Afghanistan: Military retakes district in southern Helmand July 17

Event

Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), backed by United States' air strikes, have retaken the strategically important district of Nawa from the Taliban after a successful two-day offensive aimed at weakening the Taliban's control on Helmand's capital, Lashkar Gah.  At least 50 Taliban fighters were killed and numerous vehicles were destroyed according to a statement issued by the Afghan defense ministry.

While the majority of Nawa is under ANSF control, operations are ongoing to completely secure the province. Further offensives are likely in areas surrounding Lashkar Gah in the coming weeks.

Context

Large scale operations have been underway to recapture Nawa from Taliban linked insurgents in the past few days.

The Taliban has made gains in several parts of the country since most foreign combat troops withdrew from Afghanistan at the end of 2014. The US-led coalition has redeployed hundreds of troops to Helmand, however, to train and advise Afghan forces, as well as provide occasional air support. Foreign forces battled the Taliban in Helmand for years after the ousting of the militant group from power in late 2001.

Advice

Individuals present in Afghanistan are advised to remain extremely vigilant and to report any suspicious objects or behavior. As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the country due to a high threat from kidnapping, terrorism, and frequent and widespread lethal attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, domestic and international political and civilian targets, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.