Afghanistan: Taliban militants kill 50 Afghan forces in Jowzjan province July 1 /update 2

Event

Taliban militants killed 50 Afghan security forces in Qushtepa district (Jowzjan province) on Monday night (local time), July 1, seizing control of the district following heavy clashes with Afghan forces. Some 150 other members of security forces reportedly surrendered to the Taliban militants, as well. As of Tuesday, July 2, communications with the district were cut off from outside contact.

Similar Taliban attacks and clashes with security forces are to be expected in Afghanistan over the near term as the seventh round of peace talks continues between Taliban and US representatives in Qatar.

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

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