Afghanistan: Taliban kill 22 Afghan soldiers in Faryab province March 16

Event

Taliban militants attacked checkpoints in Faryab province on Saturday evening (local time), March 16, killing 22 Afghan soldiers. The fighting lasted throughout the night and into Sunday morning, March 17, resulting in the deaths of 22 soldiers and wounding 20 more. Militant casualty figures were not available. Further such attacks on government outposts, checkpoints, and buildings are likely in Faryab province and across the country in the near term.

Context

The Taliban concluded peace negotiations with US diplomats on Tuesday, March 12, with no agreement in place.

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. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.