Daily News Snippets (Mar 9, 2015)

The Fire and Disaster Police Directorate of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) received 54 new fire trucks. The trucks were financed by the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan (CSTC-A). They will be deployed to fire stations in Kabul and the provinces.
www.eupol-afg.eu/node/548

Hazara Hostages. A few days back the Ministry of Defense issued press reports that a major operation was underway to rescue 30 Hazara hostages taken off two buses in Zabul province. Not a peep since on how the operation is going. Hmmmm.

Afghanistan's National Water Polo Team. So you have no doubt heard that Afghanistan's football, cricket and Taekwondo teams have done very well in the international sports arena. Perhaps you have also heard of the Afghan Women's Cycling Team as well? But did you know about the Afghan National Water Polo Team? Probably not. A U.S. Marine reservist is the coach. Read more in "Marines help coach Afghanistan's first water polo team", Marine Corps Times, March 8, 2015.

Afghan Prison Riot. A number of casualties has occurred during a prison riot and hostage situation in northern Afghanistan in the provincial capital of Shebirghan in Jawzjan province. Two police officers were killed after taken hostage.  Read more in a news report by Stars & Stripes, March 8, 2015.

Some Army officers with Fort Bragg ties are heading to or departing Afghanistan. One of them is MG Jeffrey S. Buchanan - he will become the deputy chief of staff for operations of the Resolute Support mission. (Fayetteville Observer, March 8, 2015).

New Zealand awarded military medals to two former Afghan interpreters who worked with NZ forces in Afghanistan. The men and their families were among dozens of Afghan interpreters who were allowed to resettle in NZ in recognition of their service. (TVNZ.co News, March 8, 2015).

Sufi Order Attacked. Unknown gunmen attacked a Sufi Muslim center in Kabul, Afghanistan on Sunday night killing at least five and possibly 11 people. This is the first time that a Sufi spiritual center has been attacked in Afghanistan. Read more in "Afghanistan's ancient Sufi order shocked by deadly attack", LA Times, March 8, 2015.