Afghanistan: Taliban militants killed in Balkh province airstrike April 6

Event

Afghan Security Forces conducted an airstrike on a Taliban militant hideout in the Chamtal district of Balkh province on the evening (local time) of Monday, April 6. At least 11 militants were killed and six others were injured in the attack. Reports indicate that the hideout was destroyed in the attack. Additionally, local police reportedly discovered and removed eight landmines in the province. 

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