8am: The dismissal of the department’s experienced and professional staff and the appointment of Taliban members to these positions have provoked a sharp reaction among some citizens and civil activists in Herat. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Warns Media Not to Publish Rumors
8am: The intelligence department of the Taliban acting government has said that the media outlets should not spread false news and baseless rumors. The remarks came after reports of persecution and detention of female protesters in Kabul by the Taliban. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – January 20, 2022
Taliban Turns Insurgents Into Commandos As It Builds ‘Fully Capable’ Army
Taliban leaders are working on turning their insurgent forces into a modern, standing army equipped with U.S.-made military gear that was seized during their takeover of Afghanistan in August. About 150 Taliban fighters recently graduated from commando training in Khost Province. With the exception of advanced aircraft, the Taliban has shown it can operate and maintain a lot of its new military hardware. A new Taliban army could eventually pose a challenge to Afghanistan’s neighbors.
Daikundi’s Education Staff Forced to Grow Beard and Wear Turban
Daikundi
8am: “From now on, do not shave your beards, and put on a hat or a turban, and the females must wear hijab,” according to a statement issued by the Daikundi Department of Education. If the employees disobey the order, they will be dealt with legally, the statement stressed. Click here to read more (external link).
At Least Four Shot Dead In Eastern Afghanistan
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
January 19, 2022
A Taliban commander and three other people were killed when a man opened fire on a vehicle in Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar Province, a local Taliban official said on January 19.
The incident occurred in the Narang district of Kunar, the Taliban director of information and culture in the province, Mawlawi Najibullah, told the media.
Another nine people were wounded, Najibullah said, adding that the attacker had escaped to a civilian house and when the owner had denied him shelter, he killed him too.
The attacker was detained after being wounded and police are investigating the case, he said.
A local elder put the number of dead at six, including four Taliban members.
The elder said the attacker had switched allegiance from the Taliban to the Islamic State (IS) group in the past.
“He opened fire on the car with a machine gun,” the elder said.
IS, which is active in eastern Afghanistan, has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August.
The Taliban and IS have been fighting each other since the latter emerged in Afghanistan in early 2015.
Based on reporting by dpa and Etleaks.com
Copyright (c) 2022. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036.
1TV Afghanistan Dari News – January 19, 2022
Kamal Khan Dam’s floodgates opened, sending water to Iran
Dam in Afghanistan (file photo)
Ariana: Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Special Representative of the President for Afghanistan’s Affairs, meanwhile told Tasnim news: “I express my appreciation for the fulfillment of the promise made by the esteemed IEA [Taliban] officials to release Water right of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the Kamal Khan Dam.” Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan beats Papua New Guinea by 135 Runs at U19 ICC World Cup
Ariana: Afghanistan’s national Under-19 team were on form on Tuesday night when they took on Papua New Guinea in the West Indies in their first match of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2022. With a massive victory against their Group C opponents, the Afghan team, which won by 135 runs, will now be hoping to build a winning run in the tournament. Click here to read more (external link).
US unlikely to return Afghan helicopters parked in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan: Kirby
Kirby
Ariana: Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said on Tuesday the US government was still dealing with the issue of Afghan helicopters parked in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan but indicated the aircraft would not be returned to Afghanistan. Addressing a press conference, Kirby said: “We’re still working out the — the disposition of — of those helicopters. “I think it’s safe to assume that they will not be sent into Afghanistan to be at — to be used by the Taliban (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan). Click here to read more (external link).