13 Apr 2019 | 10:32 AM UTC
Afghanistan: Taliban starts offensive with Nangarhar, Laghman attacks Apr. 12-13
Taliban forces conduct assaults in Nangarhar and Laghman provinces, targeting Jalalabad Highway, on April 12-13 following announcement of spring offensive; further violence likely in coming weeks
Event
Suspected Taliban fighters launched two assaults in eastern Afghanistan on Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, following the announcement of a spring offensive entitled Al-Fath. Around 10:00 (local time) on Saturday, militants launched attacks on multiple checkpoints along the Jalalabad Highway in Laghman province, between Surobi and Jalalabad. The attack is ongoing as of 11:30. Suspected Taliban fighters assaulted the Sherzad district center in Nangarhar province on Friday, April 12. Militant attacks have increased recently, and violent attacks are expected to continue in the coming weeks and months.
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 to gain leverage in ongoing peace discussions with the US.
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.
