Afghanistan, Pakistan: Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing in Kandahar Province closed from July 14 following capture by Taliban

Event

The Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been closed July 14 after Taliban fighters apparently seized control of the Afghan side of the checkpoint. The closure has disrupted ground traffic between the two nations. Pakistani officials have deployed additional security personnel to the region as a precaution. Further rounds of fighting between the Taliban and Afghan government forces are highly likely in nearby areas of Kandahar Province; violence could also spill over into parts of Pakistan.

Transport disruptions and shipping delays are likely to continue on both sides of the border.

Context

The Taliban has taken control of multiple checkpoints along Afghanistan's borders with neighboring countries in recent days, as well as having seized dozens of districts across the country over the past several weeks. Taliban successes are partially due to the ongoing withdrawal of international forces from the country, which had previously supported government forces in engagements. Armed clashes are likely to continue indefinitely.

Advice

Reconfirm the status of the crossing before travel or processing cargo shipments through the area. Maintain heightened levels of vigilance in the area. Avoid concentrations of security personnel. Heed all traffic and security advisories.