Afghanistan: Taliban releases 235 civilians in Sar-e Pul province August 9 /update 1

Event

On Wednesday, August 9, Afghan provincial officials confirmed that Taliban insurgents in Sar-e Pul province had released 235 Afghan civilians, following negotiations with local tribal elders. The civilians had been taken after the Taliban seized control of an area in northern Sar-e Pul province late last week. An unknown number of civilians are still being held by Taliban insurgents in the area. Since the Taliban took control of the area, 52 civilians have reportedly been killed in Mirzawalang (Sayad district), among them mostly Shi'as and ethnic Hazaras.

Context

The siege on the Shi’a-majority village of Mirzawalang was the first suspected joint operation between Taliban and Islamic State (IS) insurgents in Sar-e Pul province. The Taliban has denied killing civilians, but has stated its fighters killed nearly 30 members of a government-supported militia in the area.

Fighting has intensified across the country in recent months. According to UN figures, 1662 Afghan civilians were killed and 3581 others injured in the first half of 2017.

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.