Afghanistan: Taliban militants attack an army base in Wardak January 21

Event

In the morning (local time) of Monday, January 21, a suicide car bomb explosion occurred close to an army training center in Maidan Shahr, capital of Wardak province, located 50 km (30 mi) south of the capital Kabul. According the authorities, the attack claimed by the Taliban left at least 126 people killed. According to local sources, following the explosion, two armed individuals attempted to enter the military base before being shot dead; a second vehicle, full of explosives, was also discovered and neutralized. Further such attack are possible in the near term.

Context

Taliban 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 to gain leverage amid ongoing peace negotiations.

Advice

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