Afghanistan: At least 25 killed in insurgent attacks in northern provinces January 1

Event

At least 25 people died, including security officers, and several others were wounded in a series of insurgent attacks in Sar-i-Pul and Balkh provinces on Tuesday, January 1. Taliban forces reportedly staged coordinated attacks on security outposts and oil wells in Sar-i-Pul province on Tuesday, killing some 20 people, although officials indicated the insurgents failed to take control of the oil fields. In Balkh province, suspected Taliban forces attacked a security outpost in Chimtal district, killing at least six members of the security forces. Similar attacks on security forces are to be expected in Afghanistan over the coming weeks.

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, 2018.

Advice

Individuals in Afghanistan, particularly in Kabul, are advised to remain vigilant for militant activity and adhere to instructions and advice issued by their home government. 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.