Afghanistan: Looming humanitarian crisis as fighting continues in Ghazni /update 4

Event

Fighting between Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and Taliban militants continued for a fourth day in and around Ghazni (Ghazni province) on Monday, August 13, as local reports point to a worsening humanitarian situation. Reinforcements for ANSF and National Directorate for Security (NDS) troops in Ghazni were able to break through Taliban roadblocks on the Kabul-Ghazni highway in the Saydabad area late on Sunday, and have reportedly reached Ghazni city. Operations to secure and consolidate key sites are ongoing, and troops are expected to begin conducting wider-reaching clearance operations into Taliban-held areas. Areas still under Afghan military control as of Monday reportedly include the NDS headquarters, the Provisional Governor's Compound, and military bases; however, these sites were under heavy attack by Taliban forces on Monday. 

The United Nations acting humanitarian coordinator in Kabul has warned that the humanitarian situation in Ghazni is becoming increasingly dire, with food and water supplies running critically low. Medical supplies are also becoming increasingly scarce, and the continued fighting on the ground means that residents are unable to safely bring casualties to the hospital for treatment. Telecommunications networks and electricity remain cut. According to Afghanistan's defense minister, the death toll currently stands at over 300, including about 100 Afghan forces, 20 to 30 civilians, and nearly 200 Taliban fighters. 

Meanwhile, Taliban forces have gained control over much of Ghazni province's rural districts, with reporting on Monday indicating that only two of the region's 18 districts are confirmed to remain in government hands. Surrounding roads continue to be contested, making travel in or out of Ghazni extremely dangerous and effectively impossible. Although the Taliban's threat to launch assaults on the Saydabad and Jaghatu district centers - the surrounding areas of which are largely under Taliban control - did not materialize overnight on August 12-13, the potential for such attacks to happen remains high. 

Context

Taliban militants launched an attack on Ghazni on Friday, August 10, taking control of several parts of the city amid heavy clashes with Afghan security forces (backed by US air support). 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 and to monitor developments to the situation.

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