Latest Updates on Afghanistan, 17 May 2020

1. Some sources in Afghanistan reported of the imminent agreement between Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah.

2. Paktia:
– During Taliban security sources attack on security forces checkpoint in the Band Machaghloo region in Ahmadabad district, 8 security forces were killed and 9 others wounded.
– The Taliban kidnapped 11 civilians in the Samkani district.
– Ministry of defense: During security forces operations in the Paktia and Paktika provinces, 35 Taliban forces have been killed.

3. Peace negotiations:
– Zelmai Khalilzad: stopping the Taliban attacks does not include the peace agreement.
– Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman: We do not recognize the reconciliation council under Abdullah Abdullah leadership, and we will negotiate with Abdullah as an Afghan figure in the inter-Afghan talks.

4. Ghazni:
During the clashes in recent days between security forces and the Taliban in Qarabagh district, 40 Taliban members were killed.

5. Qanduz:
The Taliban captured 6 security forces in the Zakhil region.