Afghanistan: Complex attack kills 11 people in Kandahar city July 18 /update 1

Event

Taliban insurgents detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) outside the Kandahar city police headquarters on Thursday, July 18. Following the blast, the insurgents stormed the police compound, killing at least 11 people - including nine civilians. Officials also confirmed that some 90 others were wounded in the attack. The region's governor has deployed Afghan security forces to the area to conduct a "clean up" operation. 

Similar attacks are possible in Kandahar province and elsewhere in Afghanistan over the near term.

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.

Advice

Individuals in Kandahar are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, liaise with their security partner, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home government.

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.