Afghanistan: Gunmen kill three aid workers in Ghor province August 14

Event

The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) aid organization confirmed that three of their Afghan staff members were killed in a drive-by shooting in Ghor province on Monday, August 14. According to security sources, two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on the aid workers near the provincial capital city of Chaghcharan at approximately 15:00 (local time). Three CRS staff members were killed and another two wounded in the shooting. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of Tuesday, August 15.

Context

CRS has been active in Ghor province over the past ten years. According to the UN, at least 12 aid workers have died in Afghanistan in 2017, putting it on track to surpass the total 15 killed in all of 2016. Both the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS) are active in Ghor province.

Advice

As always, due to major security concerns, individuals throughout Afghanistan are urged to keep a safe distance from large gatherings, military convoys, government buildings, and crowded urban areas. Many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to Afghanistan due to the high threat of kidnapping and terrorism, including frequent attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, local civilians and politicians, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.