Afghanistan: Security forces foil attack in Baharak district (Takhar province) April 6

Event

A Taliban attack in Baharak district (Takhar province) was foiled by Afghan security forces on the afternoon (local time) of Monday, April 6, resulting in multiple casualties. According to local media sources, militants mounted an attack on a security post in the district center before being repelled by security forces. At least two militants were reportedly killed and an unspecified number of civilians were wounded in the firefight. Unconfirmed reports suggest that one of the militant fatalities was a Taliban commander, though the group has yet to release a statement on the incident as of Tuesday, April 7.

Further attacks targeting security forces in the region are possible in the near term.

Context

Progress toward Afghan-Taliban negotiations, as stipulated in a US-brokered peace deal, has been hampered by a power struggle between President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, who have both recently declared themselves president in competing inauguration ceremonies.

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 the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the vicinities of the attacks, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.