06 Jul 2019 | 02:51 PM UTC
Afghanistan: IS claims responsibility for July 5 bombing in Ghazni
IED blast targets mosque in the city of Ghazni, killing at least two, wounding 40 others July 5; Islamic State (IS) group claims responsibility
Event
On Friday evening (local time), July 5, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in a mosque in the city of Ghazni (Ghazni province), killing at least two people and injuring 40 others. IS later claimed responsibility for the blast.
Similar attacks are possible 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 Ghazni are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the blast, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.
The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
