Rahmatullah Alizadah  Photographer based in Kabul

Taliban Attack Intelligence Base in Eastern Afghanistan

05 Sept 2014  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Taliban Attack

In a recent Taliban attack on the National Directorate of Security (NDS) in Ghazni, Afghanistan, at least 14 individuals were killed, including 12 security personnel. The attack involved a vehicle bomb detonation at the gates of the NDS provincial headquarters, followed by a ground assault by suicide attackers. The deputy governor of Ghazni Province, Mohammad Ali Ahmadi, reported that 15 insurgents targeted the NDS headquarters and neighboring buildings, which included a Quick Reaction Force unit. The Quick Reaction Force suffered eight fatalities and 10 injuries, while the deputy police chief, Asadullah Insafi, reported additional casualties including four police officers and two civilians, with 136 others wounded.

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National Directorate of Security

Mohammed Harun Arsalai is an independent journalist - his work has been featured in the Nation, Al Jazeera,
 LA Times, TRT World, Muftah Magazine, The New Arab, OZY, AJ + among many others

Mohammed is cofounder of the independent media project, Documenting Afghanistan. Currently on the based ...

The Devil’s Proxy: ISKP in Afghanistan

01 Jan 2021  |  Offbeat Research  |  English  |  Sectarian Violence

The article explores the complex dynamics of the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) in Afghanistan, detailing their violent attacks on minorities and the ongoing conflict with the Taliban and Afghan government forces. It highlights the challenges faced by Afghan security forces and international actors in combating ISKP, the sectarian violence perpetuated by the group, and the broader geopolitical implications involving countries like China, Russia, and Iran. The piece also touches on the internal political instability in Afghanistan, with a focus on the fractured government and the need for a cohesive anti-sectarian front to protect ethnic and religious minorities.

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Ministry of State Security Afghan National Army Afghan National Directorate of Security ISKP Taliban US Central Intelligence Agency Médecins Sans Frontières US State Department Islamic State Tehrik-i-Taliban Al Qaeda Chinese Communist Party US Central Command

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Obaidullah Baheer is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

The Taliban needs to start an intra-Afghan dialogue but with who?

28 Mar 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Government

The article criticizes the Taliban for failing to establish an inclusive government and for its socioeconomic and rights violations. It argues that the international community's efforts to impose certain individuals and groups on the Taliban for national dialogue have been counterproductive. The article suggests that the Taliban should be allowed to lead the national dialogue process, with loose conditions for ethnic and gender inclusion, to allow for the growth of a native, grassroots opposition. It highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting young people and civil society members who are working to make a difference in Afghanistan.

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National Development State Owned Corporation National Directorate of Security National Resistance Front Taliban Hezbi Islami Jamiat Islami

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A regional specialist, Jon Boone has been covering Pakistan for The Guardian and The Economist since 2012. Before moving to Islamabad he spent four years in Afghanistan reporting for The Financial Times, The Guardian and The Economist.

Groomed for suicide: how Taliban recruits children for mass murder

17 May 2011  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Suicide Bombing

The article details how the Taliban coerces and manipulates children into becoming suicide bombers, highlighting the case of Noor Mohammad, a 14-year-old boy who chose to become a suicide bomber to avoid punishment for theft. The piece discusses the increasing reliance on child bombers by the Taliban, the psychological and physical coercion involved, and the broader implications of this tactic. It also touches on the role of madrasas in radicalizing children and the challenges faced by Afghan authorities in addressing this issue.

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National Directorate of Security (NDS) Taliban Nato Independent Human Rights Commission

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Laura Cesaretti is a journalist based in Kabul, Afghanistan.

On the Front Line of the Afghan Fight against IS Advances

20 Dec 2023  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  Taliban conflicts

The article focuses on the situation in the Achin district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, where Haji Ghalib Mujahid, the district governor, is fighting against the advances of the Islamic State of Khorasan. Despite being a former enemy of the Taliban, Haji Ghalib and the Taliban now face a common enemy in IS. The article recounts Haji Ghalib's personal losses due to violence, his history as a mujahedeen fighter, his imprisonment in Guantanamo Bay, and his current role in coordinating airstrikes against IS militants. It also touches on the complex tribal dynamics in the region, the shifting allegiances, and the local response to the recapture of the district from IS control. The article ends with a note of cautious optimism as Haji Ghalib is seen enjoying a moment of victory and interacting with locals, including a child who is now able to return to school.

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National Directorate of Security (NDS)

Kate Clark has worked in Afghanistan on and off since 1999 when she was the BBC correspondent in Kabul. Kate was the only western journalist in Afghanistan during the last years of the Taleban regime and covered the 2001 war and its aftermath. She is currently the Country Director of the ...

Killing Rabbani

19 Oct 2011  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Taliban

The assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani, former president of Afghanistan and head of the High Peace Council, by a man posing as a Taliban envoy has led to significant political repercussions. Afghan officials, including President Hamid Karzai, have accused the Quetta Shura and Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, though no concrete evidence has been provided. The investigation has revealed little about the identities and motives of the plotters. The incident has strained Afghan-Pakistani relations and halted peace talks with the Taliban. The Taliban's ambiguous response raises questions about their involvement and intentions regarding peace negotiations.

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National Directorate of Security Taliban High Peace Council Quetta Shura ISI

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Kimberly Curtis is a journalist currently in Washington, DC. She specializes in US politics, US immigration policy, migration issues, international affairs, humanitarian aid, development and law.

The ICC May Prosecute Crimes in Afghanistan. (Including American Officials Accused of Torture?)

21 Nov 2016  |  undispatch.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

The International Criminal Court's annual report on preliminary examinations has highlighted Afghanistan, where serious crimes have been committed, potentially implicating US forces and officials in war crimes for torture and other ill treatment. The Taliban and Haqqani Network are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes, while Afghan forces are also under scrutiny. The ICC operates under the principle of complementarity, asserting jurisdiction only if domestic authorities fail to act. The US, not a state party to the ICC, could still face jurisdiction due to alleged conduct in Afghanistan and other state parties. Transparency issues and the US government's decision not to prosecute officials acting within legal guidelines at the time may affect the ICC's ability to proceed. The article suggests that the US may ignore the ICC under the incoming administration, which could impact the court's credibility.

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Afghan National Police National Directorate of Security International Criminal Court Taliban Haqqani Network CIA UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission

Mellissa Fung is a freelance journalist based in London, United Kingdom. After a 20 year career at the CBC in television news, long form reporting, and radio, she is now contributing to various news organisations, including the Toronto Star and the Huffington Post.  She's currently co-directing a ...

Afghans Are 'Waiting For Death' If Countries Keep Their Doors Shut

22 Apr 2016  |  HuffPost  |  English  |  Taliban

The article highlights the dire situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban's resurgence and government instability have left many Afghans feeling unsafe and desperate to leave. Despite the increasing violence and civilian casualties, many countries are closing their doors to Afghan refugees, citing safety in Kabul. The piece criticizes the Afghan government's inability to protect its citizens and the international community's reluctance to accept Afghan refugees, arguing that this inaction condemns many to death. Key figures like Amrullah Saleh and Marzia Rustami are mentioned, illustrating the personal and broader impacts of the ongoing conflict.

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National Directorate of Security Taliban United Nations Afghan Government

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Zakeria Hashimi  freelance photographer and  journalist Kabul , Afghanistan . my whats app - 0093788315231

Taliban Claims Afghan Bomb Attack, Demands Prisoner Release

18 May 2020  |  International Business Times  |  English  |  Conflict

The Taliban claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack on an Afghan intelligence agency post in Ghazni, killing at least seven personnel and wounding 40. The attack occurred amidst calls by the Taliban for the Afghan government to complete a prisoner swap to facilitate intra-Afghan negotiations. The prisoner exchange is part of a US-Taliban deal signed in February. President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah recently signed a power-sharing accord, which includes Abdullah leading the peace process. The Taliban have conducted over 3,800 attacks since the deal with the US, which has pledged to withdraw all forces by next year. The US hopes the political breakthrough will advance talks to end its longest war.

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National Directorate of Security Taliban Afghan Government Islamic State

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Searching for Truth in the Kunduz Bombing

28 Apr 2016  |  theintercept.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

The article investigates the chaotic and tragic events surrounding the Kunduz hospital bombing by a U.S. AC-130 gunship, which resulted in the deaths of 42 people. It highlights the confusion and lack of clear command among U.S. and Afghan forces, the humanitarian efforts of Médecins Sans Frontières, and the subsequent conflicting narratives from U.S. and Afghan officials. The piece underscores the broader implications of the incident on military operations, humanitarian law, and the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.

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National Directorate of Security U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Afghan Ministry of Interior Afghan Ministry of Defense Afghan National Army Médecins Sans Frontières U.S. Military Taliban NATO U.S. Special Forces International Committee of the Red Cross Swedish Committee Emergency

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Justus Kiprono is a financial and business journalist in Kenya covering the news that involves the financial market locally, nationally, and internationally, as well as Technology, Immigration, and Guides. His solace lies in producing insightful content on tutorials, financial matters, and in-depth ...

The National Intelligence Service: What You Need to Know about the ”Secret Police” in Kenya

27 Mar 2024  |  how.africa  |  English  |  Intelligence Services

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of Kenya, established in 1999, operates as a civilian agency separate from the Kenya Police, focusing on intelligence gathering and national security. Unlike the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which handles law enforcement within Kenya, NIS collaborates with various state agencies and international partners to address security threats. The NIS is led by Director General Noordin Haji, appointed by President William Ruto, who oversees intelligence operations and advises the government on security matters. The agency's functions include detecting threats, supporting law enforcement, safeguarding information systems, and liaising with foreign intelligence services.

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National Security Council Office of the President National Police Service Directorate of Criminal Investigations National Intelligence Service Parliament

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Alison Mutler is a journalist based in Bucharest, Romania and covers Romania and Moldova. I have covered Romanian current affairs, politics, protests, the EU, corruption, social issues, defense, NATO, lifestyle and sport for the past 30 years, 25 of those for the Associated Press. I also served as ...

Ransom demanded after massive cyber attack on 25 hospitals in Romania

12 Feb 2024  |  universul.net  |  English  |  Healthcare Security

A ransomware cyber attack targeted 25 hospitals in Romania, demanding a ransom of 157,000 euros. The attack, which occurred on the night of February 11-12, 2024, affected the Hipocrate Information System used by hospitals, leading to major hospitals going offline and doctors resorting to writing prescriptions by hand. The National Cyber Security Directorate is investigating the incident, which involved the use of Backmydata ransomware, a variant from the Phobos family. No data theft has been reported, but the attack has significantly disrupted hospital operations.

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Ministry of Health National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC) Hipocrate Information System (HIS)

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I am a Romanian journalist based in Chisinau, Moldova, since 2015. My area of expertise is politics and investigations. However, I wrote features, analysis, interviews and news in English for several foreign media outlets from Europe and Caucasus. I covered also economics and social topics.

Romanian Minister Files Crime Complaint Over Deepfake Video

12 Apr 2024  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Technology

Romania’s Energy Minister, Sebastian Burduja, has filed a complaint with the Directorate of Investigation of Organised Crime and Terrorism over a deepfake video that uses his image and voice to promote a non-existent investment platform. The video, which went viral on social media, has raised concerns about fraud, computer forgery, and national security. Burduja urged citizens to be cautious of such scams and consult the National Cyber Security Directorate’s guide. The incident highlights the lack of dedicated laws in Romania to punish cyber scams, although a draft 'Deep Fake Law' is under consideration. Other Romanian figures, including the National Bank governor, have also been targeted by deepfake videos.

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National Bank National Cyber Security Directorate Directorate of Investigation of Organised Crime and Terrorism Energy Ministry Research, Innovation and Digitisation Ministry

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Ugo Poletti is a journalist based in Odessa, Ukraine.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of “The Odessa Journal”, digital media platform in English about culture, history, social and business life in Odessa, biggest port and cultural capital of Black Sea region

Russia Claims Kyiv ‘Plotted’ Assassination of Margarita Simonyan

15 Jul 2023  |  Kyiv Post  |  English  |  Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) claims to have thwarted an assassination plot against RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan and journalist Ksenia Sobchak, allegedly orchestrated by Ukrainian special services using a neo-Nazi group. The FSB detained several suspects and seized weapons and Nazi literature. Ukrainian officials have not commented. The article also references previous assassination attempts linked to Ukrainian intelligence, including the killings of Russian journalists Maxim Vladen Tatarsky and Darya Dugina.

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Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine National Socialism/White Power Interior Ministry of Russia Federal Security Service RT Rossiya Segodnya Investigative Committee Ukrainian special services Paragraph-88 SBU

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Mustafa Bannay is a journalist based in Baghdad, Iraq.

Arab nations call for restraint as Israel-Iran conflict intensifies

14 Apr 2024  |  Washington Post  |  English  |  Regional Stability

Following Iran's retaliatory missile and drone attack on Israel, the Middle East braces for potential escalation. Iranian-backed militant groups largely abstained from the conflict, while Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, called for restraint. Jordan, having intercepted Iranian projectiles, faces internal backlash. Analysts suggest Iran's measured approach may not prevent further conflict. The attack follows Israel's strike on an Iranian facility in Syria, marking a shift in the shadow war dynamics. Iran's allies, including Hezbollah and Iraqi militias, expressed support but did not participate directly.

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National Security Council Sharafat Center for the Study of Globalization and Terrorism Jordanian General Intelligence Directorate Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Royal United Services Institute Saudi Foreign Ministry United Arab Emirates Egyptian Foreign Ministry Hezbollah Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba Sanaa-based Saba News Agency

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Tamara Zieve is the correspondent for Israel and the Palestinian Territories for the German Press Agency, dpa, where she covers politics, defence, conflict, diplomacy and more. She has worked in the Israeli media for a decade, previously having worked as a reporter for The Jerusalem Post and as a ...

In the U.S. and Israel, new urgency in battle against cyberattacks

14 Oct 2021  |  jewishinsider.com  |  English  |  International Cooperation

The article discusses the increasing urgency in the U.S. and Israel to combat cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, following a significant attack on Israel's Hillel Yaffe hospital. The White House National Security Council convened a virtual conference with over 30 countries to address the issue. Experts like Deborah Housen-Couriel and Amit Ashkenazi emphasize the need for international cooperation and information sharing to effectively counter these threats. The article highlights the challenges faced by the healthcare sector and the broader implications for global cybersecurity.

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University of Chicago’s Pearson Global Forum Ministry of Health Israel National Cyber Directorate White House National Security Council Hillel Yaffe hospital Army Radio

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