11 Jan 2020 | 12:39 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Taliban claims IED attack in Kandahar January 11
Taliban carries out IED attack targeting NATO convoy in Kandahar on January 11; similar attacks possible over near term
Event
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for an IED attack in Kandahar province that sought to target a NATO convoy on Saturday, January 11. Early reports of the incident have announced one casualty. The NATO Resolute Support Mission has confirmed the incident but not the reported casualty.
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 Kandahar 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.
