Afghanistan: Taliban fighters kill six in Badakhshan and Herat Nov. 9-10

Event

Suspected Taliban militants killed six people in attacks targeting security forces and government officials in Badakhshan and Herat provinces on the night (local time) of Friday, November 9, and the afternoon of Saturday, November 10. Taliban militants reportedly killed three police officers in an attack on a security checkpoint in Fayzabad (Badakhshan province)  on Friday night. Suspected Taliban militants also planted a bomb inside the office of the Kohsan district (Herat province) administrative chief on Saturday afternoon, killing him and two others in his office. Similar Taliban attacks targeting government and security forces personnel are to be expected in Afghanistan over the coming weeks, despite Russia-sponsored peace talks held in Moscow on November 9.

Context

Taliban and Islamic State militants launch attacks on government personnel, security forces, and civilians in Afghanistan on a near-daily basis. 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 and in the aftermath of parliamentary and district elections held October 20.

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.