The News (Nigeria): The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said five members of its staff have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province. Ramin Ahmad, Spokesman for ICRC in Afghanistan, said on Thursday in Kabul that the five local employees were taken away on Tuesday. He said that the incident had caused the Red
Press TV February 16, 2016 A series of militant attacks have claimed the lives of dozens of soldiers and policemen across the southern province of Helmand over the past three days. Local Afghan officials said on Tuesday that at least 18 soldiers were killed during clashes with the Taliban militants in Sangin and Musa Qalah
Khaama Press: While talking to a gathering in western Herat province, Ismail Khan said that government has failed to maintain security and therefore it should adopt changes in the rankings of security institutions. The former Jihadi leader did not go into specifics but warned government that the situation would worsen if it does not implement a draft
RT: The Taliban has continued to grow as it increases the tempo of its military operations, which have become far more effective in gaining control of territory all across the country, says Gareth Porter, investigative historian and journalist. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News: Speaking at a gathering marking the 27th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, Sayyaf urged government to give the Mujahedeen a part in defending the country in order to help thwart threats against the political system and the country. Sayyaf said that if the government does not allow the Mujahedeen to help
Michael Hughes: Kabul attempting to negotiate with the Taliban is a worthwhile endeavor for symbolic purposes alone, not to mention the brute fact the war will never end if parties to the conflict never communicate. With that being said, however, expectations should be set that striking a peace deal is highly unlikely in the current environment,
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty February 14, 2016 Bruce Pannier The situation in northern Afghanistan, in areas along the border with Central Asia, has been deteriorating for more than two years now. Local officials, military officials, and residents of the northern provinces admit there are districts near or at the border of Central Asia that are
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty February 14, 2016 The outgoing U.S. commander of international forces in Afghanistan says U.S. forces will not return to an active role fighting the Taliban. General John Campbell said there would be no change to the U.S. mission despite the likelihood of another difficult year of combat. U.S. Special Forces assisting
Antiwar.com: The claim is extremely light on evidence, centering on Russia’s report back in December that they’ve shared ISIS intelligence with the Taliban, and anecdotal claims that a lot of the Taliban seem to have newer-looking AK-47 rifles. Click here to read more (external link).
Albawaba: Security personnel rescued dozens of passengers from militants in northern Faryab province, officials claimed on Saturday, Pajhwok reports. More than 50 passengers, travelling from Maimana to Kabul, were disembarked from three buses in Shekhha area on Friday evening, the Daulatabad district chief, Col. Naimatullah Tofan, told Pajhwok Afghan News. Click here to read more (external