Afghanistan: Taliban attack kills 13 soldiers in Kunduz November 20

Event

At least 13 Afghan soldiers were killed and five others injured in an attack on a military base located in Imam Sahib district (Kunduz) in the evening (local time) on Tuesday, November 19. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. Similar attacks are possible over 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.