Afghanistan: Power cut to Kabul after Taliban attack April 14

Event

Taliban fighters clashed with security forces in Baghlan province on the night of Friday, April 13, and into Saturday, April 14. Militants destroyed an electrical tower in the Doshe district late on Friday, cutting power to the capital city of Kabul and other areas of the country. On Saturday, the Taliban assaulted a police checkpoint in the Kelagai area, killing one police officer. The militants temporarily blocked the Kabul-Baghlan highway early on April 14 before being repulsed by security forces. Kabul is still suffering from the loss of power as of Saturday and officials said that efforts are underway to repair the tower. According to media reports, residents are using private generators to run critical operations.

Context

The Taliban said that the electrical tower was targeted in retaliation for the government cutting off power to some of the areas under their control. In late March, the Taliban destroyed another tower, temporarily cutting electricity to Kabul and five other provinces.

According to assessments by intelligence agencies and authorities, the Taliban is expected to ramp up its insurgent activities throughout the spring period in order to increase their negotiating position ahead of peace talks with the Afghan government.

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to monitor the situation and to keep battery-operated devices fully charged whenever possible.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.