Afghanistan: Government-Taliban ceasefire ends June 17 /update 2

Event

The three-day government-Taliban ceasefire ended on Sunday, June 17, coinciding with the end of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The Taliban rejected a government proposal to extend the ceasefire throughout the end of the month. A resumption of large-scale Taliban attacks - especially targeting government and security personnel and installations - has been reported June 18 in Farah, Ghazni, Helmand, and Faryab provinces. The government has also relaunched normal anti-Taliban operations nationwide.

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 across the country including in Kabul, Badghis, Farah, and Ghazni provinces, killing dozens of security forces and civilians.

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.