District:
Militants launched a pre-dawn attack on Pakistani military posts near the Afghan border in northwest Pakistan, resulting in an intense firefight. At least three Pakistani soldiers were killed, with over a dozen wounded. Pakistani forces repelled the assault, reportedly killing four assailants. This incident aligns with increased militant activity in the region, particularly by groups like the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction and the TTP. (Al Jazeera News) Al Jazeera, (Voice of America) Voice of America
Casualties in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan:
In Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, Taliban forces conducted counterterrorism operations targeting IS-K militants, resulting in multiple casualties. Afghan authorities report increased recruitment and attacks by IS-K, though the Taliban claims it is working to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a base for attacks on neighboring countries. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring hostile militants. Voice of America
Explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan:
An explosion in a densely populated area of Kabul resulted in civilian casualties, including children. Exact numbers are not yet available, but initial reports confirm multiple injuries. Security assessments attribute the incident to ISIS-Khorasan (IS-K), which has escalated its attacks in the region. RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
November 14, 2024
Flood-Related Fatalities in Afghanistan:
Severe flooding in Afghanistan has caused multiple deaths and extensive property damage, particularly in Faryab and Nangarhar provinces. Infrastructure, including key roads, has been severely impacted, isolating communities and complicating aid delivery. Authorities have requested urgent support to manage the crisis and prevent further losses amid ongoing rains. Afghan Times
Blast in Charsadda District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
On November 14, a blast occurred in Charsadda. Police report that a person blew himself up on a motorcycle, though it is unclear if it was a suicide bombing or another type of incident. Investigations are ongoing. VOA Deewa
Incident in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
A major incident took place last night in Tapi village, Miranshah, North Waziristan. A blast inside a house claimed the lives of six women, five of whom were young girls and siblings, and injured 14 others. The area is linked to the Jaish Umari faction of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. Reports indicate that Pakistan used a Shehpar drone in this operation, marking its first use in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with similar reports from Balochistan. VOA Deewa