30 Oct 2019 | 02:50 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Explosion in Kandahar province leaves seven wounded October 30
Explosion in Kandahar province leaves seven wounded October 30; similar attacks likely over the near term
Event
A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack in Spin Boldak district (Kandahar province) wounded seven civilians on Wednesday, October 30. The blast reportedly went off at 13:00 (local time) on Wednesday in front of a hotel near the district's bazaar. This is the third attack in Afghanistan in 24 hours. A VBIED attack on Tuesday, October 29, killed 11 people and wounded 12 others in Mardyan district (Jowzjan province) and another blast on Tuesday evening in Mizan district (Zabul province) left three civilians dead and three more wounded.
A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of the attacks over the coming hours. Similar attacks are likely 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 Afghanistan are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the affected area, liaise with their security partner, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
