03 Mar 2020 | 03:42 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Five Afghan policemen killed in attack in Logar province March 3 /update 1
Five Afghan policemen killed in suspected Taliban attack in Logar province March 3; similar attacks likely over the near term
Event
Five Afghan policemen were killed at a security checkpoint near a copper mine in Logar province on Tuesday, March 3, in a suspected Taliban attack. Investigations into the attack are ongoing as of Tuesday; the Taliban did not immediately confirm or deny responsibility for the attack.
According to a spokeswoman for Afghanistan's interior ministry, the Taliban has carried out 33 attacks against Afghan forces since Monday, March 2. These attacks follow a troop withdrawal agreement signed by the United States and the Taliban on Saturday, February 29, in Doha (Qatar).
Similar attacks are possible over 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 Afghanistan are advised to monitor the situation, 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.
