Afghanistan: Taliban militants kill at least 11 police officers in Daykundi province August 2

Event

Taliban militants killed at least 11 police officers in separate attacks in Daykundi province on Friday, August 2. A Taliban assault on a police checkpoint in Pato district left at least ten police officers dead and 15 others wounded; another attack in Kijran district killed one police officer and wounded another. The Taliban incurred an unspecified number of casualties in Friday's assaults. The attacks come as diplomatic negotiations continue between US and Taliban representatives.

Similar Taliban attacks targeting security forces are to be expected in Afghanistan over the near term.

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 Daykundi province 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.