Afghanistan: Taliban claims to overrun Mizan district (Zabul province) July 29

Event

Taliban militants claimed to have overrun Mizan district (Zabul province) on Monday, July 29, assaulting retreating Afghan forces in the culmination of a year-long siege of the district administration center, police headquarters, and other security buildings. The claim was not immediately confirmed by major Afghan news outlets.

Similar Taliban attacks are possible in Afghanistan over the coming weeks.

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 Zabul province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the affected area, 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.