Afghanistan: Taliban kills five security forces in Ghazni province September 20

Event

Taliban militants launched a series of attacks in Ghazni province on the morning (local time) of Thursday, September 20, killing at least five security forces and wounding two police officers. In a separate incident on Thursday, a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) detonation wounded at least five people in eastern Nangarhar province. While no claim of responsibility was immediately reported for the Nangarhar attack, Islamic State (IS) militants are active in the area and are suspected of having carried it out.

Additional attacks are possible in both provinces in the near-term.

Context

The Islamic State (IS) group frequently carries out attacks in Nangarhar province despite concerted efforts by US and Afghan forces to degrade IS territorial control in the area. Notably, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing attack in Jalalabad which killed at least seven people on August 25. Notably, an IS militant carried out a suicide bombing attack in Momand Dara district on September 11, killing some 68 people and wounding 165 others.

Taliban militants regularly launch attacks on security forces in Afghanistan. Such assaults are likely intended to undermine the perceived capacity of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), and the Afghan government more broadly, to adequately provide security in the wake of the withdrawal of most US-led NATO forces from the country in 2014 and ahead of parliamentary and district elections scheduled in October.

Advice

Individuals in Afghanistan are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

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.