Afghanistan: Taliban kill five soldiers in Kunduz October 29

Event

Local media reported that at least five Afghan soldiers were killed and eight others were taken captive by the Taliban on Tuesday, October 29, in clashes between the two groups in Kunduz. The fight began at around 23:00 (local time) in the Khan Abad district following a Taliban attack on security check points. Local security sources said the Taliban also sustained casualties, though it is unclear how many. Similar attacks are possible in the near term.

Context

The Taliban has a strong presence in Kunduz and retains control in several of the province's districts. In August 2019, militants tried to overrun the provincial capital of Kunduz. 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 and to gain leverage amid ongoing peace negotiations.

Advice

Individuals in Kunduz are advised to 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. Although travel is possible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.