26 Dec 2019 | 11:02 AM UTC
Afghanistan: Suspected Taliban militants kill ten Afghan soldiers in Balkh province December 25
Suspected Taliban militants attack on Banglasa military base leaves ten Afghan soldiers dead in Balkh province December 25; further attacks possible in the near term
Event
At least ten Afghan soldiers were killed in a suspected Taliban attack on the Banglasa military base (Balkh province) in the night (local time) of Wednesday, December 25. The Taliban have not immediately commented on the attack.
Similar attacks are possible in 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 Balkh province 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.
