Afghanistan: Deadly explosion in Kandahar May 30

Event

A minibus bombing took place on Wednesday morning (local time), May 30, near a fruit market in Kandahar's Police District 5 (southern Afghanistan), resulting in a dozen casualties including at least three deaths. The death toll is expected to rise in the coming hours. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet; however, Taliban involvement is suspected.

Context

On April 25, the Taliban issued a statement announcing the launch of their annual spring offensive, which coincides every year with the arrival of warmer weather that allows militants to move more easily over Afghanistan's mountainous terrain. The terrorist group has since launched multiple attacks in Kabul, Badghis, Farah, and Ghazni provinces, killing dozens of security forces and civilians.

Kandahar (Kandahar province) is the former capital of the Taliban government.

Advice

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