Afghanistan: Taliban militants abduct 60 drivers in Samangan December 2

Event

Taliban militants abducted as many as 60 truck drivers in Dara-i-Suf Payan district (Samangan province) on Sunday, December 2. The militants reportedly kidnapped the drivers after demanding payment of a toll. Similar Taliban attacks are possible in northern Afghanistan in the near term.

Context

Taliban and Islamic State (IS) militants launch attacks on government personnel, security forces, and civilians in Afghanistan on a near-daily basis. Such assaults are in part 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 Samangan province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

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.