Taliban clashes with Pakistani forces; Ukraine strikes Russia with drones

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — DEC 30 2024

Today’s email brings you news from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

1 - AFGHANISTAN

1 thing to know

Conflict is escalating between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban government as both sides launch attacks across their shared border.

The context 

The conflict intensified when Pakistan conducted airstrikes on December 26, 2024, in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province, claiming to target hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). 

These strikes killed 46 people, mostly women and children, according to Taliban officials. In retaliation, on December 28, Afghan Taliban forces launched attacks on "several points" in Pakistan, reportedly killing 19 Pakistani soldiers, though Pakistan has not officially confirmed these casualties.

The immediate trigger for Pakistan's airstrikes was a TTP attack on December 24 that killed 16 Pakistani soldiers at a security outpost. Notably, these strikes occurred on the same day that Pakistan's special envoy was in Kabul for diplomatic talks.

More from the region

• The National Resistance Front (NRF) of Afghanistan has emerged as an active opposition force within Afghanistan. The NRF claimed responsibility for a major attack on the Taliban's interior ministry in Kabul on Saturday, killing at least 10 Taliban fighters and wounding five others. 

• The NRF says it has conducted over 360 military operations against the Taliban in 20 provinces this year.

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: ANTI-DRONE RFDEW

The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) is a British defense system developed by Thales UK, first shown to the public in May 2024. 

The system can spot and stop threats up to 1 kilometer away by sending out radio waves to scramble the electronics of drones and other devices. British forces have already successfully tested the system against real drones in Wales.

Each "shot" will cost only around 10 cents, incredibly cheap compared to traditional missile systems. 

What it’s used for

The British Army is using this system primarily to defend against drone swarms. As drones become increasingly common on the battlefield, the RFDEW will give soldiers a cost-effective way to protect bases, convoys, and other important targets from drones. 

While this current version is a demonstration model, it's helping shape the future of British military defense technology.

2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

Ukraine launched drone strikes that reportedly killed three Russian officers, as well as destroyed a drone facility.

The context

A group of Ukrainian forces, including the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), and the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces, launched HIMARS and drone strikes against a military meeting held by Russian leadership in occupied Zaporizhia Oblast. At least three Russian officers were killed in the strike. Reports suggest personal details of the officers were known by Ukrainian intelligence, and they were lured by the prospect of humanitarian aid deliveries before the strikes were conducted.

Ukrainian strikes with Storm Shadow missiles also reportedly damaged a drone repair and storage facility in Oryol Oblast, likely significantly impacting Russia's ability to conduct Shahed strikes against Ukrainian territory.

More from the region

• Kurakhove is likely captured by Russian forces

• At least 1 person was killed and 17 wounded in Kharkiv by Russian missile strikes on Christmas day

• Russian air defenses shot down an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane, causing it to crash in Kazakstan

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