Afghanistan: Taliban kill 26 government-aligned militiamen in Baghlan June 29

Event

Taliban militants killed 26 government-aligned militiamen in attacks on security posts in Nahrin district (Baghlan province) early (local time) on Saturday, June 29. The attacks notably come amid the seventh round of peace talks between US and Taliban representatives in Qatar which began Saturday; US representatives are reportedly seeking to secure a peace agreement by September 1. An Afghan Defense Ministry official asserted the attack indicated that the Taliban - who control or are battling for power in half of Afghanistan - are seeking to negotiate from a position of strength.

Similar attacks are possible in Baghlan and other Afghan provinces over the near term as peace talks continue.

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.

Advice

Individuals in Baghlan province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.