Afghanistan: Suspected Taliban militants kidnap seven in Baghlan May 6

Event

Suspected Taliban militants kidnapped at least seven people, including six Indian engineers from KEC International (an Indian power company) and an Afghan driver, in Baghlan province on Sunday, May 6. The incident reportedly took place at 08:30 (local time) in Bagh-e-Shamal village of the Pul-e-Khumri area, with the Taliban militants mistaking the engineers for Afghan government officials. Tribal elders and local influencers are engaged in attempting to bring about their release. Additional Taliban attacks targeting presumed Afghan government officials are expected in the coming weeks.

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. This year's offensive has been termed the "Al-Khandaq" campaign, named after a legendary battle fought by the Prophet Mohammed in defense of the city of Medina.

The April 25 announcement comes amid an already high level of Taliban militant activity in the country, as a series of attacks have been reported in recent weeks. Notably, the Taliban launched multiple attacks in Badghis, Farah, and Ghazni provinces on April 23 and April 24, killing at least 25 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

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.