Afghanistan: Taliban militants kill 15 police officers in Kunduz October 11

Event

Taliban militants launched an attack on a checkpoint in Qala-e Zal district (Kunduz province) on Thursday, October 11, killing 15 police officers. Similar attacks on security forces and on polling places are possible in Kunduz and elsewhere in Afghanistan ahead of parliamentary elections on October 20.

Context

Clashes between security forces and Taliban militants have also taken place elsewhere in Afghanistan ahead of the October 20 elections. Notably, Afghan special forces killed at least 21 Taliban militants in an operation in Wardak province, according to reports on October 11, as the militants reportedly assembled to plan attacks aimed at disrupting the elections.

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 on October 20.

Advice

Individuals in Afghanistan, particularly those in the abovementioned areas, 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.