Afghanistan: Separate Taliban attacks kill 65 security forces personnel June 8-9

Event

Taliban militants killed some 65 security forces personnel in three separate attacks in Herat, Kandahar, and Kunduz provinces overnight from Friday, June 8 (local time), to Saturday, June 9. The militants reportedly ambushed military and police posts in Zawal district (Herat province), Shah Walikot district (Kandahar province), and Qala-e-Zal district (Kunduz province) and claimed to have seized weapons and vehicles. Additional Taliban attacks targeting security forces are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The Taliban have reportedly agreed to hold a three-day ceasefire with the Afghan government in observance of Eid Al-Fitr, which lasts from June 15 until June 17. However, the Taliban have not yet released the specific dates of their ceasefire. The Taliban said that foreign powers would be not be spared under their ceasefire pledge. The announcement comes after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's June 7 unilateral declaration of an unconditional Eid ceasefire to be held between June 12 and June 20.

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.

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.