Afghanistan: Taliban attacks kill 25 Afghan security personnel April 23-24

Event

The Taliban launched multiple attacks in Badghis, Farah, and Ghazni provinces on Monday, April 23, and Tuesday, April 24, killing at least 25 Afghan soldiers and police officers. On Monday, the Taliban launched two attacks in Badghis province, killing 14 Afghan soldiers; the first attack took place in Ab Kamari district, killing nine Afghan troops. The second attack was carried out in Qadis district, killing five police officers.

On Tuesday, Taliban militants launched an attack on police in Ghazni province, killing four officers and wounding seven others. Later the same day, the Taliban attacked a checkpoint in Bala Buluk district (Farah province), killing at least five soldiers and wounding two others. Checkpoints in Qadis district (Badghis province) were also attacked by suspected Taliban fighters on Tuesday; two police officers were killed and six soldiers were captured by militants. Additional Taliban attacks on Afghan security forces are likely in the abovementioned areas and elsewhere in Afghanistan in the coming weeks.

Context

The Taliban has made gains in various parts of the country since most foreign combat troops withdrew from Afghanistan at the end of 2014. The Taliban tends to target government and military buildings and personnel as it fights the US-backed Kabul government, and has been increasingly active since US President Trump announced plans in September 2017 to send an additional 3000 troops to rout terrorist networks in the country.

Advice

Due to major security concerns in the country, 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.