STATE PAO: AFGHAN EVENING NEWS CLIPS 15 AUGUST 2015

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06708887
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• Document Page Count: 49
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2022
• Document Release Date: September 19, 2018
• Case Number: F-2017-02575
• Publication Date: August 15, 2015

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COUNTRY: AFGHANISTAN, UNITED STATES
SUBJ: (u/rreuca.. STATE FAQ: AFGHAN EVENING NEWS CLIPS 15 AUGUST
2015
SOURCE: Kabul US Embassy Public Affairs Office in
English 15 Aug 15
(U/ U0
TEXT:
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Executive Summary
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Government
to the OSC usage
While Western media coverage of Afghanistan was largely absent
during
the .day Saturday, Pajhwok Afghan News reported that a number of
Afghans living in the United States had held an anti-Pakistan
protest
in .front of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, calling for the
immediate stop to the "killing of innocent Afghans." Mohammad
Shafiq
Hamdam, a protester and civil society activist, told the outlet
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that
dozens of protesters, including Afghans and Americans, chanted
anti-Pakistan slogans while carrying signs saying "ISI and Pak Army
should not intervene in Afghanistan."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying was quoted in a
press release *as saying that Beijing has always supported an
"Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" reconciliation process and would
continue to cooperate closely with all parties until peace and
reconciliation are achieved. "It is hoped that all parties would
stick to the right direction, build up confidence and determination
on the peace talk, and make continuous efforts to. achieve lasting
peace in Afghanistan," the statement read. It also commended the
important role played by the relevant parties, and Pakistan in
particular, in pushing forward with the peace talks.
Pakistan's The Nation relayed comments by U.S. scholar Dr Kenneth
Holland, head of the Center for International Development at Ball
State University of Muncie in Indiana, who stated that Washington's
aid level to Pakistan would change with the reduction of U.S.
engagement in Afghanistan. Speaking at the Strategic Vision
Institute
(SVI), an Islamabad-based think tank, Holland noted that Pakistan
and
the U.S. were now focused on transforming their relationship from
aid
to trade, saying, "Both countries agree that greater trade between
the United States and Pakistan is desirable." He discussed
Pakistan's
preparations to support this transformation, saying that Islamabad
had taken steps to promote trade and investment in a friendly
environment, particularly in its energy sector. On the escalating
tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, Holland said, "The US does
not
share Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's new hostile attitude towards
Pakistan," which he attributed to. the increase in insurgent attacks
that have led to higher civilian casualties.
Abdul Ghafoor Hotak, youth director at the Department of
Information
and Culture in Kunduz Province, told Pajhwok Afghan News that a
large
number of educated Afghans-. had taken up arms against the government
due to the lack of employment opportunities in the province. "I
know
people who were member of the youth department for three years and
had university degrees as well. When our efforts to find them jobs
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did not bear any fruit they had no choice but to join the
insurgents," Hotak said. He cautioned that the security situation
in
the province would continue to deteriorate unless the government
implemented practical measures to reduce the rate of unemployment.
After video of the public beating. of a lather and his daughter
attracted wide attention on social media. and local television, the
Ministry of Interior said in a statement on Saturday that five
people
were arrested in Sar-e-Pul Province for their role 'in the incident.
"The father and daughter were beaten by the village resident after
a
fortune teller accused them of robbery," the statement said. In
Badakhshan Province, police officials said that a woman and her
husband were "brutally- killed" in front of their children by
Taliban
militants after they discovered that she was a policewoman working
at
the police headquarters in Shuhada district. In other security
developments, Khaama Press reported that 10 civilians who were
abducted by unknown gunmen three days ago in Ghazni's Qara Bagh
district were released. Governor spokesman Shafiq Nang said that
local elders played an important role in securing the release of
the
hostages.
Other Top News Today
"AAF MD-530 'Jengi' helicopter flies over Afghanistan":, Captain
Cory
Fale, helicopter pilot and MD-530 advisor at Train, Advise, Assist
Command-Air (TAAC-Air), praised Afghan pilots for successfully
debuting MD-530 helicopters in Nangarhar Province. "The addition of
armed MD-530s to the Afghan Air Force is pivotal following the
January 2015 reduction in coalition airpower," Fale said, adding,
"It
was great seeing the pride beaming from the Afghan aircrews as they
climbed out of their helicopters from their first combat mission."-
Pajhwok Afghan News 15 August 2015
"Ministry of Defense says 199 insurgents killed, wounded in two
days": The Ministry of Defense said in a statement that 199
militants
were killed and wounded in military operations carried across the
country over the past 48 hours. The statement added that 13 Afghan
National Army soldiers were also killed during these opeTations.
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-Khaama Press 15 August 2015
"91 Insurgents Killed, 34 Villages Cleared, in Nangarhar": A police
official in Nangarhar Province said that 91 insurgents were killed
in
a large-scale military operation that was carried-out by security
personnel in Hesarak, Sherzad and: Khoghyani districts. He added
that
-five soldiers and one policeman were wounded in the operation.
-TOLOnews 15 August 2015'
Table of Contents
Top News
Afghan police arrest five over public beating video 7 Reuters
15 August 2015
Kabul -- Afghan police arrested.five people near the northern town
of
Sar-e-Pul on Saturday after they were filmed beating a man and his
daughter accused of-robbery by a village fortune teller, the
interior
ministry said.
A video of the brutal public beating, which shows a man hitting a
young woman repeatedly with a large stick while a crowd looks on,
attracted wide attention on social media and local television.
The assault occurred earlier this month after a resident, of Thughi
village near Sar-e-Pul suffered a robbery and consulted 0 fortune
teller to identify the culprit.
"The father and daughter were beaten by the Village resident after
a
fortune teller accused them of. robbery," the, interior ministry
statement said. .
In May, film of a young .woman being beaten to death' by a mob in
Kabul ,
after she was wrongly accused of burning a Koran caused global
outrage and underlined the vulnerable position Of many women in
Afghanistan.
(Reporting by Mirwais Harooni; Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing
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Afghans in Washington hold anti-Pakistan protest - Pajhwok Afghan
News
By Javed Hamim Kakar
15 August 2015
Kabul -- Afghans living in the United States have held anti-
Pakistan
protest and called for immediate steps to stop further bloodshed of
Afghans.
Mohammad Shafiq Hamdam, a protester and civil society activist,
told
Pajhwok Afghan News that dozens of protesters, including Afghans
and
Americans, chanted anti- Pakistan slogans on the eve of Pakistan
Independence Day in Washington,
.The protest was held in front of Pakistani Embassy in Washington
The protesters carrying" placards inscribed with "1ST and Pak Army
should not intervene in Afghanistan and stop killing of innocent
Afghans," Hamdard added.
Sulaiman, another protester, said Afghans couldn't tolerate further
bloodshed of Afghans since Taliban were Pakistan's puppets who
killed
international troops in connivance of Pakistan.
Several Americans also chanted slogans against Pakistan and accused
Islamabad of supporting terrorists.
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Diplomatic News
China supports Afghan peace talks, commends Pakistan's role - Daily
Times (Pakistan)
15 August 2015
Islamabad --'China has always stood for the 'Afghan-led and
Afghan-owned' reconciliation process, believing that the peace talk
was the realistic way out to solve Afghanistan issue.
A press release on Saturday, quoting Chinese Foreign Ministry
spokesperson Hua Chunying's remarks about Afghanistan'
reconciliation
process, said that China encouraged and supported the peace talks
between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
It also commended the important role played by the relevant parties
and Pakistan in particular., in pushing fOrward the :peace talks.
"It is hoped that all parties would stick to the right direction,
build up confidence and determination on the peace talk, and make
continuous efforts to achieve lasting peace in Afghanistan," it
added.
According to the statement, the Chinese side is ready to cooperate
closely with all parties, and will continue to play a Constructive
role in realising broad-based and inclusive peace and
reconciliation
in Afghanistan.
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China favours role in Afghan peace talks, appreciates Pakistan's
efforts - Dawn (Pakistan)
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15 August 2015
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A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday said that the
country is in favour of playing a constructive role in
Afghanistan's
peace and reconciliation process, said a report on the government
news service Xinhua.
The statements by spokesperson Hua Chunying come after recent
terrorist attacks in Afghanistan which may put a damper on
reconciliation efforts.
Hua said that China is consistent in its support for the "Afghan-
led
and Afghan-owned" reconciliation process, mentioning China's
support
for peace.ta1ks between the Afghan Taliban and Afghan government.
The spokesperson also noted Pakistan's significant role in the
peace
talks and said that China hopes that those involved in the talks
continue to make efforts to ensure peace in Afghanistan.
Pakistan last month hosted inaugural talks between the Afghan
government and the Taliban, who are fighting to re-establish
hard-line Islamist rule more than 13 years after the US-led
military
intervention that toppled their regime.
Many in Afghanistan accuse Pakistan of being host to Taliban bases
that are used to plan attacks such as the bombings over the
weekend.
Pakistan, which faces its own Taliban insurgency, denies that it
has
actively allowed its territory to be used in this way.
"Our priority of course is reconciliation," Adviser to the Prime
Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz had
said.
Three attacks last week shocked Kabul in their scope and brutality.
A
truck bomb exploded early Friday morning, flattening a city block
and -
killing 15 people and wounding 240 as they slept, authorities said.
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Hours later, a suicide bomber killed at least 20 cadets outside a
police academy, while another 10 people died in an attack on a
military camp Used by US Army Special Forces. On Monday, an attack
near Kabul's airport killed five people.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for most of the attacks.
Meanwhile, fighting in Baghlan between Afghan forces and the
Taliban
has killed two police officers, said Jaweed Basharat, the
provincial
police spokesman. He said the fighting in the'Dahana-I-Ghori
district
began on Tuesday.
The Taliban, who regularly exaggerate their claims, issued a
statement, claiming a much higher police casualties figure.
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peace-L -
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RS-NATO News
AAF MD-530 'Jengi' helicopter flies over Afghanistan - Pajhwok
Afghan
News
15 August 2015
Kabul -- Afghan Air Force (AAF) MD-530 helicopters made a
successful
combat debut against insurgents in Nangarhar province as Afghan
National Defense and. Security Forces continue cleating the
districts
of Khogyani, Sherzad and Hisarak -districts, a statement said on
Saturday.
The MD-530 Warrior, or "Jengi" in Dan, is the newest in the. Afghan
Air Force's arsenal, providing air power to support the ANDSF. The
"Jengi" is designed for high altitude and hot weather operations.
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"The addition of armed MD-580s to the Afghan Air Force is pivotal
following the January 2015 'reduction in coalition airpower," said
Capt. Cory Fale, helicopter pilot and MD-530 advisor at Train,
Advise, Assist Command-Air (TAAC-Air). "It was great seeing the
pride
beaming from the Afghan aircrews as they climbed Out of their
helicopters from their first combat mission." :
Fale, a UH-1N Huey helicopter pilot from F.E. War ren Air Force
Base,
Wyoming, said his role as a TAAC-Air advisor during operations was
to
assist with planning, mitigate risk, debrief aircrews and
coordinate
with TAAC-East advisors in support of the AAF and ANDSF missions.
"The MD-530 was the insurgent's number One concern in Nangarhar,"
he
said. The delivery of the first six armed MD-530 helicopters
occurred
in March 2015. By early 2016, the AAF will have 16 in their
inventory.
The MD-530 is a close-air attack aircraft. Adding to the growing
Afghan Air Force, it provides critical offensive air-to-ground
capability. Each MD-530 is armed With two HMP,400 .50-caliber
machine
gun pods, which enables Afghan pilots to effectively engage the
enemy.
To accommodate the extra weight of the equipment, the helicopters
were upgraded with high-capacity landing gear, allowing take-off
and
landing with a maximum weight of 3,750 pound (1,700, kg) through the
incorporation of jettisonable external stores.
In coordination with Afghan Air Liaison Officers embedded with
ANDSF,
"jengi" pilots can bring firepower to bear on the enemies of the
Government of Islamic 'Republic of Afghanistan, Fale said.
"The MD-530 is highly maneuverable and makes for a very small
target," he said. "The helicopter, in conjunction with coalition
trained Afghan aircrews, brings the ANDSF the capability to execute
reconnaissance, security, escOrt, close air attack, and aerial
interdiction missions." .
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MD-530 makes successful combat debut in Nangarhar - Khaama Press
15 August 2015
The MD-530 Warrior, locally known as "Jengi" has made a Successful
combat debut against militants in eastern Nangarhar province.
Capt. Cory Fale, helicopter pilot and MD-530 advisor at Train,
Advise, Assist Command-Air (TAAC-Air) of NATO's' Resolute Support
mission said that MD-530 was the number one concern for insurgents
during the Nangarhar mission.
"The MD-530 was the insurgent's number one concern in Nangarhar,"
he
said, adding that, "It was great seeing the pride beaming from the
Afghan aircrews as they climbed out of their helicopters from their
first combat mission."
MD-530 Warrior is a close-air attack. aircraft and it has been newly
added to the arsenal of the Afghan Air Force. It is designed for
high
altitude and hot weather operations.
"The addition of armed MD-530s to the Afghan. Air Force is pivotal
following the January 2015 reduction in coalition'airpower," Capt. .
Fale added.
Afghanistan received six MD-530 aircrafts at the first quarter of
current year and it will have a total of, 16 of them by early 2016.
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Kidnapped a day earlier, 10 individuals freed in Ghazni - Pajhwok
Afghan News
By Saifullah Maftoon
15 August 2015
Ghazni City -- Ten kidnapped people have been released in the
Jaghatu
district of southern Ghazni province, an official said on Saturday.
Unidentified gunmen abducted a dozen individuals. on Friday but two
of
them managed to. escaped from their captors custody.
Shafiq.Nang, the governor's spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News
that
local elders played an important tole in the release of the 10
individuals.
Provincial council member Hassan Raza Yousafi saidC"Ten abducted
persons from Hazara.cpmmunity have reached their homes safe and
sound."
Yousafi said: "Civilians and government officials have been
kidnapped
on the route several times.. The government .should immediately
control
the situation."
Zafar Sharif, a resident of the locality, 'Confirmed the releases
and
said that they got free at around 8: 00pm and had reached homes.
Noorullah, another resident,. said: "Unidentified men covering their
faces brought ten persons to our village for few minutes and they
left but I could hot recognize anyone since they had covered their
faces." -
At least seven persons had been abducted by. unidentified persons
last
Thursday and they had been disappeared since then:
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. insisted militants did not
have
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any involvement in the abduction:of the people. He said Taliban had
,also started investigations to find- who had kidnapped them.
Armed militants kidnapped four residents of the district and later
they were brutally killed and left their bodies on the scene in
Asfandi area last week.
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Ghazni Hostages Released - TOLOnews
15 August 2015
The remaining ten passengers out of 17 who were abducted in central
Ghazni province last week were released on Friday evening, local
officials said on Saturday.
The passengers were abducted in 'Qarabagh and Jaghori district on
Tuesday. Seven of them were released on Wednesday after tribal
elders
negotiated with the hOstage-takers.. Ten others were released on
Friday evening, a member of. Provincial Council of Ghazni, Hassan
Reza'
Yousufi said.
"All the passengers were released and have joined their families in
Jaghori," he said.
Earlier, Yousufl warned "if the government does not send troops in
to
secure the highways of the districts, the highways will become more.
insecure."
Kidnapping cases have increased substantially in the country in.
recent months, especially� on,proVincial highways.
In February, armed gunmen kidnapped 31 bus passehgers. in Zabul.
After
. months of negotiations 19 were released in a reported prisoner
swap.
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However,, the whereabouts ofthe remaining 12 hostages is Still.
unknown.
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Gunmen release 10 hostages, they recently abducted in Ghazni
Khaama
Press
By Zabihullah Moosakhail
15 August 2015
10 civilians.-who were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen three days
before in Qara Bagh District of Ghazni province have been released.
Shafiq Nang Safai, spokesman for the governor of Ghazni province
said '
that the release was secured through the mediation of local elders
who convinced kidnappers to release them.
Safai added that all 10 countrymen reunited with their family last
night.
These people were travelling in two 'Saracha' vehicles when
unidentified gunmen stopped and kidnapped them on gun point around
10
am on Tuesday.
Two days after this incident, another group of unidentified gunmen
abducted nine more residents of Jaghri District while they were on
their way to the provincial-capital '-Ghazni-city'.
Shafiq Nang Safai said that eleven people were initially abducted
but
the kidnappers later released a child and. an elderly man. He said
kidnappers took the nine hostages to an unknown location.
There is no information on the fate of these hostages yet. And no
one
knows who the kidnappers are.
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Unemployment forces Kunduz youth to join rebels' ranks - Pajhwok
. Afghan News
By Hidayatullah Hamdard
15 August 2015
Kunduz City -- Some educated youth have no choice but to join ranks
of insurgents in northern Kunduz province,, an official said.
Abdul Ghafoor Hotak, youth director at information and culture
department, told Pajhwok Afghan News in the, last five years they
could not provide employment opportunities in government
departments
for over 1,200 youth having bachelors and masters' degrees and 18
with doctorates.
Some of these youth, he said, due to poverty and unemployment had
no
choice but to take up arms against the government.
"I know people who were member of the youth department for three
years and had university degrees as well. When our efforts to find
them jobs did not bear any fruit they had no choice but to join the
insurgents."
He added these youth now were also convincing others to join them..
He
went on to say if the government did not take practical measure in
bringing unemployment rate down security in the province would
deteriorate further.
Sayed Hakim, a resident of Chardara district, who graduated from
Education University in Kunduz two years back, said he could not
get
any job in this period.
He said he. has to take care of. his family- and had no choice but to
do
manual labour in Kunduz city.
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Sibghatullah MahmOodi, another graduate from Nangarhar University,
said in the last three years he -has suffered a lot due to
unemployment. He wanted to work as a'teacher but could not get the
opportunity.
Without knowing high-ranking officials or paying bribes, he
claimed,
nobody could be hired in government departments.
According to the youth, director more than 65% of the youth in the
province leave for foreign countries in search of jobs.
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Ministry of Defense says 199 insurgents killed wounded in two
days -
Khaama Press
15 August 2015
Ministry of Defense says that 1-.99 militants have been killed and
wounded in newest,military operations across the country, the.
ministry's spokesman announced this morning.
General Zahir Azimi, said in a twitter post:thaf 123 insurgents
were
killed, 76 wounded and 13 others arrested during military
operations
in past 48 hours.
The statement further states that 13 soldiers from the Afghan
National Army also embraced martyrdom during these operations.
This comes as Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have been
conducting several large-scale military operations in parts of the
country.
These independent operations started after ANSF took full .
responsibility of security from NATO-led coalition forces at the
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beginning of this year.
Afghan security forces have great achievements during this period.
According to the defense ministry, thousands of militants have been
killed since then and some areas that were under the control of
Taliban for years have been retaken by the security forces.
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91 Insurgents Killed, 34 Villages Cleared in Nangarhar - TOLOnews
By Sonil Haidari
15 August 2015
At least 91 Taliban insurgents have been killed in a large-scale
military operation in three districts of eastern Nangarhar province
over the past two weeks, local officials said on Saturday.
In addition, 62 Taliban insurgents were injured and 11 others
arrested, including a Pakistani.
The operation was launched in Hesarak, Sherzad and Khoghyani
districts of the province which border with Pakistan. The operation
was launched to clear insurgents and will continue for a month, a
spokesman for Nangarhar Police Chief, Hazrat Russian Mashricliwal
said.
"The insurgents have been targeted by ground and air forces,"
Mashricliwal said. "The forces have also re-opened the road through
Sherzad and Hesarak district - after insurgents closed it off three
years ago."
"So far five military soldiers and a policeman were injured during
the operation," he said. �
Sherzad, Hesarak and Khoghyani are insecure districts in which the
Taliban insurgents have activities and often target local security
forces.
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JJSN members to observe govt role to facilitate media - Pajhwok
Afghan News
By Hassan Khitab
15 August 2015
Kabul -- A number of journalist organizations on Saturday
introduced
members of Journalist Justice and Safety Network (JJSN) to oversee
government commitment in connection with freedom of expression and
media support in'the country.
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Abdullah. Abdullah during their election campaign, had pledged to
ensure freedom of expression and support media.
Both leaders had signed a 12 articles resolution prepared by
different committees of media outlets and JJSN regarding freedom of
media.
The JJSN network was structured one year ago, but the leaders of
unity government did not Materialize their pledges.
Fahim Dashti, executive director of the Afghanistan National
Journalist Union (ANJU), said promotion of journalism and
facilities
to journalists was one of the 12 articles pledge by the Unity
government.
He said access to information law had been approved and endorsed by
the Wolesi Jirga and president. The process of introducing
amendment
into the law was underway in coordination with the Ministry of
Information and Cultural Affairs.
According to Dashti, the purpose behind introduction of the JJSN
was
to observe implementation of government promises in line with media
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independence and freedom of expression.
Sayed Muzgan Mustafavi, deputy broadcasting director of information
and cultural affairs ministry, Danish Karokhel, director of Pajhwok
Afghan News, Najib, head of the Journalist Safety Committee, Shah
Hussain Murtazavi, director of Hashti Suba h Newspaper; and heads
of
some others media outlets are members. of JJSN.-
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edia
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Couple brutally killed by gunmen in Badakhshan - Khaama Press
15 August 2015
Taliban have brutally killed a wife and her husband in front of
their
children in Badakhshan province.
Sakhidad Haidari, deputy police chief of Badakhshan province said
that the woman was working at the police headquarters of Shuhada
District.
He identified the policewoman as 'Amina'.
Abdul Marouf Khairkhwa, police chief of Shuhada District said that
Taliban militants -went to Amina's house in Lab Dara village and
carried out the horrific murder around 09:30 pm Last night.
He said that the dead bodies contained several knife marks when
checked during investigation.
The couple left nine children behind.
This comes less than a week after a woman was thrown into river in
Wardoj District of Badakhshan province.
Asadullah Hakimi, police chief of Wardoj District said that the
woman
was executed for allegedly having links with government.
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Although, officials -11A)ld Taliban responsible for both of these
incidents but Taliban spokesman has not yet commented on these
reports.
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Unemployment forces Kunduz youth to join rebels' ranks - Pajhwok
Afghan News
By Hidayatullah Hamdard
15 August 2015
Kunduz City -- Some educated youth have no choice but to join ranks
of insurgents in northern Kunduz province, an official said.
Abdul Ghafoor Hotak, youth director at information and culture
department, told Pajhwok Afghan News in the last five years they
could not provide employment opportunities. in government
departments
for over 1,200 youth having bachelors and masters.' degrees and 16
with doctorates.
Some of these youth, he said, due to poverty and unemployment had
no
choice but to take up arms against the government.
"I know people who were member of the youth department for three
years and had university degrees as well. when our efforts to find
them jobs did not bear any fruit they had no Choice but to join the
insurgents."
He added these youth now were also convincing others to join them.
He
went on to say if the government did not take practical measure in
bringing unemployment rate down security in the province, would
deteriorate further.
Sayed Hakim, a resident of Chardara district, who graduated from
Education University in Kunduz two years back, said he could not
get
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any job in this period.
He said he has to take care of his family and had no choice but to
do
manual labour .in Kunduz'
Sibghatullah Mahmoodi, another graduate from Nangarhar University,
said in the last three years he has suffered a lot due to
unemployment. He wanted to work as a teacher'but could not get the
opportunity.
Without knowing high-ranking officials or paying bribes, he
claimed,
nobody could be hired in government departments.
According to the youth, director more than 65% of the youth in the
province leave for foreign countries in search of jobs.
:1.1.p://www.pack.::cm/en/2C;:51CB/15/nerlployme:r:-fQ:ez-:-.KA:IdJz-
-join-rebel
.s%E2%80%99-ranks
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Jawzjan blast leaves 3 dead, 14 wounded - Pajhwok Afghan News
15 August 2015
Shiberghan -- At least three persons were killed and 14 'others
wounded when aHolast ripped through ,a civilian car in northern
Jawzjan province, an official said on Saturday.
Police Chief Brig. Gen, Faqir Mohammad ja:wzjani told Pajhwok Afghan
News that the bomb went-off around afternoon- The pensioners were
on
their way to get their pensions when the bomb exploded. The police
chief accused armed rebels and said police had launched
investigations into the explosion..
Dr. Faridoon Habib, director civil hospital, said the wounded
persons
had been shifted to northern Shiberghan and Balkh provinces for
treatment.
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However, Taliban have not yet commented on the incident.
Civilian killings have been on the rise in recent past. According
to
United Nations, civilian casualties haVe been 100 percent increased'
in last six months.
Around 4,921 civilians' casualties reported while 1,592 among them
have been killed and 3,369 wounded during ,the year.
7ttp://www.p,it-!wok.coricni2CMJC8/b/jaw7jan-blasloavos-3-coac-
:4-w
ounded
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Farah highway closed "for traffic as fighting ongoing - Pajhwok
Afghan
News
By Mohammad Humayoon Zaheen
15 August 2015
Farah -- The main Farah Rud-.Farah highway has been closed for
traffic
on Saturday morning in western Farah province after intense
firefight
sparked between security forces and armed rebels in the area, an
official said.
Iqbal Bahar, police spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the gun
battle flared up.at 4: 00 am when militants stormed security check
posts and security forces .offered stout resistance.
"The firefight is still underway but I have no accurate information �
into casualties," he added.
The main Farah-Farah Rud road linking Farah to southern Herat and
Kandahar and central Kabul provinces had been blocked for traffic.
Ahmad Khalid, a commuter who was on his way to Herat from Farah,
told
'Pajhwok Afghan News that-dozens'Of Vehicles had been stiranded on
the �
road and waited for reopening of the road.
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Taliban have not commented so far on the incident.
t7cr
hting-ongoi
ng
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Samangan farmers harvest 500 tones of almond - Pajhwok Afghan News
By Ahmad Barat
15 August 2015
Aibak -- Although cold weather has affected the almond harvests in
Samangan, farmers in this northern Province have harvested more
than
500 tonnes of almond and would earn 214 million afghanis of their
sale.
Noor Mohammad, an official at agriculture department, told Pajhwok
Afghan News the figures had been obtained from Hazrat Sultan and
Khuram Sarbagh districts which have bumper crops.
Samangan has famous quality of almonds and is one of the main
products in the province apart from pistachio and walnuts.
According
to Noor Mohammad, the farmers in the province could earn more than
214 million afghanis.
Last year, almond harvests in the province had suffered due to cold
weathers, but this year also the cold weather had affected the crop
otherwise the province is capable of producing more than 2,000
tonnes
of almond in a year.
Ajab Khan, 52, said he was satisfied with the harvests this year.
"I'm happy with this year, but last year I could not earn anything
from my orchards."
Haji Mohammad Amin, a dried-fruit trader in Aibak city said he was
selling Samangan's almonds in Kabul while some other traders
exported
them to India, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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,
es-almond
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Taliban fired shells torch clinic in Badakhshan - KhaaMa, Press
15 August 2015
-Heavy rounds fired by Taliban insurgents during a clash with
security
forces have torched a clinic in Badakhshan province,
General Baba Jan, police chief of Badakhshan province said that
over
a hundred Taliban 'militants armed with light and heavy weapons
launched a coordinated attack on a number of security check posts
in
Tagab District on Thursday. night..
He added that security forces suppress the attack but unfortunately
some heavy rounds fired by Taliban landed on a clinic close to the
District center and burned it.
He said that the under construction Clinic is almost completely
destroyed in the incident.
According to the police chief, security forces did not suffer
casualties during the skirmish.
Taliban had not commented on the report by the time it was filed.
badakhs:::an
-3758
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Unknown Gunmen Kill Nangarhar Principal:- TOLOnews
15 August 2015
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A number of unknoWn, gunmen shot.dead-a.school principal in eastern
Nangarhar province on Friday, local officials said..
The incident took place in Kot district of the province after a
number of unknown gunmen shot dead Fazel Mawla, principal of
Mawlawi
Yousuf school, a spokesman for Nangarhar Education Department,
Mohammad Asif Shenwari said,
"The incident happened while Fazel Mawla was, on his way to his
house
from a funeral ceremony," he said.
Meanwhile, the principal's family and a member of. the provincial
council of Nangarhar have accused the Taliban for the death of
Fazel
Mawla.
However, the cause ,of this incident is not yet clear but police
have
started investigations.
No group including the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the
incident attack.
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