Afghanistan: Fighting continues in and around Ghazni August 11 /update 2

Event

Fighting between Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and Taliban militants continued in and around Ghazni (Ghazni province) on Saturday, August 11. Afghan government officials have claimed that at least 25 members of the police and one journalist have been killed in the fighting. Local sources reported that the heaviest clashes are taking place in the northwestern and western parts of the city. Taliban militants remained in control of the Afghan National Police headquarters and had maintained a significant presence the Qala Qazi and Qala-e-Barakat areas of the city as of Saturday morning (local time). The Taliban have also launched several attacks on the Ghazni-Kabul highway since their initial assault on the city on Friday, August 10.

Electricity and telecommunications have reportedly been cut in the city. Despite the recent arrival of ANSF reinforcements to the city, Taliban militants are expected to engage ANSF troops in heavy clashes in and around Ghazni in the coming days. Taliban militants are also likely to plant numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the city, complicating ANSF clearance operations.

Context

Ghazni is the second major Afghan city to be attacked this year, following a May 2018 assault on Farah. The Taliban also previously assaulted Kunduz in 2015 and 2016.

Taliban militants have advanced near Ghazni in recent months, threatening the city by clashing with security forces in adjacent areas. Ghazni is situated on the Ring Road, the overland route that links Kabul to Kandahar, the country's second-largest city.

Advice

Individuals in Afghanistan are advised to avoid the Ghazni city area.

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