Afghanistan: Taliban kill and wound at least 70 around Kunduz April 13 /update 1

Event

Taliban militants killed at least eight people and wounded some 62 others in fighting on the outskirts of Kunduz (Kunduz province) on Saturday, April 13, one day after the militant group announced the beginning of its annual spring offensive. In total, Taliban attacks were reported in 15 provinces across Afghanistan on Saturday and come ahead of a new round of peace negotiations with US representatives expected later in April. In Kabul, unidentified assailants reportedly threw two hand grenades at a military vehicle, killing at least one person and wounding six others; no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Similar Taliban attacks are to be expected across Afghanistan over the coming weeks and months.

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 in ongoing peace discussions with US representatives.

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.