Afghanistan: Taliban attack on security outpost in Kandahar August 25

Event

According to Afghan officials, Taliban militants attacked a security outpost in southern Kandahar province on Friday morning, August 25, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers. Security forces, with the support of the Afghan Air Force, repelled the attack. Seven policemen were injured. Authorities claim that the Taliban sustained heavy causalities.

Additionally, on August 25, three to four armed assailants reportedly attacked the Shi'a Imam Zaman Grand Mosque - located in the Qala-e-Najarha district of the capital Kabul - during Friday afternoon prayers.

Context

The Taliban has waged an insurgency against the Western-backed Kabul government since being removed from power by a US-led invasion in 2001. They have intensified attacks across the war-torn country in recent months, pressuring Afghan forces who are stretched thin on multiple fronts. According to UN figures, 1662 Afghan civilians were killed and 3581 others injured in the first half of 2017.

Advice

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.