Afghanistan: Mass kidnapping in Kandahar province June 21

Event

At least 13 engineers and road construction workers were kidnapped on the evening (local time) of Thursday, June 21, in the Sira Sahan area of Spin Boldak district (Kandahar province). Four police officers were reportedly killed in a gunfight with the kidnappers while responding to the incident. Conflicting reports suggest that as many as 32 workers were abducted. 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 group has since launched multiple attacks across the country, killing security forces and civilians.

The Taliban and the Afghan government adhered to a ceasefire in observance of Eid Al-Fitr June 15-17. A resumption of large-scale Taliban attacks - especially targeting government and security personnel and installations - has been reported since June 18 in Farah, Ghazni, Helmand, and Faryab provinces. The government has also relaunched normal anti-Taliban operations nationwide.

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.