Country Reports
Afghanistan
US drops largest non-nuclear bomb
The US dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb ever used in the Nangarhar province of Afghanistan on April 13. The bomb, known as the ‘Mother of all bombs’ (MOAB) or Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb was dropped on the Achin district which is a strong Islamic State stronghold. MOAB targeted tunnels and hideouts that IS had built in the district which allowed them to cross over into Pakistan. President Trump has called the bombing a great success.
For more information, see: “US drops largest non-nuclear bomb in Afghanistan”, CNN
US NSA to visit Kabul
US National Security Advisor Lt. Gen H.R. McMaster is expected to visit Afghanistan in the coming weeks. McMaster’s trip will reportedly focus on assessing whether more U.S forces are needed in Afghanistan. Earlier in February, the head of NATO forces in Afghanistan Gen. John Nicholson told Congress that a “few thousand” more troops were needed in order to break what he called a “stalemate” with the Taliban. McMaster is also expected to stop in Islamabad and New Delhi after his visit to Kabul.
For more information, see: “Trump sending his national security advisor to Kabul”, Tolo News
11 Taliban insurgents killed
At least 11 Taliban insurgents were killed in Uruzgan province on April 12. Afghan air and ground forces conducted the operation in central part of the province where the Taliban has made increasing gains over the last few months. The district police chief of Khas district said that “one policeman was also killed during the operation and two others including a military soldiers were wounded.” The Taliban have not commented about the operation.
For more information, see: “11 Taliban insurgents killed in Uruzgan operation”, Tolo News
Bangladesh
22 pacts with India
Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina undertook a four-day State visit, from 7-10 April. During her visit, she met top leaders of India, including her counterpart Narendra Modi, President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The two nations signed 22 agreements in various areas like civil nuclear cooperation, cyber security, connectivity, energy cooperation, defence and development cooperation. Significant was India providing $ 4.5 billion line of credit and promising around $9 billion worth of investment in Bangladesh. Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has accused Hasina of undermining nation’s interest. Sheikh Hasina criticised opposition for their comment.
For more information, see “$10b business deals signed”, The Daily Star, 11 April 2017; “country? ‘The Daily Star, 10 April 2017; “Khaleda: PM’s India visit a failure”, Dhaka Tribune, 11 April 2017; “India Visit: Hasina bins Khaleda’s allegations”, The Daily Star
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