Afghanistan: Taliban launch complex attack against Kunduz city August 30

Event

Taliban fighters launched a large-scale, multi-pronged assault on the city of Kunduz (Kunduz province) at 23:59 (local time) on Friday, August 30. As of 11:45 on Saturday, August 31, the attack is ongoing and Afghan security forces are engaged with militants throughout the city. According to local reports, multiple public buildings, including hospitals have been captured and Taliban forces are embedding themselves among the local population. Additional security forces are deploying into the city to assist in repelling the attackers. The situation remains complex and details are still emerging.

Context

This is the third time Kunduz city has come under sustained, large-scale attack since 2015. 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 Kunduz province, and Afghanistan more generally, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the affected areas, 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.